Leptin may enhance hepatic insulin sensitivity in children and women born small for gestational age

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice
06:16

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice

Published on: September 9, 2025

Anna Kistner1, Mireille Vanpée, Kerstin Hall

  • 1Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery Karolinska Institutet SE-171 76, Stockholm Sweden.

Endocrine Connections
|June 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Small for gestational age (SGA) girls and women exhibit elevated leptin levels, potentially offering protection against insulin resistance. Insulin and leptin influence insulin-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) levels in children born SGA.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Children born small for gestational age (SGA) face increased risks for type 2 diabetes.
  • Leptin, a hormone, can reverse metabolic issues associated with early type 2 diabetes.
  • Low insulin-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) levels are predictive of type 2 diabetes development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate leptin, insulin, and IGFBP1 levels in preterm and SGA children and adult women.
  • To assess the role of leptin as a compensatory mechanism in the development of insulin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 76 children (8.5-10 years) and 45 women (23-30 years).
  • Participants included those born appropriate for gestational age, SGA at term, and preterm.
  • Measured fasting levels of IGFBP1, leptin, insulin, IGF1, and total adiponectin (in women).

Main Results:

  • Term SGA girls and women showed higher leptin levels relative to BMI SDS.
  • Leptin and insulin explained over half of the IGFBP1 variability in children.
  • Term SGA women had lower IGFBP1 levels compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated leptin levels were observed in term SGA girls and women, particularly adults.
  • IGFBP1 was lower in term SGA women, with leptin and insulin significantly impacting IGFBP1 in children.
  • Higher leptin may serve a protective role in enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity.
Abstract

Keywords:
BMIIGFBP1SGAinsulin resistanceleptinpreterm children

More Related Videos

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation09:29

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation

Published on: August 4, 2023

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice11:10

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

Published on: November 16, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood glucose levels...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides01:06

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides

Repaglinide (Prandin) and Nateglinide (Starlix), known as glinides, are oral insulin secretagogues that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic β cells by closing the ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channel). Repaglinide controls insulin release from pancreatic β cells by managing potassium efflux. It shares two binding sites with sulfonylureas and also has a unique site, indicating overlapping mechanisms of action. With a rapid onset and a 4-7 hour duration, it effectively manages...