Objective: To determine whether genetic variability in biotransformation enzymes contributes to individual differences in susceptibility to preeclampsia or the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP).
Methods: Polymorphisms in the genes of glutathione S-transferases and cytochrome P-450 1A1 were assessed by polymerase chain reaction in 170 nonpregnant women with a history of preeclampsia, 90 of whom had HELLP syndrome, and 109 healthy control women with an uncomplicated obstetric history. chi(2) analysis was used for statistical evaluation of differences in polymorphism rates.
Results: A higher frequency of the glutathione S-transferase P1b-1b genotype was observed in preeclamptic women than in controls (14% in preeclampsia and 5% in controls; odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 10. 6, P =.02). Genetic polymorphisms in other glutathione S-transferases and cytochrome P-450 1A1 genes occurred equally frequently in cases and controls. In women with a history of preeclampsia, there were no differences in the occurrence of the genetic polymorphisms investigated in women who either did or did not develop the HELLP syndrome.
Conclusion: Women with the glutathione S-transferase P1b-1b genotype, which could result in lower glutathione S-transferase detoxification capacity, might have higher susceptibility to preeclampsia. However, polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase genes do not seem to be a risk factor for development of the HELLP syndrome.