leptin and Birth-Weight

Numerous rodent studies have evaluated the effects of maternal stress (MS) on later in life susceptibility to Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) intermediate phenotypes with varying results. The aim of this study was to quantitatively synthesize the available data on the effects of MS on offspring obesity, estimated indirectly by body mass (BM), body fat (BF) and plasma leptin; systolic blood pressure (SBP); plasma glucose (and insulin) and blood lipid concentrations.. Literature was screened and summary estimates of the effect of MS outcomes were calculated by using random-effects models. Data on the effects of exogenous corticosteroid administration (or inhibition of 11β-HSD2) during pregnancy in rodents was analysed separately to characterize the direct phenotypic effects of prenatal corticosteroid excess (PCE).. We conducted 14 separate meta-analyses and synthesized relevant data on outcomes scarcely reported in literature. Both MS and PCE were associated with low birth weight without rapid catch-up growth resulting in decreased body mass later in life. Our analysis also revealed significant and contradictory effects on offspring adiposity. Little evidence was found for effects on glucose metabolism and blood lipids. We identified increased SBP in offspring exposed to PCE; however, there is not enough data to draw any conclusion about effects of MS on SBP.. Neonatal weight proved to be decreased in offspring prenatally exposed to stress or corticosteroids, but laboratory rodents in the absence of a challenging environment did not show catch-up growth. The available evidence is inconclusive regarding the effect on adiposity revealing clear methodological and knowledge gaps. This meta-analysis also confirmed a significant positive association between PCE and SBP. Nevertheless, additional studies should address the association with MS.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Animals; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Female; Insulin; Leptin; Lipids; Metabolic Syndrome; Mice; Obesity; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Risk Factors; Rodentia; Stress, Psychological; Triglycerides

Obesity is a global health problem even among pregnant women. Obesity alters quality of labor, such as preterm labor, prolonged labor, and higher oxytocin requirements in pregnant women. The most important factors to play a role in the altered gestational period and serve as drug targets to treat the consequences are female sexual hormones, calcium channels, adrenergic system, oxytocin, and prostaglandins. However, we have limited information about the impact of obesity on the pregnant uterine contractility and gestation time. Adipose tissue, which is the largest endocrine and paracrine organ, especially in obesity, is responsible for the production of adipokines and various cytokines and chemokines, and there are no reliable data available describing the relation between body mass index, glucose intolerance, and adipokines during pregnancy. Recent data suggest that the dysregulation of leptin, adiponectin, and kisspeptin during pregnancy contributes to gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia. A preclinical method for obese pregnancy should be developed to clarify the action of adipokines and assess their impact in obesity. The deeper understanding of the adipokines-induced processes in obese pregnancy may be a step closer to the prevention and therapy of preterm delivery or prolonged pregnancy. Gestational weight gain is one of the factors that could influence the prenatal development, birth weight, and adiposity of newborn.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Kisspeptins; Leptin; Obesity; Pregnancy; Uterus; Weight Gain

The role of intrauterine environment in the development of obesity is increasingly recognised. Adipokines and specifically leptin have been examined as potential biomarkers predicting early development of obesity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological evidence for the association between leptin levels in cord blood and anthropometric measurements at birth in healthy mother-newborn pairs. A PubMed search was performed between 1994 and 2009 and manual search of reference lists of retrieved articles. Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria set. All studies reported a positive correlation between leptin levels and birthweight. The combined correlation coefficient (r) was 0.46 [95%CI 0.43, 0.50]. Leptin levels explained 21% of variation in birthweight. Results were similar in males (r=0.55; 0.40, 0.68) and females (r=0.60; 0.50, 0.69), and between Caucasians (r=0.45; 0.39, 0.51) and eastern Asian populations (r=0.47; 0.37, 0.55). Statistically significant positive correlations were also found for birth length (r=0.29; 0.23, 0.34) and ponderal index (r=0.36; 0.31, 0.41). There was no indication of publication bias (Egger's test P-value=0.23). This meta-analysis shows a clear but moderate correlation between leptin levels in cord blood and birthweight that is observed in different population groups.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Size; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy

Diabetes mellitus complicates 1-2% of all pregnancies but is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Gestational diabetes affects up to 4% of pregnancies and is associated with fetal macrosomia (large for dates). Fetal growth is a complex process influenced by determinants such as genetics, maternal factors, uterine environment and maternal and fetal hormones. Infants of pre-gestational diabetic mothers have an additional influence of maternal fluctuations in glycaemia. The purpose of this paper is to review maternal and fetal growth factors, including insulin, in the aetiology of macrosomia in diabetic pregnancy. Placental Growth Hormone is the major growth hormone secreted during human pregnancy. Leptin may have a role in satiety. Resistin was originally proposed as the link between obesity and diabetes but is now thought to have a more complex role. These hormones and their actions on human in-utero growth are reviewed in depth with particular reference to both pre-gestational (type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and gestational diabetes. Previously increased fetal weight in infants of diabetic mothers was thought to be as a result of maternal hyperglycaemia. It is now evident that control of fetal growth, in normal as well as diabetic pregnancies, is far more complex than previously thought.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Fetus; Growth Hormone; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Infant; Insulin; Leptin; Placental Hormones; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Resistin

Low cord blood leptin concentration is implicated as a risk factor for small for gestational age (SGA) babies. However, the association of strength, consistency, independence, and confounding factors of this affliction has not been systematically examined.. To determine if there is a difference in cord blood leptin concentration between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns, and to observe whether the sample origins, GA, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and congenital malformation (CM) are confounding factors of the meta-analysis.. Relevant studies published between 1996 and 2007 were identified through literature searches using Ovid, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP China Scientific Journal Database, based on the following key words: leptin, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine growth retardation, fetal growth restriction, and small for gestational age.. A meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the difference of the cord blood leptin concentrations between SGA and AGA newborns. Then the stratified meta-analyses were repeated with a multivariate model to adjust for potential confounders, i.e., samples origin (Chinese newborns vs. non-Chinese newborns), GA (the term-newborns vs. the mixed GA newborns), PIH or CM (the newborns excluding PIH or CM vs. the newborns not excluding PIH or CM).. Twenty articles including 514 SGA newborns and 1006 AGA newborns were collected. The cord leptin concentrations of SGA newborns were lower than those of AGA newborns [WMD (95%CI), -4.42 (-5.54, -3.29) ng/ml; P<0.01; n=1520 newborns]. The results of stratified meta-analyses showed similar results in Chinese vs. non-Chinese newborns and term vs. mixed GA newborns, respectively. However, the newborns not excluding PIH or CM had a wider 95%CI than the newborns excluding PIH or CM [WMD (95%CI), -4.17 (-5.00, -3.33) ng/ml vs. -4.47 (-9.61, 0.67) ng/ml)], and there was no significant difference in cord blood leptin concentrations between SGA and AGA newborns in the newborns not excluding PIH or CM (P=0.09).. SGA babies have low cord leptin concentrations. Other factors that may influence cord leptin levels are maternal PIH and CM.

Topics: Birth Weight; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin

There is ample discussion of the relevance of the metabolic syndrome, the definition criteria, and predictive power. Nevertheless, along with the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in obese children is reported at 30%, irrespective of the definition applied. Because children are otherwise relatively free of co-morbidities, they constitute an interesting population in which to study the sequence of events of obesity-related pathology. The adipocytokines appear to be important in this respect. Leptin was initially suggested as a promising "antiobesity" hormone. New concepts indicate that, in humans, leptin and its soluble receptor may be more important in states of energy deficiency rather than a predictor of the metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin, on the other hand, is not only related to obesity and insulin resistance, but appears to be the strongest predictor for metabolic syndrome, even in children. In newborns and infants, both adipocytokines occur in high concentrations, even though this cannot completely explain the increased risk for ensuing metabolic disease later in life. Finally, low-grade systemic inflammation may underlie the clustering of metabolic risk factors, but their role in children remains to be specified. Overall factors from the adipose tissue may constitute not only markers but also mediators of metabolic sequelae of obesity.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Cytokines; Fatty Liver; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Metabolic Syndrome; Prognosis

The increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in numerous populations throughout the world is currently of major concern, and presents a huge global health problem. The link between low birth weight and the subsequent development of obesity, disrupted glucose homeostasis and hypertension is now well established, and there is extensive evidence supporting these associations in both epidemiological and experimental studies. Alterations in the secretion of, and responses to, the circulating hormones insulin and leptin are likely candidates in terms of disease development. The aim of current research is to define how the central and peripheral pathways in which these signals exert their effects may be disrupted following poor early growth, and how this disruption contributes to the development of metabolic disease. The present review aims to outline the existing evidence whereby alterations in early growth may programme an individual to be at increased risk of the metabolic syndrome. The development of central appetite and expenditure circuits and of peripheral metabolic tissues, are likely to play a key role in the long-term regulation of energy balance.

Topics: Animals; Appetite Regulation; Birth Weight; Disease Models, Animal; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Leptin; Metabolic Syndrome; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Obesity; Risk Factors

Exposure to either an increased or decreased level of intrauterine nutrition can result in an increase in adiposity and in circulating leptin concentrations in later life. In animals such as the sheep and pig in which fat is deposited before birth, leptin is synthesised in fetal adipose tissue and is present in the fetal circulation throughout late gestation. In the sheep a moderate increase or decrease in the level of maternal nutrition does not alter fetal plasma leptin concentrations, but there is evidence that chronic fetal hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia increase fetal fat mass and leptin synthesis within fetal fat depots. Importantly, there is a positive relationship between the relative mass of the 'unilocular' component of fetal perirenal and interscapular adipose tissue and circulating fetal leptin concentrations in the sheep. Thus, as in the neonate and adult, circulating leptin concentrations may be a signal of fat mass in fetal life. There is also evidence that leptin can act to regulate the lipid storage, leptin synthetic capacity and potential thermogenic functions of fat before birth. Thus, leptin may act as a signal of energy supply and have a 'lipostatic' role before birth. Future studies are clearly required to determine whether the intrauterine and early postnatal nutrient environment programme the endocrine feedback loop between adipose tissue and the central and peripheral neuroendocrine systems that regulate energy balance, resulting in an enhanced risk of obesity in adult life.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Birth Weight; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Energy Metabolism; Female; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Pregnancy; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Sheep; Swine

Leptin, the protein encoded by the Ob gene in the adipose cell, is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This review describes recent findings regarding the putative functions of leptin during pregnancy.. and methods. We searched the literature consulting Medline database.. Placental leptin production makes a substantial contribution to maternal circulating levels during pregnancy. Leptin has been detected in fetal plasma as early as week 18 of gestation, and umbilical leptin concentrations are closely related to birth weight. This has led to the hypothesis that fetal fat mass mainly determines fetal circulating leptin. Placental leptin production is increased in choriocarcinoma, preeclampsia and type 1 diabetes. Estrogens, hypoxia and insulin have been suggested as positive regulators of placental leptin production.. Maternal leptinemia might act as a sensor of energy balance during pregnancy. The presence of both leptin and leptin receptors in the placenta suggests that leptin can act by autocrine or endocrine pathways in the human placenta. The roles of fetal leptin and consequences of increased placental leptin production in pathological pregnancies have yet to be elucidated.

Topics: Birth Weight; Choriocarcinoma; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; MEDLINE; Placenta; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Umbilical Cord

Atherosclerosis starts in childhood, and is accelerated in some individuals. A cluster of clinical and biochemical factors constitute the risk profile for many of them, perhaps most important being metabolic insulin resistance syndrome. Insulin resistance and its components for children and adolescents, especially obesity and dyslipidemia, are generators of hypertension, glucose intolerance and complications of atherosclerosis in adulthood. Some individuals are genetically predisposed, particularly those with the family history of such disorders. For many subjects, there is 'tracking' of metabolic and lifestyle factors from early age to adulthood. Several new risk factors of atherosclerosis (e.g. level of lipoprotein (a), procoagulant state, hyperhomocysteinemia, low birth weight and adverse in-utero environment, and possibly inflammatory markers) are current and potentially future areas of research concerning children and young individuals. Definition of and research on new and hitherto not investigated factors and formulation of strategies to neutralize the known factors are of paramount importance for primary prevention of atherosclerosis. Simple and effective measures for prevention include increasing awareness of the diseases, maintenance of ideal body weight, regular physical exercise, avoidance of smoking and chewing of tobacco, eating a balanced diet, and early periodic monitoring of blood pressure and metabolic status. These measures, starting from childhood, should be applied to all and in particular to the susceptible offspring, predisposed individuals, and populations.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Arteriosclerosis; Birth Weight; Blood Coagulation Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; Coronary Disease; Diabetes Complications; Exercise; Female; Homocysteine; Humans; Hypertension; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Life Style; Lipids; Lipoprotein(a); Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Primary Prevention; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Smoking

C-peptide offers potential as a marker to indicate childhood metabolic outcomes. Measuring C-peptide concentration might have better future utility in the risk stratification of neonates born to overweight or diabetic mothers. Prior research has tried to bring this matter into the light; however, the clinical significance of these associations is still far from reach. Here we sought to investigate the associations between fetomaternal metabolic variables and umbilical cord blood C-peptide concentration.. For the present study, 858 pregnant women were randomly selected from among a sub-group of 35,430 Iranian pregnant women who participated in a randomized community non-inferiority trial of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening. Their umbilical cord (UC) blood C-peptide concentrations were measured, and the pregnancy variables of macrosomia/large for gestational age (LGA) and primary cesarean section (CS) delivery were assessed. The variation of C-peptide concentrations among GDM and macrosomia status was plotted. Due to the skewed distribution of C-peptide concentration in the sample, median regression analysis was used to identify potential factors related to UC C-peptide concentration.. In the univariate model, positive GDM status was associated with a 0.3 (95% CI: 0.06 - 0.54, p = 0.01) increase in the median coefficient of UC blood C-peptide concentration. Moreover, one unit (kg) increase in the birth weight was associated with a 0.25 (95% CI: 0.03 - 0.47, p = 0.03) increase in the median coefficient of UC blood C-peptide concentration. In the multivariate model, after adjusting for maternal age, maternal BMI, and macrosomia status, the positive status of GDM and macrosomia were significantly associated with an increase in the median coefficient of UC blood C-peptide concentration (Coef.= 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13 - 0.42, p < 0.001; and Coef.= 0.34, 95% CI: 0.06 - 0.63, p = 0.02, respectively).. UC blood concentration of C-peptide is significantly associated with the incidence of maternal GDM and neonatal macrosomia. Using stratification for maternal BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) and investigating molecular markers like Leptin and IGF-1 in the future might lay the ground to better understand the link between metabolic disturbances of pregnancy and UC blood C-peptide concentration.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; C-Peptide; Cesarean Section; Child; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Macrosomia; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Iran; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Weight Gain

Obesity is increasing among the pregnant population. Leptin has an important role in the regulation of energy balance and hunger. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal leptin levels with maternal obesity, gestational weight gain (GWG), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the leptin gene, and the age-adjusted birth weight of the child.. Maternal leptin levels (n = 740) and SNPs (n = 504) were analyzed in blood samples taken within the Uppsala Biobank of Pregnant women at pregnancy weeks 16-19.. Maternal leptin levels differed significantly between body mass index (BMI) groups. Normal weight women had the lowest median leptin levels and levels increased with each BMI group. Leptin SNP genotype was not associated with leptin levels or BMI. There was also no association between maternal leptin levels and age-adjusted birth weight of the child except for a negative association between leptin levels and birth weight in the morbid obese group.. Maternal BMI was identified as the best positive explanatory factor for maternal leptin levels. Leptin was a strong positive explanatory factor for GWG. Birth weight of children of uncomplicated pregnancies was, however, dependent on maternal height, BMI, GWG, and parity but not leptin levels, except for in morbid obese women where a negative association between maternal leptin levels and birth weight was found. We speculate that this indicates altered placental function, not manifested in pregnancy complication. We conclude that maternal leptin levels do not affect the birth weight of the child more than BMI, GWG, and parity.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Gestational Age; Gestational Weight Gain; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Trimester, Second

To discriminate the effect of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes on birth weight and adipose tissue of the newborn.. Normal BMI women (group N, n = 243; 18.5≤ BMI<25 kg/m2) and obese women (group Ob, n = 253; BMI≥30 kg/m2) were recruited in a prospective study between 15 and 18 weeks of gestation. All women were submitted to a 75g oral glucose tolerance test in the second and third trimester. First trimester fasting blood glucose was also obtained from Ob women. All women with one measurement above normal values were considered positive for gestational diabetes and first treated by dietary intervention. When dietary measures were not efficient, they were treated by insulin. Neonatal anthropometrics, sum of skinfolds and cord serum hormones were measured.. 222 N and 226 Ob mothers and their newborns were included in the analysis. Diabetes was diagnosed in 20% and 45.2% of N and Ob women, respectively. Birth weight was not statistically different between groups (boys: 3456g±433 and 3392g±463; girls: 3316g±402 and 3391g±408 for N and Ob, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that skinfold thickness and serum leptin concentrations were significantly increased in girls born to women with obesity (18.0mm±0.6 versus 19.7mm±0.5, p = 0.004 and 11.3ng/mL±1.0 versus 15.3ng/mL±1.0, p = 0.02), but not in boys (18.4mm±0.6 versus 18.5mm±0.5, p = 0.9 and 9.3ng/mL±1.0 versus 9.0ng/mL±1.0, p = 0.9). Based on data from 136 N and 124 Ob women, maternal insulin resistance at 37 weeks was also positively related to skinfold in girls, only, with a 1-point increase in HOMA-IR corresponding to a 0.33mm±0.08 increase in skinfold (p<0.0001).. Regardless of gestational diabetes, maternal obesity and insulin resistance were associated with increased adiposity in girls only. Persistence of this sexual dimorphism remains to be explored during infancy.

Topics: Adiposity; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Obesity; Placenta; Pregnancy; Skinfold Thickness

To evaluate the value of third trimester ultrasound (estimated fetal weight, cheek-to-cheek diameter, sectional Wharton's jelly area, sectional areas and fractional volumes in extremities) to predict birth weight and cord biochemical markers at birth (leptin, insulin, c-peptide, IGF1, erythropoietin and ferritin) in diabetic pregnancies.. Prospective study in 49 patients with gestational diabetes. An ultrasound was performed between 32 and 34 weeks. Clinical data were collected, and a blood sample was obtained from cord after birth. ROC curve models were evaluated for 75(th) and 90(th) birth weight percentile. Univariate and multivariate models were used to assess the association between ultrasound and neonatal outcomes.. Sectional areas and fractional volumes showed significant differences and highest AUC values for predicting birth weight. A significant association was found for extremities measurements with total birth weight and its percentile. The only marker which showed a significant association to estimated fetal weight was erythropoietin. Sectional areas and fractional volumes related to cord leptin, erythropoietin, insulin and c-peptide.. Sectional areas and fractional volumes improve the predictive value of estimated fetal weight in diabetic pregnancies. They also show a predictive association to biochemical changes in cord (leptin, insulin and erythropoietin) related to increased adiposity and risk of fetal hypoxia. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Fat Distribution; C-Peptide; Diabetes, Gestational; Erythropoietin; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Insulin; Leptin; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

Gender plays a role in the development of a number of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and it has been suggested that females may be more insulin resistant in utero. We sought to assess the relationship between infant gender and insulin resistance in a large pregnancy cohort.. This is a secondary analysis of a cohort from the ROLO randomized control trial of low GI diet in pregnancy. Serum insulin, glucose and leptin were measured in early pregnancy and at 28 weeks. At delivery cord blood C-peptide and leptin were measured. A comparison of maternal factors, fetal biometry, insulin resistance and leptin was made between male and female offspring. A multivariate regression model was built to account for the possible effects of maternal BMI, birthweight and original study group assignment on findings.. A total of 582 women were included in this secondary analysis, of whom 304 (52.2%) gave birth to male and 278 (47.8%) gave birth to female infants. Compared to male infants at birth, female infants were significantly lighter, (3945 ± 436 vs. 4081± 549g, p<0.001), shorter in length (52.36 ± 2.3 vs. 53.05 ± 2.4cm, p<0.001) and with smaller head circumferences (35.36 ± 1.5 vs. 36.10 ± 1.1cm, p<0.001) than males. On multiple regression analysis, women pregnant with female fetuses were less insulin resistant in early pregnancy, i.e. had lower HOMA indices (B = -0.19, p = 0.01). Additionally female fetuses had higher concentrations of both cord blood leptin and C-peptide at birth when compared to male offspring (B = 0.38, p<0.001 and B = 0.31, p = 0.03 respectively).. These findings suggest gender is a risk factor for insulin resistance in-utero. Additionally, carrying a female fetus decreases the risk of insulin resistance in the mother, from as early as the first trimester.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; C-Peptide; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Humans; Infant; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Sex Factors

Large for gestational age infants have an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic complications during life. Knowledge of the key predictive factors of neonatal adiposity is required to devise targeted antenatal interventions. Our objective was to determine the fetal metabolic factors that influence regional neonatal adiposity in a cohort of women with previous large for gestational age offspring.. Data from the ROLO [Randomised COntrol Trial of LOw Glycaemic Index in Pregnancy] study were analysed in the ROLO Kids study. Neonatal anthropometric and skinfold measurements were compared with fetal leptin and C-peptide results from cord blood in 185 cases. Analyses were performed to examine the association between these metabolic factors and birthweight, anthropometry and markers of central and generalised adiposity.. Fetal leptin was found to correlate with birthweight, general adiposity and multiple anthropometric measurements. On multiple regression analysis, fetal leptin remained significantly associated with adiposity, independent of gender, maternal BMI, gestational age or study group assignment, while fetal C-peptide was no longer significant.. Fetal leptin may be an important predictor of regional neonatal adiposity. Interventional studies are required to assess the impact of neonatal adiposity on the subsequent risk of childhood obesity and to determine whether interventions which reduce circulating leptin levels have a role to play in improving neonatal adiposity measures.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; C-Peptide; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pediatric Obesity; Pregnancy; Weight Gain

To compare maternal characteristics, obstetric outcomes and insulin resistance in a cohort of women subdivided into those who did and those who did not exceed the Institute of Medicine (IOM) gestational weight gain guidelines.. This is a prospective study of 621 women without diabetes. Concentrations of glucose, insulin and leptin were measured in early pregnancy and at 28 weeks. Ultrasound at 34 weeks assessed fetal anthropometry including abdominal wall width (AAW). At delivery birthweight was recorded and fetal glucose, C-peptide and leptin measured in cord blood. Insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA equation. Outcomes in those who did and did not exceed IOM guidelines were compared.. Overall, 267 women (43%) exceeded IOM guidelines and 354 (57%) did not. On 34-week ultrasound women with excessive weight gain had higher fetal weights (2681 ± 356 g vs. 2574 ± 331, P = 0.001) and fetal adiposity (AAW) (5.29 ± 1.3 vs. 4.8 ± 1.2, P = 0.001). Infant birthweight and birthweight centiles were also higher in those who exceeded the guidelines. There was no difference between the two groups in maternal insulin resistance in early pregnancy, but by 28 weeks those with excessive weight gain had higher maternal HOMA indices and higher maternal leptin concentrations.. Excessive maternal gestational weight gain has significant implications for infant growth and adiposity, with potential implications for later adult health.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; C-Peptide; C-Reactive Protein; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; United States; Weight Gain

The present study is a secondary analysis of the ROLO study, a randomised control trial of a low-glycaemic index (GI) diet in pregnancy to prevent the recurrence of fetal macrosomia. The objectives of the present study were to identify which women are most likely to respond to a low-GI dietary intervention in pregnancy with respect to three outcome measures: birth weight; maternal glucose intolerance; gestational weight gain (GWG). In early pregnancy, 372 women had their mid-upper arm circumference recorded and BMI calculated. Concentrations of glucose, insulin and leptin were measured in early pregnancy and at 28 weeks. At delivery, infant birth weight was recorded and fetal glucose, C-peptide and leptin concentrations were measured in the cord blood. Women who benefited in terms of infant birth weight were shorter, with a lower education level. Those who maintained weight gain within the GWG guidelines were less overweight in both their first and second pregnancies, with no difference being observed in maternal height. Women who at 28 weeks of gestation developed glucose intolerance, despite the low-GI diet, had a higher BMI and higher glucose concentrations in early pregnancy with more insulin resistance. They also had significantly higher-interval pregnancy weight gain. For each analysis, women who responded to the intervention had lower leptin concentrations in early pregnancy than those who did not. These findings suggest that the maternal metabolic environment in early pregnancy is important in determining later risks of excessive weight gain and metabolic disturbance, whereas birth weight is mediated more by genetic factors. It highlights key areas, which warrant further interrogation before future pregnancy intervention studies, in particular, maternal education level and inter-pregnancy weight gain.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Educational Status; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Macrosomia; Glucose Intolerance; Glycemic Index; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Patient Education as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Secondary Prevention; Weight Gain

We examined the effect of tobacco smoking on the concentrations of leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), total adiponectin, and free leptin index (FLI) in the serum of maternal-cord pairs. We also investigated the correlations between these biochemical parameters and newborn birth weight and length. The study included eighty-five healthy pregnant women, who were divided into smoking and tobacco- abstinent groups according to serum cotinine concentrations. We found that maternal and fetal leptin, sOB-R concentrations, and free leptin index were similar in smoking and tobacco abstinent groups. We observed significant negative relationship between the reported number of cigarettes smoked daily during pregnancy and cord blood leptin (r=-0.37; p<0.05). In the group of smoking women, total serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower than in the tobacco abstinent group in mothers as well as in cord blood (p<0.05). A significant negative association between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and total adiponectin concentration in maternal as well as newborn serum was observed (r=-0.38; p<0.05). Umbilical serum leptin, sOB-R, and FLI levels were significantly lower and adiponectin higher compared with maternal concentrations at birth (p<0.05). Mean birth weight and body length of the smoking mothers' infants were significantly lower (p<0.001; p=0.015, respectively) compared with the abstinent group, and negatively correlated with the daily number of cigarettes consumed (birth weight r=-0.39; p<0.05; birth length r=-0.37; p<0.05). Cord blood values of leptin, FLI and adiponectin were significantly correlated with newborn birth weight. We also observed a positive relationship between cord blood adiponectin levels and the birth body length in the two studied groups (r=0.49; p<0.002). Tobacco smoking during pregnancy decreases maternal and fetal serum adiponectin levels but does not have a significant effect on blood leptin concentrations. The direct association between the cord blood values of these adipokines and birth weight and length suggest that rather fetal (not maternal) adiponectin and leptin concentrations may be involved in fetal development during pregnancy.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Height; Cotinine; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Receptors, Leptin; Smoking

In developing countries, prenatal lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) were shown to increase birth size; however, the mechanism of this effect remains unknown. Cord blood hormone concentrations are strongly associated with birth size. Therefore, we hypothesize that LNSs increase birth size through a change in the endocrine regulation of fetal development. We compared the effect of daily prenatal LNSs with multiple micronutrient tablets on cord blood hormone concentrations using a randomized, controlled design including 197 pregnant women from rural Burkina Faso. Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II, their binding proteins IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3, leptin, cortisol, and insulin were quantified in cord sera using immunoassays. LNS was associated with higher cord blood leptin mainly in primigravidae (+57%; P = 0.02) and women from the highest tertile of BMI at study inclusion (+41%; P = 0.02). We did not find any significant LNS effects on other measured cord hormones. The observed increase in cord leptin was associated with a significantly higher birth weight. Cord sera from small-for-gestational age newborns had lower median IGF-I (-9 μg/L; P = 0.003), IGF-II (-79 μg/L; P = 0.003), IGFBP-3 (-0.7 μg/L; P = 0.007), and leptin (-1.0 μg/L; P = 0.016) concentrations but higher median cortisol (+18 μg/L; P = 0.037) concentrations compared with normally grown newborns. Prenatal LNS resulted in increased cord leptin concentrations in primigravidae and mothers with higher BMI at study inclusion. The elevated leptin concentrations could point toward a higher neonatal fat mass.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Burkina Faso; Developing Countries; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Fetal Development; Gravidity; Hormones; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Leptin; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Obesity; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Rural Population; Somatomedins; Umbilical Cord; Young Adult

A recent paper by our group reported that regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy led to lower foetal IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations and a modest reduction in offspring birth weight when compared with the offspring of nontraining control participants. Maternal hormonal alterations in response to exercise training may be associated with the regulation of nutrient availability for foetal growth through placental regulation of maternal metabolism.. To determine whether the reduction in offspring size was associated with changes in the maternal IGF axis [including placental growth hormone (PGH)], leptin and/or free fatty acids (FFA) in response to aerobic exercise training in the second half of pregnancy.. A randomized, controlled trial of exercise in pregnancy.. Eighty-four healthy nulliparous women (mean±SD age 30±4 year, BMI 25·5±4 kg/m(2) ).. Serum samples were drawn at 19 and 35 weeks gestation to determine serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF-binding protein-1, IGF-binding protein-3, PGH, leptin and FFA.. Exercise training in pregnancy had no impact on the pregnancy-related changes in the maternal IGF axis. Women in the exercise group experienced a 29% increase in leptin in late gestation (P=0·026 vs control) and a trend towards lower FFA (P=0·07 vs control). Late pregnancy changes in maternal leptin were inversely related to offspring birth weight (r= -0·24, P<0·05) and BMI (r= -0·25, P<0·05).. An increase in leptin in exercising pregnant women may reflect subtle changes within the placenta in response to regular exercise and may contribute to the reduction in offspring size previously reported in this cohort.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Exercise; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Hormones; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Leptin; Placenta Growth Factor; Placental Hormones; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Proteins; Young Adult

To investigate a potential role of leptin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I on fetal growth and metabolic function we determined plasma leptin and IGF-I concentrations in twins in relation to discordant fetal growth.. In studying monochorionic twins with inter-twin birth weight difference, we investigated the relative contribution of genetic (fetus) versus environmental (maternal/placental) factors on growth. Thirty-six sets of twins (14 with discordant growth, birth weight difference >15%) who had been treated for severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) by laser coagulation were studied. Cord blood samples were collected at birth and analyzed for IGF-I and leptin. Inter-twin differences (delta) of birth weight and head circumference were correlated to delta hormone levels.. An inter-twin correlation for leptin (r = 0.69; p <0.0001) and delta IGF-I (r = 0.49; p <0.0001) was found. delta birth weight correlated significantly with delta IGF-I (r = 0.67; p <0.0001) but not with delta leptin (r = 0.23; p = 0.19). delta IGF-I concentrations did not correlate with delta leptin (r = 0.18). delta head circumference correlated significantly with delta leptin (r = 0.47; p <0.01) and with delta IGF-I (r = 0.46; p <0.01). Using a multiple regression model with head circumference as dependent variable, adjusted for gestational age, head circumference remained significantly associated with higher leptin concentrations in all patients (p = 0.03).. IGF-I is a good indicator for fetal growth and brain development. Leptin seems to be mainly genetically determined but may play a role in fetal brain development and is not only an index for fetal fat mass.

Topics: Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Cephalometry; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetofetal Transfusion; Gestational Age; Head; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Laser Coagulation; Leptin; Organ Size; Pregnancy; Reference Values; Statistics, Nonparametric; Twins, Monozygotic

Ghrelin, a new gastric-derived hormone, probably plays a major role in managing energy balance and the neuroendocrine response to starvation. Information about the age-related variation in ghrelin secretion is scanty. We measured circulating ghrelin levels in 93 full term newborns adequate for gestational age, in 39 normal children and in 19 lean healthy adults. Our findings demonstrate that ghrelin levels are independent of age and gender from birth to adulthood. Interestingly, ghrelin secretion at birth is not associated to body weight and hormonal parameters such as GH, insulin and leptin levels. On the other hand, ghrelin levels seem dependent on the type of delivery, being lower in newborns after caesarean section with respect to those after normal delivery.

Topics: Adult; Aging; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cesarean Section; Child; Delivery, Obstetric; Energy Metabolism; Female; Fetal Blood; Ghrelin; Growth Hormone; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Peptide Hormones; Sex Characteristics

Being born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was associated with subsequent health issues later in life. However, the underlying role of adipokines in IUGR is unknown.. To measure the adiponectin and leptin concentrations in the cord blood of monochorionic (MC) twins with selective IUGR (sIUGR) and evaluate their associations with childhood growth trajectories.. Cord blood samples were collected from 22 pairs of MC twins with sIUGR and 20 pairs of normal MC twins. Adiponectin and leptin concentrations in cord blood were determined by ELISA. Data regarding perinatal outcomes and infantile growth trajectories from birth to 24 months were obtained.. Only cord blood adiponectin concentrations were associated with IUGR (β -1.51, 95% CI -2.45, -0.57, p = 0.002), and cord blood leptin concentrations were significantly lower in sIUGR twins compared to normal twins (2.8 ± 1.6 vs. 6.4 ± 3.0, p < 0.001). Adiponectin concentrations were negatively associated with height increments from birth to 6 months (β -0.28, 95% CI -0.51, -0.06, p = 0.015). Leptin concentrations were negatively associated with weight at 6 and 24 months (β -0.12 95% CI -0.22, -0.02, p = 0.002; β -0.18 95% CI -0.33, -0.03, p = 0.019) and weight and height increments from birth to 6 months (β -0.17 95% CI -0.29, -0.06, p = 0.020; β -0.40 95% CI -0.81, -0.01, p = 0.037).. Cord blood adiponectin concentrations were negatively associated with IUGR but did not predict childhood growth. Cord blood leptin concentrations were inversely associated with weight and height increments in the first 6 months.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Child; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Leptin; Pregnancy; Twins

To assess whether small-for-gestational-age (SGA) - an indicator of poor fetal growth, may affect metabolic health biomarkers in infancy and explore the predictors.. This was a nested matched (1:2) prospective observational study of 65 SGA (birth weight < 10th percentile) and 130 optimal-for-gestational-age (OGA, birth weight 25th-75th percentiles, control) infants in the 3D birth cohort with subjects recruited in Canada from 1 May 2010 to 31 August 2012. The outcomes included homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-β), circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations at age 2 years.. HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, leptin and adiponectin concentrations were similar in SGA versus OGA infants. Female sex and accelerated growth in length during mid-infancy (3-12 months) were associated with higher HOMA-IR. Caucasian ethnicity and decelerated growth in weight during late infancy (12-24 months) were associated with lower HOMA-IR. Current BMI was positively associated with circulating adiponectin in SGA infants only (+13.4% [4.0%-23.7%] per BMI z score increment).. Insulin resistance and secretion, circulating leptin and adiponectin levels were normal in SGA subjects in infancy at age 2 years. The novel observation in SGA-specific positive association between current BMI and circulating adiponectin suggests dysfunctional adiposity-adiponectin negative feedback loop development during infancy in SGA subjects.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Child, Preschool; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; East Asian People; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Homeostasis; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Triglycerides

A higher body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal and perinatal complications. This study aimed to analyze selected parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, including adipokines, in obese pre-pregnant women, and their influence on the birth weight of newborns.. The study group (O) consisted of 34 pregnant women with higher BMI (obese) before pregnancy. The control group (C) was 27 pregnant women with target BMI and physiological pregnancy. The BMI index: body weight [kg]/(height [m]. There were no statistically significant differences between the study group and the control group concerning the concentrations of insulin, glucose, VLDL, adiponectin, TNF-α, HOMA-IR, as well as LDH and cholesterol in maternal blood serum and umbilical cord blood serum. Total cholesterol and HDL in both maternal blood serum and umbilical cord blood were statistically significantly lower than those in the control group. The concentration of triglycerides (TG) and resistin in the blood serum of obese mothers were higher than those in the control group (. Pregestational obesity does not substantially affect the basic parameters of carbohydrate metabolism in pregnant women, but it disturbs the lipid profile, which is manifested by a significant increase in triglycerides and a decrease in the level of HDL cholesterol in the serum. Preexisting obesity increases the concentration of leptin and resistin in the serum of pregnant women, which may be caused by the increased volume of adipose tissue. The concentrations of leptin and resistin in the blood of pregnant women correlate positively, and the concentrations of adiponectin and TNF-α negatively correlate with pre-pregnancy BMI values. There is a positive correlation between the concentration of leptin in the serum of umbilical cord blood and the birth weight of the newborn, which suggests that this parameter contributes to the pathomechanism of macrosomia.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Female; Glucose; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Lipid Metabolism; Obesity; Pregnancy; Resistin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Fetal overgrowth "programs" an elevated risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Plausibly, adipokines may be involved in programming metabolic health.. This work aimed to evaluate whether large-for-gestational-age (LGA), an indicator of fetal overgrowth, is associated with altered circulating leptin and adiponectin levels in infancy, and assess the determinants.. In the Canadian 3D birth cohort, we studied 70 LGA (birth weight > 90th percentile) and 140 optimal-for-gestational-age (OGA, 25th-75th percentiles) infants matched by maternal ethnicity, smoking, and gestational age at delivery. The primary outcomes were fasting leptin, and total and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin concentrations at age 2 years.. LGA infants had higher body mass index (BMI) than OGA infants. However, there were no significant differences in leptin, and total and HMW adiponectin concentrations. Leptin concentrations were positively associated with female sex, weight (z score) gain 0 to 24 months, current BMI, and the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness, and negatively associated with maternal age and White ethnicity. Female sex was associated with lower total and HMW adiponectin concentrations. Weight (z score) gain 0 to 24 months and current BMI were positively correlated with total and HMW adiponectin concentrations in LGA infants only.. This study is the first to demonstrate that LGA does not matter for circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations in infancy, and there may be LGA-specific positive associations between weight gain or current BMI and adiponectin concentrations in infancy, suggesting dysfunction in establishing the adiposity-adiponectin negative feedback loop in LGA individuals.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adiposity; Birth Weight; Canada; Case-Control Studies; Child, Preschool; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Sex Factors; Weight Gain

Leptin is a polypeptide hormone, and in pregnancy, it is secreted by the placenta and maternal and fetal adipose tissues. Normal leptin production is a factor responsible for uncomplicated gestation, embryo development, and fetal growth. The study compared maternal serum and cord blood leptin concentrations at delivery in normal pregnancies and in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).. The study was performed in 25 pregnant women with isolated IUGR and in 194 pregnant women without any complications. Leptin concentrations in maternal serum and in cord blood samples collected at delivery were measured by ELISA and subsequently analyzed by maternal body mass index (BMI), mode of delivery, and infant gender and birth weight. For comparative analyses of normally distributed variables, parametric tests were used, that is, the Student t test and a one-way ANOVA. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used when the distribution was not normal. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between normally distributed variables (p < 0.05).. In pregnancies complicated by IUGR, the mean maternal serum leptin concentration at delivery was significantly higher (52.73 ± 30.49 ng/mL) than in normal pregnancies (37.17 ± 28.07 ng/mL) (p = 0.01). The mean cord blood leptin concentration in pregnancies complicated by IUGR was 7.97 ± 4.46 ng/mL and significantly lower than in normal pregnancies (14.78 ± 15.97 ng/mL) (p = 0.04). In normal pregnancies, but not in pregnancies complicated by IUGR, a statistically significant correlation was established between maternal serum leptin concentrations and maternal BMI at delivery (r = 0.22; p = 0.00). No statistically significant correlation was found between cord blood leptin concentrations and maternal BMI in either study subjects or controls. In normal pregnancies, but not in pregnancies complicated by IUGR, a strong correlation was observed between cord blood leptin concentrations and birth weight (r = 0.23; p = 0.00).. Elevated maternal blood leptin concentrations in pregnancies complicated by IUGR may indicate a significant adverse effect of elevated leptin on fetal growth. The differences in leptin concentrations, measured in maternal serum and in cord blood, between the study subjects and controls suggest that deregulated leptin levels may increase the risk of obstetric complications associated with placental insufficiency.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Leptin; Placenta; Pregnancy

Babies born small for gestational age (SGA) are at risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Spexin (SPX) is a novel peptide implicated in food intake and obesity. Spexin levels are lower in obese subjects. This study investigated the potential association of SPX and some obesity related peptides such as leptin and active ghrelin with size at birth and MetS components in prepubertal children born term and either SGA or appropriate for GA (AGA). Secondary aim was to identify whether any of the investigated peptides were associated with MetS components.. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 37 consecutive (median age: 5.6 y) SGA- and 50 (median age: 5.9 y) AGA-born children. Clinical evaluations were performed using standard methods. Several biochemical variables (SPX, total leptin, and active ghrelin levels) were analyzed. Age-dependent cut-off values were used to define MetS components, including excess adiposity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. The associations between the assessed clinical and laboratory variables and MetS components were investigated.. Children born SGA had higher frequencies of MetS components than AGA-born peers (p < 0.01). None of the investigated peptides were different between children born SGA and AGA after correcting for body mass index (p > 0.05 for all). Serum SPX levels were lower in children with at least one metS component than those without MetS components (p = 0.018).. Size at birth had no association with serum SPX. Serum SPX levels are decreased in prepubertal children with MetS components.

Topics: Birth Weight; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin; Leptin; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Peptide Hormones

Background: Leptin is a hormone regulating lifetime energy homeostasis and metabolism and its concentration is important starting from prenatal life. We aimed to investigate the association of perinatal leptin concentrations with growth trajectories during the first year of life. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal study, measuring leptin concentration in maternal plasma before delivery, cord blood (CB), and mature breast milk and correlating their impact on neonate’s bodyweight from birth to 1 year of age, in 16 full-term (FT), 16 preterm (PT), and 13 intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) neonates. Results: Maternal leptin concentrations were highest in the PT group, followed by IUGR and FT, with no statistical differences among groups (p = 0.213). CB leptin concentrations were significantly higher in FT compared with PT and IUGR neonates (PT vs. FT; IUGR vs. FT: p < 0.001). Maternal milk leptin concentrations were low, with no difference among groups. Maternal leptin and milk concentrations were negatively associated with all the neonates’ weight changes (p = 0.017 and p = 0.006), while the association with CB leptin was not significant (p = 0.051). Considering each subgroup individually, statistical analysis confirmed the previous results in PT and IUGR infants, with the highest value in the PT subgroup. In addition, this group’s results negatively correlated with CB leptin (p = 0.026) and showed the largest % weight increase. Conclusions: Leptin might play a role in neonatal growth trajectories, characterized by an inverse correlation with maternal plasma and milk. PT infants showed the highest correlation with hormone levels, regardless of source, seeming the most affected group by leptin guidance. Low leptin levels appeared to contribute to critical neonates’ ability to recover a correct body weight at 1 year. An eventual non-physiological “catch-up growth” should be monitored, and leptin perinatal levels may be an indicative tool. Further investigations are needed to strengthen the results.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body-Weight Trajectory; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

Paraben exposure is linked to the release of adipokine such as leptin and adiponectin, and both paraben and adipokine may affect fetal growth. The present study aimed to explore the associations among maternal paraben exposure, adipokine level and offspring size.. 942 mother-newborn pairs from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS) were enrolled. Data of birth weight, length, head circumference and ponderal index (PI) were obtained from medical records. Maternal urinary parabens were determined by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Cord serum leptin and adiponectin were measured using ELISA assay. Generalized linear regression was applied to explore the associations among parabens, adipokines and offspring size.. The median levels of leptin and adiponectin were 13.13 μg/L and 161.82 μg/mL. Benzylparaben level was positively associated with leptin (regression coefficient (β) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.09; p < 0.01). Leptin level was positively associated with neonatal weight (β = 84.11, 95% CI: 63.22-105.01; p < 0.01), length (β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14-0.37; p < 0.01), head circumference (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.22; p < 0.01) and PI (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08-0.39; p < 0.01). Adiponectin was positively associated with neonatal weight (β = 75.94, 95% CI: 29.65-122.23; p < 0.01) and PI (β = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.09-0.77; p = 0.01). Urinary propylparaben concentration (β = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.17 to -0.02; p = 0.01) was negatively associated with head circumference. Sex-stratified analyses indicated the negative association of propylparaben and head circumference was only remained in male neonates.. Prenatal paraben exposure might affect cord serum leptin levels. Both paraben and adipokine levels may affect fetal growth, and sex-specific differences may exist.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Cohort Studies; Female; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Maternal Exposure; Parabens; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects

Premature pubarche (PP) is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MS). The aim was to evaluate if glucose-insulin metabolism, cardiovascular risk factors, familial cardiovascular risk factors (FCVRF) created a risk for insulin resistance (IR) and if PP was a risk factor alone for MS in normal weight prepubertal girls with PP.. Thirty-five prepubertal, non-obese girls with PP with normal birth weight and 35 age-matched control girls were evaluated for FCVRF, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose-insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), androgen levels, and bone age. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed in PP participants. Homeostasis model of assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose/insulin ratio, atherogenic index (AI), and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated. PP participants were further stratified by FCVRF.. HbA1c, lipid profile, testosterone, leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, HOMA-IR, glucose/insulin ratio, AI, and fasting glucose-insulin levels were similar. In the PP group FAI was significantly higher (p=0.001), whereas SHBG was significantly lower (p=0.010) than the control group. Leptin levels of FCVRF+ and FCVRF- subgroups were 15.2±9.1 and 9.7±7.2 ng/mL, respectively and the difference was significant (p=0.016).. As PP does not appear to be a risk factor alone for impaired glucose metabolism and IR in prepubertal non-obese girls with normal birth weight, it is our opinion that it is unnecessary to examine in detail such cases before puberty. Low SHBG levels in the PP group and high leptin levels in FCVRF+ subgroup might suggest that these may be predictive for MS in the future.

Topics: Adiponectin; Androgens; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Cardiovascular Diseases; Female; Glucose; Glycated Hemoglobin; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Lipids; Metabolic Syndrome; Puberty, Precocious; Risk Factors; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Placental weight (PW) has been found to mediate the main effect of maternal BMI on fetal size. Still, the BMI-PW association is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to explore potential explanatory variables, including gestational weight gain (GWG), early- and late-pregnancy circulating levels of maternal glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C, and fetal insulin.. We included two studies of pregnant women from Oslo University Hospital, Norway: the prospective STORK (n = 263) and the cross-sectional 4-vessel method study (4-vessel; n = 165). We used multiple linear regression for data analyses. A non-linear BMI-PW association was observed, which leveled off from BMI25. Therefore, BMI <25 and ≥25 were analyzed separately (n = 170/122 and 93/43 for STORK/4-vessel). Confounding variables included maternal age, parity, and gestational age.. The BMI-PW association was non-linear: an association was observed for BMI <25 but not for BMI ≥25. Leptin may be involved in the non-linear association through a placental-adipose tissue interplay. Maternal early pregnancy insulin and fetal insulin at term were associated with PW.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cholesterol, LDL; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Glucose; Humans; Insulin; Leptin; Placenta; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Triglycerides

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at risk of future obesity and associated comorbidities. Therefore the identification of risk factors and novel biomarkers which are associated with this risk are needed for early detection and to improve preventive strategies. Spexin (SPX), a novel neuropeptide that is involved in the regulation of obesity and fat metabolism, is a candidate biomarker for predicting obesity and related comorbidities at an early age. The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of SPX in term infants born small, appropriate, and large for gestational age (LGA) and its association with newborn anthropometric measurements.. One hundred and twenty term newborn babies classified as SGA, appropriate for gestational age (AGA), or LGA and their mothers were included. SPX, leptin and visfatin were measured in cord blood and maternal serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.. Fifty-six (46.7%) neonates were girls and 64 (53.3%) were boys. The mean birth weight was 3170.70±663 g, birth length was 48.9±2.79 cm, and head circumference was 34.5±1.67 cm. Birth weights, lengths, and head circumferences of the neonates in the SGA, AGA, and LGA groups were significantly different. Cord blood SPX and leptin levels in the SGA groups were significantly lower than those of both the LGA and AGA groups. Cord blood visfatin levels were significantly lower in the AGA group than the LGA and SGA groups. Maternal SPX levels of SGA babies were significantly lower than those of the mothers in both the LGA and AGA groups, but no significant difference was observed between the SGA and LGA groups. Maternal visfatin levels of the AGA babies were significantly higher than the maternal levels of SGA and LGA groups. There was no difference in terms of maternal leptin levels. Cord blood SPX and leptin levels were positively correlated with birth weight, length and head circumference. Birth weight increased significantly in line with maternal pregestational body mass index.. The lowest SPX levels were found in the SGA babies and cord SPX level was significantly correlated with newborn length, weight, and head circumference.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Male; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Obesity; Peptide Hormones; Weight Gain

The fetus that fails to meet its ideal growth trajectory has increased risks of poor health outcomes throughout life. "Gold standard" methods of anthropometric assessment such as measurement of percentage body fat can be difficult to apply across populations and other biomarkers such as serum concentration of umbilical cord blood leptin may be more effective for screening. This study reports cord blood leptin levels in a large prospective consecutive birth cohort and assesses the relationship between leptin and neonatal and maternal factors.. Venous umbilical cord blood samples were collected from a prospective consecutive cohort of pregnancies at the time of delivery. Maternal and neonatal characteristics and details of delivery were collated. Serum leptin levels were measured, associations with demographic features were identified, and a normal range was established. The association between cord leptin level and neonatal outcome was tested.. Umbilical cord leptin and maternal and neonatal characteristics were collected at 1275 births. The median leptin value was 10.8 ng/ml (IQR: 6.4, 17.8 ng/ml). Log. Neonatal cord leptin levels are influenced by a number of maternal and fetal characteristics. Absolute levels can be adjusted to account for normal population variation. Infants requiring admission to NICU have lower mean leptin MoM levels. Further studies are needed to see whether the identification of fetuses with polarized leptin levels (<5th or >95th centile) will benefit from further surveillance or intervention in infancy.

Topics: Birth Cohort; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

To evaluate the dynamical interplay between perinatal leptin concentrations and neonatal weight evolution until 3 months of age.. In a prospective observational study, maternal, cord blood and neonatal plasma leptin concentrations were correlated to birthweight and 3-month weight in 26 full-term, 20 preterm, and 17 intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) mother-neonate couples.. The median of maternal, cord blood, neonatal leptin concentrations were significantly different among the three groups (. Our results showed that maternal leptin levels lost their influence on neonatal weight when considering confounders. At 3-month, once birthweight adjusted, the percent increasing of weight was statistically larger in preterm and IUGR than the full-term group and the correlation between cord blood leptin and weight turned negative, from positive at birth. These data may be a clue for further investigation on the relationship between perinatal leptin concentrations and catch-up growth.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Mothers; Pregnancy

Health in pregnancy and infancy can affect the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. We aimed to describe leptin and adiponectin concentrations in low birth weight (LBW) infants and identify possible associations with maternal nutritional status, adequacy for gestational age, nutritional recovery, and current dietary intake. A cross-sectional study with LBW infants (9-12 months) including maternal background and pre-pregnancy nutritional condition was performed. From the Infants: anthropometry at birth and current was expressed as z-score (weight: WAZ, length, head circumference), nutritional recovery, dietary intake, leptin, and adiponectin blood concentrations. The mean age of the 54 infants was 10.0 ± 1.5 months, 32 (59.3%) were female, 36 (66.7%) preterm, 23 (42.6%) small for gestational age (SGA), and 25 pregnancies (46.3%) were twin. Almost all (98%) of the infants intake energy and protein above the recommendation, and 47 (87.6%) consumed ultra-processed foods. At the time of the assessment, 8 (14.8%) were overweight and 4 (7.4%) had short stature. SGA infants showed faster weight recovery (WAZ 1.54; 95% CI 1.17, 1.91; p = 0.001), higher leptin's concentration (3.0 ng/ml (1.7, 3.0) versus 1.6 ng/ml (0.9, 2.6); p = 0.032)), and leptin/adiponectin ratio (0.13 ± 0.08 versus 0.07 ± 0.07; p = 0.018). The pre-gestational BMI was a modifier of the effect of WAZ on leptin levels (p = 0.027) in LBW infants. Higher pre-gestational BMI increased the effect of WAZ variation (birth and current) on leptin levels. Concluding, LBW infants showed early changes in leptin and adiponectin concentrations, influenced by maternal (pre-gestational BMI), intrauterine (gestational age adequacy - SGA), and postnatal weight gain. This combination of factors may increase the risk of NCD for this group of children.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Leptin; Male; Maternal Health; Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes can alter the trajectory of fetal development, but there are few studies on the effects of abnormal lipid metabolism on physical development of infants. We aimed to explore the prevalence of maternal dyslipidemia, its influencing factors and effects on the physical development of fetuses and infants, as well as the role of leptin in this process.. Questionnaire surveys and main outcome measures were administered among 338 pairs of pregnant women and newborns.. The detection rate of maternal dyslipidemia was 31.5%. The median levels of TG (triglyceride) and TG/HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio were higher in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns. Birth weight was positively related to infants' height and weight at six months and one year old (. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was relatively high in pregnant women and was affected by dietary behaviors. Abnormal lipid levels during pregnancy could affect weight and length at birth, which might be associated with increasing leptin levels in cord blood, and then the weight of infants would be influenced by birth weight.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Child Development; Cholesterol, HDL; Cohort Studies; Diet; Dyslipidemias; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Triglycerides

To determine predictors of neonatal adiposity and differences in associations by fetal sex in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), normal-weight and overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m. Skinfold thickness was measured in 576 newborns, and cord blood leptin, c-peptide and lipids in 327 newborns in a multi-centric prospective cohort study.. Compared to neonates of normal-weight NGT women (327), neonates of women with GDM (97) were more often large-for-gestational age (LGA) (16.5% vs 8.6%, p = 0.024) ,but the macrosomia rate (8.2% vs 5.8%, p = 0.388), sum of skinfolds (13.9 mm ± 2.9 vs 13.3 mm ± 2.6, p = 0.067), neonatal fat mass (1333.0 g ± 166.8 vs 1307.3 g ± 160.9, p = 0.356), and cord blood biomarkers were not significantly different. Compared to neonates of normal-weight NGT women, neonates of overweight NGT women (152) had higher rates of macrosomia (12.5% vs 5.8%, p = 0.012), LGA (17.1% vs 8.6%, p = 0.006), higher sum of skinfolds (14.3 mm ± 2.6 vs 13.2 mm ± 2.6, p < 0.001), neonatal fat mass (1386.0 g ± 168.6 vs 1307.3 g ± 160.9, p < 0.001), % neonatal fat mass > 90th percentile (15.2% vs 7.1%, p < 0.001), without significant differences in cord blood biomarkers. Maternal BMI, fasting glycemia, triglycerides, gestational weight gain, cord blood leptin ,and cord blood triglycerides were independent predictors for neonatal adiposity. Gestational weight gain was positively associated with adiposity in boys only.. Compared to neonates of normal-weight NGT women, neonates of GDM women have higher LGA rates but similar adiposity, while neonates of overweight NGT women have increased adiposity. Limiting gestational weight gain might be especially important in the male fetus to reduce neonatal adiposity.

