European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
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Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. · Dec 2018
Meta AnalysisAssociation between angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to preterm birth: A case-control study and meta-analysis.
Preterm birth is the largest contributor to newborn mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization in the first year of life worldwide. Previous studies have suggested the importance of genetic variation in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene, including the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism, in association with preterm birth. The angiotensin-converting enzyme is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system that is involved in blood pressure homeostasis during pregnancy and also affects risk factors of preterm birth, including the regulation of fibrinolytic system, uteroplacental circulation, vascularization of the placenta, and inflammation. ⋯ The present meta-analysis suggests that the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in mothers might be associated with preterm birth, however, further well-designed large replication studies involving various ethnicities are needed to confirm this association.