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Published on: July 17, 2018
Circulating levels of adiponectin in preterm infants
Tania Siahanidou1, Helen Mandyla, Gerasimos-Peter Papassotiriou
1First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece. neonat5@paidon-agiasofia.gr
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|November 1, 2006
Summary
Preterm infants have lower adiponectin levels at discharge, influenced by birth size and weight gain. These findings suggest potential implications for metabolic health in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Research
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Adiponectin is an adipokine with known roles in glucose and lipid metabolism.
- Circulating adiponectin levels and their determinants in preterm infants are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine serum adiponectin levels in preterm infants at discharge.
- To investigate associations between adiponectin, anthropometric measurements, weight gain, and leptin and insulin levels in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted in a university hospital neonatal care unit.
- Included 62 preterm infants and 15 full-term infants as a reference group.
- Blood samples were collected at discharge for adiponectin, leptin, and insulin measurements.
Main Results:
- Serum adiponectin levels were lower in preterm infants compared to full-term infants (p<0.01).
- After adjusting for body weight, prematurity did not significantly influence adiponectin levels.
- In preterm infants, adiponectin correlated with being born small for gestational age (SGA), weight gain, and LCPUFA-supplemented formula.
Conclusions:
- Lower adiponectin levels in preterm infants at discharge may be linked to reduced adiposity.
- Factors such as SGA status, weight gain, and dietary LCPUFAs influence adiponectin levels in preterm infants.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications for insulin and leptin resistance in this population.
