Assessment of the Placental Growth Factors Role in the Development of Mice During the Mid and Late Gestation Period

Abstract

The placenta is the main controller of nutrient resources to the growing embryo during gestation. As such, adequate placental function is instrumental for developmental progression throughout intrauterine development. This study aimed to assess the role of placental growth factors: Placental growth hormone (PGH), placental lactogen (PL), Insulin-like growth factor1  (IGF1), and IGF2) in fetal development during mid and late gestation in albino mice. A total of 80 pregnant mice were divided into two groups based on gestational stages. The first group, second week, represents the mid-gestation period in embryonic day (ED), ED (8–14) day, and the second group, third week, represents late-gestation at (15–21) day. Some fetal metrics were measured: fetal weight (g), crown-rump length CRL (mm), and placental growth factors were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in growth factors levels across gestational stages (p ≤ 0.05). PGH levels increased significantly from 5.19 ± 0.09 ng/ml in the second week to 7.12 ± 0.14 ng/ml in the third week. Similarly, PL rose from 8.49 ± 0.18 ng/ml in the second week to 11.35 ± 0.25 ng/ml in the third week. In the second week, the IGF1 showed a marked increase from 5.27 ± 0.16 ng/ml compared to 11.13 ± 0.19 ng/ml in the third week, and IGF2 increased from 4.09 ± 0.08 ng/ml in the second week to 5.21 ± 0.09 ng/ml in the third week. The fetal weight and CRL also showed significant increases with the progress of development , the fetal weight increased more than doubling from 0.608 ± 0.03 g in the second week to 1.449 ± 0.03 g in the third week, and CRL increasing from 12.37 ± 0.46 mm in the second week to 20.34 ± 0.63 mm in the third week. The findings highlight the importance of placental growth factors in fetal growth and development, suggesting their potential application in improving pregnancy outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore the clinical implications of these findings in gestational health.