mir200a and miR4695-5p profiling as potential biomarkers for preterm birth

Abstract Background Preterm labor is one of the main health problems and after birth congenital anomalies, the main cause of infant mortality. Epigenetic dysregulation and miRNA modulation have been indicated in preterm birth. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the miR200a and miR4695-5p profiling as potential biomarkers for preterm birth. Materials and methods Serum samples were collected from a total of 90 patients (49 women with preterm labor and 41 women with term labor). After miRNA extraction, expression levels of miR200a and miR4695-5p were evaluated using RT-PCR. Results According to the results, the expression levels of miR200a and miR4695-5p were significantly different between the two groups (p-value = 0.015 and p-value = 0.031, respectively). Moreover, the expression of miR4695-5p was positively correlated with the expression of miR200a. However, considering the sex of the fetus, no significant difference was observed in the expression levels of miR200a and miR4695-5p in women with preterm or term labor carrying a female infant (p-value = 0.925). AUC-ROC analysis showed an acceptable sensitivity (60%) and specificity (75%) of miR4695-5p as a biomarker for preterm birth outcome (p-value = 0.031), suggesting this gene as a suitable biomarker for preterm birth. On the other hand, according to the sensitivity (73%) and specificity (51%) according to the AUC-ROC analysis for miR200a (p-value = 0.232) further studies are required to assure the efficacy of this microRNA as a biomarker of preterm birth. Conclusion In overall, these microRNAs may be used as effective biomarkers for identifying women at risk of preterm labor for taking suitable preventive or treatment measures.