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Serum leptin concentrations during the perinatal period
A Sarandakou1, E Protonotariou, D Rizos
1Hormone Laboratory, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Greece.
American Journal of Perinatology
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Maternal serum leptin is elevated during pregnancy, while infant leptin levels decrease after birth. Umbilical cord leptin correlates with infant birth weight, suggesting a placental role in fetal growth regulation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Leptin, a key regulator of energy homeostasis, plays a role in fetal development.
- Understanding leptin dynamics during the perinatal period is crucial for assessing fetal growth and maternal-fetal interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate maternal and infant serum leptin concentrations around childbirth.
- To explore the relationship between leptin levels and neonatal birth weight.
Main Methods:
- Serum leptin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Samples included maternal serum, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, and infant serum on days 1 and 5 postpartum.
- Nonpregnant women served as controls.
Main Results:
- Infant serum leptin significantly decreased from umbilical cord to day 5 postpartum.
- Maternal serum leptin was significantly higher than in infants and controls.
- Amniotic fluid leptin was lower than in controls.
- Umbilical cord leptin, but not maternal serum leptin, correlated with infant birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Elevated maternal serum leptin and decreasing infant leptin post-birth suggest a placental source.
- Leptin likely contributes to the regulation of fetal body weight during pregnancy.