Association between CRP gene polymorphisms and the risk of preeclampsia in Han Chinese women

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker with elevated expression in preeclampsia (PE).
• The role of CRP genetic variants in PE pathogenesis remains largely unexplored.
• This study investigates the association between CRP polymorphisms and PE risk in Han Chinese women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the genetic association between specific C-reactive protein (CRP) polymorphisms and the risk of preeclampsia (PE).
• To evaluate the impact of CRP genetic variants on PE susceptibility in Han Chinese women.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene: rs2794521, rs3091244, rs3093068, rs876538, and rs1205.
• Utilized the Sequenom method for genotyping in a cohort of 181 PE patients and 203 healthy controls.
• Analyzed allele and genotype frequencies, and assessed haplotype associations.

Main Results:

• The T allele of CRP rs2794521 was significantly more frequent in PE patients (OR=4.091, p=0.002).
• The TT genotype of rs2794521 conferred a 4.062-fold increased risk for PE (p=0.003) and a 9.577-fold risk for severe PE (p=0.006).
• The CRP H2 haplotype (T-C-C-G-C) was associated with increased PE risk (OR=2.129, p<0.001), while H1 (C-C-C-G-C) showed a protective effect (OR=0.23, p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• The CRP genetic variant rs2794521 is strongly associated with preeclampsia risk in Han Chinese women.
• Pregnant women with the TT genotype of rs2794521 exhibit a significantly higher likelihood of developing PE.
• These findings support a potential role for CRP in the molecular mechanisms underlying preeclampsia.