Exploring associations between postpartum depression and oxytocin levels in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and saliva

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.052
• Publication Date: 2022-07-30T12:04:21Z
• Authors: Qianmin Chen; Jingwen Zhuang; Ronghua Zuo; Huiwen Zheng; Jingjing Dang; Zhiping Wang
• Keywords: Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health concern affecting approximately 17.22 % of new mothers worldwide. In addition to its obstetric effects, oxytocin (OXT) has also been considered play role in PPD. However, most previous studies exploring associations between PPD and OXT levels focus on easier accessible compartments such as blood or saliva. To explore the possible association levels, assess interaction peripheral secretion central release OXT. this study, we prospectively measured concentrations cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma saliva 94 women with elective cesarean section by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The participants were divided into group if score Edinburgh Depression Scale (EPDS) ≥ 10 at 3 months postpartum, otherwise non-PPD (nPPD) group. incidence was 30.85 %. CSF (r = −0.518, p < 0.001), −0.240, 0.020) −0.263, 0.010) negatively correlated EPDS score, valuable for prediction PPD, AUC 95%CI 0.890 (0.809–0.945), 0.683 (0.579–0.775) 0.699 (0.596–0.790), respectively. Moreover, 0.407, 0.001) 0.624, positively concentrations. Only full-term pregnant undergoing included which may affect study generalizability. coordinated, level prenatally CSF, plasma,