Abstract
DNA Damage in pregnant mothers predicts common pregnancy diseases
Dr Denise Furness
PhD awarded 2007, Discipline Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide
Post-doctoral associate - University of Adelaide
Pregnancy complications associated with placental development affect approximately 1 in 5 human pregnancies. Currently there are no diagnostic tests to predict which women will develop these complications that can lead to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Current treatments for pregnancy complications simply treat the symptoms but not the cause. Therefore we cannot prevent or cure these diseases. The cost of hospitalisation of mothers and babies born pre-term due to pregnancy complications is enormous. In addition, so too are the emotional and economic costs to the family.
Genome health is essential for placental and fetal development, as DNA damage can lead to pregnancy loss and developmental defects in the baby. During fetal life rapid DNA replication provides an increased opportunity for genome damage to occur.
This study was the first of its kind, measuring genome damage markers and metabolic factors in mid pregnancy to determine if they can be used to predict increased risk for pregnancy complications. The results indicate that genome damage in mid pregnancy is associated with late pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and IUGR. Therefore, genome damage markers may predict which women are at risk of developing complications in late pregnancy.
This work will pave the way for developing therapeutics and lifestyle interventions that could be utilised either before a women becomes pregnant or in early pregnancy to ameliorate or prevent late pregnancy diseases. This study demonstrates the potential for improving health outcomes of both the mother and baby in both the short and long term.
