The Role of Umbilical Cord Blood Concentration of IGF-I, IGF-II, Leptin, Adiponectin, Ghrelin, Resistin, and Visfatin in Fetal Growth

Objective Herein, we measured the concentration of insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-II, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, resistin, and visfatin in the umbilical cord blood of newborns categorized as “small for gestational age” (SGA), “appropriate for gestational age” (AGA), and “large for gestational age” (LGA). Our aim was to elucidate the link between the levels of these proteins and fetal growth. Study Design A total of 96 term infants were included and categorized into three weight categories. Their venous cord blood samples were collected to measure the levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, resistin, and visfatin. Results IGF-I, visfatin, and leptin levels showed significant differences among the groups. Pairwise comparisons showed that adiponectin (p = 0.023), resistin (p = 0.025), and ghrelin (p = 0.005) levels were significantly lower in the SGA group than in the LGA group. Correlation analyses showed a strong association of IGF-1, IGF-II, and leptin levels with birth weight (r = 0.644, p < 0.001; r = 0.441, p < 0.001; and r = 0.404, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion SGA newborns showed a significantly higher visfatin concentration and lower ghrelin, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin levels than the AGA and LGA newborns did.

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Umbilical Cord Blood Adiponectin, Leptin, Insulin, and Ghrelin in Premature Infants and Their Association With Birth Outcomes

Frontiers in Endocrinology ◽

10.3389/fendo.2021.738964 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Luyan Han ◽

Bo Li ◽

Xiaojing Xu ◽

Shufang Liu ◽

Zhenghong Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Cord Blood ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Fetal Growth ◽

Umbilical Cord Blood ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Term Infants ◽

Preterm Group

BackgroundPremature/low-birth-weight infants are at significant risk of metabolic diseases in adulthood, which may be related to the levels of fetal adipokine. Here, we investigated the differences in the levels of umbilical cord blood adiponectin, leptin, insulin, and ghrelin in preterm and term infants and sought to elucidate the link between these hormones and fetal growth. We also evaluated the interrelationship among these metabolic hormones in both groups of newborns.MethodsA total of 149 mother–infant pairs (100 in the preterm group and 49 in the term group) were enrolled in the study. The preterm group was further subdivided according to birth weight (≤1,500, 1,501–2,000, 2,001–2,500, and >2,500 g), gestational age (<34 vs. ≥34 weeks), and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) vs. small for gestational age (SGA). The general condition of the mothers and the growth parameters of the newborns at birth were recorded.ResultsThe levels of adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin were lower in the preterm group than those in the term group (p < 0.05). In the preterm group, the leptin levels of infants with gestational age ≥34 weeks were significantly higher than those of infants with gestational age <34 weeks (mean ln leptin = 0.63 vs. 0.36 ng/ml, p = 0.009). The levels of adiponectin were lower in the SGA group than those in the AGA group (mean ln adiponectin = 2.26 vs. 2.84 µg/ml, p = 0.001), whereas those of ghrelin displayed the opposite trend (mean ln ghrelin = 6.29 vs. 5.71 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Leptin was significantly correlated with insulin both in preterm infants with birth weight (BW) >2,000 g and in term infants. Umbilical cord blood leptin was positively correlated with the BW, birth length, and head circumference of newborns (r = 0.460, 0.311, and 0.310, respectively, all p < 0.05), whereas ghrelin was negatively correlated with the same parameters (r = −0.372, −0.415, and −0.373, respectively, all p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe lack of maturation of adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract by the fetus due to prematurity is associated with changes in the levels of cord blood adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin. The dysregulation of these hormones in preterm infants may be a risk factor for fetal growth and future metabolic diseases.

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Adipokines in umbilical cord blood from children born large for gestational age

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1515/jpem-2014-0502 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ulrik Lausten-Thomsen ◽

Michael Christiansen ◽

Paula Louise Hedley ◽

Jens-Christian Holm ◽

Kjeld Schmiegelow

Keyword(s):

Childhood Obesity ◽

Cord Blood ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Umbilical Cord Blood ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Maternal Diabetes ◽

