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Is low birth weight associated with lower adiponectin levels? - A systematic review and meta-analysis
Afnan Sabah Alhakeem1, Aleyna Hasturk1, Trine Witzner Hessel Lawaetz1
1Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.
Insights
Individuals born with low birth weight have lower adiponectin levels, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes. This systematic review confirms a link between birth weight and adiponectin, offering insights into disease origins.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Low birth weight is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Immature adipose tissue development and reduced adiponectin levels may underlie this risk.
- Adiponectin is a key insulin-sensitizing adipokine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze studies examining the relationship between circulating adiponectin levels and birth weight.
- To investigate the potential contribution of reduced adiponectin to the elevated type 2 diabetes risk in low birth weight individuals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 67 studies.
- Inclusion of over 8000 individuals across various age groups.
- Pooled Pearson correlation analysis to assess the relationship between birth weight and adiponectin.
Main Results:
- Individuals with low birth weight exhibited significantly lower adiponectin levels compared to normal birth weight individuals (SMD = -0.46 μg/ml).
- A moderate, statistically significant positive correlation was found between birth weight and adiponectin levels (correlation estimate = 0.31).
- Moderate heterogeneity was observed, but sensitivity analyses did not pinpoint specific drivers.
Conclusions:
- Reduced adiponectin levels in low birth weight individuals may contribute to their heightened risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Findings suggest a potential role for adiponectin in the developmental origins of type 2 diabetes.
- Establishes a significant association between birth weight and adiponectin, informing future research and clinical perspectives.
Abstract:
Individuals born with low birth weight are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which potentially may be attributed to immature adipose tissue development and reduced levels of the insulin-sensitizing adipokine, adiponectin. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesize data from 67 studies, comprising over 8000 individuals across various age groups, to examine the relationship between circulating adiponectin levels and birth weight. The results revealed that individuals with low birth weight have significantly lower adiponectin levels compared to those born with normal birth weight (SMD = -0.46 μg/ml [95% CI: -0.57; -0.35], P < 0.0001). Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 67%, P < 0.01), but sensitivity analysis and meta-regression did not identify specific factors driving this variation. Pooled Pearson correlation analysis indicated a moderate but statistically significant positive correlation between birth weight and adiponectin levels (correlation estimate = 0.31 [95% CI: 0.16; 0.46], P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that reduced adiponectin levels in low birth weight individuals may contribute to their elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, potentially offering new insights into the developmental origin of this disease.
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