Adiponectin in maternal and fetal cord blood during pregnancy and its relation to fetal birth weight

Introduction: Adiponectin has been implicated in the physiology of insulin resistance during pregnancy. Insulin resistance is developed in the last half of pregnancy. Insulin has a direct influence on fetal growth and proven in past studies. Hence we can state that the adiponectin also has a effect on fetal development and growth and since it is a key regulator in the insulin sensitivity. The aim of the present study is to increase the knowledge of role of adiponectin, especially in a physiologically demanding state of pregnancy, and study its effect on development of a fetus by virtue of its birth weight and gestational age during a normal pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This open-ended non-comparative prospective study was conducted at the outpatient and inpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as in the department of Biochemistry, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur on 50 normal pregnant subjects and their neonates attending Obstetrics and Gynecology, department for routine checkups during the period of August 2014 to July 2015. Levels of adiponectin in maternal serum during mid-trimester and pre-labor stage of pregnancy were evaluated and compared. The evaluation of maternal and fetal adiponectin levels were also done in relation to birth weight and gender. Results: Adiponectin is detectable in pregnant subjects, with significantly higher levels seen in newborns; however, there was no relationship seen between maternal and fetal adiponectin levels at any stage of gestation (Midterm p=0.604, Full-term p=0.589). Mean Birth weight of newborns was noted at 2.95 (± 0.445) kg with slightly lower values in male babies. Statistically significant positive correlation was seen between fetal birth weights and fetal adiponectin levels (p<0> Conclusion: Adiponectin is a plausible candidate for illuminating some physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions associated with pregnancy and fetal growth. Our study concludes with the hope of further breakthrough studies in the clinical application of this very interesting molecule in the management of various metabolic diseases of newborns and adults.