Evaluation of HPL, Leptin, and IGF-1 in Placental Tissues of Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy

Maternal smoking during pregnancy although it is known to be associated with fetal growth restriction, it’s effect on postpartum breastfeeding is not yet clear. The aim of the present study was to examine the impacts of smoking in pregnancy on breastfeeding as well as its impacts on placental immunoreactivity. The study was conducted on 70 women who gave birth via spontaneous vaginal delivery. Groups were classified as Smokers (n=35) and Non-smokers (n=35). Cross-sections were taken from the placenta tissues after which their IGF-1, Leptin, HPL immunoreactivities were examined. A significant difference was identified between the smoking status of the pregnant women and findings on their IGF-1, Leptin and HPL immunoreactivities (p<0,05). Lower IGF-1, Leptin and HPL median scores were observed for smoker pregnant women compared with non-smoker pregnant women. Lower placental IGF-1 Leptin and HPL expressions in smoker groups were found to be correlated with the lower values related with the baby and breastfeeding. Lower HPL expression values of the placentas of smoker mothers led us to think that it is related with insufficient mother’s milk during the postpartum nursing period.