title: A possible role for the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism in preterm birth.
abstract: The links between preterm birth, low birth weight, and adult vascular/metabolic morbidity remain unclear. Genetic susceptibility of babies related to these three conditions might contribute to this long-term association. We tested whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene could play a role in birth weight and duration of gestation. We genotyped two independent cross-sectional studies from Northern Ireland (n = 382 and 620). In combined populations, the PPARG Ala12 allele was associated (P = 0.03) with lower birth weight, primarily caused by shorter gestational duration (P = 0.04). The frequency of Ala12 allele carriers was higher (P = 0.027) in the group of individuals born before term (35%, n = 60) than in the group of individuals born at term (22%, n = 942). The odds ratios (95% CI) of preterm birth for Ala12 allele carriers were 1.9 (1.1-3.4), P = 0.022, and 4.2 (1.9-9.7), P = 0.0006 (adjusted for sex, maternal age, and study), when considering 37 or 35 weeks of pregnancy as a threshold for preterm birth, respectively. Interestingly, the same allele was also associated with a moderate decreased risk of miscarriages in mothers. In conclusion, the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism might represent a genetic susceptibility factor for preterm birth and constitute a link between preterm birth and metabolic diseases later in life.
authors.affiliation: INSERM U744, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, 1 rue du Pr. Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France. aline.meirhaeghe-hurez@pasteur-lille.fr
authors.forename: Aline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meirhaeghe
authors.forename: Colin A G
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Boreham
authors.forename: Liam J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Florence
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Richard
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Davey Smith
authors.forename: Ian S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Amouyel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000235:genetics*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D009660:Northern Ireland; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D047495:PPAR gamma