Evaluation of Mitochondrial Enzyme Activity in Cesarean Section Patients

Overview

The goal of this observational study is to learn about in effects of trace element metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme activities and thiol/disulfide balance in patients who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: • What is the effect of trace element metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme activities and thiol/disulfide balance in patients undergoing cesarean section under regional anesthesia? A 10 ml blood sample will be taken from the participants to analyze the biochemical parameters mentioned before and after the operation. Pre- and post-operative values will be compared.

Although the World Health Organization recommends the cesarean birth rate as 10-15%, the cesarean birth rate in Turkey is 57.3% according to 2020 data, ranking first in the world. This rate is around 30% for primary cesarean delivery. Although there are various methods of anesthesia for cesarean birth, spinal block is a regional anesthesia method frequently used in elective cesarean births because it is easy to apply, has a rapid onset of effect and provides a good sensory block. With this anesthesia method, local anesthetic solution is administered to the subarachnoid space to create sensory and motor block within the surgical area. Although trace elements (Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu)) constitute a small part of the human body, they play a very important role in maintaining normal metabolic function. Deficiency or excess of these elements causes dysfunction of the relevant enzymes (such as alcohol dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, carboxypeptidase, carbonic anhydrase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), DNA and RNA polymerase) and thus various clinical findings (postpartum hemorrhage, fetal growth restriction). FGR), fetal malformations, premature birth, preeclampsia). In recent years, it has been revealed that thiol-disulfide homeostasis may be an important biomarker of oxidative stress. Thiol is a compound containing sulfhydryl group (-SH) that plays an important role in preventing oxidative stress in cells. Thiols are not only a redox buffer in the body but also an essential element of the antioxidant defense system. Abnormal thiol-disulfide balance levels are associated with oxidative stress. There is a balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms. The changes in this balance depending on many factors are frequently investigated in patients undergoing surgery. This study aimed to contribute to the literature by investigating the effects of trace element metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme activities and thiol/disulfide balance in patients who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.