Has the adipokine profile an influence on the catch-up growth type in small for gestational age infants?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Metabolic Health
• Growth and Development

Background:

• Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) face increased risks of perinatal issues, short stature, and metabolic problems.
• Post-natal growth patterns in SGA infants, influenced by adipokines, significantly impact long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare plasma adipokine profiles (leptin, adiponectin, vaspin, chemerin, NOV/CCN3) in SGA newborns at 3 months based on catch-up growth (low, normal, high).
• To investigate sex-based differences in adipokine profiles.
• To analyze the longitudinal changes in adipokine levels from 3 to 24 months in SGA infants.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, longitudinal study of Caucasian SGA infants.
• Measurement of plasma adipokine levels at 3 and 24 months of age.
• Categorization of infants into low, normal, or high catch-up growth groups based on post-natal growth patterns.

Main Results:

• Infants with rapid catch-up growth had significantly lower birth weights.
• Significant differences in adipokine profiles were observed among the catch-up growth groups, suggesting adipokine influence on growth patterns.
• Adipokine evolution patterns varied between 3 and 24 months.
• At 24 months, males exhibited lower levels of leptin, adiponectin, and omentin compared to females.

Conclusions:

• Adipokine profiles may predict catch-up growth trajectories in SGA infants.
• Contrasting health prognoses are suggested for infants with slow versus fast catch-up growth, extending beyond infancy.
• Sex-specific differences in adipokine levels emerge by 24 months, highlighting distinct developmental patterns.