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.