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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
microRNA signatures associated with fetal growth restriction: a systematic review
P Kochhar1, M Vukku1, R Rajashekhar1,2
1Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India.
Abstract:
Placental-origin microRNA (miRNA) profiles can be useful toward early diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and associated complications. We conducted a systematic review to identify case-control studies that have examined miRNA signatures associated with human FGR. We systematically searched PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for relevant articles and manually searched reference lists of the relevant articles till May 18th, 2021. Of the 2133 studies identified, 21 were included. FGR-associated upregulation of miR-210 and miR-424 and downregulation of a placenta-specific miRNA cluster miRNA located on C19MC (miR-518b, miR-519d) and miR-221-3p was reported by >1 included studies. Analysis of the target genes of these miRNA as well as pathway analysis pointed to the involvement of angiogenesis and growth signaling pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) pathway. Only 3 out of the 21 included studies reported FGR-associated miRNAs in matched placental and maternal blood samples. We conclude that FGR-associated placental miRNAs could be utilized to inform clinical practice towards early diagnosis of FGR, provided enough evidence from studies on matched placental and maternal blood samples become available.Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42019136762.
Insights
Placental microRNAs (miRNAs) show promise for diagnosing fetal growth restriction (FGR). Specific miRNA signatures, like upregulated miR-210 and downregulated C19MC cluster miRNAs, are linked to FGR, but more studies using matched samples are needed.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Placental microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for fetal growth restriction (FGR).
- Understanding miRNA signatures in FGR can aid early diagnosis and management.
- Systematic reviews are crucial for synthesizing evidence on miRNA biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and identify microRNA (miRNA) signatures associated with human fetal growth restriction (FGR).
- To analyze the pathways implicated by FGR-associated miRNAs.
- To assess the availability of studies using matched placental and maternal blood samples.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of PubMed and ScienceDirect databases up to May 18th, 2021.
- Inclusion of 21 case-control studies from 2133 identified articles.
- Manual searching of reference lists for relevant studies.
Main Results:
- Upregulation of miR-210 and miR-424, and downregulation of C19MC cluster miRNAs (miR-518b, miR-519d) and miR-221-3p were consistently reported in FGR.
- Pathway analysis indicated involvement of angiogenesis and PI3K-Akt signaling.
- Only 3 studies utilized matched placental and maternal blood samples.
Conclusions:
- Placental miRNA profiles offer potential for early FGR diagnosis.
- Further research using matched placental and maternal blood samples is essential to validate these findings for clinical application.
- Standardization of sample collection and analysis is recommended.
