Endometrial Characterisation in Women at Risk of Placental Dysfunction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of the Endometrium in Women at High Risk of Placental Dysfunction in Pregnancy
IRAS ID
294303
Contact name
Jenny Myers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background: Pre-eclampsia is a common disorder of pregnancy, affecting 4-8% of women. It is diagnosed by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Severe cases can be life threatening, and risk long-term disease for both the mother and baby. The development of pre-eclampsia is only partially understood, but is attributed to abnormal development of the placenta that starts in early pregnancy. Successful development of the placenta relies upon cells of the embryo invading lining of the womb, known as the endometrium, that undergoes changes in preparation for implantation. Altered functioning of the endometrium could lead to poor development of the placenta, therefore leading to pre-eclampsia.
Aim: To determine differences in gene expression of the lining of the womb at the time of embryo implantation, in women affected by pre-eclampsia in comparison to a low-risk control group. To explore the use of gene sequencing technology to identify altered gene expression in these samples.
Method: Women who have had pre-eclampsia will be invited to join the study. At a single research clinic appointment a medical history will be taken from the patient and endometrial sampling will be performed. Samples from these women will be compared to women who are low risk in developing pre-eclampsia. Laboratory studies will investigate for genetic differences between these women.
How it will benefit: Genetic analysis prior to the suspected time of implantation has not been performed previously. Identifying genetic differences of the lining of the womb could help us to understand the development of this disease, and may provide insight into the association of disease recurrence and pattern of maternal inheritance.
Significance of the research: The impact of severe pre-eclampsia on affected women and their babies is immense. Improving our understanding of the disease is fundamental to improve diagnosis, guide therapeutic targets and counsel affected women.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0195
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion