High-molecular-weight adiponectin and leptin levels in cord blood are associated with anthropometric measurements at birth

Aims: High-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-ad) is an active form of adiponectin. No information is available with respect to HMW-ad in neonates. The aims of this study were to examine whether HMW-ad is present in cord blood, to define the association between the concentrations of cord blood HMW-ad and leptin, and their correlation with anthropometric measurements of term neonates at birth.

Methods: Venous cord blood samples were obtained from 135 term healthy neonates (birth weight 2,261-4,164 g) born at Showa University Hospital. Total adiponectin (T-ad), HMW-ad and leptin levels were measured by ELISA.

Results: HMW-ad levels were 14.9 +/- 5.8 microg/ml and the ratio of HMW-ad to T-ad was 0.49 +/- 0.15. In a multiple regression analysis, cord blood HMW-ad levels were a significant predictor of birth weight and birth length, and leptin level was a significant predictor of birth weight and birth weight to body length ratio. There was a significant relationship between concentrations of HMW-ad and leptin controlling for sex, gestational age and birth weight.

Conclusion: These results show that HMW-ad exists as a half of T-ad in the cord blood. Leptin and HMW-ad may regulate synergistically fetal growth.