# Association of Umbilical Cord Perilipin 2 Levels with Neonatal Anthropometric Measurements in Infants of Diabetic Mothers

## TL;DR

This study examines how perilipin 2 levels in umbilical cord blood relate to body measurements in infants born to diabetic mothers.

## Contribution

The study explores the novel relationship between PLIN2 levels and adipose tissue markers in infants of diabetic mothers.

## Key findings

- IDMs had higher skinfold thickness but similar birth weight and BMI compared to controls.
- PLIN2 levels correlated strongly with IGF-2 and leptin levels in cord blood.
- High subcutaneous adipose tissue in IDMs was not linked to elevated PLIN2 levels.

## Abstract

Background: Perilipin 2 (PLIN2) is a protein that contributes to the formation and stability of lipid droplets. It has been associated with the development of several diseases, particularly related to glucose and lipid metabolism. In infants of diabetic mother (IDM), fetal hyperinsulinaemia leads to increased adipose tissue and macrosomia. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PLIN2 levels and anthropometric measurements in the IDM and to investigate the relationship between PLIN2 levels and IGF-1, IGF-2 and leptin levels. Methods: The study group consisted of IDMs, while the control group consisted of infants born to non-diabetic mother, matched for gestational week and gender. Cord blood samples were collected from all patients to determine PLIN2, IGF-1, IGF-2 and leptin levels. Anthropometric measurements were taken for all patients at birth. Results: There were no differences between the groups in birth weight, birth length, head circumference and body mass index (BMI), but middle arm circumference, triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thickness were significantly higher in the IDM. While PLIN2, IGF-1, IGF-2 and leptin levels were similar between groups, there was a strong correlation between PLIN2 levels and IGF-2 and leptin levels. Conclusions: Even if IDMs were not macrosomic, the presence of high subcutaneous adipose tissue was not associated with PLIN2.