leptin and Premature-Birth

Animal studies show that the lactation period contributes to metabolic programming of the offspring and that oral leptin and insulin show bioactivity. Stage of lactation, duration of gestation, maternal body composition, and maternal diet seem to influence the concentrations of small molecules in human milk. Variability of small molecule concentrations seems higher in preterm milk than in term milk. Insulin in human milk shows concentrations similar to plasma. Leptin concentration is lower in milk than in plasma and reflects maternal body mass index. Early in lactation, leptin could contribute to mediating the association between maternal and infant body composition.

Topics: Adult; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Fats; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Lactation; Lactose; Leptin; Milk Proteins; Milk, Human; Premature Birth; Term Birth; Time Factors

Leptin and adiponectin play important roles in systemic metabolic homeostasis, beginning in utero. Limited data exist on the levels and trajectories of these 2 hormones at birth and in childhood and their biological and social determinants.. We examined the longitudinal trajectories of leptin and adiponectin from birth to early childhood, along with influential prenatal and infancy factors, and whether the trajectories and risk factors differ by preterm birth status.. We included mother-infant pairs in the Boston Birth Cohort, a predominantly Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) study population. We measured infant plasma leptin and adiponectin levels at birth and in early childhood. We examined longitudinal trajectories and the associated prenatal maternal and infancy factors. We analyzed 716 infants (158 preterm) who had leptin and adiponectin measured at birth and in early childhood (mean corrected age 2.18 years [interquartile range, 0.4-10.4]).. Cord leptin was higher in term infants (40 230 vs 20 481 in preterm, P < 0.0001) but childhood leptin did not differ by prematurity (4123 in term vs 4181 in preterm, P = 0.92). Adiponectin was higher in term infants at birth (18 416 vs 11 223, P < 0.0001) and in childhood (12 108 vs 10532, P = 0.04). In stepwise regression, Black race was associated with higher childhood leptin and lower childhood adiponectin. Female sex was associated with higher childhood leptin levels and lower childhood adiponectin levels in multivariable regression models.. Our results highlight preterm status, race, and biological sex as predictors of adipokine trajectory throughout childhood. These findings raise the possibility that early life programming of adipokines may contribute to higher metabolic risk in life, especially among Black children born preterm.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Birth Cohort; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Mothers; Pregnancy; Premature Birth

Maternal obesity is associated with a wide spectrum of labour disorders, including preterm birth. Leptin, a pro-inflammatory adipokine and a key factor of obesity, is suspected to play a major role in these disorders. OB-R, its receptor, is expressed on macrophages and myocytes, two cell types critical for labour onset. Macrophages secrete reactive oxygen species/pro-inflammatory cytokines, responsible for myometrial differentiation while myocytes control uterine contractions. In this study, we assessed the effect of leptin on myometrial contraction and differentiation using our validated co-culture model of human primary macrophages and myocytes. We demonstrated that leptin had a different effect on myocytes and macrophages depending on the dose. A low leptin concentration induced a tocolytic effect by preventing myocytes' contraction, differentiation, and macrophage-induced ROS production. Additionally, leptin led to an increase in HLA-G expression, suggesting that the tocolytic effect of leptin may be driven by HLA-G, a tolerogenic molecule. Finally, we observed that recombinant HLA-G also prevented LPS-induced ROS production by macrophages. Altogether, these data provide a putative molecular mechanism by which leptin may induce immune tolerance and therefore interfere with labour-associated mechanisms. Therefore, HLA-G represents a potential innovative therapeutic target in the pharmacological management of preterm labour.

Topics: Female; HLA-G Antigens; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Reactive Oxygen Species; Tocolytic Agents; Uterine Contraction

