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Umbilical Venous Leptin Concentration and Gender in Newborns

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics, Division of Special Gynecology, University of Vienna Medical School; Institute for Statistical Analyses; and Ignaz-Semmelweis-Frauenklinik der Stadt Wien, Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecology, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austnra; thomas.laml{at}akh-wien.ac.at

Oliver Preyer, MD

Isabella Schulz-Lobmeyr, MD

Ernst Ruecklinger, PhD

Beda W. Hartmann, MD

Peter Wagenbichler, MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics, Division of Special Gynecology, University of Vienna Medical School; Institute for Statistical Analyses; and Ignaz-Semmelweis-Frauenklinik der Stadt Wien, Vienna, Austria

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between umbilical venous leptin concentration and gender in 20 pairs of newborns matched 1:1 for birth weight and gestational age at sampling.

MATERIALS: Blood samples were obtained from 40 women at delivery, identified as having an uncomplicated pregnancy. Umbilical venous blood samples were obtainedfrom their newborns (20 females and 20females) at birth. Specimens were analyzed using a human leptin 125-I radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS: Fetal leptin correlated positively with birth weight (r _s= 0.541; P < .001). Umbilical venous leptin concentrations in female newborns (median: 10.7 ng/mL, range: 3.5-34.4 ng/mL) were significantly higher (P = .028) than in male newborns (median: 7.7 ng/mL, range: 2.0-19.3 ng/mL). There was no significant correlation between maternal and fetal leptin concentrations. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed birth weight and gender to be independent factors influencing fetal cord leptin.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in the fetus, as in children and adults, gender and weight are the major determinants of circulating leptin levels.

Key Words: Leptin • gender • birth weight • cord blood

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