The influence of mode of delivery, anthropometric indices, and infant's sex on the maternal and cord blood orexin-A levels: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Orexin as an adipokin hormone plays an important role in appetite regulation, energy metabolism, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The main source of orexin secretion in nonpregnant and pregnant women is adipose tissue and placenta, respectively. This research was conducted to evaluate the association between orexin-A level and the mode of delivery, anthropometric indices, and sex of the infant.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted on 69 normal pregnant women. The samples of umbilical cord blood were obtained at the time of delivery, and maternal blood was taken within 24 h of delivery. Serum orexin-A levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and p < 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

We found a significant difference between postpartum maternal and umbilical cord orexin-A level both with the mode of delivery (p < 0.001). Also, a significant positive correlation was seen between maternal and umbilical cord serum orexin-A levels (r = -0.61, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between serum orexin-A levels with anthropometric indices and the sex of the neonate (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both maternal and umbilical cord serum orexin-A levels were associated with the mode of delivery. Maternal and cord blood orexin-A levels in normal vaginal delivery are higher than cesarean section.