Maternal and fetal leptin and ghrelin levels: Relationship with fetal growth

Abstract

Purpose In our study, we investigated the influence of plasma levels ghrelin, leptin and other metabolic hormones (ILGF-1 and ILGF-2) in pregnants in regulating fetal body weight and mode of delivery. Methods A total of 36 appropriately healthy pregnants 19-36-year-old were involved in the study. Demographic chracteristics, serum ghrelin, leptin, IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels of the pregnants were studied. Results Plasma ghrelin and leptin levels did not differ significantly among trimesters and delivery, in contrast to IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations were significantly higher in the first half of the pregnancy (P<0.05). Serum leptin was significantly associated with mode of delivery (r = 0.231; P = 0.008), BMI (r = 0.462; P = 0.004). Conclusion Metabolic factors are associated with fetal growth, but in AGA babies, there were no differences between any parameter and clinical factor. © Springer-Verlag 2010.