Scientists have discovered higher levels of a protein called humanin in the placenta tissue of women who give birth to severely underweight infants. This protein plays a role in breaking down carbohydrates and delivering nutrients to other organs including muscle. The researchers suspect that levels of humanin rise to protect the foetus during placenta failure. Up to 10% of pregnancies are affected by intrauterine growth restriction, in which a newborn weighs less than 51/2 pounds at full-term delivery. The condition heightens the risk for a wide range of serious health problems. The cause remains poorly understood but most physicians blame a malfunction in the placenta that prevents the mother’s bloodstream from delivering oxygen and nutrients to her foetus. The finding, published in PLOS One , may help researchers unravel the reasons why low birthweight babies face a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease as adults.
