Genetic modification could be explained by caesarean section, increased risk of developing diseases

Science, Karolinska Institutet have discovered that babies born by caesarean experience changes to the pool of DNA in white blood cells that are the evolution of this type of stress of delivery. The results of the July edition of the scientific journal Acta Paediatrica, can be a part of the reason why children born by caesarean section have an increased risk of onset of certain diseases later in life. "Our results provide the first pieces of evidence at an early stage so-called epigenetic programming of the immune system during birth, can play a role," explains Mikael Norman Professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Technology and the intervention.

Cesarean delivery with rapid growth in the world and is currently the surgical procedure most often in women of childbearing age. Until recently, the long-term supply of this type has not yet been studied. It is now thought that early selection of genes could explain why people who cesarean later in life are more susceptible to immunological diseases such as diabetes, asthma or leukemia, born of normal vaginal delivery.

In the study presented was the sample of blood from the umbilical cords of 37 newborn babies after delivery, then a further three to five days after birth. Blood samples were analyzed to determine the degree of DNA methylation (chemical modification of DNA) in white blood cells, which is a key element of the immune system. It appeared that 16 children born by Caesarean section, showed more DNA methylation prices at birth, the 21 is born of vaginal delivery. Three to five days after birth, levels of DNA methylation, it was among infants by caesarean section, so there is no more significant differences between the two groups.

The researchers suggest that the reason why DNA methylation is higher after cesarean delivery remains unclear and that more research is needed.

"Although we do not know yet, as the expression of specific gene is affected by cesarean section, delivery, or to what extent these genetic differences in the nature of long-term supply, we believe that our results open a important new area of clinical research "conclude Author Schlinzig Titus, an associate scientist at the Karolinska Institutet.

For more information: Schlinzig T, S Johansson, Gunnar A, Ekström TJ, Norman M. "epigenetic modulation at birth, changes in methylation of DNA in white blood cells by Caesarean section," Acta Paediatrica 2009, 98 , 1096-99 (p. 1082-84 invited commentary in the same issue of the journal).