Abstract
Introduction: Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Leptin is normally correlated with adiposity and is also known to increase throughout pregnancy, as the placenta becomes a source of leptin synthesis. Several studies have reported positive correlations between cord blood leptin level and either birthweight or size for gestational age, as well as body mass index (BMI). Objective: To determine the correlation of prenatal leptin concentration in pregnant adolescents with their gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, and weight/length of their newborn. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on pregnant Mexican adolescents from Gestational Week 26–28 to three months postpartum (n = 168 mother–child dyads). An anthropometric assessment was made of each pregnant adolescent, and the serum level of leptin and the intake of energy were determined. The newborn was evaluated each month during postpartum. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain sociodemographic data. Bivariate correlations, tests for repeating measurements and logistic regression models were performed. Results: Leptin concentration gradually increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. At Gestation Week 36, leptin level correlated with gestational weight gain. When comparing adolescents that had the lowest and highest concentration of leptin, the former presented a mean of 6 kg less in gestational weight gain (inter-subject leptin concentration, p = 0.001; inter-subject energy intake, p = 0.497). Leptin concentration and gestational weight gain exerted an effect on the weight of the newborn (inter-subject leptin concentration for Week 32, p = 0.024; inter-subject gestational weight gain, p = 0.011). Newborn length was associated with leptin concentration at Week 28 (leptin effect, p = 0.003; effect of gestational weight gain, p = 0.722). Conclusions: Pregnant adolescents with leptin concentration over 20 ng/mL showed a greater gestational weight gain. Leptin concentration correlated with length and weight of the newborn.
Highlights
Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity
The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between the serum concentration of leptin in pregnant adolescents and three factors: gestational weight gain, postnatal weight retention, and the weight and length of the newborn
A leptin concentration duringsuch the third trimester of gestation was related to a greater gestational weight gain, above ng/mL
Summary
Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Pregnant women who are carrying a female fetus have a significantly higher increase in leptin concentration compared to pregnant women who are carrying a male fetus. This evidence indicates a differential resistance to the action of leptin that could have adaptive importance for reproduction [3]. Increased leptin concentrations in pregnant women are unlikely to impose a reduction in energy intake as pregnancy progresses, because during this period it is crucial to maintain a positive energy balance to maintain the demands of energy for fetal development, for breastfeeding and for preserving maternal health. Pregnancy is an example of the temporary resistance to leptin, which is similar to that of obese individuals [5]
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