News from CREAL
Obesity during pregnancy results in higher levels of leptin in blood and, therefore, a greater weight of babies at birth; in particular 176 grams more. These are the results of a study about leptin, a hormone produced mainly by adipocytes (fat cells). Dr. Manolis Kogevinas, codirector of CREAL, an ISGlobal alliance research centre, participated in the study.
This analysis, published in the journal Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, included 638 mother-infant pairs in the prospective mother-infant cohort 'Rhea' in Crete (Greece) with singleton pregnancies, providing samples of umbilical cord blood for leptin analysis and data on birth outcomes.
CREAL press release
Karakosta P, Georgiou V, Fthenou E, Papadopoulou E, Roumeliotaki T, Margioris A, Castanas E, Kampa M, Kogevinas M, Chatzi L. Maternal weight status, cord blood leptin and fetal growth: a prospective mother-child cohort study (rhea study). Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2013; 27(5): 461-471.