Altered Expression of MiR-518b and MiR-519a in the Placenta is Associated with Low Fetal Birth Weight

Objectives: Previous studies have suggested that the expression and function of placenta-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with placenta trophoblastic proliferation and invasion. This study investigated whether the altered expression of placenta-specific miRNAs was involved in the development of fetal growth.

Methods: Placenta tissues were obtained from pregnant women with large for gestational age (LGA), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants (n = 30 in each group). Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of relative placenta-specific miRNAs in human placental tissues from three different groups.

Results: Compared with the LGA and healthy control (AGA) groups; the expression of miR-518b was decreased, whereas miR-519a was significantly increased in the placentas from the IUGR group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study suggests that altered expression of placenta-specific miRNAs (miR-518b and miR-519a) may be involved in the development of IUGR.