A gene variant more common in black women than those of European descent has been identified as contributing to increased risk of premature birth. Rates of premature birth are two to three times higher amongst black women than other racial groups, with an increased risk of 'premature rupture of membranes' contributing to this discord.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have found that a variant of the gene SERPINH1 leads to reduced collagen content of the amniotic sac making it less resilient and more prone to early breakage. The particular gene variant, called the T allele polymorphism, occurs with greater frequency amongst people of African ancestry. In the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team found that the polymorphism was almost three times more common in premature babies born to black women. Dr Samuel Parry, of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Research on Reproduction & Women's Health explained: 'If you think of collagen as you would think of a rope, this (genetic variation) means that the fibres of the rope aren't as tightly wound'.
Lead researcher Dr Jerome Strauss III, commented on the research, saying 'we're not saying this gene causes prematurity. But it could be a contributor, along with other genetic and environmental factors'. Other risk factors such as smoking could give additional risk to carriers of this gene. It may also be possible in the future to screen women that carry the greater risk variant and promote interventions to reduce the likelihood of their experiencing premature membrane rupture. For instance, as vitamin C is known to be required to make collagen, this could be provided. 'If you could identify people at risk, you could make sure they had enough vitamin C early on and throughout pregnancy', said Dr Strauss, adding that 'interventions that reduce risk factors are, hopefully, going to be beneficial to people who carry the genetic risk factor'.
Lucilla Poston, Professor of Maternal and Fetal Health at Kings College London, described the research as 'exciting, as it has shown a strong relationship between this gene and instances of premature birth'. She added a note a caution however, saying 'the numbers studied were small and as in all studies of this kind, we must await investigation in much larger populations to confirm the observation'.
Sources and References
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Study links gene to premature birth
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Genetic Variant Is Associated With Higher Rate Of Premature Delivery In African-American Women
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Black Health Risks Traced
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Genes Linked to 2 Health Problems in Blacks
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