Circulating progranulin in human infants: relation to prenatal growth and early postnatal nutrition

BackgroundProgranulin (PGRN) displays pleiotropic biological functions and has been proposed as a biomarker for metabolic diseases. We longitudinally assessed PGRN concentrations in infants born appropriate (AGA) or small for gestational age (SGA), the latter being at risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially if they experience an excessive postnatal catch-up in weight and are formula-fed (FF).MethodsThe study population consisted of 183 infants who were exclusively breast-fed [(BF), AGA, n = 66; SGA, n = 40], or FF (AGA, n = 31; SGA, n = 46) over the first 4 months. Assessments included auxology, fasting glucose, insulin, IGF-1, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, PGRN and body composition (by DXA), at birth, and at age 4 and 12 months.ResultsPGRN levels were low at birth and unaffected by prenatal growth. PGRN increased at 4 and 12 months, although to a lesser extent in SGA infants, and was unrelated to the mode of feeding. PGRN correlated with markers of adiposity, inflammation and insulin resistance in both AGA and SGA infants, especially in those FF.ConclusionsThe attenuated increase of PGRN levels in SGA infants over the first year of life, along with the association to markers of unhealthy metabolic profile, might point to a role of PGRN in future disease risks.ImpactProgranulin (PGRN) displays pleiotropic biological functions and has been proposed as a biomarker for metabolic diseases.In healthy infants, PGRN concentrations are low at birth and experience a significant and progressive increase up to age 12 months, which is less marked in infants born small for gestational age (SGA) and is unrelated to the mode of feeding.Circulating PGRN is related to markers of adiposity, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity, especially in formula-fed SGA infants.PGRN may play a role in the metabolic adaptations of SGA infants during early life, potentially contributing to the risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes in this population.

Automated summary

This study longitudinally assessed the impact of feeding patterns on PGRN concentrations in infants born with appropriate or small weight for gestational age. The results showed that PGRN levels were low at birth and increased at 4 and 12 months, with a smaller increase in small for gestational age infants. PGRN was associated with markers of obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance, especially in formula-fed small for gestational age infants.