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

BackgroundExtrauterine 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 extrauterine growth and serum concentrations of adipocytokines and metabolic hormones in preterm infants. MethodsSerum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, C-peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide (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 200 suspension array system. ResultsSerum leptin concentration was not correlated with bodyweight at any time point, but serum adiponectin concentration was correlated with bodyweight at all time points. Serum IL-6 concentration decreased from birth to 33 and 38 weeks. Serum TNF- concentration was not changed. Serum C-peptide, GIP and glucagon concentration increased from birth to 33 weeks, and decreased from 33 to 38 weeks. Serum insulin and GLP-1 concentration was not changed. ConclusionChanges in serum leptin and adiponectin concentration had unique profiles, thereby suggesting maldevelopment of white adipose tissue. This may affect the future development of adipose tissue and lead to increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders.