Genetic polymorphisms of mannose-binding lectin do not influence placental malaria but are associated with preterm deliveries.

ABSTRACT: During pregnancy, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) sequester in the placenta where they induce pathology and increase the risk of low-birth-weight (LBW) babies. The innate immune mediator, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), enhances phagocytosis of pathogens. Since MBL is reported to bind to IE, we hypothesized that it might aid in clearance of IE from the placenta, thereby reducing the risk of LBW babies. To test this hypothesis, molecular genotyping was used to detect polymorphisms at codon 57 (A/C) in exon 1 of MBL2 in 401 pregnant Cameroonian women, with or without placental malaria, who had LBW and normal-weight babies. Polymorphisms in the promoter region at positions -550 (H/L), -221 (X/Y), and +4 (P/Q) were also determined, and plasma MBL levels were measured during preg

SUBMITTER: Thevenon AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2663154 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature