IS THERE A CORRELATION BETWEEN PLACENTAL LEPTIN AND MATERNAL GESTATIONAL FACTORS WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA OF THE NEWBORN?

Abstract

Introduction: Leptin in maternal/fetal compartments, and its mechanisms, are being elucidated. Hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, chromosomal formation, environmental conditions, infections and the use of toxic substances may be related to negative outcomes in pregnancy, the fetus and the neonate. Objective: To analyze the correlation of placental leptin with maternal gestational factors and anthropometric data on the newborn. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive, uncontrolled study. The sample consisted of 103 parturients and their respective newborns (NB). They were arranged according to the presented gestational risk factors and usual risk factors, and later, blood was collected from the placental fragments, for the serum leptin dosage. Gestational age, weight, height, BMI and head circumference were evaluated. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in leptin distribution below or above 0.1 in mothers with and without gestational risk factors. However, there was a trend in those with diabetes and obesity. Regarding the assessment of the presence and absence of maternal gestational factors between them and the level of placental leptin, only the obesity factor was significant. When the association between NB characteristics and leptin values was evaluated, no significant difference was observed; however, when related to gender, there was twice as much in females. In the assessment between weight/GA with placental leptin, there was no difference, but it was superior in big for gestational age NBs. Conclusion: Placental leptin was correlated with maternal gestational obesity risk, but without correlation with NB anthropometric data.