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Leptin receptor gene polymorphisms in severely pre-eclamptic women
János Rigó1, György Szendei, Klára Rosta
1First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. rigo@noil.sote.hu
Summary
Leptin receptor gene (LEPR) A223G polymorphism nearly doubles the risk of severe pre-eclampsia. LEPR A109G variants alone did not impact risk, but combined haplotypes showed altered pre-eclampsia association.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication.
- Leptin and its receptor (LEPR) play roles in metabolic regulation and pregnancy.
- LEPR gene variants may influence pre-eclampsia susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between LEPR gene polymorphisms (Lys109Arg and Gln223Arg) and severe pre-eclampsia.
- To evaluate the impact of individual polymorphisms and haplotypes on pre-eclampsia risk.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 124 severely pre-eclamptic women and 107 healthy controls.
- Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method used for genotyping.
- Logistic regression analysis adjusted for maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, and primiparity.
Main Results:
- The LEPR 223G allele (genotypes 223A/G or 223G/G) was associated with a nearly doubled risk of severe pre-eclampsia (adjusted OR = 1.92).
- The LEPR A109G polymorphism alone did not significantly affect pre-eclampsia risk.
- Specific LEPR haplotypes (G-A and G-G) showed significant associations with severe pre-eclampsia in case-control comparisons.
Conclusions:
- The LEPR A223G polymorphism may independently modify the risk of developing severe pre-eclampsia.
- LEPR gene variants, particularly at position 223, are implicated in the pathophysiology of severe pre-eclampsia.
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