Association of Cord Blood Resistin with Neonatal Birth Weight and Gestational Age

Background: Resistin is an adipocyte-secreted hormone with critical roles in energy, lipids, and glucose homeostasis. However, its specific role during fetal and neonatal period remains poorly understood. Methods: This cross sectional study included 160 neonates in four groups of term-AGA, term-SGA, preterm-AGA, and preterm-SGA. Body measurements, blood sugar, and cord blood resistin were evaluated. Results: In SGA-preterm neonates: Resistin had reverse correlation with birth weight (P = 0.006) and positive correlation with gestational age (P = 0.002). In SGA-term ones resistin had positive correlation with gestational age (P = 0.041). Conclusions: Cord blood resistin has a positive correlation with gestational age and a reverse association with neonatal birth weight. We suggest that these two different associations might be the cause of conflicting results in previous reports.