Roles of Leptin and Ghrelin during the Perinatal Period

The changes in the leptin and ghrelin concentrations during the perinatal period are reviewed and their possible roles are discussed. In humans, leptin concentrations in cord blood were positively correlated with the birth weight and Kaup index. Most leptin was derived from fetal adipocytes, although the placenta has also been shown to make a contribution. An apparent gender difference in these concentrations (male