Circulating adiponectin in preterm infants fed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA)-supplemented formula--a randomized controlled study
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Published on: March 5, 2016
Tania Siahanidou1, Alexandra Margeli, Christina Lazaropoulou
1Neonatal Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, 11527, Greece. neonat5@paidon-agiasofia.gr
Insights
Feeding preterm infants long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) increased adiponectin and HDL-C levels, while lowering triglycerides. This suggests LCPUFA supplementation may benefit metabolic health in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic syndrome
Background:
- Adiponectin plays a key role in insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism.
- Metabolic syndrome is a concern for preterm infants.
- Dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) may influence adiponectin levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of LCPUFA-supplemented formula on serum adiponectin and lipid profiles in preterm infants.
- To assess the relationship between adiponectin, HDL-C, and triglycerides in this population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 60 healthy preterm infants.
- Infants were fed either a formula with LCPUFA or a control formula without LCPUFA.
- Serum adiponectin, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels were measured.
Main Results:
- The group fed LCPUFA showed significantly higher adiponectin and HDL-C concentrations compared to controls.
- Triglyceride levels were lower in the +LCPUFA group.
- Adiponectin positively correlated with HDL-C and negatively with triglycerides in the +LCPUFA group.
Conclusions:
- Dietary LCPUFA supplementation increases circulating adiponectin concentrations in preterm infants.
- LCPUFA intake is associated with improved lipid profiles, including higher HDL-C and lower triglycerides.
- These findings suggest a potential role for LCPUFA in mitigating metabolic risks in preterm infants.
Abstract:
Adiponectin has potent insulin-sensitizing effects, improves lipid metabolism, and potentially protects against the development of metabolic syndrome. Thus, increasing adiponectin levels in preterm infants at risk for developing metabolic syndrome may be of special interest. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) on serum adiponectin and lipid concentrations in preterm infants. Adiponectin and lipid levels of 60 healthy preterm infants [gestational age 32.7 (1.9) wk] randomly assigned to be fed either 1) a formula containing LCPUFA [arachidonic and docosahexanoic] (+LCPUFA group) or 2) the same formula without LCPUFA (-LCPUFA/control group), were determined at mean (SD) 33.8 (11.7) d. Adiponectin and HDL-C concentrations were significantly higher in the +LCPUFA group than in controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01, respectively); whereas, triglyceride levels were lower (p = 0.06). Adiponectin correlated positively with HDL-C levels and negatively with triglyceride levels in the +LCPUFA group but not in the controls. In conclusion, circulating adiponectin concentrations were higher in preterm infants fed a formula containing LCPUFA than infants fed an LCPUFA-free formula and they correlated with lipidemic profile.