Topics: Adiposity; Adolescent; Adult; Belgium; Birth Weight; C-Peptide; Cohort Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Macrosomia; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Sex Characteristics; Skinfold Thickness; Young Adult

The present study was conducted with an attempt to explore the correlation of serum resistin level and other metabolic hormones and immune function in neonatal umbilical cord blood.The levels of umbilical cord blood resistin, adiponectin, insulin, growth hormone, leptin, thyrotropin, thyroid hormone (T3, T4), lgM, lgA, lgG, CD4, and CD8 were measured in 180 full-term newborns delivered in hospital from October 2018 to November 2019. The delivery mode, weight, height, and gender at birth were recorded.The levels of resistin, insulin, and growth hormone in umbilical cord blood of newborns delivered vaginally were significantly higher than those born by cesarean section (P < .05), while the levels of adiponectin, leptin, TST, T3, T4, lgM, lgA, lgG, CD4, and CD8 were comparable between the 2 groups (P > .05). The levels of resistin, adiponectin, insulin, growth hormone, leptin, TST, T3, T4, lgM, lgA, lgG, CD4, and CD8 in cord blood of male and female newborns were comparable (P > .05). The newborns with birth weight ≥ 3501 g reported comparable results in the levels of resistin and growth hormone compared with those with birth weight of 3000 to 3500 g (P > .05), but were significantly higher than those with birth weight ≤ 2999 g (P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of adiponectin, insulin, leptin, TST, T3, T4, lgM, lgA, lgG, CD4, and CD8 were comparable among the 3 groups (P > .05). Based on Pearson correlation analysis, neonatal umbilical cord blood resistin was positively correlated with adiponectin, leptin, growth hormone, T3, and T4 (r = 0.281, 0.287, 0.321, 0.276, 0.269, P < .05). However, there was no significant correlation between neonatal umbilical cord blood resistin and insulin, TST, lgM, lgA, lgG, CD4, and CD8.The level of serum resistin in neonatal umbilical cord blood was associated with the delivery mode and birth weight, and positively correlated with adiponectin, leptin, growth hormone, T3, and T4. However, no correlation was observed between serum resistin in neonatal umbilical cord blood and insulin, TST, lgM, lgA, lgG, CD4, and CD8.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Fetal Blood; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Pregnancy; Resistin; Term Birth; Thyroid Hormones; Thyrotropin

Leptin regulates satiety and energy homoeostasis, and plays a key role in placentation in pregnancy. Previous studies have demonstrated regulation of leptin gene (LEP) expression and/or methylation in placenta and cord blood in association with early life exposures, but most have been small and have not considered the influence of genetic variation. Here, we investigated the relationship between maternal factors in pregnancy, infant anthropometry and LEP genetic variation with LEP promoter methylation at birth and 12 months of age.. LEP methylation was measured in cord (n = 877) and 12-month (n = 734) blood in the Barwon Infant Study, a population-based pre-birth cohort. Infant adiposity at birth and 12-months was measured as triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness. Cross-sectional regression tested associations of methylation with pregnancy and anthropometry measures, while longitudinal regression tested if birth anthropometry predicted 12-month LEP methylation levels.. Male infants had lower LEP methylation in cord blood (-2.07% average methylation, 95% CI (-2.92, -1.22), p < 0.001). Genetic variation strongly influenced DNA methylation at a single CpG site, which was also negatively associated with birth weight (r = -0.10, p = 0.003). Pre-eclampsia was associated with lower cord blood methylation at another CpG site (-6.06%, 95% CI (-10.70, -1.42), p = 0.01). Gestational diabetes was more modestly associated with methylation at two other CpG units. Adiposity at birth was associated with 12-month LEP methylation, modified by rs41457646 genotype. There was no association of LEP methylation with 12-month anthropometric measures.. Infant sex, weight, genetic variation, and exposure to pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, are associated with LEP methylation in cord blood. Infant adiposity at birth predicts 12-month blood LEP methylation in a genotype-dependent manner. These findings are consistent with genetics and anthropometry driving altered LEP epigenetic profile and expression in infancy. Further work is required to confirm this and to determine the long-term impact of altered LEP methylation on health.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; DNA Methylation; Female; Fetal Blood; Genetic Variation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications

Low weight in early infancy is a known risk factor for cardio-metabolic syndrome in adult life. However, little is known either about developmental programming in subjects of normal birthweight or about events between the ages which separate early programming and the occurrence of disease at late adulthood. We tested the hypothesis that circulating concentrations of leptin, adiponectin and insulin in young, healthy adults, born with a birth size within the normal range, are influenced by early life growth patterns. In an observational study of 188 healthy volunteers aged 18-25 years (97 males, 91 females) we investigated the association of metabolic function with their birth size, their growth during childhood and their body composition. High plasma leptin in early adulthood, a risk factor for cardio-metabolic syndrome, was associated with low weight at age 2 years (correlation coefficient controlled for adult weight = -0.21, P < 0.01). It was also positively associated with pre-prandial insulin and with HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) insulin resistance. Leptin, leptin-adiponectin ratio and insulin correlated with lean mass, fat mass and percent fat (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, high leptin in early adulthood was associated with both low weight at age 2 years and insulin resistance. We speculate that high leptin is developmentally programmed and can contribute to the association between low weight in early infancy and increased cardio-metabolic risk in adulthood in healthy subjects.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Young Adult

Adipokines can affect intrauterine development while calf birthweight (CBW) is a breeding standard of calves, which reflects the status of fetal intrauterine development. To explore the correlation between placental adipokines and CBW, 54 healthy Chinese Holstein cows were used in the present study. The cows were grouped according to the CBW of their calves. Placentas were collected immediately after delivery and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the placental expression levels of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin and resistin. Our results show that the mRNA transcription and blood placental content of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin and resistin increased with increasing CBW. The analysis showed that the mRNA transcription levels of placental adiponectin, leptin and resistin were positively correlated with CBW. The mRNA and protein expression levels of adiponectin, leptin and visfatin between the three groups were significantly correlated. Placental resistin mRNA levels correlated positively with adiponectin mRNA, but not leptin or visfatin. The protein expression levels of resistin were significantly positively correlated with those of adiponectin, leptin and visfatin. These results suggest that placental adipokines play important roles in regulating calf intrauterine growth.

Topics: Adiponectin; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Cattle; Dairying; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Leptin; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Placenta; Pregnancy; Resistin

Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) influences both fetal and maternal health. Leptin is a biomarker that may predict the early development of obesity and greater weight gain in childhood. Newborns with higher neonatal weight have been found to have higher leptin levels in umbilical cord blood (UCB). There are few studies that evaluate leptin levels in UCB according to GWG in women with a normal body mass index (BMI). The aim of the present study was to determine whether the levels of leptin in UCB in neonates born to mothers with a high GWG were higher, compared with levels in newborns whose mothers had a low GWG. Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 65 primigravidas. They were under 30 years of age, had normal pregestational BMIs, no associated diseases and were classified as having high (n = 22) or low (n = 43) GWG. The neonatal UCB leptin levels were measured and both neonatal and maternal anthropometric evaluations were carried out. The quantitative variables were compared through the Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t test, as appropriate. Results UCB leptin levels were higher in the neonates whose mothers were in the high GWG group, compared with those born to mothers in the low GWG group (7.0 [1.9-11.4] vs. 2.9 [1.2-6.7] ng/mL, p = 0.020). When stratified by sex, that difference was maintained only in male neonates. Conclusions UCB leptin levels were higher in neonates born to mothers with a high GWG, compared with those in newborns whose mothers had a low GWG.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Weight Gain; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Mexico; Mothers; Obesity; Overweight; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prognosis; Risk Factors

We examined whether maternal serum cytokine profiles of mothers with early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) were associated with delivery within 2 weeks after sampling during the third trimester.. This exploratory prospective cross-sectional study included a total of 20 singleton fetuses with early-onset FGR and 31 healthy controls. Maternal serum samples during the early third trimester were analyzed for 23 cytokines.. Of 20 fetuses with early-onset FGR, 14 had delivery within 2 weeks after sampling. Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal serum concentrations of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were independently associated with delivery within 2 weeks in early-onset FGR. Among cases of early-onset FGR, concentrations of almost all maternal serum cytokines were similar. Maternal serum sVEGFR-1 concentrations were high when delivery occurred within 2 weeks. Maternal serum sCD40L concentrations were elicited only in cases in which delivery within 2 weeks occurred due to fetal deterioration.. We identified two biomarkers, one specific for FGR and the other dependent on severity, that were significant components of angiogenic activities and inflammation factors. Imbalances in serum protein expression may have a substantial effect on the pathogenesis of FGR.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; CD40 Ligand; Cesarean Section; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cytokines; Elective Surgical Procedures; Endoglin; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Labor, Induced; Leptin; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Placenta Growth Factor; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Premature Birth; Time Factors; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

Because of the need to improve the knowledge about canine perinatology, and given the major role of fetal fluids in sustaining the course of pregnancy and fetal development, an in-depth analysis to better understand the role of some hormones in these compartments is essential. Among all, leptin is recognized to play a key role not only on the energetic homeostasis, but also at multiple levels, influencing the control of reproduction, food assumption and metabolism. Even if in humans and other species it is reported the presence of leptin receptors during fetal development, very little is known about the canine species, in which the role of leptin still needs to be fully understood. The present study aimed to assess the amniotic fluid leptin (AFL) concentrations at term pregnancy in healthy dogs, and to evaluate the possible influence played by breed body-size (after assessment of correlation with maternal bodyweight and placental weight), or other maternal (age, parity, and the so-called "litter effect") and neonatal (gender, birth weight, litter size) parameters on AFL concentrations, analyzed by ELISA test. The study was performed on 90 healthy, viable and normal weighted puppies, 39 small-sized (adult body weight < 10 kg) and 51 large-sized (adult body weight > 25 kg), born by 29 purebred, healthy bitches, submitted to elective Caesarean section because of breed-related or individual high risk for dystocia. The results showed that the mean AFL concentration in the small-sized puppies was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in comparison to large-sized puppies (867.48 vs 698.42 pg/ml), while all the other studied parameters did not show to influence AFL concentrations. In conclusions, the present study showed significant higher at term AFL concentrations in small-sized as compared to large-sized breeds, suggesting an influence of breed body-size on fetal metabolism, as previously reported for NEFA and IGF-I.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Size; Cesarean Section; Dogs; Female; Fetal Development; Leptin; Litter Size; Male; Organ Size; Parturition; Placenta; Pregnancy; Species Specificity

Emerging evidence suggests that during gestation the in utero environment programs metabolism and can increase risk of obesity in adult offspring. Our aim was to study how alterations in maternal diets during gestation might alter body weight evolution, circulating leptin levels and caloric intake in offspring, leading to changes in body composition.. We fed gestating rats either a control diet (CD), high fat diet (HFD) or an isocaloric low protein diet (LPD), and examined the repercussions in offspring fed similar diets post-weaning on birth weight, body weight evolution, body composition, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and in the relationship between plasma leptin concentration and caloric intake in offspring during growth and development.. Offspring from dams fed LPD maintained reduced body weight with greater % lean mass and consumed fewer calories despite having leptin levels similar to controls. On the other hand, offspring from dams fed a HFD were insulin resistant and maintained increased body weight and % fat mass, while consuming more calories than controls despite elevated leptin concentrations. Therefore the uterine environment, modulated primarily through maternal nutrition, modified the relationship between circulating leptin levels, body fat, and caloric intake in the offspring, and dams fed a HFD produced offspring with excess adiposity, insulin resistance, and leptin resistance into adulthood.. Our data indicates that in utero environmental factors affected by maternal diet program alterations in the set point around which leptin regulates body weight in offspring into adulthood contributing to obesity.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Weight; Diet, High-Fat; Dietary Fats; Energy Intake; Female; Insulin Resistance; Lactation; Leptin; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Obesity; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Weaning

Birth weight (BW) is an important indicator for newborn health. Both high and low BW is associated with increased risks for adult metabolic diseases. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), and insulin/IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) pathways may function as placental sensors of maternal hormonal and nutritional status. However, the physiological role of these pathways in placenta has not been completely elucidated. To evaluate expression and activation of AMPK, mTOR, and insulin/IGF1 pathways and its association with placental weight (PW), BW, and maternal hormonal and metabolic status, we performed a cross-sectional study in placentas from non-obese mothers with SGA (n = 17), AGA (n = 19) and LGA (n = 10) newborns. We analyzed placental expression of total and phosphorylated key proteins from the AMPK, mTOR and insulin/IGF1 pathways. Maternal and cord blood hormones were determined by ELISA. AMPK and LKB1 activation correlated negatively with PW and BW, cord leptin, and pregestational BMI. Placental SIRT1 inversely correlated with BW, cord leptin, neonatal HOMA-IR, and maternal IGF1. PGC1α correlated negatively with PW and BW. Phosphorylated mTOR positively correlated with maternal glucose, PW and BW. IGF1R was lower in SGA. No changes in p-IGF1R, INSRb, total AKT or p-AKT were found, and pPDK1 was lower in SGA and LGA. These results suggest that placental AMPK, insulin/IGF1, and mTOR pathways may influence fetal growth, perhaps regulating placental physiology, even in metabolically healthy pregnancies. Our study highlights these nutrient sensing pathways as potential molecular mechanisms modulating placental adaptations and, thus, long-term metabolic health.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Nutrients; Placenta; Pregnancy; Receptor, IGF Type 1; Signal Transduction; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Young Adult

Pregnancy is a period of serial metabolic and hormonal changes in the woman's body. Factors such as circulating adipokines affect the fetal period and may cause long-term changes in metabolic pathways at the cellular, tissue, or organ level. The nutritional status of the pregnant woman affects the course of pregnancy, delivery, and confinement, as well as the health of the offspring following birth and in subsequent years. Adipokine hormones essential for modulating metabolism during pregnancy include adiponectin and leptin. This study aimed to assess maternal anthropometric parameters and plasma concentrations of specific adipokines as predictive measures of newborn birth weight, birth length, and ponderal index. Anthropometric measurements (prepregnancy body weight and height) were obtained from 168 surveyed Polish women. Data related to the birth parameters of 168 newborns (body length and mass) were derived from clinical records. Circulating maternal adiponectin and leptin levels at birth were determined. Significant correlations between newborn birth weight and maternal prepregnancy body mass index (

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Maternal Exposure; Pregnancy

To assess the effect of maternal occupational tobacco handling (bidi rolling) on cord serum leptin levels.. We enrolled 64 neonates born to women who were bidi-rollers, and 64 small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and 57 term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates born to mothers with no tobacco exposure. Cord blood leptin levels between the groups were compared. Adjusted mean difference in leptin was calculated using regression model.. Cord leptin showed moderate correlation with birthweight (r=0.16; P=0.027) across the groups. Mean (SD) cord serum leptin levels (ng/mL) of study group was 19.79 (13.32), in comparison to 21.4 (13.4) of SGA (P=0.497), and 27.70 (13.96) of term AGA (P=0.002). Maternal occupational tobacco exposure contributed to significant decrease in cord leptin (adjusted mean difference (95%CI): -4.5 ng/mL (-8.82, -0.19); P=0.041).. Maternal occupational tobacco exposure causes signifi-cant reduction in fetal leptin levels.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Nicotiana; Tobacco Products; Umbilical Cord

The impact of early life protein source (whey vs. casein) on short- and long-term glucose homeostasis and adiposity is unknown and was investigated in this study. At the end of the suckling period, non-IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) and IUGR pups were separated from dams and were randomized into four groups. From age 21-49 days, non-IUGR and IUGR pups were fed ad-libitum chow or a semi-synthetic diet (20% from protein; casein or whey) and from age 50-199 days, all groups were fed ad-libitum chow. Food intake, body composition, glucose, and insulin homeostasis were assessed. Among the chow groups, IUGR had slower growth and higher fasting glucose at age 42 days, as well as higher fasting and AUC glucose at age 192 days relative to non-IUGR. The whey IUGR group had a slower growth rate and higher fasting glycemia in early life (age 21-49 days) and higher HOMA-IR later in life (age 120-122 and 190-192 days) relative to casein IUGR. This study shows the potential advantage of casein relative to whey during weaning on short term energy intake, growth, and glucose homeostasis in an IUGR model and reveals, for the first time, its long term impact on insulin sensitivity, which may have implications for later metabolic health, particularly in small-for-gestational-age populations at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Topics: Adiposity; Animals; Area Under Curve; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Composition; Caseins; Disease Models, Animal; Energy Intake; Fasting; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Glucose; Homeostasis; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Lipids; Organ Size; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Time Factors; Weaning; Whey

Topics: Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Leptin; Male

The Intrauterine fetal development process is complicated and affected by many regulating factors such as maternal nutritional status, transcription factors and adipokines. Adipokines are kinds of active substances secreted by adipose tissue, including more than 50 kinds of molecules. To explore the correlation between calf birth weights and adipokines including adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in cows venous and venous cord blood. Fifty-four healthy multiparous Chinese Holstein cows were used; in which, cows with a calf weight less than 40 kg were included in group A (n=9); those with a calf weight between 40 kg~45 kg were included in group B (n=25) and ≥45 kg were included in group C (n=20), venous blood and cord venous blood was collected. An ELISA kit was used to evaluate the concentration of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1, correlations between index-index and index-calf birth weight were analysed. In both cows venous and cord venous blood, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 levels were significantly correlated with each other (p⟨0.01), and levels of these adipokines in venous blood were significantly higher than cord venous blood (p⟨0.01). Adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in venous cord blood were positively correlated with calf birth weights, and significantly correlated with calf birth weights respectively (p⟨0.01). Our study showed that adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 were found in venous blood and cord venous blood, and adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 in venous and cord venous blood potentially inter-regulated each other; adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 in venous blood were not significantly correlated with calf birth weights, while adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in venous cord blood were significantly correlated with calf birth weights, respectively.

Topics: Adiponectin; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Cattle; Female; Fetal Blood; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase

Early infant weight development influences metabolic regulation later in life. For the prevention of obesity and metabolic diseases, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms in detail.. This study aims to examine the effects of maternal anthropometric, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors on maternal and cord blood leptin levels at birth and on the development of body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDS) in offspring up to 1 year of age.. Seventy-six mother-child pairs were enrolled in this follow-up analysis in a cross-sectional design. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information regarding maternal anthropometrics, lifestyle habits, and sociodemographic conditions, and newborn weight, or, rather, BMI-SDS, development during the first year of life.. Cord blood leptin (β = -0.222, p = 0.074), maternal leptin (β = 0.414, p = 0.001), and female sex of the offspring (β = 0.385, p = 0.003) explained 29.0% of the variance in BMI-SDS changes in the first year of life. Cord blood leptin was influenced by newborn sex (male; β = -0.220, p = 0.025) and maternal moderate-intensity physical activity in the third trimester (β = 0.265, p = 0.007, corr. R2 = 9.2%); maternal leptin was influenced by maternal prepregnancy BMI (β = 0.602, p < 0.001) and weight gain during pregnancy (β = 0.247, p = 0.004, corr. R2 = 35.5%).. Higher maternal and lower cord blood leptin levels are associated with a higher BMI-SDS increase during the first year of life. Maternal leptin is influenced by maternal BMI and weight gain during pregnancy, and cord blood leptin is influenced by maternal physical activity; therefore, it can be suggested that an active and healthy maternal lifestyle may play a pivotal and beneficial role in the offspring's weight development.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child Development; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Life Style; Male; Mothers; Obesity; Pregnancy; Reference Standards; Research Design; Weight Gain

Fetal exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of metabolic diseases in the offspring. Leptin, adiponectin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) may play potential roles in the underlying disease mechanisms. We investigated the impact of fetal exposure to GDM on leptin, adiponectin, and FGF21 concentrations and their associations with measures of adiposity and metabolic traits during childhood/adolescence.. The follow-up study included 504 GDM and 540 control offspring aged 9-16 from the Danish National Birth Cohort. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood samples, puberty status and fat percentages by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were examined. Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and FGF21 were measured by validated immune assays.. GDM offspring had 38% (95% CI: 22-55%) higher leptin, 0.6 mg/L (95% CI: -1.2, -0.04 mg/L) lower adiponectin, and 32% (95% CI: -47%, -12%) lower FGF21 concentrations than control offspring (P < 0.05). After adjustment for confounders including maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, GDM offspring had borderline higher leptin (P = 0.06) and significantly lower FGF21 concentrations (P = 0.006). When accounting for offspring BMI z-score, GDM exposure had no significant independent effect on leptin or adiponectin concentrations, whereas FGF21 was still significant. In univariate analyses, leptin and adiponectin were associated with fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and adiposity, and FGF21 with total fat percentage.. GDM offspring had higher leptin, lower adiponectin and FGF21 concentrations than control offspring. Elevated leptin and decreased adiponectin concentrations associated with adverse metabolic traits and were most likely driven by higher obesity prevalence among GDM offspring. The functional implications of decreased FGF21 concentrations among GDM offspring need to be further explored.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Breast Feeding; Child; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Humans; Immunoassay; Leptin; Maternal Inheritance; Pregnancy

Neonatal adiposity is a risk factor for childhood obesity. Investigating contributors to neonatal adiposity is important for understanding early life obesity risk. Epigenetic changes of metabolic genes in cord blood may contribute to excessive neonatal adiposity and subsequent childhood obesity. This study aims to evaluate the association of cord blood DNA methylation patterns with anthropometric measures and cord blood leptin, a biomarker of neonatal adiposity.. A cross-sectional study was performed on a multiethnic cohort of 114 full term neonates born to mothers without gestational diabetes at a university hospital. Cord blood was assayed for leptin and for epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiles via the Illumina 450K platform. Neonatal body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze associations between individual CpG sites as well as differentially methylated regions in cord blood DNA with measures of newborn adiposity including anthropometrics (birth weight, fat mass and percent body fat) and cord blood leptin. False discovery rate was estimated to account for multiple comparisons.. 247 CpG sites as well as 18 differentially methylated gene regions were associated with cord blood leptin but no epigenetic changes were associated with birth weight, fat mass or percent body fat. Genes of interest identified in this study are DNAJA4, TFR2, SMAD3, PLAG1, FGF1, and HNF4A.. Epigenetic changes in cord blood DNA are associated with cord blood leptin levels, a measure of neonatal adiposity.

Topics: Adiposity; Birth Weight; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Fetal Blood; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Plethysmography

Maternal, cord blood and childhood adipokines have been associated with childhood obesity. We investigated whether postpartum maternal adipokines are associated with increased weight at 1 year of age in children of women with gestational diabetes (GDM).. Plasma leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured in 160 women at approximately 12 weeks following pregnancy with GDM and compared with infant weight for length z-score at 1 year of age after adjustment for maternal and infant demographic variables.. No association was demonstrated between maternal postpartum leptin and adiponectin concentrations and infant weight for length z-score at 1 year of age.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pediatric Obesity; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy

Leptin is a hormone produced by adipose tissue that promotes satiety, and some evidence suggests that greater early life leptin exposure prevents excessive adiposity gain in later life. However, few studies have analyzed dynamic changes in leptin throughout childhood in relation to later cardio-metabolic health. Our study aims to identify distinct leptin trajectories in childhood, and to examine their associations with cardio-metabolic outcomes in adolescence.. Among children in the Project Viva cohort born 1999-2002 in Massachusetts, we used latent class growth models to identify leptin trajectories independent of maternal BMI, child sex, race/ethnicity, size at birth and current age and size among 1360 children with leptin measured at least once at birth, early childhood (mean 3.3 ± SD 0.3 years), or mid-childhood (7.9 ± 0.8 years). At research visits in early adolescence (13.2 ± 0.9 years), we assessed cardio-metabolic outcomes including adiposity measures, fasting biomarkers, and blood pressure among 855 children. We then applied multiple regression models to examine associations of the leptin trajectories with these cardio-metabolic outcomes in early adolescence, adjusting for child age at outcome, maternal age, education, prenatal smoking and glucose, total gestational weight gain and paternal BMI.. The latent class growth model identified 3 distinct leptin trajectories: "low stable" (n = 1031, 75.8%), "high-decreasing" (n = 219, 16.1%) and "intermediate-increasing" (n = 110, 8.1%). In adjusted models, the intermediate-increasing leptin trajectory was associated with higher early adolescence adiposity measures (e.g. BMI z-score: 0.62 units; 95% confidence interval: 0.28, 0.96 and odds of obesity: 2.84: 1.17, 6.94), but lower systolic blood pressure (-0.46 z-score units; -0.74, -0.18), compared to the low-stable group.. Our findings on leptin trajectories in childhood suggest important differences and associations with later metabolic outcomes.

Topics: Adiposity; Adolescent; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Female; Health Status; Heart; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Massachusetts; Metabolism; Pediatric Obesity; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

Maternal obesity impacts fetal growth as early as second trimester of pregnancy, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. We aimed to examine associations between maternal adipokines throughout pregnancy and neonatal size by prepregnancy obesity status.. In a prospective cohort of 2802 U.S. pregnant women from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort (2009-2013), biospecimens were analyzed in a matched case-control subset of 321 women. Blood was collected at 10-14, 15-26 (fasting), 23-31, and 33-39 gestational weeks. Plasma leptin and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) and total and high-molecular-weight (HMW)-adiponectin were measured. Free leptin was calculated as leptin/sOB-R. Birthweight was abstracted from medical records. Neonatal length and skinfolds were measured.. Leptin and sOB-R in late pregnancy tended to be positively and negatively associated with neonatal length, respectively, while free leptin throughout pregnancy tended to be positively associated with length. Free leptin associations with neonatal length were differential by obesity (i.e., inversely among women without obesity and positively among women with obesity). A per unit increase in free leptin at 33-39 weeks was associated with a shorter neonatal length by -0.55 cm (95%CI, -0.83, -0.28) in women without obesity and longer length by 0.49 cm (95%CI, 0.34, 0.65) in women with obesity. HMW-adiponectin at 33-39 weeks was inversely associated with neonatal length (β = -1.29 cm; 95%CI, -1.74, -0.85) and skinfold thickness (β = -1.46 mm; 95%CI, -1.58, -0.56) among women with obesity. Free leptin across pregnancy tended to be negatively associated with neonatal skinfold thickness among women without obesity, while free leptin in early pregnancy was positively associated with skinfold thickness.. Maternal adipokines were associated with multiple pathways that influence neonatal size including length and adiposity, which differed in timing across pregnancy and by prepregnancy obesity. These findings provide new potential insights into mechanisms and timing by which maternal obesity may impact fetal growth.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Leptin; Young Adult

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal outcomes. However, the effect of maternal OSA on fetal growth is less clear. The placenta is a critical organ for fetal growth and development and the principal determinant of birthweight. We aimed to investigate the effect of maternal OSA on placental growth and function.. Placentas of women recruited to a prospective longitudinal study were consecutively obtained immediately after delivery. Each placenta was measured for length, width, and thickness. Total RNA was isolated for gene expression analysis of VEGF, VEGF receptor, PIGF, and leptin. Histological and morphometric evaluations of the placenta were performed.. A total of 53 placentas were investigated. Ten women (19%) had OSA, and the weight of their placentas was significantly higher compared with the placentas of the controls (526.1 ± 83.9 vs. 425.7 ± 95.5 g, p = 0.004). There was a significant positive correlation between placental weight and the log apnea-hypopnea index even after controlling for maternal body mass index (BMI; r = 0.31, p = 0.04). The birthweight/placental weight ratio was significantly lower in women with OSA compared with controls (p = 0.03). Placental weight and newborn triceps adiposity thickness correlated positively after controlling for maternal BMI (r = 0.29, p = 0.04). Leptin expression was 1.8-fold higher in placentas of women with OSA compared with controls (p = 0.02). No histological differences were found between the groups.. Maternal OSA is associated with increased placental weight that correlated with OSA severity and neonatal adiposity independently of maternal BMI. Placental leptin overexpression may mediate/underlie the above findings.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials NCT00931099.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Obesity; Placenta; Placentation; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

To investigate the cord blood levels of adipokine and to assess their association with the fetal insulin resistance and fetal outcomes in newborns of gestational diabetic women (GDM). Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 40 GDM women and 40 healthy pregnant women (HPW) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) hospital in Puducherry, India, during the period from May 2016 to December 2017. Cord blood samples were collected at delivery from GDM and HPW groups. Cord plasma biochemical parameters such as insulin, C-peptide, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin concentrations were measured. Leptin/adiponectin ratio (L/A), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S) and beta cell function (HOMA2-%B) were calculated. The pregnancy outcomes such as birth weight (BW), Ponderal index and Apgar scores of the baby were measured. Results: The BW and Ponderal index of the baby were found to be significantly higher in GDM newborns compared to HPW newborns. Cord plasma insulin, C-peptide, HOMA2 -IR, visfatin, leptin, and L/A ratio were significantly higher whereas adiponectin level was lower in GDM compared to HPW. A significant positive correlation was observed between L/A ratio and fetal HOMA2-IR. Conclusion: Altered adipokine levels with increased L/A ratio was observed among the new-borns of Indian gestational diabetic mothers. There was an association between increased L/A ratio, insulin resistance and increased Ponderal index among the new-borns.

Topics: Adipokines; Apgar Score; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; C-Peptide; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; India; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Resistin

Two-thirds of pregnant women exceed gestational weight gain recommendations. Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) appears to be associated with offspring's complications induced by mechanisms that are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether umbilical cord leptin (UCL) and ghrelin (UCG) concentrations are altered in full-term neonates born to EGWG mothers and whether neonatal anthropometric measurements correlate with UCL and UCG levels and maternal serum ghrelin and leptin as well as urine ghrelin concentrations. The study subjects were divided into two groups, 28 healthy controls and 38 patients with EGWG. Lower UCL and UCG levels were observed in neonates born to healthy mothers but only in male newborns. In the control group UCG concentrations correlated positively with neonatal birth weight, body length and head circumference. In the control group maternal serum ghrelin levels correlated negatively with neonatal birth weight, body length and head circumference as well as positively with chest circumference. In the EGWG group UCG concentrations correlated negatively with neonatal birth weight and birth body length. UCL correlated positively with birth body length in EGWG group and negatively with head circumference in the control group. In conclusion, EGWG is associated with disturbances in UCL and UCG concentrations.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Gestational Age; Gestational Weight Gain; Ghrelin; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Mothers; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Reference Values

This study aimed to determine leptin levels in term newborns who were born in the north of Jordan. We also aimed to investigate the relationships of leptin levels with fetal growth parameters, and to assess the difference in leptin levels according to sex and gestational age.. A cross-sectional descriptive study that involved 170 term newborns was conducted. A working sheet for data collection was created for each newborn and included sex, weight, length, head circumference, gestational age, and Apgar score. Blood samples were obtained from the umbilical cord vein of newborns after delivery to measure serum leptin levels. Data are shown as frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations.. We found that the mean leptin level was 1.17 ± 0.48 ng/mL. The independent t-test showed that the mean leptin level in boys (0.93 ± 0. 34 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in girls (1.38 ± 0.47 ng/mL). Pearson's correlations showed that leptin levels of newborns were positively and significantly correlated with weight, length, and head circumference.. In Jordanian healthy term newborns, leptin levels correlate with sex and intrauterine growth parameters.

Topics: Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Sex Factors; Umbilical Cord

We previously demonstrated an association between placental leptin (LEP) methylation levels and macrosomia without gestational diabetes mellitus (non-GDM). This study further explored the association between LEP methylation in cord blood and non-GDM macrosomia.. We carried out a case-control study of 61 newborns with macrosomia (birth weight ≥4000 g) and 69 newborns with normal birth weight (2500-3999 g). Methylation in the LEP promoter region was mapped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.. Average cord blood LEP methylation levels were lower in macrosomia newborns than in control newborns (P < 0.001). Eleven CpG sites were associated with macrosomia. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that low LEP methylation levels [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.72-4.17], high pre-pregnancy body mass index (AOR = 7.44, 95% CI: 1.99-27.75), long gestational age (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.74-5.79), high cord blood LEP concentration (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.34-3.77), and male newborn gender (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI: 1.31-11.69) significantly increased the risk of macrosomia.. Lower cord blood LEP methylation levels and certain maternal and fetal factors are associated with non-GDM macrosomia.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; China; DNA Methylation; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Macrosomia; Genotype; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Maternal Age; Multivariate Analysis; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications

Adipocytokines are markers of fetal metabolism, but their association with childhood growth is unclear. This study examined associations of neonatal adipocytokines with longitudinal childhood adiposity measures in a prospective cohort of pregnant women and their children.. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations at delivery and children's BMI z scores between age 4 weeks and 8 years were measured. Differences in BMI z scores and rates of BMI z score change by leptin (n = 257) and adiponectin (n = 271) terciles were estimated.. Children in the middle (mean difference: 0.2; 95% CI: -0.1 to 0.4) and highest (0.4; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.6) leptin terciles had greater BMI z scores than children in the lowest tercile. Associations were null after adjustment for birth weight z score. Children in the lowest adiponectin tercile had greater gains in BMI z score (change per year: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.13) than children in the middle (0.07; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.09) and highest terciles (0.04; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.05) (adiponectin × age interaction P < 0.001).. Lower adiponectin levels were associated with increased rates of BMI gains in the first 8 years of life. Though leptin was positively associated with BMI, this association may be confounded by birth weight.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Pediatric Obesity; Prospective Studies

Twin pregnancies are characterized by unique pattern of attenuated fetal weight gain during late gestation compared with singleton gestation. The mechanism(s) responsible for regulating twin growth has not yet elucidated. Leptin and adiponectin are two adipocytokines implicated in metabolism and energy balance of fetuses, newborns and adults. Moreover, these hormones have been suggested to play a role in fetal growth. The objective of the study was to determine cord blood adiponectin and leptin in twins and singletons, with and without growth impairment.. This was a case-control study. It included two groups of newborns, matched for gestational age and birth weight percentile: singleton (n=60 newborns) and twins (n=44 newborns). Adiponectin and leptin were determined in cord blood, and compared between the groups according to clinical and demographic characteristics. Non-parametric and parametric statistical methods were employed.. Median adiponectin and leptin concentrations were lower in twins vs singletons (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Among small for gestational age newborns (SGA), median concentration of adiponectin (P=0.04), but not leptin (P=0.1), was lower in twins compared to singletons. In pooled analysis (singleton plus twins), cord blood adiponectin and leptin were strongly correlated with gestational age (P<0.001 and P=0.005, respectively) and birth weight (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Regression analysis revealed that plurality (P=0.02) was significantly and independently associated with cord blood adiponectin concentrations, after adjustment for confounding variables. Similar regression in which leptin was the independent variable revealed that only birth weight (P=0.01) was significantly and independently associated with cord blood leptin concentrations.. Twin pregnancies are associated with lower cord blood concentrations of adiponectin and leptin compared with singleton gestations. However, only cord blood adiponectin, but not leptin, was lower in SGA neonates. Collectively, these data suggest that adiponectin may be implicated in the mechanism accounting for the growth disparity between twins and singletons.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Linear Models; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Twin

The metabolic health effects of vitamin A and E nutritional status in early life are largely unknown. We assessed whether vitamin A and vitamin E nutritional status may affect circulating leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II levels in early life in humans. In a singleton birth cohort (n = 248), vitamin A and E nutritional status in fetuses/newborns were assessed by cord plasma concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, α- and γ-tocopherols. The primary outcomes were cord plasma leptin, adiponectin, IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations. Cord plasma retinol was significantly positively correlated to IGF-I in girls (r = 0.42, P < 0.0001) but not in boys (r = 0.14, P = 0.11). Adjusting for maternal and newborn's characteristics, one log unit increase in cord plasma retinol was associated with a 28.0% (95% CI: 11.1-47.5%) increase in IGF-I in girls (P < 0.001) but not in boys (P = 0.75). One log unit increment in cord plasma α-tocopherol was associated with a 6.6% (0.4-12.3%) decrease in adiponectin (P = 0.04), while one log unit increment in cord plasma γ-tocopherol was associated with a 21.2% (4.7-34.8%) decrease in leptin (P = 0.01). There may be a sex-specific association between retinol and IGF-I, a negative association between α-tocopherol and adiponectin, and a negative association between γ-tocopherol and leptin in early life in humans.

Topics: Adiponectin; Age Factors; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Cohort Studies; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Leptin; Male; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between leptin, insulin and adiponectin levels and anthropometric measurements of term newborns of adolescent and adult mothers.. Umbilical cord plasma samples were obtained from 80 healthy term neonates (40 from teenagers and 40 from adult mothers) and adiponectin, insulin and leptin concentrations were measured.. Cord plasma adiponectin levels were higher in the boys from adult mothers than in the boys of the adolescent (p < 0.05), while plasma leptin levels in the boys of the adults were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of girls from both groups. Univariate correlation analysis showed that leptin umbilical cord plasma levels were positively associated with birth weight in neonates from adolescents and adults. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that leptin levels showed significant positive predictor for birth weight specifically in the adult mother.. Gestational age, but not adipokines, showed to be a significant positive predictor factor of birth weight in adolescent pregnancy.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Birth Weight; Body Height; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Linear Models; Male; Maternal Age; Multivariate Analysis; Pregnancy; Sex Factors

To investigate the association of leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin in breast milk with the weight growth velocity of infants with exclusive breastfeeding.. A total of 67 full-term singleton infants who received regular child care and exclusive breastfeeding and their mothers were enrolled. The nutritional status was evaluated based on the measurements of body weight and body length (underweight, growth retardation, emaciation, overweight, and obesity). Z score was used to calculate growth velocity, and according to the ΔZ score, the infants were divided into poor growth group, low growth velocity group, and normal growth velocity group. Mature breast milk samples were collected from their mothers, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin.. The emaciation group had a significantly lower level of leptin in breast milk than the non-emaciation group (P<0.05), and the overweight/obesity group had a significantly lower level of adiponectin than the non-overweight/obesity group (P<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the level of ghrelin in breast milk was positively correlated with Z score of current body weight and ΔZ score compared with birth weight (r. Various active constituents in breast milk, including leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin, may regulate the growth and development of infants to a certain degree, but long-term studies and observation are needed to investigate their association with offspring growth and development and the health-promoting effect of breast milk on offspring.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Height; Breast Feeding; Child Development; Female; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Milk, Human

Cord blood adiponectin and leptin concentrations are associated with birth weight and adiposity. Birth size and rate of infant weight gain are associated with future obesity risk. However, it is unclear whether biomarkers reflecting the intrauterine environment are predictive of infant prospective body composition change.. To examine whether cord blood adiponectin and leptin are predictive of neonatal adiposity and fat mass (FM) accrual to 3 months of age.. Participants (n = 36) were healthy African American infants. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured in umbilical cord blood. At 2 weeks and 3 months, infant body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography. Weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) were calculated using World Health Organization standards. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations of cord blood adiponectin and leptin with birth WLZ; WLZ, FM and fat-free mass at 2 weeks, and the conditional change in these variables from 2 weeks to 3 months (body composition at 3 months adjusted for body composition at 2 weeks).. Adiponectin was positively associated with FM at 2 weeks (r = 0.45, P < 0.01), but inversely associated with conditional FM change from 2 weeks to 3 months of age (r = -0.38, P < 0.05). Leptin was not significantly associated with infant body composition.. Adiponectin may be a marker for FM accrual in African American infants, a relatively understudied population with a high long-term obesity risk. Mechanistic studies are needed to determine whether adiponectin directly influences infant growth or is simply a maker reflective of other ongoing biological changes after birth.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Black or African American; Body Composition; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Plethysmography; Weight Gain

Insulin is an important hormone for intrauterine growth. Irisin is an effective myokine in the regulation of physiological insulin resistance in pregnancy. Leptin and insulin are associated with fetal growth and fetal adiposity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between irisin, insulin and leptin levels and maternal weight gain, as well as anthropometric measurements in the newborn.. Eighty-four mothers and newborns were included in the study. Irisin, leptin and insulin levels were measured in the mothers and in cord blood. Anthropometric measurements in the newborn, maternal weight at the beginning of the pregnancy and at delivery were recorded.. Birth weight were classified as small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). There was no difference in irisin levels among the groups. Leptin and insulin levels were found to change significantly according to birth weight (p=0.013, and p=0.012, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the anthropometric measurements of the AGA newborns and irisin levels. This correlation was not observed in SGA and LGA babies. Leptin levels were associated with fetal adiposity.. While irisin levels are not affected by weight gain during pregnancy nor by birth weight, they show a relationship with anthropometric measurements in AGA infants. These results may lead to the understanding of metabolic disorders that will occur in later life.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Fibronectins; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Young Adult

Both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as well as overweight/obesity during pregnancy are risk factors for detrimental anthropometric and hormonal neonatal outcomes, identified to 'program' adverse health predispositions later on. While overweight/obesity are major determinants of GDM, independent effects on critical birth outcomes remain unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate, in women with GDM, the relative/independent impact of overweight/obesity vs. altered glucose metabolism on newborn parameters.. The prospective observational 'Early CHARITÉ (EaCH)' cohort study primarily focuses on early developmental origins of unfavorable health outcomes through pre- and/or early postnatal exposure to a 'diabetogenic/adipogenic' environment. It includes 205 mother-child dyads, recruited between 2007 and 2010, from women with treated GDM and delivery at the Clinic of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. Recruitment, therapy, metabolite/hormone analyses, and data evaluation were performed according to standardized guidelines and protocols. This report specifically aimed to identify maternal anthropometric and metabolic determinants of anthropometric and critical hormonal birth outcomes in 'EaCH'.. Group comparisons, Spearman's correlations and unadjusted linear regression analyses initially confirmed that increased maternal prepregnancy body-mass-index (BMI) is a significant factor for elevated birth weight, cord-blood insulin and leptin (all P < 0.05). However, consideration of and adjustment for maternal glucose during late pregnancy showed that no maternal anthropometric parameter (weight, BMI, gestational weight gain) remained significant (all n.s.). In contrast, even after adjustment for maternal anthropometrics, third trimester glucose values (fasting and postprandial glucose at 32nd and 36th weeks' gestation, HbA1c in 3rd trimester and at delivery), were clearly positively associated with critical birth outcomes (all P < 0.05).. Neither overweight/obesity nor gestational weight gain appear to be independent determinants of increased birth weight, insulin and leptin. Rather, 3rd trimester glycemia seems to be crucial for respective neonatal outcomes. Thus, gestational care and future research studies should greatly consider late pregnancy glucose in overweight/obese women with or without GDM, for evaluation of critical causes and interventional strategies against 'perinatal programming of diabesity' in the offspring.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors

Fetal overgrowth is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes in adulthood. It is unclear whether there are alterations in insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in early life.. To determine whether large-for-gestational-age (LGA) (birth weight > 90th percentile), an indicator of fetal overgrowth, is associated with altered fetal insulin sensitivity and β-cell function.. In the Design, Development, and Discover birth cohort in Canada, we studied 106 pairs of LGA and optimal-for-gestational-age (OGA; birth weight, 25th to 75th percentiles) infants matched by maternal ethnicity, smoking status, and gestational age. Cord plasma glucose-to-insulin ratio was used as an indicator of fetal insulin sensitivity, and proinsulin-to-insulin ratio was used as an indicator of β-cell function. Cord plasma leptin and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin concentrations were measured.. Comparisons of infants who were born LGA vs OGA, adjusted for maternal and newborn characteristics, showed that cord blood insulin, proinsulin, and leptin concentrations were significantly higher, whereas HWM adiponectin concentrations were similar. Glucose-to-insulin ratios were significantly lower (15.4 ± 28.1 vs 22.0 ± 24.9; P = 0.004), and proinsulin-to-insulin ratios significantly higher (0.73 ± 0.82 vs 0.60 ± 0.78; P = 0.005) in LGA vs OGA newborns, indicating lower insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in LGA newborns. These significant differences were almost unchanged after further adjustment for cord blood adiponectin levels but disappeared upon additional adjustment for cord blood leptin levels.. This study demonstrates that LGA may be associated with decreases in both fetal insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. The alterations appear to be linked to elevated leptin levels.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Insulin-Secreting Cells; Leptin; Pregnancy

Gestational perfluoroalkyl substances exposure has been associated with decreased birthweight. We determined if gestational perfluoroalkyl substances exposure was associated with fetal metabolic markers using data from the HOME Study, a prospective birth cohort of pregnant women and their children in Cincinnati, Ohio.. Maternal serum concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid were quantified. We measured neonatal adipocytokine (leptin and adiponectin) concentrations in umbilical cord serum, and estimated percent differences with a 2-fold increase in maternal perfluoroalkyl substances concentrations among 230 mother-infant pairs.. Median maternal serum PFOA and PFOS concentrations were 5.6 ng/mL and 14 ng/mL, respectively. Leptin was positively correlated with infant birthweight (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant associations between maternal perfluoroalkyl substances and neonatal adipocytokine concentrations; each 2-fold increase in PFOA was associated with a non-significant increase in leptin (5%; 95% CI: -10, 22) and adiponectin (7%; 95% CI: -4, 19).. Despite known associations with reduced birthweight, gestational serum perfluoroalkyl substances concentrations were not associated with neonatal adipocytokine concentrations. Further exploration of pathways of perfluoroalkyl substances associated changes in birthweight may help identify biomarkers that could be used to identify at-risk populations and develop interventions.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Alkanesulfonic Acids; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Caprylates; Environmental Pollutants; Fatty Acids; Female; Fluorocarbons; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Maternal Exposure; Mothers; Ohio; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Sulfonic Acids

Introduction: The approach to the physiology of pregnancy based on adipokine behavior and the homeostasis-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) model, along with their relationship to neonatal weight, has been poorly studied in adolescent pregnant women.\ Objective: To determine possible correlations between adipokines –leptin and adiponectin– and HOMA-IR in pregnant women aged 14 to 17 years, and first-trimester body mass index (BMI) and neonatal weight.\ Materials and methods: In the weeks 11 to 14 of gestation, the biochemical variables leptin, adiponectin, glycemia and insulin were measured and HOMA-IR was calculated. Maternal and neonatal anthropometric variables were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed with Pearson correlation and the p value.\ Results: We noticed a positive correlation of serum leptin levels with HOMA-IR in the first trimester of gestation (r=0.5, p≤0.000) and a negative correlation between adiponectin and HOMA-IR (r=-0.4; p=0.017), along with positive correlations between BMI and leptin, insulin and HOMA-IR (r=0.83 and p <0.000, r=0.56 and p≤0.000; r=0.54 and p≤0.000, respectively). In adolescent non-obese mothers with no history of dyslipidemia, there was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and neonatal weight (r=0.43, p=0.012).\ Conclusions: Leptin and HOMA-IR showed a positive correlation, while adiponectin and HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation. Leptin and HOMA-IR were positively correlated with BMI. HOMA-IR correlated with the weight of neonates of non-obese adolescents without dyslipidemia.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Female; Gestational Age; Homeostasis; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Models, Biological; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Prospective Studies

Children born with IUGR develop features of the metabolic syndrome and exhibit deranged markers of hepatorenal physiology. Metabolic and hepatorenal biochemistry and the rs9939609 FTO polymorphism were investigated in prepubertal children born with IUGR. Ninety-eight prepubertal children (46 IUGR and 52 AGA), subdivided in <5 years and >5 years old groups were included. Anthropometry; creatinine, eGFR, urea, AST, ALT, triglycerides, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, glucose, C-peptide, insulin and glucagon z-scores; HOMA-IR; leptin and adiponectin concentrations; rs9939609 FTO polymorphism frequency were measured. In males, weight and ALT were higher and adiponectin was lower, in IUGR < 5 years; C-peptide, insulin and leptin were higher in IUGR > 5 years; C-peptide was higher in all IUGR, than the respective AGA. In females, creatinine and triglycerides were higher in IUGR < 5 years old; creatinine was higher and eGFR was lower in all IUGR, than the respective AGA. In males and females, creatinine was higher in all IUGR, than the respective AGA; C-peptide, insulin and HOMA-IR were lower, and AST was higher in IUGR < 5 than in IUGR > 5 years old. FTO rs9939609 frequency did not differ between IUGR and AGA. In conclusion prepubertal males born with IUGR increased weight, insulin and leptin and decreased adiponectin, as compared to males born AGA, emerge as early metabolic syndrome characteristics. The concentrations of these hormones do not differ between prepubertal males and females born with IUGR. Weight control, healthy nutrition and physical exercise should be recommended to these children. The deranged renal (particularly evident in females below the age of 5) and liver biochemistry in prepubertal children born with IUGR suggests that hepatorenal derangements might commence in utero. Regular checkup of biochemical and lipid profile is recommended for all children born with IUGR.

Topics: Adiponectin; Alanine Transaminase; Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO; Analysis of Variance; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Creatinine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Polymorphism, Genetic; Pregnancy; Triglycerides; Uric Acid

We aimed to assess the possible relationship between food allergy and two key adipokines - leptin and adiponectin - in children with food allergy. A total of forty patients with definite diagnosis of food allergy according to clinical history and specific IgE (sIgE) for food allergens (group I) were enrolled in this pilot study. The control group (group II) included thirty children with no evidence of allergic symptoms. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were measured by ELISA. Meanwhile, sIgE was measured for the eight most common food allergens by the immunoblot method in all participants. The median ages in groups I and II were 18·5 and 23·5 months, respectively. The respective Caesarean section rate was 64·9 and 16·7 % in groups I and II (P<0·001). Serum levels of adiponectin were significantly higher in the patient group compared with controls (24·11 (sd 12·14) v. 10·67 (sd 12·23) μg/ml, P<0·001), whereas no statistically meaningful difference was detected in serum leptin concentrations (P=0·92). There was a significant inverse relationship between age and adiponectin levels in group I (P=0·002, r -0·479) and group II (P=0·04, r -0·365), and it was more significant in group I. The most common allergens in the patient group were wheat (52·5 %), hazelnut (52·5 %), cow's milk (50 %) and egg white (30 %). The results of this study suggest an essential link between adiponectin and food allergy that is probably unlikely to be affected by obesity as a confounding factor.

Topics: Adiponectin; Allergens; Animals; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Cesarean Section; Child, Preschool; Corylus; Cytokines; Egg Hypersensitivity; Egg White; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Infant; Inflammation; Leptin; Male; Milk; Milk Hypersensitivity; Pilot Projects; Skin Tests; Triticum

The change in maternal lipid, leptin and adiponectin concentrations during pregnancy and infant birth weight (BW) is still poorly characterized. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the association of maternal lipids, leptin and adiponectin throughout pregnancy with large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births and BW z-score. A prospective cohort of 199 mothers was followed during pregnancy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statistical analyses comprised multiple logistic and linear regression. Women delivered 36 LGA and 11 small-for-gestational-age newborns. HDL-c rate of change throughout pregnancy was negatively associated with BW z-score (β = -1.99; p = 0.003) and the delivery of a LGA newborn (OR = 0.02; p = 0.043). Pregnancy baseline concentration of log leptin was positively associated (OR = 3.92; p = 0.025) with LGA births. LDL-c rate of change throughout pregnancy was positively associated with BW z-score (β = 0.31; p = 0.004). Log triglycerides and log adiponectin were not significantly associated with BW z-score or LGA birth. In conclusion, a higher log leptin pregnancy baseline concentration and a lower HDL-c rate of change during pregnancy were associated with higher odds of having a LGA newborn. These maternal biomarkers are important to foetal growth and could be used in prenatal care as an additional strategy to screen women at risk of inadequate BW.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Lipids; Pregnancy

Subjects born with low birth weight (LBW) display a more energy-conserving response to fasting compared with normal birth weight (NBW) subjects. However, the molecular mechanisms explaining these metabolic differences remain unknown. Environmental influences may dynamically affect epigenetic marks, also in postnatal life. Here, we aimed to study the effects of short-term fasting on leptin (. Twenty-one young LBW men and 18 matched NBW controls were studied during 36 h fasting. Eight subjects from each group completed a control study (overnight fast). We analyzed SAT. After overnight fast (control study),. This is the first study to demonstrate that fasting induces changes in DNA methylation. This was shown in

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Fasting; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Leptin; Male; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Subcutaneous Fat; Young Adult

Fetuses exposed to an obese intrauterine environment are more likely to be born large-for-gestational age (LGA) and are at increased risk of obesity in childhood and cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus as adults, but which factors that influence the intrauterine environment is less clear.. To investigate the association between circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin, measured multiple times during pregnancy, and birth weight and prevalence of LGA or small-for-gestational-age infants. The association between birth weight and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of adiponectin receptors and genes involved in nutrient transport in the placenta was also investigated.. Population-based prospective cohort [substudy of the STORK study (STORe barn og Komplikasjoner, translated as Large Babies and Complications)] from 2001 to 2008.. University hospital. Patients or other participants: 300 women.. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed twice along with adiponectin and leptin levels measured four times during pregnancy.. Circulating adiponectin was lower in mothers who gave birth to LGA offspring or had fetuses with high intrauterine abdominal circumference late in pregnancy. Adiponectin decreased most from early to late pregnancy in mothers who gave birth to LGA offspring, and the decrease was an independent predictor of birth weight. Adiponectin receptor 2 and system A amino acid transporter mRNA expression in placentas was negatively correlated with birth weight and was lower in placentas from LGA infants.. Our findings suggest that maternal adiponectin may be an important predictor of fetal growth and birth weight, independent of body mass index and insulin resistance.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Cohort Studies; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Macrosomia; Gestational Age; Glucose Tolerance Test; Hospitals, University; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Receptors, Adiponectin; Retrospective Studies

Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful tool to characterize biomarkers and elucidate physiological processes underlying adverse health outcomes. Little is known of these relationships during gestation and infancy, which are critical period for development of metabolic disease risk.. To identify cord blood metabolite patterns associated with birth size; and to investigate relations of the birth size-associated metabolite patterns, and a branched chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolite pattern with a range of newborn and perinatal characteristics.. Using untargeted mass-spectrometry, we quantified metabolites in cord blood of 126 mother-child pairs. After excluding 103 xenobiotics, we used principal components analysis (PCA) to consolidate the remaining 606 metabolites into principal components ("factors"). Next, we identified factors associated with gestational age-and sex-standardized birthweight z-score (BW/GA) and examined associations of the BW/GA-associated pattern(s) and the BCAA pattern with cord blood insulin, leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2, and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) using multivariable linear regression. Finally, we examined associations of maternal/perinatal characteristics with the cord blood metabolite patterns.. Mean BW/GA z-score was 0.27±0.98 units. About half of the infants were male (52.4%) and white (57.1%). Of the 6 factors identified from PCA, one was associated with higher BW/GA: Factor 5, which comprised metabolites involved in energy production (malate, succinate, fumarate) and nucleotide turnover (inosine 5-monophosphate, adenosine 5-monophosphate, cytidine 5-monophosphate) pathways. In multivariable analysis, Factor 5 was related to higher cord blood leptin (1.64 [95% CI: 0.42, 2.87] ng/mL) and IGF-1 even after adjusting for IGFBP-3 (3.35 [0.25, 6.44] ng/mL). The BCAA pattern was associated with higher BW/GA (0.20 [0.03, 0.36] z-scores) and IGFBP-3 (106.5 [44.7, 168.2] ng/mL). No maternal characteristics were associated with either metabolite pattern; however, infants born via Cesarean delivery exhibited a higher score for Factor 5, and gestation length was inversely associated with the BCAA pattern.. Metabolites in energy production and DNA/RNA turnover pathways in cord blood are associated with larger size at birth, and higher leptin and IGF-1. Similarly, the BCAA pattern was associated with larger birth size and IGFBP-3.

Topics: Adiponectin; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Leptin; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Metabolomics; Pregnancy

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of birthweight on bodyweight development, development of the genital tract, onset of puberty and their associations with insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and leptin concentrations. Pairs of littermate gilts from 51 litters were selected: one piglet with the highest birthweight (HW; 1.5±0.2kg) and the other with the lowest birthweight (LW; 1.0±0.2kg). Gilt pairs were killed at either fixed ages (80.8±1.2 days; AG; 16 pairs), fixed bodyweight (35.2±1.4kg; WG; 16 pairs) or after first oestrus (EG; 19 pairs). In the AG group, HW gilts were 5.6kg heavier at the time of death than LW gilts. In the WG group, LW gilts were 5.9 days older at the time of death (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the number or size of total antral follicles or in the follicle population among birthweight classes. Age at puberty was similar between the HW and LW gilts, but bodyweight at time of death was greater for HW gilts (P<0.05). Birthweight did not affect the development of the genital tract, ovulation rate or hormone plasma concentrations. These results suggest that birthweight does not affect the development of the genital tract before puberty and puberty onset.

Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Birth Weight; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Ovarian Follicle; Sexual Maturation; Swine; Uterus

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ADIPOQ rs2241766, LEP rs7799039, and FTO rs9939609 polymorphisms on the birth weight status of Brazilian infants.. This cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil. Large for gestational age (LGA) newborns (n = 105), and the same number of small for gestational age/adequate for gestational age newborns, were included. Genotyping of the rs2241766, rs7799039, and rs9939609 polymorphisms was done by PCR-RFLP analysis. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between LGA newborns and the presence of the polymorphisms.. Infants carrying the GG genotype of the rs7799039 polymorphism were 2.12 times more likely to be born LGA than those carrying the GA + AA genotypes (95% CI: 1.17-3.83). These results did not change substantially after adjusting for potential confounding variables (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.05-3.73) and adjustment for the three polymorphisms (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.05-3.74). Regarding the ADIPOQ polymorphism, newborns carrying the TG or GG genotype were 1.88 times more likely to be born LGA than those carrying the TT genotype, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.082). No association was found between the FTO gene polymorphism and newborn weight status.. This study showed that the GG genotype of the LEP polymorphism rs7799039 is a risk factor for LGA infants. The exact role and mechanism of action of the GG genotype of this polymorphism in weight status control remain to be elucidated, and more studies are needed.

Topics: Adiponectin; Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO; Birth Weight; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Genotype; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Polymorphism, Genetic; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Risk Factors

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between skinfold thickness and serum leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and resistin levels in infants of diabetic mothers. Biochemical parameters were also similar for the two groups (infants of diabetic mothers and controls) (p > 0.05). We confirmed that there was a negative correlation between birth weight and serum ghrelin level (p < 0.05) in the two groups. When it was evaluated for control newborns, a positive correlation between abdominal circumference and serum resistin level was found in the controls (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that gestational diabetes by appropriate diet or insulin treatment may be effective in the protection of fetuses of diabetic mothers from the negative effects of gestational diabetes. Ghrelin alone was negatively correlated with birth weight. This negative correlation could be potentially advantageous to infants, because a reduction in appetite might prevent excessive food intake and postnatal weight gain.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Feeding Behavior; Female; Gestational Age; Ghrelin; Glucose Tolerance Test; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Resistin; Skinfold Thickness; Weight Gain

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome later in life. We explored whether adipokine concentrations in cord blood (CB) and on day 3 (D3) were related to impaired fetal growth and lipids in IUGR twins.. Thirty-six discordant (birth weight [BW] discordance ≥20% calculated in relation to the heavier co-twins) and 42 concordant (BW discordance ≤ 10%) twin pairs were included.. In IUGR twins, both adiponectin/BW and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly higher, while total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower in CB. On D3, both leptin and HDL-C levels were significantly lower and TG levels were significantly higher in IUGR twins. In the discordant group, the alterations in lipids were not related to any adipokine.. IUGR is related to lower leptin level and proatherogenic lipid profile (higher TG and lower HDL-C), which are not influenced by adipokine at birth.

Topics: Adipokines; Adult; Birth Weight; Diseases in Twins; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Leptin; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Twin

Exposure to maternal adiposity during pregnancy is associated with higher offspring birth weight and greater adiposity through childhood and adult life. As birth weight reflects the summation of lean and fat mass, the extent to which fat mass at birth tracks into later life is unknown.. To determine whether fat mass at birth is associated with child and adolescent adiposity.. UK birth cohort with markers of neonatal fat mass; cord blood leptin, adiponectin, and birth weight and adiposity outcomes at age 9 (n = 2775) and 17 years (n = 2138).. Offspring body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-determined fat mass, and obesity at age 9 and 17 years.. Higher cord blood leptin was associated with higher z scores of fat mass [difference in mean per 10 pg/mL: 0.03 standard deviation (SD); 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.00 to 0.06], waist circumference (0.04 SD; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.07), and BMI (0.04 SD; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.08) at age 9. However, by age 17 the adjusted results were attenuated to the null. Cord blood adiponectin was not associated with measures of adiposity at age 9. At age 17, cord blood adiponectin was positively associated with fat mass (0.02 SD per 10 μg/mL; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.03) and waist circumference (0.04 SD per 10 μg/mL; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.05). Birth weight was positively associated with waist circumference (0.03 SD per 100 g; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.04) and BMI (0.02 SD per 100 g; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.03), but not fat mass or odds of obesity. Cord blood leptin and adiponectin were not associated with obesity at either age.. Increased cord blood leptin and adiponectin, known surrogates of fetal fat mass, were weakly associated with increased fat mass in late childhood and adolescence, respectively.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adipokines; Adiponectin; Adiposity; Adolescent; Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Child; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Obesity; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Waist Circumference

Birthweight of Thoroughbred foals has increased in recent years. It is unknown whether this is associated with increased broodmare obesity or endocrine dysfunction.. To determine insulin, leptin and triglyceride concentrations in Thoroughbred mares throughout gestation and investigate their association with obesity and foal birthweight.. Cohort study.. A total of 66 mares were included from 40 days post-breeding. Body condition score (BCS), weight and blood samples were obtained every 60 days throughout gestation. Serum/plasma insulin, leptin and triglyceride concentrations and foal birthweight were recorded. Associations between hormone/triglyceride concentration with BCS, stage of gestation and birthweight were analysed using a linear mixed effects model.. Serum insulin concentrations were greater at 1-60 days (4.31 μiu/mL) compared with 241-300 days (3.13 μiu/mL) and 61-120 days (5.33 μiu/mL) compared with 181-240, 241-300 and 301-360 days (3.78, 3.13, 3.37 μiu/mL) gestation (P<0.05). There was no significant hyperinsulinaemia and no association of insulin concentration with BCS. Leptin concentration was greater at 181-240 days (2.28 μg/L, P<0.0001) compared with all other time points and correlated with BCS (P<0.0003). Triglyceride concentration was greater at 241-300 days (0.245 mmol, P<0.02) compared with earlier time points, but was not associated with BCS. Foal birthweight was weakly positively correlated with BCS (r = 0.13, P<0.001) and inversely correlated with leptin concentrations at 61-120 and 241-300 days gestation (r = -0.64, P<0.05).. Reduction in sample size over the study and tight clustering of BCS.. Mare BCS correlated with foal birthweight; obese mares had heavier foals. Significant hyperinsulinaemia was not identified in this population. Increased leptin concentration in early and late gestation was associated with decreased foal birthweight. Further work is required to establish whether leptin concentration in late gestation could predict foal birthweight.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Female; Horse Diseases; Horses; Insulin; Leptin; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal

Neonatal adiposity has many determinants and may be a risk factor for future obesity. Epigenetic regulation of metabolically important genes is a potential contributor.. The objective of the study is to determine whether methylation changes in the LEP gene in cord blood DNA are impacted by the maternal environment or affect neonatal adiposity measures.. A cross-sectional study of 114 full-term neonates born to healthy mothers with normal glucose tolerance was performed. Cord blood was assayed for leptin and genome-wide DNA methylation profiles via the Illumina 450K platform. Neonatal body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography. Multivariate linear regression models and semi-partial correlation coefficients were used to analyze associations. False discovery rate was estimated to account for multiple comparisons.. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with decreased methylation at five CpG sites near the LEP transcription start site in an adjusted model (false discovery rate <0.022 for each site). The association between maternal BMI and cord blood leptin approached significance (r = 0.18, p = 0.054). Cord blood leptin was positively correlated with neonatal adiposity measures including birth weight (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), fat mass (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) and percent body fat (r = 0.44, p < 0.001).. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is strongly associated with decreased cord blood LEP gene methylation and may mediate the well-known association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and neonatal adiposity.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA Methylation; Down-Regulation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Plethysmography; Pregnancy; Risk Factors

During pregnancy, maternal circulating leptin is released by maternal adipose tissue and the placenta, and may have a role in fetal development.. We investigated maternal leptinemia and glycemia associations with neonatal adiposity, taking into account pregravid weight status.. We included 235 pregnant women from the Genetics of Glucose Regulation in Gestation and Growth prospective cohort with data: blood samples collected during the 2nd trimester, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the measured leptin and glucose levels. As an integrated measure of maternal leptin exposure, we calculated the area under the curve for maternal leptin at the OGTT (AUCleptin). Within 72 h of delivery, we measured the triceps, biceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses (SFTs); the sum of these SFTs represented neonatal adiposity. We conducted a regression analysis to assess the maternal metabolic determinants of neonatal adiposity, adjusting for parity, smoking status, maternal triglyceride levels, gestational weight gain, placental weight, delivery mode, neonate sex, and gestational age at delivery.. The pregravid BMI of the participating women was 23.3 (21.2-27.0). In the 2nd trimester, maternal AUCleptin was 1,292.0 (767.0-2,222.5) (ng × min)/mL, and fasting glucose levels were 4.2 ± 0.4 mmol/L. At delivery, the neonatal sum of 4 SFTs was 17.9 ± 3.3 mm. Higher maternal leptinemia was associated with higher neonatal adiposity (β = 4.23 mm [SE = 1.77] per log-AUCleptin; p = 0.02) in mothers with a BMI ≥25, independently of confounders and maternal glycemia, but not in mothers with a BMI <25. Higher maternal fasting glucose was associated with higher neonatal adiposity (β = 0.88 mm [SE = 0.30] per SD glucose; p = 0.005) in mothers with a BMI <25, independently of confounders and maternal leptinemia.. Maternal leptinemia may be associated with neonatal adiposity in offspring from overweight/obese mothers, independently of maternal glycemia.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Linear Models; Male; Mothers; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Quebec; Young Adult

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Unlike behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, the effect of GWG throughout pregnancy on fetal development and other outcomes has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of GWG with endocrine factors such as adiponectin, leptin, and C-reactive protein which may be associated with inflammatory response, fetal growth, and adiposity later in life. Data were obtained from the Ulm Birth Cohort Study (UBCS) and the Ulm SPATZ Health Study, two methodologically similar birth cohort studies including newborns and their mothers recruited from 11/2000-11/2001 and 04/2012-05/2013. In the two included birth cohorts we consistently observed statistically significant positive associations between GWG beginning as early as the second trimester with fetal cord blood leptin and stronger association beginning as early as the first trimester with post-delivery maternal serum leptin. Total weight gain exceeding commonly accepted recommended guidelines was consistently associated with higher leptin levels in both cord blood and post-delivery maternal serum. These results suggest a potential pathomechanistic link between fetal environment and surrogate markers of long-term health.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adiposity; Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Weight; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Weight Gain

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous, persistent chemicals that have been widely used in the production of common household and consumer goods for their nonflammable, lipophobic, and hydrophobic properties. Inverse associations between maternal or umbilical cord blood concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonate and birth weight have been identified. This literature has primarily examined each PFAS individually without consideration of the potential influence of correlated exposures. Further, the association between PFAS exposures and indicators of metabolic function (i.e., leptin and adiponectin) has received limited attention. We examined associations between first-trimester maternal plasma PFAS concentrations and birth weight and cord blood concentrations of leptin and adiponectin using data on 1,705 mother-infant pairs from the Maternal Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a trans-Canada birth cohort study that recruited women between 2008 and 2011. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to quantify associations and calculate credible intervals. Maternal perfluorooctanoic acid concentrations were inversely associated with birth weight z score, though the null value was included in all credible intervals (log10 β = −0.10, 95% credible interval: −0.34, 0.13). All associations between maternal PFAS concentrations and cord blood adipocytokine concentrations were of small magnitude and centered around the null value. Follow-up in a cohort of children is required to determine how the observed associations manifest in childhood.

Topics: Adiponectin; Bayes Theorem; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Canada; Cohort Studies; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetus; Fluorocarbons; Hazardous Substances; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Maternal Exposure; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a nonselective nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. NO regulates placental blood flow, which plays an important role in fetal growth. Many epidemiological studies have disclosed that restricted fetal growth is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance in adult life. We studied the relationship between ADMA in cord blood and birth size. Nine small for gestational age (SGA) and 32 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants were studied. Their cord plasma ADMA, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and adipocytokine levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The relationship between birth weight and ADMA levels followed a U-shaped curve rather than inverse linear associations expected over a full range of birth weight distribution. ADMA positively correlated with birth weight in the AGA group (p<0.001, R=0.590), and inversely correlated with birth weight in the SGA group (p<0.05, R=-0.741). ADMA inversely correlated with adiponectin (p<0.05, R=-0.289) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (p<0.05, R=-0.294) in all subjects, and did not correlate with nitrogen oxides (NO

Topics: Arginine; Birth Weight; Child Development; Computer Graphics; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Growth Charts; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male

The etiology of childhood obesity and the associated morbidity is multifactorial. Recently, data suggesting a prenatal programming towards later childhood obesity and metabolic deregulation through the intrauterine environment has emerged. This study explored the concentrations of adipokines and their mutual relationship at birth in children born to non-diabetic mothers.. Adiponectin, leptin and sOB-R were measured using ELISA-based commercial kits in umbilical cord blood from 60 neonates (30 born large for gestational age [LGA] and 30 born appropriate for gestational age [AGA]). Children exposed to maternal diabetes, chronic disease and preeclampsia were excluded.. The LGA group exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of leptin (p<0.001) and of free leptin index (p<0.001) and decreased sOB-R concentrations (p=0.005) when compared to the AGA group, which persisted in multiple regression analysis after taking the gestational age into account (p=0.048, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Only a trend towards a difference in adiponectin was demonstrated (p=0.057) regardless of adjustment (p=0.150). However, the leptin/adiponectin ratio was elevated in the LGA group (p=0.008), regardless of adjustment (p=0.039).. The data indicate a disturbance of adipokines in macrosomic newborns and that the mutual ratios between adipokines may provide a more sensitive marker of metabolic disturbance than any isolated adipokine.

Topics: Adipokines; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Macrosomia; Fetal Monitoring; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Young Adult

The objective was to determine the value of clinical and analytical maternal factors to predict birth weight and umbilical cord biochemical markers of diabetic fetopathy.. Prospective evaluation of gestational diabetes pregnancies (n = 50). Maternal weight-related clinical and analytical factors were collected during pregnancy. After birth, an umbilical cord sample was taken.. Univariate linear regression analysis showed relationship between maternal weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) with birth weight percentile. A significant association was found between maternal weight and cord insulin and C-peptide. Maternal HbA1c, leptin and insulin during pregnancy showed a positive linear association to cord leptin, insulin and C-peptide. In multivariate analysis models, final maternal BMI showed an independent positive association with cord C-peptide.. Maternal weight-related and analytical parameters show diagnostic value to birth weight and cord markers.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Weight; C-Peptide; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Diseases; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Pregnancy

To examine associations of birth size and weight gain during 4 early-life age intervals with midchildhood adiposity and metabolic profile and to evaluate for an interaction between birth size and early-life weight gain.. Using data from 963 participants of Project Viva, a US prebirth cohort, we used multivariable linear regression to examine relations of birth size (tertiles of birthweight-for-gestational-age z-score) and weight gain (body mass index z-score [BMIZ] change) during 4 age intervals (birth-6 months, 6 months-1 year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years) with body composition and metabolic biomarkers during midchildhood (6.6-10.7 years).. After accounting for confounders and previous growth, greater BMIZ change during all 4 age intervals corresponded with higher midchildhood adiposity, with larger effect sizes for later (1-2 years and 2-3 years) vs earlier (birth-6 months and 6 months-1 year) time frames. We observed effect modification by birth size for the birth-6 months and 6 months-1 year intervals. Greater birth-6 months BMIZ change was associated with higher overall adiposity (0.40 [95% CI 0.29, 0.51] kg dual x-ray absorptiometry total fat mass per z-score) among children in the highest birth size tertile. Similar associations were observed for central adiposity. Each increment in 6 months-1 year BMIZ change corresponded with 0.55 (0.05, 1.05) units higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and 2.68 (0.96, 4.40) ng/mL higher leptin among the smallest infants.. BMIZ gain after 1 year is associated with greater midchildhood adiposity regardless of birth size, whereas the long-term influence of weight gain during the first postnatal year may depend on size at birth. Future studies are warranted to validate findings and examine relations with conventional birth size cut-offs.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adiposity; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Multivariate Analysis; Weight Gain

Most adipose tissue programming is realized in early life. Also, the postnatal three months, rather than the later phases of infancy, may be more relevant in the development of an adverse cardiometabolic risk profile. The adipokines phenotype, as a predictor of early-life weight gain, has been recently explored in cord blood. To determine whether in addition to leptin levels in cord samples, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels improve weight gain prediction during the first three months of life.. Adiponectin, IL-6, MCP-1, leptin, resistin, PAI-1, and TNF-α were measured by multiplex immunoassay in a subsample of 86 healthy term newborns.. Leptin levels significantly predicted weight gain at 3 months of follow-up (r2=0.09, p=0.006). In the multivariate analysis, including additional adipokines in the model, stepwise or all at once, did not increase the prediction of weight gain after the first three months of life.. Adding adiponectin, IL-6, MCP-1, resistin, PAI-1, and TNF-α to the prediction model of weight gain in healthy newborns did not prove to be useful. It is probable that their relative contribution to weight gain is not important. Only leptin was relevant as a predictor of weight gain at the 3-month endpoint.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Birth Weight; Chemokine CCL2; Fetal Blood; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunoassay; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Interleukin-6; Leptin; Multivariate Analysis; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Predictive Value of Tests; Resistin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Weight Gain

To compare the concentrations of adipokines in amniotic fluid (AF) and cord blood collected from discordant dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twin fetuses.. The study population included DCDA twins discordant for fetal growth (birth weight difference >10%) who either underwent mid-trimester amniocentesis for routine clinical indication (Cohort 1) or whose amniotic fluid was collected at the time of delivery (Cohort 2). In both cohorts, cord blood was collected at delivery.. A total of 92 twin pairs were enrolled (n = 49 in Cohort 1; n = 43 in Cohort 2). In Cohort 1, the concentrations of adiponectin (median, 68.5 ng/mL vs 61.4 ng/mL; p<0.05) and leptin (median, 13.9 ng/mL vs 11.2 ng/mL; p<0.1) in mid-trimester AF were significantly higher in smaller compared with larger twins. In Cohort 2, the concentration of serpin E1 (median, 246.0 ng/mL vs 182.8 ng/mL; p<0.01) in AF at delivery was significantly higher in smaller twins, but no difference was noted in adiponectin and leptin concentrations. Levels of adiponectin (median, 10425.5 ng/mL vs 11552.0 ng/mL; p<0.005) and leptin (median, 2.1 ng/mL vs 2.6 ng/mL; p<0.005) were significantly lower in the cord blood of smaller twins whereas cord blood concentrations of serpin E1 (median, 15.5 ng/mL vs 13.3 ng/mL; p<0.05) was higher in the smaller twins.. In discordant DCDA twin pairs, concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, and serpin E1 in mid-trimester AF, AF at delivery, and cord blood at birth vary significantly but predictably between the smaller and larger twins.

Topics: Adipokines; Amniocentesis; Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Humans; Leptin; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimesters; Retrospective Studies; Twins, Dizygotic

The objective of this study is to evaluate third-trimester fetal liver biometry, to predict birth weight and cord markers at birth in diabetic pregnancies.. Fetal liver biometry (liver diameters, area and volume) was obtained between 32 and 34 weeks. A blood sample was obtained from cord after birth. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve models were evaluated for 75th and 90th birth weight percentile. Univariate and multivariate models were used.. All the hepatic diameters, area and sectional volume demonstrated significant differences in both birth weight percentile ⩾75 and ⩾90. All ROC curves showed significant values. A significant association was observed for all measurements with birth weight. In multivariate model, liver area volume gave significant values for predicting birth weight. Cord leptin, c-peptide and ferritin were related to fetal hepatic size.. The hepatic changes in gestational diabetes were valid to predict birth weight and metabolic changes at birth.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Biometry; Birth Weight; C-Peptide; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Weight; Fetus; Humans; Leptin; Linear Models; Liver; Multivariate Analysis; Organ Size; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Spain; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

This study investigates correlations between mother and infant Body Mass Index (BMI), their serum leptin values and breast milk leptin concentration in early infancy.. We determined serum leptin values in 58 healthy infants and leptin values in their mothers' breast milk, using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Infant and maternal anthropometrics were measured.. Median leptin concentration was 3.9 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 2.75) in infant serum, 4.27 ng/mL (IQR: 5.62) in maternal serum and 0.89 ng/mL (IQR: 1.32) in breast milk. Median maternal BMI and weight were 24 kg/m² (IQR: 4.41) and 64 kg (IQR: 15). Median infant BMI was 15.80 kg/cm² (IQR: 4.02), while average weight was 5.130 kg (IQR: 1.627). Infants serum leptin values positively correlated with infants' BMI (p = 0.001; r = 0.213) and breast milk leptin (p = 0.03; r = 0.285). Maternal serum leptin values positively correlated with maternal BMI (p = 0.000, r = 0.449) and breast milk leptin ones (p = 0.026; r = 0.322).. Breast milk leptin and maternal BMI could influence infant serum leptin values. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the role of genetics and environment on infant leptin production and risk of obesity later in life.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Milk, Human; Mothers; Radioimmunoassay

Low early-life leptin concentrations may promote faster weight gain in infancy. We aimed to examine the associations between cord blood leptin concentrations and changes in weight and body composition during infancy.. Serum leptin was measured at 15 weeks gestation, in umbilical cord blood collected at delivery and at 2 years in 334 children from the Cork Baseline Birth Cohort Study. Body composition was measured at 2 days and 2 months using air displacement plethysmography. Conditional change in weight standard deviation scores over a number of age intervals in the first 2 years and conditional change in fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) (kg/(length)m(2)) between birth and 2 months were calculated and associations with cord blood leptin were examined using linear regression.. At birth, cord blood leptin was positively correlated with FMI (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) and showed a weaker correlation with FFMI (r = 0.12, P = 0.05). After adjustment for confounders, higher cord blood leptin (per ng/mL) was associated with slower conditional weight gain between birth and 2 months (β (95% CI): -0.024 (-0.035, -0.013), P < 0.001) but not over subsequent age intervals. Cord blood leptin was also inversely associated with conditional change in FMI (-0.021 (-0.034, -0.007, P = 0.003) but not FFMI between birth and 2 months.. These are the first data to show that associations between higher cord blood leptin and slower weight gain during infancy are driven by lower increases in adiposity, at least in early infancy.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Plethysmography; Weight Gain

This study aimed to gain new insights into both systemic and placental leptin and its receptors, with reference to the maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). Thus, 84 women (29 lean, 24 overweight, and 31 obese) were recruited and maternal, cord blood, and placental tissues collected prior to term labor. Plasma levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for placenta, immunohistochemistry and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were quantitated. We confirmed that maternal leptin increased linearly as the soluble receptor decreased with BMI (P = .001). Fetal leptin increased with maternal BMI (P = .02) and birth weight (P = .006) and was higher in female infants (P < .001). Placental mRNA levels of leptin and its receptors showed no change in BMI. However, we show a significant (P = .043) linear increase in leptin in the placental vascular endothelial cells with maternal obesity, while leptin in syncytiotrophoblast showed no statistical change. Leptin receptors localized to syncytiotrophoblast and intravillous macrophages and were unchanged with BMI.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Endothelial Cells; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Macrophages; Male; Obesity; Placenta; Pregnancy; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Leptin; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Sex Factors; Trophoblasts

To investigate relationship between anthropometric values of premature babies with their's glucose, insulin, leptin, and ghrelin at birth and on day 15.. We analyzed fasting and postprandial glucose, insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels at birth and on day 15 in babies born prematurely between 24 and 37 weeks, and who did not have serious problems aside from prematurity at birth.. Fasting glucose, insulin, leptin and ghrelin values of babies at birth and on day 15 were significantly lower than postprandial values (all p values p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the mean insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels with the gestational age, birth weight, body mass index, head circumference of babies at birth, and anthropometric values on day 15 (all r values > 0.400, all p values < 0.05). Fasting glucose, leptin, and ghrelin values of mothers birth were significantly lower than post-prandial values (all p values p < 0.05).. The positive correlations between the insulin, leptin, and ghrelin values of babies at birth with gestational age and anthropometric values suggest that both hormones play important roles in fetal and neonatal growth and development.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Fasting; Female; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Ghrelin; Head; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Prospective Studies

Human milk contains many metabolic hormones that may influence infant growth. Milk leptin is positively associated with maternal adiposity and inversely associated with infant growth. Most research has been conducted in populations with higher leptin levels; it is not well understood how milk leptin may vary in lean populations or the associations that reduced leptin may have with infant size for age. It is also largely unknown if associations between maternal body composition and milk leptin persist past 1 year of age.. We investigated the association between maternal body composition and milk leptin content in a sample of lean Filipino women and the association between milk leptin content and infant size for age.. Milk samples were collected at in-home visits from 113 mothers from Cebu, Philippines. Milk leptin content was measured using EIA techniques; anthropometric data, dietary recalls, and household information were also collected.. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) milk leptin in this sample was 300.7 ± 293.6 pg/mL, among the lowest previously reported. Mean ± SD maternal percentage body fat was 24.8% ± 3.5%. Mean ± SD infant age was 9.9 ± 7.0 months, and mean ± SD weight for age z-score was -0.98 ± 1.06. Maternal percentage body fat was a significant, positive predictor of milk leptin content. Milk leptin was a significant, inverse predictor of infant weight and body mass index z-scores in infants 1 year old or younger.. The association between maternal body composition, milk leptin, and infant growth persists in mothers with lean body composition. Milk leptin is not associated with growth in older infants.

Topics: Adult; Asian People; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Breast Feeding; Child Development; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Milk, Human; Philippines; Pregnancy; Young Adult

To ascertain the association between umbilical cord levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin, and birth weight (BW) and newborn weight change (NWC) in the first 96 h of life.. 392 full-term singletons were recruited, in 2005/2006, at the five public units providing obstetrical and neonatal care in Porto. Information was collected by face-to-face interview and additionally from clinical records. Umbilical cord blood adipokines levels were determined and categorized using the 10th and 90th percentiles. Anthropometrics were obtained by trained examiners and NWC estimated as (weight - BW)/BW × 100, adjusted for newborn's age. Regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.. Low leptin levels (≤5.6 ng/ml) were associated with lower BW (β = -137.3 g 95%CI -268.6 g, -6.1 g) and high leptin levels (≥30.7 ng/ml) were associated with higher BW (β = 276.3 g 95%CI 145.8 g, 406.8 g) and higher NWC (β = 1.10% 95% CI 0.29%, 1.92%), comparing to newborns with normal leptin levels. Adiponectin and resistin were not associated with BW or NWC.. High umbilical cord blood leptin levels predicted higher BW and lower weight loss in the immediate postnatal period.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Resistin; Weight Loss

Accumulating evidence suggests that maternal obesity increases the risk of their offspring developing noncommunicable diseases later in life, but the potential mechanisms, especially those resulting in abnormal respiratory conditions, are not thoroughly understood. Here, we used maternal high-fat diet (HFD) feeding during premating, pregnancy, and lactation to investigate the effect of maternal HFD on offspring lung development. Offspring birth weight and body weight and composition were measured. Serum leptin levels were measured by ELISA. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson's staining were used in paraffin-embedded lung sections. Levels of transfer growth factor-β (TGF-β) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were examined by immunohistochemistry and western blot, respectively. Maternal HFD feeding during pregnancy and lactation lead to higher birth weight, final body weight, fat accumulation and hyperleptinemia in offspring. Maternal HFD feeding aggravated lung inflammatory response in the offspring, resulting in inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition potentially via the enhanced expression of TGF-β and α-SMA in the offspring.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Weight; Diet, High-Fat; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Lactation; Leptin; Lung; Male; Pneumonia; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Critical metabolic changes preparing for ex utero life may occur at the fetal age of approximately 28-32 weeks, and preterm birth <28 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) may affect these pathways. Children born <28 weeks often have poorer outcomes possibly due to a major shift in metabolism, including nutritional supply and a shift in lipid-transporting particles and lipid profile. This shift may occur in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels, which may influence metabolism.. To determine whether there is a shift in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels in neonates born at a gestational age (GA) of 28 and 32 weeks, respectively.. Blood samples from 47 infants (GA 32 weeks, n = 30 and GA 28 weeks, n = 17) were collected at birth and, in the GA28 group, also at PMA 32 weeks. Apolipoproteins A-1, A-2, B, C-2, C-3, and E were analyzed, as well as adiponectin and leptin levels.. Serum levels of apolipoproteins A-1, C-2, C-3, and E were lower at birth in the GA28 group compared to the GA32 group. Adiponectin and leptin levels were low at birth in the GA28 group. In the GA28 group 4 weeks after birth, leptin levels were still low, whereas adiponectin levels had increased to levels similar to those found at birth in the GA32 group. Apolipoprotein A-1, C-2, C-3, and E levels were negatively correlated with days receiving total parenteral nutrition.. There are significant differences in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels, which can be associated with GA and birth weight. The impact of these changes on neonatal and future morbidity remains to be determined.

Topics: Adiponectin; Apolipoproteins; Birth Weight; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Male; Premature Birth

Leptin is an adipokine that regulates energy homeostasis. The objective of this study was to establish a gestational age-specific standard for amniotic fluid leptin (AFL) levels and examine the relationship between AFL, maternal overweight and fetal growth restriction.. Amniotic fluid was obtained at mid-gestation from singleton gravidas, and leptin was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Amniotic fluid samples from 321 term pregnancies were analyzed. Clinical data, including fetal ultrasound measurements and maternal and infant characteristics, were available for a subset of patients (n=45).. The median interquartile range AFL level was significantly higher at 14 weeks' gestation (2133 pg ml(-1) (1703 to 4347)) than after 33 weeks' gestation (519 pg ml(-1) (380 to 761), P trend<0.0001), an average difference of 102 pg ml(-1) per week. AFL levels were positively correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (r=0.36, P=0.03) adjusting for gestational age at measurement, but were not associated with fetal growth.. AFL levels are higher at mid-gestation than at late gestation, and are associated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Linear Models; Male; Overweight; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third

Describe the impact of teen pregnancy on later ovarian activity and metabolic hormones considering the concentration of current levels of ovarian steroids and leptin in a sample of Mexican females.. Cross-sectional study in the maternity of the General Hospital of Atlacomulco and campus of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico.. 71 women between the ages of 18 and 24, and 160 neonates seen between March 2010 and June 2012.. The measurements obtained included anthropometric body composition (bioelectrical impedance), serum hormone quantification of ovarian steroids and leptin (immunoassays), and the Apgar scores, height, and weight in neonates. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Student, and chi-square for P < .05.. Adolescent mothers showed significantly lower concentrations of estradiol (P = .001) and progesterone (P = .001). However, higher levels of leptin in adolescent mothers were not statistically different compared with older mothers (P = .84). Also, leptin was correlated with all measures of adiposity. The mean birth weights (P = .001) and Apgar scores (P = .001) were lower in neonates of adolescent mothers than in neonates of adult mothers. There was no association between maternal age with the anthropometric variables studied.. Early reproduction represents a metabolic stress condition that modifies the long term ovarian activity and metabolic hormones, and impacts the morbidity-mortality of the mother and offspring in a later vital life cycle stage.

Topics: Adiposity; Adolescent; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Fat Distribution; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Estradiol; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Mexican Americans; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Pregnancy Outcome; Progesterone; Risk Factors; Young Adult

Maternal obesity increases adult offspring risk for cardiovascular disease; however, the role of offspring adiposity in mediating this association remains poorly characterized.. To investigate the associations of maternal pre-pregnant body mass index (maternal BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with neonatal cardiometabolic markers independent of fetal growth and neonatal adiposity.. A total of 753 maternal-infant pairs from the Healthy Start study, a large multiethnic pre-birth observational cohort were used. Neonatal cardiometabolic markers included cord blood glucose, insulin, glucose-to-insulin ratio (Glu/Ins), total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides, free fatty acids and leptin. Maternal BMI was abstracted from medical records or self-reported. GWG was calculated as the difference between the first pre-pregnant weight and the last weight measurement before delivery. Neonatal adiposity (percent fat mass) was measured within 72 h of delivery using whole-body air-displacement plethysmography.. In covariate adjusted models, maternal BMI was positively associated with cord blood insulin (P=0.01) and leptin (P<0.001) levels, and inversely associated with cord blood HDL-c (P=0.05) and Glu/Ins (P=0.003). Adjustment for fetal growth or neonatal adiposity attenuated the effect of maternal BMI on neonatal insulin, rendering the association nonsignificant. However, maternal BMI remained associated with higher leptin (P<0.0011), lower HDL-c (P=0.02) and Glu/Ins (P=0.05), independent of neonatal adiposity. GWG was positively associated with neonatal insulin (P=0.02), glucose (P=0.03) and leptin levels (P<0.001) and negatively associated with Glu/Ins (P=0.006). After adjusting for neonatal adiposity, GWG remained associated with higher neonatal glucose (P=0.02) and leptin levels (P=0.02) and lower Glu/Ins (P=0.048).. Maternal weight prior and/or during pregnancy is associated with neonatal cardiometabolic makers including leptin, glucose and HDL-c at delivery, independent of neonatal adiposity. Our results suggest that intrauterine exposure to maternal obesity influences metabolic processes beyond fetal growth and fat accretion.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Colorado; Female; Fetal Development; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Lipoproteins, HDL; Longitudinal Studies; Obesity; Plethysmography; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Triglycerides; Weight Gain

Offspring of women with diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy have a risk of developing metabolic disease in adulthood greater than that conferred by genetics alone. The mechanisms responsible are unknown, but likely involve fetal exposure to the in utero milieu, including glucose and circulating adipokines. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of maternal DM on fetal adipokines and anthropometry in infants of Hispanic and Native American women.. We conducted a prospective study of offspring of mothers with normoglycemia (Con-O; n = 79) or type 2 or gestational DM (DM-O; n = 45) pregnancies. Infant anthropometrics were measured at birth and 1-month of age. Cord leptin, high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMWA), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and C-peptide were measured by ELISA. Differences between groups were assessed using the Generalized Linear Model framework. Correlations were calculated as standardized regression coefficients and adjusted for significant covariates.. DM-O were heavier at birth than Con-O (3.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.4 ± 0.4 kg, p = 0.024), but sum of skinfolds (SSF) were not different. At 1-month, there was no difference in weight, SSF or % body fat or postnatal growth between groups. Leptin was higher in DM-O (20.1 ± 14.9 vs. 9.5 ± 9.9 ng/ml in Con-O, p < 0.0001). Leptin was positively associated with birth weight (p = 0.0007) and SSF (p = 0.002) in Con-O and with maternal hemoglobin A1c in both groups (Con-O, p = 0.023; DM-O, p = 0.006). PEDF was positively associated with birth weight in all infants (p = 0.004). Leptin was positively associated with PEDF in both groups, with a stronger correlation in DM-O (p = 0.009). At 1-month, HMWA was positively associated with body weight (p = 0.004), SSF (p = 0.025) and % body fat (p = 0.004) across the cohort.. Maternal DM results in fetal hyperleptinemia independent of adiposity. HMWA appears to influence postnatal growth. Thus, in utero exposure to DM imparts hormonal differences on infants even without aberrant growth.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Child Development; Child of Impaired Parents; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Fetal Blood; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Indians, North American; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Young Adult

The leptin (LEP) gene encodes a protein that greatly affects the regulation of body weight, energy balance, and food intake in mammals. The objective of the present work was to identify genetic variants of the caprine LEP gene in 411 individuals from five Chinese goat breeds. Six novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (g.117T > C, g.1642G > A, g.2883G > A, g.3053T > C, g.3190G > A, and g.3314T > C) were detected using DNA sequencing. A chi-squared (χ(2)) test showed that all of the LEP SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the studied population (P > 0.05). Six common haplotypes were identified in the five goat populations, with frequencies ranging from 0.083 to 0.244. The r(2) linkage disequilibrium plot of the LEP SNPs indicated linkage disequilibrium only in the cultured breeds (NJ and JY). Statistical analysis revealed that all of the six SNPs of the LEP gene were associated with growth traits. The individuals with the GG genotype at g.1642G>A and g.3190G > A loci showed higher birth weight (2.38 ± 0.03, 2.43 ± 0.05) and weight at 2 months of age (10.59 ± 0.16, 10.71 ± 0.26) than the A-bearing genotypes (AA or GA, P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that polymorphisms of the caprine LEP gene might be important genetic factors influencing growth traits, and these genetic markers may be useful for future marker-assisted selection programs in goat breeding and production.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Base Sequence; Birth Weight; China; DNA; Female; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Markers; Goats; Haplotypes; Leptin; Linkage Disequilibrium; Male; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Quantitative Trait, Heritable; Selective Breeding; Weight Gain

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe cardiovascular malformation (CVM) associated with fetal growth abnormalities. Genetic and environmental factors have been identified that contribute to pathogenesis, but the role of the placenta is unknown. The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the placenta in HLHS with and without growth abnormalities.. HLHS term singleton births were identified from a larger cohort when placenta tissue was available. Clinical data were collected from maternal and neonatal medical records, including anthropometrics and placental pathology reports. Placental tissues from cases and controls were analyzed to assess parenchymal morphology, vascular architecture and leptin signaling.. HLHS cases (n = 16) and gestational age-matched controls (n = 18) were analyzed. Among cases, the average birth weight was 2993 g, including 31% that were small for gestational age. When compared with controls, gross pathology of HLHS cases demonstrated significantly reduced placental weight and increased fibrin deposition, while micropathology showed increased syncytial nuclear aggregates, decreased terminal villi, reduced vasculature and increased leptin expression in syncytiotrophoblast and endothelial cells.. Placentas from pregnancies complicated by fetal HLHS are characterized by abnormal parenchymal morphology, suggesting immature structure may be due to vascular abnormalities. Increased leptin expression may indicate an attempt to compensate for these vascular abnormalities. Further investigation into the regulation of angiogenesis in the fetus and placenta may elucidate the causes of HLHS and associated growth abnormalities in some cases.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fibrin; Humans; Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Placenta Growth Factor; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Proteins; Receptors, Leptin; Retrospective Studies; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, notably when associated with rapid postnatal catch-up growth. A sheep paradigm was used to assess relationships between prenatal and early postnatal growth trajectories, metabolism and body composition. Singletons (single-sire embryo transfer from obese and control donors) were gestated and suckled by overnourished adolescent dams and categorised by birthweight as IUGR or normal (N). Gestation length was equivalent in both categories and all lambs were delivered spontaneously preterm (PT; mean (±s.e.m.) 139.8±1.7 days; term=145-147 days). The IUGR lambs were smaller at birth, but fractional growth rates (FGR) for eight anthropometry parameters were higher and independent of gender (except thorax girth; males (M)N; M>F) and first-phase insulin response (to 20min; IUGRF) and leptin (M

Topics: Adiposity; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Embryo Disposition; Glucose; Insulin; Leptin; Sheep

There is evidence that South Asian individuals have higher fat mass for a given weight than Europeans. One study reported that the greater fatness for a given birthweight may increase with increasing birth weight, suggesting that any attempt to increase mean birth weight in South Asians would markedly increase their fatness.. Our objective was to examine whether differences in cord leptin values between White British and Pakistani infants vary by birth weight category.. We examined the difference in cord leptin levels between 659 White British and 823 Pakistani infants recruited to the Born in Bradford cohort study, by clinical categories and thirds of the birth weight distribution.. Pakistani infants had a lower mean birthweight but higher cord leptin levels than White British infants [ratio of geometric mean(RGM) of cord leptin adjusted for birth weight = 1.36 (95% CI 1.26,1.46)]. Birthweight was positively associated with cord leptin levels in both groups, with no evidence that the regression lines in the two groups diverged from each other with increasing birthweight.The relative ethnic difference in cord leptin was similar in low (<2500 g), normal and high (≥4000 g) birthweight infants(P-value for interaction = 0.91). It was also similar across thirds of the birthweight distribution [RGM (95% CI) in lowest, mid and highest thirds were 1.37 (1.20, 1.57), 1.36 (1.20, 1.54) and 1.31 (1.16, 1.52), respectively, P-interaction = 0.51].. We found marked differences in cord leptin levels between Pakistani and White British infants but no evidence that this difference increases with increasing birthweight.

Topics: Asian People; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pakistan; United Kingdom; White People

Perturbations in the levels of serotonin expression have a significant impact on behavior and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety, mood and appetite. Fetal programming is a risk factor for the development of metabolic diseases during adulthood. Moreover, previous studies have shown that serotonin (5‑HT), dopamine and leptin are important in energy balance. In the present study, the impact of maternal malnutrition‑induced prenatal undernutrition (UN) was investigated in mice and the expression of 5‑HT1A, dopamine (D)1, D2 and Ob‑Rb receptors was analyzed in the hypothalamus during adulthood. The UN group showed a low birth weight compared with the control group. With regard to receptor expression, 5‑HT1A in the UN group was increased in the hypothalamus and D1 was reduced, whereas D2 showed an increase from postnatal day (P)14 in the arcuate nucleus. Ob‑Rb receptor expression was increased in the hypothalamus at P14 and P90. These observations indicated that maternal caloric restriction programs a postnatal body weight gain in offspring with an increased food intake in early postnatal life which continues into adulthood. In addition, UN in mice was found to be affected by Ob‑Rb, 5‑HT1A and D1/2 receptor expression, indicating that these observations may be associated with hyperphagia and obesity.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Caloric Restriction; Dopamine; Eating; Energy Metabolism; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Nutrition Disorders; Humans; Hypothalamus; Leptin; Mice; Pregnancy; Receptors, Dopamine; Receptors, Leptin; Receptors, Serotonin; Risk Factors; Serotonin

Leptin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) promote fetal growth. Their availability is modulated by soluble leptin receptor (SLR) and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBP). Studies that accounted for SLR levels when investigating the association of leptin, IGF-I and IGFBPs on birth indices are scarce.. Cord blood leptin, SLR, IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and their association with birth indices were studied in term newborns (n = 110; males = 60). Data were compared between males and females using the Mann-Whitney U test/unpaired Student's t test as appropriate. Univariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify variables significantly influencing birth indices.. Birth indices were comparable between male and female newborns. Females had a significantly lower SLR (p = 0.0142), a higher leptin/Ponderal index (p = 0.033) and a higher free leptin index (leptin/SLR) (p = 0.0081). Leptin and male gender positively and IGFBP-1 negatively influenced birth weight (p = 0.0005, p = 0.02, and p = 0.005, respectively) and head circumference (p = 0.0052, p = 0.0098, and p = 0.0183, respectively) when accounted for other variables. When tested in a different multiple regression model, the free leptin index positively influenced crown-heel length (p = 0.0016) in addition to birth weight (p < 0.0001) and head circumference (p = 0.0016).. In healthy full-term pregnancies, cord blood leptin and IGFBP-1 exert independent and opposing effects on fetal growth.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Receptors, Leptin; Term Birth

Children born large for gestational age (LGA) may be at risk for development of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). The reciprocal relationship of adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines is suggested to play a putative role in fine tuning of insulin secretory dynamics. To evaluate serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) concentrations in idiopathic LGA-born children to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and idiopathic LGA-born children at prepubertal ages and investigate their associations with IR, evaluated by homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR), we conducted a cross-sectional study to compare 40 (19 females) idiopathic LGA-born prepubertal children [mean ± SD age 6.1 ± 2.5 years] and 49 (25 females) (5.4 ± 1.8 years) AGA-born BMI-matched peers with respect to anthropometric and laboratory data. Both groups were further divided into subgroups as being obese/overweight (OW) and non-OW, and the analyses were repeated. LGA-born children were taller and heavier than AGA-born children (p < 0.001). Fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin were higher in LGA-born children than in AGA-born counterparts (p < 0.001). Serum TNF-α levels were lower and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in LGA- than in AGA-born children (p < 0.001). In the LGA group, TNF-α was correlated with HOMA-IR (r = -0.49, p = 0.002). LGA-born non-OW children had higher serum insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR than AGA-born counterparts. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that HOMA-IR was best explained by (R (2) = 0.517) birth weight SDS (β = +0.418, p = 0.002), leptin (β = +0.620, p = 0.000), and TNF-α (β = -0.374, p = 0.003) in LGA-born children. Idiopathic LGA-born children have significantly lower TNF-α and higher IL-6 levels than AGA-born children. Reduced TNF-α levels are associated with increased IR.

Topics: Birth Weight; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Gestational Age; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Interleukin-6; Leptin; Male; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

To investigate associations of maternal gestational weight gain and body composition and their impact on offspring body composition and adipocytokine, glucose, and insulin concentrations at age 4 months.. This was a prospective study including 31 mother-infant pairs (N = 62). Maternal body composition was assessed using doubly labeled water. Infant body composition was assessed at 4 months using air displacement plethysmography, and venous blood was assayed for glucose, insulin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and leptin concentrations.. Rate of gestational weight gain in midpregnancy was significantly associated with infant fat mass (r = 0.41, P = 0.03); rate of gestational weight in late pregnancy was significantly associated with infant fat-free mass (r = 0.37, P = 0.04). Infant birth weight was also strongly correlated with infant fat-free mass at 4 months (r = 0.63, P = 0.0002). Maternal BMI and maternal fat mass were strongly inversely associated with infant IL-6 concentrations (r = -0.60, P = 0.002 and r = -0.52, P = 0.01, respectively). Infant fat-free mass was inversely related to infant adiponectin concentrations (r = -0.48, P = 0.008) and positively correlated with infant blood glucose adjusted for insulin concentrations (r = 0.42, P = 0.04). No significant associations for leptin were observed.. Timing of maternal weight gain differentially impacts body composition of the 4-month-old infant, which in turn appears to affect the infant's glucose and adipokine concentrations.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Infant; Insulin; Interleukin-6; Leptin; Maternal-Fetal Relations; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Weight Gain

Preterm infants have altered fat tissue development, including a higher percentage of fat mass and increased volume of visceral fat. They also have altered adiponectin levels, including a lower ratio of high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad) to total adiponectin (T-Ad) at term-equivalent age, compared with term infants.. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between adiponectin levels and fat tissue accumulation or distribution in preterm infants at term-equivalent age.. Cross-sectional clinical study.. Study subjects were 53 preterm infants born at ≤34weeks gestation with a mean birth weight of 1592g.. Serum levels of T-Ad and HMW-Ad were measured and a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed at the level of the umbilicus at term-equivalent age to analyze how fat tissue accumulation or distribution was correlated with adiponectin levels.. T-Ad (r=0.315, p=0.022) and HMW-Ad levels (r=0.338, p=0.013) were positively associated with subcutaneous fat area evaluated by performing CT scan at term-equivalent age, but were not associated with visceral fat area in simple regression analyses. In addition, T-Ad (β=0.487, p=0.003) and HMW-Ad levels (β=0.602, p<0.001) were positively associated with subcutaneous fat tissue area, but they were not associated with visceral fat area also in multiple regression analyses.. Subcutaneous fat accumulation contributes to increased levels of T-Ad and HMW-Ad, while visceral fat accumulation does not influence adiponectin levels in preterm infants at term-equivalent age.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Leptin; Male; Premature Birth; Subcutaneous Fat

It has been reported that intrauterine undernutrition is closely associated with the pathogeneses of certain diseases in adulthood; i.e., insulin resistance and diabetes, and that leptin resistance plays a pivotal role in the pathology of such intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)-related conditions. Therefore, examinations of IUGR-induced leptin resistance in early developmental period are important for protecting against future disease. In this study, the effects of prenatal undernutrition on the serum leptin levels and central leptin responses of rats during the neonatal and/or pre-pubertal period were examined. The 50% food-restricted undernourished dams' offspring (UNO) exhibited a significantly lower birth weight than the normal nutrition dams' offspring (NNO). However, the UNO grew rapidly, and their mean body weight had caught up with that of the NNO by postnatal day 8. Thus, there were no significant differences between the body weights of the two groups at postnatal day 12, 16, 20, or 28. The serum leptin levels of the UNO were significantly higher than those of the NNO at postnatal days 20 and 28. At postnatal day 28, no significant difference in the hypothalamic mRNA level of neuropeptide Y, which is the main target of leptin, or that of ObRb, which is the leptin receptor, was detected between the NNO and UNO. The chronic intracerebroventricular injection of leptin attenuated body weight gain in both the NNO and UNO; however, there were no significant differences between the body weights of the two groups at any of the examined postnatal time points, indicating that the UNO and NNO exhibited similar central sensitivity to leptin during the pre-pubertal period. These results suggest that prenatal undernutrition induces leptin resistance until the neonatal to pre-pubertal period and that these alterations might be caused by impaired transportation of leptin to central tissues.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant Nutrition Disorders; Infant, Newborn; Injections, Intraventricular; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Puberty; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Treatment Outcome; Weight Gain

Interrogation of the association between leptin, insulin resistance and fetal growth may provide a biological link for the fetal programming of later metabolic health.. Our aim was to clarify the relationship between maternal and fetal leptin, insulin resistance and fetal growth.. Maternal leptin, glucose and insulin were measured in early pregnancy and at 28weeks and the HOMA index calculated. At 34weeks, ultrasound scan assessed fetal weight and adiposity (abdominal wall width). At delivery birthweight was recorded and cord blood analyzed for fetal c-peptide and leptin. Analysis was performed using a multivariate linear regression model.. 574 non-diabetic pregnant women.. Fetal growth and maternal and fetal insulin resistance.. On multivariate analysis a relationship was identified between maternal and fetal leptin concentrations at each time point and maternal body mass index. Maternal leptin was related to insulin resistance in early pregnancy (β=0.15, p=0.02) and at 28week gestation (β=0.27, p<0.001). Fetal insulin resistance correlated with maternal leptin in early pregnancy (β=0.17, p=0.004); at 28weeks (β=0.12, p=0.05), and with leptin in cord blood (r=0.28, p<0.001). Fetal weight at 34weeks was related to maternal leptin in early pregnancy (β=0.16, p=0.02). Both maternal and fetal leptin correlated with infant size at birth (β=0.12, p=0.07 in early pregnancy, β=0.21, p=0.004 in cord blood), independent of all other outcome measures.. Our findings have confirmed that in a non-diabetic cohort there is a link between maternal and fetal leptin and insulin resistance. We also established a link between maternal leptin in early pregnancy and both fetal and neonatal size. These results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting a role for leptin in the fetal programming of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Fetal Weight; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Multivariate Analysis; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

We sought to investigate the relationship between a panel of angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers measured in midpregnancy and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.. Concentrations of 18 angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers were determined in 432 pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who participated in a trial examining the effect of multivitamins on pregnancy outcomes. Infants falling below the 10th percentile of birthweight for gestational age relative to the applied growth standards were considered SGA. Multivariate binomial regression models with the log link function were used to determine the relative risk of SGA associated with increasing quartiles of each biomarker. Restricted cubic splines were used to test for nonlinearity of these associations.. A total of 60 participants (13.9%) gave birth to SGA infants. Compared to those in the first quartile, the risk of SGA was reduced among those in the fourth quartiles of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-0.74), placental growth factor (adjusted RR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.61), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (adjusted RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.23-1.01), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (adjusted RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25-0.92), and leptin (adjusted RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22-0.96).. Our findings provide evidence of altered angiogenic and inflammatory mediators, at midpregnancy, in women who went on to deliver SGA infants.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Angiopoietins; Antigens, CD; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Complement System Proteins; Cytokines; Endoglin; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Inflammation; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Leptin; Multivariate Analysis; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Placenta Growth Factor; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Proteins; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II; Regression Analysis; Tanzania; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Young Adult

Low vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have been associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Children born large for gestational age (LGA) may exhibit increased indices of insulin resistance early in life.. This study aims to prospectively examine serum 25(OH)D and parathormone (iPTH) levels in LGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) prepubertal children, in relation to the severity of macrosomia and insulin resistance.. Children were examined at age 5-7.5 years, 38 born LGA and 39 AGA, matched for age, gender, body weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Twenty-one LGA had birth weights in the 90th-97th percentile and 17 >97th percentile. Fasting serum levels of glucose, insulin, 25(OH)D, and iPTH were measured. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was estimated.. The insulin resistance indices were higher in the LGA >97th percentile subgroup than in the AGA group: HOMA-IR 1.53±0.66 vs. 1.04±0.53 and fasting insulin 6.92±3.1 vs. 4.78±2.2 μIU/mL (but similar to the AGA group), and in the LGA 90th-97th percentile subgroup: HOMA-IR 1.17±0.61 and insulin 5.53±2.2. There was no difference in 25(OH)D among the three subgroups. The iPTH was higher in the LGA >97th percentile subgroup than in the AGA group (26.8±7.6 and 22.6±7.2 pg/mL, respectively, p<0.05), although it was not correlated with insulin resistance indices. Birth weight was correlated negatively with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in the entire cohort, independent of age, sex, waist circumference, and BMI (β=0.37, p<0.01 and β=0.30, p<0.05, respectively), while waist circumference was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (R=0.40, p<0.001).. Birth weight and current body composition appear to affect glucose homeostasis in LGA prepubertal children, while the serum levels of 25(OH)D and iPTH appear to be uninvolved.

