title: The significance of TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms in preterm delivery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nowadays the strong genetic background of preterm delivery (PTD) in connection with immune answer has been indicated. The purpose of the study was the assessment of frequency of TNF-alpha -238G>A, -308G>A, -376G>A gene polymorphisms in the etiology of preterm delivery
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group consisted of 150 women with PTD (22+0 - 36+6 gw.), the controls of 150 women who delivered at term (> 37 gw). PTD group was divided into subgroups: a/delivery between 22-28 gw, b/28-32 gw., and c/32-36+6 gw. Genetic analysis was performed by PCR/RLFP method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overrepresentation of -238GA genotype (12.7 vs. 4.7%, p = 0.011) and -238A allele (7.7 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.002) in PTD group has been observed. In PTD 28-32 gw. subgroup, higher frequency of -238GA genotype (31.6 vs. 4.7%, p = 0.00095), and mutated -238A allele (21.1 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.00004) was noted. Moreover in PTD 28-32 gw. subgroup we have noted higher presence of heterozygous -376GA genotype (10.5 vs. 1.3%, p = 0.063) and mutated -376A allele (5.3 vs. 0.7%, p = 0.064). Analysis of TNF-alpha polymorphisms co-occurrence showed statistically significant overrepresentation of genotypes containing mutated -238A allele in PTD group (-238GA/-308GG/-376GG: 8.0 vs. 2.7%, p = 0.035). Haplotype analysis revealed statistically significant difference between PTD and controls in the incidence of -376G/-308G/-238A haplotype containing mutated -238A allele (0.063067 vs. 0.016634, p = 0.030).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study indicated the strong association of mutated -238A allele of TNF-alpha gene with increased risk of PTD. Analysis of genotypes and alleles prevalence in PTD women divided according to gestational age suggests the possible role of mutated variants of -238G>A and -376G>A TNF-alpha polymorphisms in Polish women delivering between 28 and 32 gw.
authors.forename: Elzbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Drews-Piasecka
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seremak-Mrozikiewicz
authors.forename: Magdalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barlik
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kurzawińska
authors.forename: Hubert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wolski
authors.forename: Anzelma
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Woyciechowska
authors.forename: Bogusław
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Czerny
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Drews
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D059645:Mutation Rate; D011044:Poland; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics*; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha