Background: Adiponectin and resistin are fat-cell derived hormones, which are thought to be respectively protective and disadvantageous with regard to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus type II (DM II). Low birth weight has been associated with increased risks for the development of these diseases. In short SGA children, GH therapy has several positive effects regarding cardiovascular risk factors. On the other hand concern has been expressed about the effects of GH therapy on insulin sensitivity.

Methods: We measured adiponectin and resistin levels in 136 short prepubertal children born SGA and their association with cardiovascular risk parameters and growth factors. Also, we compared the levels with normal-statured controls. The effect of GH treatment was evaluated in 50 short SGA children vs. baseline and vs. an untreated sex- and age-matched SGA control group.

Results: Short SGA children had similar adiponectin and lower resistin levels compared with normal-statured controls. In GH-treated SGA children, neither adiponectin nor resistin levels changed significantly during 2 yr of GH treatment. Compared with untreated sex- and age-matched SGA controls, GH-treated SGA children had similar adiponectin and lower resistin levels. Adiponectin correlated inversely with age, but not with any cardiovascular risk parameter or growth factor. Higher IGF-1 levels in GH-treated children were associated with lower resistin levels.

Conclusions: Compared with normal-statured controls, short prepubertal SGA children had similar adiponectin and lower resistin levels. Two years of GH treatment had no effect on their adiponectin and resistin levels.