hsa-miR-582-3p in umbilical cord blood is negatively associated with maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment.

Aim: Childhood maltreatment (CM) may affect not only directly exposed individuals but also their offspring. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. microRNAs (miRNAs) may play a regulatory role in this process. This study investigates the relationship between maternal exposure to CM and miRNA expression in maternal and perinatal tissues.

Methods

We enrolled 43 pregnant women and assessed their CM exposure. We collected maternal blood, cord blood and placental tissue samples during childbirth and performed miRNA profiling using next generation sequencing.

Results

Maternal CM was inversely associated with hsa-miR-582-3p levels in cord blood. Pathway analysis revealed that this miRNA regulates genes involved in intrauterine development.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the potential impact of maternal CM exposure on offspring epigenetic mechanisms.