Topics: Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Age; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Parathyroid Hormone; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Vitamin D

To understand adiponectin, leptin, insulin and ghrelin levels in preterm colostrum and mature milk and their influence on the growth and development of the premature infant.. The study subjects were divided into two groups: preterm group and control group. Specimens of colostrum and mature milk on 42nd day after delivery were collected, the general situation of maternal and infants growth parameters at birth and at postnatal 42 days were recorded. Leptin, adiponectin, insulin and ghrelin levels in colustrum and mature milk were determined and compared.. A total of 128 mother-infant pairs were involved. There were 128 specimens of colostrums (80 from preterm group, 48 from control group) and 94 specimens of mature milk(50 from premature group, 44 from control group). The levels of colostrum, mature milk adiponectin, leptin, and insulin were not significantly different between the 2 groups; ghrelin levels in colostrum and mature milk of premature group were significantly lower than those in control group (P = 0.038), adiponectin and leptin levels in colostrum were higher than those of the mature milk (P < 0.05), colostrum ghrelin levels were lower than those of mature milk (P < 0.05). Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin showed no significant difference between different gestational age groups ( ≤ 34 weeks group vs. > 34 weeks group). True insulin level of mature milk in 34 weeks group was higher than that of > 34 weeks group (29.3 vs. 21.6 mU/L, P = 0.045); true insulin level in colostrums in ≤ 34 weeks group was lower than that in mature milk (21.7 vs. 29.3 mU/L, P = 0.000). Adiponectin levels in colostrum and 42 days weight gain were negatively correlated (r = -0.362, P = 0.025) . Insulin level in mature milk had a negative correlation with birth weight (r = -0.319, P = 0.029) . Ghrelin levels in colostrum and birth weight, length, head circumference, head circumference on 42(nd) day were positively correlated (r = 0.271,0.261,0.360, P < 0.05); weight, length at 42(nd) day and ghrelin levels showed borderline positive correlation (P = 0.050, 0.058).. Many bioactive hormones in milk might participate in the regulation of suitable growth after birth. Premature birth affects hormone levels in breast milk. Breast feeding is very important in preterm infants.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Breast Feeding; Colostrum; Female; Gestational Age; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Milk, Human; Weight Gain

To examine the relations of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (ppBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with offspring cardiometabolic health.. We studied 1090 mother-child pairs in Project Viva, a Boston-area prebirth cohort. We measured overall (dual x-ray absorptiometry total fat; body mass index z-score) and central adiposity (dual x-ray absorptiometry trunk fat), and systolic blood pressure in offspring at 6 to 10 years. Fasting bloods (n = 687) were assayed for insulin and glucose (for calculation of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance), triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined differences in offspring outcomes per 1 SD maternal ppBMI and GWG.. After adjustment for confounders, each 5 kg/m² higher ppBMI corresponded with 0.92 kg (95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.14) higher total fat, 0.27 BMI z-score (0.21-0.32), and 0.39 kg (0.29-0.49) trunk fat. ppBMI was also positively associated with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, leptin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and systolic blood pressure; and lower adiponectin. Each 5 kg of GWG predicted greater adiposity (0.33 kg [0.11-0.54] total fat; 0.14 kg [0.04-0.23] trunk fat) and higher leptin (6% [0%-13%]) in offspring after accounting for confounders and ppBMI.. Children born to heavier mothers have more overall and central fat and greater cardiometabolic risk. Offspring of women with higher GWG had greater adiposity and higher leptin.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Boston; C-Reactive Protein; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Mothers; Prospective Studies; Socioeconomic Factors; Triglycerides; Young Adult

In term subjects, fat mass (FM) is positively associated with leptin, whereas studies in preterm infants show conflicting results. However, none of these studies measured FM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This study aims to relate FM measured by DEXA in relation to leptin and growth in preterm infants.. In 139 preterm infants, weight (kg) and length (cm) were measured at birth, term age, and 6 months' corrected age (CA). FM (kg), measured by whole-body DEXA, and leptin (µg/l) were measured at term age and 6 months' CA.. At term age and 6 months' CA, FM was associated with leptin (β = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.51-2.36, and β = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.26-0.48, respectively; p < 0.001). Gain in weight standard deviation score (SDS) between term age and 6 months' CA was associated with FM and leptin at 6 months' CA (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.18-0.30, and β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.16-0.33, respectively; p < 0.001).. In preterm infants, FM measured by DEXA is associated with leptin, which indicates that leptin is a marker of body FM during the first 6 months after term age. Gain in weight SDS between term age and 6 months' CA results in higher FM and higher leptin at 6 months' CA.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adipose Tissue; Age Factors; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Weight; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Male; Organ Size

Adipocytokines participate in the regulation of glucose metabolism and fetal development. The transcription factor activating protein 2B (TFAP2β) has been associated with adipocytokine regulation, and gene variations with type 2 diabetes and obesity. This study investigated associations between maternal TFAP2B variation, adipocytokine levels, and maternal and neonatal anthropometric characteristics.. A population-based sample of women was followed from delivery to 6 months postpartum. Adiponectin, leptin, and interleukin-6 levels at delivery, and maternal as well as neonatal anthropometric variables were assessed. The TFAP2β intron 1 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) was genotyped.. Maternal interleukin-6 correlated positively with leptin at delivery, with peripartum weight changes and weight of newborn males, adjusted for potential confounders. Leptin at delivery was associated with TFAP2β intron 1 VNTR genotype, adjusted for confounders, maternal weight and negatively with birth weight among female neonates. A path model suggested a link between TFAP2β genotype, leptin levels, and newborn females' weight.. The present results stress a role for the TFAP2 β in adiposity-related conditions and intrauterine growth. The association between neonatal birth weight and maternal adipocytokine levels, together with the observed sex effect, call for further studies on the mechanisms behind neuroendocrine fetal programming.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Genetic Variation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Interleukin-6; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Minisatellite Repeats; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Transcription Factor AP-2

Previous studies have shown markedly lower birth weight among infants of South Asian origin compared with those of White European origin. Whether such differences mask greater adiposity in South Asian infants and whether they persist across generations in contemporary UK populations is unclear. Our aim was to compare birth weight, skinfold thickness and cord leptin between Pakistani and White British infants and to investigate the explanatory factors, including parental and grandparental birthplace.. We examined the differences in birth weight and skinfold thickness between 4649 Pakistani and 4055 White British infants born at term in the same UK maternity unit and compared cord leptin in a subgroup of 775 Pakistani and 612 White British infants.. Pakistani infants were lighter (adjusted mean difference -234 g 95% CI -258 to -210) and were smaller in both subscapular and triceps skinfold measurements. The differences for subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness (mean z-score difference -0.27 95% CI -0.34 to -0.20 and -0.23 95% CI -0.30 to -0.16, respectively) were smaller than the difference in birth weight (mean z-score difference -0.52 95% CI -0.58 to -0.47) and attenuated to the null with adjustment for birth weight (0.03 95% CI -0.03 to 0.09 and -0.01 95% CI -0.08 to 0.05, respectively). Cord leptin concentration (indicator of fat mass) was similar in Pakistani and White British infants without adjustment for birth weight, but with adjustment became 30% higher (95% CI 17% to 44%) among Pakistani infants compared with White British infants. The magnitudes of difference did not differ by generation.. Despite being markedly lighter, Pakistani infants had similar skinfold thicknesses and greater total fat mass, as indicated by cord leptin, for a given birth weight than White British infants. Any efforts to reduce ethnic inequalities in birth weight need to consider differences in adiposity and the possibility that increasing birth weight in South Asian infants might inadvertently worsen health by increasing relative adiposity.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Glucose Intolerance; Hospitals, Maternity; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pakistan; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis; Skinfold Thickness; Surveys and Questionnaires; United Kingdom; White People

Few studies have examined whether the distinct metabolic patterns found in obese and nonobese pregnant women have different effects on the growing fetus. Our objective was to estimate the influence of longitudinal variation in maternal serum leptin levels on variation in infant birth weight in overweight/obese versus normal-weight women.. In a prospective cohort of 286 gravidas, maternal weight and serum leptin levels at 6-10, 10-14, 16-20, 22-26, and 32-36 weeks gestation were measured. Effects of leptin levels on infant birth weight adjusted for gestational age at delivery (aBW) were analyzed using a linear regression model that accounted for the relationship of time-varying predictors to the log-transformed leptin concentrations.. Different relationships of aBW to maternal serum leptin and its rate of change across pregnancy were exhibited by overweight/obese and normal-weight gravidas. For normal-weight women, aBW is not associated with either the magnitude of the logarithm of the leptin concentration or with its rate of change in either the first or second half of pregnancy. Conversely, for overweight/obese women, an increase in the rate of change in maternal serum leptin in the second half of pregnancy is significantly associated with a decrease in aBW. This effect is distinct from that of maternal weight.. Differences in the effect of maternal serum leptin on fetal growth between overweight/ obese and normal-weight women suggest metabolic and physiologic heterogeneity between these groups. Such differences may be involved in the long-term physiologic effects of the obese intrauterine environment on the health of the offspring.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Linear Models; Longitudinal Studies; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Reference Values; Young Adult

Perinatal environmental factors have been associated with the metabolic programming of children and consequent disease risks in later life. Epigenetic modifications that lead to altered gene expression may be involved. Here, we study early life environmental and constitutional factors in association with the DNA methylation of leptin (LEP), a non-imprinted gene implicated in appetite regulation and fat metabolism.. We investigated maternal education, breastfeeding, and constitutional factors of the child at 17 mo of age. We measured the DNA methylation of LEP in whole blood and the concentration of leptin in serum.. Duration of breastfeeding was negatively associated with LEP methylation. Low education (≤12 y of education) was associated with higher LEP methylation. Boys had higher birth weight and lower LEP methylation than girls. An inverse association was established between birth weight per SD increase (+584 g) and LEP methylation. High BMI and leptin concentration were associated with lower methylation of LEP.. The early life environment and constitutional factors of the child are associated with epigenetic variations in LEP. Future studies must reveal whether breastfeeding and the associated decrease in LEP methylation is an epigenetic mechanism contributing to the protective effect of breastfeeding against obesity.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Analysis of Variance; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; DNA Methylation; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Infant; Leptin; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Netherlands; Sex Factors; Weaning

Leptin a regulator of body weight is involved in reproductive and developmental functions. Leptin promoter DNA methylation (LEP) regulates gene expression in a tissue-specific manner and has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. In non-pathologic human pregnancies, we assessed LEP methylation, genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2167270 in placental (n=81), maternal and cord blood samples (n=60), and examined the association between methylation, genotype, and perinatal factors. Maternal blood LEP methylation was lower in pre-pregnancy obese women (P=0.01). Cord blood LEP methylation was higher in small for gestational age (SGA) (P=4.6×10(-3)) and A/A genotype (P=1.6×10(-4)), lower (-1.47, P=0.03) in infants born to pre-pregnancy obese mothers and correlated (P=0.01) with maternal blood LEP. Gender was associated with placental LEP methylation (P=0.05). These results suggest that LEP epigenetic control may be influenced by perinatal factors including: maternal obesity, infant growth, genotype and gender in a tissue-specific manner and may have multigenerational implications.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; DNA Methylation; Female; Fetal Blood; Genetic Association Studies; Genotype; Humans; Infant; Leptin; Male; Organ Specificity; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Pregnancy; Promoter Regions, Genetic

Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is involved in developmental metabolic programming and here we test the hypothesis that IUGR affects the developing hypothalamic energy balance regulatory pathways in a sex-specific manner. This experiment investigated early postnatal hypothalamic gene expression for six primary leptin- and insulin-sensitive neuropeptides and receptors in male and female IUGR (n = 8 and 9, respectively) and normal (N) birth weight lambs (n = 8 per gender) gestated and suckled by overnourished mothers. IUGR lambs were smaller at birth, had increased fractional growth rates (FGR), lower final body weight (11 weeks) and similar body fat content compared with N lambs, while males had higher final body weight and insulinemia but lower body fat and leptinemia than females. In situ hybridization revealed greater gene expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus at 11 weeks for anorexigenic genes in females and orexigenic genes in males, with no effect of IUGR. Leptinemia correlated with gene expression for neuropeptide Y (NPY, negatively) in both sexes and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC, positively) in females but with leptin receptor (negatively) only in males. Current FGR for girth correlated negatively with gene expression for NPY in males and POMC in females. Neither IUGR nor gender affected suckling activity (proxy for appetite) assessed at 3 weeks, but final NPY gene expression correlated with suckling weight gain in males. This study has revealed no effect of IUGR on early postnatal hypothalamic energy balance gene expression but a major effect of gender associated with major sex differences in adiposity and leptinemia.

Topics: Agouti-Related Protein; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Energy Metabolism; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Hypothalamus; Leptin; Male; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neuropeptide Y; Pro-Opiomelanocortin; Receptor, Insulin; Receptors, Leptin; Sex Characteristics; Sheep, Domestic; Sucking Behavior

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is still associated with increased risk for severe maternal and fetal complications but their pathomechanism remains unclear. We investigated into possible role of placental leptin (LEP) and its receptor gene (LEPR) in T1DM pregnancies. Fourty nine pregnant women with T1DM and singleton pregnancy were enrolled into the study. Control group consisted of 15 healthy pregnant women in uncomplicated, singleton gestation. We observed higher expression of LEP and LEPR in T1DM placentas in comparison to healthy subjects. We also noticed greater expression of LEP and LEPR in T1DM pregnancies with large for gestational age (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses in comparison to small for gestational age (SGA) diabetic fetuses and controls. We found a significant positive correlation between placental LEP and LEPR expression and neonatal birthweight in overweight T1DM subjects. No such a correlation was found in T1DM subjects with normal weight and controls. We conclude that increased placental LEP and LEPR expression may have a role in stimulating fetal overgrowth in T1DM pregnancy.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Gene Expression; Humans; Leptin; Overweight; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Receptors, Leptin; Young Adult

The effects of maternal moderate-low physical training on postnatal development, glucose homeostasis and leptin concentration in adult offspring subjected to a low-protein diet during the perinatal period were investigated. Male Wistar rats (aged 150 d old) were divided into four groups according to maternal group: untrained (NTp, n 8); trained (Tp, n 8); untrained with a low-protein diet (NT+LPp, n 8); trained with a low-protein diet (T+LPp, n 8). The trained mothers were subjected to a protocol of moderate physical training over a period of 4 weeks (treadmill, 5 d/week, 60 min/d, at 65 % VO(2max)) before mating. At pregnancy, the intensity and duration of exercise was progressively reduced (50-20 min/d, at 65-30 % VO(2max)). The low-protein diet groups received an 8 % casein diet, and their peers received a 17 % casein diet during gestation and lactation. The pups' birth weight and somatic growth were recorded weekly up to the 150th day. Fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, serum leptin concentration, glucose and insulin tolerance tests were evaluated. The Tp animals showed no changes in somatic and biochemical parameters, while the NT+LPp group showed a greater abdominal circumference, hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, glucose intolerance and lower plasma leptin. In the T+LPp animals, all of those alterations were reversed except for plasma leptin concentration. In conclusion, the effects of a perinatal low-protein diet on growth and development, glucose homeostasis and serum leptin concentration in the offspring were attenuated in pups from trained mothers.

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Birth Weight; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperglycemia; Insulin Resistance; Lactation; Leptin; Male; Maternal Behavior; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Motor Activity; Muscle, Skeletal; Pregnancy; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Weight Gain

Maternal blood leptin levels are positively associated with adiposity. Recent studies suggest that leptin is also abundantly produced by the placenta and may function as a regulator of foetal growth. Our goal was to examine mid-pregnancy levels of leptin in maternal blood in relation to birthweight for gestational age (BW/GA) and timing of delivery after accounting for maternal prepregnancy body mass index (prepreg-BMI) and pregnancy complications.. Data were from 1304 subcohort mother/infant pairs who participated in the Pregnancy Outcomes and Community Health (POUCH) Study (1998-2004).. Leptin levels, measured at 16-27 weeks' gestation, were log-transformed. Geometric mean (GMean) leptin levels were estimated by weighted linear regression with gestational age at blood draw as a covariate. GMean was re-transformed to the original scale for reporting.. Using the GMeans leptin in mothers of term appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) neonates as the referent (25·2 μg/l), we observed lower levels in mothers of preterm-AGA (21·9 μg/l), term small-for-gestational age (SGA) (20·3 μg/l) and preterm-SGA neonates (21·7 μg/l). Results were largely unchanged after adjustment for prepreg-BMI. Leptin levels were higher in mothers who delivered large-for-gestational age (LGA) neonates, both preterm (33·6 μg/l) and term (29·1 μg/l), but the GMeans were markedly attenuated after adjustment for prepreg-BMI.. The association between BW/GA and maternal leptin levels after adjustment for prepreg-BMI may represent: (i) a residual effect of maternal adiposity that is not fully captured by BMI; and/or (ii) variation in placental leptin levels entering the maternal circulation. In conclusion, mid-pregnancy maternal blood leptin levels may be an early indicator of foetal growth status.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Premature Birth; Young Adult

Postnatal calorie and growth restriction (PNGR) in the first generation (F1) rat female offspring causes a lean and glucose tolerant phenotype associated with hypoinsulinemia and reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Despite the absence of gestational hyperglycemia in the F1 PNGR female, naturally born second generation (F2) PNGR female adult offspring reportedly exhibit obesity, hyperglycemia with insulin resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the role of the intrauterine environment on the heritability of the trans-generational phenotypic expression in the F2 PNGR female adult offspring.. We performed embryo transfer (ET) of the F2 embryos from the procreating F1 pregnant PNGR or control (CON) females to gestate in control recipient rat mothers. Employing stable isotopes glucose metabolic kinetics was determined.. Birth weight, postnatal growth pattern and white adipose tissue in female F2 ET-PNGR were similar to ET-CON. Similarly, no differences in basal glucose and insulin concentrations, GSIS, glucose futile cycling and glucose clearance were seen. When compared to F2 ET-CON, F2 ET-PNGR showed no overall difference in glucose or hepatic glucose production (HGP) AUCs with minimal hyperglycemia (p<0.04) as a result of unsuppressed endogenous HGP (p<0.02) observed only during the first phase of IVGTT.. We conclude that the lean, glucose tolerant and hypoinsulinemic phenotype with reduced GSIS in the F1 generation is nearly normalized when the embryo-transferred F2 offspring gestates in a normal metabolic environment. This observation supports a role for the intra-uterine environment in modifying the heritability of the trans-generational PNGR phenotype.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Area Under Curve; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Caloric Restriction; Embryo Transfer; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test; Hyperglycemia; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Uterus

To compare maternal and fetal leptin among women without diabetes, women with type 1 diabetes, and women with type 2 diabetes.. In a prospective study at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, 40 women with type 1 diabetes, 10 with type 2 diabetes, and 30 without diabetes were enrolled between July 2006 and July 2008. Maternal (36-week) and cord blood leptin was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay.. No difference was found in maternal leptin among the groups: without diabetes (mean, range): 325 pg/mL, 36-1492 pg/mL; type 1 diabetes: 343.2 pg/mL, 55.5-1108.2 pg/mL; type 2 diabetes: 202.2 pg/mL, 35.1-1553.3 pg/mL (P>0.05). Leptin levels were higher among fetuses of women with type 1 (223 pg/mL, 25.7-810 pg/mL) and type 2 (447.2 pg/mL, 136.3-679 pg/mL) diabetes than among women without diabetes (80.3 pg/mL, 27.3-623.1 pg/mL; P<0.05). The single significant predictor of fetal leptin for the whole cohort was maternal body mass index (BMI; r=0.39, P=0.01). Only third-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was significantly related to fetal leptin after controlling for maternal BMI among women with diabetes (r=0.28, P=0.04).. Fetuses of women with diabetes might have some degree of leptin resistance. This might be important in appetite regulation in extrauterine life.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Prospective Studies; Young Adult

The roles of adiponectin and leptin in the early stages of life are poorly understood. We previously studied longitudinal changes in these adipocytokines from birth to 12 months of age. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the correlation between cord serum adipocytokine levels and postnatal growth by 3 years of age.. A questionnaire was sent to obtain the general physical measurements of 3-year-olds from 56 healthy newborn infants born at a gestational age of 35 weeks or more; 45 valid responses were obtained. The correlations between variables, including cord serum adipocytokine levels at birth and general physical measurements at 3 years, were investigated.. Body mass index (BMI) Z-score gain from birth to 3 years was negatively correlated with birthweight SD scores (β=-0.395, P= 0.019) and gestational age (β=-0.557, P= 0.016), and positively correlated with cord serum adiponectin levels (β= 0.253, P= 0.043). BMI Z-score gain from birth to 6 months was negatively correlated with only birthweight SD score (β=-0.442, P= 0.017). Cord serum leptin levels were not a significant predictor of BMI Z-scores gain in our subjects. BMI Z-scores at 6 months, 12 months, and 3 years of age were not related to cord serum adiponectin or leptin levels.. Birthweight SD score, gestational age, and cord serum adiponectin levels are significant predictors of BMI Z-score gain from birth to 3 years of age in Japanese infants.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Child, Preschool; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Regression Analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Weight Gain

Since the introduction of the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, the potential traits of thrift have been described in increasingly broad terms but biochemical and behavioral evidence of thrift has not been well demonstrated. The objective of our studies was to use a rodent model to identify features of thrift programmed by early life protein restriction. Robust programming of thrifty features requires a thrifty nutritional environment during the entire window of developmental plasticity. Therefore, pregnant rats were exposed to a low protein diet throughout the window of developmental plasticity spanning the period of gestation and lactation and its effects on energy acquisition, storage and expenditure in the adult offspring were examined. Maternal protein restriction reduced birth weight and produced long term reductions in body and organ weights in the offspring. Low protein offspring demonstrated an increased drive to seek food as evidenced by hyperphagia that was mediated by changes in plasma leptin and ghrelin levels. Hyperphagia was accompanied by increased efficiency in converting caloric intake into body mass. The higher feed efficiency was mediated by greater insulin sensitivity. Energy expenditure of low protein offspring in locomotion was not affected either in the light or dark phase. However, low protein offspring exhibited higher resting and basal metabolic rates as evidenced by higher core body temperature in the fed and fasted states. The increased thermogenesis was not mediated by thyroid hormones but by an increased sympathetic nervous system drive as reflected by a lower areal bone mineral density and bone mineral content and lower plasma adiponectin and triglyceride levels. Elevated thermogenesis in the low protein offspring possibly offsets the effects of hyperphagia, minimizes their chances of weight gain, and improves survivability. This constellation of metabolic features in the low protein offspring will maximize survival potential in a post natal environment of nutritional scarcity and constitute a thrifty phenotype.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Energy Metabolism; Female; Ghrelin; Insulin Resistance; Lactation; Leptin; Motor Activity; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Phenotype; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Random Allocation; Rats; Thermogenesis

Maternal undernutrition during gestation can condition offspring adult health, with the periconceptional period pointed out as a key period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal periconceptional undernutrition on pregnancy and offspring growth performance in sheep. 52 Merinos d'Arles ewes were fed to requirements (control group, C), whereas 64 ewes received 50% of their dietary needs from -15 to +30 days post-conception (restricted group, R). Thereafter, both groups were fed according to needs. Maternal body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and Non Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA), progesterone, leptin and cortisol plasma concentrations were monitored weekly during the restriction period and the following month, then monthly until weaning. Lambs were weighed weekly until weaning at 22 kg BW, then monthly. Plasma leptin was monitored monthly in lambs. The BW, BCS, and leptin concentrations were significantly decreased, whereas NEFA and cortisol concentrations were increased in R dams. Maximum progesterone concentration was higher in R ewes that had a high (10-25%) vs. low (0-10%) BW loss during restriction (27.9 ± 2.59 vs. 20.8 ± 2.00 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Overall, gestation was significantly longer in the R group (151.0 ± 0.3 vs. 149.4 ± 0.4 days, P < 0.001). There was no difference between groups for pregnancy rates, prolificacy, birth weight and lamb mortality, but the proportion of male lambs was significantly higher in the R group, only for singletons (16/26 vs. 9/26, P < 0.05). Lamb growth was not significantly modified by treatment. Leptin concentrations at birth were significantly lower in R vs. C males (6.15 ± 0.13 ng/mL vs. 7.42 ± 0.36 ng/mL, P < 0.05), whereas in females, leptin concentrations were significantly higher in R vs. C lambs at 4 mo of age (7.31 ± 0.27 ng/mL vs. 6.41 ± 0.29 ng/mL, P < 0.05). These results indicate that maternal periconceptional undernutrition in a hardy breed does not significantly affect lamb birth weight and growth rates, in contrast to previous reports in other breeds, suggesting that caution must be taken when extrapolating programming data between breeds and breeding conditions.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Birth Weight; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Hydrocortisone; Leptin; Malnutrition; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Rate; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Progesterone; Reproduction; Sheep; Sheep Diseases

Topics: Adiposity; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Glucose Intolerance; Humans; Leptin; Lipids; Pregnancy

The delivery of excess maternal nutrients to the fetus is known to increase the risk of macrosomia, even among infants of women without gestational diabetes mellitus. With the current obesity epidemic, maternal adiposity and its associated effects on circulating adipokines and inflammatory proteins may now have a greater impact on fetal growth. We sought to evaluate the independent effects of maternal glycemia, lipids, obesity, adipokines and inflammation on infant birth weight.. We included 472 women who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test in late pregnancy and were found not to have gestational diabetes; 104 (22.0%) had gestational impaired glucose tolerance. We also measured fasting levels of insulin, low-and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin and C-reactive protein. Obstetric outcomes were assessed at delivery.. The mean birth weight was 3481 g (standard deviation 493 g); 68 of the infants were large for gestational age. On multiple linear regression analysis, positive determinants of birth weight were length of gestation, male infant, weight gain during pregnancy up to the time of the oral glucose tolerance test, body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. Leptin, adiponectin and C-reactive protein levels were each negatively associated with birth weight. On logistic regression analysis, the significant metabolic predictors of having a large-for-gestational-age infant were BMI before pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.27, per 1 kg/m(2) increase), weight gain during pregnancy up to the time of the oral glucose tolerance test (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.19, per 1 kg increase) and leptin level (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.82, per 1 standard deviation change).. Among women without gestational diabetes, maternal adiposity and leptin levels were the strongest metabolic determinants of having a large-for-gestational-age infant rather than glucose intolerance and lipid levels.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Glucose Intolerance; Humans; Leptin; Lipids; Logistic Models; Mothers; Pregnancy

Leptin is a hormone synthesized by adipocytes and other tissues, including the placenta, and it regulates food intake and energy expenditure, reproductive and immune functions. To investigate the role of leptin in neonatal immunity, we measured serum leptin and cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12) levels in the cord blood (cb) of 510 healthy neonates, 14 small for gestational age (SGA), 312 appropriately grown for gestational age (AGA) and 184 large for gestational age (LGA). Median serum leptin concentration in the whole sample was 11 ng/ml. In 11.2% neonates (1 SGA, 32 AGA, 24 LGA), leptin levels were >90th percentile (median 39 ng/ml). In 33.3% of those (3.72% of total sample) with the highest leptin levels (median 46 ng/ml), significantly elevated levels of serum IFN-γ were also found (mean 27.11 pg/ml, range 17.5-38.5 pg/ml). In neonates with leptin levels ∼50th percentile (median 12 ng/ml) or <10th percentile (median 1 ng/ml), serum IFN-γ levels were negligible. All other cytokines measured, were < the assays' detection limits. To investigate whether leptin can independently influence cytokine gene expression by cb T-cells and monocytes (Mc), we cultured cb T-cells or Mc, isolated from randomly selected AGA neonates or adult peripheral blood, with leptin. This resulted in upregulation of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-4 gene expression in cb and adult T-cells and IL-10 expression mainly in cb-Mc. Significantly higher expression of IFN-γ occurred in female cb-T-cells cultured with leptin, compared with male cb-T-cells. In conclusion, the concurrent presence of high concentrations in both leptin and IFN-γ in cb of healthy infants, and leptin's ability to directly upregulate cytokine gene expression in cb T and Mc cells, indicate that abnormally high leptin levels can independently influence the immune system of healthy newborns, and may mediate gender differences in the development of a Th1 polarized immune response.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Cytokines; Demography; Female; Fetal Blood; Gene Expression Regulation; Health; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Interferon-gamma; Leptin; Male; Models, Immunological; Mothers; T-Lymphocytes

To examine whether the IGF axis in pre-pubertal children born large for gestational age (LGA) differs from that of those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).. The study population consisted of 98 non-obese children aged 5.5-8 yr, of whom 37 were LGA, with birth weight (BW) > 90th percentile, and 61 AGA. The LGA children were subdivided into two subgroups, with BW 90th-97th percentile (no.=24) and BW > 97th percentile (no.=13), respectively. Total and free IGF-I, their binding proteins 1 and 3 (IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3), leptin, adiponectin, fasting glucose (GF) and insulin (IF) were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR index) was determined.. IGF-I, free IGF-I and IGFBP-1 were similar in both groups. Both LGA subgroups had lower IGFBP-3 levels than the AGA group (2.34 ± 0.61 and 2.70 ± 0.90, respectively, vs 3.92 ± 1.1 μg/ml, p < 0.01). Adiponectin was higher in the 90th-97th percentile LGA subgroup than the AGA group (p<0.01). GF and IF were higher in the LGA group (86.5 ± 5.6 mg/dl, p < 0.01, and 5.84 ± 2.13 μU/ml, respectively, p < 0.05) than in the AGA group (82.6 ± 7.7 mg/dl and 4.62 ± 1.9 μU/ml, respectively), as was the HOMA-IR index (1.27 ± 0.60 vs 0.94 ± 0.43, p < 0.01). These three parameters were also found higher in the >97th percentile LGA subgroup.. The IGF axis was not different in pre-pubertal children born LGA or AGA, with the exception of IGFBP-3, which was lower in the LGA children. In LGA pre-pubertal children the severity of intrauterine overgrowth was associated with the insulin resistance indices.

Topics: Adiponectin; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Age; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Prognosis; Puberty

In our study, we investigated the influence of plasma levels ghrelin, leptin and other metabolic hormones (ILGF-1 and ILGF-2) in pregnants in regulating fetal body weight and mode of delivery.. A total of 36 appropriately healthy pregnants 19-36-year-old were involved in the study. Demographic characteristics, serum ghrelin, leptin, IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels of the pregnants were studied.. Plasma ghrelin and leptin levels did not differ significantly among trimesters and delivery, in contrast to IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations were significantly higher in the first half of the pregnancy (P < 0.05). Serum leptin was significantly associated with mode of delivery (r = 0.231; P = 0.008), BMI (r = 0.462; P = 0.004).. Metabolic factors are associated with fetal growth, but in AGA babies, there were no differences between any parameter and clinical factor.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Ghrelin; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Leptin; Parturition; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimesters; Young Adult

High-protein (HP) milk formulas are routinely used in infants born with a low birth weight (LBW) to enhance growth and ensure a better verbal IQ development. Indirect evidence points to a link between an HP intake during early life and the prevalence of obesity in later life. We hypothesized that HP milk supplementation to LBW pups during early postnatal life would impact hypothalamic appetite neuronal pathways development with consequences, at adulthood, on energy homeostasis regulation. Rat pups born with a LBW were equipped with gastrostomy tubes on the fifth day of life. They received a milk formula with either normal protein (NP, 8.7 g protein/dl) or high protein content (HP; 13.0 g protein/dl) and were subsequently weaned to a standard, solid diet at postnatal day 21. Rats that had been fed HP content milk gained more weight at adulthood associated with an increase of plasma insulin, leptin and triglycerides concentrations compared to NP rats. Screening performed on hypothalamus in development from the two groups of rats identified higher gene expression for cell proliferation and neurotrophin markers in HP rats. Despite these molecular differences, appetite neuronal projections emanating from the arcuate nucleus did not differ between the groups. Concerning feeding behavior at adulthood, rats that had been fed HP or NP milk exhibited differences in the satiety period, resting postprandial duration and nocturnal meal pattern. The consequences of HP milk supplementation after LBW will be discussed in regard to neural development and metabolic anomalies.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Appetite Regulation; Birth Weight; Dietary Proteins; Female; Hypothalamus; Leptin; Male; Milk Proteins; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

A neonatal peak in rodent plasma leptin plays a central role in regulating development of the hypothalamic appetite control centres. Maternal obesity lengthens and amplifies the peak in altricial rodent species. The precise timing and characteristics of the neonatal leptin peak have not been established in offspring of either normal or obese mothers in any precocial species. We induced obesity by feeding female sheep for 60 days before conception, and throughout pregnancy and parturition with 150% of the diet consumed by control ewes fed to National Research Council recommendations.We have reported that mature offspring of obese sheep fed similarly exhibited increased appetite, weight gain and obesity in response to ad libitum feeding at 19 months of age. We observed a leptin peak in lambs of control ewes between days 6 and 9 of postnatal life, earlier than reported in rodents. This peak was not present in lambs born to obese ewes. The leptin peak in lambs born to control ewes was not clearly related to any changes in plasma cortisol, insulin, triiodothyronine, IGF-1 or glucose. However, there was a significant increase in cortisol at birth in lambs born to obese ewes related to an increase in leptin in the first day of life. We conclude that the increased cortisol seen in lambs of obese sheep plays a role in disrupting the normal peak of leptin in lambs born to obese ewes thereby predisposing them to increased appetite and weight gain in later life.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Hydrocortisone; Leptin; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Sheep

Low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can be caused by numerous different conditions. In many experimental settings, however, these different causes are not accounted for. This study aimed at comparing the impact of two frequent causes of IUGR (low utero-placental blood flow vs. malnutrition) on fetal programming of gene expression. We studied offspring of dams treated by uterine artery ligation or sham operation compared with untreated controls and offspring of dams that were fed either a low protein or normal protein diet. After Cesarean section at term, placental and fetal hepatic expression of key "metabolic" and "vasoregulative" genes was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR. Ligation neonates showed IUGR, reduced expression of placental leptin, placental and hepatic IGF-I, hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase, and increased expression of placental IGF binding protein 1, hepatic IGF-II receptor and erythropoietin (EPO). Low protein offspring also showed IUGR but increased expression of placental leptin; IGF-I; placental and hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase; hepatic insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II receptors; and reduced expression of placental IGF binding protein 1, IGF-II, leptin-receptor type A, placental and hepatic leptin receptor type B, and EPO. Expression was independent of sex, birth weight, fetal intrauterine position, and EPO expression. In conclusion, the impact of IUGR on fetal and placental gene expression depends on the cause of low birth weight. Therefore, morbidity after IUGR should be analyzed referring to its pathophysiological cause rather than referring to low birth weight itself. Fetal hypoxia as estimated by hepatic EPO expression does not seem to be a key regulator of transcriptional activity in our models.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Blotting, Western; Female; Fetal Development; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Insulin; Leptin; Liver; Male; Placenta; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sex Factors

Adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP), and leptin have been shown to be present in human breast milk (BM). We determined intraindividual changes of BM levels of these proteins during 12 months of lactation.. Proteins were measured using a high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in 72 healthy mothers after delivery (day 0, D0) and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of lactation.. Adiponectin levels in BM on D0 were 22.8 ± 0.8 (mean ± standard error of the mean), in 1 month (M1) 22.0 ± 0.6, in 3 months (M3) 20.5 ± 0.6, in 6 months (M6) 21.4 ± 0.8, and in 12 months (M12) 25.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL. AFABP levels were 12.3 ± 2.0, 6.2 ± 1.3, 1.3 ± 0.2, 2.5 ± 1.0, and 4.6 ± 1.9 ng/mL, respectively. Leptin levels were 0.3 ± 0.04, 0.2 ± 0.03, 0.1 ± 0.01, 0.1 ± 0.02, and 0.2 ± 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. We found significantly higher levels of adiponectin in M12 in comparison to M3 and M6 (P = 0.0026), higher levels of AFABP in D0 and M1 when compared with M3, M6, and M12 (P < 0.0001), and higher levels of leptin on D0 than in M1, M3, M6, and M12 (P < 0.0001). AFABP levels correlated negatively with infants' body weight in M1, but there was no correlation throughout the lactation period between body weight and other proteins. We found positive correlation between adiponectin, AFABP, and leptin throughout the lactation.. All of the hormones were detectable in BM up to 12 months of lactation, with decreasing trend until M3 and subsequent increase till M12. We speculate that higher levels in M6 and M12 may be caused by longer intervals between breast-feeding due to the introduction of complementary food.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Child Development; Colostrum; Czech Republic; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactation; Leptin; Male; Milk, Human; Pregnancy; Reproducibility of Results; Time Factors

This study examined the effect of ponderal index (PI) at birth on the relationships between eight common polymorphisms of the leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes and adiposity in adolescents. A total of 823 European adolescents (45.4% girls) aged 14.8 ± 1.4 years were genotyped for the LEP (rs2167270, rs12706832, rs10244329, rs2071045, and rs3828942) and LEPR (rs1137100, rs1137101, and rs8179183) polymorphisms. The PI was calculated from parental reports of birth weight and length. Fat mass index (FMI) was calculated. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders. An "adiposity-risk-allele score" based on genotypes at the three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with adolescents' FMI in adolescents within the lower tertile of PI was calculated. The LEP rs10244329 and rs3828942 polymorphisms were associated with higher FMI only in adolescents within the lower PI tertile (+0.55 kg/m(2) per minor T allele, P = 0.040, and +0.58 kg/m(2) per major G allele, P = 0.028, respectively). The LEPR rs8179183 polymorphism was significantly associated with higher FMI in adolescents within the lower PI tertile (+0.87 kg/m(2) per minor C allele, P = 0.006). After correction for multiple comparisons, only the association between the LEPR rs8179183 and FMI persisted. However, each additional risk allele conferred 0.53 kg/m(2) greater FMI in adolescents within the lower tertile of PI (P = 0.008). In conclusion, our results suggest that those adolescents born with lower PI could be more vulnerable to the influence of the LEP rs10244329 and rs3828942 polymorphisms and LEPR rs8179183 polymorphism on total adiposity content. Due to the relatively small sample size, these findings should be replicated in further larger population samples.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Adolescent; Alleles; Birth Weight; Body Height; Europe; Female; Genotype; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Receptors, Leptin

Maternal protein restriction causes metabolic alterations associated with hypothalamic dysfunction. Because the consequences of metabolic programming can be passed transgenerationally, the present study aimed to assess whether maternal protein restriction alters the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides in offspring and to evaluate hormonal and metabolic changes in male offspring from the F1 and F2 generations. Female Swiss mice (F0) were mated and fed either a normal-protein (NP group; 19 % protein) or a low-protein (LP group; 5 % protein) diet throughout gestation of the F1 generation (NP1 and LP1). At 3 months of age, F1 females were mated to produce the F2 generation (NP2 and LP2). Animals from all groups were evaluated at 16 weeks of age. LP1 offspring had significantly lower weights and shorter lengths than NP1 offspring at birth, but they underwent a phase of rapid catch-up growth. Conversely, the LP2 offspring were not significantly different from the NP2 offspring in either weight or length. At 16 weeks, no differences were found in body mass among any of the groups, although LP1 and LP2 offspring showed hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriacylglycerolaemia, hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, increased levels of insulin, leptin and resistin, decreased endogenous leptin sensitivity, increased adiposity with elevated leptin levels and leptin resistance characterised by altered expression of neuropeptide Y and pro-opiomelanocortin without any changes in the leptin receptor Ob-Rb. We conclude that severe maternal protein restriction promotes metabolic programming in F1 and F2 male offspring due to a dysregulation of the adipoinsular axis and a state of hypothalamic leptin resistance.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Female; Growth; Hypothalamus; Leptin; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Metabolic Diseases; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Neuropeptide Y; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Protein Deficiency; Receptors, Leptin

Alterations in plasma leptin and adiponectin concentrations are associated with an adverse metabolic profile in obese children.. To simultaneously assess multiple factors with possible effects on plasma leptin and adiponectin concentrations in healthy, non-obese children.. We studied 170 healthy non-obese children (86 males, age 10+1.5 years), with available medical records from birth.. Plasma leptin and adiponectin concentrations were assessed by immunoassay. The ratio of current weight/birth weight (WBWR) was used as an index of children growth from birth. Children's intensity of physical activity and parental characteristics were also assessed.. Leptin was positively associated with WBWR (p<0.0001); parental smoking (analysis of variance, ANOVA; p-=0.03) and parental obesity (ANOVA; p<0.001) were negatively associated with breastfeeding (p<0.01) and children's access to exercise (p<0.0001). Adiponectin was negatively associated with WBWR (p<0.0001) and parental smoking (p=0.04), with an additive negative effect of parental smoking status and parental obesity on children's adiponectin levels (ANOVA; p=0.02).. Children's and parental factors are related and could possibly influence leptin and adiponectin concentrations in healthy non-obese children. Early preventive strategies that target both children and parents could improve the profile of adipocytokine in these children.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Child Development; Female; Greece; Humans; Leptin; Male; Motor Activity; Obesity; Parents; Reference Values; Risk Factors; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Weight Gain

In this study, we determined circulating levels of C-reactive protein, several cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and angiogenic factors along with those of leptin in healthy non-pregnant and pregnant women and preeclamptic patients, and investigated whether serum leptin levels were related to the clinical characteristics and measured laboratory parameters of the study participants.. Sixty preeclamptic patients, 60 healthy pregnant women and 59 healthy non-pregnant women were involved in this case-control study. Levels of leptin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in maternal sera were assessed by ELISA. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-18, interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon-gamma-inducible protein (IP)-10, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 were determined by multiplex suspension array. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured by an autoanalyzer. Serum total soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and biologically active placental growth factor (PlGF) levels were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. For statistical analyses, non-parametric methods were applied.. There were significant differences in most of the measured laboratory parameters among the three study groups except for serum IL-1beta and TGF-beta1 levels. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in preeclamptic patients and healthy pregnant women than in healthy non-pregnant women. Additionally, preeclamptic patients had significantly higher leptin levels as compared to healthy pregnant women. Serum leptin levels were independently associated with BMI in healthy non-pregnant women. In healthy pregnant women, both BMI and serum CRP concentrations showed significant positive linear association with leptin levels. There were significant positive correlations between serum leptin concentrations of healthy pregnant women and systolic blood pressure, as well as serum levels of IP-10, while their serum leptin levels correlated inversely with fetal birth weight. In preeclamptic patients, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum concentrations of leptin and IP-10. Furthermore, elevated serum leptin level and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio had an additive (joint) effect in the risk of preeclampsia, as shown by the substantially higher odds ratios of their combination than of either alone.. Simultaneous measurement of leptin with several inflammatory molecules and angiogenic factors in this study enabled us to investigate their relationship, which can help to understand the role of circulating leptin in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Topics: Algorithms; Angiogenic Proteins; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein; Case-Control Studies; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Chemokine CXCL10; Chemokines; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Placenta Growth Factor; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Proteins; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

Adipose tissue seems to be a pivotal organ in the aging process. We investigated whether healthy aging could have its roots in a sound metabolic condition from the first year of life by evaluating leptin and adiponectin levels in neonates [33 adequate for gestational age (AGA) and 29 small for gestational age (SGA)], 48 centenarians, and 50 healthy elderly subjects. At birth, SGA neonates showed lower leptin levels (SGA 0.88 +/- 0.28; AGA 2.22 +/- 0.91 ng/mL; p < 0.05) and comparable adiponectin levels with respect to AGA. At 1 year, SGA showed increased leptin (SGA 1.74 +/- 0.28; AGA 1.31 +/- 0.19 ng/mL) and slightly reduced adiponectin concentrations (SGA 35.51 +/- 2.53; AGA 38.56 +/- 3.18 microg/mL) than AGA. Centenarians showed lower leptin (centenarians 18.71 +/- 3.78; elderly 34.81 +/- 7.27 ng/mL; p < 0.05) and higher adiponectin levels (centenarians 55.63 +/- 7.7; elderly 33.51 +/- 4.1 microg/mL; p < 0.05) than elderly subjects. Centenarians, like AGA infants during the first year of life, show a favorable adipokine profile, suggesting that the metabolic condition at early age could affect the longevity of an individual.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Birth Weight; Energy Metabolism; Female; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Male

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) is a known risk factor for greater neonatal mortality and disease in later life. Some determinants of the incidence of SGA newborns have been studied but little is known about the role of leptin in the beginning of pregnancy.. To investigate the effect of serum leptin concentration in the 1st gestational trimester on the incidence of SGA newborns and to identify other determining factors in the occurrence of SGA.. Prospective study with 195 pairs of mothers and their children monitored in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The dependent variable was SGA newborns, while the independent variables were sociodemographic, reproductive, anthropometric and biochemical variables. Statistical analysis was performed by means of logistic regression.. The incidence of SGA was 11.3% (CI 95%: 7.31-16.46). The results showed that low concentrations (lowest tertile compared to 2nd and 3rd tertiles) of leptin (RR = 5.26; CI 95%: 1.91-9.56), insufficient gestational weight gain (RR = 3.16; CI 95%: 0.98-7.38), low stature (RR = 3.94; CI 95%: 1.22-8.57) and alcohol consumption during gestation (RR = 5.92; CI 95%: 1.44-12.92) were risk factors for SGA.. Lower leptin concentrations were associated with a significant risk for SGA after adjusting for confounding variables. Maternal serum leptin at the beginning of gestation can be used as a marker for the early detection of SGA.

Topics: Birth Weight; Brazil; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors

This paper reports an investigation into metabolic and endocrine maturity in the neonate lamb and the relationships between litter size, birth weight, and maternal metabolic and endocrine variables on behavior at birth and survival over the first 72 h of life. Data were from multiparous, fine-wool Merino ewes (n = 150; equal numbers of single-lamb and twin-lamb bearing status) lambed on pasture after late gestational glucocorticoid treatments. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to investigate relationships between lamb survival, behavior, endocrinology, and physiology. Improved lamb viability at 72 h after birth was related to decreased chill indices at birth, singleton litter status, greater presuckling rectal temperature, increased ewe prelambing plasma ghrelin concentration, female sex, heavier birth weight, and decreased lamb presuckling plasma glucose concentration. Greater rectal temperatures were associated with heavier birth weight and gestation lengths shorter than 146 d, but no relationship with neonatal behavioral progression was evident. Presuckling glucose concentrations were greater in singletons and lambs born to ewes of greater BCS at d 95 of gestation, and lambs of heavier birth weight, but were also associated with decreased rectal temperatures. This might reflect a delay in glucose utilization during the adjustment from a fetal metabolic rate to a rate appropriate for cold external environments. Singleton lambs exhibited decreased presuckling plasma NEFA concentrations and were almost 8 times more likely to survive to 72 h than a twin-born lamb. Birth weight was lesser in lambs born to ewes with elevated plasma glucose and leptin concentrations before lambing and was positively related to ewe BW at d 95 of gestation and to length of gestation. Greater presuckling plasma ghrelin and leptin concentrations were measured for shorter gestation lengths. Neonate presuckling ghrelin concentrations above 650 pg/mL tended (P = 0.077) to be associated with improved lamb survival to 72 h. This was consistent with a curvilinear decline in neonate survival rates to 72 h after birth as time of latency to suckle increased. No relationship was observed between lamb plasma glucose concentrations and behavioral expression after lambing. Lambs exhibiting greater metabolic and endocrine maturity at birth had improved survival in a cold environment to 72 h after birth. The role of ghrelin in ovine fetal development warrants further investigation.

Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Animals, Suckling; Basal Metabolism; Behavior, Animal; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Temperature; Female; Ghrelin; Leptin; Litter Size; Male; Nutritional Status; Sex Factors; Sheep; Urea

We previously demonstrated that low birth weight (BW) infant girls show increased serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations and poststimulated estradiol levels compared to normal-BW infants, suggesting an altered follicular development. However, the impact of high BW on reproductive function is less known.. To evaluate the effect of BW on AMH, we determined the concentrations of this hormone in low-BW, normal-BW, and high-BW female infants during the first 3 months of life.. Twenty-seven low-BW, 29 normal-BW, and 28 high-BW infant girls were studied. We measured serum gonadotropins, steroid hormones, AMH, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, IGF-I, and adiponectin in a fasting blood sample. In addition, in a subgroup of normal-BW (n = 23) and high-BW infants (n = 10), a GnRH analog leuprolide acetate test was performed.. Serum concentrations of AMH were higher in low-BW and high-BW infants compared to normal-BW infants (P = 0.028 and 0.022, respectively). In addition, in high-BW infants, adiponectin concentrations were lower (P = 0.018), and poststimulated FSH and estradiol levels were higher compared to normal-BW infants (P = 0.024 and 0.047, respectively).. Serum AMH and poststimulated estradiol concentrations are increased in low-BW and high-BW female infants, suggesting that these girls may show evidence of an altered follicular development. However, the increased poststimulated FSH levels and low adiponectin concentrations observed in high-BW infants suggest that ovarian function is perturbed through a different mechanism from that in low-BW infants.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Birth Weight; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy

Low birth weight and catch-up growth predict increased adiposity in children and adults. This may be due in part to leptin resistance, as adults who were born small exhibit increased plasma leptin concentration relative to adiposity. Placental restriction (PR), a major cause of intrauterine growth restriction, reduces size at birth and increases feeding activity and adiposity by 6 wk in sheep. We hypothesized that PR would increase plasma leptin concentration and alter its relationship with feeding activity and adiposity in young lambs. Body size, plasma leptin, feeding activity, adiposity, leptin, and leptin receptor gene expression in adipose tissue were measured (12 control, 12 PR). PR reduced size at birth and increased adiposity. Plasma leptin concentration decreased with age, but to a lesser extent after PR and correlated positively with adiposity similarly in control and PR. PR increased plasma leptin concentration and perirenal adipose tissue leptin expression. Feeding activity correlated negatively with plasma leptin concentration in controls, but positively after PR. PR increases adipose tissue leptin expression and plasma leptin concentration, however, this increased abundance of peripheral leptin does not inhibit feeding activity (suckling event frequency), suggesting PR programs resistance to appetite and energy balance regulation by leptin, leading to early onset obesity.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Age Factors; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Animals, Suckling; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Hyperphagia; Insulin; Lactation; Leptin; Male; Placental Insufficiency; Pregnancy; Receptors, Leptin; Sheep; Up-Regulation

To determine the connection between maternal first trimester serum leptin levels and newborn weight.. The study included 37 preeclamptic women and 53 normotensive women who considered the control group. Maternal blood samples were withdrawn at 13 weeks of gestation for the measurement of leptin concentrations. Birth weights were transformed to z-scores according to maternal and obstetrical features, based on customized centiles. Non-parametric tests, student's t-test, Pearson's correlation, Spearman's correlation and linear regression analysis were performed in our analysis.. Pre-pregnancy body mass index and first trimester maternal plasma leptin levels were significantly higher among women with preeclampsia (p=0.015 and p<0.001, respectively). Birth weight z-score was negatively correlated with leptin levels (r= -0.570, p<0.001), in preeclamptic group and in control group (r= -0.477, p<0.001). The regression modelling demonstrated a significant negative association between birth weight z-scores and leptin for both groups.. Maternal first trimester serum leptin demonstrates a significant negative association with neonatal weight in preeclamptic pregnancies and to a lesser extent in normotensive pregnancies. A possible leptin's involvement in pathophysiological adaptations that define the foetal growth potential can be supported.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Regression Analysis

Obesity involving women of reproductive years is increasing dramatically in both developing and developed nations. Maternal obesity and accompanying high energy obesogenic dietary (MO) intake prior to and throughout pregnancy and lactation program offspring physiological systems predisposing to altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Whether maternal obesity-induced programming outcomes are reversible by altered dietary intake commencing before conception remains an unanswered question of physiological and clinical importance. We induced pre-pregnancy maternal obesity by feeding female rats with a high fat diet from weaning to breeding 90 days later and through pregnancy and lactation. A dietary intervention group (DINT) of MO females was transferred to normal chow 1 month before mating. Controls received normal chow throughout. Male offspring were studied. Offspring birth weights were similar. At postnatal day 21 fat mass, serum triglycerides, leptin and insulin were elevated in MO offspring and were normalized by DINT. At postnatal day 120 serum glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) were increased in MO offspring; glucose was restored, and HOMA partially reversed to normal by DINT. At postnatal day 150 fat mass was increased in MO and partially reversed in DINT. At postnatal day 150, fat cell size was increased by MO. DINT partially reversed these differences in fat cell size. We believe this is the first study showing reversibility of adverse metabolic effects of maternal obesity on offspring metabolic phenotype, and that outcomes and reversibility vary by tissue affected.

Topics: Adipocytes; Animals; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cell Size; Cholesterol; Diet; Eating; Female; Fetal Development; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Lactation; Leptin; Litter Size; Male; Obesity; Phenotype; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides

The effect leptin on fetal growth in healthy and infected newborns is not well known. This study is aimed at: 1) evaluating serum leptin concentration in full term and preterm, healthy and infected newborns, according to their gender, birth asphyxia, intrauterine and neonatal infections, and 2) assessing the correlation between serum leptin levels and anthropometric parameters among healthy and infected newborns.. The study involved 146 newborns: 73 full-term and 73 preterm, 86 male and 60 female, 56 healthy and 90 infected, aged from 2nd to 4th day of life. Anthropometric parameters, including: birth weight, length, head and chest circumference, and serum leptin concentration were measured in all the subjects. Intrauterine and neonatal infections were diagnosed by the standard criteria.. In this study, it was found that both healthy and infected, but full-term newborns had significantly higher mean leptin concentration than the premature ones (p<0.05). Statistically significant (p<0.05), positive correlations were found between serum leptin level and gestational age, birth weight, head and chest circumference, both in healthy, and in infected newborns.. Findings of this study suggest that the serum leptin concentration in full term newborns is higher than in the preterm ones, and in females it is higher than in males, 2) among both healthy and infected newborns, there is a positive, linear correlation between the serum leptin concentration and anthropometric parameters, 3) intrauterine and neonatal infections do not have a significant influence on serum leptin concentration. The role of leptin in fetal growth deserves further research.

Topics: Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Height; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infant, Premature; Infections; Leptin; Linear Models; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Term Birth

The goals of this study were to examine the influence of maternal type 1 diabetes during pregnancy on offspring adiposity and glucose tolerance at age 7 years and to assess whether metabolic factors at birth (neonatal leptin and insulin) predict adverse outcomes.. We examined 100 offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes (OT1DM) and 45 offspring of control mothers. Mothers had previously been recruited during pregnancy, and, where possible, birth weight, umbilical cord insulin, and leptin were measured. Children were classed as overweight and obese using age-specific reference ranges.. OT1DM had similar height (control, 1.25 +/- 0. 06 m; OT1DM, 1.24 +/- 0.06 m; P = 0.81) but were heavier (control, 25.5 +/- 3.8 kg; OT1DM, 27.1 +/- 5.7 kg; P = 0.048) and had an increased BMI (control, 16.4 kg/m(2); OT1DM, 17.4 +/- 2.6 kg/m(2), P = 0.005). Waist circumference (control, 56.0 +/- 3.7 cm; OT1DM, 58 +/- 6.8 cm; P = 0.02) and sum of skinfolds were increased (control, 37.5 +/- 17.0 mm [n = 42]; OT1DM, 46.1 +/- 24.2 mm [n = 91]; P = 0.02), and there was a marked increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese children (OT1DM, 22% overweight and 12% obese; control, 0% overweight and 7% obese; chi(2) P = 0.001). Glucose tolerance was not different compared with that in control subjects. BMI at age 7 years correlated with cord leptin (OT1DM, r = 0.25; n = 61, P = 0.047), weakly with adjusted birth weight (r = 0.19; P = 0.06) and hematocrit (r = 0.25; n = 50, P = 0.07), but not cord insulin (OT1DM, r = -0.08; P = 0.54).. OT1DM are at increased risk of overweight and obesity in childhood. This risk appears to relate, in part, to fetal leptin and hematocrit but not insulin.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Birth Weight; Child; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetus; Follow-Up Studies; Glucose Intolerance; Hematocrit; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Mothers; Obesity; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prevalence; Risk Factors

Although small size at birth is associated with hypertension and associated co-morbidities such as insulin resistance and type II diabetes mellitus, many of the animal models employed to simulate this phenomenon do not closely mimic the ontogeny of growth restriction observed clinically. While intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is often detected near mid-pregnancy in women and persists until term, most rodent models of IUGR employ ligation of uterine arteries for a brief period during late gestation (days 19-21 of pregnancy). We hypothesized that IUGR associated with chronic reduction in uteroplacental perfusion (RUPP) and placental ischemia during the third trimester of pregnancy in the rat alters the amniotic fluid (AF) environment and results in hypertensive offspring presenting with metabolic abnormalities such as glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-2, Na(+) concentration and oxidative stress in the AF were increased, while K(+) concentration was decreased in the RUPP compared with normal pregnant (NP) fetuses. RUPP-offspring (RUPP-O) were smaller (6.1 +/- 0.2 versus 6.7 +/- 0.2 g; P < 0.05) at birth compared with NP-offspring (NP-O) groups. At nine weeks of age, mean arterial pressure (121 +/- 3 versus 107 +/- 5 mmHg; P < 0.05), fasting insulin (0.71 +/- 0.014 versus 0.30 +/- 0.08 ng/mL; P < 0.05), glucose (4.4 +/- 0.2 versus 3.1 +/- 0.3 mmol/L; P < 0.05), leptin (3.8 +/- 0.5 versus 2.3 +/- 0.3 ng/mL; P < 0.05) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index was greater (2.9 +/- 0.6 versus 1.0 +/- 0.3; P < 0.05) in the RUPP-O compared with the NP-O rats. These data indicate that chronic placental ischemia results in numerous alterations to the fetal environment that contributes to the development of impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia in young offspring.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test; Insulin Resistance; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Ischemia; Leptin; Oxidative Stress; Placenta; Placental Insufficiency; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sodium; Triglycerides

In the present pilot study, we evaluated the effect of maternal adiposity on the plasma concentration of adipocytokines in pregnant women and their newborns. Twenty patients with term gestations without labour were initially selected by pregestational BMI and then classified into two study groups (n 10 each), according to their median value of adiposity (total body fat). Concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, leptin and adiponectin in plasma of maternal peripheral blood and fetal cord blood were measured and correlated to maternal adiposity. Maternal adiposity showed a significant negative correlation with fetal adiponectin (r - 0·587, P = 0·01) and IL-6 (r - 0·466, P = 0·05), a significant positive correlation with maternal leptin (r 0·527, P = 0·02) and no correlation with TNF-α or IL-1β. Adiponectin was higher in fetal plasma than in maternal plasma (P = 0·043), but significantly lower in newborns from women with high adiposity than in newborns from women with low adiposity (P = 0·040). Our results suggest that fetuses from obese women may be less able to control inflammation, due to lower circulating anti-inflammatory adipocytokines, which could limit their optimal development or even increase the risk of abortion or preterm labour.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Adiposity; Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Cytokines; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Inflammation; Leptin; Male; Maternal Age; Mexico; Pilot Projects; Pregnancy; Young Adult

Birth weight in humans has been inversely associated with adult disease risk. Results of animal studies have varied depending on species, strain, and treatment.. We compared birth weight and adult health in offspring following 50% maternal undernutrition on gestation days (GD) 1-15 (UN1-15) or GD 10-21 (UN10-21) in Sprague Dawley and Wistar rats. Offspring from food-deprived dams were weighed and cross-fostered to control dams. Litters were weighed during lactation and initiating at weaning males were fed either control or a high-fat diet. Young and mature adult offspring were evaluated for obesity, blood pressure (BP), insulin response to oral glucose, and serum lipids. Nephron endowment, renal glucocorticoid receptor, and renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system components were measured.. The UN10-21 groups had birth weights lower than controls and transient catch up growth by weaning. Neither strain demonstrated obesity or dyslipidemia following prenatal undernutrition, but long-term body weight deficits occurred in the UN groups of both strains. High-fat diet fed offspring gained more weight than control offspring without an effect of prenatal nutrition. Sprague Dawley were slightly more susceptible than Wistar rats to altered insulin response and increased BP following gestational undernutrition. Nephron endowment in Sprague Dawley but not Wistar offspring was lower in the UN10-21 groups. Glucocorticoid and renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system pathways were not altered.. The most consistent effect of maternal undernutrition was elevated BP in offspring. Long-term health effects occurred with undernutrition during either window, but the UN10-21 period resulted in lower birth weight and more severe adult health effects.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Insulin; Leptin; Lipids; Male; Malnutrition; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats, Wistar; Weaning

To assess metabolic parameters in the cord blood of newborns of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to correlate these parameters with those of mothers with PCOS during midgestation.. Case-control study.. Unit of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine.. Thirty newborns of mothers with PCOS (PCOSn) and 34 newborns of control mothers (Cn) were studied.. A sample of cord blood was obtained at delivery. In all mothers, an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) with measurement of glucose and insulin was performed at 22-28 weeks of gestation. In cord blood and in the fasting sample of the oGTT, serum leptin, adiponectin, insulin, glucose, and lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were determined.. PCOSn showed significantly higher leptin concentrations than Cn. Moreover, in PCOSn, leptin concentrations in cord blood were correlated with birth weight (r = 0.495) and body mass index of the mother at midpregnancy (r = 0.644).. The metabolic parameters in the cord blood of PCOSn are similar to those observed in controls, except for leptin concentrations, which are significantly higher. The latter could be related to the fetal adiposity or the metabolic condition of the mother.

