Jamilian H, Mashadi E, Ghazavi A, Jamilan M, Eftekhari M, Moradi A. Effects of depression on some immunological parameteres in pregnant mothers and their infants. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2006; 9 (3) :16-25
URL:
http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-25-en.html
1- , mjamilian@yahoo.com
Abstract: (22186 Views)
Introduction: An association between depression and altered immunity has been suggested by a number of studies but has not been consistently demonstrated .The effect of maternal depression response on fetal immune system have not been investigated. Thus in this study we evaluated the effects of depression on some parameters of innate and humoral immune system of pregnant women and their infants. Materials and Methods: 62 pregnant women (including 32 depressed and 30 healthy) and their infants in Taleghani hospital of Arak in 2004 were included in this study. All depressed mothers had a diagnosis of depression by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and clinical interview based on DSM-IV system. The level of immunoglobulins and components were evaluated by single radial immunosdiffusion (SRID) method of Mancini. Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were determined by Hycel (an automated cell counter) and for more accurancy were also evaluated by manual method. Statistical analysis was performed using K-S, Mann-Withney, One way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson tests. P<0/05 was considered significant. Results: Serum IgM level and serum C4 level of infants of mothers with depression were significantly lower than infants of healthy mothers. Lymphocyte number and percentage in infants of depressed mothers was also significantly higher than infants of healthy mothers. The mean cord/maternal blood ratio of IgG in infants of depressed mothers was also significantly lower than infants of healthy mothers. Serum IgG level of depressed mother was significantly higher than other mothers. Conclusion: Fetal impact of stress and depression during pregnancy is just beginning to be understood and research in this area is developing. Our results indicated that maternal depression adversely affects the development and function of fetal immune system. These results are in agreement with the immunological findings of preterm and LBW infants.
Subject:
General Received: 2008/09/3