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Circulating progranulin in human infants: relation to prenatal growth and early postnatal nutrition

Marta Díaz1,2, Alberto Mestres-Arenas3,4, Carles Lerin1,2

  • 1Pediatric Research Institute Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, 08950, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain.

Pediatric Research
|April 8, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Progranulin (PGRN) levels increase in infants but less so in small for gestational age (SGA) infants. Lower PGRN in SGA infants is linked to metabolic risks, suggesting a role in future disease development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disease Biomarkers
  • Infant Growth and Development

Background:

  • Progranulin (PGRN) is implicated as a biomarker for metabolic diseases.
  • Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) face increased risks for obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly with formula feeding and rapid postnatal weight gain.
  • Longitudinal assessment of PGRN in infants is crucial for understanding its role in early metabolic health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To longitudinally assess progranulin (PGRN) concentrations in infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA).
  • To investigate the relationship between PGRN levels, feeding mode (breast-fed vs. formula-fed), and metabolic health markers in early infancy.
  • To explore the potential of PGRN as an early indicator of metabolic disease risk in SGA infants.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 183 infants (AGA and SGA) were studied, divided by feeding mode (breast-fed or formula-fed) for the first 4 months.
  • Measurements included auxology, glucose, insulin, IGF-1, adiponectin, PGRN, and body composition (DXA) at birth, 4 months, and 12 months.
  • Statistical analyses correlated PGRN levels with auxological, metabolic, and body composition data.

Main Results:

  • PGRN levels were low at birth and increased by 4 and 12 months, with a less pronounced increase observed in SGA infants.
  • PGRN levels were independent of prenatal growth and feeding mode.
  • PGRN concentrations correlated with markers of adiposity, inflammation, and insulin resistance, particularly in formula-fed SGA infants.

Conclusions:

  • The attenuated rise in PGRN levels during infancy in SGA infants, coupled with its association with metabolic risk factors, suggests a potential role in future disease development.
  • PGRN may be involved in the metabolic adaptations of SGA infants, potentially contributing to their heightened risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of PGRN in the metabolic trajectory of SGA infants.
Abstract

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