Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in Madura pregnant women with hypertension: a case control study

Abstract

Background: Genetic factors are important considerations in the etiology of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Several previous studies have shown an association of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with hypertension in pregnancy. However, the number of studies is still very limited and the results differ from one another. Aim of the study: This study aimed to analyze the polymorphisms of rs2228570 and rs731236 of the VDR gene in subjects with hypertension and non-hypertension in pregnancy in Madura ethnicity. Subjects and methods: The researchers conducted tests for two polymorphisms in the VDR gene among 210 subjects consisting of 105 pregnant women with hypertension and 105 non-hypertension pregnant women from Madura ethnicity. The rs2228570 (T>C) and rs731236 (C>T) polymorphisms were detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. All data were analyzed by T-tests and Chi-Square tests. Results: The TT genotype frequency of rs2228570 (15.2%) in the hypertension group was higher than in the control group (6.7%) (p = 0.047). Subjects with the TT genotype at rs2228570 showed a 3.048 times greater risk of developing hypertension than the CC genotype (OR = 3.048: 1.135–8.183, p = 0.023). The T allele frequency of rs2228570 (40.5%) in the hypertension group was higher than in the control group (30.5%) (p = 0.032). Subjects with the T allele had 1.551 times greater risk of developing hypertension. There was no significant difference in genotype and allele of rs731236 between hypertension subjects and controls. Conclusion: The TT genotype and T allele of rs2228570 in the hypertension group were risk factors for hypertension in this study. While the TT genotype and T allele at rs731236 were not risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy. Genotyping of VDR gene polymorphisms in pregnant women is expected to be useful in strategies for treating hypertension in pregnancy.