Clinical Features of Babies Born to Mothers with Oligohydramnios: A Two Years’ Experience

Abstract

BackgroundPreterm delivery and sub-optimal fetal growth are associated with each other and affect both mother and infant. Our aim was to determine (i) whether there are detectable differences in DNA methylation between early and late gestation and (ii) whether changes in DNA methylation from entry are associated with spontaneous preterm delivery with and without reduced fetal growth.MethodsWe conducted a case-control study nested within a large prospective cohort. Gene specific methylation was measured by Methyl-Profiler PCR Array in a Human Breast Cancer Signature Panel of 24 genes from maternal peripheral leukocytes genomic DNA at entry and 3rd trimester (sampled at 16 and 30 weeks of gestation, respectively). Clonal bisulfite DNA sequencing was performed to confirm the changes in selected genes (CYP1B1, GADD45A and CXCL12). Multivariable analysis was used for data analysis.ResultsThere was significantly decrease in DNA methylation in 15 of 24 genes during the 3rd trimester in cases of spontaneous preterm delivery (n=23) as compared to the controls (n=19) (p<0.05–p<0.01 for each gene). Similar results were observed by bisulfite sequencing for 3 genes. The change in DNA methylation between late and early gestation was significantly different in cases (overall decrease in methylation was −4.0 ± 1.5%) compared to the controls (overall increase in methylation was 12.6 ± 2.19%, p<0.0001). A graded pattern of DNA methylation was observed in 15 genes. Cases who delivered preterm with reduced fetal growth had the lowest level of methylation, cases delivering preterm without reduced fetal growth were next and term controls were highest in methylation (p for trend <0.05 to p<0.01 for each gene). Cases of preterm delivery also had significantly lower dietary choline intake.ConclusionsThese data suggest that epigenetic modification is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, spontaneous preterm delivery with reduced fetal growth in particular.

The Role of DNA Methylation in Transcriptional Regulation of Pro-Nociceptive Genes in Rat Trigeminal Ganglia

“…Analysis of methylated DNA by BS sequencing was completed as described previously. 22 Briefly, BS conversion was performed for 100 ng purified gDNA with EZ DNA Methylation Gold kit (Zymo Research) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. TRPA1 CGI was amplified by PCR with primers whose sequence may be provided upon request.…”

Maternal risk factors and pregnancy complications associated with low birth weight neonates in preterm birth

“…The fetus may suffer from external shocks and maternal vaginal microbial infections. 31 If oligohydramnios occurs in the first trimester, the fetus may be partially adhered to the amniotic membrane or suffer amniotic band syndrome which causes body impairment. If oligohydramnios occurs in the late stage of pregnancy, the lack of amniotic fluid may force the fetus to rest in an unnatural position, which is likely to cause musculoskeletal malformations and hypoplasia, resulting in growth retardation and LBW.…”

Acute Kidney Injury in Perinatal Asphyxia: Comparison Between Term and Preterm Neonates

“…Among these, oligohydramnios was the only risk factor that could be significantly correlated with AKI incidence in the neonates. Fedakar et al 13 and Asgharnia et al 14 also observed that mothers with oligohydramnios had an increased incidence of perinatal asphyxia and renal dysfunction in their neonates. Antenatal chronic hypoxia causes accelerated placental aging with loss of placental nutritive function and a reduction in amniotic fluid.…”