Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Effect of Preterm Birth on Postnatal Apolipoprotein and Adipocytokine Profiles
Gunnel Hellgren1, Eva Engström, Lois E Smith
1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Preterm infants born before 28 weeks show altered apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels compared to those born at 32 weeks. These metabolic shifts may impact infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Metabolism
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Preterm birth (<28 weeks postmenstrual age) significantly impacts neonatal metabolic pathways crucial for ex utero adaptation.
- Infants born extremely preterm may experience altered nutritional supply, lipid profiles, and transport particles, affecting overall health.
- Changes in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels are implicated in these metabolic shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels between neonates born at 28 weeks and 32 weeks gestational age.
- To assess the changes in these levels in extremely preterm infants (28 weeks GA) during the early postnatal period.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 47 infants (17 at 28 weeks GA, 30 at 32 weeks GA) at birth.
- For the 28 weeks GA group, samples were also collected at 32 weeks postmenstrual age.
- Analyzed levels included apolipoproteins (A-1, A-2, B, C-2, C-3, E) and adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin).
Main Results:
- Infants born at 28 weeks GA had lower levels of apolipoproteins A-1, C-2, C-3, and E at birth compared to those born at 32 weeks GA.
- Adiponectin and leptin levels were low at birth in the 28 weeks GA group.
- Postnatally, leptin remained low, while adiponectin levels increased in the 28 weeks GA group, approaching levels seen at birth in the 32 weeks GA group.
- Lower apolipoprotein levels correlated with increased duration of total parenteral nutrition.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels are associated with gestational age and birth weight.
- The clinical implications of these altered metabolic markers on neonatal and long-term health require further investigation.
Background:
Critical metabolic changes preparing for ex utero life may occur at the fetal age of approximately 28-32 weeks, and preterm birth <28 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) may affect these pathways. Children born <28 weeks often have poorer outcomes possibly due to a major shift in metabolism, including nutritional supply and a shift in lipid-transporting particles and lipid profile. This shift may occur in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels, which may influence metabolism.
Objective:
To determine whether there is a shift in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels in neonates born at a gestational age (GA) of 28 and 32 weeks, respectively.
Methods:
Blood samples from 47 infants (GA 32 weeks, n = 30 and GA 28 weeks, n = 17) were collected at birth and, in the GA28 group, also at PMA 32 weeks. Apolipoproteins A-1, A-2, B, C-2, C-3, and E were analyzed, as well as adiponectin and leptin levels.
Results:
Serum levels of apolipoproteins A-1, C-2, C-3, and E were lower at birth in the GA28 group compared to the GA32 group. Adiponectin and leptin levels were low at birth in the GA28 group. In the GA28 group 4 weeks after birth, leptin levels were still low, whereas adiponectin levels had increased to levels similar to those found at birth in the GA32 group. Apolipoprotein A-1, C-2, C-3, and E levels were negatively correlated with days receiving total parenteral nutrition.
Conclusion:
There are significant differences in apolipoprotein and adipocytokine levels, which can be associated with GA and birth weight. The impact of these changes on neonatal and future morbidity remains to be determined.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:20Pathophysiology of 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,...