Changes in the interrelationship between leptin, resistin and adiponectin in early neonatal life

The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between leptin,adiponectin and resistin in the fetal and early postnatal period and the association of these hormones with anthropometric and metabolic indexes. Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin and resistin were measured in maternal and neonatal circulation at delivery and on the 3rd day after birth in 40 healthy newborns and their mothers Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in fetuses that in newborn infants on 3rd day after delivery, whereas concentration of adiponectin and resistin were maintained in either maternal and neonatal circulation after delivery. Leptin serum concentrations correlated with those of adiponectin in the fetal circulation, but not in neonatal life. On the other hand no correlation was found between leptin and resistin levels in cord blood, whereas a positive correlation between leptin and resistin concentrations was present in the neonatal circulation on 3rd day. Fetal leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels are largely independent of maternal influences and immediately after birth, important changes in the relation among adipokines occurred compared to intrauterine life.