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Genetic and environmental influences on human cord blood leptin concentration

B Tarquini1, R Tarquini, F Perfetto

  • 1Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica IV, Florence, Italy.

Pediatrics
|May 1, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Cord blood leptin levels show seasonal and daily patterns, influenced by paternal obesity history. This suggests environmental and genetic factors impact infant leptin, potentially affecting obesity risk.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, plays a crucial role in energy balance and metabolism.
  • Understanding leptin's temporal variations and familial influences is key to deciphering its role in obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the chronome (time structure) of leptin in cord blood.
  • To assess the impact of familial history of obesity and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on cord blood leptin levels.

Main Methods:

  • Leptin concentration was measured in cord blood from 93 infants.
  • Statistical analyses (linear regression, ANOVA) were used to evaluate effects of gender, gestational age, birth weight, maternal weight, familial history, and time of birth (circadian and seasonal).

Main Results:

  • Cord blood leptin was elevated with a paternal history of obesity, but not maternal.
  • Leptin levels were higher in spring/summer and in infants born before noon.
  • Leptin correlated positively with birth weight and gestational age appropriateness.

Conclusions:

  • Circadian and seasonal variations in leptin suggest synchronized environmental and genetic influences.
  • Paternal obesity history association with cord blood leptin may illuminate parental contributions to human obesity and highlight cholesterol metabolism's role.
Abstract

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