Preeclampsia (PE) poses a substantial risk to maternal health globally, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality rates among pregnant women. In the United States alone, PE affects approximately 2–8% of pregnancies, often leading to premature birth and associated complications for infants. A recent investigation led by researchers at UCLA Health suggests that identifying specific microRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) could offer a breakthrough in predicting preeclampsia before clinical symptoms manifest.
Dr. Sherin U. Devaskar, MD, executive chair of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics, spearheaded the study. Their research underscores the potential of certain miRNAs within EVs—tiny particles that facilitate cell-to-cell communication—as noninvasive biomarkers for detecting preeclampsia.
The study encompassed a detailed analysis involving 33 participants. This cohort included a control group of seven non-pregnant women, alongside subsets of 12 pregnant women with uneventful pregnancies and 14 women exhibiting symptomatic preeclampsia. By comparing EVs from these groups, researchers identified 148 miRNAs showing significant differences in abundance between those with preeclampsia and healthy pregnancies. Notably, 12 miRNAs were found in higher levels and 135 in lower levels within EVs from preeclampsia cases compared to healthy pregnancies.
MicroRNAs found in EVs from the blood of pregnant women with preeclampsia were detectable as early as the first to second trimester. These miRNAs, which originate from the placenta, play crucial roles as messengers between the placenta and other organs. The study suggests that alterations in these miRNAs throughout pregnancy may serve as predictive indicators for the onset of preeclampsia, particularly late-onset cases.
Dr. Devaskar emphasized the critical importance of early detection and prevention strategies for preeclampsia, given its status as a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity globally. “It is critical that we take steps toward early detection and prevention of pre-eclampsia,” Dr. Devaskar stated, highlighting the urgent need to address this persistent public health challenge.
The findings propose a promising future where miRNAs within EVs could revolutionize the monitoring and management of pregnancy-related complications. These biomarkers hold potential not only for early detection but also for advancing the understanding of preeclampsia’s underlying mechanisms.
Contributors to the study include Dr. Ghosh, Ms. Thamotharan, Dr. Fong from the Department of Pediatrics, and Dr. Janzen and Ms. Lei from the Department of Obstetrics.
In conclusion, the research underscores the transformative potential of miRNA analysis in EVs for enhancing prenatal care and mitigating the impact of preeclampsia on maternal and infant health.
