New epigenetic biomarkers found that potentially predict preterm birth


Date:
March 1, 2022
Source:
Washington State University
Summary:
A signature found in the cheek cells of mothers and fathers of
preterm infants may help develop a test to determine whether
a pregnancy may end too early. Such a test could help prevent
premature births and the many resulting health impacts on infants
by alerting medical providers to the need for early intervention
measures. In a proof of concept study, researchers documented more
than 100 epigenetic biomarkers in mothers of preterm babies that
were distinct from mothers of babies carried to term.

Fathers had fewer biomarkers but enough to indicate a likely
paternal role in preterm birth. They also found that the preterm
female babies carried more than 100 of these biomarkers, indicating
the propensity to have a preterm baby may be passed down.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A signature found in the cheek cells of mothers and fathers of preterm
infants may help develop a test to determine whether a pregnancy may
end too early.

Such a test could help prevent premature births and the many resulting
health impacts on infants by alerting medical providers to the need for
early intervention measures.


==========================================================================
In a study published in Scientific Reportson March 1, researchers
documented more than 100 epigenetic biomarkers in mothers of preterm
babies that were distinct from mothers of babies carried to term. Fathers
had fewer biomarkers but enough to indicate a likely paternal role in
preterm birth.

"The signature we found was present in all the parents we analyzed,"
said senior author Michael Skinner, a professor in Washington State University's School of Biological Sciences. "This is likely to lead
eventually to a very useful test. We used buccal cells, which are
collected by a cheek swab. It's very non-invasive and easy to do."
Epigenetics are molecular factors and processes around DNA that
determine how genes behave. While independent of DNA sequence, epigenetic modifications, which can be caused by things such as toxicant exposure,
poor nutrition and alcohol use, can also be inherited.

In this study, researchers found that the preterm female babies carried
more than 100 of these biomarkers, indicating the propensity to have a
preterm baby may be passed down. That transgenerational capacity is also supported by the fact the signature is found in cheek cells, Skinner
said. If an epigenetic modification is present in both sperm and ovum,
the resulting baby will have that modification present in every cell of
their body -- including their cheek cells.

For this study, the researchers took cheek swabs from two groups of
mother- father-infant triads shortly after the babies were born. In one
set of 19 triads, the infants were born premature and in another group of
21 triads, the babies were carried to full term. The epigenetic analysis revealed the signature in the mothers, fathers and female preterm babies,
but none in the male preterm infants.

This is a "proof of concept" study, and the researchers note that the next
step would be to test this with greater numbers of parents and children.

Early birth before 37 weeks of gestation can be fatal for infants,
and many who survive face a host of health issues, some of which can
follow them their entire lives, including cognitive disabilities and cardiovascular problems.

There are many risk factors that can cause preterm birth such as a twin
or multiple pregnancy and the high-blood pressure condition known as preclampsia - - but some early births are unexpected. Having a diagnostic
test in the first- term of pregnancy can allow caregivers to take steps
to delay or prevent a preterm birth, Skinner said.

Skinner's lab has previously published studies on other potential
epigenetic biomarkers, including one for autism and rheumatoid arthritis, paving the way for earlier treatment.

"Although we may not be able to fix the problem, if we know that it's
going to develop because of these diagnostics, we can treat it," said
Skinner. "This could help with the transition from reactionary medicine
to preventive medicine." In addition to Skinner, co-authors on this
paper include Paul Winchester at Indiana University as well as Eric
Nilsson and Daniel Beck from WSU. This study was supported by grants
from the John Templeton Foundation.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Washington_State_University. Original written by Sara Zaske. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Paul Winchester, Eric Nilsson, Daniel Beck, Michael
K. Skinner. Preterm
birth buccal cell epigenetic biomarkers to facilitate
preventative medicine. Scientific Reports, 2022; 12 (1) DOI:
10.1038/s41598-022-07262- 9 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220301093700.htm

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