New epigenetic biomarkers found that potentially predict preterm birth

A signature found in the cheek cells of mothers and fathers of preterm infants may help develop a test to determine whether a pregnancy may end too early. Such a test could help prevent premature births and the many resulting health impacts on infants by alerting medical providers to the need for early intervention measures. In a proof of concept study, researchers documented more than 100 epigenetic biomarkers in mothers of preterm babies that were distinct from mothers of babies carried to term. Fathers had fewer biomarkers but enough to indicate a likely paternal role in preterm birth. They also found that the preterm female babies carried more than 100 of these biomarkers, indicating the propensity to have a preterm baby may be passed down.

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