Increased plasma levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-binding protein 3 in pregnant rats with exercise

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are closely related molecules. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is a main molecule that binds IGF-I. GH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 have important roles in growth and development. In this study, we investigated the effects of exercise during pregnancy on maternal plasma levels of GH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and on fetal development. We also recorded the weights of placenta, lengths of umbilical cord, fetal body weights, fetal heights, and weights of fetal tissues. Pregnant Wistar Albino rats were divided into two groups: exercise and control groups (n = 7 for each). A treadmill exercise was performed as 20 m/min for 20 min/day, once per day for 19 days in exercise group. Blood samples were collected from pregnant rats on 0, 7th, 14th and 20th days of gestation (D) under anesthesia with intracardiac puncture, and maternal plasma levels of GH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were determined. Fetuses were taken with cesarean section on D20, and various parameters for fetal growth were measured. Plasma GH and IGF-I levels were elevated in exercising pregnant rats on D14 and D20, respectively, when compared to controls, and IGFBP-3 levels were increased on D14 and D20. Among the growth parameters examined, only fetal body weights and weights of fetal liver were significantly decreased in the exercise group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). These results indicate that maternal exercise significantly increases plasma levels of GH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in the late period of pregnancy but causes adverse effects on fetal growth.