Conclusions
Antenatal depression was associated with higher oxidative stress across pregnancy, namely 8-isoprostane, and may impact SPTB via oxidative stress.
Objective
To determine whether antenatal depression is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, and secondarily, whether the association between antenatal depression and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is mediated by these biomarkers. Study design: The primary outcome included urine oxidative stress biomarkers 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostane and plasma inflammatory biomarkers measured at 10, 18, and 26 weeks and averaged within individual. Linear and logistic regression models were used, adjusting for age, race, parity, and pre-pregnancy body mass index.
Results
Among 462 women, 8-isoprostane was higher among depressed women (geometric mean: 299.96 pg/mL vs. 237.01 pg/mL; p = 0.001). In multivariable analyses, antenatal depression was significantly associated with an increase in average 8-isoprostane (β: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.05-0.44; p = 0.01). The association of antenatal depression with SPTB was partially mediated by 8-isoprostane. Antenatal depression was not associated with 8-OHdG or inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions: Antenatal depression was associated with higher oxidative stress across pregnancy, namely 8-isoprostane, and may impact SPTB via oxidative stress.