Syndecan-1 polymorphisms are associated with preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE), a major obstetrical challenge, involves intricate inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. In this study, we investigated the genetic association between the syndecan-1 (SDC1) gene, a key regulator in these mechanisms, and PE risk.

A hospital-based case-control study including 130 pregnant women with PE and 1300 healthy pregnant women (controls) was conducted. SDC1 rs2230924 C/T and rs1131351 C/G polymorphisms were genotyped. Plasma SDC1 and placental SDC1 expression levels were measured using ELISA and Western blotting.

We identified that the SDC1 rs2230924 C/T genotype and the T allele were associated with an increased risk of PE (odds ratios: 1.65 and 1.61; P = 0.02 and 0.01; P_c = 0.04 and 0.02). Moreover, the rs2230924 T-rs1131351 C haplotype significantly increases the risk of developing PE (odds ratio: 2.12, P = 0.007, P_c = 0.03). PE women had lower plasma SDC1 levels than controls (P = 0.032). Plasma SDC1 levels were lower in controls with the rs2230924 C/T and T/T genotypes than in those with the C/C genotype (P = 0.002 and P = 0.025). A significant reduction of SDC1 protein expression was also observed in placentae from PE cases (P = 0.03).

The SDC1 rs2230924 C/T genotype and T allele may increase PE risk in pregnant women. Validation in larger and multi-ethnic cohorts is necessary before clinical application.