There is increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and hypertensive disorders in later life in the preterm population. We studied school-age children who had been born extremely premature who had undergone endocrine, cardiovascular, and anthropometric evaluations.. School age measurements of salivary cortisol, adrenal androgens, blood pressure, and anthropometric markers were correlated with DNA methylation of 11-betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11BHSD2), leptin, and the LINE1 repetitive DNA element.. We observed a modest correlation between log AUC for salivary cortisol and methylation of leptin in preterm infants and a negative correlation between methylation of region 1 of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR in term-born infants. There was an association between LINE1 methylation and cortisol response to awakening and a negative correlation between LINE1 and systolic blood pressure at 6-7 years. Methylation of the GR promoter region showed a positive association with systolic blood pressure at 6-7 years of age.. These results show that extremely preterm birth, followed by complex patterns of endocrine, cardiovascular, and metabolic exposures during early postnatal life, is associated with lasting changes in DNA methylation patterns in genes involved in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis function, adrenal hormonal regulation, and cardiometabolic risk.. Preterm infants have significant environmental and physiological exposures during early life that may have lasting impact on later function. Alterations in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) function have been associated with these exposures. We examined the associated changes in DNA methylation of important genes involved in HPA function, metabolism, and global DNA methylation. The changes we saw in DNA methylation may help to explain associated cardiovascular, metabolic, and growth disturbance in these children in later life.

Topics: Child; DNA Methylation; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Premature Birth

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

In preterm newborns the immaturity of the immune system is remarkable, with reduced innate and adaptive immune responses. Many bioactive compounds in breast milk, such as growth factors and adipokines, contribute to the immune system's maturation in early life. However, studies on the immunoregulatory activity in preterm neonates are practically nonexistent. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a nutritional supplementation in early life with leptin or epidermal growth factor (EGF) was able to promote the maturation of the systemic and intestinal immune system in preterm conditions. For this purpose, premature rats were daily supplemented by oral gavage with leptin or EGF. Term and Preterm groups receiving vehicle were used as controls. Preterm rats showed deficiencies compared to full-term ones, such as lower body weights, erythrocyte counts, plasma IgG and IgM concentrations and B cell percentages, and higher values of Th and Tc TCRαβ

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Age Factors; Animals; Animals, Suckling; Dietary Supplements; Epidermal Growth Factor; Female; Gestational Age; Immunity, Innate; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunoglobulins; Intestine, Small; Lactation; Leptin; Lymph Nodes; Lymphocyte Subsets; Permeability; Phagocytes; Phagocytosis; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Rats, Wistar; Tight Junction Proteins

The present study aimed to determine the effect of perceived stress during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes and cortisol and leptin levels in mothers and their newborns.. This longitudinal study was carried out on 110 pregnant women in Miandoab city, Iran. Mothers, who had singleton pregnancies and gestational age of 24 to 28 weeks, were included in the study. The participants were asked to fill out Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The mothers were then tracked in gestational ages of 28-32 weeks, 32-36 weeks, and the time of delivery. The maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were obtained during labor in order to measure leptin and cortisol levels.. Umbilical cortisol level was significantly higher in newborns who had meconium stained amniotic fluid than those who did not. Maternal blood leptin levels at delivery were significantly higher in the mothers whose neonates had respiratory distress, low birth weight, low head circumference, low Apgar score, and were premature than those whose neonates did not have such problems. The level of leptin in umbilical cord blood was significantly higher in neonates who had respiratory distress than those who did not. The results also showed a significant correlation between maternal cortisol levels and PSS during weeks 24-28 and the entire pregnancy. A significant relationship was observed between umbilical leptin and maternal leptin levels.. It can be concluded that stress during pregnancy is accompanied by fetal distress. The probable reason for newborns distress may be related to increased maternal leptin levels.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amniotic Fluid; Apgar Score; Body Height; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Growth Retardation; Head; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Meconium; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Premature Birth; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Stress, Psychological; Young Adult

