Association study between the human renin gene and preeclampsia

Objective. We recently reported on a missense mutation in exon 9 of the human renin gene (G1051A) that may affect the functioning of this enzyme, and is associated with essential hypertension. The aim of the present study is to assess the association between the genotypes of this missense mutation in the renin gene and preeclampsia (PE) via a case-control study. Methods. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and genotyping of G1051A was performed in 117 PE patients and in 171 non-PE controls. Results. The frequency of genotypes for G1051A was not significantly different between the two groups. The frequency of the A1051 allele was also not significantly different between PE patients (52.6%) and non-PE controls (50.6%). Conclusions. The missense mutation G1051A in the human renin gene is not associated with PE.