Increased levels of microRNA-424 are associated with the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction

Studies show a number of miRNAs are expressed in the placenta including miRNA-424, a hypoxia–regulated miRNA, suggesting miRNA-424 may have a potential regulatory role in fetal growth restriction (FGR). The levels of miRNA-424 and its target gene, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MEK1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) were examined. The levels of miRNA-424 were significantly increased in placentae from women with FGR. Both mRNA levels and protein levels of MEK1 and FGFR1 were significantly reduced in placentae complicated with FGR. Furthermore, the increased levels of miRNA-424 were negatively correlated with the mRNA levels of MEK1 in placentae complicated with FGR. Our study suggests upregulated miRNA-424 may be associated with the pathogenesis of FGR.