The paternal polymorphism rs5370 in the EDN1 gene decreases the risk of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the maternal, paternal or the combined maternal/paternal contribution of SNP rs5370 of the EDN1 gene is associated with preeclampsia and drove its expression in placenta.

STUDY DESIGN

This case-control study included 61 preeclamptic patients and their partners and 49 healthy pregnant women and their partners. The population was sub-divided into three groups: women-only, men-only and combined (women/men). The analysis included genotyping of rs5370 in mothers and fathers and evaluating the expression profile of the EDN1 gene in placenta. Comparisons of categorical variables were performed using chi-square and/or Fisher's exact tests. The intergroup comparisons were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U test. The association between the polymorphism and the disease was evaluated through multivariate regression analysis. Spearman's correlation was performed to test the relationship between pre-gestational history and clinical features of the affected patients with EDN1 gene expression.

RESULTS

The analysis of paternal risk factors associated with preeclampsia revealed no differences between groups. A negative association between SNP rs5370 and preeclampsia was found in men group (OR 0.42; CI 95% 0.18-0.94, p=0.034) but not in women or combined groups. The adjustment for paternal protective factors increased the observed negative association, and the opposite was observed in the presence of paternal risk factors. The expression of the EDN1 gene in the placenta was significantly higher in the group of cases and was not associated with the rs5370 polymorphism.

CONCLUSION

The paternal rs5370 polymorphism decreases the risk for preeclampsia and is not associated with placental expression of the EDN1 gene.