Large For Gestational Age ◽

Intrauterine Environment ◽

Appropriate For Gestational Age ◽

Commercial Kits

AbstractThe etiology of childhood obesity and the associated morbidity is multifactorial. Recently, data suggesting a prenatal programming towards later childhood obesity and metabolic deregulation through the intrauterine environment has emerged. This study explored the concentrations of adipokines and their mutual relationship at birth in children born to non-diabetic mothers.Adiponectin, leptin and sOB-R were measured using ELISA-based commercial kits in umbilical cord blood from 60 neonates (30 born large for gestational age [LGA] and 30 born appropriate for gestational age [AGA]). Children exposed to maternal diabetes, chronic disease and preeclampsia were excluded.The LGA group exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of leptin (p<0.001) and of free leptin index (p<0.001) and decreased sOB-R concentrations (p=0.005) when compared to the AGA group, which persisted in multiple regression analysis after taking the gestational age into account (p=0.048, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Only a trend towards a difference in adiponectin was demonstrated (p=0.057) regardless of adjustment (p=0.150). However, the leptin/adiponectin ratio was elevated in the LGA group (p=0.008), regardless of adjustment (p=0.039).The data indicate a disturbance of adipokines in macrosomic newborns and that the mutual ratios between adipokines may provide a more sensitive marker of metabolic disturbance than any isolated adipokine.

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Cord blood galectin-1 and -3 concentrations in term pregnancies with normal restricted and increased fetal growth

Journal of Perinatal Medicine ◽

10.1515/jpm-2013-0220 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 43 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Theodora Boutsikou ◽

Maria Giotaki ◽

Maria Boutsikou ◽

Despina D. Briana ◽

Stavroula Baka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Inflammatory Response ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Cord Blood ◽

Fetal Growth ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Term Infants ◽

Angiogenic Activity ◽

Intrauterine Growth ◽

Appropriate For Gestational Age

AbstractTo determine levels of galectins (gal)-1 and -3 (implicated in angiogenesis/immunologic mechanisms) in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR), large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, as these groups differ in fat mass, angiogenic patterns and immune responses.Cord-blood (UC) gal-1 and -3 concentrations were measured in 30 IUGR, 30 LGA and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants and their mothers (MS).IUGR, LGA and AGA groups did not differ in gal-1 and -3 concentrations. UC gal-1 levels were lower when mothers were older [b=–0.651, CI 95% –1.186 (–0.116), P=0.018] and UC gal-3 levels were increased when mothers presented gestational diabetes [b=9.836, CI 95% 3.833- (15.839), P=0.002].In IUGRs MS gal-3 and in LGAs UC gal-1 were decreased in multiparas [b=–5.372, CI 95% -9.584- (–1.161), P=0.014], and [b=–7.540, CI 95% -14.606- (–0.473), P=0.037], respectively.No correlations were found between MS or UC gal-1 and gal-3 concentrations.Lower UC gal-1 levels, when mothers were older, and increased UC gal-3 levels in cases of gestational diabetes, possibly reflect angiogenic activity. In multiparas, decreased MS gal-3 and UC gal-1 levels in IUGR/LGA, respectively, might imply inflammatory response against immunosuppression expected in subsequent pregnancies, as compared to the first one.

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Differential Secretion of Angiopoietic Factors and Expression of MicroRNA in Umbilical Cord Blood from Healthy Appropriate-For-Gestational-Age Preterm and Term Newborns—in Search of Biomarkers of Angiogenesis-Related Processes in Preterm Birth

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21041305 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 1305 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dorota Gródecka-Szwajkiewicz ◽

Zofia Ulańczyk ◽

Edyta Zagrodnik ◽

Karolina Łuczkowska ◽

Dorota Rogińska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preterm Birth ◽

Cord Blood ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Umbilical Cord Blood ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Premature Birth ◽

