Blood serum microRNA profiles of pregnant women as biomarkers of pre-eclampsia evaluation

Abstract

Introduction. pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related syndrome characterized by hypertension and proteinuria that makes its appearance after 20 weeks of gestation. It develops approximately in 2-10% of all pregnancies. Pre-eclampsia, as a severe complication during pregnancy, is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of utilizing selected microRNAs at the earliest possible stage as safe biomarkers of severe complications of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia. State of konowledge. Nowadays, there are many trials aimed at finding effective methods for pre-eclampsia prediction at the early stage of pregnancy, before the onset of clinical signs. Although the precise pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia remains unknown, early prediction of the syndrome would allow the initiation of proper preventive therapy to savethe mother and future child. Current strategies for pre-eclampsia prediction are assessments of combinations of maternal risk factors, ultrasound parameters and different biomarkers (proteins, circulating cell free DNA and microRNAs). Studies of microRNAs in particular offer great potential for diagnosis and therapy in pregnancy-related disorders. The fraction of specific placenta-related circulating microRNAs in the serum of pregnant women who present symptoms of pre-eclampsia after 20 weeks of gestation, and show the strongest changes in the level, can play an important role in the development of placenta-related complications. Conclusion. Further research into the level of microRNAs in the blood serum of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia will allow a practical way of utilizing selected microRNAs at the earliest possible stage as safe biomarkers of severe complications of pregnancy.