The effect of mode of delivery on oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in the mother, neonate and maternal milk

Abstract Objectives To investigate the effect of vaginal delivery and caesarean section delivery on oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant enzymes in the mother, the infant, and maternal milk. Method This prospective observational study included pregnant women with a healthy, single pregnancy of 37–40 weeks. Group 1 comprised 33 women with an uncomplicated vaginal birth. Group 2 was formed of 26 women matched to Group 1 in respect of age, gravida, parity and body mass index who underwent elective caesarean section delivery. After the birth, samples were taken of maternal venous blood, umbilical cord blood, and maternal milk. The groups were compared in respect of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels were significantly higher in the cesarean section group compared to vaginal delivery group across all sample types, including maternal serum (227.7 ± 73.3 vs. 49.4 ± 13.9, p < 0.001), umbilical cord (504.6 ± 115.1 vs. 212.1 ± 72.1, p < 0.001), and maternal milk (53.1 ± 12.5 vs. 16.5 ± 7.8, p < 0.001). Similarly, catalase (CAT) levels were markedly elevated in the cesarean section group in maternal serum (138.9 ± 45.4 vs. 92.3 ± 21.8, p < 0.001), umbilical cord (446.7 ± 147.9 vs. 193.2 ± 67.6, p < 0.001), and maternal milk (101.1 ± 31.2 vs. 35.8 ± 12.9, p < 0.001). In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were significantly lower in the cesarean section group in maternal serum (3.1 ± 1.0 vs. 5.2 ± 1.8, p < 0.001), umbilical cord (1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 4.0 ± 1.2, p < 0.001), but notably higher in maternal milk (3.1 ± 0.1 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). Conclusion Delivery mode influences oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activity in maternal and neonatal compartments. Vaginal delivery was associated with higher oxidative stress in maternal and cord blood, cesarean section delivery was associated with higher oxidative stress marker levels in maternal milk, potentially influenced by surgical and anesthetic factors.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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