Association of adipokines with cardiovascular risk factors in low birth weight children: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pediatrics
• Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

• Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) later in life.
• Adipokines, signaling molecules from adipose tissue, play a role in metabolic and cardiovascular health.
• Specific adipokines like adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are implicated in metabolic dysfunction and CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma levels of adiponectin, MCP-1, and PAI-1 in children with low birth weight (LBW).
• To determine correlations between these adipokine levels, birth weight, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in LBW children.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted involving 180 schoolchildren aged 6-11 years.
• Plasma concentrations of adiponectin, MCP-1, and PAI-1 were measured.
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations with birth weight and CVD risk factors, including HOMA-IR, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Main Results:

• LBW children exhibited significantly elevated levels of MCP-1 and PAI-1, and significantly reduced levels of adiponectin compared to controls.
• Adiponectin levels showed inverse correlations with SBP, HOMA-IR, and waist circumference.
• Proinflammatory markers MCP-1 and PAI-1 positively correlated with HOMA-IR and waist circumference.

Conclusions:

• Altered adipokine profiles are present in LBW children and are correlated with key cardiovascular risk factors.
• These adipokines may mediate the link between low birth weight and the development of adult cardiovascular diseases.
• Findings highlight potential early-life interventions targeting adipokine pathways to mitigate long-term CVD risk in LBW individuals.