Leptin resistance in children with in utero exposure to maternal obesity and gestational diabetes

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundLeptin resistance occurs with obesity, but it is unknown if individuals at risk for obesity develop leptin resistance prior to obesity.ObjectiveInvestigate whether leptin resistance is independent of weight status in children at risk for obesity due to intrauterine exposure to maternal obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsMother–child dyads (N = 179) were grouped by maternal pregnancy weight and GDM status: (1) normal weight, no GDM; (2) overweight/obesity, no GDM; (3) overweight/obesity with GDM. Children (4–10 years) were further stratified by current body mass index (BMI) <85th or ≥85th percentile. Leptin resistance of children and mothers was calculated as fasting leptin/fat mass index. Two‐way ANOVA was used to assess whether leptin concentrations and leptin resistance differed by current weight status or in utero exposure group, after adjusting for race, sex and Tanner stage.ResultsChildren with a BMI ≥85th percentile had more leptin resistance than those with a BMI <85th percentile (p < 0.001), but leptin resistance did not differ by in utero exposure. Similarly, leptin resistance in women was associated with weight status and not prior GDM.ConclusionsResults suggest that leptin concentrations are associated with obesity but not risk for obesity based on in utero exposure to maternal obesity or GDM.

The Role of Peptides in Asthma–Obesity Phenotype

“…A study showed that children with a BMI ≥ 85th percentile are characterized by higher leptin resistance compared to those with a lower BMI. However, the leptin resistance in children does not correlate with in utero exposure to maternal overweight/obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus [ 102 ]. It has been documented that leptin, in addition to its role in energy regulation, also has proinflammatory properties, affecting various cells involved in the reaction of inflammation.…”