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Sex‐specific associations of insulin‐like peptides in cord blood with size at birth
Author(s) -
Poppel Mireille NM.,
Eder Martina,
Lang Uwe,
Desoye Gernot
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/cen.13739
Subject(s) - insulin , birth weight , cord blood , medicine , endocrinology , placenta , gestational age , c peptide , body mass index , pregnancy , biology , fetus , genetics
Summary Objective Insulin‐like peptides (insulin, IGF ‐1, IGF ‐2) are essential regulators of foetal growth. We assessed the role of these peptides for birth size in a sex‐specific manner. Design Cross‐sectional cohort analysis. Patients and Measurements In 369 neonates, cord blood insulin, C‐peptide, IGF ‐1 and IGF ‐2 levels were measured. Outcomes were placenta weight, birthweight, length and ponderal index. In linear regression models, the association of insulin‐like peptides with growth outcomes was assessed, adjusted for gestational age and delivery mode. Interaction between insulin‐like peptides and neonatal sex was assessed. Results No sex differences in levels of insulin‐like peptides were observed. Significant interactions were found of sex with IGF ‐1 for birthweight, and of sex with C‐peptide for all outcomes, except ponderal index. The association of IGF ‐1 (ng/mL) with birthweight was stronger and only significant in males (beta coefficient 3.30 g; 95% CI 1.98‐4.63 in males and 1.45 g; −0.09‐2.99 in females). Associations of C‐peptide (ng/mL) with growth outcomes were stronger and only significant in females (placenta weight females: 181.3 g; 109.3‐253.3; P < .001, males: 29.8 g; −51.5‐111.1; P = .47, birthweight females: 598.5 g; 358.3‐838.7: P < .001, males: 113.7 g; −154.0‐381.4; P = .40). Associations of IGF 2 with birthweight were similar in males and females. No associations were found with ponderal index. Conclusions C‐peptide and IGF ‐1 in cord blood associate with birthweight, length and placenta weight in a sex‐specific manner, with stronger associations of C‐peptide levels with placenta weight, birthweight and length in females and stronger associations of IGF ‐1 levels with birthweight in males.