The Effect of Mode of Delivery on T Regulatory (Treg) Cells of Cord Blood

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether the mode of delivery (vaginal versus C-section) influences the levels of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cells in cord blood and maternal peripheral blood and also to examine its relationship with plasma cortisol levels. Methods: Newborns either born vaginally (n∈=∈19) or via elective C- section (n∈=∈20) and their mothers, as well as 20 healthy but not pregnant women, were included in the study. CD4+CD25+FOXP3 (Treg) cells were examined by flow cytometry. Total lymphocyte counts (TLC) and serum cortisol levels were also determined for all the groups. Results: The percentages of CD4+CD25+FOXP3 cells and the serum cortisol levels of infants born vaginally (p∈<∈0.004 and p∈<∈0.0001) and their mothers (p∈<∈0.0001 for both) were found to be significantly higher than those of newborns born by C-section and their mothers. Positive correlations were seen between CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ cells (r∈=∈0.741) and serum cortisol levels (r∈=∈0.468). No relationship was observed between newborns delivered by C-section and their mothers (r∈=∈0.022 for both). Conclusions: This study suggests that mode of delivery affects cord blood Treg cells. Higher CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cells of newborns and their mothers in vaginal delivery group and their relationship with serum cortisol levels suggest a stress phenomenon related to vaginal delivery. © 2011 Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation.