Polymorphic variants of the serotonin receptor, 5-HT1A, and the serotonin transporter, 5-HTTLPR, and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A pilot study

Background/aims

Antenatal depression may have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB) and small-for-gestational-age neonates. Serotonin as a neurotransmitter is intimately related to stress and depression. The purpose of this study was to assess variants of the serotonin receptor (5-HT1A) gene and serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) gene as potentially directly involved in adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), especially PTB.

Methods

A pilot case-control study over two years identifying 78 women delivered at <35 weeks gestational age (PTB) and 265 women with uncomplicated singleton term delivery who were evaluated for APO and early pregnancy loss (EPL) in a division for maternal and fetal medicine in a single tertiary center.

Results

Women with the s/s serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR genotype experienced significantly more EPLs but there was no significant association between serotonin polymorphisms and preterm birth.

Conclusion

Two serotonin gene polymorphisms, known to be associated with depression, are hereby shown to be associated with APO. EPL, but not preterm birth, is significantly linked to an s/s serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR genotype.