Maternal Serum and Cord Blood Leptin Concentrations in African Newborns: Relationship to Birth Weight and Gender.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leptin, a protein predominantly produced by adipocytes, plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance, inflammation, immunity, and fetal growth. During pregnancy, maternal serum leptin levels increase, peaking in the second trimester, with placental production contributing to this rise. Leptin has also been identified in fetal tissues, and its concentration in umbilical cord blood correlates with birth weight. This study aimed to evaluate serum and umbilical cord blood leptin concentrations in rural Burundian women living in marginal nutritional conditions, and investigate potential gender differences in fetal leptin levels.

Methods

We analyzed data from 38 healthy singleton pregnancies (20 male and 18 female newborns) delivered at Hôpital Autonome de Ngozi, B

SUBMITTER: Castaldi MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11821249 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature