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Mannose-binding lectin haplotypes may be associated with cerebral palsy only after perinatal viral exposure

Catherine S Gibson1, Alastair H MacLennan, Paul N Goldwater

  • 1Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia. catherine.s.gibson@adelaide.edu.au

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 6, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Certain mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene variations, specifically LYPA and HYPD haplotypes, may increase the risk of cerebral palsy (CP) in infants exposed to viral infections, acting as susceptibility factors.

Area of Science:

  • Immunogenetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex neurological disorder with multifactorial causes.
  • Infections during pregnancy and genetic factors are implicated in CP pathogenesis.
  • Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a crucial role in innate immunity and is encoded by the MBL gene.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MBL gene polymorphisms and cerebral palsy (CP).
  • To explore the potential role of MBL haplotypes as susceptibility factors for CP in the context of infection.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted using DNA from newborn screening cards.
  • 6 MBL gene polymorphisms were analyzed in 443 Caucasian CP cases and 883 Caucasian controls.
  • MBL haplotypes (HYPA, LYQA, LYPA, LXPA, HYPD, LYQC, LYPB) were determined, correlating with MBL levels.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in MBL haplotype frequencies were observed between CP cases and controls.
  • The MBL LYPA haplotype was associated with an increased risk of CP across all gestations, particularly in preterm infants (<37 and <32 weeks).
  • The MBL HYPD haplotype was associated with quadriplegic CP, especially in infants born <32 weeks.
  • Associations were significant only in infants with documented viral infection exposure, not in uninfected infants.

Conclusions:

  • Specific MBL haplotypes (LYPA and HYPD) may be associated with an elevated risk of developing cerebral palsy.
  • These MBL variations might act as genetic susceptibility factors for CP, particularly when combined with viral infection exposure.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking MBL genetics, infection, and CP development.

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