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Sexual dimorphism and the placenta - results from the ROLO kids study
Jean M T Donnelly1,2, Mary Horan1, Ricardo Segurado3
1UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Summary
Placental morphology impacts infant body composition, with stronger associations observed in males. This suggests sexual dimorphism influences how the placenta affects infant anthropometry from birth through early infancy.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Developmental biology
- Pediatric endocrinology
Background:
- Placental development and morphology are crucial for fetal growth and development.
- Understanding the placenta's influence on offspring anthropometry is vital for long-term health.
- Previous studies suggest a link between placental characteristics and birth outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between placental morphology and neonatal and infant anthropometry.
- To analyze these associations separately by sex, exploring potential sexual dimorphism.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Randomized COntrol Trial of LOw Glycaemic Index in Pregnancy (ROLO Kids) study.
- Inclusion of placental weight and morphology measurements.
- Collection of anthropometric and skinfold measurements in neonates and 6-month-old infants to assess adiposity.
- Calculation of ratios (e.g., subscapular-to-triceps skinfold, waist-to-height) for central adiposity and sum of skinfolds for general adiposity.
Main Results:
- Placental weight was associated with birth weight and neonatal/infant anthropometry.
- In neonates, placental weight correlated with general adiposity in males only.
- At 6 months, placental length was linked to central adiposity in the total group, while maximum cord diameter inversely correlated with central adiposity in males.
Conclusions:
- The placental phenotype is associated with anthropometry at birth.
- This association extends into early infancy, with a more pronounced relationship observed in males.
- Sexual dimorphism likely plays a role in the placenta's influence on infant anthropometry.
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