Preterm infants face lifelong disabilities, including learning disorders, as well as visual, auditory and behavioral problems. Recent studies have demonstrated that leptin, an adipocytokine encoded by a gene associated with obesity and expressed in adipose tissue, affects neurocognitive and motor function; however, the mechanisms of brain damage in preterm infants are unclear. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of leptin in a rat model of preterm hypoxic‑ischemic brain damage were investigated. Rats (2‑days‑old) were subjected to brain damage (ligation of the common carotid artery followed by exposure to 6% oxygen for 2 h) and treated with vehicle (control) or leptin. Spatial memory was analyzed in the present study using the Morris water maze test 19 days following ligation. Over the 24‑day post‑surgical observation period, capture‑resistance test, forelimb suspension and open field tests were conducted to evaluate motor function and anxiety‑associated behavior. Treatment with leptin did not affect survival rate or body weight. Treatment with leptin increased the number of platform crossings in rats with premature brain damage in the Morris water maze test, which was used to assess spatial memory. Multivariate analysis revealed that leptin reduced the latency to finding the platform location, independent of gender and weight. In the capture‑resistance, forelimb suspension and open field tests, there were no differences between animals administered leptin and the sham group. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that leptin may alleviate spatial memory impairment resulting from premature brain damage, independent of gender or weight. These results may improve understanding of the neuroprotective effects exhibited by leptin in infants with preterm brain damage.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Brain Injuries; Cognition; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Infant; Leptin; Linear Models; Maze Learning; Mice; Motor Activity; Multivariate Analysis; Premature Birth; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

To compare adipokinins between women experiencing preterm labor (PTL) and prior preterm deliveries (PTD).. In this prospective observational cohort, 110 women with a singleton <35 weeks at increased risk of PTD were studied. Serum leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were obtained at three times (23-34 weeks, 35-36 weeks, at delivery) and analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The adipokinins were compared across time and between PTL (n = 59) and prior PTD (n = 51) groups using generalized estimated equation models.. There were no differences in leptin, adiponectin, or resistin levels over the three times between the PTL and PTD groups. There was a trend toward higher leptin levels (p = 0.06 unadjusted analysis, p = 0.09 adjusted analysis) at 23-34 weeks. When stratified by body mass index (BMI), there were differences in leptin (p < 0.001 for BMI < 30; p = 0.77 for BMI ≥ 30) and adiponectin (p = 0.04 for BMI < 30; p = 0.09 for BMI ≥ 30), but not in resistin over the three times between the PTL and prior PTD groups.. There were no significant differences in adipokinins in women with PTL and a prior PTD. The trends toward higher leptin levels at 23-34 weeks in women with PTL may represent a compensatory response and require further evaluation in the study of treatments for PTL.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Leptin; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Premature Birth; Prospective Studies; Resistin; Risk; Young Adult

Leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) are suggested to play a role in female reproduction and especially in pregnancy Both LEP and LEPR are synthesized by the pregnant female and embryo. The link between genetic polymorphisms of LEP and LEPR and preterm birth (PTB) is unknown. We studied maternal and neonatal LEP and LEPR genetic polymorphisms and the association with PTB. Blood for DNA analysis was collected from Israeli mothers and from venous umbilical of their respected idiopathic preterm newborns (24-36weeks, n=102) and control term newborns (>37weeks, n=158). Genotypes of maternal and neonatal LEP (rs7799039) and LEPR (rs1137101) polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Genotype-phenotype association was assayed using SPSS program. We found a significant independent increased risk of PTB for women and neonates bearing the homozygous AA form of LEP genotype; where women carrying AA LEP genotype had 2.53 fold ([CI] 1.367-4.685, p=0.03) and 2.38 fold ([CI] 1.150-4.915, p=0.019) increased risk for PTB compared to AG and GG genotypes, respectively. Neonates carrying the LEP AA genotype had a significant 2.8 fold increased risk for PTB compared to the AG genotype (CI11.040-7.577, p=0.042). Maternal LEPR polymorphism was significantly associated with severe PTB; where women carrying the AA and AG genotypes had a significant 4.32 and 4.76 fold increased risk for severe PTB compared to women carrying the GG genotype (CI=1.090-17.112 and 1.332-17.027, respectively p=0.035).. maternal and neonatal LEP and LEPR polymorphisms are significantly associated with increased risk for PTB.

