title: Insulin-like growth factors in obstetrics.
abstract: Data from a number of studies reported during the past two decades indicate that the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, including IGF-I and IGF-II, their receptors and six high-affinity binding proteins, is involved in the control of foetal and placental growth and development. Recent studies that addressed the role of the IGF system in pregnancy and the clinical usefulness of IGF and IGF-binding protein measurements in obstetrics are reviewed and discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. eeva-marja.rutanen@huch.fi
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Rutanen
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000378:metabolism*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013002:Somatomedins