4.6 Article

Role of epigenetics in parturition and preterm birth

Journal

BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
Volume 97, Issue 3, Pages 851-873

Publisher

WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/brv.12825

Keywords

preterm birth; epigenetics; microRNA; long non-coding RNA; DNA methylation; histone modification

Categories

Funding

  1. National Natural Science Foundation of China [32172726, 31672417, 31772596]
  2. Key Research and Development Program of Jilin Province [20210202048NC, 20210202103NC]

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Preterm birth worldwide is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and economic cost. The mechanisms underlying preterm birth are still unclear, but epigenetics may play a role in linking social and environmental risk factors.
Preterm birth occurs worldwide and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and economic cost. Although several risk factors associated with parturition and preterm birth have been identified, mechanisms underlying this syndrome remain unclear, thereby limiting the implementation of interventions for prevention and management. Known triggers of preterm birth include conditions related to inflammatory and immunological pathways, as well as genetics and maternal history. Importantly, epigenetics, which is the study of heritable phenotypic changes that occur without alterations in the DNA sequence, may play a role in linking social and environmental risk factors for preterm birth. Epigenetic approaches to the study of preterm birth, including analyses of the effects of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification, have contributed to an improved understanding of the molecular bases of both term and preterm birth. Additionally, epigenetic modifications have been linked to factors already associated with preterm birth, including obesity and smoking. The prevention and management of preterm birth remains a challenge worldwide. Although epigenetic analysis provides valuable insights into the causes and risk factors associated with this syndrome, further studies are necessary to determine whether epigenetic approaches can be used routinely for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of preterm birth.

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