Topics: Adult; Cohort Studies; Female; Gene Frequency; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Receptors, Leptin

Impaired angiogenesis of the developing placenta in the early pregnancy is one etiology of preterm delivery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of normal angiogenesis. Leptin stimulates other angiogenic factors, including VEGF. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether levels of VEGF and leptin in amniotic fluid during the second trimester could serve as markers for preterm delivery.. This study was conducted on second trimester amniotic fluid samples obtained from women undergoing genetic amniocentesis at 16-20 weeks of gestation. VEGF and leptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in every case of delivery at <37 weeks' gestation (n = 36) and in 36 matched controls who delivered at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation.. Amniotic fluid VEGF levels in the preterm group (32.24 ± 4.87 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those in the control group (23.49 ± 2.09 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). Leptin levels in the amniotic fluid were higher in the preterm group (6.64 ± 0.68 ng/ml) compared to the control group (5.35 ± 0.59 ng/ml), but this difference was not significant. Amniotic fluid VEGF and leptin levels were highest in women with placenta previa and were lowest in women with intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy-induced hypertension.. These results show that amniotic fluid VEGF levels in the second trimester are more predictive of preterm delivery than leptin levels. This study also demonstrates that VEGF levels vary depending on the cause of preterm delivery.

Topics: Adult; Amniocentesis; Amniotic Fluid; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Infant, Newborn; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Premature Birth; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Female; Humans; Leptin; Male; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

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

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of perinatal mortality worldwide, with the greatest burden occurring in resource-constrained settings. Based on the hypothesis that altered placental angiogenesis and inflammation early in pregnancy lead to PTB, we examined whether levels of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators, measured early in pregnancy, were predictive of spontaneous PTB (sPTB).. Plasma samples were collected from a prospective cohort of primigravid Tanzanian women between 12-27 weeks gestation. A panel of 18 markers was screened on a training cohort of 426 women. Markers associated with sPTB in the training cohort were repeated in a test cohort of 628 women. All markers were measured by ELISA.. In both the training and test cohorts plasma levels of IL-18BP, sICAM-1, sEndoglin and CHI3L1 were elevated and Leptin was lower at enrollment in women who subsequently experienced sPTB. In multivariate analysis women with plasma levels of CHI3L1, C5a, sICAM-1, AngptL3, sEndgolin, sFlt-1 and IL-18BP in the highest quartile had an increased risk of sPTB compared with those in the lowest quartile. Women with Leptin and Ang2 in the highest quartile had a reduced risk of sPTB compared with women in the lowest quartile.. Levels of angiogenic and inflammatory mediators measured at mid-pregnancy were associated with subsequent sPTB. These findings provide insight into mechanisms underlying sPTB and suggest biomarkers that may have clinical utility in risk-stratifying pregnancies.

Topics: Adipokines; Antigens, CD; Biomarkers; Black People; Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1; Cohort Studies; Endoglin; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lectins; Leptin; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Cell Surface; Risk; Tanzania; Young Adult

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

There are still controversies whether insulin resistance (IR) develops in preterm born children during early childhood.. To investigate the role of leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), adiponectin, visfatin and insulin sensitivity in the pathogenesis of possible IR in preterm born children during early childhood.. Twenty-nine preterm small for gestational age (SGA) born children (Group 1) and 25 preterm appropriate for gestational age (AGA) born children (Group 2), matched for gestational age and sex were included in the study. Mean chronological age at investigation was 3.3±0.7years and not different between the groups. Blood samples for fasting blood glucose, insulin, proinsulin, adiponectin, leptin, sOB-R and visfatin were obtained.. Mean height and weight standard deviation scores (SDS) at investigation were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2, but there was no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) SDS between the groups. Catch-up growth (CUG) was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. There was no difference regarding homeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR), leptin, sOB-R, adiponectin, proinsulin and visfatin values between the groups. In the whole group, log visfatin showed a negative correlation with Δweight SDS. There was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and BMI SDS. Adiponectin levels showed a positive correlation with log visfatin levels in all groups.. Preterm born children whether AGA or SGA do not show IR in early childhood if BMI is normal. Significant differences between the preterm SGA and preterm AGA groups regarding the adipocytokine levels were not detected.