Topics: Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin; Leptin; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Reference Values; Skull

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two lactation sow feeds, differing in n-6:n-3 ratio, given to sows before parturition on body condition and feed intake, periparturient metabolism (leptin, insulin, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)), inflammatory parameters (TNFalpha, IL-6, serum amyloid A (SAA)) and on piglet performance (birth weight, survivability). The feed contained either a low (supplemented with fish oil; f groups) or high (supplemented with sunflower-seed oil; s groups) n-6:n-3 ratio and was administered from 8 d (f8, s8) or 3 d (f3, s3) before parturition until weaning. The level of inclusion of the oil sources was 2 %. Seventy-two sows were randomly allocated 8 d before expected farrowing into four groups: f3, f8, s3, s8. Type of feed had a significant influence on the sows' feed intake during the first 2 d of lactation (s < f), leptin on days 4, 3 and 2 before parturition (f < s), insulin on day 1 after parturition (f < s), T4 on the day before parturition (s < f) and rectal temperature on the day after parturition (f < s). Onset of administration of the feed (3 v. 8 d) had significant effects on leptin on day 2 before parturition (8 < 3), insulin on day 4 before parturition (3 < 8), T3 on day 4 before parturition and on the day after parturition (3 < 8), SAA on day 3 after parturition (8 < 3) and piglet weight during the first days postpartum (3 < 8). In conclusion, under the present conditions, a lactation feed low in n-6:n-3 ratio administered from 8 d before farrowing ensures improved feed intake during the first days postpartum and was associated with a better metabolic change and inflammatory profile in sows in the periparturient period.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Feeding Behavior; Female; Gestational Age; Insulin; Interleukin-6; Lactation; Leptin; Lipoproteins, VLDL; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Random Allocation; Serum Amyloid A Protein; Swine; Triglycerides; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Small birth weight and excess of early protein intake are suspected to enhance later adiposity. The present study was undertaken to determine the impact of diets differing in protein content on short-term growth, adipose tissue development, and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in piglets. Normal (NW) and small (SW) birth weight piglets were fed milk-replacers formulated to provide an adequate (AP) or a high protein (HP) supply between 7 and 28 d of age. The fractional growth rate was higher (p < 0.01) in SW than in NW piglets. At 7 d of age, the lower (p < 0.05) weight of perirenal adipose tissue relative to body mass in SW than in NW piglets did not involve significant changes in plasma IGF-I, leptin, or insulin-like growth factor binding protein levels, but involved differences (p < 0.05) in the expression of IGF-I and leptin in adipose tissue. Growth rates did not differ between AP and HP piglets. At 28 d of age, HP piglets had lower (p < 0.001) relative perirenal adipose tissue weight but did not differ clearly from AP piglets with regard to the IGF system. It remains to be determined whether piglets fed such a high protein intake will stay subsequently with a low adiposity.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Age Factors; Aging; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Diet; Eating; Fetal Growth Retardation; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; Leptin; Milk Proteins; Somatomedins; Swine; Weight Gain

Eighty-eight multiparous sows were used to evaluate whether type and timing of oil supplementation during gestation influences the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). Sows were allocated (eight per treatment) commercial sow pellets (3 kg/d; control diet) or an experimental diet consisting of control diet plus 10 % extra energy in the form of excess pellets, palm oil, olive oil (OO), sunflower oil (SO) or fish oil; experimental diets were fed during either the first half (G1) or second half (G2) of gestation. Growth performance and endocrine profile of LBW (<1.09 kg) and normal birth weight (NBW; 1.46-1.64 kg) offspring were compared. Maternal dietary supplementation altered the distribution curve for piglet birth weight. SOG1 sows had a greater proportion of LBW piglets (P<0.05), whilst it was reduced in the OOG1 group (P<0.05). Growth rate of LBW piglets was lower compared with their NBW siblings (P<0.05) when dietary supplementation was offered in G2 but were similar for G1. At birth, LBW offspring of supplemented animals possessed more fat compared with the control group (P<0.05); LBW offspring of control animals exhibited a more rapid decline in fat free mass/kg prior to weaning. Plasma metabolites and insulin concentrations were influenced by maternal diet and birth weight. In conclusion, maternal dietary supplementation altered the distribution of piglet birth weights and improved the energy status of LBW piglets. Supplementation with MUFA during G1 reduced the incidence of LBW, whereas PUFA had the reverse effect.

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Dietary Supplements; Energy Metabolism; Female; Fish Oils; Gestational Age; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Plant Oils; Pregnancy; Swine; Thyroid Hormones

Discordant twin gestation, in which one fetus is growth restricted, is a unique model that can elucidate the mechanism(s) by which the intrauterine environment affects fetal growth.. The objective of the study was to determine the cord blood adiponectin and leptin concentrations and evaluate their association with birth weight in dichorionic twins, with and without growth discordance. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: In this cross-sectional study, arterial cord blood adiponectin and leptin concentrations were determined in two groups of newborns: 1) discordant twins, in which one of the twins is growth restricted (small for gestation age and abnormal umbilical arteries Doppler) and the other is appropriate for gestation age (AGA) (n = 14 pairs); and 2) concordant twins, in which both twins are AGA (n = 15 pairs).. Results were: 1) within the discordant twins group, the median adiponectin concentration was significantly lower in the growth-restricted newborns than in their cotwins (P = 0.004); 2) within the concordant twin group, there was no significant difference in the median cord blood adiponectin concentration between the two AGA twins; 3) the median leptin concentration did not differ between the twins pairs in both study groups; 4) a positive correlation between cord blood adiponectin concentrations and both birth weight (r = 0.7, P < 0.001) and gestational age (r = 0.6, P < 0.02) was found only in the small-for-gestational-age newborns; 5) linear regression model revealed that birth weight is independently associated with circulating adiponectin concentration.. Low circulating adiponectin concentrations, previously reported in adults, children, and infants who were born small for gestational age, characterize fetuses with growth restriction and are independently associated with birth weight.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Fetofetal Transfusion; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Linear Models; Pregnancy; Twins, Dizygotic

Fetal glucocorticoid exposure is associated with later development of features of the metabolic syndrome such as central obesity and insulin resistance. Fat tissue, especially visceral fat, produces adiponectin, which is inversely associated with insulin resistance in older children and adults. Adipocytes also produce leptin, directly related to measures of adiposity. It is unknown how the secretion of these hormones in early childhood is related to pregnancy levels of CRH, a proxy of fetal glucocorticoid exposure.. Our aim was to study the relationship of maternal midpregnancy CRH levels with offspring levels of adiponectin and leptin in early childhood.. The study population consisted of 349 mother-children pairs from Project Viva, a prospective prebirth cohort study from eastern Massachusetts. We created a general linear model with log CRH levels in midpregnancy maternal blood as the predictor and adiponectin and leptin measured in the 3-yr-old offspring as outcomes, adjusting for covariates.. The means (sd) of log CRH, adiponectin, and leptin were 4.97 (0.65) log pg/ml, 22.4 (5.8) microg/ml, and 1.9 (1.8) ng/ml. For each unit increment in log CRH, mean value of offspring adiponectin was 1.10 microg/ml (95% confidence interval = 0.06-2.14) higher. We found no association with leptin (-0.08 ng/ml; 95% confidence interval = -0.40-0.24).. Higher maternal blood levels of CRH were associated with higher levels of adiponectin but unchanged levels of leptin at age 3 yr. The increased adiponectin levels might represent secretion from organs other than fat or reflect a compensatory mechanism to increase insulin sensitivity.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Leptin; Male; Maternal Age; Mothers; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with an increased risk for short stature and diseases in adulthood thought to be inflicted by fetal programming. We hypothesized that placental endocrine systems involved in perinatal growth might also play a role in postnatal growth after IUGR. In a prospective controlled multicenter study, placental gene expression of IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), leptin and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) were measured in 14 IUGR infants and 15 children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) proven by serial ultrasound examinations. Postnatally, IUGR infants experienced a significantly higher growth velocity than AGA neonates (at 1 y: p = 0.001). Gene expression of 11beta-HSD2 at birth correlated positively with birth length (r = 0.55, p = 0.04) and inversely with growth velocity in the first year of life (r = -0.69, p = 0.01) in the IUGR, but not in the AGA group. There was no correlation between gene expression of placental IGFBP-1, leptin and birth weight, length and growth velocity during the first year of life. AGA infants showed significantly higher concentrations of cortisone in venous cord blood after birth (p = 0.02) as a surrogate of a higher 11beta-HSD2 activity in the fetoplacental unit. In conclusion, placental 11beta-HSD2 gene expression might predict postnatal growth in IUGR.

Topics: 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Leptin; Male; Placenta; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

The aim of the study was to evaluate growth pattern of small- and appropriate-for-gestational-age children and to identify prenatal and postnatal risk factors for short stature and development of components of metabolic syndrome. A total of 109 small- and 239 appropriate-for-gestational-age infants were enrolled in the study. Within 24 hours after birth and at 2, 5, 9, 12, 18, 24 months, and 6 years of age, anthropometric data were recorded for study children. Cord blood samples from study infants were collected, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF), IGF-binding protein-3, and leptin levels were measured. Birth weight and height (P<0.001) and insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-binding protein-3, and leptin levels (P<0.05) were lower in children born small for gestational age vs. children born appropriate for gestational age. At 2, 5, 12, 18, and 24 months and 6 years of age, children born small for gestational age remained shorter and weighed less (P<0.001). Waist-to-hip ratio, heart rate at 6 years of age and gain in body mass index from birth up to 6 years of age was higher in children born small for gestational age. Height gain during the first year of life was mainly influenced by birth length and target height. Maternal weight before pregnancy and cord leptin levels were the most significant factors influencing postnatal weight gain during the first years of life.. During the first 6 years of life, children born small for gestational age remained shorter and lighter. A greater catch-up in body mass index and tendency towards central pattern of fat distribution during the first years of life might be predisposing factors for the development of long-term metabolic complications in these individuals.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Female; Fetal Blood; Follow-Up Studies; Growth Disorders; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin Resistance; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Mothers; Pregnancy; Radioimmunoassay; Risk Factors; Time Factors

To explore the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and leptin in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) among preeclamptic and non-pre-eclamptic women.. Forty three patients with a pregnancy complicated by IUGR, 23 cases with severe pre-eclampsia and 20 cases of non-pre-eclamptic were enrolled. Control group comprised 15 cases with uncomplicated pregnancy. Blood samples from umbilical artery and maternal venous blood were collected at the time of delivery for analysis of ET-1 and leptin levels. Mode of delivery, birth weight and Apgar score were also recorded.. The mean maternal and fetal ET-1 level was significantly higher in pregnancies complicated by IUGR than in control group. The mean maternal leptin level was significantly higher in pre-eclamptic patients when compared to non-preeclamptic and control groups. Mean fetal leptin level was significantly lower in patients compared to control; however, when fetal leptin corrected to fetal weight, it was insignificantly different in the both groups. E-mail: m. alhaggar@yahoo.co.uk.. Maternal plasma ET-1 and leptin correlate with the degree of fetal growth restriction originating from deterioration of placental function. Maternal plasma leptin and ET-1 levels may reflect deterioration in fetal growth.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Chi-Square Distribution; Endothelin-1; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Linear Models; Maternal Age; Pre-Eclampsia; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prenatal Care; Probability; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Young Adult

The influence of nutritional protein during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy on placental measures at term and caruncle numbers in the uteri of adult offspring was determined in composite beef heifers. At artificial insemination (AI), heifers were divided by weight and composite genotype into four dietary treatment groups, identified by the level of protein components fed during the first and second trimesters: high/high (HH), high/low (HL), low/high (LH), low/low (LL). Expelled placentas were collected and weighed, and cotyledons were dissected, counted, weighed, and measured. Uteri from mature female offspring were dissected at slaughter and caruncles counted. The number of cotyledons in the expelled placenta was increased by high dietary protein in the second trimester (P=0.02) and varied with genotype (P=0.03). Placental weight was influenced by maternal undernutrition during early gestation dependent on dam genotype (P=0.001). Placental efficiency, as determined by calf weight:placental weight, increased with dam age (P=0.03). Calf birth weight was closely associated with placental weight (P=0.002) and cotyledonary weight (P=0.001) and surface area (P=0.04), but not with the number of cotyledons. Leptin concentrations during early (R=-0.29) and late gestation (R=-0.25) correlated with placental weight, and Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins throughout gestation correlated with the number of cotyledons (R=-0.28 to-0.33). The number of uterine caruncles in the nonpregnant adult offspring did not correlate with the dam's genotype, nutrition treatment, or cotyledon number in the expelled placenta.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Cattle; Dietary Proteins; Female; Genotype; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; Leptin; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Organ Size; Placenta; Placentation; Pregnancy; Somatomedins; Uterus

Perinatal mortality is a major contributing factor to reproductive wastage in grazing sheep industries. Enhanced metabolic and endocrine maturity at birth may improve the behavioral competency and thermoregulatory ability of neonates, potentially improving lamb survival over the first 72 h of life. Maternal glucocorticoid treatment in late gestation was investigated as a mechanism for manipulating metabolic and endocrine maturity in the ovine neonate. Multiparous, fine-wool Merino ewes (n = 150) were divided into 3 groups to lamb on pasture. Within each group, 5 single-lamb and 5 twin-lamb bearing ewes were randomly allocated to 1 of 5 treatments. Treatments included a saline control (1 mL), or dexamethasone (2 mg/mL as the sodium phosphate) injected intramuscularly at 1 of 2 dose rates (1.5 or 3.0 mg) at d 130 or 141 of gestation. One-half of the control ewes were injected at d 130 and the remainder at d 141. Dexamethasone treatment had no effect on lamb survival to 72 h after birth, although there tended (P = 0.09) to be a smaller proportion of lambs dying due to dystocia than for control lambs. Heart girth at birth in singleton and twin lambs was reduced (P < 0.01) at the greater dose rate. Further, treatment also reduced birth weight (by about 5%) and presuckling rectal temperatures in twin lambs, but not in singleton lambs. These reductions were also dependent on the sex of the lamb. Dexamethasone treatment did not alter gestation length or lamb presuckling plasma glucose, NEFA, urea, or leptin concentrations, but treatment at d 141 increased (P < 0.05) ghrelin concentrations in singleton and male lambs. Behavioral interactions between ewes and neonatal lambs were generally unaffected, although treatment at d 130 produced lambs that took longer to bleat than lambs of untreated ewes (P < 0.05). Treatment did not affect the concentration of measured blood metabolites or hormones at weaning. Although there were interactions between litter size, lamb sex, and the dose rate and time of treatment on weaning weight, BW recorded 73 d after weaning was unaffected by treatment. Despite changes in birth weight, rectal temperature, lamb behavior, and presuckling plasma ghrelin concentrations, survival in the first 72 h of life, and lamb growth performance were unaffected by periparturient maternal glucocorticoid treatment.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Behavior, Animal; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Temperature; Dexamethasone; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Ghrelin; Glucocorticoids; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Random Allocation; Sheep; Survival Analysis; Urea

The influence of supplemental protein during gestation on maternal hormones and fetal growth was determined in composite beef heifers. At AI, 118 heifers were stratified by BW within each composite genotype (BeefX = 1/2 Senepol, 1/4 Brahman, 1/8 Charolais, 1/8 Red Angus and CBX = 1/2 Senepol, 1/4 Brahman, 1/4 Charolais) into 4 treatment groups: high high (HH = 1.4 kg CP/d for first and second trimesters of gestation), high low (HL = 1.4 kg of CP/d for first trimester and 0.4 kg of CP/d for second trimester), low high (lowH = 0.4 kg CP/d for first trimester and 1.4 kg of CP/d and for second trimester), or low low (LL = 0.4 kg CP/d for first and second trimesters). Maternal plasma IGF-I and -II, total IGFBP, and leptin concentrations were determined at 14 d before AI and at d 28, 82, 179, and 271 post-AI (mean gestation length 286 d), and leptin concentrations were also determined at calving. Increased dietary protein increased maternal plasma IGF-I (P < 0.001 on d 28, 82, and 179), IGF-II (P = 0.01 on d 82; P = 0.04 on d 271), and total IGFBP (P = 0.002 on d 82; P = 0.005 on d 179; P = 0.03 on d 271). Maternal plasma IGF-I at d 271 was negatively associated with calf crown-rump length at birth (P = 0.003). BeefX had greater birth weight calves (P = 0.01), greater IGF-II (P < 0.001), increased ratios of IGF-I:total IGFBP (P = 0.008) and IGF-II:total IGFBP (P < 0.001), and reduced total IGFBP compared with CBX (P = 0.02). Increased dietary protein during second trimester increased maternal plasma leptin at calving (P = 0.005). Maternal plasma leptin near term was positively associated with heifer BCS (P = 0.02) and with calf birth weight (P = 0.04), and at calving was positively associated with heifer age at AI (P = 0.02). These findings suggest that maternal dietary protein, age, and genotype influence plasma concentrations of metabolic hormones and fetal growth in Bos indicus-influenced heifers.

Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Cattle; Crown-Rump Length; Dietary Proteins; Female; Genotype; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Leptin; Placental Lactogen; Pregnancy; Queensland

Numerous studies correlated maternal serum and fetal cord Leptin Levels in pregnancy with new born weight (NBW) and maternal body mass index (BMI). However, there are only a few published studies concerning amniotic fluid leptin and its possible relationship to fetal growth and NBW.. To correlate leptin and insulin in amniotic fluid and maternal serum collected at 16-20 gestational weeks to NBW.. This was an observational study in which maternal serum Leptin, insulin, and amniotic fluid Leptin and insulin, studied from 70 healthy pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis for karyotyping, at 16-20 weeks gestation. NBW was correlated with maternal BMI and leptin and insulin Levels in maternal serum and amniotic fluid.. Maternal serum leptin was detected as the best predictor of NBW. Squared correlation coefficient, r2 = 0.09, was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Maternal BMI correlated significantly with serum Levels of insulin and leptin r2 = 0.16 and 0.27 respectively, P < 0.01.. In normal pregnancies, amniotic fluid Leptin correlates partially with NBW. Maternal serum leptin correlates significantly with NBW.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second

Topics: Adiponectin; Adiposity; Birth Weight; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin

Leptin is secreted from adipose tissue and plays an important role in obesity. Recent studies have shown that the relationship between Leptin and body fat mass may have ethnic differences. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between venous umbilical cord plasma Leptin and anthropometric markers in term healthy Taiwanese newborns.. Umbilical venous plasma samples were obtained from 98 term neonates (48 males and 50 females) and leptin Levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.. Umbilical cord plasma Levels of leptin were significantly higher in the female neonates than in males (p<0.001). The large-for-gestationaL age and appropriate-for-gestational age newborns had significantly higher Leptin cord plasma levels than the small-for-gestational age newborns (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). In both male and female neonates, umbilical Leptin Levels showed significant positive correlations with birth weight and birth Length. Multiple Linear regression analysis revealed that birth weight was the only significant predictor of umbilical cord plasma Leptin levels in both male and female neonates. However, the slopes of the regressions between Leptin and birth weight in male and female neonates were not different.. In Taiwanese healthy term neonates, leptin umbilical cord plasma Levels are associated with sex and birth weight of the neonate. The relationship between Leptin and birth weight may differ among different ethnic groups. These findings imply that the relationship between leptin and body fat mass may develop early in life.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Linear Models; Male; Sex Characteristics; Taiwan

Low birth weight (BW), small head circumference, reduced length, increased preterm births and neuro-endocrine dysfunctions are among known consequences of smoking during pregnancy. Few studies have linked leptin to clinical features of growth restriction associated with maternal smoking and explored interaction with other determinants of size at birth, such as gender.. Cord serum leptin concentrations were measured in 1215 term infants born to Caucasian mothers at completion of uneventful pregnancy. Serum concentrations were related to BW, gestational length, gender and maternal smoking and interaction with other determinants of size at birth evaluated.. Smoking was more frequent in younger (P<0.001) and shorter mothers (P=0.03) from lower socio-economic groups (SEGPs) (P<0.001). Infants born to smokers were lighter (190 g less), shorter and with smaller head circumference. Cord serum leptin concentrations were higher in girls (9.8 s.d. 7.6 ng/ml) than in boys (7.05 s.d. 5.8 ng/ml) (P<0.001). Boys were heavier (BW 3.52 s.d. 0.49 kg) than girls (3.39 s.d. 0.44 kg) (P<0.001), but girls had greater skinfold thickness measurements (sub-scapular and quadriceps skinfold thicknesses 5.5 s.d. 1.6 mm and 7.6 s.d. 1.9 mm respectively; boys 5.3 s.d. 1.6 vs 7.24+/-1.90 mm, P<0.001 respectively). Multivariate analyses showed gender (P<0.001), BW SDS (P<0.001), gestational length (P<0.001) and maternal smoking (P<0.042) as factors that influenced umbilical cord serum leptin concentrations in newborns.. Maternal smoking restrains foetal growth through placental vascular effects, and likely also via associated effects on leptin metabolism. More studies are needed to determine the influence that maternal smoking may have on placental syncytiotrophoblast and foetal adipose tissue.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Sex Characteristics; Smoking

Low birth weight resulting from intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a risk factor for further development of metabolic diseases. The pig appears to reproduce nearly all of the phenotypic pathological consequences of human IUGR and is likely to be more relevant than rodents in studies of neonatal development. In the present work, we characterized the model of low-birth-weight piglets with particular attention to the hypothalamic leptin-sensitive system, and we tested whether postnatal leptin supplementation can reverse the precocious signs of adverse metabolic programming. Our results demonstrated that 1) IUGR piglets present altered postnatal growth and increased adiposity; 2) IUGR piglets exhibit abnormal hypothalamic distribution of leptin receptors that may be linked to further disturbance in food-intake behavior; and 3) postnatal leptin administration can partially reverse the IUGR phenotype by correcting growth rate, body composition, and development of several organs involved in metabolic regulation. We conclude that IUGR may be characterized by altered leptin receptor distribution within the hypothalamic structures involved in metabolic regulation and that leptin supplementation can partially reverse the IUGR phenotype. These results open interesting therapeutic perspectives in physiopathology for the correction of defects observed in IUGR.

Topics: Adipocytes, White; Adipose Tissue, White; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Composition; Body Size; Body Weight; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gene Expression; Hypothalamus; In Situ Hybridization; Leptin; Receptors, Leptin; Sus scrofa; Triglycerides; Weight Gain

High-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-ad) is an active form of adiponectin. No information is available with respect to HMW-ad in neonates. The aims of this study were to examine whether HMW-ad is present in cord blood, to define the association between the concentrations of cord blood HMW-ad and leptin, and their correlation with anthropometric measurements of term neonates at birth.. Venous cord blood samples were obtained from 135 term healthy neonates (birth weight 2,261-4,164 g) born at Showa University Hospital. Total adiponectin (T-ad), HMW-ad and leptin levels were measured by ELISA.. HMW-ad levels were 14.9 +/- 5.8 microg/ml and the ratio of HMW-ad to T-ad was 0.49 +/- 0.15. In a multiple regression analysis, cord blood HMW-ad levels were a significant predictor of birth weight and birth length, and leptin level was a significant predictor of birth weight and birth weight to body length ratio. There was a significant relationship between concentrations of HMW-ad and leptin controlling for sex, gestational age and birth weight.. These results show that HMW-ad exists as a half of T-ad in the cord blood. Leptin and HMW-ad may regulate synergistically fetal growth.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Height; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Molecular Weight; Pregnancy

To investigate the impact of abnormal nutrition during pregnancy on the insulin and leptin resistance of adult offsprings.. The model of abnormal nutrition during pregnancy was established, and these rats were fed whole-course low-protein or high-nutrition. After natural childbirth, the birth weight of each newborn rat was measured. According to the determining birth weights, the newborn rats were assigned into the small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) groups as well as the healthy control group, respectively. There was a total of 36 randomly selected rats in each group. The levels of insulin and leptin and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay 4 and 12 weeks post birth, respectively.. In the low-protein group, the birth weight was significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.01) and 68.97% of the newborn rats were SGA; in the high-energy group, the birth weight of the newborn rats was significantly larger than in the control group (p<0.01), and 37.98% of the newborn were LGA. The body weights (BW) of the SGA 4 weeks post birth had no significant difference from that of the controls, while the perirenal fat weight (FW) and the FW/BW ratio were significantly larger than those of the controls (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively); however, the FW/BW of the LGA had no significant difference from that of the controls. Twelve weeks after birth, the BW of both SGA and LGA rats increased significantly compared to the controls (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively), and the FW/BW ratios of both were significantly larger than that of the controls (p<0.01). For the SGA rats 4 weeks post birth, the insulin and leptin level increased significantly (both p<0.05), while the ISI decreased significantly (p<0.05), with the occurrence of insulin resistance. For both SGA and LGA 12 weeks post birth, the insulin and leptin level significantly increased (both p<0.01).. Abnormal nutrition during pregnancy could lead to abnormal birth weight, and both low and high birth weight could cause abdominal obesity as well as insulin and leptin resistance in adulthood, although through different mechanisms.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Drug Resistance; Female; Fetal Nutrition Disorders; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Malnutrition; Organ Size; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Rats, Wistar

To compare cord blood leptin concentrations between normal pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).. Cross-sectional study.. Academic institutes and a tertiary care maternal hospital.. 48 newborns of normal pregnancies (N=18), pregnancy induced hypertension (N=16), and gestational diabetes mellitus (N=14) were studied. Cord blood samples were collected and newborn anthropometric indices recorded at delivery. Leptin concentrations were measured using an enzyme immunoassay.. Cord blood leptin levels were significantly different between the 3 groups (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA; P=0.0064), and the difference resulted mainly from higher levels in GDM than in PIH [geometric mean (95% CI) for GDM: 10.89 (6.30, 18.84) vs PIH: 3.49 (2.14, 5.69) ng/ml (Dunn's multiple comparison: P<0.01). This pattern persisted even when leptin levels were normalized to the ponderal index (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA P=0.0035; Dunn's multiple comparison: P<0.01). Leptin levels significantly and positively correlated with the ponderal index in normal pregnancy (Spearman r=0.506, p<0.05) and with birth weight in PIH (r=0.5463, p<0.05).. In GDM cord blood leptin levels are significantly higher, and a source other than fetal adipocytes appears to contribute to this.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy

Maternal leptin affects placental growth hormone (GH), whereas ghrelin, a natural ligand of the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor, modulates GH action. Both hormones may affect fetal growth, and dysregulation in diabetes may lead to fetal growth disturbances. The aim was to investigate changes in maternal ghrelin during pregnancy with diabetes and to establish reference leptin levels.. Twelve healthy non-diabetic (ND) and 12 pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) were recruited. Age and body mass index (BMI) [ND: age 29.9 +/- 4.7 years (mean +/- sd), BMI 25.2 +/- 3.7 kg/m2; T1DM: age 31 +/- 5.5 years, BMI 27 +/- 3.1 kg/m2] were similar in the groups. HbA1c in T1DM was 6.2 +/- 1.1% at 20 weeks, 6.3 +/- 1.1% at 30 weeks' gestation and 7.8 +/- 2.1% postpartum. Fasting plasma ghrelin, total leptin, free leptin (FL) and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) levels were measured at 20 and 30 weeks' gestation and postpartum and determined by radioimmunoassay.. All pregnancies resulted in full-term singleton births with no differences in birth weight between groups [T1DM: 3.4 +/- 0.56 kg (mean +/- SE); ND: 3.6 +/- 0.3 kg, P = NS]. Ghrelin levels were lower in T1DM when corrected for age and mothers' weight (T1DM: 458 +/- 36 pg/ml and 432.9 +/- 26.6 pg/ml; ND: 562 +/- 52 pg/ml and 515.8 +/- 63 pg/ml at 20 and 30 weeks, respectively, P < 0.05). T1DM mothers had higher levels of sOB-R and FL levels declined at 30 weeks' gestation in T1DM (P = 0.04) but not in ND.. In a population of pregnant women with expected changes in leptin levels as previously reported, ghrelin levels were lower in T1DM pregnancies at 20 and 30 weeks. This may have implications for fetal development and requires further study in diabetes, particularly in pregnancies that result in macrosomia.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Fetal Development; Ghrelin; Growth Hormone; Humans; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Pregnancy Outcome; Reference Values; Young Adult

The objective of the present study was to examine the association of acylated and total ghrelin levels at birth in preterm infants with anthropometric features and with related hormones in infants and their mothers.. Prospective, descriptive study.. In total 23 pregnant women and their 26 preterm infants were involved in the study (3 twin pregnancies; gestational age, 25-35 weeks). Maternal and umbilical vein blood samples were taken after the delivery. Serum acylated and total ghrelin, leptin, cortisol, insulin, GH, and glucose were determined.. The mean level of acylated ghrelin concentration was higher in the maternal than in the cord blood (P<0.01) and there was a significant correlation between the fetal and maternal acylated ghrelin levels (P<0.01). The total ghrelin concentration was higher in neonates than in mothers (P<0.01), but there was no correlation between them. The multivariate regression analysis for fetal acylated and maternal total ghrelin as dependent variables shows that the fetal acylated ghrelin has two independent predictors, the maternal acylated ghrelin (P<0.01) and the fetal cortisol (P<0.05), whereas the maternal total ghrelin has only one independent predictor, the maternal glucose (P<0.05).. These data provide the first evidence that umbilical cord acylated ghrelin concentrations are lower than in maternal blood and support the hypothesis that the acylation process in the fetus is partly affected by cortisol and the placenta may play a role in this process.

Topics: Acylation; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Female; Fetal Blood; Ghrelin; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Leptin; Multivariate Analysis; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis

Recent research has shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can improve obesity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between BDNF and birth weight by measuring BDNF levels in the umbilical cord blood of neonates.. Based on birth weight, 51 first-born full-term healthy neonates were classified into 3 groups: small for gestational age (SGA, n=8), appropriate for gestational age (AGA, n=31) and large for gestational age (LGA, n=12). Height and birth weight as well as umbilical concentrations of BDNF, leptin, insulin, total cholesterol and triglyceride were determined.. BDNF level in the SGA group (19980.00 +/- 5470.54 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the AGA (10598.00 +/- 6295.71 pg/mL) and LGA (7508.57 +/- 3767.81 pg/mL) groups (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the BDNF level between the AGA and LGA groups. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the value of BDNF was negatively correlated with birth weight and BMI of neonates, but had no correlation with leptin and insulin levels. Leptin levels showed positive correlations with birth weight and BMI of neonates. There were no significant differences in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels among the three groups.. BDNF is closely correlated to birth weight but not correlated with leptin and insulin in neonates.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Cholesterol; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Triglycerides

Although estrogenic chemicals can disrupt development of the reproductive system, there is debate about whether phytoestrogens in soy are beneficial, benign, or harmful.. We compared reproductive and metabolic characteristics in male and female mice reared and maintained on non-soy low-phytoestrogen feed or soy-based high-phytoestrogen feed.. The low-phytoestrogen diet was non-soy PMI 5K96 (verified casein diet), and the high-phytoestrogen diet consisted of soy-based PMI 5008 during pregnancy and lactation and soy-based PMI 5001 maintenance feed after weaning.. In fetuses whose mothers consumed the low-phytoestrogen PMI 5K96 feed, we found a paradoxical significant elevation in endogenous serum estradiol, which was associated postnatally with adverse reproductive outcomes referred to as the "fetal estrogenization syndrome (FES)". In females, this syndrome included early puberty and increased uterine responsiveness to estrogen, and in males, it included reduced testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle size, but an enlarged prostate. The low-phytoestrogen-fed males and females were lighter at birth, but, between weaning and adulthood, they became obese and developed abnormally high serum leptin levels; these males, but not females, showed impaired glucose regulation.. Removing phytoestrogens from mouse feed produces an obese phenotype consistent with metabolic syndrome, and the associated reproductive system abnormalities are consistent with FES due to elevated endogenous fetal estradiol. Laboratory rodents may have become adapted to high-phytoestrogen intake over many generations of being fed soy-based commercial feed; removing all phytoestrogens from feed leads to alterations that could disrupt many types of biomedical research.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Cell Line, Tumor; Estradiol; Female; Genitalia, Female; Genitalia, Male; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Leptin; Male; Maternal Exposure; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Mice; Obesity; Phytoestrogens; Pregnancy

To assess the association of fetal hormones with placental growth and fetal weight-to-placental weight ratio index (FPI) in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes.. We conducted a prospective study using umbilical venous blood samples taken at birth from 122 offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes (OT1D) and 46 control subjects.. Placental weight (P = 0.009) and gestation-adjusted birth weight (P < 0.001) were increased in OT1D, but FPI was unaltered (P = 0.33). Placental weight correlated with birth weight (P < 0.001) and cord leptin (P < 0.001) in control subjects and OT1D, with further relationships with cord insulin, IGF-1, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and triceps and subscapular thickness in OT1D. FPI was associated with adiponectin in both groups, even after adjustment for confounders.. Placental and fetal growth show a parallel increase in mothers with type 1 diabetes. The possible role of adiponectin in matching of fetal and placental growth merits further study.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Development; Fetal Weight; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications

We investigated the effect of 50% nutrient restriction during the last 6 weeks of gestation on twin-pregnant ewes' plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate, insulin, IGF-1 and leptin concentrations and the effects on lamb birth weight and ewes' lactation performance. Plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations in restricted ewes suggest that maternal tissues were being mobilised. Despite the ewes' adaptations their lambs weighed significantly less at birth. Furthermore, colostrum and milk yields were markedly reduced up until the latest measurement at 3 weeks post partum despite ad libitum access to feed. Reduced milk yields coincided with reduced plasma IGF-1 concentration pre partum in nutrient restricted ewes indicating, that mammary gland development may have been compromised. The present data suggest that leptin is not involved in the regulation of early lactation changes in feed intake and energy balance. It is concluded that severely reduced nutrient availability in late gestation affects fetal growth in utero and has a prolonged negative effect on lactation performance.

Topics: 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; Adaptation, Physiological; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Caloric Restriction; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Lactation; Leptin; Milk; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Random Allocation; Sheep

It has been suggested that hyperleptinemia could be caused by hyperinsulinemia in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs).. To compare leptin, insulin, and glucose levels in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants.. A cross-sectional study was conducted in IDMs, infants of non-diabetic mothers (INDM) and AGA infants.. Seventy-seven newborns were studied (11 IDM, 16 INDM, and 50 AGA infants). Leptin levels were significantly higher in LGA infants than in the AGA group and a trend for higher levels in IDM than NIDM was observed. Insulin levels and insulin resistance were significantly higher in IDMs. Glucose levels were lower in both groups of LGA infants.. We found insulin resistance, hyperinsulinism and hyperleptinemia in IDMs, and the trend of higher leptin levels in IDMs than INDMs shows that leptin could be related to insulin resistance in these infants.

Topics: Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Gestational Age; Humans; Hyperinsulinism; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics

Children born small for gestational age are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The satiety signal leptin that regulates food intake and energy expenditure might be a possible molecular link, as umbilical cord leptin levels are positively correlated with birth weight. In the present study, we examined whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leptin (LEP; 19G>A) gene and its receptor (LEPR; Q223R and K109R) are associated with birth weight and adult metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes in twins.. SNPs were genotyped in 396 monozygotic and 232 dizygotic twins (286 men and 342 women, mean age 25 years) recruited from the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey. Data were analysed using linear mixed models.. The LEPR K109R SNP was associated with birth weight (KK, KR and RR (95% confidence interval, CI): 2511 (2465-2557), 2575 (2516-2635) and 2726 (2606-2845) gram; P(additive)=0.001). Also the LEPR Q223R SNP showed a significant association with weight at birth (QQ, QR and RR (95% CI): 2492 (2431-2554), 2545 (2495-2595) and 2655 (2571-2740) gram; P(additive)=0.003). Furthermore, an interaction between the LEPR K109R and the Q223R SNP on birth weight was observed (P=0.014). G allele carriers of the LEP 19G>A SNP had higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels compared to 19A homozygotes (GX vs AA (95% CI): 1.62 (1.58-1.66) vs 1.49 (1.40-1.58) mmol l(-1); P(recessive)=0.013).. This study indicates that leptin may act as a growth-promoting signal during fetal development, and suggests a possible role for the LEPR in explaining the inverse relationship between birth weight and the development of metabolic diseases in adulthood. Additionally, these results suggest that the LEP 19G>A SNP affect HDL cholesterol levels.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Cholesterol, HDL; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diseases in Twins; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genotype; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Phenotype; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Leptin; Risk Factors; Twins, Dizygotic; Twins, Monozygotic; Young Adult

To test the hypothesis that the bone metabolism of a growth-restricted foetus is regulated by genetic, placental and/or foetal factors through leptin, we investigated the foetal bone turnover in monochorionic pregnancies complicated with or without twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).. Maternal and cord bloods were collected from gestational-age-matched monochorionic twins with (n=15) and without (n=15) TTTS. The samples were assayed for leptin, cross-linked carboxyl terminal telo-peptide (ICTP, a marker of bone resorption) and pro-peptide (PICP, a marker of bone formation) of type I collagen by radioimmunoassay (RIA).. In the growth-restricted donor twin, the plasma concentration of leptin (P < 0.001), PICP (P < 0.001) was lower, while that of ICTP (P < 0.001) was higher than the recipient twin of the TTTS group. In contrast, leptin, PICP and ICTP were comparable in non-TTTS twins. In the recipient twin of TTTS and non-TTTS twins, leptin was positively associated with PICP (r=0.73; n=45, P < 0.001) and negatively with ICTP (r=-0.68; n=45; P < 0.001). No such association was found between leptin and bone marker in the growth-restricted donor twin of the TTTS group.. Our data suggest that, in AGA twins, leptin maintains bone metabolism by inhibiting resorption and enhancing bone formation. In contrast, growth-restricted donor twins have high bone turnover and this does not seem to be due to leptin deficiency.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Bone Resorption; Collagen Type I; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetofetal Transfusion; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Osteogenesis; Peptide Fragments; Peptides; Pregnancy; Procollagen; Twins, Monozygotic

To determine circulating levels of adiponectin in preterm infants and examine possible associations with anthropometric measurements, weight gain, and leptin and insulin levels.. Prospective study.. A university hospital neonatal care unit.. 62 preterm (mean (SD) gestational age 32.0 (2.1) weeks) and 15 full-term infants (reference group).. Blood samples taken at discharge (40.9 (14.8) days of life) from the preterm infants and at a comparable postnatal age in full-term infants. All infants were fed the same commercial formula, but in nine preterms the formula contained long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs).. Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and insulin. Associations of adiponectin levels were tested only in the preterm group.. Serum levels of adiponectin were lower in preterm (40.9 (14.8) microg/ml) than full-term infants (53.1 (16.0) microg/ml, p<0.01). However, after adjustment for body weight, the influence of prematurity on adiponectin levels was no longer significant. In preterm infants, adiponectin levels independently correlated with being born small for gestational age (SGA) (beta=-0.35, p=0.01), weight gain (beta=0.28, p=0.03) and LCPUFA-supplemented formula (beta=0.34, p=0.009). Serum adiponectin levels did not correlate with insulin or leptin levels. However, insulin levels were higher in preterm than in full-term infants after adjustment for body weight.. Adiponectin levels are lower in preterm infants at discharge than full-term infants probably due to decreased adiposity. The levels are influenced by being born SGA, weight gain and, possibly, by dietary LCPUFAs. The importance of these findings in the development of insulin or leptin resistance in children born prematurely needs to be further studied.

Topics: Adiponectin; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Prospective Studies; Weight Gain

Exposure to diabetes in utero has been established as a significant risk factor for some of the components of metabolic syndrome, and was associated with increased levels of maternal, placental, and fetal insulin-like growth factors and leptin. The atherogenic effects of leptin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) have been extensively described. The present study was therefore designed to investigate relationships between abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT), serum IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and leptin levels in macrosomic newborns.. Neonates whose birth weights exceed 90th percentile for gestational age and gender are termed macrosomic. Abdominal aortic intima-media thickness was measured in 30 macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers (group A), 30 macrosomic neonates of healthy mothers (group B) and 30 healthy neonates (group C). Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels were determined in all infants and their mothers. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for aortic intima-media thickness.. Mean aortic intima-media thickness was significantly higher in groups A and B (0.489+/-0.015,0.466+/-0.019 mm, respectively) than in controls (0.375+/-0.024 mm, p<0.0001). Weight-adjusted aortic intima-media thickness was significantly higher in-group A than in groups B (p=0.004) and C (p=0.048). Serum leptin concentration in-group B (37.4+/-10.7 ng/ml) was significantly greater than in-group C (23.5+/-7.1 ng/ml, p<0.0001), but significantly lower than in-group A (46.6+/-14.1 ng/ml, p<0.0001). Serum IGF-I levels of the infants were significantly lower in-group C (113.2+/-33.1 ng/ml) than in groups A and B (205.2+/-60.1 and 179.3+/-55.1 ng/ml respectively, p<0.0001). Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels of the infants were positively correlated with mean (p<0.0001) and weight-adjusted aortic intima-media thickness measurements (p=0.003, p=0.006 and p=0.001, respectively).. Macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers have significantly increased aortic intima-media thickness with higher serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin concentrations than those of controls. It might be speculated that these changes may exaggerate the atherosclerotic process later in life.

Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Mothers; Tunica Intima; Ultrasonography

To evaluate midtrimester amniotic fluid leptin levels in pregnancies subsequently complicated by gestational diabetes.. We studied 32 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and a control group of 43 normal pregnancies with an adequate gestational age fetus. All underwent a midtrimester amniocentesis: leptin and insulin were measured in the amniotic fluid. Data were compared with the Mann-Whitney U-test.. Median leptin concentrations in the amniotic fluid of the gestational diabetes mellitus patients were significantly higher than in the control group (15.1 vs. 7.9 ng/ml) (p = 0.001); amniotic insulin concentrations were also higher in the gestational diabetes mellitus than in the control group (0.67 vs. 0.38 microU/ml) (p = 0.02). Furthermore, amniotic fluid leptin levels were directly correlated with amniotic insulin concentrations; instead, there was no correlation with maternal BMI and birth weight.. Our data suggest that in pregnancies subsequently complicated by gestational diabetes, amniotic fluid leptin and insulin levels are higher in the early fetal period.

Topics: Adult; Amniocentesis; Amniotic Fluid; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Risk Assessment

Children born large for gestational age (LGA) are prone to develop insulin resistance later in life. One factor that affects insulin sensitivity is the hormone adiponectin. The aim of this study was to determine whether being LGA has an impact on serum adiponectin and leptin levels and insulin resistance parameters during childhood, taking into account the severity of overweight.. Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, fasting glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and anthropometric indices were evaluated in groups of non-obese children aged 6.5-8 years, born appropriate for gestational age (AGA, n = 40) or LGA (n = 41), matched for age, gender, height, weight and body mass index. The LGA group was divided in two subgroups according to the degree of overweight: (a) LGA with birthweight 90th-97th percentile (n = 25); and (b) LGA with birthweight > 97th percentile (n = 16).. LGA children had a higher mean serum adiponectin level than AGA children: 17.0 +/- 9 vs. 11.1 +/- 5 (microg/ml) (P < 0.01). LGA children had also higher insulin 6.2 +/- 2.8 vs. 4.8 +/- 2.4 (microU/ml) (P < 0.05) and HOMA-IR 1.32 +/- 0.66 vs. 1.02 +/- 0.55 (P < 0.01) than AGA children. Children born LGA > 97th percentile had a significantly higher mean serum leptin level than both AGA and LGA 90th-97th percentile children (17 +/- 13, 9.6 +/- 9.5, 7.8 +/- 7.9 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.05), and more severely affected insulin resistance indices than LGA 90th-97th percentile children. In the regression analysis, birthweight was found to be an independent predictor of adiponectin serum levels.. Prepubertal LGA-born children had a higher mean serum adiponectin levels than matched AGA controls despite the fact that they were more insulin resistant. The degree of excess in utero weight gain appears to influence the metabolic profile in LGA-born prepubertal children. Further studies are needed to delineate the role of adiponectin in the risk of development of insulin resistance in children born LGA.

Topics: Adiponectin; Analysis of Variance; Anthropometry; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Child; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Overweight; Regression Analysis

To discuss the effects of abnormal nutritional supply during pregnancy on the adult insulin and leptin resistance in rats.. We established the pregnant rat models given either low protein or high nutrition diet, and normal diet group served as control. There were 12 pregnant rats in each group. After vaginal delivery, the pups birth weight were measured. The randomly selected small for gestational age (SGA) from low protein diet group, large for gestational age (LGA) pups from high nutrition diet group and normal birth weight pups from control group were studied at both 4 weeks and 12 weeks after being born. Each group contained 36 rats. The insulin and leptin level were measured by the method of ELISA, and insulin sensitive index were calculated respectively.. The pups of mothers served with low protein showed obviously lower birth weight than those mothers with normal diet (P < 0.01), 69% pups were SGA. While pups of mothers with high nutrition diet showed obviously higher birth weight than those mothers with normal diet (P < 0.01), 38% were LGA. The body weight of rats in SGA group was similar with those in control group at 4-week-age (P > 0.05), while the weight of fat around kidney, the ratio of fat and body weight (FW/BW) were (0.36 +/- 0.14) g, 6.5 +/- 0.3, which were higher than those of control (0.19 +/- 0.13) g, 3.4 +/- 0.3 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). FW/BW in LGA group showed no obvious difference from that of control. At 12-week-age, the body weight of SGA was (222 +/- 19) g, that of LGA was (257 +/- 24) g, both of them significantly higher than that of control (215 +/- 25) g (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). FW/BW in SGA was 10.5 +/- 5.1, in LGA it was 11.8 +/- 3.6, which were significantly higher than that of control, 7.2 +/- 3.6 (P < 0.01). The higher insulin (5.5 +/- 0.9) microg/L, leptin (6.1 +/- 0.7) microg/L level and lower ISI (3.4 +/- 0.3) were obvious at 4-week-age (all P < 0.05) in SGA group but not in LGA group. At 12-week-age, all of them in the two groups were significantly different compared with those in control (all P < 0.01).. Abnormal nutritional supply during pregnancy can lead to abnormal birth weight. Both low birth weight and high birth weight pups showed obesity with different characteristics and insulin, leptin resistance during adult period.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Dietary Proteins; Female; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Malnutrition; Overnutrition; Pregnancy; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Risk Factors

The positive relationship between fat mass, bone mass and leptin has been shown in fetal mouse cartilage/bone. It has been shown that umbilical venous leptin predicts both the size of the neonatal skeleton and its estimated volumetric mineral density.. This study investigates how birth weight and bone mineralization correlate with leptin levels. In addition, we aimed to determine the predictive value of anthropometrics measurements and gender on variability in bone mineral status.. Umbilical cord venous blood samples were obtained at the delivery from 100 term newborn infants. Forty of the newborn infants had birth weights appropriate for gestational age (AGA), 30 were small for gestational age (SGA) and 30 were large for gestational age (LGA). Data were acquired using the whole body dual energy X-ray obsorptiometry scanner in the first 24 h after birth.. Leptin concentrations were higher in LGA (36.6 +/-12.0 ng/ml; p < 0.0001), but lower in SGA (11.7 +/- 5.6 ng/ml; p < 0.001) than in AGA infants (20.3 +/- 7.6 ng/ml). Whole body bone mineral density and whole body bone mineral content were higher in LGA babies (0.442 +/- 0.025 g/cm(2), 71.6 +/- 9.0 g, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively) but lower in SGA (0.381 +/- 0.027 g/cm(2), 29.1 +/- 9.1 g, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) than in AGA babies (0.426 +/- 0.022 g/cm(2), 53.7 +/- 9.6 g, respectively). The percentage of whole body bone mineral content was lower in SGA (1.3 +/- 0.3) than in AGA (1.6 +/- 0.2, p < 0.001) and LGA (1.7 +/- 0.2, p < 0.001). In stepwise linear regression analyses models; leptin is not found related to the bone indices.. Our study does not provide support for the hypothesis that leptin may play a major role in the regulation of bone metabolism in the developing skeleton.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Bone Density; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Male

Epidemiological studies correlate low birth weight and the subsequent development of diabetes mellitus (DM). Early changes in insulin resistance in infants with catch-up growth (CUG) have not been evaluated in our population.. To identify dietary and metabolic features associated with CUG in infants born small for gestational age (SGA) at 1 year old.. In a cohort study of 88 term infants (44 SGA and 44 appropriate for gestational age [AGA]), breastfeeding and weaning age were registered. Anthropometric measurements, glucose, insulin, and leptin concentrations were measured at birth and at 1 year old.. A history of DM in a second-degree relative (p = 0.01) and complementary breastfeeding (p = 0.0003) were higher in SGA compared to AGA infants. Ten (13.6%) infants showed CUG in length and weight combined. They had lower weight, glucose, IR index, and leptin concentrations at birth than those without CUG. After logistic regression analysis for factors related to weight CUG, gender, weaning age, birth weight and leptin concentration at birth were included in the model (R2 = 0.31; p = 0.00004).. Female gender, early weaning, lower birth weight, and lower leptin concentration at birth are related to weight CUG in Mexican infants.

