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Placental Protein

Also known as: PP13, Galectin-13, Placental Protein, Placental Protein 13

Overview

Placental Protein 13 (PP13), also known as Galectin-13, is a protein naturally produced by the syncytiotrophoblast cells of the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in regulating the maternal-fetal interface, including immune modulation and vascular remodeling, which are vital for healthy placental development and function. While PP13 is extensively researched and utilized as a biomarker for predicting placental disorders, particularly preeclampsia, it is not a conventional dietary supplement ingredient. Its primary application is in diagnostic screening for early detection and risk stratification of preeclampsia, rather than for direct consumption or therapeutic supplementation. Research on PP13 as a diagnostic tool is robust, with high-quality evidence supporting its predictive value.

Benefits

The primary benefit of Placental Protein 13 (PP13) lies in its utility as a predictive biomarker for preeclampsia. A meta-analysis of 17 case-control studies demonstrated that PP13 exhibits significant diagnostic accuracy for preeclampsia screening, making it clinically relevant for early detection and potential intervention. This predictive capability is crucial for identifying pregnant women at risk of developing this serious condition. However, there is no evidence to support direct supplementation with PP13 for health benefits. While other maternal nutritional supplements, such as balanced protein-energy and multiple micronutrients, have shown benefits in improving pregnancy outcomes like reducing low birthweight and small for gestational age infants, these effects are distinct from any direct supplementation with placental proteins.

How it works

Placental Protein 13 (PP13) functions by modulating immune responses and promoting vascular remodeling at the maternal-fetal interface. It interacts with maternal immune cells and endothelial cells, influencing placental blood flow and the local immune environment. As a member of the galectin family, PP13 binds to specific receptors involved in cell adhesion and immune modulation, thereby contributing to the establishment and maintenance of a healthy placenta. This mechanism is critical for ensuring proper nutrient and oxygen exchange between mother and fetus. As a biomarker, its circulating levels reflect the physiological state of the placenta, making it an indicator of potential placental dysfunction.

Side effects

Placental Protein 13 (PP13) is an endogenous protein measured in serum for diagnostic purposes and is not used as an oral supplement. Therefore, there are no reported side effects associated with its supplementation, as no such use is established or recommended. Similarly, there are no known drug interactions or contraindications related to PP13 supplementation. Its relevance is primarily for pregnant women in a diagnostic context, where its levels are assessed to predict preeclampsia risk. Safety concerns related to PP13 are not applicable in the context of dietary supplementation.

Dosage

There are no established dosing guidelines for Placental Protein 13 (PP13) as it is not used as a dietary supplement. PP13 is primarily a biomarker measured in blood samples to assess placental health and predict the risk of preeclampsia. Its levels are analyzed by healthcare professionals for diagnostic purposes, not for therapeutic administration. Therefore, information regarding oral dosage ranges, timing considerations, or upper safety limits for supplementation does not exist.

FAQs

Is placental protein 13 used as a dietary supplement?

No, PP13 is primarily a biomarker used to assess placental health and predict preeclampsia risk, not a nutritional supplement for consumption.

Can PP13 supplementation improve pregnancy outcomes?

There is no scientific evidence from clinical trials or meta-analyses to support that supplementing with PP13 improves pregnancy outcomes.

Are there nutritional supplements that improve placental function?

Yes, balanced protein-energy supplementation and multiple micronutrients have shown benefits in improving birthweight and reducing small for gestational age infants, but these do not involve direct placental protein supplementation.

Research Sources

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17455057251335366 – This meta-analysis of 17 case-control studies found that Placental Protein 13 (PP13) is a strong predictive biomarker for preeclampsia screening. It demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy, highlighting its clinical utility in the early detection and risk stratification of preeclampsia.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7912620/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on balanced protein-energy supplementation in pregnant women found a significant increase in birthweight (mean difference ~62g). The benefits were observed in both malnourished and adequately nourished women, despite high heterogeneity among studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33573262/ – This umbrella review and meta-analysis of maternal nutritional supplements, including large pooled samples, concluded that multiple micronutrients and balanced protein-energy supplements reduce the risks of low birthweight and small for gestational age infants. However, it found no direct evidence supporting the use of placental proteins for supplementation.