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Published on: August 2, 2017
Intracellular magnesium and adipokines in umbilical cord plasma and infant birth size
Junji Takaya1, Fumiko Yamato, Hirohiko Higashino
1Department of Pediatrics, Kansai Medical University, Moriguchi, Osaka 570-8506, Japan.
Insights
Restricted fetal growth is linked to adult insulin resistance. This study found lower intracellular magnesium in infants with small for gestational age, suggesting a role in insulin resistance development.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies link restricted fetal growth to adult insulin resistance.
- Intracellular magnesium's role in this association is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intracellular magnesium [Mg2+]i in cord blood platelets, adipocytokines, and birth size.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking fetal growth restriction to insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Compared intracellular magnesium [Mg2+]i in cord blood platelets between infants small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
- Measured cord plasma levels of insulin, IGF-I, ghrelin, adiponectin, PAI-1, and leptin using ELISA.
- Assessed insulin sensitivity using the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI).
Main Results:
- Mean [Mg2+]i was significantly lower in SGA infants compared to AGA infants.
- SGA infants had lower adiponectin and IGF-I, and higher PAI-1 levels.
- [Mg2+]i correlated with birth weight, length, and adiponectin; [Mg]i and adiponectin correlated with QUICKI.
Conclusions:
- Decreased intracellular magnesium [Mg2+]i in cord blood may be involved in the development of insulin resistance in individuals with restricted fetal growth.
- [Mg2+]i, along with leptin and IGF-I, reflects fetal growth extent.
Abstract:
Many epidemiologic studies have disclosed that restricted fetal growth has been associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance in adulthood. We studied the relationship of intracellular magnesium [Mg2+]i in cord blood platelets to adipocytokine and birth size. The subjects were 20 infants with small for gestational age (SGA) and 45 infants with appropriate for gestational age (AGA). By using a fluorescent probe, we examined [Mg2+]i of platelets in the cord blood. Cord plasma insulin, IGF-I, ghrelin, adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and leptin levels were determined with the use of ELISA. Mean [Mg2+]i was lower in the SGA than in the AGA groups (p < 0.001). Adiponectin and IGF-I were also lower in the SGA than in the AGA, whereas PAI-1 was higher in the SGA. [Mg2+]i was significantly correlated with birth weight, birth length, and adiponectin. Birth weight was also correlated with cord plasma IGF-I, adiponectin, and leptin. Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was lower in the SGA group than in the AGA group. [Mg]i and adiponectin were correlated with QUICKI in all subjects. [Mg]i, as well as leptin and IGF-I, reflect the extent of fetal growth. Decreased [Mg2+]i may be involved in the underlying processes to insulin resistance.
