Are There Epigenetic Oxytocin-Mediated Effects on the Mother and Infant during Physiological Childbirth?

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have shown that long-term positive behavioural and physiological changes are induced in connection with vaginal, physiological birth, and skin-to-skin contact after birth in mothers and babies. Some of these effects are consistent with the effect profile of oxytocin. This scoping review explores whether epigenetic changes of the oxytocin gene and of the oxytocin receptor gene (OTR) are involved in these effects. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Medline, BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, OVID, and Web of Science for evidence of epigenetic changes in connection with childbirth in humans, with a particular focus on the oxytocin system. Results: There were no published studies identified that were related to epigenetic changes of oxytocin and its receptor in connection with labour, birth, and skin-to-skin contact after birth in mothers and babies. However, some studies were identified that showed polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor influenced the progress of labour. We also identified studies in which the level of global methylation was measured in vaginal birth and caesarean section, with conflicting results. Some studies identified differences in the level of methylation of single genes linked to various effects, for example, immune response, metabolism, and inflammation. In some of these cases, the level of methylation was associated with the duration of labour or mode of birth. We also identified some studies that demonstrated long-term effects of mode of birth and of skin-to-skin contact linked to changes in oxytocin function. Conclusion: There were no studies identified that showed epigenetic changes of the oxytocin system in connection with physiological birth. The lack of evidence, so far, regarding epigenetic changes did not exclude future demonstrations of such effects, as there was a definite role of oxytocin in creating long-term effects during the perinatal period. Such studies may not have been performed. Alternatively, the oxytocin linked effects might be indirectly mediated via other receptors and signalling systems. We conclude that there is a significant lack of research examining long-term changes of oxytocin function and long-term oxytocin mediated adaptive effects induced during physiological birth and skin-to-skin contact after birth in mothers and their infants.

Epidural Analgesia With or Without Oxytocin, but Not Oxytocin Alone, Administered During Birth Disturbs Infant Pre-feeding and Sucking Behaviors and Maternal Oxytocin Levels in Connection With a Breastfeed Two Days Later

“…It is, however, possible that drugs, like the ones used in the present study, will exert long-term effects in connection with birth by imprinting or induction of epigenetic mechanisms. Indeed, long-term effects have been shown to occur in response to interventions such as skin-to-skin contact during the period surrounding birth ( Bystrova et al, 2009 ; Moore et al, 2016 ; Bigelow and Power, 2020 ; Uvnas-Moberg et al, 2020 ).…”

The Role of Oxytocin and the Effect of Stress During Childbirth: Neurobiological Basics and Implications for Mother and Child

“…Epigenetic changes in the gene encoding for the OXTR in the fetal brain (increased DNA methylation at the OXTR promotor) and an increase in the total number of oxytocin receptors are discussed as potential explanations for these findings ( 73 ). It remains to be investigated if maternally given oxytocin during labor, childbirth, or after giving birth have an (epigenetic) effect on the child’s oxytocin system in humans ( 74 ).…”

Oral nifedipine and parenteral isoxsuprine in arresting preterm labor

“…[ 6 ] They tend to decrease the intracellular calcium ion availability through various mechanisms, causing inhibition of interaction between actin and myosin. [ 8 9 ]…”