[Cord blood leptin concentration and somatic parameters of smoking mother's newborns].

Leptin is a peptide synthesised in white fat tissue adipocytes. It plays a key role in appetite regulation and body mass development. The leptin's concentration is correlated with body fat magazines. This hormone has also anorectic and sympatheticomimetic function. Leptin's concentration measured early after birth is strictly connected with birth-weight. Smoking during pregnancy leads to decrease of plasma leptin concentration in newborn. The aim of the study was estimation of the leptin level in umbilical cord blood of children born from smoking and no-smoking women. Some other somatic parameters were also analysed. A cohort of 210 women and their children born in the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Medical University of Gdansk was examined. The estimation of frequency of smoking during pregnancy was analysed by questionnaire done in this group. Samples of the umbilical cord blood were collected after birth and leptin concentration was analysed by standard RIA method. Significantly lower leptin concentration in smoking mothers' newborns was stated. Children born from smoking mothers had significantly lower birth weight and length. The frequency of smoking during pregnancy in analysed region is lower in compare to previous years.