Gene expression patterns of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 enzyme in human placenta from intrauterine growth restriction: the role of impaired feto-maternal glucocorticoid metabolism

Low gestational weight gain appears to predict IUGR. The 11β-HSD2 gene in IUGR is underexpressed and may result in an impaired placental barrier, decreasing protection against maternal glucocorticoids, which are thought to be prominent in fetal programming. Maternal glucocorticoid exposure resulting from an impaired placental barrier may increase the risk for cardiovascular and metobolic disorders later in adult life. In IUGR, before the 33rd gestational week, the expression of the 11β-HSD2 gene remains physiological. The underexpression of this gene after the 33rd week in impending intrauterine fetal asphyxia in IUGR points to an increased sensitivity to hypoxia when impending asphyxia is present in the late phase of IUGR pregnancies.