Cytokine-polymorphisms associated with Preeclampsia: A review

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Immunogenetics
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Preeclampsia (PE) affects 2-8% of pregnancies, causing significant maternal and fetal mortality globally, especially in developing nations.
• While PE has a heritable component, its exact genetic factors and etiology remain unclear.
• PE involves a significant inflammatory process, necessitating investigation into cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and describe the most significant cytokine polymorphisms associated with preeclampsia onset and progression.
• To provide current and relevant evidence on the role of cytokine-SNPs in PE pathogenesis.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying preeclampsia through the examination of inflammatory pathways.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of English databases, including PubMed and NCBI.
• Inclusion of all studies investigating Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine polymorphisms published up to February 2022.
• Systematic review of genetic association studies related to preeclampsia and cytokine variations.

Main Results:

• Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-22) are associated with PE development, early onset, and severity.
• These cytokine SNPs demonstrably affect Th1/Th2/Th17 immune responses.
• The identified genetic variations provide insights into the inflammatory mechanisms contributing to PE.

Conclusions:

• Alterations in Th1/Th2/Th17 responses, influenced by cytokine polymorphisms, impact critical pregnancy processes like placentation, inflammation control, and vascular function.
• Association study findings vary, influenced by factors such as sample size, diagnostic criteria, and population genetics.
• Further research into cytokine-SNPs is essential for a deeper understanding and potential therapeutic strategies for preeclampsia.