Effect of mode of delivery on neonatal oxidative stress and dynamic thiol–disulfide homeostasis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the mode of delivery on neonatal oxidative stress and dynamic thiol–disulfide homeostasis. METHODS: Sixty women who were followed up in the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic were included in this prospective study. Cord blood samples were obtained from women who underwent cesarean section (CS) and vaginal delivery (VD). Total oxidant status and total antioxidant status levels were measured by spectrophotometry. The dynamic thiol–disulfide balance was determined by colorimetry. RESULTS: The total antioxidant status and oxidative stress index levels were higher and total oxidant status levels were lower in the VD group compared with the CS group. Native and total thiol levels were higher while disulfide levels were lower in the VD compared with the CS delivery group, while disulfide levels were higher in the CS group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that disulfide formation leads to decreased antioxidant capacity in women undergoing CS. Monitoring of dynamic thiol–disulfide levels may thus provide clinicians with important information on the oxidative stress status in newborns.