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Published on: March 6, 2019
Genetic risk factors associated with respiratory distress syndrome
1Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.
Insights
Genetic factors influence respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants, often linked to pulmonary surfactant deficiency. Research identifies specific gene mutations and variants as key risk factors for RDS development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants commonly results from insufficient pulmonary surfactant.
- Environmental and genetic factors significantly influence RDS risk, with variations observed across ethnicities and twin types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genetic predisposition of RDS.
- To summarize identified gene mutations and candidate polymorphisms in pulmonary surfactant proteins linked to RDS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on genetic factors in RDS.
- Analysis of identified mutations in surfactant-associated genes.
- Examination of candidate genetic polymorphisms related to pulmonary development and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Specific mutations in genes encoding surfactant-associated molecules have been confirmed as causes of RDS.
- Genetic variants regulating pulmonary development, structure, function, or inflammatory response are potential RDS risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in the development of RDS.
- Further research into genetic variants can enhance understanding and management of RDS.
Abstract:
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among preterm infants is typically due to a quantitative deficiency of pulmonary surfactant. Aside from the degree of prematurity, diverse environmental and genetic factors can affect the development of RDS. The variance of the risk of RDS in various races/ethnicities or monozygotic/dizygotic twins has suggested genetic influences on this disorder. So far, several specific mutations in genes encoding surfactant-associated molecules have confirmed this. Specific genetic variants contributing to the regulation of pulmonary development, its structure and function, or the inflammatory response could be candidate risk factors for the development of RDS. This review summarizes the background that suggests the genetic predisposition of RDS, the identified mutations, and candidate genetic polymorphisms of pulmonary surfactant proteins associated with RDS.
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