Can altered colostrum miRNA expression profile after cesarean delivery be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases?

Abstract

Problem The cesarean section (CS) rate has increased significantly in North America, Western Europe, and Latin America. However, it has been reported that the incidence of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma and type 1 diabetes increased in parallel with CS in these countries. Our aim was to investigate the expression level of miRNAs associated with inflammatory response and autoimmune diseases in colostrum samples and contribute to elucidating the role of CS in the pathogenesis of immune system–related diseases. Method of study Colostrum samples were taken from voluntary mothers who had 40 normal and 50 cesarean births. miRNAs were extracted from colostrums and detected to miRNA expression profiling (eighty‐four miRNAs) by quantitative real‐time PCR with the Fluidigm integrated microfluidic circuit technology. Results There was a statistically significant change in the expression levels of 17 miRNAs in the colostrums of mothers who had normal and cesarean delivery (p < .05), and all of miRNAs were upregulated in the colostrums of mothers who have had cesarean delivery. Conclusion Our best knowledge is that the study we conducted was the first to investigate the effect of delivery method (CS or normal) on the miRNA profile of colostrum. Cesarean delivery is a potential risk factor for inflammatory and immune system–related diseases in children due to dysregulation in miRNA expression.

MicroRNAs in Umbilical Cord Blood and Development in Full-Term Newborns: A Prospective Study

“… 35 Furthermore, a study indicated a significant upregulation of 17 miRNAs in the colostrum of mothers who had undergone CS. 36 In conjunction with our study’s findings, it is evident that the mode of delivery can influence miRNA levels in cord blood.…”

Maternal–Infant Factors in Relation to Extracellular Vesicle and Particle miRNA in Prenatal Plasma and in Postpartum Human Milk

“…Although very little is known about the impacts of delivery mode on human milk miRNA composition, one small prior study of preterm infants (n = 31) reported statistically significant correlations between a select number of gestational age-associated milk EVP miRNAs and delivery mode in preterm infants but did not investigate this in infants delivered at term [28]. A previous study of colostrum also reported that delivery via cesarean section was associated with two of the same miRNAs (miR-16-5p and miR-30e-5p) that were associated with the delivery mode in our study, although in the opposite direction [47]. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to examine the association between the delivery mode and miRNA levels in mature human milk from individuals who delivered at term or post-term.…”

Perinatal events and development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis

“…The current literature landscape investigates the relationship between CS delivery and autoimmune disorders. With current studies citing associations between CS delivery and inflammatory disorders, asthma, eczema, and connective tissue disorders 17 – 20 . To note, Yerlikaya et al 20 highlighted a significant alteration in the expression of various miRNA sequences in the microbiota of CS patients experiencing inflammatory disorders.…”