Common variations in the oxytocin receptor gene and the risk of early birth

The haplotype combination of three specific oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms is associated with a 3.2-fold increased risk of preterm birth.

• Four common oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms were evaluated in 200 women, including those with preterm birth and healthy controls.
• No individual polymorphism was linked to preterm birth.
• A specific haplotype combination involving the A allele of rs2254298, the C allele of rs2228485, and the G allele of rs237911 was associated with increased risk.
• The odds ratio for this haplotype and preterm birth was 3.2, indicating potential significance.
• Further studies are needed to explore the role of these gene polymorphisms in relation to preterm birth.

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