Abstract
Umbilical venous blood transports nutrient substrate from the maternal to the fetal compartment, and the fetal liver is the primary organ where nutrient inter-conversion occurs. We aimed to determine whether fetal liver blood flow (fLBF) influences newborn adiposity. Placental corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been implicated as a key mediator of placental-fetal perfusion. Hence, we also aimed to determine whether circulating levels of placental CRH across gestation are associated with variations in fLBF. fLBF was quantified at 30 weeks in 62 uncomplicated pregnancies. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the association between fLBF and newborn adiposity. Placental CRH was also measured in maternal circulation at 12, 20, and 30 weeks in 79 uncomplicated pregnancies. fLBF at 30 weeks was significantly and positively associated with newborn total fat mass and percent body fat, but not with lean mass. Placental CRH at 30 weeks, but not at 12 and 20 weeks, was significantly and positively associated with fLBF at 30 weeks. In conclusion, fetal fat mass is affected by fetal liver blood perfusion. Placental CRH in late gestation is a possible modulator of fetal liver blood flow and may constitute a biochemical marker in clinical investigations of fetal growth and body composition.
