Apelin and Difference in Cesarean Section and Normal Vaginal Delivery

Abstract Objective: Delivery is an inflammatory process and Apelin, has a vital role in pro-inflammatory process and uterine contractility. Therefore, this article studied maternal serum apelin-36 before and after cesarean (C/S) and natural vaginal delivery (NVD). Material and Methods: In this study, 166 pregnant, 18-40 years old, were studied during weeks 28-32 of pregnancy until after delivery. They all meet inclusion criteria. To do so, the first blood sample was taken from the participants within third trimester. Twenty-three of these women had to upped elective cesarean and considered as the case group. Then, from the participants who had vaginal delivery, twenty-two were made homogenous concerning demographic characteristics with case group and selected as the control group and the second blood sample in the first 24 h after delivery. Blood samples were measured by means of ELIZA. Data were analyzed by SPSS16. Results: Maternal Apelin-36 concentration in the third trimester of the pregnancy and the first 24 h after delivery were [82.16 ± 99.40 (NM/L)], and [86.49 ± 23.769 (NM/L)] in the C/S group and [101.5 ± 105.65 (NM/L)] and [84.9 ± 63.64 (NM/L)] in the NVD group. A significant difference was seen in NVD group before delivery, compared to after delivery (P=0.029). Furthermore, a statically significant difference was seen in Apelin-36 difference before and after delivery in the NVD group, compared to its difference in the C/S group (P=0,005). A positive relationship was seen between Apelin- 36 concentrations after delivery and during labor (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that this hormone difference level was more in the NVD group, compared to the C/S group. Furthermore, a positive relation was seen during labor.