First Trimester Screening of Circulating C19MC microRNAs Can Predict Subsequent Onset of Gestational Hypertension

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to evaluate risk assessment for gestational hypertension based on the profile of circulating placental specific C19MC microRNAs in early pregnancy.Study designThe prospective longitudinal cohort study of women enrolled at first trimester screening at 10 to 13 weeks was carried out (n = 267). Relative quantification of placental specific C19MC microRNAs (miR-516-5p, miR-517*, miR-518b, miR-520a*, miR-520h, miR-525 and miR-526a) was determined in 28 normal pregnancies and 18 pregnancies which developed gestational hypertension using real-time PCR and a comparative Ct method relative to synthetic C. elegans microRNA (cel-miR-39).ResultsIncreased extracellular C19MC microRNA plasmatic levels (miR-516-5p, pConclusionThe study brought interesting finding that the up-regulation of miR-516-5p, miR-517*, miR-520h and miR-518b is associated with a risk of later development of gestational hypertension. First trimester screening of extracellular miR-520h alone or in combination with miR-518b identified a significant proportion of women with subsequent gestational hypertension.