Metabolic and Low-Grade Inflammation Risk in Young Adults with a History of Extrauterine Growth Restriction

Abstract

Children with a history of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR), later at prepubertal age, exhibit an increased metabolic risk including risen insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation. However, the progression of such metabolic changes after puberty and the lasting health implications have not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether young adults with a history of EUGR faced increased vulnerability to metabolic disorders. A study was conducted comparing a group of adults with a history of EUGR with a healthy reference group. A total of 110 young adults (36 from the EUGR group and 74 from the control group) were included. Anthropometric variables, blood pressure (BP), general biochemical parameters, plasma inflammatory biomarkers, and adipokines were assessed. Compared to the reference group, the EUGR group had a shorter height and body weight with higher lean mass and waist circumference, as well as a greater percentage of individuals with high BP. In addition, EUGR patients had higher values of insulin, HOMA-IR, nerve growth factor, and leptin, and lower levels of adiponectin and resistin. The present study suggests that young adults with a history of EUGR present increased metabolic risk factors therefore, clinical follow-up should be considered.

Keywords: adipokines; extrauterine growth restriction; inflammation; insulin resistance; metabolism; nutrition.

Figure 1

Flow chart diagram for all participants in BIORICA-10 study.

Figure 2

Percentages of young adults with a history of EUGR with normal levels of blood pressure (BP), pre high blood pressure (preHBP) and high blood pressure (HBP) compared with a healthy control group. * Differences were significant with a p value < 0.05 (χ2 test).