Topics: Adiponectin; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Child, Preschool; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Premature Birth; Proinsulin; Receptors, Leptin

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

Leptin is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure and is therefore important for growth and brain development. Analytical methods used for leptin measurement in human milk differ widely in the literature and yield varying results.. To compare different preparation methods for the analysis of leptin in human milk and to investigate the leptin levels in colostrum and mature human milk from mothers of preterm or term infants.. Mothers delivering a preterm (n=37) or a term infant (n=40) were recruited for a prospective study and were ask to collect breast milk on the 3rd and 28th day of lactation. Leptin, protein and fat concentrations were analysed. Clinical data of mother and child were recorded prospectively.. Skim milk was most appropriate for leptin analysis. Human milk leptin concentrations did not differ between preterm and term human milk. In term milk, leptin concentration on day 28 was lower than on day 3 (p<0.05). Milk leptin levels on the 3rd and 28th day were positively correlated with mothers' body mass index, but not with fat content in milk.. Skim milk was the most stabile preparation for leptin analysis. Preterm and term human milk contain leptin in equal concentrations. Human milk leptin depends on mothers' body mass index.

Topics: Body Mass Index; Colostrum; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Leptin; Lipid Metabolism; Milk, Human; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Prospective Studies; Proteins; Term Birth

Small size at birth may result from fetal undernutrition which may occur at different times during gestation. Early postnatal catch-up growth and excess childhood weight gain are associated with an increased risk of adult cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to assess the relative contributions of body composition and energy expenditure on fasting insulin sensitivity during late childhood. We took advantage of two previously described prospective cohorts of children born either at term or prematurely, with a wide range of birth weights adjusted for gestational age. Seventy-one prepubertal children (mean age 7.5 +/- 0.3 years) were examined: 23 term SGA (8 M, 15 F), 12 preterm SGA (7 M, 5 F), 16 term AGA (8 M, 8 F), and 20 preterm AGA (9 M, 11 F). Mean height SDS was -0.18 +/- 0.11 and mean BMI SDS was 0.27 +/- 0.03. Change in weight SDS was significantly higher in children born SGA compared to their AGA counterparts (p < 0.001). Change in weight SDS was highly correlated with fasting insulin (p < 0.03) and leptin (p < 0.001). Fasting insulin correlated only with serum leptin levels. Body composition appeared to be the main determinant of fasting leptin levels. No differences in lipid profile were observed between the different groups. There was a clear tendency to higher insulin and leptin levels in children born SGA compared with their AGA counterparts. IGF-I levels were significantly higher only in SGA term compared to AGA term. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was lower in SGA born at term and higher in SGA born preterm compared to their AGA counterparts. In conclusion, fasting insulin sensitivity is mainly determined by leptin levels which in turn are determined by body composition. IGF-I and REE showed a divergent pattern in SGA term compared to SGA preterm groups. IGF-I levels were determined only by weight change from birth to age 2 years, which may not be as pronounced in VLBW children compared to SGA term and thus may preclude a difference in IGF-I levels in the group of preterm children. The divergent effect in REE in SGA born at term compared to SGA born preterm compared to their AGA counterparts may explain the divergent effects on IGF-I. This difference might be a consequence of different timing in the exposure to intrauterine nutritional deficiency.

Topics: Body Composition; Bone Density; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Energy Metabolism; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Male; Premature Birth; Term Birth

This study aimed to investigate 1) the plasma resistin concentration at birth, 2) the relationship of resistin with leptin and insulin, and 3) the association of resistin with anthropometric indexes in newborn infants. Blood samples for hormonal assay were obtained from preterm and term newborns within the first 2 h of life and before milk feeding or energy intake. Although these infants required blood sampling for clinical reasons, all were proved to be noninfected. Plasma resistin was significantly higher in term than in preterm infants. It was also significantly correlated with serum leptin, and both hormones were significantly associated with gestational age and anthropometric indexes. Infants who were born vaginally were found to have significantly higher plasma resistin levels compared with those who were born by cesarean section. In the multivariate forward stepwise regression models, resistin was found to be significantly associated with the mode of delivery and gestational age or birth weight. The association among resistin, leptin, and anthropometric indexes suggested that both hormones might be gestation related. A high circulating resistin level at term gestation could be advantageous to the infant by promoting hepatic glucose production and preventing hypoglycemia after birth. Infants who were born vaginally had significantly higher plasma resistin levels, suggesting that this hormone might also be associated with stress or inflammation induced by the birth process.

Topics: Anthropometry; Blood Glucose; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Gestational Age; Hormones; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Inflammation; Insulin; Leptin; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Premature Birth; Regression Analysis; Resistin; Sex Factors; Time Factors