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Association of Cord Blood Metabolic Biomarkers (Leptin, Adiponectin, IGF-1) with Fetal Adiposity Across Gestation
Junko Tamai1, Satoru Ikenoue1, Keisuke Akita1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan.
Insights
Cord leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in umbilical cord blood are linked to increased fetal adiposity. These findings suggest potential biomarkers for infant obesity and later metabolic issues.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a global health concern with origins potentially in fetal development.
- Understanding fetal fat deposition determinants is crucial for early intervention.
- Intrauterine factors significantly influence adiposity and long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cord blood adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, IGF-1) and fetal adiposity.
- To identify potential biomarkers for increased fetal fat deposition during gestation.
- To explore the relationship between cord blood markers and fetal insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 94 singleton pregnancies.
- Fetal ultrasonography at 24, 30, and 36 weeks to estimate fetal adiposity (EFA).
- Analysis of cord blood leptin, adiponectin, IGF-1, and C-peptide levels using multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- Cord leptin levels significantly correlated with EFA at 30 and 36 weeks gestation.
- Leptin showed a positive correlation with umbilical cord C-peptide, indicating fetal insulin resistance.
- Cord IGF-1 levels correlated with EFA and estimated fetal body weight (EFW) at 36 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Cord leptin and IGF-1 are associated with increased fetal adiposity and body weight.
- These adipocytokines may serve as early plasma biomarkers for fetal adiposity.
- Elevated cord leptin and IGF-1 could indicate a predisposition to infant obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity is a substantial health problem worldwide. The origin of obesity (increased adiposity) can be partly traced back to intrauterine life. However, the determinants of fetal fat deposition remain unclear. This study investigated the association between cord blood adipocytokines related to lipid metabolism (leptin, adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) and fetal adiposity during gestation. A prospective study was conducted in a cohort of 94 singleton pregnancies. Fetal ultrasonography was performed at 24, 30, and 36 weeks of gestation. Estimated fetal adiposity (EFA) was calculated by integrating measurements of cross-sectional arm and thigh fat area percentages and anterior abdominal wall thickness. Plasma cytokine levels and C-peptide immunoreactivity (as a proxy for fetal insulin resistance) were evaluated in cord blood samples obtained at delivery. The associations of cord blood leptin, adiponectin and IGF-1 levels with EFA at 24, 30, and 36 weeks were determined by multiple linear regression, adjusted for potential covariates. The multivariate analyses indicated that leptin was significantly correlated with EFA at 30 and 36 weeks. Leptin was also positively correlated with C-peptide immunoreactivity in the umbilical cord. Cord adiponectin levels were not associated with EFA across gestation. Cord IGF-1 levels were significantly correlated with EFA and estimated fetal body weight (EFW) at 36 weeks. In conclusion, cord leptin was associated with EFA at 30 and 36 weeks, and IGF-1 was associated with EFA at 36 and EFW at 36 weeks. In Conclusion, cord leptin was associated with EFA at 30 and 36 weeks, and IGF-1 was associated with EFA and EFW at 36 weeks. Considering the effects of leptin and IGF-1 on fetal insulin resistance and lipid metabolism, increased levels of leptin and IGF-1 are potential plasma biomarkers of increased fetal adiposity, which may predispose to infant obesity and metabolic dysfunction in later life.
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