Serum Adipocytokines Profile in Children Born Small and Appropriate for Gestational Age—A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Adipose tissue is not only a storage place for fat, but also an endocrine organ, secreting bioactive molecules which influence body metabolism. Such molecules are known as adipocytokines. In the past years the coincidence between adipocytokines and fetal growth restriction disorders was found. The aim of the study was to estimate serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin in children born small for gestational age, compared to children born at an appropriate size for gestational age. Methods: The study consisted of 35 children aged seven to nine years, born SGA (small for gestational age) on term and 25 healthy children (14 girls, 11 boys), born with proper birthweight (AGA—appropriate for gestational age)–control group. Results: Adiponectin and leptin levels were significantly higher in the SGA group compared to the AGA group (p = 0.023, p = 0.018 respectively). The resistin values were comparable in both groups of patients. There was a positive correlation between serum leptin concentration and current body weight in SGA group (r = 0.28; p = 0.108). In turn, adiponectin levels in this group of patients negatively correlated with actual body weight (r = −0.51; p = 0.002). The negative correlation between body mass index and plasma adiponectin levels was found only in children born SGA. SGA children had significantly higher values of diastolic blood pressure. There was negative correlation between serum adiponectin level and systolic blood pressure in SGA children. In the SGA group the phenomenon of catch-up growth was observed in 32 children. Conclusions: Children born SGA have abnormal adipose tissue biomarkers profiles.

The incidence of insulin resistance based on indices calculated using the HOMA and Belfiore methods and its impact on the occurrence of metabolic complications in prepubertal children born small for gestational age

“…The influence of altered adiponectin levels on increased insulin secretion has previously been emphasized in many studies. Zamojska et al [32] found that adiponectin and leptin levels were significantly higher in the SGA group compared to the AGA group, while resistin values were comparable between the 2 groups of patients. According to the results of this study, adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with blood pressure.…”

Maternal Blood Adipokines and Their Association with Fetal Growth: A Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature

“…On the other hand, another study which included 45 SGA children showed higher levels of resistin, and it was independently correlated with low birth weight [ 64 ]. Recently, a study of 35 SGA children and 25 AGA children failed to show any difference in resistin levels between these two groups [ 65 ].…”

Metabolic and Low-Grade Inflammation Risk in Young Adults with a History of Extrauterine Growth Restriction

“…In the present work, we observed that the EUGR group had a different adipokine profile than the healthy group, characterized by lower levels of adiponectin and resistin and higher levels of leptin. Low birth weight has previously been linked with high leptin and low adiponectin levels [ 59 ]. However, some studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding resistin in relation to low perinatal weight and obesity or overweight [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

“…Low birth weight has previously been linked with high leptin and low adiponectin levels [ 59 ]. However, some studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding resistin in relation to low perinatal weight and obesity or overweight [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ]. Therefore, the role of this adipokine in regulating insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis during the perinatal period is not yet fully understood [ 63 ].…”