ABSTRACT

This research aims to determine the relationship between triglyceride levels and fat free mass, fat
mass and leptin in subjects with low birth weight and normal birth weight history. Background of this
research is the previous theory regarding triglycerides as one component of the metabolic syndrome
and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) which can lead to high mortality and morbidity.
People with a history of low birth weight (LBW) have greater risk of metabolic syndrome and CVD in
the future. Triglyceride levels are influenced by many factors including body composition in the form
of fat mass and fat-free mass as well as hormones that can affect metabolism, including leptin.
Therefore the purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship of triglyceride levels with
these factors.

This research was a cross-sectional study which became a series of Tanjungsari Cohort Study with
144 subjects. Birth weight data obtained from direct measurements from previous studies,
triglyceride levels was measured by the enzymatic method of Glyceryl Phospo Para Amino
Phenazone (GPO-PAP), body composition was measured by using the Bioimpedance Analyzer (BIA),
leptin levels was measured by using the Enzymatic Linked Immunoasssay (ELISA) method.

The results showed that 144 subjects, male subjects were 73 subjects, 27 subjects had LBW
history and 46 subjects had normal birth weight history. In female subjects, there were 71 subjects,
39 subjects with LBW history and 32 subjects with normal birth weight history. The comparative test
showed there were no significant differences between subjects with LBW history and normal birth
weight history in terms of triglyceride levels, fat mass, fat-free mass and leptin levels. There was a
significant negative correlation between triglyceride levels and fat free mass, and there was a
significant positive correlation between triglycerides and fat mass except in group of women with
LBW history. Triglyceride levels had a significant positive correlation with leptin levels in male
subjects with normal birth weight history.

Keywords: triglycerides, fat free mass, fat mass, leptin, birth weight.