The significance of genetics in pathophysiologic models of premature birth.

INTRODUCTION: Prematurity is a major health problem in all countries, especially in certain ethnic groups and increasing recurrence imply the influence of genetic factors. Published genetic polymorphisms are identified in relation to the 4 pathophysiological models of prematurity described: chorioamniotic-decidual inflammation, premature contraction pathway, decidual hemorrhage and susceptibility to environmental toxins.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The research identified 240 articles, 52 articles are excluded because they are not original, not written in English or duplicated. From them 125 articles were included in qualitative analysis This review aims to update recent knowledge about genes associated with premature birth.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Polymorphisms in specific genes are responsible, in varying degrees, for prematurity and the different pathogenetic mechanisms are involved.

CONCLUSIONS: The fetus is genetically different from its mother and is recognized as such by the immune system. Generality has shown that maternal physiology adapts to tolerate and nourish the fetus and that both mother and fetus play an active role in the birth process.