HLA-G genotype is associated with fetoplacental growth.
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is expressed by extravillous cytotrophoblast cells in the feto-maternal contact zone. Polymorphisms have been described in the HLA-G gene and have been linked with differences in HLA-G mRNA alternative splicing patterns and protein expression. Differences in the isoform profile or the degree of HLA-G expression may influence cytokine production and, thereby, placental and fetal growth. Associations between a 14 bp deletion polymorphism in the 3'UTR part of the HLA-G gene and birth weight in relation to gestational age and placental weight were studied in 47 pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia and 87 with no preeclampsia. An HLA-G genotype homozygous for the presence of the 14 bp sequence polymorphism was significantly associated with increased birth weight in relation to gestational age (one-way analysis of variance; 2 degrees of freedom: p = 0.02) and with placental weight at birth (>38 weeks of gestation; +14 bp/+14 bp vs others; unpaired t-test: p = 0.03). There was also a slightly higher placental ratio in the offspring with the +14 bp/+14 bp genotype. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to certain complications of pregnancy and in an evolutionary perspective.
Hviid
Thomas Vauvert
TV
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 9 Blegdamsvej, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. hviid@dadlnet.dk
D017398:Alternative Splicing / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000196:embryology / Q000276:immunology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology*; D010929:Placentation; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D017384:Sequence Deletion / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I