Early Detection of miRNAs in Maternal Blood Could Predict Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) significantly contributes to increased maternal morbidity and mortality globally, with notably high incidences in the United States where it impacts 2–8% of pregnancies. This condition often leads to premature births and subsequent health issues for infants. Now, a new study indicates that early detection of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) contained in vesicles could enable the prediction of preeclampsia in pregnant individuals before the appearance of clinical symptoms.

Conducted by researchers at UCLA Health (Los Angeles, CA, USA), this study highlights the potential of a distinct set of miRNAs within extracellular vesicles (EVs)—small particles that facilitate cellular communication—as a noninvasive biomarker for preeclampsia. The analysis involved 33 participants, including a control group of seven non-pregnant women and a subgroup of 12 women with healthy pregnancies. The study also included 14 women exhibiting symptoms of preeclampsia, emphasizing early detection and prediction. Women with preeclampsia exhibited different levels of miRNAs in EVs early in pregnancy compared to those with healthy pregnancies. The research identified 148 miRNAs with varied abundances in the EVs of women with preeclampsia: 12 in greater quantities and 135 in reduced quantities compared to EVs from healthy pregnancies, showing distinct group patterns in EVs from women with the condition.

Image: miRNAs within EVs could serve as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of preeclampsia in pregnancy (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

These miRNAs, detectable in blood samples from pregnant women with preeclampsia as early as the first to the second trimester, exhibit a specific pattern throughout pregnancy that shifts upon the onset of preeclampsia. Several of these miRNAs originate from the placenta and function as communicators between the placenta and other bodily organs. The researchers suggest that this panel of miRNAs could predict the development of preeclampsia symptoms, particularly those of late-onset preeclampsia. The findings published in the journal Scientific Reports propose a future where miRNAs within EVs could revolutionize the way maternal health is monitored and managed, serving as noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of preeclampsia and enhancing understanding of the disease's pathophysiology.

“It is critical that we take steps toward early detection and prevention of pre-eclampsia,” said Dr. Sherin U. Devaskar, MD, executive chair of the Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, who led the study. “It continues to be the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, and our findings underscore the potential to address this persistent public health concern.”

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