High-throughput deep screening and identification of four peripheral leucocyte microRNAs as novel potential combination biomarkers for preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: To identify the specific microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers of preeclampsia (PE), the miRNA profiles analysis were performed. STUDY DESIGN: The blood samples were obtained from five PE patients and five normal healthy pregnant women. The small RNA profiles were analyzed to identify miRNA expression levels and find out miRNAs that may associate with PE. The quantitative reverse transcriptase–PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was used to validate differentially expressed peripheral leucocyte miRNAs in a new cohort. RESULT: The data analysis showed that 10 peripheral leucocyte miRNAs were significantly differently expressed in severe PE patients. Four differently expressed miRNAs were successfully validated using qRT-PCR method. CONCLUSION: We successfully constructed a model with high accuracy to predict PE. A combination of four peripheral leucocyte miRNAs has great potential to serve as diagnostic biomarkers of PE.