Investigation of endothelin-1 type A receptor gene polymorphism (-231 G > A) in preeclampsia susceptibility.

Objective: Preeclampsia is considered as a multifactorial disorder with a genetic predisposition. Alterations in the endothelin-1 (ET-1) system are considered to take part in triggering the vasoconstriction seen in preeclampsia.

Methods: In order to investigate the possible association of the -231 G > A polymorphism in the endothelin-1 type A receptor gene (EDNRA), previously shown to be associated with other conditions characterized by vasospasm, we examined 77 Caucasian preeclamptic women and 67 matched controls including normotensive subjects without history of thromboembolic event, abnormalities in blood pressure, proteinuria, edema and preeclampsia.

Endothelin receptor A -231 G>A polymorphism: no linkage to primary pediatric headache.

Objective: To assess whether the biallelic -231 G>A polymorphism of the endothelin type A receptor (EDNRA) gene, previously shown to be a marker of increased risk for developing migraine, has a role in the susceptibility to primary pediatric headache.

Background: Several studies suggest that endothelin has a role in migraine. A recent association study has shown that the biallelic -231 G>A polymorphism of the EDNRA gene is associated to migraine in an elderly population.

Genetic risk factors in primary paediatric versus adult headache: complexities and problematics.

Numerous candidate genes for migraine have been proposed on the basis of their possible functional role in its pathogenesis. Genetic polymorphisms have been evaluated in association studies, some of which have been suggested to be susceptibility markers for adult migraine. To date, however, none of the identified polymorphisms in adult migraine susceptibility have been investigated in children, raising the possibility that they may not be necessarily involved in paediatric migraine susceptibility.