Angiogenic Factors ◽

Appropriate For Gestational Age ◽

Preterm Newborns ◽

Angiopoietin 1

Objectives: Premature birth, defined as less than 37 weeks gestation, affects approximately 12% of all live births around the world. Advances in neonatal care have resulted in the increased survival of infants born prematurely. Although prematurity is a known risk factor for different cardiovascular diseases, little is known about the pathophysiology of vasculature during premature gestation and angiopoietic factors network during premature birth. Aims: The objective of this study was to determine whether the profile of several pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in umbilical cord blood (UCB) is different in healthy appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm newborns and normal term babies. The second aim of this study was to investigate the microRNA (miRNAs) expression profile in UCB from preterm labor and to detect miRNAs potentially taking part in control of angogenesis-related processes (Angio-MiRs). Methods: Using an immunobead Luminex assay, we simultaneously measured the concentration of Angiogenin, Angiopoietin-1, FGF-acidic, FGF-basic, PDGF-aa, PlGF, VEGF, VEGF-D, Endostatin, Thrombospondin-2, NGF, BDNF, GDNF, and NT-4 in UCB samples collected from the preterm (n = 27) and term (n = 52) delivery. In addition, the global microRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) circulating in such UCB samples was examined in this study using microarray MiRNA technique. Results: The concentrations of five from eight measured pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, Angiopoietin-1, PDGF-AA, FGF-a, and FGF-b) were significantly lower in UCB from preterm newborns. On the contrary, two angiostatic factors (Endostatin and Thrombospondin-2) were significantly up-regulated in preterm UCB. Among analyzed neurotrophins in preterm newborns, the elevated UCB concentration was found only in the case of GDNF, whereas BDNF was significantly reduced. Moreover, two angiopoietic factors, VEGF-D and PlGF, and two neurotrophins, NT4 and NGF, did not differ in concentration in preterm and term babies. We also discovered that among the significantly down-regulated miRNAs, there were several classical Angio-MiRs (inter alia MiR-125, MiR-126, MiR-145, MiR-150, or MiR155), which are involved in angiogenesis regulation in newborn after preterm delivery. Conclusions: This is the first report of simultaneous measurements of several angiopoietic factors in UCB collected from infants during preterm and term labor. Here, we observed that several pro-angiogenic factors were at lower concentration in UCB collected from preterm newborns than term babies. In contrast, the two measured angiostatic factors, Endostatin and Thrombospondin-2, were significantly higher in UCB from preterm babies. This can suggest that distinct pathophysiological contributions from differentially expressed various angiopoietic factors may determine the clinical outcomes after preterm birth. Especially, our angiogenesis-related molecules analysis indicates that preterm birth of healthy, appropriate-for-gestational-age newborns is an “anti-angiogenic state” that may provide an increased risk for improper development and function of cardiovascular system in the adulthood. This work also contributes to a better understanding of the role of miRNAs potentially involved in angiogenesis control in preterm newborns.

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Insulin and glucagon levels of umbilical cord blood in appropriate for gestational age - preterm infants with or without postnatal hypoglycemia

Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.6065/apem.2016.21.2.86 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 86 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jae Hyun Park ◽

Jin Gon Bae ◽

Shin Kim ◽

Chun Soo Kim ◽

Sang Lak Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cord Blood ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Umbilical Cord Blood ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Appropriate For Gestational Age

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Inflammatory Markers in Umbilical Cord Blood from Small-For-Gestational-Age Newborns

Fetal and Pediatric Pathology ◽

10.3109/15513815.2013.879239 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 114-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Ulrik Lausten-Thomsen ◽

Marianne Olsen ◽

Gorm Greisen ◽

Kjeld Schmiegelow

Keyword(s):

Cord Blood ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Umbilical Cord Blood ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Small For Gestational Age ◽

Inflammatory Markers

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Perinatal Lipid Metabolism Evaluated by Umbilical Cord Blood: Changes of Lipids in Relation to Gestational Age and Perinatal Complications

Pediatrics International ◽

10.1111/j.1442-200x.1981.tb00463.x ◽

1981 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 270-270

Author(s):

Yuh Ogasawara

Keyword(s):

Lipid Metabolism ◽

Cord Blood ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Umbilical Cord Blood ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Perinatal Complications

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Neonatal Polycythemia: I. Early Diagnosis and Incidence Relating to Time of Sampling

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.73.1.7 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 73 (1) ◽

pp. 7-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mordechai Shohat ◽

Paul Merlob ◽

Salomon H. Reisner

Keyword(s):

Early Diagnosis ◽

Cord Blood ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Linear Correlation ◽

Blood Viscosity ◽

Full Term ◽

Peripheral Vein ◽

Dynamic Changes ◽

Term Infants ◽

Appropriate For Gestational Age

The dynamic changes occurring in hematocrit and blood viscosity within the first 18 hours of life were studied in 50 full-term infants who were vaginally delivered and had weight appropriate for gestational age. In all cases, the cord was clamped within 30 seconds and cord blood was collected from the vein and artery. Subsequently, samples were taken from a peripheral vein at ages 15 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and between 12 to 18 hours. Both the Hct and blood viscosity reach their peak at age 2 hours. The incidence of neonatal polycythemia varied greatly with age. Thus at the age of 2 hours, ten infants (20%) were polycythemic, whereas by age 6 hours only six (12%) of these infants were still polycythemic and by age 12 to 18 hours only one infant (2%) was polycythemic. A linear correlation was found between cord Hct levels and peripheral venous Hct levels by age 2 hours. None of the infants with cord blood Hct levels ≤56% had developed polycythemia, whereas ten of the 12 infants with cord Hct levels >56% developed polycythemia. In this particular group of infants, cord blood Hct levels may be used for the screening of neonatal polycythemia.

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