Interestingly, in vitro, adiponectin has been found to inhibit the activity of TNF‐alpha in endothelial cells,34 and TNF‐alpha has been shown to increase leptin release from adipocytes through post‐translational modifications.35 Although a direct link has not yet been made, lower adiponectin concentrations in obesity may indirectly contribute to increased maternal circulating leptin levels. This evidence concerns the gene LEP and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.