C1431T Variant of PPARγ Is Associated with Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women

Association between Maternal and Fetal Genetic Variants and Preeclampsia: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis

The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between maternal and fetal genetic variants and the risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition that affects women. Despite the unclear role of these genetic factors in the development of preeclampsia, this analysis aimed to provide insights into the potential contributing factors. An electronic search of online databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Stata SE software was used for the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was used to establish the association between the genetic variants and preeclampsia risk. Egger's test was utilized to evaluate publication bias. Ten observational studies were selected from databases that met the inclusion criteria and included seven genes and twenty polymorphisms to analyze preeclampsia susceptibility influenced by the genetic background of both the mother and fetus. Our meta-analysis revealed that both the maternal and fetal polymorphisms, FLT1 rs4769613, were significantly associated with the risk of preeclampsia. However, the association between the maternal ACE rs4646994 polymorphism and preeclampsia risk was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, a significant association was observed between the fetal ACE rs4646994 polymorphism and preeclampsia in a dominant genetic model. In this study, the associations between maternal and fetal polymorphisms in ERAP2, VEGF, VDR, REN, and MMP were not statistically significant. According to the available evidence, maternal and fetal polymorphisms can impact the likelihood of developing preeclampsia. Additional research is required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms connecting maternal and fetal polymorphisms to preeclampsia, and to formulate recommendations for screening pregnant women based on these genetic variations.

The Influence of FAM13A and PPAR-γ2 Gene Polymorphisms on the Metabolic State of Postmenopausal Women

Recently, we have observed two significant pandemics caused by communicable (COVID-19) and non-communicable factors (obesity). Obesity is related to a specific genetic background and characterized by immunogenetic features, such as low-grade systemic inflammation. The specific genetic variants include the presence of polymorphism of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors gene (PPAR-γ2; Pro12Ala, rs1801282, and C1431T, rs3856806 polymorphisms), β-adrenergic receptor gene (3β-AR; Trp64Arg, rs4994), and Family With Sequence Similarity 13 Member A gene (FAM13A; rs1903003, rs7671167, rs2869967). This study aimed to analyze the genetic background, body fat distribution, and hypertension risk in obese metabolically healthy postmenopausal women (n = 229, including 105 lean and 124 obese subjects). Each patient underwent anthropometric and genetic evaluations. The study has shown that the highest value of BMI was associated with visceral fat distribution. The analysis of particular genotypes has revealed no differences between lean and obese women except for FAM13A rs1903003 (CC), which was more prevalent in lean patients. The co-existence of the PPAR-γ2 C1431C variant with other FAM13A gene polymorphisms [rs1903003(TT) or rs7671167(TT), or rs2869967(CC)] was related to higher BMI values and visceral fat distribution (WHR > 0.85). The co-association of FAM13A rs1903003 (CC) and 3β-AR Trp64Arg was associated with higher values of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). We conclude that the co-existence of FAM13A variants with C1413C polymorphism of the PPAR-γ2 gene is responsible for body fat amount and distribution.

The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. Often presenting as preexisting or new-onset hypertension complicated by proteinuria and/or end-organ dysfunction, preeclampsia significantly correlates with maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptor proteins that regulate gene expression. In order to investigate the role of PPARs in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, we conducted a literature review using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The search terms "peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor", "PPAR", and "preeclampsia" were employed and we were able to identify 35 relevant studies published between 2002 and 2022. Different study groups reached contradictory conclusions in terms of PPAR expression in preeclamptic placentae. Interestingly, PPARγ agonists alone, or in combination with well-established pharmaceutical agents, were determined to represent novel, potent anti-preeclamptic treatment alternatives. In conclusion, PPARs seem to play a significant role in preeclampsia.

Polygenic Risk Score and Risk Factors for Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension

Preeclampsia and gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD) are common complications of pregnancy that adversely affect maternal and offspring health, often with long-term consequences. High BMI, advanced age, and pre-existing conditions are known risk factors for GHD. Yet, assessing a woman's risk of GHD based on only these characteristics needs to be reevaluated in order to identify at-risk women, facilitate early diagnosis, and implement lifestyle recommendations. This study demonstrates that a risk score developed with machine learning from the case-control genetics dataset can be used as an early screening test for GHD. We further confirm BMI as a risk factor for GHD and investigate a relationship between GHD and genetically constructed anthropometric measures and biomarkers. Our results show that polygenic risk score can be used as an early screening tool that, together with other known risk factors and medical history, would assist in identifying women at higher risk of GHD before its onset to enable stratification of patients into low-risk and high-risk groups for monitoring and preventative programs to mitigate the risks.