Researchers in Canada has discovered the molecular glitch that explains why some women lose their babies late in their pregnancy. Known as foetal-growth restriction, the condition strikes three per cent of all the second-leading cause of infant deaths in industrialised countries, after premature birth.
Earlier research had shown that a gene producing a protein known as insulinelike growth factor II, or IGF2, was critical to feed the feotus and help feotal cells divide and grow.
The normal form of this protein has a very long chemical structure. However, to function properly when helping to build the placenta, another molecule ,PC4, has to effectively cut the growth-factor protein to a length crucial to a healthy pregnancy.
"We have found the scissors in some women are not sharp enough, or they just don't have enough scissors," said Dr Andrèe Gruslin, co-author of the report, "point to a gene that's either not active enough or is defective in these women." Gruslin has found some success with certain interventions, but stresses she can offer no scientific research to explain their effectiveness at this point.
Earlier research had shown that a gene producing a protein known as insulinelike growth factor II, or IGF2, was critical to feed the feotus and help feotal cells divide and grow.
The normal form of this protein has a very long chemical structure. However, to function properly when helping to build the placenta, another molecule ,PC4, has to effectively cut the growth-factor protein to a length crucial to a healthy pregnancy.
"We have found the scissors in some women are not sharp enough, or they just don't have enough scissors," said Dr Andrèe Gruslin, co-author of the report, "point to a gene that's either not active enough or is defective in these women." Gruslin has found some success with certain interventions, but stresses she can offer no scientific research to explain their effectiveness at this point.
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