Publication:

Polymorphisms in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and vascular endothelial growth factor may cross talk in preeclampsia: a pilot study of maternal and fetal dyads in Indian population

Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-system disorder complicating 5-7% pregnancies and one of the leading causes of fetal/maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Methods We have analyzed the association of common genetic polymorphisms of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and angiogenesis pathway in preeclamptic/eclamptic mother-fetal dyad samples, as we have hypothesized that there is a cross-talk between the maternal and fetal genotypes. Maternal venous and fetal umbilical vein blood of 50 primigravidae with preeclampsia /eclampsia and 100 matched normotensive controls of north Indian origin were collected.

Results A significant association was observed in the prevalence of VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor) polymorphism (rs25648 T>C) with PE. Moreover, difference in the prevalence of the AGT (rs7079 A>C) polymorphism was observed between mild vs. severe PE. Fetal genotypes showed a strong association with respect to RENIN (rs11240688 A>G) and AGT (rs11122576 G>A) to preeclampsia.

Conclusions Preeclamptic mothers and their fetuses have shown association with genes that are interacting partners in the regulation of angiogenesis and it would be interesting to expand the study to include more genes and connected pathways for the better understanding of the interplay of the biological process that goes dysregulated in this multi-systemic disorder.