LncRNA TERRA expression level and telomere length in placenta samples of healthy and preeclampsia women

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a specific pregnancy syndrome that affects all parts of the body. One of the possible causes of preeclampsia is genetic factors, including genetic predisposing genes. The aim of this study was to compare the expression level of LncRNA (large non coding RNA) TERRA (Telomeric repeat-containing RNA) and telomere length in a pair of women with preeclampsia and healthy. Methods: In this case-control study which was performed in 2017-2018, placenta specimens were taken from 25 mothers with Pre-eclampsia who referred to Ardabil Alavi Hospital and were candidate for pregnancy termination; in the control group also, placenta specimens were taken from 25 women without preeclampsia. After extraction of RNA and cDNA synthesis, TERRA expression level was measured by Real Time PCR and the changes of Telomere length was measured by Telomere Length Assay technique. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and Independent t-test. PResults: The mean for expression level of LNCRNA TERRA in the case group was 7.87 ± 1.9 and in the control group was 9.8 ± 2.8. Independent T-test results showed significant difference between the two groups in terms of expression level of LNCRNA TERRA (p=0.006). The mean for Telomere length in the case group was 4.35 ± 1.9 and in the control group was 6.2 ± 1.54. Independent T-test results showed significant difference between the two groups in terms of Telomere length, too (p=0.001). There was no significant correlation between maternal age and LNCRNA TERRA expression level and telomere length (p = 0.88). There was no statistically significant difference in expression level of LNCRNA TERRA and Telomere length between the sexes of newborns (p=0.1). Conclusion: Our data identified the significant role of LNCRNA TERRA and Telomere length in Pre-eclampsia. LNCRNA TERRA and Telomere length can be used to predict and diagnose preeclampsia