Regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism in the fetus and neonate.
OBJECTIVE
Regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the fetus and neonate is critical for proper bone development and mineralization.


RESULTS
Parathyroid hormone-related peptide plays an important role in transferring calcium across the placenta into the fetal circulation. In contrast, the factors controlling placental phosphate transport have not yet been explored, and numerous studies have indicated that maternal and childhood vitamin D deficiency continues to be a significant clinical concern.


CONCLUSIONS
The molecular basis for mineral ion homeostasis in the fetus and child remains incompletely understood. More attention must be paid to identifying and treating maternal, neonatal, and childhood vitamin D deficiency.
Mitchell
Deborah M
DM
Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Jüppner
Harald
H
D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017136:Ion Transport; D008954:Models, Biological; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; D010710:Phosphates; D014807:Vitamin D; D010758:Phosphorus; D002116:Calcitonin; D002118:Calcium