Race-ethnic differences in the associations of maternal lipid trait genetic risk scores with longitudinal fetal growth.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Fetal growth, an important predictor of cardiometabolic diseases in adults, is influenced by maternal and fetal genetic and environmental factors.

OBJECTIVE:

We investigated the association between maternal lipid genetic risk score (GRS) and fetal growth among 4 US racial-ethnic populations (Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians).

METHODS:

We extracted genotype data for 2008 pregnant women recruited in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton cohort with up to 6 standardized ultrasound examinations. GRS was calculated using 240 single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with higher total cholesterol (GRSTChol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (GRSLDLc), and triglycerides (GRSTG) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (GRSHDLc).

RESULTS:

At 40 weeks' gestation, a unit increase in GRSTG was associated with 11.4 g higher fetal weight (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8-20.0 g) among normal-weight Whites, 26.3 g (95% CI 6.0-46.6 g) among obese Blacks, and 30.8 g (95% CI 6.3-55.3 g) among obese Hispanics. Higher GRSHDLc was associated with increased fetal weight across 36 to 40 weeks among normal-weight Whites and across 13 to 20 weeks among normal-weight Asians, but with decreased fetal weight across 26 to 40 weeks among normal-weight Hispanics. Higher GRSTChol was suggestively associated with increased fetal weight in males and decreased in females. Associations remained consistent after adjustment for serum lipids.

CONCLUSION:

Associations between fetal weight and maternal lipid GRS appear to vary by maternal race-ethnic group, obesity status, and offspring sex. Genetic susceptibility to unfavorable lipid profiles contributes to fetal growth differences even among normal-weight women suggesting a potential future application in predicting aberrant fetal growth.

• Authors: Marion Ouidir, Pauline Mendola, Tsegaselassie Workalemahu, Jagteshwar Grewal, Katherine L Grantz, Cuilin Zhang, Jing Wu, Fasil Tekola-Ayele
• Journal: Journal of clinical lipidology (J Clin Lipidol) 2019 Sep - Oct Vol. 13 Issue 5 Pg. 821-831 ISSN: 1933-2874 [Print] United States
• PMID: 31383602 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural)
• Copyright: Published by Elsevier Inc.

Chemical References

• Lipids

Topics

• Birth Weight (genetics)
• Ethnicity (genetics)
• Female
• Fetal Development (genetics)
• Fetal Weight (genetics)
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Lipids (blood)
• Male
• Pregnancy
• Racial Groups (genetics)
• Risk Factors