The 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene is associated with severe preeclampsia
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
Published on: April 14, 2023
N Yamada1, T Arinami, K Yamakawa-Kobayashi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. md965409@md.tsukuba.ac.jp
Insights
The 4G/4G genotype of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) gene is linked to an increased risk of preeclampsia. This finding suggests a genetic predisposition to preeclampsia associated with PAI-1 gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication linked to blood clotting issues.
- The plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) gene's 4G/5G polymorphism may influence PAI-1 levels and thrombosis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism and preeclampsia.
- To determine if specific PAI-1 genotypes are risk factors for developing preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping analysis of the PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism.
- Comparing genotype frequencies in preeclamptic patients, pregnant controls, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- The 4G/4G genotype frequency was significantly higher in preeclamptic patients compared to both control groups.
- The 4G allele frequency was also significantly elevated in preeclamptic patients versus controls.
Conclusions:
- The 4G/4G genotype of the PAI-1 gene is a potential risk factor for preeclampsia.
- PAI-1 gene polymorphism may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Abstract:
Preeclampsia is associated with thrombosis of the intervillous or spiral artery. A deletion/insertion polymorphism (4G or 5G) in the promoter of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) gene is suggested to be involved in regulating the synthesis of the inhibitor, 4G allele, being associated with the enhanced gene expression and plasma PAI-1 levels. We assessed the association between preeclampsia and the 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene in 115 preeclamptic patients, 210 pregnant controls, and 298 healthy volunteer controls. The frequency of the homozygotes for the 4G allele was significantly higher in the patients than in the control pregnant women (P = 0.04) or in the healthy volunteers (P = 0.02). The 4G allele frequency was also significantly higher in the patients than in the control group of pregnant women (P = 0.03) and in the healthy volunteers (P = 0.02). These results suggest that the presence of the 4G/4G genotype of the PAI-1 gene is one of the risk factors for preeclampsia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins
Teratogenicity
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

