Extrauterine growth and adipocytokines in appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants.

Abstract

Extra-uterine growth retardation in preterm infants is associated with an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases later in life. Adipocytokines are also associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases. We examined the relationship between extra-uterine growth and serum concentrations of adipocytokines and metabolic hormones in preterm infants. Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, IL-6, TNF-α, C-peptide, GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon were measured in 38 appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants at birth, and at 33 and 38 weeks of postmenstrual age using a Bio-Plex 200TM suspension array system. Serum concentrations of leptin were not correlated with body weight at any time point. However, serum concentrations of adiponectin were correlated with body weight at all time points. Serum concentrations of IL-6 were decreased from birth to 33 and 38 weeks. Serum concentrations of TNF-α were not changed. Serum concentrations of C-peptide, GIP and glucagon increased from birth to 33 weeks, and decreased from 33 to 38 weeks. Serum concentrations of insulin and GLP-1 were not changed. Changes in serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin showed unique profiles, thereby suggesting maldevelopment of white adipose tissue. This may affect the future development of adipose tissue and lead to increased risk for cardio-metabolic disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.