Genetic Loci Related to Preeclampsia Identified

Genes related to hypertension, kidney function, and placental development were found to be related to preeclampsia.

Although genetic makeup is known to contribute to preeclampsia risk, the specific genes involved are still being identified. To that end, investigators performed a genome-wide association study of data from several Finnish and Estonian cohorts, including approximately 16,700 women with prior preeclampsia and 15,000 women with preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Nineteen genetic loci associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were identified, 13 of which were newly described. Seven of the new loci contain genes related to blood pressure (NPPA, NPR3, PLCE1, TNS2, FURIN, RGL3, and PREX1), seven contain genes believed to be involved in the development and maintenance of the placental function (PGR, TRPC6, ACTN4, P…

Reviewing Author

Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, FACC

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBoehringer Ingelheim; Amgen; Novartis; Lilly; Amarin

Speaker’s BureauBoehringer Ingelheim

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsCirculation (Associate Editor)