Cord blood inflammatory markers due to maternal smoking exposure

INTRODUCTION: Maternal smoking exposure during pregnancy is correlated with negative neonatal wellbeing due to placental disruption. Currently, there are still conflicting findings whether smoking affects neonatal inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal smoking exposure on neonatal wellbeing.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Pregnant subjects were grouped into three categories: active smokers, passive smokers and non-smokers. Smoke analyzer was used to measure levels of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and cotinine in serum umbilical cord were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The newborn wellbeing such as birthweight, birth length, head circumference also measured. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.
RESULTS: A total of 85 pregnant subjects were participated in this study, distributed as 20 active smokers (23.5%), 35 passive smokers (41.2%) and 30 non-smokers (35.3%). Newborns’ weight and placental weight had significant differences between each maternal group. IFN-γ and TNF-α in the groups exposed to cigarettes were lower compared to nonsmoker group. Exhaled CO and cotinine cord blood levels were associated with smoking, there was inverse correlation serum cord blood TNF-α levels, however there was no significant correlation.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Maternal smoking exposures was associated with alteration of neonatal wellbeing and inflammatory markers.