Aminopeptidase A (ENPEP) gene polymorphisms and preeclampsia: Descriptive analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Obstetrics
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Preeclampsia (PE) etiology is unclear, though genetic factors are implicated.
• Genome-wide association studies identified the aminopeptidase A (ENPEP) gene, encoding an enzyme involved in angiotensin metabolism, as a potential factor in blood pressure regulation.
• The ENPEP rs6825911 C allele is a known risk factor for hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of ENPEP gene variants in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
• To determine if the ENPEP rs6825911 polymorphism is associated with preeclampsia risk in a South African population of African ancestry.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive analysis of ENPEP gene polymorphisms was conducted.
• 602 pregnant women of African ancestry (245 normotensive, 357 with PE) were recruited.
• Single nucleotide polymorphism rs6825911 was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Results:

• The risk of the C allele for PE was not statistically significant (OR 1.07, P=0.589).
• The risk for the CC genotype compared to CT/TT genotypes for PE was not statistically significant (OR 1.33, P=0.086).
• Sub-analysis in PE patients without HIV infection also showed no significant association.

Conclusions:

• The ENPEP gene variant rs6825911 does not appear to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
• This study is the first to examine this association in a homogenous South African population of African ancestry.
• Further research may be needed to explore other genetic factors in preeclampsia.