In preeclampsia the cytotrophoblast invasion of the decidual vessels is reduced. The endothelia in the decidual vessels may influence cytotrophoblast invasion and remodeling of decidual spiral arteries. The decidual endothelial cells from preeclamptic placentas produce less matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) than those from normal placentas. MMPs form a group of enzymes that are capable of degrading components of extracellular matrix. The present study investigated the prevalence and possible association of an insertion of guanine in the promoter of the MMP1 gene in pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia in the Czech population. This was a case-control study. No differences were observed in genotype frequencies between cases and controls. The insertion of the guanine in the promoter of the MMP1 gene does not appear to increase the risk of development of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia.
Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel