Comparative Study Showed Significant Gene Expression Differences in Newborn Infants After Vaginal and Caesarean...

We aimed to investigate the impact of the delivery mode, comparing vaginal deliveries with elective Caesarean deliveries, on neonatal gene expression and immune system activation. By examining the differences in gene expression profiles and inflammatory markers in neonatal cord blood, the study sought to elucidate the biological processes influenced by the delivery mode.

This study was conducted in Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, from 2018 to 2019. Study subjects were recruited at the hospital prior to delivery. Ribonucleic acid sequencing and the Olink Target 96 Inflammation panel were employed to analyze gene expression and protein levels in umbilical cord blood.

The study involved 24 mothers and their newborn infants. The results revealed significant differences in gene expression between the Vaginal and Caesarean groups. In the Vaginal group, 95 genes were significantly upregulated, including those related to immune response and stress response. The Olink analysis indicated higher levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 8, and tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 14 in the Vaginal group. However, these differences lost significance after correction for multiple testing.

This study demonstrates that the mode of delivery significantly influences neonatal gene expression and immune system activation.