Pre-eclampsia (P-EC) is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy, characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria. Deregulation of the coagulation cascade and hypofibrinolysis appear to play a central role in the development of this disease. After a brief review of the genetic basis of P-EC and the role of genes encoding proteins involved in coagulation, we focus on polymorphisms of the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) gene. The most relevant association studies between PAI-1 gene polymorphisms and P-EC are reviewed. Results indicate that the 4G/4G genotype of the -675 4G/5G polymorphism represents a weak risk factor for P-EC.
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