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Umbilical cord leptin predicts neonatal bone mass.
M K Javaid1, K M Godfrey, P Taylor
1MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, University of Southampton, Soumampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
Calcified Tissue International
|May 3, 2005
Summary
Fetal leptin levels in umbilical cord serum are linked to neonatal bone mass and density. Maternal fat stores may influence fetal bone development via leptin signaling.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Bone Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Osteoporosis risk may be influenced by intrauterine and early postnatal environmental factors.
- Animal studies suggest fetal leptin impacts prenatal osteoblast development and is affected by maternal nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of fetal leptin in mediating the relationship between maternal factors and neonatal bone mass.
- To examine associations between umbilical venous leptin concentrations and neonatal bone mineral content, bone density, and body composition.
Main Methods:
- Umbilical venous serum leptin concentrations were measured in 117 term infants.
- Neonatal bone mass (BMC), volumetric bone density, lean mass, and fat mass were assessed.
- Associations between leptin levels and neonatal outcomes were analyzed, controlling for cord serum IGF-1 and previously identified maternal determinants.
Main Results:
- Umbilical leptin showed strong positive associations with neonatal whole body bone mineral content (BMC) and estimated volumetric bone density.
- Leptin concentrations were also positively correlated with neonatal lean mass and fat mass.
- Cord leptin explained the association between maternal fat stores and neonatal bone mass, but not maternal birthweight, smoking, or physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Umbilical venous leptin is a significant predictor of both the size and estimated volumetric mineral density of the neonatal skeleton.
- Maternal fat stores may influence fetal bone accrual by modulating fetal leptin concentrations during pregnancy.