Topics: Abdominal Fat; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Breast Feeding; Child Development; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Food; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin; Leptin; Logistic Models; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mexico; Multivariate Analysis; Sex Distribution; Weaning

To verify whether a diabetes family history might be a risk factor for the development, in adult age, of metabolic disorders, leptin, anthropometric and endocrine parameters were analysed in 95 babies with grandparents affected by type 2 diabetes (DF) and in 95 matched babies without diabetes family history (NDF). A sexual dimorphism for leptin was present in the NDF group (males: 6.7+/-4.1 ng/ml; females: 12.3+/-6.5; p < 0.0001) but not in the DF group (males: 9.0+/-5.5; females: 10.8+/-6.4), due to the significant increase in DF male leptin level, compared to that of NDF males (p < 0.05). In DF males only, leptin was positively correlated with body length, PI, C-peptide, IGF-1 and IGF1BP3. These results suggest that the increase in DF male leptin could be a compensatory mechanism for reduced insulin sensitivity in a pre-clinical alteration of glucose metabolism.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; C-Peptide; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Fetal Blood; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Italy; Leptin; Male; Sex Characteristics

Intrauterine exposure to maternal diabetes and large size at birth are known risk factors for the subsequent development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Although Hispanic youth have been shown to have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, it is unknown whether metabolic abnormalities and a predisposition for glucose intolerance are present at birth.. The objective of the study was to determine whether abnormalities in insulin sensitivity exist at or soon after birth in large-for-gestational-age neonates born to Hispanic women with and without gestational diabetes. DESIGN/PATIENTS/SETTING: Forty-two term Hispanic neonates were enrolled for cross-sectional studies at 24-48 h after birth and included nine large-for-gestational-age neonates delivered of women with gestational diabetes (large-for-gestational-age-IDM), 12 large-for-gestational-age but not IDM neonates, 11 poorly grown (at the fifth to 10th percentile), and 10 appropriate-for-gestational-age neonates. Insulin sensitivity and secretion were measured by shortened fasting iv glucose tolerance test.. Insulin sensitivity index was measured within 48 h of birth.. Neonates were studied at 36 +/- 11 h postnatally, and all groups were euglycemic at the time of study. However, insulin sensitivity was significantly lower (P < 0.05, ANOVA) in large-for-gestational-age-IDM [3.0 +/- 0.7 (sem) mU/liter.min] and large-for-gestational-age-non-IDM (2.2 +/- 0.4 mU/liter.min) cohorts in comparison with poorly grown (5.0 +/- 0.7 mU/liter.min) and appropriate-for-gestational-age controls (5.4 +/- 0.8 mU/liter.min). Insulin secretion did not differ between groups.. Reduced insulin sensitivity is present soon after birth in Hispanic large-for-gestational-age neonates born to mothers with and without gestational diabetes, demonstrating the onset of insulin resistance before birth and evidence of altered fetal programming.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Gestational Age; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Lipids; Male; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Risk Factors

Offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes (OT1DM) demonstrate increased fat deposition, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperleptinemia in utero. We examined the influence of maternal diabetes on cord lipids at birth and relationship to body composition, cord insulin, leptin, and other hormonal measures.. We performed an observational study measuring fetal, HDL, and LDL cholesterol; triglycerides; and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in a total of 139 OT1DM and 48 control subjects at birth and assessed cross-sectional relationships with birth weight, fetal insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and IGF-1.. Concentrations of total cholesterol (male OT1DM [mean +/- SD] 1.49 +/- 0.45 mmol/l and male control subjects 1.74 +/- 0.33 mmol/l; P < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (0.53 +/- 0.21 and 0.74 +/- 0.19 mmol/l, respectively; P < 0.001), and NEFA (median 0.17 [interquartile range 2.30-2.95] and 0.21 [0.18-0.36], respectively; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in male OT1DM, with no significant differences in female subjects. Differences in male subjects were independent of mode of delivery. Cord lipids were unrelated to birth weight in OT1DM and did not show consistent relationships with fetal insulin. Unexpectedly, IGF-1 was a strong correlate of HDL cholesterol in control subjects (r = 0.40, P = 0.002) and OT1DM (r = 0.32, P < 0.001) but a negative correlate of triglycerides in control subjects (r = -0.48, P < 0.001) and OT1DM (r = -0.21, P = 0.004), with these relationships present in both sexes. In OT1DM, leptin was also independently correlated (negatively, P < 0.001) with HDL cholesterol in male and female subjects.. Maternal diabetes is associated with significant alterations in lipid levels in male fetuses. IGF-1, leptin, and male sex rather than insulin may be the major determinants of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in utero.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Lipoproteins; Male; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Reference Values

Circulating leptin levels positively correlate with adult BMI and size at birth. Previous studies found gender-specific associations between polymorphisms in the leptin gene and postnatal obesity-related traits or circulating leptin levels. We examined the relationships among leptin gene polymorphisms, size for gestational age, umbilical cord leptin, and gender.. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in the leptin gene in 261 newborns (72 low birth weight Caucasians, 189 randomly-selected African-Americans). In African-Americans, umbilical cord leptin and free testosterone levels were measured. Linear regression was used to identify significant predictors of size for gestational age or cord leptin levels and gender x genotype interaction effects.. There is a significant interaction between gender and genotype at site -2548 (A/G). Among low birth weight Caucasians, the A allele was associated with an increase in female size for gestational age, while the A allele was associated with decreased male birth size. Among African-Americans, the A allele was associated with a decrease in umbilical cord leptin in females and with an increase in cord leptin in males. Cord testosterone levels were not a significant predictor of cord leptin levels either among all African-American newborns or among strata of -2548 genotypes and gender.. In male and female fetuses, site -2548 of the leptin gene may differently affect the expression level of the leptin gene or the rate of fetal growth. This gender-specific effect does not appear to be mediated by the level of free testosterone at delivery.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Black People; Body Mass Index; Body Size; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Maternal Age; Parity; Pregnancy; Sex Characteristics; United States; Weight Gain; White People

Leptin and zinc are involved in the regulation of appetite. Copper is a trace element regulating the functions of several cuproenzymes that are essential for life. To evaluate the relationship between zinc and copper status and the leptin system in humans, we examined whether leptin concentrations in the mother and the newborn correlate with the weight of mother, placenta and newborn. A total of 88 pregnant women at 38-42 weeks' gestation were studied. All infants were categorized as small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 16), average for gestational age (AGA) (n = 59) or large for gestational age (LGA) (n = 13). Leptin, zinc, and copper levels were measured in maternal and cord serum at birth. Maternal BMI and placental weight of the LGA groups were significantly higher than those of the SGA and AGA groups. Cord and maternal leptin levels of the SGA groups were significantly lower than those of the AGA and LGA groups. Maternal serum leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI and maternal zinc levels in all groups. Cord serum leptin levels of all groups were positively correlated with birth weight and placental weight. Birth weight was negatively correlated with maternal and cord copper level of all groups. Umbilical leptin concentrations of SGA newborns correlated with leptin concentrations of their mothers. In all pregnancies, birth weight increases in association with increase in cord leptin level. Our results suggest that maternal zinc but not copper level has an effect on maternal serum leptin levels. The increase in copper level in both maternal and cord blood may contribute to restriction in fetal growth.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Copper; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Zinc

Our aim was to study the feeding behavior of healthy term infants in the first week of life and determine whether this was related to cord blood leptin, ghrelin, and insulin. A total of 100 healthy bottle-fed infants were studied by weighing bottles of milk before and after feeds. Leptin, total ghrelin, and insulin concentrations were measured in cord blood. Mean (SD) birth weight was 3.46 (0.43) kg. Mean milk intake increased from 196.7 (83.0) g on d 1 to 585.0 (128.4) g on d 7. Milk intake over the first 6 d was significantly associated with weight gain to d 7. There was no relationship between cord ghrelin or leptin and milk intake or feed frequency. Cord blood insulin was inversely related to the mean daily number of feeds over the first 6 d (r = -0.21, p < 0.05). Birth weight and milk intake are the major determinants of weight gain in the first week of life in healthy bottle-fed infants. Total cord ghrelin and leptin are not directly related to milk intake or feed frequency in the first week of life. Circulating insulin concentrations may have a role in the initiation of feeding behavior.

Topics: Birth Weight; Bottle Feeding; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant Formula; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Time Factors; Weight Gain

Many epidemiologic studies have disclosed that restricted fetal growth has been associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance in adulthood. We studied the relationship of intracellular magnesium [Mg2+]i in cord blood platelets to adipocytokine and birth size. The subjects were 20 infants with small for gestational age (SGA) and 45 infants with appropriate for gestational age (AGA). By using a fluorescent probe, we examined [Mg2+]i of platelets in the cord blood. Cord plasma insulin, IGF-I, ghrelin, adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and leptin levels were determined with the use of ELISA. Mean [Mg2+]i was lower in the SGA than in the AGA groups (p < 0.001). Adiponectin and IGF-I were also lower in the SGA than in the AGA, whereas PAI-1 was higher in the SGA. [Mg2+]i was significantly correlated with birth weight, birth length, and adiponectin. Birth weight was also correlated with cord plasma IGF-I, adiponectin, and leptin. Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was lower in the SGA group than in the AGA group. [Mg]i and adiponectin were correlated with QUICKI in all subjects. [Mg]i, as well as leptin and IGF-I, reflect the extent of fetal growth. Decreased [Mg2+]i may be involved in the underlying processes to insulin resistance.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Blood Platelets; Body Height; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Intracellular Fluid; Leptin; Magnesium; Male; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1

Neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are associated with reduced concentrations of IGF-I that might contribute to arterial wall thickening. Direct atherogenic effects of leptin have been described. We aimed to investigate the relationship among abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT), serum IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3, and leptin levels in neonates with IUGR. Abdominal aIMT was measured in 40 term neonates with IUGR and in 40 controls. Mean aIMT was significantly greater in neonates with IUGR (0.45 +/- 0.03 mm) than in controls (0.39 +/- 0.04 mm, p < 0.0001). Serum IGF-I and leptin levels were lower in neonates with IUGR than in controls. There was a significant positive correlation between aIMT and gestational age, whereas a significant negative correlation was determined between aIMT and IGF-I in the IUGR neonates. For aIMT, significant associations included serum IGF-I level (beta = -0.406, p = 0.006) and gestational age (beta = 0.331, p = 0.022) in a multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. In control neonates, serum IGF-I levels were negatively related to aIMT (beta = -0.750, p < 0.001). Neonates with IUGR have significant aIMT with decreased IGF-I. IGF-I levels determine aIMT not only in neonates with IUGR but also in healthy controls.

Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Birth Weight; Body Height; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Linear Models; Male; Tunica Intima; Tunica Media; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex

The aim of this study was to evaluate leptin concentration at birth and in early postnatal life in small- and appropriate-for-gestational-age infants and to assess its relationship with infants' anthropometry at birth and some characteristics of maternal pregnancy.. A total of 367 infants born after 32-42 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from 80 small- and 287 appropriate-for-gestational-age newborns. Altogether, 166 venous blood samples were taken from these neonates on days 2-6 of life.. Cord leptin levels were significantly lower in small- compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. We observed a positive correlation between cord leptin and birth weight, all neonatal anthropometric parameters, placental weight, and some maternal nutritional factors. In multivariate analysis, cord leptin concentration explained up to 15% of the variation in sum of newborn's skinfold thickness but only 5% of the variation in birth weight. Postnatally, leptin concentration decreased markedly to the similar low levels in both infant groups and remained so during the first postnatal week.. Significantly lower cord leptin concentration in small-for-gestational-age neonates reflects a lower fat mass content compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. However, an abrupt decrease in leptin levels shortly after birth in both groups suggests that placenta could be an important source of leptin in fetal circulation. The impact of low leptin levels at birth in small-for-gestational-age infants on their postnatal appetite and weight gain remains to be elucidated in future studies.

Topics: Age Factors; Birth Weight; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Male; Mothers; Multivariate Analysis; Organ Size; Placenta; Radioimmunoassay; Skinfold Thickness; Weight Gain

Overweight gravidas and gravidas with a robust weight gain have an accrued risk of delivering a large-for-gestational age (LGA) baby. Here, we examined whether the measurement of insulin and adipokines--peptides secreted mainly by adipose tissue--at the glucose challenge test (GCT) improves the prediction of birth weight. We studied 631 singleton pregnancies at 24 to 29 weeks' gestational age (GA) with data on height, baseline body weight (BW), and BW change between baseline and the GCT. In addition to glucose and insulin, we measured adiponectin, leptin, soluble leptin receptor (the main leptin-binding protein), and tumor necrosis factor alpha. We found that birth weight was related to maternal height, baseline BW, and BW change, and also--albeit less strongly--to insulin, adiponectin, leptin, and soluble leptin receptor concentrations. In multiple regression analyses, body size parameters explained approximately 10% of the variance in birth weight, of which BW change was the most important correlate, but the metabolic markers added only approximately 2% variance, with leptin alone adding 1.4%. Gravidas carrying a small-for-GA (SGA) fetus were more likely to have a leptin value in the highest quartile than those with an appropriate-for-GA fetus (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.3; P = .04), but there were no other differences in the metabolic markers between SGA or LGA and appropriate-for-GA pregnancies. In conclusion, measuring insulin and adipokines at the GCT has limited, if any, clinical benefit to predict which fetuses will be SGA or LGA at birth.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Size; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Mothers; Peptide Hormones; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Leptin

Low birthweight has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes in adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate IGF-I, adiponectin, insulin levels, and body fat in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants at birth.. We performed a transverse comparative study in SGA and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants. The study was conducted at the Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Leon, Mexico. Weight, length, and percent of body fat were evaluated during the first 48 h of birth. Glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and IGF-I levels in cord blood were measured.. We studied 100 infants (50 SGA and 50 AGA). A history of diabetes in a second-degree relative was higher in SGA infants than in AGA infants (48.0 vs. 30.0%, respectively; p = 0.03). Glucose, adiponectin, insulin and IGF-I levels were similar between the groups. Leptin levels and percentage of body fat were lower in SGA than AGA (15.3 vs. 23.4 ng/mL; p = 0.003, 11.1 vs. 12.7%; p <0.001, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that length, percentage of body fat, and leptin levels were positively associated with birthweight. However, leptin levels were not independent of percentage of body fat.. Low body fat and leptin levels, but no evidence of increased metabolic risk at birth, were found in SGA infants.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adiposity; Adult; Birth Weight; Fats; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin

Epidemiological studies have investigated whether a high birth weight is associated with increased breast cancer risk, but the results remain inconclusive. This study was designed to determine whether high birth weight increases later susceptibility to carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis in an animal model and to determine mechanisms mediating this association. Pregnant female Sprague Dawley rats were fed either a control or a high-fat diet during the extent of gestation. Maternal exposure to the high-fat diet increased pregnancy leptin levels and offspring's birth weight, but had no effect on pregnancy estradiol or insulin-like growth factor 1 levels. Changes in the offspring's mammary gland morphology and protein expression were assessed. The mammary epithelial tree of the high-birth-weight offspring was denser, contained more terminal end buds and exhibited higher number of proliferating cells. Further, their mammary glands expressed lower levels of ER-alpha, but higher levels of activated MAPK. No alterations in apoptosis were noted. High-birth-weight rats developed 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary tumors significantly earlier, and tumors grew larger than in the controls. The tumors in this group expressed higher levels of leptin receptor and activated Akt, and contained fewer apoptotic cells than those in the controls. Our results indicate that high birth weight is related to shortened latency to develop mammary tumors--perhaps reflecting an increase in activated MAPK levels and increased tumor growth--perhaps caused by a lower apoptotic response due to higher leptin receptor and activated Akt levels in the tumors.

Topics: 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; Animals; Birth Weight; Cell Proliferation; Cell Shape; Estradiol; Female; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal; Neoplasm Proteins; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Risk Factors

To determine the serum leptin levels in cord blood of Pakistani newborns and to ascertain the relationship between serum leptin and anthropometric parameters i.e. birth weight, length and OFC.. A cross-sectional study.. Lady Dufferin Hospital and Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi from 1999 to 2000.. Leptin concentration was measured in 110 newborns of mothers of normal antenatal history from venous cord blood, using Active Elisa Kit (DSL-10-23100). Samples were selected according to availability.. Mean birth weight, length and occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) were 3.0+/-0.4 kg, 48.7+/-2.3 cms and 33.1+/-0.8 cms, respectively. Mean serum leptin levels was 10.0+/-7.5 ng/ml. Serum leptin levels were found to be positively correlated with birth weight (r=0.16, p=0.04), and OFC (r=0.33, p<0.01), whereas no significant relationship was found with length of the babies.. The reported results suggest that leptin may play role in newborns body weight and energy expenditure as in adults and children.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Cephalometry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pakistan

Stress experienced during pregnancy increases the risk for altered birth weights. Recent studies have revealed a link between abnormal birth weights and a future predisposition toward developing overweight or obesity. To determine the gestational time window when stress exposure produces the greatest impact on offspring body weight regulation, we have examined the birth weights and long-term body weight changes in offspring exposed to chronic variable stress (CVS) early, mid-, or late in gestation. As it is likely that the influences of prenatal stress on development stem from a complex interaction between both environmental and genetic factors, our study has included comparisons with offspring born to stress-sensitive (corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2 deficient) mice. Stress experienced late in pregnancy significantly elevated offspring birth weights in wild type mice compared to unstressed controls. However, this weight difference diminished postnatally. In contrast, stress experienced mid- to late in pregnancy produced significant and long-term effects on body weight in offspring from stress-sensitive dams, were the male offspring were 15% heavier as adults. Adult offspring plasma glucose and leptin levels were also dependent on the timing of stress exposure, indicating that alterations in energy homeostasis may be influencing long-term body weight. Results from these studies support our hypothesis that the ultimate effect of prenatal stress on offspring long-term outcome is dependent on the timing of exposure and maternal sensitivity.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Corticosterone; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Eating; Energy Metabolism; Female; Growth; Homeostasis; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Leptin; Litter Size; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Phenotype; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Sex Ratio; Stress, Psychological

Breastfeeding may protect children from developing metabolic syndrome and other diseases later in life. We investigated novel proteins in human breast milk that might play a role in this process.. We used ELISA to measure adiponectin, adipocyte and epidermal fatty acid binding proteins (AFABP, EFABP), and leptin concentrations in human breast milk obtained from 59 mothers 48 h after initiation of lactation. Using a questionnaire and medical records, we collected information about the mothers and newborns.. Mean (SE) adiponectin concentrations in breast milk were 13.7 (0.8), range 3.9-30.4 microg/L; AFABP concentrations 26.7 (4.4), range 1.2-137.0 microg/L; EFABP concentrations 18.1 (1.4), range 0.8-47.0 microg/L; and leptin concentrations 0.50 (0.05), range 0-1.37 microg/L. We found a significant correlation between AFABP and EFABP concentrations (r = 0.593, P <0.0001). Maternal EFABP concentrations were significantly higher in mothers who delivered boys than in those who delivered girls [21.7 (2.3) vs 15.4 (1.7) microg/L, P = 0.028] and correlated with newborn birth weight (r = 0.266, P = 0.045). Maternal leptin correlated with body weight before pregnancy (r = 0.272, P = 0.043) and at delivery (r = 0.370, P = 0.005), body mass index before pregnancy (r = 0.397, P = 0.003) and at delivery (r = 0.498, P <0.0001), body weight gain during pregnancy (r = 0.267, P = 0.047), and newborn gestational age (r = 0.266, P = 0.048). Leptin was significantly lower in mothers who delivered preterm vs term babies [0.30 (0.09) vs 0.60 (0.05) ug/L, P = 0.026].. Concentrations of adiponectin, AFABP, and EFABP in human breast milk are related to nutritional variables of mothers and newborns and thus may play a role in the protective effects of breastfeeding.

Topics: Adipocytes; Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Epidermis; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Milk, Human; Pregnancy; Sex Factors

Menarche is a milestone of reproductive development, and its timing may be differentially influenced by the growth conditions before birth and those between birth and puberty. The present study explored the relationships among menarcheal timing and markers of prenatal and midchildhood growth in healthy Australian girls.. A total of 156 girls aged 8 yr from a birth cohort of full-term babies had height, weight, and waist circumference measured. One hundred three girls had dual x-ray absorptiometry performed and blood analyzed for insulin, leptin, IGF-I, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. Girls were followed up at age 15 yr and their age of menarche was recorded.. Measures included age of menarche; birth weight and birth length; height, weight, waist circumference, and body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry; and plasma insulin, leptin, IGF-I, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate at age 8 yr.. Girls with earlier menarche were light and long at birth and had higher total and central adiposity and IGF-I and estradiol levels in midchildhood, compared with those with later menarche. Age of menarche was best predicted by combining size at birth and body mass index z score at age 8 yr (r2 = 0.12; P < 0.001).. The timing of menarche appears to be influenced in opposing directions by pre- and postnatal growth. Menarche was found to occur earlier in girls who were long and light at birth and who had a higher fat mass and circulating IGF-I in childhood. These findings may partly explain ethnic differences and secular trends in the age of menarche.

Topics: Adolescent; Birth Weight; Body Fat Distribution; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Size; Body Weight; Child; Estradiol; Female; Fetal Development; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Menarche; Puberty, Delayed; Puberty, Precocious; Regression Analysis

Resistin is a novel hormone secreted by human adipocytes and mononuclear cells. It is expressed in the human placenta, and has been postulated to play a role in the regulation of energy metabolism during pregnancy. However, correlations between umbilical and maternal serum resistin levels and neonatal birth weight remain poorly understood. The purpose of the study was to clarify the correlation between umbilical cord and maternal serum resistin levels and neonatal birth weight.. This study included 37 healthy mothers, neonates. Resistin levels were determined by ELISA, and compared for correlation between umbilical cord and maternal serum resistin levels and neonatal birth weight.. The ranges of resistin levels for umbilical and maternal sera were 10.61-40.81 and 1.14-25.54 ng/ml, respectively. Mean umbilical serum resistin level (21.34+/-1.07 ng/ml) was significantly higher than maternal serum resistin level (10.13+/-1.12) (p<0.001). Umbilical serum resistin levels were positively correlated with maternal serum resistin levels (r=0.607, p<0.001) and negatively with neonatal birth weight (r= - 0.345, p=0.037). No significant differences in resistin levels were discovered between the female and male neonates. In addition, there were no correlation between the umbilical resistin levels and maternal body mass indices, umbilical leptin levels, or insulin levels.. It is suggested that resistin not only affects energy homeostasis by existing in high levels in the fetus, but may play an important role in controlling body weight through effective regulation of adipogenesis by negative feedback.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Energy Metabolism; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Resistin; Sex Factors

We investigated the relationship between IGF-I-IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and leptin levels with type 1 collagen markers of bone turnover in dichorionic twins with or without discordant birth weight of 20% or greater.. Maternal and cord bloods were collected from gestational age-matched dichorionic twins with (n = 16) or without (n = 16) discordant birth weight. The samples were assayed for cross-linked carboxyl terminal telopeptide (ICTP, a marker of bone resorption) and propeptide (PICP, a marker of bone formation) of type I collagen, leptin, IGF-I, and IGFBP-1 by RIA.. The intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) twins of the discordant group had higher fetal ICTP (P < 0.001) and IGFBP-1 (P < 0.001) levels, whereas PICP (P < 0.001), IGF-I (P < 0.001), and leptin (P < 0.001) were lower than the cotwins with normal weight (AGA). In contrast, concentrations of IGF-I, IGFBP-1, ICTP, PICP, and leptin were comparable between concordant twin pairs. Leptin levels were positively correlated with PICP (r = 0.61; P < 0.001) and negatively with ICTP (r = -0.57; P < 0.001) in concordant and AGA twins but not in IUGR twins. In IUGR twins, IGF-I had positive association with PICP (r = 0.76; P < 0.001) and negative association with ICTP (r= -0.76; P < 0.001), whereas IGFBP-1 was negatively correlated with PICP levels (r = -0.65; P < 0.01). No such association was found in concordant and AGA twins.. These data suggest that IUGR twins had high bone turnover, which is independent of maternal factors and perhaps may be due to altered IGF axis.

Topics: Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Bone Remodeling; Case-Control Studies; Collagen Type I; Female; Fetal Development; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Peptide Fragments; Pregnancy; Procollagen; Twins, Dizygotic

Leptin, a hormone that regulates food intake and energy metabolism, is present in breast milk. The aim of this study was to determine whether milk leptin concentration is correlated with maternal circulating leptin and BMI and with body weight gain of infants.. A group of 28 non-obese women (BMI between 16.3 and 27.3 kg/m(2)) who breast-fed their infants for at least 6 months and their infants were studied. Venous blood and milk samples were obtained from mothers at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months of lactation, and leptin concentration was determined. Infant body weight and height were followed until 2 years of age.. During the whole lactation period, milk leptin concentration correlated positively with maternal plasma leptin concentration and with maternal BMI. In addition, milk leptin concentration at 1 month of lactation was negatively correlated with infant BMI at 18 and 24 months of age. A better negative correlation was also found between log milk leptin concentration at 1 and at 3 months of lactation and infant BMI from 12 to 24 months of age.. We concluded that, in a group of non-obese mothers, infant body weight during the first 2 years may be influenced by milk leptin concentration during the first stages of lactation. Thus, moderate milk-borne maternal leptin appears to provide moderate protection to infants from an excess of weight gain. These results seem to point out that milk leptin is an important factor that could explain, at least partially, the major risk of obesity of formula-fed infants with respect to breast-fed infants.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Breast Feeding; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Milk, Human

The presence of the adipokines adiponectin and leptin in cord blood and placental and fetal tissues suggests a possible role in fetal development.. We measured concentrations of adiponectin and leptin in maternal serum, cord blood, and breast milk and examined their correlations within a large, population-based study. Between November 2000 and November 2001, we recruited all mothers and their newborns after delivery at the University of Ulm (Ulm, Germany). The current analysis included 766 mothers with available breast milk samples collected 6 weeks postpartum. Adipokine concentrations were measured with commercially available ELISAs (R&D Systems).. Median adiponectin concentrations in maternal serum (n=713), cord blood (n=709), and breast milk (n=766) were 8.6 mg/L, 30.6 mg/L, and 10.9 microg/L, respectively. Median leptin concentrations were 12.8 microg/L in maternal serum, 7.8 microg/L in cord blood, and 174.5 ng/L in breast milk. Whereas increases in leptin concentrations with increasing birth weight, birth weight according to gestational age, and ponderal index were statistically significant in cord blood (all P values<0.0001), cord blood adiponectin was clearly related only to birth weight (P=0.0004). Concentrations of both adipokines were moderately correlated in breast milk and maternal serum (both Spearman rho values were 0.43; P<0.0001).. Concentrations of adiponectin and leptin vary strongly in maternal serum, cord blood, and breast milk, with only moderate correlations between both adipokines in maternal serum and breast milk. The health implications of these patterns warrant further investigation.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Milk, Human; Mothers; Pregnancy

Singleton infants with intrauterine growth restriction have an adaptive hormonal profile characterized by decreased levels of IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP-3 and insulin and elevated levels of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2. This study examined the association between cord serum levels of six growth factors and anthropometric features at birth in twins in order to determine the intrauterine growth factor interactions and to characterize the specific hormonal profile of small discordant twins.. Prevalent case-control study.. Twenty pairs of discordant twins (5 monozygotic, 15 dizygotic) and 20 pairs of concordant twins (6 monozygotic, 14 dizygotic) matched for gestational age.. Cord blood levels of IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3, insulin, leptin and anthropometric measurements at birth. Intra- and inter-pair differences and correlation coefficients were calculated, and the data were fitted to multivariate regression models.. In both discordant and concordant groups, the smaller twins had a significantly lower level of IGF-1 (P < 0.03) and significantly higher level of IGFBP-1 (P < 0.02) than their larger cotwins. IGFBP-1 was inversely correlated with IGF-1 (P < 0.05). Insulin levels were significantly higher in the smaller discordant than the smaller concordant twins (P < 0.001) and in the larger discordant than the larger concordant twins (P < 0.004). Among the monozygotic twins, the leptin level was significantly higher in the larger discordant than the larger concordant twins (P < 0.025). Percentage birth weight discordancy was statistically correlated with twin-pair differences in IGF-1 and IGFBP-1.. Of the six factors studied, IGF-1 appears to be the main indicator of intrauterine growth. Twin discordancy may involve compensatory rather than adaptive mechanisms or a multihormone relative resistance syndrome.

Topics: Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Diseases in Twins; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Immunoradiometric Assay; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Pregnancy; Radioimmunoassay; Regression Analysis; Twins, Dizygotic; Twins, Monozygotic

To investigate whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content may be associated with clinical features, anthropometric variables, and laboratory findings in both extremes of abnormal fetal growth: small and large size for gestational age.. Eighty-eight pregnant women and their infants were included in a cross-sectional study. According to the offspring birthweight, normalized by sex and gestational age, there were 57 newborns with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) and 31 with abnormal weight for gestational age: 17 small for gestational age (SGA) and 14 large for gestational age (LGA). mtDNA quantification using nuclear DNA as a reference was measured by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method.. The mothers' pregestational BMI was associated with the weight of their offspring: SGA infants had lean mothers (BMI, 21.4 +/- 0.7), and LGA infants had overweight mothers (BMI, 26.7 +/- 1.4) in comparison with AGA infants (BMI, 23.0 +/- 0.7) (p < 0.003). Newborn leptin levels were associated with birthweight after adjustment for sex and gestational age (SGA, 7.0 +/- 1.1 ng/mL; AGA, 15.2 +/- 1.6 ng/mL; and LGA, 25.6 +/- 4.1 ng/mL) (p < 0.002). Conversely, mtDNA/nuclear DNA ratio was significantly lower in both extremes of abnormal fetal growth, SGA (18 +/- 6) and LGA (9 +/- 2), at birth in comparison to AGA-weight infants (28 +/- 4) (p < 0.03).. Our findings show that mtDNA content is decreased in newborns with abnormal weight in comparison with AGA infants. On the basis of a cumulative body of evidence, we speculate that mtDNA depletion is one of the putative links between abnormal fetal growth and metabolic and cardiovascular complications in later life.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA, Mitochondrial; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications

We aimed to evaluate the role of the soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), the major leptin-binding protein in blood, for the regulation of growth and development of neonates. Therefore, human arterial and venous cord blood samples were taken from newborns of 45 healthy mothers to investigate correlations with anthropometric data. Furthermore, we compared changes in sOB-R and leptin in neonatal serum between postnatal d 1, 3, and 5. Cord blood levels of leptin (direct correlation) and the molar sOB-R/leptin ratio (inverse correlation) correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with weight, triceps, biceps, iliacal, and subscapular skinfolds at birth as well as on d 3 and 5 of life. During the first week of life, median leptin levels decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 3.4 ng/ml in venous cord blood to 2.2 ng/ml in venous blood on d 1 after birth to 0.88 ng/ml on d 3 and 0.75 ng/ml on d 5. In contrast and most interestingly, median levels of sOB-R increased significantly (P < 0.001) from 14.5 ng/ml in cord blood to 18.9 ng/ml on d 1, 83 ng/ml on d 3, and 79.4 ng/ml on d 5. Consequently, the molar sOB-R/leptin ratio increased from 0.45 to 1.30 (d 1), 10.5 (d 3), and 13.7 (d 5) during the same period (P < 0.001). We found a remarkable postnatal change in the leptin-sOB-R axis with decreasing leptin and increasing sOB-R levels. Hence, the sOB-R may block leptin function by its competition with the membrane receptor for the ligand. These suppressive effects may be an important stimulus for energy uptake in the first week of life or in other conditions with a high energy demand.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Leptin; Skinfold Thickness

Most human research on leptin has involved well-nourished subjects or clinical states such as anorexia nervosa or cancer cachexia.. We studied the development of leptin as a monitor of energy status in young African infants whose growth patterns probably reflect the evolutionary norm.. We enrolled a prospective birth cohort of 138 rural Gambian mother-infant pairs. Plasma leptin was analyzed in maternal blood in late pregnancy, in cord blood, and at 8, 16, and 52 wk in the infants. Body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) was used as a proxy for fatness. The mothers were lean (BMI: 21.6+/-2.5), and the infants grew poorly compared with Western standards (average weight-for-age z score of -1.9 at 52 wk).. Maternal and cord blood leptin and birth weight were all positively correlated. Throughout infancy, leptin was highly correlated with BMI. A strong sex difference existed at birth (ie, leptin concentrations were significantly higher in females than in males), disappeared at 8 wk, and reappeared at 16 and 52 wk. Absolute leptin concentrations declined by almost 90% from birth to 52 wk, but leptin's ability to discriminate across a range of BMI values improved with age. In early infancy, leptin concentrations were uncorrelated with recent changes in BMI, but, by 52 wk, leptin was able to assess both the size of energy stores and the direction of recent changes.. Leptin concentrations signal energy status from fetal life onward. As infancy progresses, leptin's power to discriminate both chronic and dynamic energy status increases, and this discrimination is achieved at much lower circulating peptide concentrations.

Topics: Aging; Analysis of Variance; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; Energy Metabolism; Female; Fetal Blood; Gambia; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Rural Population; Sex Factors

Low birth weight (LBW) as a result of restricted fetal growth increases the risk for later metabolic diseases and adiposity. However the relationship between LBW and postnatal growth and adult body composition has not been fully investigated. We have used sheep to determine the effects of LBW on postnatal growth and body composition at maturity. LBW was induced by twinning and placental embolization. At birth, LBW lambs were 38% lighter than controls (2.8 +/- 0.2 vs 4.4 +/- 0.3 kg, P<0.05), but had caught up in bodyweight by 8 weeks after birth. At approximately 2.3 years, bodyweights were not different between groups, but there were reductions in absolute (-8%) and relative (-17%) brain weights of LBW sheep (P<0.05) compared to controls. X-ray absorptiometry showed that the mature LBW sheep, compared to controls, had greater amounts of lean muscle (38.1 +/- 1.3 vs 35.3 +/- 0.5 kg, P<0.05) and tended to have more body fat (12.2 +/- 1.2 vs 9.6 +/- 0.9 kg; P=0.1); at autopsy abdominal fat mass was greater in LBW sheep (3.06 +/- 0.26 vs 2.20 +/- 0.25 kg, P<0.05). Plasma leptin concentrations were not different between groups. We conclude that, in sheep, LBW is associated with early postnatal catch-up in body weight, but body composition is permanently altered such that, relative to controls, adiposity is increased and brain weight is decreased.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adipose Tissue; Animals; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Constitution; Body Weight; Brain; Leptin; Organ Size; Sheep; Time Factors; Weight Gain

Polycystic ovary syndrome is considered to originate during puberty. The aim of this study was to investigate hormonal status in relationship to anthropometric data in girls with premature adrenarche and adolescent girls with hyperandrogenism, as these conditions are related to polycystic ovary syndrome in adulthood.. 20 girls with premature adrenarche (aged 4.9-10.2 years), 21 postmenarcheal girls with hirsutism (aged 13.3-17.8 years), 2 groups (n=13 in each) of healthy volunteers of similar age and body mass index participated in the study.. Serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels were significantly higher in all patients than in controls. Free androgen index and leptin levels were significantly higher, and sex-hormone-binding globulin lower in hirsute adolescents vs. controls. Birth weight standard deviation scores were comparable in all 4 groups. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate negatively correlated with birth weight standard deviation scores in the group of girls with premature adrenarche (r=-0.57, p<0.001). By linear regression, 76% in variation of serum leptin levels could be explained by subscapular skinfold thickness standard deviation scores, and by serum sex-hormone-binding globulin, insulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels in all participants. Mean age of onset of menarche was younger in hirsute girls vs. controls (12.1+/-1.3 vs. 13.5+/-1.3 years, p=0.004).. Inverse correlation of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels and weight at birth indicates relationship between premature adrenarche in girls and fetal growth. Higher leptin levels in adolescents with hyperandrogenism than in healthy girls show possible involvement of leptin in pathogenesis of hyperandrogenism.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Female; Hirsutism; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Insulin; Leptin; Linear Models; Menarche; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Puberty, Precocious; Risk Factors; Testosterone

Evidence is accumulating that the risk of osteoporosis in later life may be determined in part by environmental influences on bone development during intrauterine and early postnatal life. A potential role for fetal leptin in mediating these effects is suggested by animal studies showing that leptin influences prenatal osteoblast growth and development, and that fetal leptin concentrations are altered by changes in maternal nutrition. In a group of term human infants we reported previously that maternal birthweight, smoking, fat mass, and exercise during late pregnancy independently predict neonatal bone mass. To investigate the potential role of leptin in mediating these effects, we now relate leptin concentrations in umbilical venous serum to neonatal bone mass and body composition in 117 infants. There were strong positive associations between umbilical venous leptin concentration and each of whole body bone mineral contents (BMC) (r = 0.42, P < or = 0.001) and estimated volumetric bone density (r = 0.21, P = 0.02); whole body lean mass (r = 0.21, P < or = 0.024); and whole body fat mass (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). The associations with neonatal BMC and fat mass, but not with lean mass, were independent of associations that we have reported previously between cord serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations and neonatal body composition. Among the maternal determinants of neonatal bone mass, cord leptin explained the relationship with maternal fat stores, but not those with the mother's own birthweight, smoking, or physical activity. We conclude that umbilical venous leptin predicts both the size of the neonatal skeleton and its estimated volumetric mineral density. In addition, among previously documented maternal determinants of neonatal bone mass in healthy pregnancies, maternal fat stores may mediate their effect on fetal bone accrual through variation in fetal leptin concentrations.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adipose Tissue; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Bone and Bones; Bone Density; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Osteoporosis

To determine serum leptin levels in hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.. In this prospective, cross-sectional, case control study, we measured serum leptin levels of 58 hypertensive pregnant women and 54 normal pregnant women. We also did blood and urine analysis for the evaluation of the severity of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The patients were followed until after delivery and information about labour was recorded. We analysed the difference and correlation between anthropometric measures, hormonal and biochemical parameters, and serum leptin levels in two groups.. In the study group, serum leptin levels were determined to be higher than the control group. Neonatal birth weight was significantly lower in the hypertensive group. While the serum uric acid, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, fibronectin, and fasting blood glucose levels were found to be higher, serum total protein and albumin levels were significantly lower among the hypertensive pregnant women. Hypertensive pregnant women were more insulin resistant. Serum leptin levels were highly and positively correlated with serum fibronectin, and C peptide levels. A negative significant correlation was observed between maternal serum leptin levels and neonatal birth weight among the pregnant women having the hypertensive disorders.. Serum leptin levels in hypertensive pregnant women appear to be higher. The determination of serum leptin levels may be as important as serum fibronectin and C peptide levels in the management of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. C peptide and insulin may be due to hyperinsulinemia which leads to increased stimulation of leptin production by fatty tissue. Insulin resistance which appears in late pregnancy is more significant especially in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; C-Peptide; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fibronectins; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Logistic Models; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Proteinuria; Skinfold Thickness

This study aimed to investigate (i) the plasma ghrelin concentration at birth, (ii) the relationship of ghrelin with metabolic hormones, including leptin and insulin, and (iii) its association with anthropometric parameters, in appropriately grown preterm (23-36 weeks gestation) and term (37-42 weeks gestation) newborns.. Blood samples for hormonal assay were obtained from preterm (n = 81) and term newborns (n = 40) within the first 2 h of life and before milk feeding or energy intake. The relationship between plasma ghrelin and other metabolic hormones or anthropometric parameters was evaluated.. Plasma ghrelin was detectable in all studied infants and the concentrations did not differ significantly between term and preterm infants [median (interquartile range): 1.21 (0.86-1.48) nmol/l vs. 1.04 (0.71-1.51) nmol/l, P = 0.52, respectively]. There was no overall significant correlation between plasma ghrelin and gestational age, anthropometric parameters and leptin or insulin. However, when term and preterm infants were analysed independently, plasma ghrelin was inversely correlated with birth weight (r = -0.31, P = 0.05) and body length (r = -0.33, P = 0.04) in the term infant group.. Our findings suggested that plasma ghrelin concentrations were relatively constant at birth, between 23 and 42 weeks gestation, and ghrelin secretion did not appear to undergo gestational age-related variations. An inverse relationship between plasma ghrelin and anthropometric indices in term infants raised the possibility that ghrelin might adopt its physiological role in regulating growth and metabolism at a late stage of gestation (> or = 37 weeks gestation). This phenomenon could be beneficial to term newborns by stimulating their appetite and maintaining an adequate blood sugar level at the most critical period when nutrients from mothers are abruptly terminated after birth.

Topics: Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Size; Cesarean Section; Female; Gestational Age; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Peptide Hormones; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy

The purpose of this study was to disclose the relationship between adiponectin and birth weight in a large group of newborns with normal and aberrant growth ("overweight").. Eighty-one healthy, term newborns were divided into 2 groups: 20 in the large-for-gestational age (LGA; 4297 +/- 207 g), and 61 newborns in the appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA; 3384 +/- 368 g). Cord blood was analyzed for adiponectin, leptin, and insulin levels.. Mean adiponectin level was significantly lower in LGA newborns (29.4 +/- 13.8 vs 35.0 +/- 9.9 microg/mL, P < .04). Both leptin and insulin levels were higher in LGA than AGA newborns, and leptin levels positively correlated with birth weight in both groups. Insulin levels positively correlated with birth weight in AGA newborns.. The results of this study imply that adiponectin may have a role in fetal growth and support the notion of negative feedback exerted by adipose tissue on adiponectin levels, as previously shown in adults.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Birth Weight; Fetal Blood; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin

Anemia is prevalent among pregnant adolescents, but few data exist on biochemical indicators of iron status in this group. We hypothesized that among an at-risk population of African-American, pregnant adolescents, the degree of iron depletion and deficiency would be marked, and that iron deficiency anemia would comprise the majority of the observed anemia. To examine this, blood samples were collected from 80 girls (< or =18 y old) attending an inner city maternity clinic, 23 of whom were studied longitudinally in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters depending on contact at the clinic. Sample sizes for the biomarkers varied according to the blood volume available at the time the assays were completed. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize iron status, and multivariate regression and logistic analyses were used to identify significant determinants of iron status. Depleted iron stores (ferritin < or = 15 microg/L) were indicated for 25% (n = 44) and 61% (n = 59) of adolescents during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Serum folate (39.3 +/- 15.4 nmol/L, n = 60), RBC folate (2378 +/- 971 nmol/L, n = 60), and serum vitamin B-12 concentrations (313 +/- 163 pmol/L, n = 60) were within normal ranges. Adolescents with serum transferrin receptor:serum ferritin ratios (R:F ratio) > 300 during the 2nd trimester were 12.5 times (95% CI 2.83, 55.25) more likely to be classified with iron deficiency anemia during the 3rd trimester (P = 0.0002) than those with lower ratios. Estimates of body iron were lower in those tested after wk 26 of gestation (P < 0.0001), and reserves were depleted in 5.0% vs. 31.3% of the 2nd (n = 40) and 3rd (n = 48) trimester cohorts, respectively. In conclusion, iron-deficiency anemia was prevalent among these pregnant minority adolescents. Targeted screening and interventions to improve diet and compliance with prenatal iron supplementation are warranted for this at-risk group.

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Birth Weight; Black or African American; Body Mass Index; Erythropoietin; Female; Ferritins; Folic Acid; Gestational Age; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Regression Analysis; Transferrin; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Maternal smoking is considered to be a risk factor for low birth weight. It is hypothesized that alteration in leptin concentration may be associated with reduced fetal growth. In this study, we assess the effect of smoking during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal serum leptin concentrations, and also on breast milk leptin levels. When the infants were brought to routine physical examination at 7 days old, blood samples and breast milk specimens were taken for leptin measurement from mothers who smoked during pregnancy and their newborns. Nonsmoking mothers and their infants were recruited randomly over the same period as a control group. Maternal age, number of pregnancy, weight of the mothers, birth weight, and gestational age of the infants were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in maternal serum and breast milk leptin levels (p = 0.14 and p = 0.96, respectively). However, serum leptin levels were found significantly lower in neonates born to smoking mothers compared with infants born to nonsmoking mothers (p = 0.02). Our findings suggest that maternal smoking dose not have an effect on maternal serum and breast milk leptin levels but decreases neonatal serum leptin concentration independent of birth weight.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Development; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Milk, Human; Pregnancy; Smoking

To investigate whether administration of leptin to rats during pregnancy and lactation affects placental 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD2) activity and the susceptibility of their offspring to weight gain and insulin resistance.. Pregnant rats fed on a low-protein diet were administered leptin or saline by subcutaneous minipump from day 14 of gestation and throughout lactation. A further group was fed a normal diet and given saline. After weaning, the offspring of each group were fed on a normal diet until 6 weeks of age and then half of each group was transferred to a high-fat diet until 12 months of age.. Plasma leptin levels were raised two-fold on days 16-18 of pregnancy in the leptin-treated dams, but, despite a constant rate of infusion, at parturition they dipped to control levels before rising again. The activity of placental 11beta-HSD2 was reduced by the low-protein diet; this reduction was prevented by treating the dams with leptin. The male offspring of the saline-treated dams gained more weight and had higher plasma leptin levels on the high fat than the chow diet, but the offspring of the leptin-treated dams did not. Fasting blood glucose and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance at 6 and 12 months of age was unaffected by the high-fat diet, but only the offspring of the leptin-treated dams achieved this control without raised insulin levels.. The rate of leptin clearance appears to increase at parturition. The administration of leptin to rats during late pregnancy and lactation makes their male offspring less susceptible to high-fat-diet-induced weight gain and insulin resistance.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Dietary Fats; Female; Insulin Resistance; Lactation; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Weight Gain

To evaluate the relationship of endothelin 1 (ET-1) and leptin concentrations in women and newborns following a pregnancy complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).. Twenty-five women with a pregnancy complicated with IUGR at 19 different gestational ages were matched with women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Blood samples from the umbilical artery and maternal peripheral venous circulation were collected at delivery, and ET-1 and leptin levels were determined from the blood samples. Data relating to obstetric complications (e.g., pregnancy-induced hypertension), delivery (e.g. mode, birth weight, signs of intrapartum fetal distress, and Apgar scores) were also recorded.. Mean maternal ET-1 (13.4+/-6.2-9.9+/-2.9 pmol/l) and mean fetal ET-1 (14.5+/-4.2-11.7+/-3.1 pmol/l) concentrations were significantly higher when women had experienced pregnancies complicated with IUGR than when they had had normal pregnancies. Mean fetal leptin concentration was significantly lower in the study group (6.8+/-2.2 ng/ml) than in the control group (10.6+/-3.6 ng/ml (P<0.05). However, fetal leptin per kilogram of fetal weight was not significantly different in the study group (3.16+/-1.18 ng/ml) than in the control group (3.23+/-0.96 ng/ml) (P>0.05, paired t-test). However, a statistically significant correlation was observed between fetal leptin concentrations per kilogram of fetal weight and fetal endothelin concentrations in pregnancies complicated with IUGR (r=0.546; P<0.05).. These results suggest the intertwined roles of ET-1 and leptin in the pathophysiology of IUGR. Further studies concerning interaction between these peptides in different pregnancy conditions may provide important information about the actions of ET-1 and leptin on fetal growth.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Endothelin-1; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Regression Analysis

The prenatal nutritional environment influences the subsequent risk of hypertension in adulthood. Animal studies have used, generally, the rat as a model species to illustrate the association between maternal nutrient intake and blood pressure in the resulting adult offspring. No study to date has shown programming of adult cardiovascular function in the sheep through maternal dietary intervention. We therefore fed pregnant sheep to either 100% recommended intake from day 0 of gestation to term [ approximately 147 days gestational age (dGA); controls n = 8] or to 50% recommended intake from day 0 to 95 dGA and thereafter to 100% intake (NR; n = 9). Sheep lambed naturally, offspring were weaned at 16 wk, and the male offspring were reared on pasture until 3 yr of age. At this time, cardiovascular catheters were inserted under halothane anesthesia and sheep were allowed 2-4 days recovery. Basal cardiovascular status and pressor responses to infusion of norepinephrine, angiotensin II, and captopril were then assessed alongside basal plasma concentrations of glucose, cortisol, and leptin. NR sheep were of similar birth weight to controls but at 3 yr of age had higher blood pressure before, but not after, feeding. Peripheral sensitivity to vasoconstrictor infusion was similar between dietary groups, although a reflex bradycardia was not apparent in NR sheep during norepinephrine infusion. Circulating leptin correlated well with fat mass and increased more after vasoconstrictor infusion in NR sheep. In conclusion, early NR has been shown to program aspects of cardiovascular control and adipocyte function in adult sheep.

Topics: Algorithms; Angiotensin II; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Animals; Baroreflex; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Composition; Captopril; Female; Heart Rate; Hemodynamics; Hormones; Hydrocortisone; Leptin; Male; Norepinephrine; Placental Insufficiency; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Sheep; Stress, Physiological; Vasoconstrictor Agents

The role for leptin in food intake regulation in the mink, a polytocous seasonal breeder with altricial young, was investigated in pregnant and lactating dams and data were related to quantitative energy metabolism measurements and plasma concentrations of other important metabolic hormones. A total of nine mink dams were measured in consecutive 1-week balance periods, each including a 22 h measurement of heat production by means of indirect calorimetry, and blood was sampled at weekly intervals throughout gestation and during lactation weeks 1-4. Intake of metabolisable energy (ME) was high and energy balance was positive until the first third of true gestation. During mid- and late gestation ME intake decreased (P<0.001) while heat production remained almost constant, resulting in negative energy balance and the loss of body weight. From late gestation until lactation week 4, ME intake increased by 3.5 times, but weight loss continued. Plasma concentrations of leptin were approximately doubled during the last two-thirds of true gestation (P<0.01), demonstrating a clear gestational hyperleptinaemia. Concentrations declined rapidly after parturition and then remained stable. Insulin was independent of leptin, with low concentrations coincident with hyperleptinaemia. Also, concentrations of thyroid hormones declined during gestation, probably reflecting the low food intake. Hyperleptinaemia concomitant with low ME intake, negative energy balance and mobilisation of body reserves suggested an anorexigenic effect of leptin in pregnant mink. This suppression of food intake in late gestation might be permissive for the rapid increase in food intake occurring after parturition.

Topics: Animals; Appetite; Birth Weight; Diet; Eating; Energy Metabolism; Female; Hormones; Lactation; Leptin; Mink; Nitrogen; Oxidation-Reduction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Weight Gain

Adiponectin is the only adipose-specific hormone that, despite its exclusive production by adipose tissue, is reduced in obesity and is inversely correlated with leptin levels in adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adiponectin concentration in umbilical cord blood at different gestational ages and to investigate its possible associations with leptin levels and birth weight.. Umbilical cord blood was obtained from 132 newborns (male = 65, female = 67, gestational age: 35 to 42 weeks). The anthropometric variables of the newborns studied were birth weight, birth length, body weight/body length, and ponderal index. Adiponectin, insulin, and leptin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay methods.. Adiponectin levels in males were not different from those in females (24.10 +/- 0.81 vs. 25.62 +/- 0.84 micro g/mL, p = 0.280). Adiponectin concentrations were positively correlated with birth weight (p < 0.05), birth length (p < 0.05), body weight/body length (p < 0.05), gestational age (p < 0.01), and leptin levels (p < 0.01).. These findings indicate that adiponectin is present in umbilical cord blood after 35 to 42 weeks of gestation, with higher levels than those usually found in adults, no gender differences, and a positive correlation with birth weight and leptin. These results suggest that not only could neonatal hyperadiponectinemia be associated with the increase of adiponectin production by fetal adipose tissue but also with a possible reduction in an unknown mechanism related to the suppression of adiponectin observed in adults.

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Height; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin; Male; Proteins

Low birth weight is associated with altered adipose tissue deposition and regulation of leptin production. This study determined the effects of naturally occurring variations in birth weight in pigs on postnatal growth patterns, body fat depth and plasma leptin and other hormone concentrations. Low (< 1.47 kg) and high (> 1.53 kg) birth weight piglets were studied at 3 months (juvenile; n= 47) and 12 months of age (young adult; n= 17). At each age, arterial and venous catheters were inserted under general anaesthesia. Plasma leptin, cortisol, glucose, insulin and catecholamine concentrations were determined in basal blood samples. Body fat depth was measured by ultrasound at 12 months of age. Overall, adult fat depth was greater in low compared to high birth weight pigs and increased fat depth was associated with thinness at birth and poor early growth rates. These effects were strongest in females. Fat depth was related to current weight only in males. Compared to high birth weight pigs, plasma leptin concentrations were reduced in low birth weight females at 3 months and in low birth weight males at 12 months of age. This study demonstrates sex-specific effects of low birth weight on postnatal growth and body fatness and on plasma leptin concentrations in pigs.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Age Factors; Animals; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Catecholamines; Energy Metabolism; Female; Hydrocortisone; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Sus scrofa

There is growing evidence that prenatal adversities could be implicated in foetal programming of adult chronic diseases. Since maternal stress is known to disturb the foetal glucocorticoid environment, we examined the consequences of prenatal stress on foetal growth, on glucose-insulin metabolism and on feeding behaviour in the aged male rat. In foetuses at term, maternal stress reduced body, adrenal and pancreas weight as well as plasma corticosterone and glucose levels. In aged male rats (24 months of age), prenatal stress induced hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance and decreased basal leptin levels. Moreover, after a fasting period, they showed an increased food intake. These data suggest that maternal stress induces a long-lasting disturbance in feeding behaviour and dysfunctions related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This programming could be linked to the early restricted foetal growth and to the adverse glucocorticoid environment in utero.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Aging; Animals; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Corticosterone; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Glucose Intolerance; Leptin; Male; Organ Size; Pancreas; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Stress, Psychological

We investigated leptin concentration in umbilical cord blood of 51 newborns (mean 5.71 +/- 3.28 ng/ml) and in maternal blood (mean 22.11 +/- 10.95 ng/ml). Leptin concentration in 20 preterm infants (mean 4.73 +/- 2.15 ng/ml) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in full-term newborns (mean 6.34 +/- 2.08 ng/ml) and tended to increase according to gestational age and birth weight. We suggested leptin concentration had a role in intrauterine development.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy

To investigate different factors related to fetal growth restriction (FGR) and to find out the possible causes of FGR with unclear etiologies.. Sixty-three women who were suspected of FGR during pregnancy between March 2002 and March 2003 were included in this study. Their age, body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, and gestational weeks were recorded at the time when they were first diagnosed. Haemoglobin levels, haematocrit (HCT), TORCH, anticardiolipin antibody (ACA), 50 gram glucose challenge test (50g GCT), 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (75g OGTT), leptin levels, systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio by color doppler monitor and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) were detected and urine culture was done in these groups during the same period. The gestational week, birth weight, body length and the gender were recorded at the delivery period. The FGR group was then divided into two subgroups according to the birth weights: study A group whose birth weights were lower than 10th% of the birth weights at the given gestational weeks (29 cases) and study B group whose birth weights were beyond 10th% (34 cases). The chromosome, leptin, C-peptide, insulin and TORCH of umbilical blood were measured at delivery. The other 25 normal pregnant women were included as control and the same tests were performed accordingly.. The fasting glucose and the third hour's glucose of 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test of study A were (3.8 +/- 0.6) mmol/L and (4.5 +/- 1.1) mmol/L. The fetal leptin, C-peptide, and insulin were (7.3 +/- 5.2) ng/ml, (0.5 +/- 0.3) nmol/L and (2.3 +/- 1.3) mU/L. The S/D ratio of umbilical artery, maternal and fetal infection rate of CMV, positive rate of ACA-IgM and the rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria were 3.06, 20.7%, 24.1%, 44.8% and 62.1% respectively. The fasting glucose and the third hour's glucose of 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test of study B were (4.4 +/- 0.7) mmol/L and (4.6 +/- 1.1) mmol/L. The fetal leptin, C-peptide, and insulin were (13.2 +/- 11.3) ng/ml, (0.7 +/- 0.4) nmol/L and (4.3 +/- 3.3) mU/L. The S/D ratio of umbilical artery, maternal and fetal infection rate of CMV, positive rate of ACA-IgM and the rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria were 2.63, 2.9%, 0%, 5.9% and 44.1% respectively. The fasting glucose and the third hour's glucose of 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test in control were (4.3 +/- 0.7) mmol/L and (5.3 +/- 1.2) mmol/L. The fetal leptin, C-peptide, and insulin were (20.5 +/- 12.0) ng/ml, (1.0 +/- 0.4) nmol/L and (6.3 +/- 4.0) mU/L. The S/D ratio of umbilical artery, maternal and fetal infection rate of CMV, positive rate of ACA-IgM and the rate of the asymptomatic bacteriuria were 2.80, 0, 0, 0 and 24.0% respectively. All these items were significantly higher in study A than those in the control (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the study B and the control in all the items.. Many factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of FGR, including the maternal blood glucose level, the ability for fetus to use the glucose, the infection of some microorganisms, insufficiency of the blood supply and the autoimmunity of the mother. Finding out the possible causes of FGR and managing them accordingly may improve the outcomes of the fetus.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; C-Peptide; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Glucose Metabolism Disorders; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Insulin; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Risk Factors

Adiponectin is negatively associated with leptin, insulin and obesity in children and adults. Whereas increases in fetal insulin and leptin are associated with increased weight and adiposity at birth, the role of adiponectin in fetal growth has not yet been determined. The aims of this study were to examine the relationships between adiponectin and insulin, leptin, weight and adiposity at birth in healthy term infants.. Anthropometric parameters including weight, length, circumferences and skinfold thickness were measured, and plasma lipid profiles, insulin, leptin and adiponectin concentrations in cord blood samples from 226 singleton infants born at term after uncomplicated pregnancies were assayed.. Cord plasma adiponectin, leptin and insulin levels correlated significantly and positively with birthweight (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) and the sum of skinfold thicknesses (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Mean cord plasma adiponectin and leptin levels, but not insulin level, were significantly higher in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants compared with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants. Cord plasma leptin concentration, but not adiponectin concentration, was significantly higher in female infants than in male infants (P = 0.003 and P = 0.94, respectively). Cord plasma adiponectin concentration correlated positively with leptin level (P = 0.007) but not with insulin level (P = 0.78).. High adiponectin levels are present in the cord blood. Cord plasma adiponectin and leptin levels are positively correlated with birthweight and adiposity. This suggests that adiponectin may be involved in regulating fetal growth.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Gender Identity; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin; Male; Prospective Studies; Proteins; Skinfold Thickness

To explore the possibility of using early second trimester amniotic fluid leptin levels as a predictor of pregnancy outcome in twin pregnancy.. Amniotic fluid leptin levels from 18 twin-pregnant women in early second trimester were analyzed for their correlation with gestational age at delivery and fetal birthweight. Leptin levels in 16 amniotic fluid samples collected from small for gestational age (SGA) twin pregnancies were compared with those in 20 amniotic fluid samples collected from non-SGA twin pregnancies.. A significant correlation was observed between amniotic fluid leptin levels and gestational age at delivery (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) as well as fetal birthweight (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between gestational age at delivery and fetal birthweight (r = 0.92, p < 0.001). The average gestational age at delivery was 30.4 +/- 1.4 weeks in the SGA group, with a mean birthweight of 1552 +/- 200 g at delivery. For the non-SGA group, the values were 37.3 +/- 0.5 weeks and 2759 +/- 115 g ( p < 0.001), respectively. Amniotic fluid leptin levels were found to be significantly higher ( p < 0.001) for women in the SGA group (11.4 +/- 1.5 ng/mL) than for those in the non-SGA group (5.4 +/- 0.5 ng/mL).. Higher amniotic fluid leptin levels in early second trimester were associated with both lower gestational age at delivery and lower birthweight. Our results suggest that amniotic fluid leptin levels in early second trimester may be a good marker for the prediction of perinatal complications in twin pregnancy.

