ABSTRACT
Vaginal delivery (VD) and elective cesarean (CS) delivery modes may cause significant differences in maternal and fetal metabolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in lipid metabolism, oxidative and apoptotic signaling pathways during VD and CS in maternal and cord blood and placenta tissue. The study included two groups of participants delivered via 90 CS and 90 VD. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected from the participants. In addition, placenta samples were also taken after delivery. Total oxidant (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant (TAS), glutathione (GSH), cleaved caspase 3 (CASP3) and perilipin 2 (PLIN2) levels were measured to determine oxidative stress, antioxidant levels and apoptosis status in the VD and CS groups. Besides, PLIN2 mRNA expressions in placental specimens were analyzed. We found no statistically significant difference in maternal age, body mass index, gestational age, birth weight and Apgar scores in both groups (P > 0.05). The increase in MDA, TOS, GSH and TAS levels was higher in the VD group compared to the CS group (P < 0.05). Similarly, PLIN2 levels and lipid profiles showed an increase in the VD group (P < 0.05 vs CS group). Likewise, PLIN2 expression enhanced in the VD group (P < 0.05 vs CS group). However, CASP3 activity reduced in maternal and cord blood in the VD group compared to the CS group. Our results support that the delivery mode may cause differences in lipid profile, oxidative and apoptotic status by affecting PLIN2 levels in both maternal and cord blood and placenta tissue.
