Cord Leptin is Associated with Neuropsychomotor Development in Childhood

Objective Leptin is critical for central nervous system development and maturation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential regulatory role of cord leptin in the neuropsychomotor development of children ages 18 months to 6 years. Methods This study included 424 children from a prospective mother-child cohort (Rhea Study; Crete, Greece) with available cord leptin levels and data on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition), 4 years (McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities), and 6 years (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and Trail Making Test). Multivariable linear regression models were used to explore the associations. Results Each 10-ng/mL increase in the cord leptin level was associated with increased scores on the gross motor scale at 18 months (β coefficient: 3.8; 95% CI: 0.0-7.5), with decreased scores in the general cognitive performance (β coefficient: -3.0; 95% CI: -5.5 to -0.4), perceptual performance (β coefficient: -3.4; 95% CI: -6.0 to -9.9), working memory (β coefficient: -3.1; 95% CI: -5.7 to -0.4), executive function (β coefficient -3.1; 95% CI: -5.7 to -0.5), and functions of the posterior cortex (β coefficient: -2.7; 95% CI: -5.2 to -0.1) scales at 4 years, and with a 3.7-unit decrease in the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices score at 6 years (β coefficient: -3.7; 95% CI: -6.9 to -0.5). Conclusions Increased cord leptin levels are associated with enhanced gross motor development at 18 months but decreased cognitive performance in early and middle childhood.