Study on the correlation between the expression and methylation of LCHAD gene and pathological pregnancy state

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the expression and methylation of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase(LCHAD) gene and pathological pregnancy state.

MethodsEighteen cases with early-onset severe preeclampsia were selected as group A, 15 cases with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets(HELLP) syndrome as group B, 17 cases with antiphospholipid syndrome as group C, and 20 normal pregnant women as the control group.The general data, methylation of the promoter region of LCHAD gene and the expression level of LCHAD mRNA in each group were compared, and the correlation between the methylation level of promoter region of LCHAD gene and mRNA expression was analyzed.

ResultsThe gestational age in group A and group B was lower than that in control group(P < 0.05), which in group C was higher than that in group B(P < 0.05);the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and 24 h urine protein level in group A and group B were higher than those in control group(P < 0.05);the levels of alanine aminotransferase and serum creatinine in group B were higher than those in control group(P < 0.05).The methylation level at -899, -853, -615, -984, -774, -727 and -579 site of LCHAD gene in group A was higher than that in control group, which at -853 site was higher than that in group B, and which at -899, -853 and -615 site higher than that in group C(P < 0.05).The methylation level at -899, -853, -774 and -615 site of LCHAD gene in group B was higher than that in control group, which at -899, -853band -615 site was higher than that in group C(P < 0.05).The expression of LCHAD mRNA in group A, group B and group C was lower than that in control group(P < 0.05).The methylation level at -899, -853, -727, -615 and -579 site of LCHAD gene in group A was negatively correlated with the mRNA expression level(P < 0.05);the methylation level at -899, -853 and -615 site of LCHAD gene in group B was negatively correlated with the mRNA expression level(P < 0.05);the methylation level at all sites of LCHAD gene in group C had no significant correlation with the mRNA expression level(P > 0.05).

ConclusionsThe methylation of LCHAD gene in pregnant women with early-onset severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome is at a high level, and it is closely related to mRNA expression.