Umbilical cord blood leptin concentration - What does it imply?

Abstract

Objective: The significance of the placental or umbilical cord leptin levels remains unresolved in spite of their well-documented function. In the current study we investigated, whether, leptin concentration that mirrors the fetal health is influenced by type of birth, placental weight, cord length, sex, weight, pO2 and pH parameters. Methods: Umbilical cord blood samples were collected post placental delivery (n=40) from both normal and caesarian deliveries with all demographical information. Leptin concentration was determined form cord blood plasma, while fresh cord blood was used for blood gas analysis. Results: The average leptin concentrations of male and female fetal umbilical cord were 16.6 ± 1.6 and 18.2 ± 0.6 ng/ml respectively. The maximum threshold of the umbilical vein leptin concentrations were 15.3 ± 0.6 and 18.3 ± 1.2 ng/ml in male and females respectively. There was a direct relationship observed with the birthweight and leptin concentration. The mean pH 7.117 ± 0.02 and pO2 19.74 ± 2.01 mmHg did not significantly correlate with leptin levels. Discussion: Leptin concertation were significantly high in normal delivery than caesarian section. Placental weight or umbilical cord length did not affect the leptin concentration. We did not observe any significant alteration in pH or pO2 levels influencing leptin. However, the most remarkable correlation was leptin with birth weight, which explains the best utilization of the maternal fuel resources in the development of the fetus. We did observe a level in female babies. Conclusion: Overall, the placental leptin concentration mirrors the health status of the fetus and weight metabolism.