T174M-M235T AGT Gene Haplotypes in Women with Pre-Eclampsia from Northwest Mexico: A Pilot Case-Control Study

TL;DR

This study explores the link between specific AGT gene variations and pre-eclampsia in Mexican women, suggesting potential genetic markers for early detection.

Contribution

The study identifies possible genetic markers in AGT gene haplotypes associated with pre-eclampsia in the Mexican population.

Findings

Heterozygosity for the T174M polymorphism differed significantly between pre-eclampsia cases and controls.

The T-C haplotype (174M–M235) was more common in pre-eclampsia patients, though not statistically significant.

Combining T174M and M235T homozygosity may serve as a potential genetic marker for pre-eclampsia.

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia is a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy (HDP) characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, affecting 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide and constituting a major public health concern. Genes of the renin–angiotensin system have been investigated as potential causative factors, but inconclusive results have been obtained. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the possible contribution of alleles, genotypes or haplotypes of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) T174M (rs4762) and M235T (rs699) in AGT gene to pre-eclampsia in the Mexican population. We analyzed the association by performing PCR-RFLP with DNA extracted from whole blood samples of Mexican women with pre-eclampsia or normotensive pregnancy and the general population (GP). Our results showed a significant difference in the rate of heterozygosity for the T174M polymorphism between cases and controls. In addition, this polymorphism together with homozygosity for the M235T polymorphism may represent a possible genetic marker associated with pre-eclampsia. The T-C haplotype (174M–M235) was more common in patients with pre-eclampsia (non-significant difference p = 0.0503). The identification of genetic risk markers may support the early detection of pre-eclampsia and strengthen peripartum maternal health strategies within a global health framework aimed at reducing maternal mortality.