The Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor is not increased in women with preeclampsia

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Obstetrics
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Insulin resistance and obesity are more prevalent in women with preeclampsia.
• The beta(3)-adrenergic receptor Trp64Arg polymorphism is linked to metabolic changes like insulin resistance and obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor Trp64Arg polymorphism is more frequent in women diagnosed with preeclampsia.
• To determine the association between the Trp64Arg polymorphism and metabolic factors in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor was performed on 177 women with a history of preeclampsia and 179 women with normal pregnancies.
• Comparison of prepregnancy BMI, gestational length, birth weight percentile, and oral glucose tolerance test results between women with and without the Trp64Arg polymorphism.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in genotype or allele frequency of the Trp64Arg polymorphism was observed between preeclamptic and normal pregnancy groups (P=.17).
• Prepregnancy BMI, 1-hour glucose screening values, gestational age at delivery, and adjusted birth weight were similar in women with and without the polymorphism.

Conclusions:

• The Trp64Arg polymorphism in the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor does not appear to predispose women to preeclampsia.
• This polymorphism is not associated with obesity or impaired carbohydrate metabolism in young pregnant women.