Topics: Adult; Amniotic Fluid; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy, Multiple; Prenatal Diagnosis; Twins

Lower ghrelin levels have been related to slower growth in small for gestational age infants, and infants with higher cord leptin levels have been reported to gain weight more slowly from birth to 2 yr. This study investigated whether cord blood ghrelin and leptin levels are related to weight gain up to 12 wk of age. One hundred infants were weighed at birth and at 12 wk, and cord blood was assayed for ghrelin and leptin. The mean (+/-sd) birth weight was 3.458 (0.433) kg (median, 3.390; range, 2.510-4.615 kg). The mean (+/-sd) leptin level was 10.1 (6.7) ng/ml (median, 8.4; range, 1.6-36.7 ng/ml), and that of ghrelin was 760.9 (282.9) pg/ml (median, 770; range, 210-1670 pg/ml). Higher birth weight was associated with slower weight gain. Leptin was correlated with birth weight, but ghrelin was not, and leptin and ghrelin levels were not significantly correlated with one another. With birth weight as a control variable, ghrelin was significantly associated with slow weight gain (chi(2) = 7.20 with 1 df; P < 0.01), although leptin was not (chi(2) = 1.59 with 1 df; P > 0.1). In conclusion, lower cord ghrelin levels are associated with slower weight gain from birth to 3 months of age.

Topics: Aging; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Ghrelin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Peptide Hormones; Weight Gain

The placenta is a major source of leptin in the fetomaternal circulation, although its physiological role remains to be clarified. Leptin in the fetomaternal circulation is proposed to be a marker of acute stress in the fetus, and the fetus suffering from pre-eclampsia would be under chronic stress. In 16 pre-eclamptic placentas, the expressions of leptin, hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha) and leptin receptor mRNAs were analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and compared with clinical data. The co-expressions of leptin and the isoforms of the leptin receptor were observed in all the pre-eclamptic placentas. Leptin mRNA was significantly augmented in the pre-eclamptic placentas, although the level in fetal plasma was not high. The level of the expression of leptin mRNA was correlated with the placental HIF1alpha mRNA level and fetal body weight, but not with the levels of the leptin receptor isoforms in the pre-eclamptic placentas. This observation may suggest that autocrine/paracrine regulation of leptin exists in the human placenta and is upregulated in the pre-eclamptic placenta.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Cesarean Section; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Leptin; Placenta; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Protein Isoforms; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Leptin; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Transcription Factors

Maternal diabetes is associated with excess foetal growth. We have assessed the influence of maternal diabetes on hormones associated with foetal growth and the relationship of these hormones to birthweight.. Case-control study.. Singleton offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes (ODM, n = 140) and control mothers (Control, n = 49).. Birthweight, cord blood insulin, proinsulin, 32-33 split proinsulin, leptin, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, cortisol.. Maternal diabetes was associated with higher birthweight (ODM 3.80 +/- 0.69 kg; Control; 3.56 +/- 0.52 kg, P = 0.02) and marked increases in insulin (median [interquartile range]: ODM 110 [60-217] pmol/l; Control 22 [15-37] pmol/l; P < 0.0001) and leptin (ODM 32 [15-60] ng/ml; Control 9 [4-17] ng/ml; P < 0.0001) but no absolute difference in IGF-1 (ODM 7.9 [6.2-9.8] nmol/l, Control 7.5 [6.2-9.8] nmol/l, P = 0.24) or its principle binding protein IGFBP-3 (ODM 1.63 +/- 0.38 micro g/ml, Control 1.63 +/- 0.28 micro g/ml; P = 0.12). Individually, insulin, insulin propeptides, leptin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with birthweight (in ODM and Control). IGF-1 and leptin were positively related to birthweight independently of each other and insulin in both ODM and Control. By contrast, insulin showed independent relationships to birthweight in ODM (P < 0.0001) but not in Control (P = 0.4).. Maternal diabetes is associated with marked elevation of insulin and leptin in cord blood of their offspring. Hormonal correlates of birthweight differ between ODM and Control with an independent relationship of insulin to birthweight observed only in ODM.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Fetal Blood; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics

Topics: Adiponectin; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin

The aim of this study was to examine plasma adiponectin concentrations during perinatal the period and their correlations with fetal anthropometric parameters and other hormones.. Venous cord blood samples were obtained from 59 full-term healthy newborns (36 males and 23 females, gestational age 37.0-41.4 weeks, birth weight 2,146-4,326 g, birth length 44.0-54.5 cm). The blood samples were also obtained from 15 neonates (postnatal day 3-7) whose cord blood had already been collected and the changes in adiponectin concentrations were examined.. The adiponectin concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The leptin concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay. Insulin, GH and IGF-1 concentrations were determined by immunoradiometric assays.. The plasma adiponectin concentrations in cord blood ranged from 6.0 to 55.8 microg/ml (median 22.4 microg/ml), which were much higher than those in normal-weight adults (P < 0.0001). In contrast to the findings in adults, these values were positively correlated with birth weight (r = 0.43, P = 0.0005), body mass index (r = 0.44, P = 0.0005), birth weight/birth length ratio (r = 0.46, P = 0.0002) and the leptin concentrations (r = 0.39, P = 0.004). When the effects of fat mass-related anthropometric parameters such as the birth weight/birth length ratio were controlled, plasma adiponectin concentrations had a significant inverse correlation with insulin concentrations (r = -0.35, P = 0.01). There was no significant gender difference in adiponectin concentrations among newborns. The adiponectin concentrations in neonates (postnatal day 3-7) did not change significantly compared with those in cord blood.. In contrast to the findings in adults, these results suggest that the adiponectin concentration increases with the mass of fetal fat.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Growth Hormone; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Organ Size; Placenta; Statistics, Nonparametric

To determine the levels of leptin in pregnant females during different stages of pregnancy and to correlate these levels to maternal weight, body mass index (BMI), neonate weight and neonate BMI.. A case control study was carried out in which 60 pregnant females were enrolled, but only 36 completed the study and 30 non-pregnant females were used as controls. Blood samples were collected at the 1st trimester, 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester, and after delivery. Serum was used for the estimation of leptin (by radioimmunoassay).. The results showed that the levels of leptin were significantly higher in pregnant females compared to non-pregnant females, but significantly decreased after delivery. In pregnant females with gestational diabetes the leptin level was insignificantly higher.. The increase of leptin levels may be due to the stimulatory effect of insulin on leptin secretion from adipose tissue.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimesters

To determine the levels of leptin and other pregnancy hormones (progesterone, estradiol, folliculi stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and beta human chorionic gonadotropin) in pregnant females during different stages of pregnancy and to correlate these levels to maternal weight, body mass index (BMI), babies weight and babies BMI.. Leptin level and other pregnancy hormones were measured in 36 pregnant females and 30 non-pregnant females followed at King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 2001 in a prospective study. Blood samples were collected at the first, 2nd and 3rd trimester and after delivery. Correlation analysis between leptin level and pregnancy hormones, in addition to maternal weight, BMI, babies weight and BMI.. The mean leptin levels during pregnancy and postnatally were significantly higher in pregnant females compared to the non-pregnant controls. Serum concentration of leptin increased significantly (p=0.01) in the pregnant females from 21.24 +/- 9 ng/ml during the first trimester to 26.3 +/- 8.69 ng/ml during the 2nd trimester, but insignificantly decreased to 23.29 +/- 8.62 ng/ml during the 3rd trimester (p=0.073). After delivery leptin concentration significantly decreased to 17.36 +/- 7.95 ng/ml (p=0.0025). The changes in levels of leptin during pregnancy were independent to other pregnancy hormones which showed a different pattern of variation.. The changes in levels of leptin during pregnancy were independent to other pregnancy hormones which showed a different pattern of variation.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; Estradiol; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimesters; Progesterone; Prospective Studies; Reference Values; Saudi Arabia

Altered Doppler flow velocimetry of the uterine arteries during the second trimester is correlated with the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Serum levels of leptin, a protein regulating body weight and secreted by the placenta, are higher in women with severe pre-eclampsia. We investigated whether alterations of uterine arteries' Doppler flow velocimetry during the early second-trimester scan were accompanied by changes in leptin levels, and whether these changes might be an early risk factor for pre-eclampsia. We retrospectively selected 50 women with altered uterine artery velocimetry at the second-trimester scan who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia (group A) and 100 women who did not develop pre-eclampsia, divided into two groups: 50 women with normal velocimetry at the second-trimester scan (group B) and 50 women with altered velocimetry at the second-trimester scan (group C). Serum leptin levels during the second and third trimesters and bilateral uterine artery resistance index during the second trimester were evaluated. No differences were observed in serum leptin levels in the second trimester among the three groups. During the third trimester, women in group A showed significantly higher serum leptin levels in comparison with women in groups B and C (p < 0.01). Serum leptin levels do not seem to be a useful early marker for the development of pre-eclampsia in the presence of altered uterine blood flow, and may be a late compensatory mechanism or reflect a generalized response of the trophoblast to hypoxic stimuli.

Topics: Adult; Arteries; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Blood Flow Velocity; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; Leptin; Parity; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Uterus; Vascular Resistance

The effects of maternal 50% food restriction (FR) during the last week of gestation and/or lactation on pituitary-gonadal axis (at birth and weaning), on circulating levels of leptin (at weaning), and on the onset of puberty have been determined in rats at birth and at weaning. Maternal FR during pregnancy has no effect at term on the litter size, on the basal level of testosterone in male pups, and on the drastic surge of circulating testosterone that occurs 2 h after birth. At weaning, similar retardation of body growth is observed in male and female pups from mothers exposed to FR. This undernutrition induces the most drastic effects when it is performed during both gestation and lactation or during lactation alone. Drastic retardation of testicle growth with reduction of cross-sectional area and intratubular lumen of the seminiferous tubules is observed in male pups from mothers exposed to undernutrition during both gestation and lactation or during lactation alone. Maternal FR during the perinatal period reduces circulating levels of FSH in male pups without affecting LH and testosterone concentrations. Maternal FR does not affect circulating levels of LH, estradiol, and progesterone in female pups. Female pups from mothers exposed to FR during both gestation and lactation show a significant increase of plasma FSH as well as a drastic retardation of ovarian growth. The follicular population was also altered. The number of antral follicles of small size (vesicular follicles) was increased, although the number of antral follicles of large size (graafian follicles) was reduced. Maternal FR occurring during both late gestation and lactation (male and female pups), during lactation alone (male and female pups), or during late gestation (female pups) induces a drastic reduction of plasma leptin and fat mass in pups at weaning. The onset of puberty is delayed in pups of both sexes from mothers exposed to FR during lactation and during both gestation and lactation. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that a perinatal growth retardation induced by maternal FR has long-term consequences on both size and histology of the genitals, on plasma gonadotropins and leptin levels, on fat stores at weaning, and on the onset of puberty.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Female; Food Deprivation; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Gonads; Lactation; Leptin; Male; Nutrition Disorders; Organ Size; Pituitary Gland; Pregnancy; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sexual Maturation; Time Factors; Weaning

A dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system may contribute to the development of hypertension and obesity in subjects with low birth weight (LBW). The present study examines resting sympathetic nerve traffic and its baroreflex modulation to the muscle vascular bed in healthy LBW subjects.. Case-control studies of 13 healthy LBW subjects (< 2500 g at term) aged 20-30 years and 13 normal birth weight subjects (NBW; 3200-3700 g) closely matched for age, gender and body mass index.. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) recordings from the superficial peroneal nerve, blood pressure and heart rate were obtained at rest, during an inspiratory apnoea and a cold pressor test. Baroreflex function was evaluated by short-term infusion of nitroprusside and phenylephrine, respectively, in nine subjects of each group.. During resting conditions burst frequency was significantly lower in LBW subjects (LBW: 24.7 +/- 2.4; NBW: 34.4 +/- 2.1 bursts/min, P < 0.05). When normalized for the different baseline values, baroreflex-mediated changes in MSNA were similar in both groups. Maximal MSNA levels in response to inspiratory apnoea and the cold pressor test did not differ between the groups. Blood pressure and heart rate were similar in LBW and NBW subjects both at rest and during sympatho-excitatory manoeuvres.. Subjects born too small for their gestational age show a significantly lower sympathetic nerve activity under baseline conditions. Given the different baseline values, the sympathetic response to haemodynamic alteration is not affected in LBW subjects, and maximal activation during non-haemodynamic sympatho-excitatory manoeuvres is preserved.

Topics: Adult; Aldosterone; Anthropometry; Baroreflex; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Diastole; Female; Germany; Heart Rate; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Inspiratory Capacity; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Nitroprusside; Peroneal Nerve; Phenylephrine; Reference Values; Renin; Sympathetic Nervous System; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilator Agents

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between maternal and cord leptin concentrations, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and measures of glycemic control in diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancy.. This was a prospective study of 60 type 1 diabetic and 50 nondiabetic pregnancies in a university teaching hospital. Serum leptin and hemoglobin A(1c) were measured serially throughout pregnancy; leptin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and C-peptide in venous cord blood were measured at delivery. Leptin was measured with the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed with specific computer software.. Maternal leptin levels correlated with cord leptin levels in the nondiabetic group only. Cord leptin levels correlated with cord C-peptide, cord insulin-like growth factor-1, birth weight, birth weight corrected for gestational age, and neonatal anthropometry in both groups and with hemoglobin A(1c) in the diabetic group only. Cord leptin levels increased significantly with increasing birth weight corrected for gestational age but remained significantly higher at all birth weights in the diabetic group.. There are strong associations between cord leptin levels and other measures of fetal growth in both groups and with glycemic control in the diabetic group.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; C-Peptide; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Osmolar Concentration; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics

We studied the contribution of the tumor necrosis factor system and leptin to insulin resistance during the course of normal pregnancy.. Forty-five healthy pregnant women (15 in the 1st, 15 in the 2nd2 and 15 in the 3rd3 trimester) and 25 age-matched healthy nonpregnant women as controls. Twenty-three newborns delivered by women followed in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters were also investigated. Fasting serum immunoreactive tumor necrosis factor-alpha, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2, leptin (by enzyme-linked immunoassay) and C-peptide (by radioimmunoassay) concentrations in the patients and controls were measured. Body weight, length and head circumference of the newborns were analyzed in connection with the measured maternal parameters.. Significantly elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 and -2, leptin, and C-peptide levels were found in the 3rd3 trimester as compared with the 1st1 and 2nd2 trimesters and with the nonpregnant controls. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor receptor-2, C-peptide, leptin concentrations and body mass index were found to be in a significant positive linear correlation with each other. Significant negative linear correlations were calculated among maternal serum C-peptide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leptin concentrations and the head circumference of the newborns.. In conclusion, increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leptin levels may contribute to insulin resistance in late pregnancy. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leptin may be regulators of intrauterine bone development of newborns.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Antigens, CD; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Mass Index; C-Peptide; Case-Control Studies; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimesters; Radioimmunoassay; Receptors, Leptin; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Objectives were to determine effects of lasalocid on reproductive performance and serum concentrations of leptin and IGF-I, and to correlate concentrations of leptin and IGF-I with reproductive performance of beef cows. Forty-one purebred, multiparous Brahman cows were blocked to control (C; n = 20) or lasalocid (L; n = 21) treatments by BW, BCS, and predicted calving date. Treatment began 21 d before expected calving. Cows were each fed 1.4 kg daily of an 11:1 corn:soybean meal supplement, with the L group receiving 200 mg of lasalocid/cow daily. Cows and calves were weighed, and cow BCS was assessed at calving and at 28-d intervals thereafter. Blood samples were collected weekly precalving, at parturition, and twice weekly thereafter. Sterile marker bulls were maintained with cows for estrous detection. Six days after estrus, ovaries were evaluated for corpus luteum formation, and blood samples from d 6, 7, and 8 after estrus were collected. Serum samples were assayed for progesterone (P4), IGF-I, and leptin concentration. Progesterone concentrations > 1 ng/mL were considered indicative of a functional corpus luteum. Treatment ended after completion of a normal estrous cycle, and cows removed from treatment were placed with a fertile bull equipped with a chinball marker. There were no treatment differences in calving date, calf sex, cow BW, BCS, calf BW, calf ADG, or in serum concentrations of P4, IGF-I, or leptin. Prepartum cow ADG was increased (P < 0.01) in L cows and tended (P < 0.011) to be increased from calving to d 56 after calving in L cows. Postpartum interval (PPI) was not affected by treatment; however, a greater percentage (P < 0.05) of L cows conceived by 90 d after calving (43% L vs. 15% C). First-service conception rate tended (P < 0.08) to be greater in L vs. C cows (68 vs. 40%), but pregnancy rate was not different (P < 0.12; 86% for L vs. 65% for C). There were no treatment differences (P > 0.18) for serum IGF-I concentrations. At calving, leptin was positively correlated with IGF-I (P < 0.04; r = 0.32), BCS (P < 0.06; r = 0.29), and cow BW (P < 0.02; r = 0.36), and was negatively correlated with PPI (P < 0.06; r = -0.29). These results provide evidence that feeding an ionophore before calving and during the postpartum period may increase the number of cows that rebreed to maintain a yearly calving interval. Cows with higher concentrations of leptin postpartum may exhibit shorter PPI.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Birth Weight; Cattle; Estrus Detection; Female; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Ionophores; Lasalocid; Leptin; Male; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Random Allocation; Reproduction; Time Factors

To investigate placental leptin production in placental insufficiency, placental leptin production was measured in women with severe preeclampsia (group 1) and in normotensive pregnancies associated with intrauterine growth restriction (group 2), compared to controls (group 3). Placental leptin content was increased 3-fold in group 1 compared to group 2 (192.5.1 +/- 39.5 vs. 67.8 +/- 10.6 ng/g) and 8-fold in group 1 compared to group 3 (192.5.1 +/- 39.5 vs. 25.4 +/- 6.9 ng/g). Placental leptin content was positively correlated with maternal leptin/BMI ratio (r = 0.62) and the resistance index of the umbilical artery (r = 0.60). These data demonstrate that placental insufficiency is associated with a dramatic increase in placental leptin production. This results in a rise in maternal leptinemia that may be taken as an early index of placental dysfunction.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Placental Insufficiency; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; Umbilical Arteries; Vascular Resistance

Leptin is produced by the human placenta besides adipose tissue and is suggested to be related to fetal growth. In order to find out whether multiple pregnancy is a factor affecting serum leptin levels, we compared neonatal serum leptin concentrations of twins and singleton newborns who were all appropriate for gestational age (AGA).. Thirty newborns were studied. Group 1 consisted of 15 infants from twin pregnancies and group 2 (control group) consisted of 15 infants from singleton pregnancies. Serum samples were taken at 24 hours following delivery and leptin concentrations were measured.. There were no significant differences in birth weight, gestational age and male/female ratio between infants of twin and single gestations. However, serum leptin concentrations of twins (mean +/- SEM: 1.13 +/- 0.35 ng/ml) were significantly lower than of the singleton infants (4.27 +/- 0.63 ng/ml) (p < 0.001).. Twin pregnancy might be a factor affecting serum leptin concentrations in newborn infants.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Multiple

In adults, adiponectin is reduced in association with excess adiposity, type 2 diabetes, and hyperinsulinemia. We assessed whether adiponectin was 1) present in the fetal circulation, 2) altered in the fetal circulation in the presence of maternal diabetes, and 3) had relations to fetal cord blood insulin or adiposity.. We assessed adiponectin in cord blood in a large cohort of singleton offspring of diabetic mothers (ODM; n = 134) and control mothers (n = 45).. Adiponectin was present in cord blood and, in ODM, was higher in those delivered at later gestational ages (Spearman r = 0.18, P = 0.03). Adiponectin was slightly lower in ODM than control subjects (ODM 19.7 +/- 6.1 vs. control 21.8 +/- 5.3 micro g/ml; P = 0.04), although this difference could potentially reflect different gestational ages in the two groups (ODM 37.6 +/- 1.5 and control 40.1 +/- 1.1 weeks). In contrast to adults, adiponectin levels in the fetus were unrelated to the degree of adiposity, blood insulin, or leptin in either control subjects or ODM.. Adiponectin is present in cord blood but does not show expected physiological relations with adiposity as observed in adults.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Adult; Birth Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Proteins

Leptin is secreted during pregnancy by the placenta and by the maternal and fetal adipose tissues. The leptin levels mainly reflect the amount of fat stored and thus are indicative of the energy balance, i.e., small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates represent the negative metabolic balance of in utero starved babies. We chose to compare maternal and umbilical cord leptin levels in pregnancies complicated by asymmetrical SGA versus those with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates as well as a model of multifetal growth concordant gestations in order to establish through the 'leptin link' the relative contributions of mother, fetus, and placenta to fetal weight. We found that the maternal leptin levels at delivery correlated poorly with the maternal weight gain/body mass index and with neonatal birth weight. Furthermore, the umbilical cord leptin levels correlated well with neonatal and placental weights in the AGA group but not in the SGA group. As in AGA singleton pregnancies, in multifetal uncomplicated pregnancies, the umbilical cord leptin levels correlated well with the birth weight of individuals, regardless of the status of the twin or triplet in the set. Thus, we speculated that in SGA neonates the birth weight represents the lean body weight and the low adipose tissue content (as opposed to the AGA neonates who have a substantial adipose tissue content) and, therefore, reflects mainly the basic placental contribution.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Weight Gain

To assess cord blood leptin levels in preterm and small-for-gestational age neonates and determine whether fetal leptin levels correlate with selected clinical parameters associated with prematurity and undernutrition at birth.. Study of preterm newborns (p-AGA; n = 31) and small-for-gestational age (t-SGA; n = 23) cases in a population of neonates born in Szczecin between September 2001 and June 2002.. Fetal cord blood was sampled after delivery. Leptin levels were measured by RIA. Anthropometric data (birth weight, birth length, head and chest circumferences, body mass index, Ponderal index) were also recorded.. Cord blood leptin levels did not differ significantly between p-AGA and t-SGA neonates with similar birthweight. Among the two groups of newborns the correlations between fetal leptin and anthropometric data were only observed in p-AGAs, but not in t-SGA group.. We suggest that cord blood leptin level depends on body mass rather than maturity of newborn. It is also hypothesized that leptin level in SGA neonates is determined by other than anthropometric parameters used in this study.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Pregnancy

To ascertain whether fetal growth restriction is associated with alterations of leptin concentrations in umbilical cord blood and maternal serum.. Maternal serum and umbilical cord blood leptin concentrations were determined by immunoradiometric assay at term in 43 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies (group A) and in 27 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (group B), all with normal pregravid body mass index (BMI).. Maternal serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher in group B compared with group A (45.0 ng/mL [range 34.2-54.9] versus 29.0 ng/mL [range 24.7-33.3]; P<.01). Umbilical cord blood leptin levels were significantly lower in group B compared with group A (8.4 ng/mL [range 3.6-13.2] versus 13.1 ng/mL [9.7-16.5]; P<.01). Maternal serum leptin levels were not significantly correlated with maternal BMI or with neonatal birth weight in either group. Umbilical cord blood leptin concentrations were significantly correlated with neonatal birth weight in both groups.. Growth restricted fetuses at term show umbilical cord blood leptin concentrations significantly lower than those in normal fetuses, suggesting that fetal adipose tissue is a major source of leptin. Maternal serum leptin concentrations are higher in the presence of a growth restricted fetus. This increase might be due to an intrinsic placental mechanism, by which small placentas produce more leptin as a compensatory mechanism, or to early hypoxia.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Parity; Pregnancy; Probability; Reference Values; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

In juvenile and mature animals, the plasma concentration of leptin is regulated by adiposity and nutrition. However, the timing of these influences on plasma leptin, and their relative importance in early postnatal life, are unknown. We investigated these plasma leptin influences in sheep, a species characterized during fetal life by leanness and insensitivity of leptin to variation in maternal nutrition. Small and large neonatal lambs were randomly assigned to either a diet sustaining an average daily weight gain (ADG) of 148 g/d (Low plane) or ate ad libitum a diet sustaining an ADG of 337 g/d (High plane). A subset of animals were slaughtered at 7.5, 10, 15 and 20 kg of body weight. Birth size had no effect on plasma leptin concentrations and adiposity at birth or at later times. Plasma leptin concentrations increased within 6 d of birth in the High plane lambs (P < 0.01) and continued to rise over time. In contrast, plasma leptin concentrations never changed in the Low plane lambs despite increasing adiposity. The positive association between plasma leptin concentration and adiposity was greater in the High plane than in the Low plane lambs, suggesting an independent effect of nutrition. Consistent with this finding, lipid accretion rates, a variable that is mostly independent of adiposity, was a strong predictor of plasma leptin concentrations only in the High plane lambs (R(2) = 0.77, P < 0.01). A positive association between plasma insulin and leptin developed over time in the High plane lambs (R(2) = 0.75, P < 0.01 on d 40), but was not seen in the Low plane lambs. These data indicate that both nutrition and adiposity regulate plasma leptin synthesis in early postnatal life, but in contrast to adulthood, the effects of nutrition appear to be predominant.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Aging; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Sheep

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived plasma protein with insulin-sensitizing and antiatherosclerotic properties. The aim of this study was to examine whether adiponectin is present in human fetal blood, to define its association with fetal birth weight, and to evaluate whether dynamic changes in adiponectin levels occur during the early neonatal period. Cord blood adiponectin levels were extremely high (71.0 +/- 21.0 microg/ml; n = 51) compared with serum levels in children and adults and positively correlated with fetal birth weights (r = 0.4; P < 0.01). No significant differences in adiponectin levels were found between female and male neonates. In addition, there was no correlation between cord adiponectin levels and maternal body mass index, cord leptin, or insulin levels. Cord adiponectin levels were significantly higher compared with maternal levels at birth (61.1 +/- 19.0 vs. 17.6 +/- 4.9 microg/ml; P < 0.001; n = 17), and no correlation was found between cord and maternal adiponectin levels. There were no significant differences between adiponectin levels at birth and 4 d postpartum (61.1 +/- 19.0 vs. 63.8 +/- 22.0 microg/ml; n = 17). These findings indicate that adiponectin in cord blood is derived from fetal and not from placental or maternal tissues. The high adiponectin levels in newborns compared with adults may be due to lack of negative feedback on adiponectin production resulting from lack of adipocyte hypertrophy, low percentage of body fat, or a different distribution of fat depots in the newborns.

Topics: Adiponectin; Aging; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Leptin; Male; Parturition; Proteins; Sex Characteristics

To study blood Leptin level of 154 (78 male, 76 female) Chinese obese/non-obese children aged 0 - 14 years during 1999 - 2001.. The gender- and age-specific distribution pattern of Leptin and its relationship with anthropometric parameters (waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, lean body mass, fat mass, body fat percentage, BMI/Kaup index etc.) and blood insulin level were recorded.. (1) The blood Leptin level in healthy non-obese kids ranged from 1.01 - 29.92 (ng/ml), the mean values and SD were 2.99 +/- 2.13 (ng/ml) [90% confidence interval was 1.36 - 14.21 (ng/ml) in boys and 1.74 - 21.17 (ng/ml) in girls]. There was no significant difference in the blood Leptin level between serum and plasma. (2) The blood Leptin level was higher in overweight/obese kids than that in non-obese kids (P < 0.001). (3) There was significant difference in the blood Leptin levels between boys and girls groups (P = 0.023), especially in non-obese group (P = 0.004). The multiple regression analysis showed that there was no correlation between gender and blood Leptin level when body fat factor was added (P = 0.138, 0.241, 0.990), but there was still a strong correlation between blood leptin level and BMI, FM and BF% (P < 0.001). (4) There was a correlation between blood Leptin level and age (P = 0.005), especially in overweight/obese group and in girls (P = 0.001). The blood Leptin level rose from early puberty, especially in girl group (P = 0.045). There was significant difference in blood Leptin level in different age groups (P < 0.001) (5) There were strong positive correlation between blood Leptin level and BMI, BM and FM%, a weak correlation with LBM, and no correlation with W/H ratio in boys and a positive relationship in girls. The Quatatic equation was better than the linear equation in description of the correlation mentioned above. (6) There was a correlation between blood Leptin from 0 to 7 yr and birth weight (P = 0.001), after 7 yr of age this correlation disappeared (P = 0.456). (7) A positive correlation was seen between blood Leptin level and blood insulin level (P < 0.001).. The blood Leptin level of 0 - 14 years old children is consistent with the level of growth of adiposity tissue and the degree of adiposity rebound.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Birth Weight; Body Constitution; Body Mass Index; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Regression Analysis; Sex Factors

To assess the effects of body weight, body composition, parental obesity, and metabolic variables on the development of obesity in a large cohort of 5-year-old Native American children with a high propensity for obesity.. During the summer months of 1992 to 1995 and again 5 years later, 138 (65 boys and 73 girls) 5-year-old Pima Indian children were studied. Height; weight; body composition; parental obesity; and fasting plasma insulin, glucose, and leptin concentrations were determined at baseline and follow-up. Linear regression models were used to assess the effect of the baseline variables on the development of obesity.. At both 5 and 10 years of age, Pima Indian children were heavier and fatter than an age- and gender-matched reference population. All anthropometric and metabolic variables tracked strongly from 5 to 10 years of age (r > or = 0.70). The most significant determinant of percentage of body fat at 10 years of age was percentage of body fat at 5 years of age (R(2) = 0.53). The combined effect of high maternal body mass index, elevated fasting plasma leptin concentrations, and low fasting plasma insulin concentrations at baseline explained an additional 4% of the total variance in adiposity at follow-up.. Although parental obesity and metabolic variables such as insulinemia and leptinemia at baseline account for a small percentage of the variance in adiposity at follow-up, early childhood obesity is the dominant predictor of obesity 5 years later. These results suggest that strategies to prevent childhood obesity must be initiated at a very early age.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adolescent; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Composition; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Indians, North American; Insulin; Leptin; Linear Models; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Obesity; Risk Assessment

To compare umbilical cord leptin concentrations in different ethnic groups and between pregnancies with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Auckland, New Zealand.. A cross-sectional study of 116 European, Polynesian, and South Asian women and their infants with and without GDM. Maternal metabolic measures were recorded at 36 weeks' gestation, umbilical cord samples were collected at birth, and neonatal anthropometric measures were recorded 24 h after delivery.. Compared with Europeans and South Asians, samples of Polynesian umbilical cords had higher leptin concentrations (8.7 and 9.5 vs. 14.9 ng/ml, respectively; P = 0.026). Umbilical cord samples from pregnancies complicated by GDM had higher leptin concentrations than those from normal pregnancies (22.3 vs. 13.8 ng/ml, respectively; P = 0.022). Maternal leptin concentrations at 36 weeks were similar across ethnic groups and with and without GDM. Cord leptin correlated with birth weight, measures of fetal size, and cord insulin in normal pregnancies and those complicated by GDM. In multivariate analyses, cord leptin was related to birth weight (P < 0.001), gestation at delivery (P = 0.038), and ethnic group (P = 0.017) in normal pregnancies and to birth weight (P < 0.001), gestation at delivery (P < 0.001), and sex (P = 0.003) but not maternal diabetes status (P = 0.909) in pregnancies complicated by GDM.. Offspring of Polynesian women are relatively hyperleptinemic, independent of birth size. Offspring of women with GDM are also relatively hyperleptinemic at birth, but this was associated with their increased birth weight. We speculate that this GDM-associated relative hyperleptinemia may be due to fuel-mediated teratogenesis affecting the adipoinsular axis, which in turn could also lead to leptin resistance and obesity in adult life. The reason for the ethnic difference in hyperleptinemia is unclear.

Topics: Adult; Asian People; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy

To determine the relationships between serum leptin levels in the umbilical vein (UV) and artery (UA) and the anthropometry of mothers and neonates.. Blood was taken from 61 pregnant women who were admitted for delivery and from the umbilical vein and artery just before delivery of the placenta. Leptin level was measured by immunoradiometric assay. Comparisons between serum leptin concentrations in UVs and both maternal and neonatal anthropometry were made according to neonatal sex.. Mean leptin UA and UV concentrations in female infants were significantly higher than those in male infants (both, P = .002). Leptin concentrations in UVs of the total infants were related to maternal body weight and body mass index preconceptionally as well as at birth, to neonatal birth weight, to gestational age, to Kaup index and to body fat content of the infants.. A sex difference was observed not only in serum leptin concentrations UA and UV but also in the degree of significance between the relationship of cord leptin and both maternal and neonatal anthropometry. Also, the UA leptin level had a closer relationship to neonatal anthropometry, but the UV leptin level was more closely related to maternal anthropometry.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Maternal Age; Parity; Pregnancy; Sex Factors; Umbilical Arteries; Umbilical Veins

Topics: Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics

Ghrelin is secreted by the stomach, the hypothalamus, and the placenta in humans and has growth hormone-secreting and orexigenic properties. Leptin is secreted mainly by the adipocyte, plays a major role in energy balance, and reflects fat mass in infants as well as adults. Leptin and ghrelin central effects are mediated, at least partly, through the neuropeptide Y/Y1 receptor pathway in the hypothalamus.. We determined whether ghrelin is also present in the fetus and investigated its relationship to leptin, growth hormone, birth weight, and calf and abdominal circumferences in 90 full-term neonates.. Immunoreactive ghrelin was detected in all cord samples (mean +/- SD, 187 +/- 88 pmol/L; range, 66-594 pmol/L). In contrast to leptin, ghrelin concentrations of boys and girls were not statistically different. In female neonates, ghrelin is inversely correlated with anthropometric measures. In male neonates, ghrelin is positively correlated with leptin and negatively with growth hormone.. The presence of significant ghrelin concentrations in all neonates before the first feeding is intriguing. Unlike the fairly constant concentrations and effects of leptin over the short term, the wide variability of ghrelin concentrations observed in newborns raises the possibility that ghrelin secretion causes short-term changes in feeding behavior. We suggest that ghrelin may play a physiologic role in the initiation of feeding.

Topics: Abdomen; Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Mass Index; British Columbia; Female; Fetal Blood; Ghrelin; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leg; Leptin; Male; Peptide Hormones; Reference Values; Sex Factors

We studied body size and cord blood leptin and insulin concentrations in newborn urban Indian (Pune, India) and white Caucasian (London, UK) babies to test the hypothesis that the adiposity and hyperinsulinemia of Indians are present at birth. Indian babies (n = 157) were lighter in weight compared with white Caucasian babies [n = 67; median weight, 2805 g vs. 3475 g, respectively; P < 0.001, adjusted for gestational age and sex; -1.52 SD score; confidence interval (CI), -1.66, -1.42] and had smaller abdominal (-2.39 SD score; CI, -2.52, -2.09), midarm (-1.47 SD score; CI, -1.58, -1.34), and head (-1.23 SD score; CI, -1.42, -1.13) circumferences. However, their skinfolds were relatively preserved: subscapular (central) skinfold (-0.32 SD score; CI, -0.43, -0.20) was better preserved than triceps (peripheral) skinfold (-0.86 SD score; CI, -0.97, -0.75). Cord plasma leptin (median, 6.2 ng/ml Pune and 6.4 ng/ml London) and insulin (median, 34.7 pmol/liter Pune and 20.8 pmol/liter London) concentrations were comparable in the two populations but were higher in Indians when adjusted for birth weight, confirming relative adiposity and hyperinsulinemia of Indian babies. Indian mothers were smaller in all respects, compared with white Caucasian mothers, except subscapular skinfold, which was similar in the two populations. Our results support the intrauterine origin of adiposity, central adiposity, and hyperinsulinemia in Indians. Further research should concentrate on elucidating genetic and environmental influences on fetal growth and body composition. Prevention of insulin resistance syndrome in Indians will need to address regulation of fetal growth in addition to prevention of obesity in later life.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Constitution; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Hyperinsulinism; India; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; London; Mothers; Osmolar Concentration; Parturition; White People

Leptin, the ob gene product, plays an important role in the regulation of body fat mass and weight. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that leptin is detectable in human fetal cord blood as early as at 18 weeks of gestation and that serum leptin concentrations are significantly reduced in small gestational age newborns. In the present study, we investigated whether umbilical and maternal serum leptin concentrations correlate with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In addition, we aimed to determine the relationships between leptin concentration in the maternal and cord blood. We studied 40 newborn infants (21 female and 19 male; gestational age, 38-42 weeks) and their mothers. Of the infants studied, 10 had IUGR. Serum leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. All newborns had detectable leptin concentrations. Leptin concentrations were significantly lower in newborns with IUGR and in their mothers (n = 10; 3.53 +/- 1.42 ng/ml, 6.75 +/- 1.47 ng/ml, respectively) than in infants experiencing normal growth and their mothers (n = 30; 5.58 +/- 2.98 ng/ml, 9.85 +/- 6.50 ng/ml, respectively) (p < 0.01 for newborns, p < 0.05 for mothers). There was no significant correlation between umbilical leptin concentration and maternal leptin concentration (r = 0.229; p = 0.155) in all study groups but, significantly, a correlation was observed in the group with IUGR (r = 0.736; p = 0.015). There were no significant correlations between both umbilical and maternal leptin concentrations and parity, delivery type and gestational age. There was a correlation between umbilical leptin concentration and birth weight of newborns (r = 0.383; p = 0.015) but no correlation with body mass index (BMI) of the newborns (r = 0.034; p = 0.834). Maternal leptin concentrations correlated with maternal weight and BMI (r=0.606; p=0.000, r=0.535; p=0.000, respectively). There was no correlation between maternal leptin concentrations and birth weight of the newborns (r=0.179; p=0.269) and with BMI of the newborns (r = 0.146; p = 0.367). There was no gender difference in leptin concentrations in the newborns (n=21; 5.50 +/- 3.37 ng/ml, for females; n = 19; 4.58 +/- 1.98 ng/ml for males) (p = 0.296). In summary, we have shown that IUGR is associated with a decreased leptin concentration in newborns and their mothers. The association between umbilical serum leptin and birth weight in this and other studies suggests a pivotal role of fetal leptin in regulating fetal growt

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; Statistics as Topic

To investigate the fetoplacental leptin circulation in gestational diabetes, we compared cord leptin and insulin levels in 17 healthy pregnant women and 17 women with gestational-onset diabetes. Leptin levels in the umbilical arteries (mean+/-SD 1.80+/-0.76 ng/ml) were significantly (P<0.006) lower than those in umbilical veins (2.67+/-0.98 ng/ml) in normal pregnancies. Similarly, leptin levels in umbilical veins (mean+/-4.59+/-1.60 ng/ml) were significantly (P<0.001) higher than those in umbilical arteries (mean+/-SD 2.08+/-0.90 ng/ml) in gestational diabetes. However, leptin levels in umbilical veins were significantly higher (P<0.002) in gestational diabetes than those in controls. Additionally, in women with diabetes but not in controls, the birth weight and the cord leptin concentrations were positively related to cord insulin levels. We conclude that there is a hyperleptinaemia in the fetoplacental circulation in pregnant women with carbohydrate intolerance and in these cases insulin and leptin may have antagonist roles regarding fetal development.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Placental Circulation; Pregnancy

The contribution of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) system and leptin was studied in insulin resistance and neonatal development during the course of normal pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Thirty patients with GDM and their neonates (n = 30), 35 healthy pregnant women (15 in the first, nine in the second and 11 in the third trimester) and their neonates (n = 20), and 25 healthy matched non-pregnant women participated in the study. Significantly elevated levels of maternal TNF-alpha, sTNF receptor (R)-1 and R-2, leptin (detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and fasting C-peptide (measured by radioimmunossay and raised body mass index (BMI) were found in GDM patients and in the third trimester of normal pregnancies. TNF-alpha, sTNFR-2, C-peptide, leptin concentrations and BMI positively correlated with each other in GDM. An inverse relationship between the body length, head circumference and body weight of the newborns, and maternal TNF-alpha, leptin and C-peptide concentrations was shown in GDM. In healthy pregnancies the maternal serum leptin level was in a negative linear correlation with the head circumference of the newborns. In conclusion, increased TNF-alpha and leptin levels may contribute to insulin resistance in GDM and in the third trimester of normal pregnancy and may negatively influence the anthropometric parameters of the newborns.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Antigens, CD; Birth Weight; Body Height; C-Peptide; Cephalometry; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Pregnancy; Receptors, Leptin; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The objective of this study was to compare umbilical cord plasma leptin between infants of mothers who experienced preeclampsia and infants of control subjects and to study the relation between cord plasma leptin and infant obesity, as indicated by ponderal index.. On the basis of a population of approximately 13,000 deliveries, we compared cord plasma leptin from preeclamptic (n = 256 women) and control pregnancies (n = 607 women) after taking the differences in gestational age and ponderal index into account.. Cord plasma leptin increased strongly with gestational age, both in the preeclampsia group and the control subjects (P <.01), but at each gestational age the preeclampsia group had higher leptin levels than control subjects (P <.01). Adjustment for the higher ponderal index among control subjects (P <.05) did not alter the difference in leptin levels between the groups.. We found higher levels of umbilical cord plasma leptin in infants of mothers who had preeclampsia (compared with infants of control subjects) after adjusting for differences in gestational age, gender, and infant ponderal index.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Leptin; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Reference Values

Obesity is a state of relative leptin resistance, and obesity in childhood is associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes in later life. Offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of obesity. A cohort consisting of 64 mothers, 33 GDM and 31 controls screened for diabetes during the index pregnancy together with their 9-year-old offspring were studied. Our hypotheses were: 1) an elevated child leptin is associated with elevated maternal leptin in GDM mothers 9 years post delivery; and 2) child leptin at 9 years serves as a marker for incipient insulin resistance. By univariate analyses, child leptins were only significantly correlated with maternal leptins among the offspring of GDMs (OGDM) (r = 0.59; p = 0.001). By multivariate analyses, child leptin for the total study group was significantly associated with child body mass index (BMI) (R(2) = 0.65; p < 0.0001), child fasting insulin (R(2) = 0.08; p = 0.03), and female gender (R(2) = 0.28; p = 0.001). In addition, among OGDM child leptin was associated with maternal leptin (R(2) = 0.14; p = 0.005). Our results suggest that there is an association between maternal and child leptin levels 9 years after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Child; Cholesterol; Cohort Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Linear Models; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Obesity; Pregnancy

To determine the independent contributions to infant birth size of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and leptin measured in umbilical cord plasma.. Umbilical cord blood was collected in 12 804 consecutive deliveries, and cord plasma from 585 singleton infants born at term after uncomplicated pregnancies was analyzed for leptin, IGF-I, and 2 IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3). In multivariable analyses, we assessed maternal and infant covariates of leptin and IGF-I, and we evaluated the independent contribution of cord levels of leptin and IGF-I on infant birth size.. Cord plasma levels of IGF-I were lower in women who reported smoking at the beginning of pregnancy compared with nonsmokers. In female infants, levels of IGF-I and leptin were higher than in male infants after adjustment for ponderal index and maternal factors. We found a strong parallel increase in umbilical IGF-I and leptin with increasing birth weight and birth length. For IGFBP-1, there was an opposite pattern: IGFBP-1 increased with decreasing birth size. The multivariable analysis, adjusted for length of gestation and maternal age, parity, prepregnancy weight, smoking during pregnancy, and offspring sex, showed that IGF-I and leptin, independent of each other, were associated with birth weight and birth length.. Levels of IGF-I and leptin in umbilical cord plasma were higher in girls than in boys, but in both sexes, these 2 factors contributed independently and positively to birth weight and length. For IGFBP-1, high levels were associated with low birth weight and reduced length. If intrauterine growth is related to the risk of developing adult diseases, IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and leptin may be involved in the underlying processes.1131-1135 insulin like growth factors, leptin, umbilical cord plasma, birth weight.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Maternal Age; Prospective Studies; Sex Factors

The prediction of birth weight may be improved by the measurement of hormones or growth factors in the mother. We measured body weight (BW) and plasma levels of placental GH (PGH), IGF-I, IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), and leptin at the time of the glucose challenge test (GCT) in 289 women, who were pregnant with a single fetus, between 24 and 29 wk gestational age (GA). Delivery occurred 12 +/- 2 (mean +/- SD) wk later. First, we examined which variables regulate these hormonal factors. Multiple regression showed that PGH concentrations were determined by GA at sampling and were negatively related to BW. IGF-I levels were mainly determined by PGH, and also by insulin, BW, and (negatively) age. IGFBP-1 concentrations were negatively determined by BW, insulin, and IGF-I. BW was also a powerful determinant of leptin levels, with insulin as a less robust determinant. Second, we examined the relation to glucose levels. PGH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-1 concentrations were not correlated with post-GCT glucose levels and were comparable in women with a normal or disturbed GCT (glucose >/=7.8 mmol/liter; n = 72). Finally, we examined the relation with birth weight and placental weight. Birth weight, corrected for GA and stratified into percentile groups, and the ponderal index at birth were strongly related to maternal BW, but not to maternal PGH, IGF-I, or IGFBP-1 levels. Neither was maternal leptin related to birth weight, but leptin concentrations were slightly higher in women who delivered obese babies. Placental weight was not related to any of the hormonal factors. This prospective study indicates that the variation in circulating PGH, IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and leptin between 24 and 29 wk of pregnancy is strongly dependent on maternal BW, but is unrelated to glucose tolerance. In addition, the measurement of PGH, IGF-I, IGFBP-1, or leptin at the time of the GCT is not useful clinically to predict birth weight.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Female; Glucose; Glucose Tolerance Test; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins H

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is the dominant endocrine regulator of fetal growth, whereas insulin has a permissive role. Although a role for leptin in fetal growth has been suggested recently, the mechanism by which leptin may be related to fetal growth is not known; but leptin may interact with the IGF system in utero as it does in the extrauterine life. In the context of a hospital-based case control study, we collected anthropometric and demographic data and measured serum leptin, IGF-I, IGF-II, insulin, cortisol, and IGF binding protein 3 concentrations in 142 cord blood samples from full-term deliveries. Cord leptin, IGF-I, and insulin levels correlated positively with birth weight (r = 0.46, r = 0.41, and r = 0.21, respectively, P < 0.01) by univariate analysis and were significantly higher in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants, compared with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants. Cord leptin concentrations correlated with insulin levels (r = 0.36, P < 0.01) but not with IGF-I levels (r = 0.20). Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis demonstrated an independent positive relationship of both leptin and IGF-I with birth weight and AGA/LGA status. The positive association of leptin levels with birth weight and AGA/LGA status cannot be attributed to IGF-I. This suggests the existence of alternative mechanisms underlying leptin's associations with fetal growth that should be further explored.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Leptin; Male; Reproducibility of Results

Insulin resistance as well as marked changes in body weight and energy metabolism are associated with pregnancy. Its impact on plasma leptin is not known and was determined in this longitudinal study in both diabetic and normal pregnancy.. At 28 gestational weeks plasma concentrations of leptin and B-cell hormones were measured at fasting and after an oral glucose load (OGTT:75 g) in women with gestational diabetes and pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance and compared with women who were not pregnant (C).. Plasma leptin (ng/ml) was higher (p < 0.001) in women with gestational diabetes (24.9 +/- 1.6) than in women with normal glucose tolerance (18.2 +/- 1.5) and increased in both groups when compared with the non-pregnant women (8.2 +/- 1.3; p < 0.0005). No change in plasma leptin concentrations was induced by OGTT in any group. Basal insulin release was higher (p < 0.05) in women with gestational diabetes compared with the pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance. Marked insulin resistance was confirmed by a 20 % lower (p < 0.05) insulin sensitivity in subgroup analysis and a decrease of almost 40% in fasting glucose/insulin ratio (p < 0.005) in women with gestational diabetes. Leptin correlated in women with gestational diabetes with basal plasma concentrations of glucose (p < 0.02), insulin (p < 0.004) and proinsulin (p < 0.01) as well as with BMI (p < 0.001) and overall pregnancy induced maternal weight gain (p < 0.009). With normalisation of blood glucose 8 weeks after delivery in women with gestational diabetes their plasma leptin decreased (p < 0.0005) to 17.3 +/- 1.9 ng/ml but did not completely normalize (p < 0.05 vs non-pregnant women).. Our data show that women with gestational diabetes without any change in plasma leptin upon oral glucose loading have increased plasma leptin concentrations during and after pregnancy, a clear association of plasma leptin with the respective concentration of glucose and insulin resistance as well as with changes in body weight, and a failure to normalize spontaneously BMI to the same extent as pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance when compared with matched control subjects.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; C-Peptide; Diabetes, Gestational; Fasting; Female; Gestational Age; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Insulin Secretion; Leptin; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Proinsulin; Regression Analysis; Weight Gain

The objective of this study was to determine the plasma leptin concentrations in twin pregnancies in relation to chorionicity and discordant fetal growth. We studied 53 twin pregnancies of which 26 had growth discordance of > or =20% and 27 were concordant for growth (discordance of < or =10%). Paired maternal and fetal blood samples were obtained at birth. Plasma leptin concentrations were measured by RIA. In discordant monochorionic pregnancies, fetal plasma leptin concentrations in the intrauterine growth-restricted twins were lower than the co-twins with normal growth (mean difference, 3 ng/mL; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.3 ng/mL; p < 0.001), whereas no such differences were present between concordant monochorionic twin pairs (mean difference, 0.1 ng/mL; 95% CI, -0.2 to 0.5 ng/mL; NS). Similarly, fetal plasma leptin concentrations in appropriate-for-gestational-age twins were higher than in the intrauterine growth-restricted twins of the discordant dichorionic pregnancies (mean difference, 2.4 ng/mL; 95% CI, 1.8 to 3.1 ng/mL; p < 0.001). No such differences were present between the concordant dichorionic twin pairs (mean difference, 0.2 ng/mL; 95% CI, -0.1 to 0.5 ng/mL; NS). Maternal plasma leptin concentrations were comparable among all four groups and were higher than the fetal levels. Fetal plasma leptin concentrations of the intrauterine growth-restricted twins of discordant monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies were comparable. There was a positive association between cord plasma leptin concentrations and the birth weight of twin pairs (y = 0.002x - 0.32; r = 0.63; p < 0.001; n = 106). A significant positive association was also found between percent differences in birth weight and fetal delta plasma leptin concentrations of the discordant monochorionic and dichorionic twin pairs (y = 0.057x + 0.93; r = 0.60; p < 0.001, n = 26). In conclusion, irrespective of chorionicity, plasma leptin concentrations in intrauterine growth-restricted twins were 2-fold lower than their co-twins with normal growth. These differences may be attributed to placental factors.

