Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) continues tochallenge both the clinicians and researchers worldwide, as the existing knowledge on its etiopathology does not come up with an efficient and foolproof treatment regime due its progressive nature and uncertain diagnosis and prognosis. In this context, miRNAs represent a potential therapeutic target and a diagnostic tool.

Objectives: Circulating microRNAs present in maternal blood play an important role in the etiopathology of PE. The aim of this study is create the panel of miRNAs and quantify their real time expression in peripheral blood of PE patients (from early- onset PE (EOPE) (< 34 weeks), and late- onset PE (LOPE) (≥34 weeks)) and compare with thecontrols.

Study design: Using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, we quantify the miRNA’s expression (miRNA 548e_5p, miRNA 873_5p, miRNA 378b) in EOPE (n= 50) and LOPE (n= 50) and compare with the controls (n= 50), through this we will find out their association with PE and its onset.

Outcome measures: Expression of the target miRNA in EOPE and LOPE patient samples will be compared to the controls and quantification will help in studying the specific miRNA and role in fetal growth or elevation of blood pressure, etc. Once, the panel of targeted miRNA is preparedand quantified it will help in diagnosis and therapeutics.

Results: Basesd on the rt-pcr analysis the expression of mi-RNA (miRNA 548e_5p, miRNA 873_5p) was significant in EOPE & LOPE where as micro RNA 378b expression was higher in controls samples. miRNA 548e_5p plays to role role down regulate ZEB gene which is involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition. miRNA 873_5p plays to role down regulate JMJD _8 gene. Jumonji C domain _containing protein which is involved in endothelial differentiation. Micro RNA 378b was found in controls, and not in PE. It down regulates the expression of TGFbeta3.

Conclusion: The expression of miRNA 548e_5p, miRNA 873_5p is only found in patients with PE, Where as miRNA 378b is found only in controls.