Cell-Free Fetal DNA Increases Prior to Labor at Term and in a Subset of Preterm Births.

ABSTRACT: Cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal circulation has been associated with the onset of labor at term. Moreover, clinical studies have suggested that cell-free fetal DNA has value to predict pregnancy complications such as spontaneous preterm labor leading to preterm birth. However, a mechanistic link between cell-free fetal DNA and preterm labor and birth has not been established. Herein, using an allogeneic mouse model in which a paternal green fluorescent protein (GFP) can be tracked in the fetuses, we established that cell-free fetal DNA (Egfp) concentrations were higher in late gestation compared to mid-pregnancy and were maintained at increased levels during the onset of labor at term, followed by a rapid decrease after birth. A positive correlation between cell-free fetal DNA concentr

SUBMITTER: Gomez-Lopez N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7539810 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature