Effect of polymorphisms of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in combination with a high anthropogenic load on the development of the great obstetrical syndromes

Introduction. Pathological conditions combined under a common term “the great obstetrical syndromes” (preeclampsia, premature birth, fetal egg death or its intrauterine growth retardation) make a significant contribution to infant mortality, affecting the demographic situation in the country. The rate of these pathologies increases in the regions with a high anthropogenic load. The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between the forms of phase II genes of the xenobiotic biotransformation system (GSTM1, GSTT1) and major obstetric syndromes in women who are pregnant in an industrial city with a critically high level of air pollution. Materials and methods. A survey of two hundred twenty two pregnant women with the pathological conditions of the great obstetrical syndromes living in the industrial center of Novokuznetsk was conducted. Of these, 39 patient developed preeclampsia, 16 subjects with intrauterine fetal growth retardation, 38 women gave birth to premature babies, 49 cases had fetal egg death at the early stages of development. 80 women with a standard pregnancy were also examined. Variants of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 phase II genes of the xenobiotic biotransformation system were determined in all the examined patients by polymerase chain reaction. Results. Deletion polymorphisms of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes have been shown to be reliably associated with the great obstetrical syndromes: intrauterine growth retardation GSTM1 (χ2 – 6.23; OR – 5.23), preeclampsia GSTT1 (χ2 – 4.36; OR – 4.91), a missed miscarriage GSTM1 (χ2 – 8.21; OR – 3.67) and GSTT1 (χ2 – 11.70; OR – 16.86). No connection was found between normal polymorphisms of these genes and the pathologies studied. Limitation. The study was of a pilot nature, so it is advisable to increase the sample. Conclusion. The identified genotypes can be considered as markers of reproductive disorders and used in assessing the risk of the great obstetrical syndromes during pregnancy planning and clinical support for women living in industrial regions with critically high levels of atmospheric pollution to reduce reproductive losses.