Skip to content
music — Eye-health — Weight-management — Workplace-wellness — Parenting — Social-media — Autoimmune-disorders — Digestive-health — Cbd — Technology — Finance — Hearing — Entertainment — Medical-conditions — Climate-change — Cance — Sleep — Relationships — Home-and-garden — Travel — Hypertension — Investing — Wealth-management — Mental-health — Womens-health — Industry — Fashion-and-beauty — Cybersecurity — Medicare — Chronic-diseases — Science — Gadgets — Pets — Personal-finance — Business — Mens-health — Aging — Skin-conditions — Cars — Health-and-wellness — Food-and-drink — Space-and-astronomy — Books — Shopping — Fitness-and-exercise — Nutrition — Movies-and-tv — Sexual-health — Skin-care — Lifestyle — Motherhood — Blocked — Pfizer

Genetic Study Uncovers Links Between Babies' DNA and Preeclampsia Risk

Links discovered between the genetic makeup of babies and the development of preeclampsia in mothers

,   and  Administrator
5 min read
Expectant mothers receiving a higher risk for preeclampsia could potentially have their risk...
Expectant mothers receiving a higher risk for preeclampsia could potentially have their risk predicted by their baby's DNA, as proposed by researchers.

In an unprecedented finding, a comprehensive genetic study involving hundreds of thousands of children has identified a connection between babies' DNA and the potentially life-threatening condition known as preeclampsia. This groundbreaking research, published in the esteemed Nature Genetics, could pave the way for improved prevention and treatment of preeclampsia.

At the helm of this 5-year investigation is Dr. Linda Morgan, a researcher from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, alongside her team of colleagues from Iceland, Norway, Finland, and the U.K. Their research illuminates a significant link between preeclampsia and the genetic makeup of the offspring, a subject that has, until now, largely remained unexplored.

Theji's blood pressure suddenly spikes near the 20th week of pregnancy and causes an escalation of protein in the urine, leading to swollen hands, face, and organ damage. Left untreated, preeclampsia can be perilous for both the mother and the baby, and it can result in long-term health complications. The condition affects around 5% of pregnancies and is a leading cause of pregnancy- and birth-related deaths.

Revolutionizing the Study

To conduct this magnificent study, Dr. Morgan and her team executed a modern genome-wide association study (GWAS), examining DNA samples from 4,380 children born to mothers who developed preeclampsia and a control group of 310,238 children whose mothers did not have the condition.

In contrast to past preeclampsia studies, which primarily focused on the DNA of the mothers, this GWAS allowed the researchers to investigate the genetic material of both parents and their offspring, providing a broader perspective on the genetic roots of the disorder.

Dr. Morgan's team believes that their research is the first genetic study of preeclampsia to focus on the DNA of the offspring.

Newly Discovered DNA Variants

The GWAS analysis, carried out at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, U.K., and deCODE Genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland, pinpointed two previously unknown DNA variants that are strongly linked to preeclampsia. Although these variants occur in approximately half the population, they do not cause preeclampsia on their own; rather, they augment the risk.

The researchers discovered these variants in close proximity to a gene called FLT1, which encodes a cell-surface receptor that is well understood for its role in the development of new blood vessels. High levels of the associated protein from this gene can enter the mother's bloodstream when produced by the placenta, causing damage to her blood vessels and resulting in high blood pressure and organ damage.

Moving Forward

Dr. Morgan believes that the new insights gleaned from this study could substantially improve the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia for both the mother and the child. The research team is currently analyzing the genomes of another 4,220 babies in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan who were born to women with preeclamptic pregnancies to determine if they share the same DNA variants identified in the initial study.

Understanding the link between babies' DNA and preeclampsia is a critical step in bringing us closer to efficient prevention and treatment strategies for this life-threatening condition. Further research is needed to unravel the intricacies of this genetic connection, potentially leading to transformative advancements in maternal and child healthcare.

[1] Association between STOX1 polymorphisms and early-onset preeclampsia: A collaborative genome-wide association study.[2] Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms, and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.

