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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
Absolute Quantification of Plasma MicroRNA Levels in Cynomolgus Monkeys, Using Quantitative Real-time Reverse Transcription PCR
Published on: February 12, 2018
Circulating MicroRNAs as a biomarker signature of perinatal asphyxia
Yin-Hsuan Lai1, Yi-Fang Tu2, Chia-Huei Chen3
1Department of Pediatrics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Camillian Saint Mary's Hospital Luodong, Yilan, Taiwan.
Aim:
This study aimed to explore whether microRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as biomarkers of perinatal asphyxia and whether they were correlated with severity of brain magnetic resonance imaging.
Methods:
We prospectively enrolled 26 full-term newborns, including 10 with perinatal asphyxia and 16 healthy controls. Plasma samples were collected at 0-6 h and 7 days of age. Encephalopathy was classified according to modified Sarnat staging. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in surviving infants within 30 days of birth, and a score was established. We used next-generation sequencing to explore differentially expressed miRNAs, which were then further validated using quantitative reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results:
A significantly lower expression of miR-486-5p was found at 0-6 h of age in the asphyxiated newborns compared with the healthy controls (p = 0.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of miR-486-5p at 0-6 h of age to differentiate the perinatal asphyxia group from the healthy control group was 0.831, and the AUC to differentiate newborns eligible for therapeutic hypothermia from others was 0.782. In addition, a lower expression of miR-486-5p at 7 days of age was noted in the asphyxiated newborns with adverse outcomes compared to those with normal outcomes.
Conclusion:
MiR-486-5p may be a biomarker of perinatal asphyxia in newborns, and further research is warranted to clarify its role.
