Hypermethylated RASSF1A in maternal plasma as a non-sex-dependent marker for monitoring of pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Objective Our aim is to investigate whether the quantification of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) using the RASSF1A system will be effective for the detection of severity of pre-eclampsia. Materials and methodsWe performed real-time PCR after methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme digestion to detect placental-derived RASSF1A sequences (fetal DNA) in the plasma of 120 pregnant women.Results Hypermethylated RASSF1A sequences were detectable in the plasma of all 120 pregnant women. There was an increase in the level of hypermethylated RASSF1A (cffDNA) in mild and severe pre-eclampsia.Conclusion Hypermethylated RASSF1A is a non-sexdependent marker for predicting pre-eclampsia and can be a useful marker for severity.