Selectin polymorphisms and perinatal morbidity in low-birthweight infants

s Background: Studies have shown an association between altered expression of selectins and premature birth, early sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Aim: To investigate the possible link between functional polymorphisms of the E‐, P‐ and L‐selectin genes and perinatal morbidity. Methods: We compared the genotype distribution of the E‐selectin Ser128Arg, P‐selectin Thr715Pro and L‐selectin Pro213Ser polymorphisms in 125 low‐birthweight singleton infants with those of 156 healthy term neonates. We also analysed the association of genotype with risk of sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Results: We found no association between E‐selectin or P‐selectin polymorphisms and premature birth, nor did we find any association between E‐selectin or P‐selectin and early postnatal sepsis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Carriers of the 213Ser L‐selectin allele were found to be more prevalent in low‐birthweight infants, particularly in those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We found no association between the L‐selectin polymorphism and early postnatal sepsis. Conclusion: Our results underline the importance of L‐selectin in perinatal pathology, but further studies are needed to evaluate the alteration of L‐selectin levels in carriers of the 213Ser allele and their possible contribution to premature birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.