Altered Expression of miR-518b and miR-519a in the placenta is associated with low fetal birth weight

Am J Perinatol. 2014 Oct;31(9):729-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1361832. Epub 2014 Mar 28.

Abstract

Objectives: Previous studies have suggested that the expression and function of placenta-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with placenta trophoblastic proliferation and invasion. This study investigated whether the altered expression of placenta-specific miRNAs was involved in the development of fetal growth.

Methods: Placenta tissues were obtained from pregnant women with large for gestational age (LGA), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants (n = 30 in each group). Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of relative placenta-specific miRNAs in human placental tissues from three different groups.

Results: Compared with the LGA and healthy control (AGA) groups; the expression of miR-518b was decreased, whereas miR-519a was significantly increased in the placentas from the IUGR group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study suggests that altered expression of placenta-specific miRNAs (miR-518b and miR-519a) may be involved in the development of IUGR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Birth Weight / genetics*
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / genetics*
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • MIRN518 microRNA, human
  • MIRN519 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs