Nutrigenetic Investigations in Preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although its precise cause and prevention remain unclear, risk factors such as overweight and inadequate nutrient intake (e.g., calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D) are known to increase its incidence. Recent research has focused on the genetic predisposition to preeclampsia, identifying polymorphisms that may affect enzyme or receptor function. This study aims to review existing literature examining the relationship between genetic polymorphisms, BMI (body mass index), and nutrient levels in preeclampsia to develop more actionable therapeutic strategies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to analyze studies on the nutrigenetic relationship between BMI, micronutrients, and preeclampsia. Results: A total of 17 studies investigating 12 genes related to BMI and 10 studies exploring 3 genes in relation to micronutrient levels were included in the analysis. Several polymorphisms associated with preeclampsia were found to be influenced by maternal BMI or serum vitamin levels. The interactions between certain gene variants and these factors suggest that both BMI and micronutrient status may modify the risk of developing preeclampsia in genetically predisposed individuals. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the potential for reanalyzing existing data by categorizing based on genotype and nutrient levels. This approach could yield more personalized dietary and therapeutic recommendations for managing preeclampsia. In the future, genetic information may support the development of tailored nutritional counseling during pregnancy to mitigate preeclampsia risk.

Keywords: BMI; MTHFR; VDR; nutrient; polymorphism; preeclampsia.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of the search for BMI studies.

Figure 2

Flow diagram of the search for nutrients/micronutrients studies. * A new search was performed with the genes investigated in the publications obtained as a result of the nutrient or micronutrient search. I selected the publications I found. The publication found in this way was also included in the review.

Figure 3

Serum vitamin D concentration and systolic blood pressure by vitamin D receptor B/b genotype. The insert shows the linearized slopes of the data (mmHg/ng vitamin D × mL⁻¹) by genotype. Genotypes BB: _°, ₋₋₋; Bb: •, ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅; bb: ◊, - - - -.

Figure 4

Serum vitamin D concentration and diastolic blood pressure by vitamin D receptor B/b genotype. The insert shows the linearized slopes of the data (mmHg/ng vitamin D × mL⁻¹) by genotype. Genotypes BB: _°, ₋₋₋; Bb: •, ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅; bb: ◊, - - - -.

Figure 5

Changes in systolic blood pressure at different vitamin D concentrations in individuals with the vitamin D receptor B/b genotype. The figures display the slope of linearized data (mmHg/ng vitamin D × mL⁻¹). (A) shows the slopes calculated from all data (7.6–50.7 ng/mL vitamin D), while (B) presents the slopes derived from data within the 10–30 ng/mL vitamin D concentration range, categorized by genotype.

Figure 6

Serum vitamin D concentration and systolic blood pressure by vitamin D receptor F/f genotype. The insert shows the linearized slopes of the data (mmHg/ng vitamin D × mL⁻¹) by genotype. Genotypes FF: _°, ₋₋₋; Ff: •, ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅; ff: ◊, - - - -.

Figure 7

Serum vitamin D concentration and diastolic blood pressure by vitamin D receptor F/f genotype. The insert shows the linearized slopes of the data (mmHg/ng vitamin D × mL⁻¹) by genotype. Genotypes FF: _{°, −−−}; Ff: •, ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅; ff: ◊, - - - -.

Figure 8

Participants’ vitamin D levels and BMI values.