Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Cord and Early Childhood Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Autism Risk: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study
Ramkripa Raghavan1, M Daniele Fallin2, Xiumei Hong1
1Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2179, USA.
Insights
Cord adiponectin levels may reduce the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study found lower cord adiponectin in infants who later developed ASD, suggesting its importance in early risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Adiponectin, a cytokine from adipose tissue, is increasingly researched for its role in neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with growing research into its underlying biological markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cord and early childhood plasma adiponectin levels and the subsequent risk of developing ASD.
- To determine the relative importance of adiponectin levels at birth versus early childhood in ASD risk.
Main Methods:
- Prospective birth cohort study including 847 participants.
- Assessed plasma adiponectin levels at birth (cord) and in early childhood.
- ASD diagnosis based on ICD codes from physician diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Inverse association found between cord adiponectin levels and ASD risk (aOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.33, 0.77).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for preterm birth, early childhood adiponectin, and other known ASD risk factors.
- Early childhood adiponectin showed an association with lower ASD risk, but this effect diminished when cord adiponectin was considered.
Conclusions:
- Cord adiponectin levels appear to be a significant, independent predictor of ASD risk.
- The findings highlight the potential role of adiponectin in the biological pathways leading to ASD.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying biological mechanisms.
Abstract:
Emerging research suggests that adiponectin, a cytokine produced by adipose tissue, may be implicated in ASD. In this prospective birth cohort study (n = 847), we assessed the association between cord, early childhood plasma adiponectin and the risk of developing ASD. ASD was defined based on ICD codes of physician diagnosis. Cord adiponectin levels were inversely associated with ASD risk (aOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.33, 0.77), independent of preterm birth, early childhood adiponectin and other known ASD risk factors. Early childhood adiponectin, assessed prior to ASD diagnosis, was associated with lower risk of ASD, which attenuated after adjusting for cord adiponectin, indicating the relative importance of cord adiponectin in ASD risk. Further research is warranted to confirm our findings and elucidate biological mechanisms.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Birth Control Methods
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:31Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Drug's Physicochemical Properties and Plasma Levels
One important factor is the drug's molecular size. The kidneys readily excrete smaller molecules below 300 Daltons (Da). On the other hand, molecules weighing between 300 and 500 Da are excreted through both urine and bile. Larger molecules above 500 Da tend to be excreted...
01:12Relative Risk
01:28Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Childhood
The first four of Erikson's eight...
01:29Leveling Effect