  1. This groundbreaking genetic study on preeclampsia could revolutionize the understanding of motherhood and potentially lead to improved workplace-wellness policies.
  2. The scientific community is abuzz with the discovery of a genetic link between babies' DNA and the risk of developing preeclampsia.
  3. The findings from this research could have far-reaching implications for medical-conditions like hypertension and chronic diseases.
  4. The pharmaceutical industry, such as Pfizer, may take interest in developing incisive therapies and treatments for preeclampsia based on the findings of this study.
  5. As a result of this study, climate change could potentially impact the health and wellness of future generations through the genetic predisposition to conditions like preeclampsia.
  6. The link between babies' DNA and preeclampsia underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns among new mothers, a common mental health issue known to be exacerbated by stress during pregnancy.
  7. Men's health is often overlooked in discussions about women's health, but men fathering children with increased genetic susceptibility to preeclampsia should also be aware of the potential risks.
  8. The study's focus on babies' DNA and preeclampsia highlights the significance of eye-health, hearing, and other aspects of health and wellness for the unborn child.
  9. To combat the risks associated with preeclampsia, fitness and exercise, nutrition, and weight management are crucial considerations for expectant parents.
  10. The health implications of preeclampsia on both the mother and baby emphasize the need for sexual-health education and support for expectant parents.
  11. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can exacerbate pregnancy complications and pose additional challenges for mothers with a genetic predisposition to preeclampsia.
  12. The genetic link discovered in this study could have implications for skin care, as preeclampsia can lead to skin conditions and adverse effects on the appearance.
  13. Dr. Morgan's research could inform new approaches to cancer and respiratory conditions, which often share similar risk factors and complications with preeclampsia.
  14. Digestive health is crucial for both the mother and baby, and understanding the genetic link between their DNA and preeclampsia could lead to targeted interventions and treatments.
  15. Preeclampsia can affect various aspects of the cardiovascular system and result in long-term health consequences for both the mother and the baby.
  16. Innovations in technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and data and cloud computing, could contribute to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for preeclampsia.
  17. The study's findings could have implications for the development of cbd-based therapies for managing symptoms of preeclampsia and other neurological disorders.
  18. Preeclampsia can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as pollution and poor living conditions, making environmental science an essential component in addressing this issue.
  19. The financial impact of preeclampsia on families, as well as the healthcare industry, underscores the importance of addressing this issue through policy reform and insurance coverage (Medicare).
  20. Preeclampsia can lead to complications during delivery, requiring specialized healthcare services and potentially increasing healthcare costs.
  21. Efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare through research, such as Dr. Morgan's study on preeclampsia, are closely linked with various aspects of the finance industry, including investing and wealth management.
  22. Space and astronomy researchers may find connections between preeclampsia and genetics relevant to their work on the effects of zero gravity and extreme conditions on the human body.
  23. The link between babies' DNA and preeclampsia could have implications for both cybersecurity and lifestyle, as data privacy and personal habits may play a role in the risk of developing this condition.
  24. Understanding the genetic predisposition to preeclampsia could benefit fashion and beauty industries in providing tailored skincare and makeup products for expectant mothers.
  25. The growing interest in food and drink, along with ethical considerations around animal welfare, may prompt the consideration of plant-based diets for women at risk of developing preeclampsia.
  26. Preeclampsia research could help identify variants related to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, bringing attention to the importance of genetic screening and testing.
  27. With the growing awareness of preeclampsia's genetic link, it is crucial to understand the relationship between aging, hormonal changes, and the onset of this condition.
  28. Improving preeclampsia treatments could have far-reaching consequences for women's health, parenting, and the overall quality of life for both new mothers and their children.
  29. Further research into the genetic link between babies' DNA and preeclampsia could shed light on other conditions such as neurological disorders, skin-conditions, and cardiovascular health.
  30. Collaborative efforts between researchers, medical professionals, and industry leaders are essential in utilizing this newfound knowledge to develop comprehensive strategies for the prevention and treatment of not only preeclampsia but also various other health conditions.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest