Serum levels of resistin and its correlation with adiponectin and insulin in healthy full term neonates

Resistin and adiponectin are two adipokines involved in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, and have been suggested as mediators of adult metabolic syndrome. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate cord blood levels of resistin, and their postnatal changes in full-term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. Interrelations between resistin, adiponectin, and insulin, and between resistin and neonatal and maternal anthropometric parameters were also assessed. Design Blood samples were obtained from 30 full term AGA neonates at birth and on the 4th day of life. Anthropometric variables studied included birth weight, length, body mass index (BMI), neonatal weight loss, and mother's BMI. Resistin and adiponectin were determined by ELISA, and insulin by radioimmunoassay method. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results Resistin levels were high at birth and did not change on the 4th day of life. Resistin levels were not correlated to insulin, nor adiponectin levels, nor any anthropometric parameter of neonates or their mothers. Instead, adiponectin levels increased on the 4th day of life, and were correlated to insulin levels. Conclusion High levels of resistin in full-term AGA neonates suggest that this hormone may play a role in maintenance of metabolic neonatal homeostasis, but its physiological significance needs further investigation.