Bacterial and cytokine mixtures predict the length of gestation and are associated with miRNA expression in the cervix

Epigenomics. 2017 Jan;9(1):33-45. doi: 10.2217/epi-2016-0095. Epub 2016 Dec 12.

Abstract

Aim: Bacterial vaginosis may lead to preterm birth through epigenetic programming of the inflammatory response, specifically via miRNA expression.

Methods: We quantified bacterial 16S rRNA, cytokine mRNA and 800 miRNA from cervical swabs obtained from 80 women at 16-19 weeks' gestation. We generated bacterial and cytokine indices using weighted quantile sum regression and examined associations with miRNA and gestational age at delivery.

Results & discussion: Each decile of the bacterial and cytokine indices was associated with shorter gestations (p < 0.005). The bacterial index was associated with miR-494, 371a, 4286, 185, 320e, 888 and 23a (p < 0.05). miR-494 remained significant after false discovery rate correction (q < 0.1). The cytokine index was associated with 27 miRNAs (p < 0.05; q < 0.01).

Conclusion: Future investigation into the role of bacterial vaginosis- and inflammation-associated miRNA and preterm birth is warranted.

Keywords: bacterial vaginosis; cervix; cytokines; miRNA; preterm birth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cervix Uteri / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology*
  • Premature Birth / epidemiology
  • Premature Birth / metabolism*
  • Premature Birth / microbiology
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger