Search

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical application of plasma complete hydatidiform mole pregnancy-associated microRNAs (CHM-miRNAs: hsa-miR-520b, hsa-miR-520f and hsa-miR-520c-3p). We measured plasma CHM-miRNA concentration by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in two cases of CHM resulting in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia later. As progress of treatments in both cases, the plasma concentrations of CHM-miRNAs showed a decreasing tendency similar to the pattern for serum hCG concentration, but exhibited a transient increasing tendency after each course of chemotherapy, suggesting that the plasma CHM-miRNAs could be an additional follow-up marker for malignant changes of CHM.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma concentration of cell-free pregnancy-associated placenta-specific microRNAs and clinical variables (placental weight, maternal body mass index, and neonatal birth weight). Circulating levels of cell-free pregnancy-associated placenta-specific microRNAs (miR-515-3p, miR-517a, miR-517c and miR-518b) in maternal plasma were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in sixty-two pregnant women. The levels of cell-free pregnancy-associated placenta-specific microRNAs were significantly associated with placental weight, but not associated with body mass index or birth weight. Therefore, the measurement of cell-free pregnancy-associated placenta-specific miRNAs levels in maternal plasma may reflect the pregnancy status related to placenta volume.

Workshops are an important part of the IFPA annual meeting as they allow for discussion of specialized topics. At IFPA meeting 2012 there were twelve themed workshops, five of which are summarized in this report. These workshops related to various aspects of placental biology but collectively covered areas of clinical research and pregnancy disorders: 1) trophoblast deportation; 2) gestational trophoblastic disease; 3) placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction; 4) trophoblast overinvasion and accreta-related pathologies; 5) placental thrombosis and fibrinolysis.