Levels of proteins in the placenta can be measured to predict later gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications, new research has shown.
Writing in Nature Communications Biology, Dr Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri of the University of Cambridge, UK, and colleagues explain: "Placental malfunction is a leading cause for the development of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and intrauterine growth restriction."
The researchers tested mouse placental cells to see whether important placental hormones could be identified. They created a ‘placental secretome map’ to show that proteins secreted from the placenta were detectable in the blood of mice.
These placental secretome proteins were involved in the metabolic, immune and growth processes. They "are largely expressed by human placenta and several are dysregulated in pregnancy complications", the team reports.
Specific protein ratios were increased in women before a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. "Thus, placental secretome analysis could lead to the identification of new placental biomarkers of pregnancy complications," they conclude.
Dr Sferruzzi-Perri says: "The female body is remarkable and from the moment of conception, a pregnant woman’s body needs to change nearly every single organ system so the foetus can develop.
"Our study found hormonal biomarkers from the placenta could indicate which women would have pregnancy complications. These biomarkers are present from the first trimester of pregnancy, normally women are only diagnosed with complications during the second or third trimester when disorders may already have had serious consequences."
Napso, T. et al. Placental secretome characterization identifies candidates for pregnancy complications. Nature Communications Biology 8 June 2021; doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-02214-x
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