Background Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that preeclampsia has a negative impact on maternity and offspring health. Previous studies report that dysregulation in utero-environment increases risk for elderly disease such as cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are packaged in exosomes may regulate microvascular dysfunction in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia. The present study aimed to identify the differential expression profiles of microRNAs in the serum exosomes between patients with preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. Methods A comprehensive miRNA sequence-based approach was performed to compare exosomes carry miRNAs (Exo-miRNAs) expression levels in umbilical serum between normal and preeclampsia patients. Exosomes were isolated using the ExoQuick precipitation kit. Serum exosomes were then viewed under electron microscopy, and their characteristics determined by western blotting and nanoparticle-tracking analysis. Illumina platform was used to perform sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore differentially expressed Exo-miRNAs in umbilical serum. Results Based on sequence similarity, 1733 known miRNAs were retrieved. Furthermore, 157 mature miRNAs in serum exosomes were significantly differential expressed between PE and those control groups (P<0.05, log2|FC| > 1). Out, of the 157 miRNAs, 96 were upregulated miRNAs whereas 61 miRNAs were downregulated. The 157 differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 51,424 differentially expressed genes. Functional analysis through KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology results uncovered that target genes of miRNAs with differential expression were significantly linked to several pathways and biological processes. Conclusion The findings of this study showed differential expression of umbilical serum Exo-miRNAs in normal compared with PE patients, implying that these Exo-miRNAs may associate with microvascular dysfunction in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia.

Neonatal leukemia, a congenital form of leukemia, is a rare and fatal disease occurring in the neonatal period. Its etiology and pathogenesis have remained to be fully elucidated and the clinical manifestations differ due to age variability. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) occurring after birth indicates genetic abnormalities and possibly intrauterine exposure to radiation, drugs or other toxins. The present report described the case of a premature neonate without phenotypic signs of Down syndrome, but with an elevated white blood cell count, mainly pertaining to the monocytes of peripheral blood. At 31 weeks of gestation, delivery by Caesarean section was performed due to fetal distress; however, the infant died three days after birth. Further laboratory examination indicated pediatric myeloid leukemia. The present case report described a case of fetal AML. According to the results of peripheral blood smear and targeted-panel sequencing, 5 missense mutations with clinical significance and a novel AFF1-KMT2A fusion gene were detected, which may be the main causes of AML and death.