Gender dependent association between perinatal morbidity and estrogen receptor-alpha Pvull polymorphism

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Genetics
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Estrogen plays a crucial role in perinatal physiology.
• Genetic variations, such as polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) gene, may influence infant health outcomes.
• The ER-alpha Pvull pP polymorphism is investigated for its potential impact on perinatal morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between the ER-alpha gene Pvull pP polymorphism and perinatal morbidity in premature infants.
• To determine if this genetic variation influences specific health complications in newborns.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping for the ER-alpha Pvull pP polymorphism was performed on a cohort of low-birth weight and term infants (boys and girls).
• Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between risk factors, genotype, gender, and perinatal morbidity.
• Specific outcomes analyzed included necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, oxygen supplementation duration, and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Main Results:

• In boys, carrying the "p" allele was associated with a reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and patent ductus arteriosus.
• The "p" allele carrier state in boys correlated with a significantly shorter duration of oxygen supplementation.
• Conversely, boys with the "pp" genotype exhibited an increased risk for intraventricular hemorrhage.
• No significant associations were found between the ER-alpha Pvull polymorphism and morbidity in girls.

Conclusions:

• Homozygosity for ER-alpha Pvull alleles (PP or pp genotypes) appears to elevate the risk for common perinatal complications.
• The heterozygous carrier state of Pvull genotypes may confer a protective effect against perinatal morbidity.
• This protective effect, if present, is dependent on the infant's gender.