Topics: Birth Weight; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetus; Humans; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Twins, Dizygotic; Twins, Monozygotic

The objective of this study was to determine the plasma leptin concentrations in monochorionic twin fetuses with and without twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Paired maternal and fetal blood samples were obtained at birth from monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated with (n=12) or without TTTS (n=12). Amniotic fluid samples were also collected from twin pairs at amnioreduction and/or fetal blood sampling in utero. Plasma and amniotic fluid leptin concentrations were measured by radio-immunoassay. Fetal leptin levels in the growth-restricted donor were lower than the recipient twin of the TTTS group (Delta mean 3.7; CI 2.6 to 4.7 ng/ml; P< 0.001). Fetal leptin levels were comparable between non-TTTS twin pairs (Delta mean 0.9; CI 0.1 to 1.4 ng/ml; P=0.10) and recipient twins of TTTS (P=NS). Maternal plasma concentrations of leptin were comparable between the two groups and were higher than the fetal levels. There was a positive association between cord leptin levels and birthweight of twin pairs (y=0.002x-0.37; r=0.58; P< 0.01; n=48). A significant positive relation was also found between delta leptin levels and percentage discordance in birthweight in the TTTS group (y=0.25x-2.21; r=0.82; P< 0.001, n=12). In conclusion, leptin levels in the recipient twins were three times higher than their growth restricted donor twins. However further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Chorion; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetofetal Transfusion; Gestational Age; Humans; Leptin; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Pregnancy

This study examined the pattern of circulating leptin in age-matched sheep during adolescent pregnancy, and its relationship with maternal dietary intake, body composition and tissue expression of the leptin gene. Overfeeding the adolescent pregnant ewe results in rapid maternal growth at the expense of the placenta, leading to growth restriction in the fetus, compared with normal fed controls. Our results demonstrate that, in the adolescent ewe, overfeeding throughout pregnancy was associated with higher maternal leptin concentrations, when compared with moderately fed controls (P<0.05), with no peak in circulating leptin towards the end of pregnancy. There was a close correlation between indices of body composition and circulating leptin levels at day 104 of gestation and at term (P<0.03). Further, when the dietary intake was switched from moderate to high, or high to moderate, at day 50 of gestation, circulating leptin levels changed rapidly, in parallel with the changes in dietary intake. Leptin mRNA levels and leptin protein in perirenal adipose tissue samples, taken at day 128 of gestation, were higher in overfed dams (P<0.04), suggesting that adipose tissue was the source of the increase in circulating leptin in the overnourished ewes. Leptin protein was also detected in placenta but leptin gene expression was negligible. However, leptin receptor gene expression was detected in the ovine placenta, suggesting that the placenta is a target organ for leptin. A negative association existed between maternal circulating leptin and fetal birth weight, placental/cotyledon weight and cotyledon number. In conclusion, in this particular ovine model, hyperleptinaemia was not observed during late pregnancy. Instead, circulating leptin concentrations reflected increased levels of leptin secretion by adipose tissue primarily as a result of the increase in body fat deposition, due to overfeeding. However, there appears to be a direct effect of overfeeding, particularly in the short term. In the nutritional switch-over study, circulating leptin concentrations changed within 48 h of the change in dietary intake. The presence of leptin protein and leptin receptor gene expression in the placenta suggests that leptin could be involved in nutrient partitioning during placental and/or fetal development.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Birth Weight; Body Composition; Energy Intake; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Gene Expression; Leptin; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Sheep

In the adult, circulating leptin is highly correlated to adipose tissue mass. Whether such a relationship exists prenatally is unknown, because the actual source of fetal leptin has not been determined. In the present study, we have assessed the placental contribution to fetal and maternal circulating leptin concentrations and determined whether fetal adipose tissue produces leptin. The rate of leptin production in dually perfused human placenta was 0.036 ng/min.g. Ninety-five percent of the leptin released was delivered into the maternal circulation, vs. only 5% on the fetal side. Leptin messenger RNA and protein were detected in adipose tissue biopsies of 20-38 week human fetuses. However, leptin concentration was twice lower in fetal (0.22 +/- 0.11 ng/mg protein, n = 6) than in adult (0.49 +/- 0.12 ng/mg protein, n = 8) adipose tissue. Umbilical leptin levels closely reflected ponderal index at birth over a wide range of birth weights (1.6--4.1 kg). In sharp contrast, maternal and placental leptin concentrations were increased in pregnancies associated with fetal growth retardation. We conclude that umbilical leptin levels are independent of placental leptin production and can be taken as a marker of fat mass in human fetuses. By contrast, placental leptin production makes a substantial contribution to maternal circulating leptin levels during pregnancy.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Placenta; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger

To investigate the frequency of macrosomia in an homogeneous cohort of type 1 diabetic mothers and to analyze the influence of maternal factors and glycemic control on the incidence of fetal macrosomia.. Fifty-five consecutive type 1 diabetic first-pregnancies were prospectively studied. Macrosomia was defined by a ponderal index above the 90(th) percentile. Venous cord blood levels of insulin, C peptide and leptin were measured at delivery. The influence of HbA1c levels and other maternal variables on the occurrence of macrosomia and on the ponderal index was assessed using a stepwise regression logistic model.. The mean (+/- SD) birth weight was 3482 (+/- 497) g at 37.4 +/- 1.0 weeks gestation. Macrosomia occurred in 29 cases (53.7%). Fetal insulin, C peptide and leptin levels were significantly higher in macrosomic than in non macrosomic infants. Maternal age, duration of diabetes, pregravid body mass index, parity, weight gain during pregnancy, presence of a microangiopathy, nephropathy, smoking habits, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, and HbA1c levels throughout pregnancy did not differed between mothers of macrosomic and non macrosomic infants. In the stepwise analysis none of these covariates was explanatory of the ponderal index.. The frequency of macrosomia remains very high in infants of type 1 diabetic mothers despite a reasonable degree of glycemic control. The variability of the fetal growth response to mild hyperglycemia prompts for the identification of other factors involved in the modulation of fetal growth.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; C-Peptide; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Gestational Age; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Maternal Age; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Prospective Studies; Reference Values

Leptin is an important weight regulator and during pregnancy leptin is not only synthesized in adipose tissue but also in the placenta.. To examine changes in serum leptin levels in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and post delivery in relation to concomitant changes in maternal body weight, birth weight, glycemic control, and blood pressure.. Non-fasting serum leptin from 45 women with type 1 diabetes mellitus were studied consecutively throughout pregnancy and 3 months post partum.. Serum leptin was positively associated with HbA1c in week 18, 22 and 30 (r=0.38, 0.41, and 0.54, respectively, p<0.05, adjusted for body weight). Moreover, serum leptin correlated positively with maternal body weight and BMI (0.4525 kg/m2), the changes during pregnancy and the level of serum leptin were significantly greater compared to lean women (p<0.05). The women with low ambulatory blood pressure (lower tertile, mean arterial blood pressure <83.4 mmHg) showed the lowest level of serum leptin throughout pregnancy and it changed significantly differently from the women with higher blood pressure (p<0.05).. Changes in serum leptin levels of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus were associated with parallel changes in maternal body weight and glycemic control. Women with low blood pressure had the lowest serum leptin levels throughout pregnancy.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Insulin; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics

The control of fetal growth depends on multiple hormones, including both IGF-I and placental GH (PGH) in the mother, and IGF-I rather than pituitary GH (pitGH) in the fetus. Leptin, which is produced by adipocytes and syncitiotrophoblast cells, has also been thought to influence fetal growth by an as yet unknown mechanism. This study assessed the relationships between the GH-IGF-I axis in mothers and newborns, and maternal smoking, neonate gender, and maternal and fetal leptin. We collected blood in 87 mothers at the onset of labor and cord blood immediately after birth in their 87 healthy full-term newborns. GH concentrations were log(10) transformed, and data were expressed as the geometric mean (-1, +1 tolerance factor). PGH was lower in the 30 smoking mothers, as compared with the 57 nonsmoking mothers [18.2 (11.5; 28.6) vs. 27.0 (15.1; 48.2) microg/liter, P < 0.01]. Cord blood IGF-I was lower in neonates from smoking mothers (90 +/- 44 vs. 135 +/- 65 microg/liter, mean +/- SD, P < 0.01), consistent with their lower birth weight percentile (P < 0.01). A gender effect was observed for PGH, which was higher when the newborn was female, and for newborn pitGH and newborn leptin, which were, respectively, lower and higher in females, even after adjustment for birth weight and maternal smoking category (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Multiple regression analyses identified maternal leptin as a negative predictor of PGH (P < 0.05) and newborn leptin as a positive predictor of newborn IGF-I (P < 0.05). Maternal smoking is associated to decreased maternal PGH and cord blood IGF-I concentrations. A sexual dimorphism for PGH, newborn pitGH, and newborn leptin exists at the time of birth, but its physiological significance remains to be studied. The relationships between maternal leptin and PGH and between cord blood leptin and IGF-I are consistent with the hypothesis that leptin could contribute to the control of fetal growth.

Topics: Birth Weight; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Placenta; Pregnancy; Sex Characteristics; Smoking

To determine whether cord sera leptin and components of the somatotropin axis - growth hormone (GH), total (t) and free (f) insulin-like growth factor (IGF), IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and insulin - correlate with birth weight.. Cross-sectional study of 22 newborns, 12 with normal birth weight (NBW) and 10 with low birth weight (LBW), in a population of healthy mothers with an apparent normal pregnancy.. Paired mother-neonate blood samples were obtained at vaginal delivery in order to measure leptin and the somatotropin axis components.. In all cases maternal blood concentrations of leptin, t and fIGF-I, its carrier protein IGFBP-3, and insulin were higher than in the cord sera of the newborns, regardless of their birth weight. On the contrary, maternal GH levels were lower than in their neonates. LBW neonates had decreased levels of leptin, tIGF-I, and IGFBP-3 as compared with those levels in NBW offspring; however, GH concentrations were higher in LBW neonates. Birth weight showed a significant correlation with cord sera leptin, tIGF-I, IGFBP-3, and GH; nevertheless birth weight was neither interrelated with fIGF-I nor with insulin levels.. These data demonstrate that birth weight is significantly correlated with both leptin and some components of the somatotropin axis; on the other hand, no correlation was observed between leptin concentrations and each one of the components of the somatotropin axis. It is suggested that fetal leptin and the somatotropin axis cooperate in intrauterine growth and birth weight.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin

To investigate the relationship between the leptin level and neonatal weight and the expression of leptin in placenta.. The concentrations of leptin in 100 maternal blood and umbilical blood of the term pregnant women were examined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). According to the neonatal weight to divide into the large for gestational age (LGA) group 19 cases, the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group 65 cases, the small for gestational age (SGA) 16 cases. The level of leptin mRNA in 41 placental tissue was examined by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).. (1) The expression level of leptin mRNA in placenta was 0.97 +/- 0.04, which was positively related to the neonatal weight significantly (r = 0.43, P < 0.01). The expression level of the LGA group (1.01 +/- 0.03) was significantly higher than the AGA group (0.97 +/- 0.02), (P < 0.01). The expression level of the SGA group (0.93 +/- 0.03) was significantly lower than AGA group, (P < 0.01). (2) The concentration of leptin in maternal blood was (14.22 +/- 7.66) micrograms/L, which was not related to the neonatal weight (r = 0.11, P > 0.05). (3) The concentration of leptin in umbilical blood was (7.58 +/- 5.15) micrograms/L, which was positively related to the neonatal weight (r = 0.57, P < 0.01). The concentration of leptin of LGA group was significantly higher than that of AGA group, which was (7.40 +/- 4.45) micrograms/L (P < 0.01). The concentration of leptin of SGA group was (2.79 +/- 1.54) micrograms/L, significantly lower than that of AGA group, (P < 0.01).. The level of leptin in umbilical blood and placenta is closely related to the growth state of fetus. The level of leptin in maternal blood is not related to the neonatal weight. The placenta of pregnant woman is an important resource of leptin.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Placenta; Pregnancy

In humans, serum levels of leptin correlate with total body fat in both adults and children. After collecting cord blood from 156 term neonates (82 males, 74 females; 132 AGA and 22 LGA), we measured the cord levels of leptin, insulin and IGF-I to determine the relationships between these three hormones and relationships of these hormones with birth size (birth weight and ponderal index for adiposity in newborn) and gender. The leptin and IGF-I levels were significantly higher in the LGA group (9.2+/-4.0 ng/ml and 96.1+/-34.1 ng/ml, respectively) than in the AGA group (4.8+/-3.8 ng/ml and 56.4+/-37.6 ng/ml, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between leptin levels and birth weight, and a weaker correlation between leptin levels and birth height. IGF-I level significantly correlated with birth weight and birth height, but there was no correlation between the levels of insulin and birth weight. There was no relationship between the levels of IGF-I, insulin and leptin. Ponderal index was higher in LGA than in AGA. A significant correlation was also observed between the levels of leptin and ponderal index, but not between the levels of insulin or IGF-I and ponderal index. The levels of leptin and ponderal index were higher in females than males despite no gender differences in gestational age and birth weight. In conclusion, our results suggest that the level of IGF-I is a useful index for fetal growth during late gestation, and the development of adipose tissue is the major determinant of fetal serum leptin levels, the production of which is not regulated by insulin or IGF-I. In addition, a gender difference with a higher level of leptin in female neonates suggests that sexual dimorphism in adipose tissue already exists in utero.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Sex Factors

To determine whether fetal leptin levels correlate with fetal weight and whether such correlation is direct or indirect via insulin or human placental lactogen (hPL), respectively.. Cross-sectional study of offspring at term (n=175) with over-representation of large-for-gestational age (LGA; n=70) and small-for-gestational age (SGA; n=23) cases in a population of Caucasian women with no pregnancy pathology.. Fetal cord blood was collected after delivery. In several cases (n=62) paired mother-fetus blood samples were obtained. Leptin, insulin and hPL levels were measured by RIA. Anthropometric data (birth weight, body mass index, placental weight) were recorded.. Maternal insulin, hPL and leptin levels were higher than fetal concentrations. Cord blood leptin levels positively correlated with the anthropometric data with stronger correlations in female (0.54

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Placental Lactogen; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy

Birth weight is a determinant of blood leptin concentrations in adults. Since nutrition during pregnancy can affect birth weight, the hypothesis that feed intake during pregnancy alters leptin expression in progeny was examined. Leptin mRNA was measured in subcutaneous adipose tissue and leptin protein was measuredin blood plasma from 59 day old female pigs whose mothers were fed at the same restricted rate except that half were permitted to consume 35% more feed during the second quarter of pregnancy. Leptin mRNA abundance in adipose tissue (P=0.015) and plasma leptin concentration (P=0.01) were higher in progeny from mothers provided with more feed. Body weight at birth was negatively correlated with the abundance of leptin mRNA in subcutaneous fat at 59 days of age (P=0.01). This study shows for the first time that maternal nutrition during pregnancy programs postnatal leptin expression in offspring.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Birth Weight; Female; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger

To study the effect of maternal pre-eclampsia on cord plasma leptin concentrations in preterm infants.. Leptin concentration was analysed in cord plasma of 74 preterm infants, gestational age 24 to 32 weeks. Of these, 14 were born to pre-eclamptic mothers, in 10 intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was present, and 59 had been exposed antenatally to corticosteroids.. The mean (SD) concentration of cord plasma leptin was 1.31 (0.88) microg/l. A significant correlation was found between leptin concentration and gestational age (r = 0.336; p = 0.0037). Leptin levels were higher in infants of pre-eclamptic mothers (p = 0.0007), in those with IUGR (p = 0.0005), and in infants exposed antenatally to corticosteroids (p = 0.02). In multiple regression analysis, leptin was associated with gestational age and maternal pre-eclampsia (both p < 0.05), but not with antenatal corticosteroids.. Increased fetal leptin in maternal pre-eclampsia may reflect a physiological adaptation to fetal stress such as hypoxia.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Male; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy

The fetal environment is now recognized as a key determinant of the adult phenotype, being linked to development of diseases, including hypertension, as well as the timing of puberty. Such links may be related, in part, to the level of fetal exposure to maternal glucocorticoids in utero, which is normally regulated by placental expression of the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD). The present study examined whether manipulation of fetal glucocorticoid exposure, either directly or indirectly via 11beta-HSD inhibition, influences the subsequent timing of puberty. Administration of dexamethasone acetate at low (LDEX, 0.25 microg/ml drinking water) or high doses (HDEX, 1 microg/ml) or carbenoxolone (CBX, 2 x 10 mg/day, sc; an inhibitor of 11beta-HSD) to pregnant rats from day 13 to term (day 23) reduced offspring birthweight (LDEX: 9%; HDEX: 27%; CBX: 8%) and resulted in a subsequent delay in the onset of puberty in females (control: 41.4 +/- 0.5; LDEX: 44.8 +/- 0.7; HDEX: 48.5 +/- 0.4; CBX: 43.6 +/- 0.5 days). Importantly, the effects of CBX were not observed in the absence of maternal adrenals, indicating that they were mediated by increased fetal exposure to endogenous maternal glucocorticoids. In contrast, maternal treatment with metyrapone (MET; an inhibitor of glucocorticoid synthesis; 500 microg/ml drinking water from day 13) increased birthweight by 5% and advanced puberty onset in male offspring (control: 48.8 +/- 1.0; MET: 45.7 +/- 0.8 days). Changes in the timing of puberty onset were not attributable to changes in either bodyweight at puberty or peripubertal plasma leptin concentrations. Peripubertal plasma LH was also unaffected in animals with delayed puberty but was elevated in male offspring of MET-treated mothers. Collectively, these results demonstrate that fetal glucocorticoid exposure is an important determinant of the timing of puberty onset in postnatal life, and that this effect is operable within the normal physiological range of glucocorticoid concentrations.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Carbenoxolone; Dexamethasone; Female; Glucocorticoids; Leptin; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Puberty, Delayed; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sex Characteristics

Environmental factors and diet are generally believed to be accelerators of obesity and hypertension, but they are not the underlying cause. Our animal model of obesity and hypertension is based on the observation that impaired fetal growth has long-term clinical consequences that are induced by fetal programming. Using fetal undernutrition throughout pregnancy, we investigated whether the effects of fetal programming on adult obesity and hypertension are mediated by changes in insulin and leptin action and whether increased appetite may be a behavioral trigger of adult disease. Virgin Wistar rats were time mated and randomly assigned to receive food either ad libitum (AD group) or at 30% of ad libitum intake, or undernutrition (UN group). Offspring from UN mothers were significantly smaller at birth than AD offspring. At weaning, offspring were assigned to one of two diets [a control diet or a hypercaloric (30% fat) diet]. Food intake in offspring from UN mothers was significantly elevated at an early postnatal age. It increased further with advancing age and was amplified by hypercaloric nutrition. UN offspring also showed elevated systolic blood pressure and markedly increased fasting plasma insulin and leptin concentrations. This study is the first to demonstrate that profound adult hyperphagia is a consequence of fetal programming and a key contributing factor in adult pathophysiology. We hypothesize that hyperinsulinism and hyperleptinemia play a key role in the etiology of hyperphagia, obesity, and hypertension as a consequence of altered fetal development.

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Blood Pressure; Eating; Energy Intake; Fasting; Female; Fetus; Hyperphagia; Hypertension; Insulin; Leptin; Nutrition Disorders; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The purpose of this study was to examine whether fetal leptin concentration correlates with severity of chronic or subchronic fetal hypoxia as indicated by increased fetal concentrations of erythropoietin in fetuses of mothers with Type I (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus.. We measured leptin and erythropoietin concentrations in cord plasma and amniotic fluid with radioimmunoassay in 25 pregnancies (gestational age 37.2 +/- 1.0 weeks). Fetuses with amniotic fluid erythropoietin over 22.5 mU/ml were classified as hypoxic (n = 9) and those with amniotic fluid erythropoietin below 22.5 mU/ml (n = 16) as non-hypoxic.. The hypoxic fetuses had significantly higher cord leptin concentrations than non-hypoxic fetuses (median 36.8; range, 12.5-135.1 vs median 16.2; range, 3.7-52.2 micrograms/l), (p = 0.0066). Cord plasma leptin (n = 25) correlated directly with amniotic fluid erythropoietin (r = 0.727, p = 0.0001), with cord plasma erythropoietin (r = 0.644, p = 0.0005) and with the maternal last trimester HbA1C (r = 0.612, p = 0.0019) and negatively with cord artery pO2 (r = -0.440, p = 0.032), and pH (r = -0.414, p = 0.040).. Fetal leptin concentrations increased concomitantly with erythropoietin during chronic or subchronic hypoxia. This phenomenon could indicate a role for leptin in fetal adaptation to hypoxia.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Body Constitution; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Erythropoietin; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Hypoxia; Gestational Age; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Reference Values; Regression Analysis

To investigate the differences in umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels by mode of delivery.. Subjects were 30 mothers who had elective cesarean deliveries and 34 mothers who had vaginal deliveries. Umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels were measured immediately after delivery. Maternal age, neonatal gender, neonatal birth weight, placental weight, and gestational duration were recorded. Inter- and intragroup comparisons were made in umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels and obstetric variables. Significant determinants of differences in umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels were investigated.. Umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels were higher in the vaginal delivery group (n = 34) than in the cesarean group (n = 30) (P <.01). In the vaginal delivery group, umbilical venous leptin levels were significantly higher than arterial leptin levels (P <.001). These differences were still significant after adjustment for neonatal gender, neonatal birth weight, and placental weight. However, in the cesarean group, leptin levels did not differ between umbilical vein and artery.. Placental leptin release is augumented during advanced labor.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Cesarean Section; Extraction, Obstetrical; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Umbilical Arteries; Umbilical Veins

To investigate the inter-relation between leptin and other metabolic hormones in preterm and term infants and to explore whether a functional "adipoinsular axis" might exist in preterm newborns.. A total of 140 preterm and term newborns were prospectively recruited and categorised according to gestation length. Blood samples were taken at 24 hours (day 1), and on day 4-5 of life.. Serum leptin, cortisol, free thyroxine, and plasma ACTH on day 1 were significantly higher in term than in preterm infants. The relation between serum leptin and gestation followed a non-linear pattern; the slope of the curve began to increase steeply between 33 and 35 weeks gestation. Serum leptin on day 1 was significantly associated with serum insulin, insulin:glucose ratio, and plasma ACTH in infants less than 34 weeks gestation; serum leptin on day 1 and day 4-5 were significantly correlated with insulin:glucose ratio in infants 34 or more weeks gestation. Significant changes in the pattern of metabolic hormones were observed in the first week of life. Serum insulin and plasma glucose were significantly increased between day 1 and day 4-5; serum leptin was significantly decreased.. The circulating leptin concentration increases markedly after 34 weeks gestation and bears a close temporal relation with the exponential accumulation of body fat mass during that period. The inter-relation between serum leptin and insulin or insulin:glucose ratio before and after 34 weeks gestation indicates that the "adipoinsular axis" is likely to be functional in early (<34 weeks gestation) intrauterine life. The rapid decline in the circulating concentrations of leptin after birth may be of physiological advantage to preterm and term newborns by limiting their body energy expenditure and conserving nutritional reverses for subsequent growth and development.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Prospective Studies; Sex Factors; Thyroxine

To determine the relationships among serum leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I, and insulin levels in large for gestational age (LGA) infants.. Serum samples were collected from maternal veins and umbilical arteries of 52 consecutive, term, LGA neonates of nondiabetic mothers. Maternal and neonatal serum samples were analyzed for levels of leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I, and insulin by specific radioimmunoassays. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for fetal macrosomia.. The independent risk factor significantly associated with fetal macrosomia was umbilical cord leptin concentration (P <.01, beta = 0.59). There was a statistically significant correlation between umbilical cord leptin and insulin-like growth factor-I levels and birth weight (r = 0.51, P <.01; r = 0.37, P <.01; respectively). The correlation between umbilical cord insulin levels and birth weight was not statistically significant (r = 0.06, P =.63), nor was that between maternal body mass index and birth weight (r = 0.09, P =.50).. Our data showed that umbilical cord leptin concentration was an independent risk factor for fetal macrosomia.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Macrosomia; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Risk Factors

To examine whether umbilical and maternal leptin levels correlate with birthweight, placental weight, and maternal weight; and to detect membrane-bound leptin receptors in placental tissue as well as soluble leptin receptors in umbilical and maternal blood.. Prospective observational study.. University teaching hospital.. Serum levels of leptin and soluble leptin receptors were analysed in 31 randomly selected mother/newborn pairs at delivery. In addition, placental tissue was assayed for leptin receptors using immunocytochemistry and Western blot.. The mean [SD] leptin level in umbilical cord venous blood (7.1 ng/mL [4.0]) was significantly lower (P<0.001) than in maternal blood (22.5 ng/mL [10.8]). Umbilical cord leptin concentrations correlated significantly with birthweight (P<0.001), placental weight (P<0.005) but not with maternal leptin. Maternal leptin concentrations correlated only with maternal weight (P<0.001). In chorionic villous tissue, trophoblasts stained strongly positive for leptin receptor-like immunoreactivity. Two membrane-bound isoforms of the leptin receptor were also detected in placental tissue. In both umbilical and maternal serum, a soluble leptin receptor was found migrating as broad band at Mr 97,000 D.. The present data strongly reinforce the idea that circulating leptin levels may provide a growth-promoting signal for fetal development during late pregnancy. While membrane-bound leptin receptors may be involved in autocrine regulation of placental leptin production, the soluble receptor form may serve as a transport vehicle for leptin to fetal tissues.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blotting, Western; Body Weight; Carrier Proteins; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Leptin; Placenta; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Leptin

The aim of the study was to investigate cord blood leptin concentrations and their relationship to birth weight and gender in term pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia. Cord blood samples were obtained from 52 women, identified as having pre-eclampsia, and their newborns (31 males and 21 females) immediately after birth. Specimens were analyzed using a human leptin 125I radioimmunoassay. The relationship between leptin and anthropometrics was assessed by Spearman correlation. Differences in cord blood leptin levels between male and female infants were tested with the Mann-Whitney U test. The correlation between leptin and gender was computed using the product-moment-biseral correlation analysis for continuous and dichotomous variables. The multiple logistic regression analysis examined influences of sex, birth length, birth weight, birth weight/birth length ratio, ponderal index and maternal leptin as covariates on the fetal cord leptin level. Fetal leptin correlated positively with birth weight, length and weight/length ratio, in the total group and in the male subgroup and additionally with ponderal index in the female subgroup. Cord blood leptin concentrations in female newborns were significantly higher than in male newborns (p = 0.015), and concentrations correlated with gender (r = -0.315; p = 0.023). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed four potential independent factors influencing fetal cord leptin: gender, birth weight, birth weight/birth length ratio and maternal leptin. In conclusion, cord leptin concentrations in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia correlate positively with birth weight and gender. Leptin concentrations in female newborns are higher compared to male newborns.

Topics: Adult; Antihypertensive Agents; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Hypertension; Infant, Newborn; Labetalol; Leptin; Magnesium; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Proteinuria; Regression Analysis; Sex Factors

To determine the relationships between serum leptin levels and maternal weights in late pregnancy and cord blood leptin levels to birth-weights, C-peptide, insulin and insulin like growth factor (IGF-II).. Fifty normal pregnant women at 37-38 weeks and their newborns were studied, and 29 non-pregnant women were set as control. Venous blood was taken from women and from the cord at delivery. Blood leptin and cord blood C-peptide, insulin, and IGF-II were measured by radio-immunoassay.. The average leptin level in maternal sera was (13.62 +/- 3.68) micrograms/L, significantly higher than that in the control (6.60 +/- 3.04) micrograms/L and that in cord blood (8.05 +/- 4.61) micrograms/L. Maternal leptin levels were significantly correlated with maternal weights and body mass index (BMI. r = 0.33, 0.35, P < 0.05), but not with infant birth-weights (r = 0.10, P > 0.05). Cord blood leptin levels were significantly correlated with birth-weights and BMI (r = 0.54, 0.49, P < 0.001) but have no correlation with maternal leptin levels (r = 0.19, P > 0.05). Significant difference of the cord leptin levels was not seen between the males and females. The cord blood C-peptide was (0.86 +/- 0.35) microgram/L, insulin (8.49 +/- 4.76) mU/L and IGF-II (0.218 +/- 0.076) microgram/T. Cord leptin levels were correlated with C-peptide levels (r = 0.37, P < 0.05), but not with insulin and IGF-II levels (r = 0.19, -0.14, P > 0.05).. Maternal leptin levels in late pregnancy were significantly higher than those in normal non-pregnant women and positively correlated with maternal weights and BMI. Cord blood leptin levels were positively correlated with birth-weights and BMI of the newborns. The leptin levels of cord blood were correlated with those of C-peptide but not insulin and IGF-II.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Weight; C-Peptide; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Leptin; Pregnancy

Hyperinsulinism and hyperandrogenism have the capacity to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and serum leptin, independently of body fat mass. We therefore assessed lumbar BMD and serum leptin in girls with the sequence of a low birthweight and precocious pubarche (PP) in childhood, in whom hyperinsulinism and hyperandrogenism have been described.. Fifty-two non-obese PP girls were studied (age range 6.9-14.9 years). Serum leptin was also measured in 42 control girls, matched for age, body mass index and pubertal stage.. BMD SDS, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, was elevated in PP girls compared to the population reference (0.39 +/- 0.18 SDS; p = 0.03) and bone age, assessed from hand radiographs, was significantly advanced compared to chronological age (1.2 +/- 0.1 years; p < 0.0005).. Compared to control girls, PP girls had higher leptin levels for degree of body mass index (PP girls: 9.4 +/- 0.6 ng/ml; controls: 7.8 +/- 0.6 ng/ml; p = 0.01). In PP girls, serum leptin was inversely related to birthweight (r = -0.32, p = 0.01) and positively related to free androgen index (FAI) (r = 0.71, p < 0.0005). BMD SDS was also inversely related to birthweight (r = -0.26, p < 0.05) and positively related to serum leptin (r = 0.42, p < 0.05), FAI (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) and mean serum insulin during oral glucose tolerance testing (MSI) (r = 0.59, p < 0.0005). In multiple regression, MSI was the strongest determinant of BMD SDS (beta = 0.50, p = 0.002). In conclusion, elevated BMD and serum leptin in non-obese PP girls were related to degrees of low birthweight, hyperinsulinism and hyperandrogenism. The characteristic hyperinsulinism of PP girls is proposed to be the key variable in this constellation.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Determination by Skeleton; Androgens; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Bone Density; Child; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Hyperinsulinism; Insulin; Leptin; Puberty, Precocious; Reference Values

To explore the relationship between leptin's quantity in maternal blood, amniotic fluid, umbilical blood and maternal and newborn's weights.. Levels of leptin in maternal blood, amniotic fluid, and umbilical blood of 34 pregnant women were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Results were analyzed by the correlative analysis.. (1) Leptin can be detected either from maternal blood or amniotic fluid or umbilical blood. (2) There was an obvious correction between newborn's weight and leptin's quantity of maternal blood (relative coefficient r = 0.53, P < 0.01), amniotic fluid (r = 0.73, P < 0.01) and umbilical blood (r = 0.67, P < 0.01). (3) There was an obvious correction between maternal weight and leptin's quantity of maternal blood (r = 0.61, P < 0.01). (4) There was an obvious correction between leptin's quantity of amniotic fluid and umbilical blood (r = 0.72, P < 0.001). (5) There was not obvious correction between maternal weight and leptin's quantity of amniotic fluid and umbilical blood (r = 0.22, r = 0.18, respectively. P > 0.05).. It may be of important significance in detection of leptin's quantity in amniotic fluid and maternal blood in pregnant women for predicting the weight and growth of newborns.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy

The present study was carried out to investigate leptin levels in arterial and venous cord serum and in amniotic fluid in full-term infants at birth and on the 5th postnatal day to define the relationship of leptin to intrauterine growth rate, gender and early postnatal life. The relation of weight gain to serum leptin levels in male preterm infants was determined measuring leptin concentration weekly in the first 5 postnatal weeks. Testosterone levels were determined simultaneously to explore a possible relationship between leptin and testosterone concentrations. Fifty-three term newborn infants with mean birth weight and gestational age of 3,419 g (range 2,150-4,480) and 38.9 weeks (range 36-41) and 19 preterm male infants (mean birth weight and gestational age were 1,416 g (770-1,800) and 30.2 weeks (26-35) were enrolled into the study. Leptin and testosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. It was demonstrated that serum leptin levels were markedly elevated in the cord blood without discernible arteriovenous differences. Cord blood leptin was found to correlate with birth weight (r = 0.40, p < 0.002), weight to length ratio (r = 0.40, p < 0.002) and body mass index (r = 0.35, p < 0.005). It was significantly lower in boys as opposed to girls (p < 0.01) and there was an apparent fall by the 5th postnatal day (p < 0.001). Amniotic fluid contained leptin in much less concentration than cord blood and it proved to be independent of intrauterine growth or gender. Serum leptin concentration in preterm infants at 1 week of age was significantly lower compared with term infants (p < 0.002) and it increased progressively with age (p < 0.01). An inverse relationship was found between leptin and testosterone level (r = -0.358, p < 0.01) and a positive correlation between leptin level and weight/height ratio (r = 0.674, p < 0.01). It is concluded that leptin derived either from placenta or fetal adipose tissue may be involved in regulating fetal growth and development and it may be related to energy intake, storage and expenditure. In preterm male infants serum leptin concentration increases with postnatal weight and testosterone may suppress leptin synthesis.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Pregnancy; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteins; Radioimmunoassay; Sex Characteristics; Testosterone; Weight Gain

There are substantial alterations in fuel homeostasis immediately after birth. Leptin is a putative regulator of energy metabolism. Consequently, the aim of this study was to examine whether there are changes in circulating leptin concentrations during the early postnatal period. Umbilical cord mixed blood samples were taken at delivery, and a venous blood sample was obtained at 3 d of age from 38 healthy newborn infants (20 male, 18 female; gestational age 36.3 to 41.9 wk) for analysis of leptin concentration with radioimmunoassay. Cord plasma leptin concentration was 9.7+/-5.2 microg/L (mean+/-SD), with no gender difference between male (8.6+/-4.6 microg/L) and female (10.9+/-5.6 microg/L) infants. In male newborns, cord plasma leptin concentration correlated with arm circumference (r = 0.48, p < 0.05), and in female newborns with body mass index (r = 0.62, p < 0.01), thickness of the s.c. fat (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), and arm circumference (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). By the third postnatal day, plasma leptin decreased similarly in male (to 1.8+/-0.4 microg/L, p < 0.001) and female (to 2.3+/-0.8 microg/L, p < 0.001) infants, when there was a significant gender difference in leptin levels (p = 0.01). At 3 d of age, plasma leptin correlated with weight (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and arm circumference (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) in female but not in male newborns. In conclusion, 1) circulating leptin already correlates with adiposity at birth in female but not in male newborn infants and 2) leptin decreases markedly in both genders by the third postnatal day, and the gender difference with higher leptin levels in females develops by that time. Thus, the postnatal decrease in plasma leptin concentration may be a physiologically feasible adaptation to profound alterations in fuel homeostasis during the first days of extrauterine life.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Aging; Birth Weight; Energy Metabolism; Female; Fetal Blood; Homeostasis; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Proteins; Radioimmunoassay; Reference Values; Sex Characteristics

We tested the hypothesis that the maternal leptin concentration would be increased in preeclampsia, independent of maternal obesity.. Maternal and cord plasma leptin concentrations were compared in 2 groups of women with either preeclampsia (n = 24) or normal pregnancy (n = 24), matched 1:1 for prepregnancy body mass index and fetal gestational age at sampling.. Median leptin concentrations were significantly higher (P <. 03) in women with preeclampsia (45.6 ng/mL) than in normal pregnant women (27.0 ng/mL) and fell rapidly shortly after delivery (26.7 ng/mL and 25.4 ng/mL, respectively). Cord leptin was not significantly different between groups (5.4 ng/mL and 5.8 ng/mL, respectively). Maternal and cord leptin correlated significantly (rho = 0.76, P <.01) only in preeclampsia.. Preeclampsia is associated with an increase in maternal plasma leptin concentrations that strongly correlates with the fetal cord concentration at delivery.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Proteins

Recent discoveries of human genetic leptin deficiency have demonstrated its importance in regulating weight gain in early childhood. To investigate whether normal variation in leptin and insulin levels in cord blood could influence infancy growth, we assayed samples from 197 infants from a representative birth cohort, who were measured at birth, 4, 8, 12 and 24 months. Cord leptin levels correlated most closely with weight and ponderal index (kg/m3) at birth, but also with length and head circumference (all p<0.0005). Independent of birth size, females had higher leptin levels than males (p<0.0005). Cord levels of leptin, but not insulin, were negatively related to weight gain (p<0.005) from birth to 4 months, and accounted for 9.4% of the variance in weight gain, compared with breast/bottle feeding (3.5%) and early/late introduction of solids (1%). The effect of leptin levels on weight gain was independent of birthweight, and was still evident at 24 months. The wide variation in infancy growth ('catch-up' or 'catch-down') may be partly determined by leptin levels preset in utero. Our data support a role for leptin in the regulation of infancy weight gain, and suggest a mechanism whereby infants may 'catch-up' in growth postnatally following an adverse intrauterine environment.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Child Development; Cohort Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Forecasting; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Proteins; Weight Gain

To evaluate leptin values in placental cord blood of newborns with normal intrauterine growth after 30-42 weeks of gestation.. Leptin, a protein encoded by the ob gene, plays an important role in the regulation of feeding behaviour and energy balance in rodents, primates and humans. The presence of leptin in human amniotic fluid and cord blood has recently been reported in human gestations at term and the possible role of leptin in human fetal growth suggested. However, little is known of leptin synthesis during human foetal development. Thus, the aim of our work was to measure leptin (RIA, Linco Research, Inc.) in placental cord blood of human newborns at different fetal ages.. One hundred and twenty-six healthy newborns with normal intrauterine growth were studied. Twenty-nine were preterm (15 males and 14 females; gestational age: 30-36 weeks) and 99 were at term (49 males and 48 females; gestational age: 37-42 weeks).. Leptin values increase progressively throughout gestation from 1.30 +/- 0.53 ng/ml at 30 weeks of gestation to 7.98 +/- 4.96 ng/ml (mean +/- SD) at term, and correlate positively with birth weight (r = 0.56, p < 0. 005, n = 126), length (r = 0.37, p < 0.005, n = 126), BMI (r = 0.57, p < 0.005, n = 126), head circumference (r = 0.37, p < 0.005, n = 126), gestational age (r = 0.48, p < 0.005, n = 126) and placental weight (r = 0.38, p < 0.003, n = 59). Leptin values are statistically significantly lower (p < 0.005) preterm (median: 2.05 ng/ml; range: 0.7-8.3 ng/ml) than at term (median: 7.0 ng/ml; range: 1.1-28.1 ng/ml). Leptin values are also significantly (p < 0.005) higher in females (median: 7.2 ng/ml; range: 0.9-23.6 ng/ml, n = 62) than in males (median: 4.8 ng/ml; range: 0.7-28.1 ng/ml, n = 64), although there are no differences in weight (2,864 +/- 536 g in females vs. 2,937 +/- 744 g in males). Multiple regression analysis shows weight to be a positive sex-independent predictor of serum leptin values (p < 0.0005). Sex also proves to be a predictor of leptin, independently of weight and is higher in females than in males (p < 0.003).. Leptin is present in placental human cord blood after 30-42 weeks of gestation. Newborn weight and sex are independent predictors of leptin values.

Topics: Birth Weight; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Placenta; Pregnancy; Proteins; Reference Values; Regression Analysis; Sex Characteristics

Leptin seems to be involved in the regulation of energy balance, although little is known about the epidemiology of leptin with respect to prediction of weight gain and incidence of obesity-related diseases. The dual aim of this study is to document characteristics of leptin after long-term storage, and to describe its relation to body weight, from birth to old age, in an ongoing prospective study.. A population-based sample of Swedish women was first examined at the ages of 38 to 60 and re-examined 24 years later. This study used 1358 frozen serum samples that had been stored 29 years for analysis of leptin concentrations and their relation to body weight history.. Leptin values obtained from stored samples showed the same correlation with relative weight as that seen in a contemporary sample with similar demographic characteristics. Lower self-reported birth weight was associated with higher leptin levels in adulthood (p = 0.01), controlling for age and adult BMI. Prospective analyses revealed that high leptin in 38 to 46-year-olds predicted subsequent long-term weight gain (p = 0.003), although no significant associations were seen in women initially aged 50 or older.. It is feasible to use frozen serum for studying leptin in relation to obesity and related developments many years later. High leptin level was a risk factor for subsequent weight gain in 38- and 46-year-old women. Retrospective analyses involving birth weight suggest that leptin resistance in adulthood might have fetal origins.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Preservation; Body Mass Index; Cryopreservation; Female; Humans; Leptin; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Proteins; Regression Analysis; Sweden; Weight Gain

Leptin has been implicated in the regulation of body weight and energy balance; Leptin is produced by adipocytes and placental tissue. Chronic fetal hyperinsulinemia and accelerated fetal growth with increased amounts of body fat are frequent findings in the offspring of diabetic mothers. In this study, we examined whether leptin levels in cord blood of infants of type 1 diabetic mothers (n = 29), gestational diabetic mothers (n = 6 and controls (n = 96) correlated with level of maternal glucose control, maternal leptin level at delivery, gender, fetal and placental size, and C-peptide in cord blood at birth. Leptin was significantly elevated in infants of type 1 diabetic (24.7 ng/ml) and gestational diabetic mothers (29.3 ng/ml) as compared to controls (7.9 ng/ml). C-peptide was also significantly higher in infants of type 1 diabetic (0.91 nmol/l) and gestational diabetic mothers (0.99 nmol/l) vs controls (0.34 nmol/l). Infants of type 1 diabetic mothers with a leptin level in cord blood above the upper normal range, i.e. > 30 ng/ml (n = 13), had an average maternal HbA1c level of 5.4% (normal < 5.5%) that was not different from 5.2% in infants with a leptin level < 30 ng/ml (n = 15). In both neonatal groups of diabetic mothers, leptin in cord blood did not correlate with maternal leptin concentrations, placental weight, birthweight, gender and cord blood C-peptide. In controls, leptin in cord blood was higher in girls than in boys (p = 0.044) and correlated significantly with birthweight (p = 0.41, p < 0.001) and cord blood C-peptide (p = 0.44, p < 0.001) but not with maternal leptin level or placental weight. The 3-4 times higher leptin levels in the offspring of diabetic mothers than normal could reflect increased adipose tissue mass and/or increased contribution from other sources such as placental tissue.

Topics: Birth Weight; C-Peptide; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Proteins; Sex Characteristics

To determine 1. the relationship between maternal serum leptin concentrations and maternal anthropometry and 2. the relationship between cord serum leptin concentrations at birth and neonatal anthropometry.. Prospective cohort study of fetal growth in low-risk pregnancies.. University teaching hospital.. Thirty-nine women and their babies taking part in a fetal growth study.. Blood was taken from the women between 10-20 weeks of gestation and from the umbilical cord of their babies at delivery. Serum leptin was measured by radio-immunoassay. Maternal anthropometric measurements were recorded at booking. Neonatal anthropometric measurements were recorded within 48 hours after delivery. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between serum leptin concentrations and anthropometric measures and multiple regression analysis then applied to determine which variables remained independently associated with leptin.. The median (range) leptin concentration in maternal serum was 11.8 ng/mL (1.7-39.7) and in cord blood was 4.2 ng/mL (0.6-21.4). Maternal leptin levels correlated with maternal weight, body mass index, midarm circumference and skinfold thickness, but not with birthweight, placental weight or maternal height. Body mass index and midarm circumference remained significant after multiple regression analysis. Cord leptin levels correlated with birthweight, birthlength, placental weight and skinfold thickness but not with ponderal index. Birthweight and subscapular skinfold thickness remained significant after multiple regression analysis. Cord leptin concentrations did not correlate with maternal leptin concentrations.. We suggest that there are very strong associations between maternal leptin and maternal adiposity in pregnancy, and between cord leptin at delivery and birthweight, as well as other anthropometric markers of fetal growth.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

To determine whether low birthweight is associated with higher plasma leptin concentrations in adult life and whether leptin contributes to the metabolic alterations in adults that are associated with reduced foetal growth.. Measurement of plasma leptin concentrations in a group of 502 men and women, aged 61-73, who were born in Hertfordshire and for whom records of birth and infant weight are available. Glucose tolerance was measured with a standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test.. Leptin concentrations were assayed in fasting plasma samples using a radioimmunoassay.. Leptin concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 128.9 (mean 13.4) ng/ml and were higher in the 193 women than the 309 men (23.4 vs. 7.1 ng/ml). In both sexes leptin concentrations correlated positively with body mass index (r=0.65 in both men and women). Leptin concentration also correlated with fasting insulin (r=0.41) and with glucose and insulin concentrations 2 h after a glucose load (r=0.19 and 0.49). Adults with lower birth or infant weight had higher leptin concentrations than those of higher birthweight with similar degrees of obesity (P=0.02 and 0.06, respectively). Although both 2 h glucose and insulin concentrations negatively correlated with birthweight (r=-0.17, P<0.001 and r=-0.18, P<0.001, respectively), regression analysis suggested that the higher levels of leptin in adults who had low birthweight did not explain the association between low birthweight and glucose or insulin concentrations.. These results suggest that adults who had had low birthweight had higher plasma concentrations of leptin than would be expected from their degree of obesity. The higher leptin concentrations, however, do not account for the association between birthsize and glucose tolerance. They may be a consequence of the altered body composition, hyperinsulinaemia, and other long-term endocrine changes associated with reduced foetal growth.

Topics: Aged; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Fasting; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis; Sex Characteristics

To investigate the physiological changes of leptin levels and whether placenta is linked to its production during pregnancy, plasma of 65 pregnant women at various gestational weeks were compared with those of 34 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched nonpregnant women in the study. The leptin levels showed a gradual increase from 7-13 gestational week, then continuously elevated during weeks 14-20, 21-27, 28-34, virtually reaching a peak at 35-41 weeks' gestation. When they were compared to those of age- and BMI-matched nonpregnant women, a significant (P < 0.0001) increase was found with every gestational week. There were positive correlations between maternal leptin and BMI of first (7-13th week), second (14-27th week) and third (28-41st week) trimesters, with the correlation coefficients of 0.40 (P < 0.05), 0.54 (P < 0.001), and 0.49 (P < 0.001), respectively. No correlation (r = -0.17, P > 0.05, n = 31) was found between maternal leptin level and the neonatal birth weight. These data suggest that placental production of leptin is one major source of higher levels in maternal circulating leptin other than maternal gain of fat mass and that maternal leptin level is not related to fetal birth weight during pregnancy.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy

To investigate the physiological significance of umbilical plasma leptin in the fetal growth and its possible origin of production during pregnancy, plasma leptin concentrations in venous and arterial cord bloods were measured in 42 neonates (male = 23, female = 19, gestational age 36-41 weeks, birth weight 2600-4000 g). Leptin concentrations in umbilical veins (5.65 +/- 0.53 ng/mL, n = 42) and umbilical arteries (0.56 +/- 0.07 ng/mL, n = 42) were significantly (P < 0.001) lower than those in maternal peripheral veins (22.36 +/- 1.06 ng/mL, n = 42). Mean plasma leptin concentration (+/- SEM) in venous cord blood was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of arterial cord blood. There was significantly positive correlation (r = 0.447, P < 0.01) between umbilical venous leptin levels and neonatal body mass index (BMI). A positive correlation (r = 0.435, P < 0.01) was also found between umbilical arterial leptin and neonate BMI. There was no positive correlation between umbilical leptin levels in venous cord blood and placental weight. We thus conclude that umbilical plasma leptin may play an essential role in the fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy and placenta is one of the major sources of leptin production, but the level of leptin in umbilico-placental circulation is independent of the weight of placenta.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Umbilical Arteries; Umbilical Veins

Leptin is a 16-kD protein encoded by the ob/ob (obesity) gene. In rodents it plays a role in obesity, diabetes, fertility, and neuroendocrine function. In humans serum concentrations of leptin correlate with total body fat in both adults and children. We measured cord blood leptin in 186 neonates that included 82 appropriate for gestational age (AGA), 47 large for gestational age (LGA), 20 infants of diabetic mothers, 52 preterm infants, and 15 intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) infants. There were 16 pairs of twins. The mothers of 17 preterm infants were treated with steroids before delivery. Leptin (mean +/- SD) concentration in term, AGA infants (39.4 +/- 1.1 wk) with birth weight (BW) of 3.2 +/- 0.3 kg, body mass index (BMI) of 12.6 +/- 1.1 was 4.01 +/- 3.5 ng/mL. BW correlated with cord leptin (p = 0.002) in a multivariate analysis controlling for potential confounders. Both LGA infants and infants of diabetic mothers had higher cord leptin concentration 7.3 +/- 3.8 and 6.1 +/- 4.8 ng/mL, respectively, compared with AGA infants (p < 0.05). Preterm infants had a mean leptin level of 1.8 +/- 0.97 ng/mL and a 3-fold elevation was seen if mothers received steroids antenatally (p = 0.006). IUGR infants had increased leptin (6.5 +/- 3.9 ng/mL, p = 0.03). Concerning the twin pairs, the smaller had a higher leptin level compared with larger twin (4.1 +/- 9.51 versus 2.8 +/- 5.14, p = NS). Neonatal cord leptin concentrations correlate well with BW and BMI. No gender differences were found in cord blood leptin. Maternal obesity had no effect on cord leptin, whereas exogenous maternal steroids increased neonatal leptin concentrations.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Child; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Obesity; Pregnancy; Proteins; Steroids

Leptin can be considered as a peripheral signal which informs the centers about the mass of energy stores. Studies done on the human adult population have demonstrated that degree of adiposity and insulin levels play a major role as determinants of leptin circulating levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate which factors may influence leptin levels at birth. We examined the role played by baby size and by the metabolic environment the fetus was exposed to during pregnancy. We considered 85 newborns from normal (n = 60), gestational (GDM, n = 17) and pregestational (IDDM = 8) diabetes mellitus mothers. At delivery, blood was taken from the umbilical cord vein. Babies from normal and GDM mothers were subdivided into AGA (appropriate for gestational age) and LGA (large for gestational age). There was no difference in leptin levels between babies from normal or GDM mothers belonging to the same weight category, but leptin levels were always higher in LGA than in AGA newborns, and highly correlated with birth weight (r = 0.34, P = 0.001). Moreover, IDDM mothers gave birth to newborns with significantly higher levels of leptin and insulin when compared with normal and GDM mothers. Diabetes of both GDM and IDDM mothers was clinically well controlled (HbA1c was 4.0 and 7.2, respectively). The correlation between leptin and insulin was significant only when newborns from IDDM mothers were included in the regression analysis (r = 0.39, P = 0.0002). Our results suggest that degree of adiposity is one of the main regulators of leptin concentration in the human newborn and that babies exposed to an altered, though clinically controlled, metabolic environment, as in IDDM mothers, have increased levels of leptin.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; C-Peptide; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Multivariate Analysis; Pregnancy; Proteins; Regression Analysis; Testosterone

It has recently been reported that the ob gene receptor was expressed on human and murine hematopoietic stem cells and that the ob gene product leptin stimulated hemato- and lymphopoiesis at the stem cell level. These findings suggest a role for leptin in hemato- and lymphopoiesis during fetal development. There is at present no evidence, however, that leptin is synthesized and released by the fetus. To investigate this possibility, we have measured plasma leptin concentrations in the cord blood of 78 newborn infants. We found that leptin was present in all 78 infants in concentrations comparable with those found in adults (0.6-55.7 ng/ml). Overall, plasma leptin concentrations in the cord blood of infants correlated with birth weight (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). These observations show that leptin is synthesized and released by fetal fat cells. In addition, they are compatible with the concept that leptin may play a role in human fetal hematopoiesis.

Topics: Birth Weight; Blood Glucose; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Leptin; Proteins

The mechanisms by which maternal and fetal weight are regulated during pregnancy are poorly understood. The ob protein, termed leptin, is produced by adipocytes. It is involved in the regulation of body weight by suppressing appetite and stimulating energy expenditure both in humans and rodents. In this study we examined whether leptin concentrations in the mother and the newborn correlate with birth weight, placental weight, and maternal weight at term. Leptin concentrations were measured in amniotic fluid, venous and arterial cord blood, and maternal serum at birth (n = 27) using a specific RIA employing human recombinant leptin for tracer and standard preparation. Gestational age was 38-42 weeks, maternal age was 21-42 yr, mean maternal weight at birth was 80.0 +/- 10.8 kg, and mean body mass index before pregnancy was 23.4 +/- 2.8 kg/m2. The newborns' mean weight was 3450 +/- 580 g, and mean placental weight was 616 +/- 120 g. Serum leptin levels from nonpregnant women ranged between 1.7-18.4 ng/mL, median 5.5 ng/ml (n = 30). Mean leptin concentration in maternal serum at birth was 20.0 +/- 13.2 ng/mL and was higher (P < 0.002) than in arterial cord blood (9.7 +/- 9.4 ng/mL) and venous cord blood (8.9 +/- 8.6 ng/mL). Mean amniotic fluid leptin concentration was 3.6 +/- 2.8 ng/mL. Placental weight correlated inversely with leptin levels in maternal serum at birth (r = -0.49, P < 0.01). In addition, leptin concentrations in venous cord blood correlated significantly with the levels in arterial cord blood (r = 0.98, P < 0.0001), and leptin levels in cord blood correlated positively with birth weight (r = 0.57, P = 0.03) and placental weight (r = 0.50, P < 0.01). In contrast, there was no correlation between maternal serum leptin levels and birth weight. Thus, leptin levels are high in the fetus and in the mother at term. We hypothesize that high leptin levels could represent an important feed-back modulator of substrate supply and subsequently for adipose tissue status during late gestation.

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Proteins; Umbilical Arteries; Umbilical Veins

To investigate the effect of leptin on fetal growth, serum leptin concentrations in venous cord blood were measured in 82 newborns (male = 43, female = 39, gestational age 36-42 weeks, birth weight 2,306-4,128 g). Serum leptin concentrations in cord blood ranged from 2.0 to 84.5 ng/mL (mean 19.9 +/- 17.4 ng/mL). Serum leptin concentrations in males (mean 15.3 +/- 15.6 ng/mL, range 2.0 to 79.3 ng/mL) were significantly (P = 0.011) lower than those in females (mean 25.0 +/- 18.0 ng/mL, range 2.1 to 84.5 ng/mL). Serum leptin concentrations in cord blood were positively correlated with birth weight (r = 0.555, P <0.0001), birth weight SD (r = 0.540, P <0.0001), Kaup index (r = 0.505, P <0.0001) and body weight/body height (r = 0.560, P <0.0001). The serum concentrations of estradiol and testosterone did not differ between males and females and did not correlate with the leptin concentration. It is unlikely that the gender difference in fetal leptin levels is due either to body fat content or distribution or to reproductive hormone status, but may be attributed to genetic differences between males and females.

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Proteins; Sex Characteristics

Prematurity, maternal smoking, and low birth weight each result in neuroendocrine dysfunction and increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Leptin, an adipocyte-secreted protein, has provided the first physiological link to the regulatory system controlling starvation-induced neuroendocrine changes in rodents. This study investigated whether leptin concentrations were detectable in cord blood of newborns, and assessed the effect of birth weight, prematurity, and maternal smoking on cord blood leptin concentrations. Fifty consecutively enrolled full-term and 12 preterm newborns born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy were compared to 50 full-term and 12 preterm newborns born to parents who were nonsmokers. RIA for leptin was performed using cord blood samples collected immediately after birth. Leptin concentrations were detectable in newborns and correlated positively with obesity (full-term, r = 0.30, P < 0.01; preterm, r = 0.47, P < 0.05). Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with decreased leptin concentrations in the cord blood of both full-term and preterm newborns. This effect was independent of obesity (full-term newborns: 5.25 +/- 2.48 vs. 4.21 +/- 2.71 ng/ml, P = 0.01) and was more pronounced in premature newborns (5.67 +/- 3.6 vs. 2.46 +/- 2.03, P = 0.02), and its magnitude in full-term newborns was directly related to the reported number of cigarettes the mothers of the full-term newborns smoked per day (r = -0.438, P < 0.001). Thus, low birth weight and maternal smoking are both associated with decreased leptin concentrations, and these effects are more pronounced in premature newborns. Future studies will be needed to determine whether administration of leptin might reverse the neuroendocrine dysfunction caused by maternal smoking.

Topics: Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Osmolar Concentration; Pregnancy; Proteins; Sex Characteristics; Smoking

Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy; Proteins

The serum leptin concentration reflects the amount of adipose tissue in the body. Although fat deposition in the fetus in the third trimester markedly increases, the role of leptin during pregnancy has not been clarified. In the present study, whether or not the serum leptin concentration correlates with growth in utero was investigated, in addition to how leptin levels change in the first few days after birth. One hundred sixteen Japanese infants were divided into term (n = 91) and preterm groups (n = 25). Term infants were divided into 3 subgroups: birth weight appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (n = 44), birth weight large for gestational age (LGA) (n = 28), and birth weight small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 19). Longitudinal changes in the concentration of serum leptin after birth were examined in 48 infants. The serum leptin concentration was determined by RIA. No significant difference in leptin levels between cord sera and infants' sera obtained within the first 6 h of life (n = 28) was observed. Within the first 6 h of life, the concentration of serum leptin in LGA infants (12.8 +/- 10.2 ng/mL) and SGA infants (1.6 +/- 1.1 ng/mL) was significantly higher and lower, respectively, than that in the AGA infants (4.4 +/- 3.0 ng/mL) (P < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between the leptin concentration within 6 h of life and birth body weight (r = 0.59, P < 0.01). After birth, the concentration of leptin in LGA and AGA infants significantly decreased to the level in SGA infants within 72 h [corrected] of delivery (P < 0.05). After 72 h [corrected] of life, no significant differences in the concentration of leptin were observed among the three groups, and low levels continued to 7 days of age. These findings indicate that serum level of leptin correlates with fetal body weight gain.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Child Development; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Leptin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Proteins; Reference Values; Veins

Sex-based differences in serum leptin concentrations have been reported in adolescence and adulthood. To discover when such differences were generated, serum leptin concentrations were measured in umbilical cord blood from 46 healthy infants and in the mother's blood at delivery. Considering the respective body weights of the mothers and infants (68.5 +/- 1.3 kg and 3.3 +/- 0.0 kg), umbilical cord concentrations of leptin were disproportionately high in the infants (9.4 +/- 1.2 micrograms/l) compared with those in the mothers (18.7 +/- 1.3 micrograms/l). There was a wide variation in the infants leptin values (1.2 +/- 56.8 micrograms/l) that did not correlate with height, weight, cephalic circumference, or any other growth-related parameter. The most striking differences emerged when results were analysed by sex: umbilical cord concentrations of leptin in the girls (12.9 +/- 2.2 micrograms/l) were significantly (P < 0.01) greater than those in the boys (6.8 +/- 0.9 micrograms/l), although no differences in leptin concentrations were observed between the mothers who gave birth to a girl (19.5 +/- 2.2 micrograms/l) and those who gave birth to a boy (18.1 +/- 1.7 micrograms/l). The sex-based differences were not attributable to any growth-related differences between the sexes, except heavier placental weights in the girls (P < 0.007) than in the boys. These differences in leptin concentrations may reflect a sex-based difference in the regulation of leptin production by the fetal adipose tissue.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Leptin; Male; Proteins