Integrative analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression data among preterm and/or small for gestational age infants during perinatal period [expression]

Preterm or small for gestational age (SGA) infants are to be at high risk of noncommunicable diseases in adolescence, because they are exposed to hypoxia and malnutrition in and ex utero during perinatal period. Epigenetics could be one of the most important mechanisms of DOHaD.In the field of premature babies, previous studies investigated the methylation alterations related to gestational age and birthweight by using cord blood samples. In the field of preterm or SGA babies, there were few EWAS studies that examine whether methylation changes relate to RNA expression using cord blood samples, and the interpretation of postnatal blood methylation were different by studies.The objective is to investigate the epigenetic alterations associated with preterm birth and SGA by using methylation and expression microarray, and to explore the epigenetic changes which may persist after birth. Cross-sectional study using 55 cord blood samples which had valid methylation data.