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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
A possible role for the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism in preterm birth
Aline Meirhaeghe1, Colin A G Boreham, Liam J Murray
1INSERM U744, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, 1 rue du Pr. Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France. aline.meirhaeghe-hurez@pasteur-lille.fr
Diabetes
|January 30, 2007
Summary
The PPARG Pro12Ala gene variant is linked to preterm birth and lower birth weight. This genetic factor may connect early birth complications with later metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Epigenetics
- Perinatal Medicine
- Metabolic Disease Research
Background:
- The association between preterm birth, low birth weight, and adult metabolic/vascular conditions is not fully understood.
- Genetic factors in infants may underlie the long-term consequences of adverse birth outcomes.
- The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene is implicated in metabolic regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the PPARG Pro12Ala gene polymorphism in determining birth weight and gestational duration.
- To explore the potential genetic link between preterm birth and later metabolic morbidities.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism in two independent cross-sectional studies from Northern Ireland (total n = 1002).
- Statistical analysis to assess the association between the Ala12 allele and birth weight, gestational duration, and preterm birth.
- Logistic regression models adjusted for sex, maternal age, and study cohort.
Main Results:
- The PPARG Ala12 allele was significantly associated with lower birth weight (P = 0.03), primarily due to shorter gestational duration (P = 0.04).
- Carriers of the Ala12 allele had a higher frequency of preterm birth (35% vs. 22%, P = 0.027).
- Odds ratios for preterm birth were significantly elevated for Ala12 allele carriers (OR=1.9-4.2, P=0.0006-0.022). A decreased risk of miscarriage was also observed.
Conclusions:
- The PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism may act as a genetic susceptibility factor for preterm birth.
- This genetic variant could bridge the link between preterm birth and the development of metabolic diseases in adulthood.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
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