Maternal serum adiponectin and leptin levels and their gene expression, postpartum body mass index, and breastfeeding duration based on mode of delivery: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND

Adipokines are involved in inflammatory responses, associated with body mass index whose concentrations may change in response to inflammatory conditions, including surgery and delivery. We examined adiponectin and leptin levels and their gene expression at birth, body mass index, and breastfeeding duration at 24 months postpartum according to mode of delivery.

METHODS

In this study, 90 normal pregnant women were investigated. Blood samples were collected after delivery. Serum levels and gene expression of adiponectin and leptin were evaluated. Body mass index and breastfeeding duration were calculated at 24 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and p < 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

Serum leptin level was significantly higher in vaginal delivery than in cesarean section (p = 0.033). No significant difference was found between two groups regarding adiponectin level and gene expression, while leptin gene expression was significantly higher in cesarean (p = 0.005). Postpartum body mass index did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.14). On the other hand, postpartum body mass index was significantly higher than the equivalent prepregnancy index in both groups (p < 0.001) and was associated with serum leptin and adiponectin in vaginal delivery (r = 0.46, p = 0.001, and r = -0.3, p = 0.04, respectively). The duration of breastfeeding was longer in vaginal delivery (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Cesarean section was associated with lower maternal leptin levels and shorter breast-feeding duration compared to vaginal delivery. Leptin gene expression was significantly higher in cesarean section than in vaginal delivery. Postpartum body mass index, adiponectin level, and gene expression did not differ between the two groups.