Human placental lactogen (hPL) is a hormone produced by the placenta that plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to support fetal growth and development. It enhances maternal insulin resistance, increases lipolysis, and promotes the availability of glucose and fatty acids to the fetus.

Human Placental Lactogen

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate various physiological processes and behaviors by traveling through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues. They play a crucial role in growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood regulation, maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Hormone

The placenta is a vital organ that forms during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus while removing waste products from the fetus's blood. It also produces hormones necessary for pregnancy and acts as a barrier to protect the fetus from infections and harmful substances.

Placenta

Metabolic State

Maternal insulin resistance

Lipolysis is the metabolic process through which triglycerides stored in fat cells are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids, which are then released into the bloodstream for energy use. It is a critical mechanism in the regulation of body weight and energy balance, influenced by hormones such as insulin, adrenaline, and glucagon.

Lipolysis

Availability of glucose

Fatty acids are essential components of lipids in the body, serving as key energy sources and playing crucial roles in cellular structure and signaling. They are classified based on the presence and number of double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains, influencing their function and impact on health.

Fatty Acids

Fetal growth refers to the complex process by which a fetus develops and matures in the womb, influenced by genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Proper fetal growth is critical for the health of both the mother and the baby, with deviations potentially leading to complications such as intrauterine growth restriction or macrosomia.

Fetal Growth

Fetal development is a complex process that transforms a fertilized egg into a fully formed baby, occurring over approximately 40 weeks in the mother's womb. This process is divided into three trimesters, each characterized by specific developmental milestones, including organ formation, growth, and maturation.

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