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Growth factors, adiponectin, leptin and body mass index in pre-pubertal children born large for gestational age

A S Challa1, E N Evagelidou, V I Giapros

  • 1Pediatric Research Laboratory, Child Health Department, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|June 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children born large for gestational age (LGA) show altered insulin resistance and lower IGFBP-3 levels compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) peers. Severity of overgrowth correlates with insulin resistance in LGA children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Growth Hormone Axis
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Children born large for gestational age (LGA) may experience altered metabolic and endocrine profiles.
  • The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis plays a crucial role in growth and metabolism.
  • Understanding these differences is vital for monitoring long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential differences in the IGF axis between pre-pubertal children born LGA and those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
  • To explore the relationship between birth weight percentile and endocrine/metabolic markers in LGA children.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 98 non-obese pre-pubertal children (5.5-8 years) was studied, including 37 LGA and 61 AGA.
  • Measurements included total and free IGF-I, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3, leptin, adiponectin, glucose, and insulin.
  • Insulin resistance was assessed using the HOMA-IR index.

Main Results:

  • IGF-I and IGFBP-1 levels were similar between LGA and AGA groups.
  • Children born LGA exhibited significantly lower IGFBP-3 levels compared to AGA children.
  • LGA children showed higher fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR index, indicating increased insulin resistance, particularly in those with higher birth weight percentiles.
  • Adiponectin levels were elevated in the higher percentile LGA subgroup.

Conclusions:

  • The IGF axis, except for IGFBP-3, does not significantly differ in pre-pubertal children born LGA versus AGA.
  • Lower IGFBP-3 levels are a notable finding in LGA children.
  • The degree of intrauterine overgrowth in LGA children is associated with markers of insulin resistance.
Abstract

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