Umbilical Cord Blood Adiponectin, Leptin, Insulin, and Ghrelin in Premature Infants and Their Association With Birth Outcomes

Abstract

The lack of maturation of adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract by the fetus due to prematurity is associated with changes in the levels of cord blood adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin. The dysregulation of these hormones in preterm infants may be a risk factor for fetal growth and future metabolic diseases.