microRNA in Chorioamnionitis: Emerging Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis

Chorioamnionitis can lead to preterm birth, which elevates the short- and long-term mortality risks due to neonatal sepsis and brain disease in infants. The clinical diagnosis of chorioamnionitis is imprecise, making accurate maternal and fetal prognosis difficult. Amniocentesis, used as a diagnostic tool for chorioamnionitis, is an invasive test that can lead to preterm birth. microRNAs are brief, noncoding RNAs of 21-25 nucleotides that regulate the expression of target genes in various biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Certain serum microRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for the early detection of placental insufficiency and associated conditions such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. However, limited studies have explored the association between chorioamnionitis and the expression of microRNAs in amniotic fluid and serum. This review discusses the potential of microRNAs as a diagnostic tool for chorioamnionitis and summarizes recent research on the relationship between chorioamnionitis and microRNAs.