Alcohol Use During Pregnancy is Associated with Specific Alterations in MicroRNA Levels in Maternal Serum.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given the challenges of confirming prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) during pregnancy using currently established biomarkers of alcohol consumption, we examined whether serum microRNAs (miRNAs) may serve as stable biomarkers for PAE. Alterations in the levels of specific circulating miRNAs have been associated with various disease states and in animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Methods

Pregnant women in this prospective study were recruited from substance abuse and general maternity clinics affiliated with the University of New Mexico. Serum was collected at the time of admission for delivery from 14 subjects who reported ≥1 binge-drinking episode or ≥3 drinks/wk during pregnancy and 16 subjects who reported abstinence during pregnancy and tested neg

SUBMITTER: Gardiner AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4825401 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature