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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New research reveals it may be possible to test for genetic diseases and monitor fetal development in the womb in a non-invasive way.
Researchers from Tufts University in Boston report the current way to diagnose a genetic disease in the womb requires an invasive procedure, as does monitoring fetal development. They set out to determine if an easier, less invasive approach was possible.
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To find potential fetal biomarkers, researchers analyzed whole blood and plasma gene transcripts found in nine pregnant women and their newborns. A common pattern of molecules that hold the "blueprints" for proteins, called fetal mRNAs, emerged in the blood of pregnant women, but were no longer there or were significantly reduced levels in the women after birth.
Researchers report the findings implicate this common pattern of fetal mRNAs could be used as a baseline to compare fetuses affected by pathologic conditions. Also, monitoring specific fetal mRNAs in the blood of pregnant women could help diagnose genetic diseases in the womb.
In summary, study authors write, "Fetal, as well as placental, mRNAs circulate in the blood of pregnant women. This report illustrates what we believe to be a novel approach to noninvasively monitor the developing fetus."
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2007;doi:10.1172/JCI29959
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