Leptin receptor expression in blood mononuclear cells of lactating women is associated with infant body weight: Potential role as a molecular biomarker

MALPELI, AGUSTINA; FASANO, MARÍA VICTORIA; SALA, MARISA; OBREGÓN, PABLO; CASADO, CARLA; MENDEZ, IGNACIO; FOTIA, LUCRECIA; CASTROGIOVANNI, DANIEL; VAREA, ANA; DISALVO, LILIANA; TOURNIER, ANDREA; MAZZIOTA, LUCÍA; ROCHA, DANIELA; KRUGER, ANA LUZ; ORELLANO, LAURA; ANDREOLI, MARÍA F.

Pediatric Obesity

obesity federation

Año: 2023

2047-6302

Background: Molecular biomarkers of maternal leptin resistance associated with infant weight are needed.Objectives: To evaluate gene expression of leptin receptor (LEPR), suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) and insulin receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of lactating women and their relationship with infant body weight and adiposity.Methods: At day 10 postpartum, maternal gene expression in PBMCs as well as leptin and insulin concentrations in plasma and milk were assessed (n = 68). Infant weight and BMI z-scores, skinfolds and arm circumference were obtained at 10 days and/or at 3 months old.Results: In mothers with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (OW/OB), LEPR expression was reduced (p = 0.013) whereas plasma and milk leptin and milk insulin concentrations were elevated. LEPR expression was positively related with infant weight z-score (Beta (95% CI): 0.40 (0.17, 0.63), p = 0.001) but not with leptin concentrations. SOCS3 expression was positively related with infant weight z-score (Beta (95% CI): 0.28 (0.04, 0.51), p = 0.024) and arm circumference (Beta (95% CI): 0.57 (0.32, 0.82), p < 0.001). Relationships remained significant after adjusting for maternal and infant confounders.Conclusions: LEPR and SOCS3 gene expression in PBMCs are novel maternal molecular biomarkers that reflect leptin resistance and are associated with infant body weight and adiposity.