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Metabolic proteins at birth predict early childhood mental health symptoms

Samantha R Scott1, Erika M Manczak1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Developmental Psychobiology
|February 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Infant metabolic proteins, like leptin and adiponectin, measured at birth can predict early childhood mental health symptoms. This research highlights potential early biomarkers for developmental challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Metabolomics
  • Pediatric Mental Health

Background:

  • Child mental health disorders represent a significant global disability burden.
  • Biological factors influence psychosocial development, but the role of metabolic proteins is under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the predictive role of infant metabolic proteins in cord blood for early childhood mental health symptoms.
  • To examine associations between leptin, adiponectin, and their ratio with mental health outcomes at ages 3 and 5.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the longitudinal Born in Bradford (BiB) birth cohort study.
  • Measured cord blood metabolic proteins (leptin, adiponectin) at birth.
  • Assessed mental health symptoms and developmental milestones at ages 3 and 5.

Main Results:

  • Higher cord blood leptin levels correlated with increased prosocial behavior at age 3.
  • An elevated leptin-to-adiponectin ratio at birth predicted greater total symptom difficulties.
  • Higher adiponectin at birth was associated with poorer teacher-rated performance in managing feelings/behaviors and relationships at age 5.

Conclusions:

  • Cord blood metabolic proteins may serve as early predictive biomarkers for mental health symptoms in children.
  • This study is among the first to prospectively link cord blood metabolic proteins, including the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio, to childhood mental health.
  • Findings suggest metabolic profiles at birth could inform risk assessment for developmental mental health issues.

Keywords:
Born in Bradfordadiponectinearly childhood mental healthleptinleptin-to-adiponectin ratioprosocial behavior

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