Sex Differences in the Late First Trimester Human Placenta Transcriptome

This study is the first characterization of the first trimester placenta transcriptome, highlighting similarities and differences among the sexes in ongoing human pregnancies resulting in live births. Sexual dimorphism may contribute to pregnancy outcomes, including fetal growth and birth weight, which was seen in our cohort, with males significantly heavier than females at birth. This transcriptome provides a basis for development of early diagnostic tests of placental function that can indicate overall pregnancy heath, fetal-maternal health, and long term adult health. Examination of gene expression in Males vs. Females

本研究首次针对最终活产的人类妊娠，对其妊娠早期的胎盘转录组（transcriptome）开展特征分析，揭示了该类妊娠进程中不同性别间的相似性与差异。性别二态性（sexual dimorphism）或可影响妊娠结局，包括胎儿生长与出生体重；本研究队列中亦观察到该现象：男性新生儿出生体重显著高于女性。该转录组可为开发胎盘功能早期诊断检测手段提供理论支撑，此类检测可反映整体妊娠健康、母婴健康以及成人远期健康状况。本研究同时对男性与女性的基因表达情况进行了对比分析。