An examination of sex differences in associations between cord blood adipokines and childhood adiposity
- DOI
- Language of the publication
- English
- Date
- 2019-12-16
- Type
- Article
- Author(s)
- Ashley-Martin, Jillian
- Karaceper, Maria
- Dodds, Linda
- Arbuckle, Tye E.
- Ettinger, Adrienne S.
- Fraser, William D.
- Muckle, Gina
- Monnier, Patricia
- Fisher, Mandy
- Kuhle, Stefan
- Publisher
- Wiley
Abstract
Background Though the physiological roles of adipokines in metabolism, insulin resistance and satiety are clear, literature regarding associations between cord blood adipokine levels and childhood adiposity is equivocal. Objectives To determine whether cord blood levels of leptin and adiponectin are associated with adiposity in children 2 to 5 years of age, and whether such associations are modified by sex. Methods Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured in cord blood and anthropometric measures were completed on 550 children enrolled in the Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development Plus study (MIREC-CD Plus). We used multivariable linear and Poisson regression models to determine associations between cord blood adipokine levels and child body mass index (BMI), triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness and risk of overweight/obesity and to assess effect modification by child sex. Results Cord blood adiponectin was significantly associated with modest increases in BMI and the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold z-scores in boys but not girls. A doubling of adiponectin levels was associated with a 30% increased risk of overweight/obesity in boys (RR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.64). Leptin was not associated with anthropometric measures in either sex. Conclusions The observed associations between adiponectin and adiposity in boys were statistically significant, of moderate magnitude, and underscore the value of considering sex-specific patterns.
Plain language summary
Health Canada is responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health. Leptin and adiponectin are hormones whose levels may be predictive of childhood growth patterns by affecting metabolism, insulin resistance and hunger feelings. However, it is unclear whether levels of these hormones measured in umbilical cord blood will be associated with growth of the child. In this project, cord blood from the MIREC Study was analyzed for leptin and adiponectin. When the MIREC children (n=550) were between 2 and 5 years old, their height, weight and skinfold thickness was measure. Cord blood adiponectin was associated with modest increases in BMI and skinfold scores in boys but not girls. A doubling of adiponectin was associated with a 30% increased risk of overweight/obesity in boys. Leptin was not associated with any of these measures in either sex. The observed associations between adiponectin and child growth in boys were significant but small in magnitude. These results highlight the value of considering sex-specific patterns. This study was led by scientists from Dalhousie University, with collaboration from Health Canada scientists.
Subject
- Health,
- Health and safety