Biochemistry, hormones and adipocytokines in prepubertal children born with IUGR evoke metabolic, hepatic and renal derangements

Abstract

Children born with IUGR develop features of the metabolic syndrome and exhibit deranged markers of hepatorenal physiology. Metabolic and hepatorenal biochemistry and the rs9939609 FTO polymorphism were investigated in prepubertal children born with IUGR. Ninety-eight prepubertal children (46 IUGR and 52 AGA), subdivided in <5 years and >5 years old groups were included. Anthropometry; creatinine, eGFR, urea, AST, ALT, triglycerides, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, glucose, C-peptide, insulin and glucagon z-scores; HOMA-IR; leptin and adiponectin concentrations; rs9939609 FTO polymorphism frequency were measured. In males, weight and ALT were higher and adiponectin was lower, in IUGR < 5 years; C-peptide, insulin and leptin were higher in IUGR > 5 years; C-peptide was higher in all IUGR, than the respective AGA. In females, creatinine and triglycerides were higher in IUGR < 5 years old; creatinine was higher and eGFR was lower in all IUGR, than the respective AGA. In males and females, creatinine was higher in all IUGR, than the respective AGA; C-peptide, insulin and HOMA-IR were lower, and AST was higher in IUGR < 5 than in IUGR > 5 years old. FTO rs9939609 frequency did not differ between IUGR and AGA. In conclusion prepubertal males born with IUGR increased weight, insulin and leptin and decreased adiponectin, as compared to males born AGA, emerge as early metabolic syndrome characteristics. The concentrations of these hormones do not differ between prepubertal males and females born with IUGR. Weight control, healthy nutrition and physical exercise should be recommended to these children. The deranged renal (particularly evident in females below the age of 5) and liver biochemistry in prepubertal children born with IUGR suggests that hepatorenal derangements might commence in utero. Regular checkup of biochemical and lipid profile is recommended for all children born with IUGR.

Estimating fetal cholesterol synthesis rates by cord blood analysis in intrauterine growth restriction and normally grown fetuses

“…Since cholesterol and its metabolites are catabolized in the fetal liver by bile acid formation higher 24S-OHC/TC ratios (and also 27-OHC/TC ratios) in IUGR fetuses may also be explained by reduced elimination rates. Indeed, studies on liver function of IUGR fetuses suggest a reduced hepatic activity with lower alanine aminotransferase synthesis rates [45], and higher bile acids concentrations in cord blood of the IUGR fetuses as compared to controls [46] that persists in childhood [47].…”

Intracellular and tissue specific expression of FTO protein in pig: changes with age, energy intake and metabolic status

“…In some tissues, such as the cerebellum and kidneys, FTO protein expression was much higher in IUGR piglets than in their normal body weight littermates, but in the salivary gland, small intestine, and liver expression was significantly lower. We speculate that the increased/decreased levels of FTO may be the result of altered methylation/demethylation levels in IUGR, as has been shown in several studies 30,62,63 , and that in the gastrointestinal system this may reflect retarded tissue structure and function development 57,59 . We conclude, that more research in this area is required.…”

Assisted Reproduction in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

“…Babies from mothers with CAH and NCCAH have an increased risk to be small for gestational age (SGA) babies, especially when parents suffer from NCCAH. The long-term follow-up of the offspring has shown normal physical and intellectual development although these children might show deranged renal (particularly evident in females below the age of 5) and liver biochemistry (9, 29).…”