Immunoregulatory gene polymorphisms in women with preeclampsia.

The costimulatory molecules CD28, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4) and inducible costimulator (ICOS) are believed to have a critical modulatory role in the immune response. However, few studies have been performed on the role of these immune regulatory molecules and their polymorphisms in women with preeclampsia (PE). The aim of our study was to evaluate the CTLA4 (+49 A/G) (rs 231775), CD28 (+17 T/C) (rs 3116496) and ICOS (-1564 T/C) (rs 4675378) gene polymorphisms in Brazilian women with PE.

[Progesterone receptor gene polymorphism and recurrent spontaneous abortion].

Purpose: To assess a possible association between polymorphism of the progesterone receptor gene (PROGINS) and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).

Methods: In this case-control study, 85 women with at least three previous spontaneous abortions without an identifiable cause (RSA Group) and 157 women with at least two previous term pregnancies without pathologies and no previous miscarriage (Control Group) were selected. An amount of 10 mL of peripheral blood was collected by venipuncture and genomic DNA was extracted by the DTAB/CTAB method, followed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) under specific conditions for this polymorphism and by amplification by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis.

Polymorphisms in VEGF, progesterone receptor and IL-1 receptor genes in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Hormonal, inflammatory and vascular alterations during pregnancy are thought to be involved in pregnancy loss. The role of progesterone, the actions of which involve cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been thoroughly studied. Genetic factors are involved in modulation of these molecules, and several genes have been associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), as well other obstetric conditions.

Inflammatory mediators gene polymorphisms in preeclampsia.

Objective: To assess a possible relation between proinflammatory mediators (IL-1R1, IL-12, IL-18, TLR-2, and TLR-4) gene polymorphisms and preeclampsia (PE).

Methods: Genotyping was performed on 109 preeclamptic patients and 174 healthy fertile women with at least two previous successful pregnancies (controls). χ(2) or Fisher's exact test were used to compare genotype frequencies.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms in preeclampsia and eclampsia.

The clinical spectrum of preeclampsia (PE) ranges from mild hypertension to severe vasospasm associated with convulsions and multiple organ damage. The biological factors that determine the progression of PE to eclampsia (E) are unknown. Endothelial cell activation seems related to an impaired maternal immune response.