14: Identification of fetal and maternal single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes that predispose to spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes

Abstract

Objective-To determine whether maternal/fetal SNPs in candidate genes are associated with spontaneous preterm labor/delivery. NIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author ManuscriptStudy Design-A genetic association study was conducted in 223 mothers and 179 fetuses [preterm labor with intact membranes who delivered <37 weeks (PTB)], and 599 mothers and 628 fetuses (normal pregnancy): 190 candidate genes and 775 SNPs were studied. Single locus/ haplotype association analyses were performed; FDR was used to correct for multiple testing (q*=0.15)]. Results-1)The strongest single locus associations with PTB were IL6R (fetus: p=0.000148) and TIMP2 (mother: p=0.000197), remaining significant after correction for multiple comparisons; 2) Global haplotype analysis indicated an association between a fetal DNA variant in IGF2 and maternal COL4A3 (global p=0.004 and 0.007, respectively).Conclusion-A SNP involved in controlling fetal inflammation (IL6R) and DNA variants in maternal genes encoding for proteins involved in extracellular matrix biology approximately doubled the risk of PTB.