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Leptin is present in human cord blood
1Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
Diabetes
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Leptin, a hormone, is present in newborn cord blood at adult levels and correlates with birth weight. This indicates fetal fat cells produce leptin, suggesting its role in fetal hematopoiesis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Leptin, the ob gene product, is expressed on hematopoietic stem cells.
- Leptin stimulates hemato- and lymphopoiesis at the stem cell level.
- A potential role for leptin in fetal hematopoiesis has been proposed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether leptin is synthesized and released by the fetus.
- To measure plasma leptin concentrations in human cord blood.
Main Methods:
- Plasma leptin concentrations were measured in cord blood from 78 newborn infants.
- Statistical analysis was performed to correlate leptin levels with birth weight.
Main Results:
- Leptin was detected in all 78 infants, with concentrations comparable to adult levels (0.6-55.7 ng/ml).
- Plasma leptin concentrations in cord blood showed a significant positive correlation with birth weight (r = 0.74, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- These findings demonstrate that leptin is synthesized and released by fetal fat cells.
- The presence and levels of leptin in cord blood support its potential role in human fetal hematopoiesis.