Proteomics and Metabolomics in Pregnancy-An Overview

Abstract

Importance: Pregnancy is getting more and more complex due to increasing number of complications that may affect fetal outcomes. The introduction of newer "proteomics and metabolomics" technologies in the field of obstetrics and gynecology may allow physicians to identify possible associated etiologies that affect the mother during pregnancy and lead to associated complications affecting the offspring.

Objective: The principal objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the use of proteomics and metabolomics in complicated pregnancies. Future studies that incorporate data from multiple technologies may allow the development of an integrated biological system approach to maternal genomes, proteomes, and metabolomes in pregnancy.

Evidence acquisition and results: We conducted a substantial MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane database search for all the relevant articles containing use of "omics" technologies in pregnancy. We identified 197 relevant articles, following standardized systematic review process along with grading systems; 69 eligible articles were identified.

Conclusion/relevance: We sought to provide a comprehensive review in this emerging field of "omics" in pregnancy and associated complications. This article focuses mainly on use of proteomics and metabolomics identification techniques and possible interventions for early pregnancy complications to improve neonatal outcomes.