Placental mtDNA copy number and methylation in association with macrosomia in healthy pregnancy.

Introduction: Fetal growth and development depend on metabolic energy from placental mitochondria. However, the impact of placental mitochondria on the occurrence of macrosomia remains unclear. We aimed to explore the association between macrosomia without gestational diabetes mellitus (non-GDM) and changes in placental mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and methylation.

Placental and cord blood brain derived neurotrophic factor levels are decreased in nondiabetic macrosomia.

Purpose: To measure levels of placental brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression and umbilical cord blood BDNF in neonates with nondiabetic macrosomia and determine associations between these levels and macrosomia.

Methods: This case-control study included 58 nondiabetic macrosomic and 59 normal birth weight mother-infant pairs. Data were collected from interviews and our hospital's database.

Decreased miR-143 and increased miR-21 placental expression levels are associated with macrosomia.

Macrosomia, a birth weight ≥ 4,000 g, is associated with maternal and infant health problems. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the placenta is associated with adverse birth outcomes, yet whether aberrantly expressed placental miRNAs are associated with macrosomia remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to characterize the expression of three placental miRNAs (miR‑6, ‑21 and ‑143) and evaluate their association with macrosomia.

Birth weight is associated with placental fat mass- and obesity-associated gene expression and promoter methylation in a Chinese population.

Objective: To explore the relationship between birth weight and fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene expression and promoter methylation status in the Chinese population.

Methods: Seventy-five neonates and their mothers were recruited from Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Subjects were divided into three groups by birth weight: low (< 3,500 g, n = 20), medium (3,500-3,999 g, n = 30) and high (≥ 4,000 g, n = 25).