Publications by authors named "Heli Tiensuu"

Introduction: MicroRNAs regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Their expression has been linked to many pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. Placental microRNA levels differ between preterm and term pregnancies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Currently, there are no accurate means to predict spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). Recently, we observed low expression of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in SPTB placentas. Present aim was to compare the concentrations of maternal serum AAT in pregnancies with preterm and term deliveries.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) is a major cause of neonatal death and morbidity. Up to 40% of the variation in timing of birth results from genetic factors, mostly due to the maternal genome.

Methods: We conducted a genome-wide meta-analysis of gestational duration and spontaneous preterm birth in 68,732 and 98,370 European mothers, respectively.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Specific heat shock proteins are associated with pregnancy complications, including spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). Placental proteomics and whole exome sequencing recently suggested an association between heat shock protein HSPA5 and uncomplicated SPTB. In the present study, we investigated the localization of and possible roles for HSPA5 in SPTB.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Preterm birth, occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is a significant global health issue with unclear molecular causes and no reliable biomarkers for prediction.* -
  • The study focused on analyzing placental proteins related to spontaneous preterm birth, identifying damaging gene variants, and studying specific protein functions and locations within the placenta.* -
  • The findings highlight that reduced levels of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin (SERPINA1) may increase vulnerability to inflammation and protease activity, potentially leading to spontaneous preterm birth.*
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Heat shock proteins are involved in the response to stress including activation of the immune response. Elevated circulating heat shock proteins are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). Intracellular heat shock proteins act as multifunctional molecular chaperones that regulate activity of nuclear hormone receptors.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is the leading cause of neonatal death and morbidity worldwide. Both maternal and fetal genetic factors likely contribute to SPTB. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on a population of Finnish origin that included 247 infants with SPTB (gestational age [GA] < 36 weeks) and 419 term controls (GA 38-41 weeks).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF