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Serum Adipocytokines Profile in Children Born Small and Appropriate for Gestational Age-A Comparative Study
Justyna Zamojska1, Katarzyna Niewiadomska-Jarosik1, Agnieszka Wosiak2
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-008 Lodz, Poland.
Insights
Children born small for gestational age (SGA) show altered levels of adiponectin and leptin, indicating abnormal adipose tissue biomarkers. These findings highlight potential metabolic differences in SGA individuals compared to appropriate for gestational age peers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, releasing adipocytokines that regulate metabolism.
- Adipocytokines have been linked to fetal growth restriction disorders.
- This study investigates adipocytokine profiles in children born small for gestational age (SGA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin in children born SGA versus those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
- To explore correlations between these adipocytokines and anthropometric/clinical parameters in SGA children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 35 children aged 7-9 years born SGA (term) was compared to 25 healthy children born AGA.
- Serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels were measured.
- Correlations with body weight, BMI, and blood pressure were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Adiponectin and leptin levels were significantly higher in the SGA group compared to the AGA group (p=0.023, p=0.018).
- Resistin levels were similar between groups.
- Negative correlation observed between adiponectin and body weight/BMI in SGA children; positive correlation between leptin and body weight.
- SGA children exhibited higher diastolic blood pressure and a negative correlation between adiponectin and systolic blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Children born SGA exhibit distinct adipose tissue biomarker profiles.
- These alterations in adiponectin and leptin may have long-term metabolic implications for SGA individuals.
Background:
Adipose tissue is not only a storage place for fat, but also an endocrine organ, secreting bioactive molecules which influence body metabolism. Such molecules are known as adipocytokines. In the past years the coincidence between adipocytokines and fetal growth restriction disorders was found. The aim of the study was to estimate serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin in children born small for gestational age, compared to children born at an appropriate size for gestational age.
Methods:
The study consisted of 35 children aged seven to nine years, born SGA (small for gestational age) on term and 25 healthy children (14 girls, 11 boys), born with proper birthweight (AGA-appropriate for gestational age)-control group.
Results:
Adiponectin and leptin levels were significantly higher in the SGA group compared to the AGA group (p = 0.023, p = 0.018 respectively). The resistin values were comparable in both groups of patients. There was a positive correlation between serum leptin concentration and current body weight in SGA group (r = 0.28; p = 0.108). In turn, adiponectin levels in this group of patients negatively correlated with actual body weight (r = -0.51; p = 0.002). The negative correlation between body mass index and plasma adiponectin levels was found only in children born SGA. SGA children had significantly higher values of diastolic blood pressure. There was negative correlation between serum adiponectin level and systolic blood pressure in SGA children. In the SGA group the phenomenon of catch-up growth was observed in 32 children.
Conclusions:
Children born SGA have abnormal adipose tissue biomarkers profiles.
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