Sexually dimorphic patterns in maternal circulating microRNAs in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction

Table 4 Differentially expressed microRNAs between female and male serum samples identified by microarray

miRNA ID	SD F	SD M	Average dCq F	Average dCq M	Fold-change	p-value	Sexual dimorphism	Reported association with pregnancy pathology
hsa-miR-520 h MIMAT0002867	0.40	0.66	− 2.1	− 3.5	2.6	0.018		↑ In plasma EVs in GDM pregnancies [19] ↑1st trimester plasma in women who develop PE [65] ↑ Placental expression in PTB [66] ↓ Placental expression in FGR [49]
hsa-miR-29c-3p MIMAT0000681	0.28	0.17	2.0	2.5	− 1.4	0.038	↑ M plasma [39] ↑ F cerebellum [40]	↑ Plasma levels in gestationally obese women [51]
hsa-miR-32-5p MIMAT0000090	0.37	0.15	1.2	1.8	− 1.5	0.039		↓Placental expression in PE [67]
hsa-miR-136-5p MIMAT0000448	0.69	0.6	− 2.5	− 1.4	− 2.2	0.046		↑ In plasma EVs in GDM pregnancies [19] ↑Expression in chorionic membranes in PTL [68]

When comparing the F group to the M group (combined FGR and AGA) using a t-test, 4 microRNAs were found to be differentially expressed using a cutoff of p-value < 0.05. (n = 4/group). Evidence of sexual dimorphism and/or association with pregnancy pathologies was determined by PubMed literature search accessed 30 May 2021. SD standard deviation, F female, M male, dCq = (Cq _{target miRNA} – Cq _{reference miRNAs}), EVs extracellular vesicles, GDM gestational diabetes mellitus, PE pre-eclampsia, PTB pre-term birth, FGR fetal growth restriction, PTL pre-term labour

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