ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of GATA6 mRNA and the occu-rrence of congenital heart disease(CHD). Methods A total of 60 cases of CHD (CHD group)were diagnosed at Obstetrical Department,Rizhao City Maternal and Child Health Hospital,and 60 cases of normal pregnancy women (control group)were collected in March 2013 to May 2017. The expression levels of mRNA of GATA6 in the peripheral blood of pregnant women in 2 groups were detected by using real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR)technique,and the relevant information of 2 groups of mothers before and during pregnancy was collected so as to investigate the rela-tionship between mRNA and GATA6 in CHD. Results There were no significant differences in age,body mass index (BMI),passive smoking,alcohol consumption,pregnancy medication,pregnancy-induced hypertension,high -density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C),total cholesterol (TC),triacylglycerol (TG)between pregnant women in the congenital heart disease group and the control group (all P > 0. 05). The CHD group showed a statistical difference significance in the rate of taking folic acid(81. 67％)and gestational diabetes incidence(8. 33％),serum level of LDL-C[(3. 59 ± 0. 46)mmol/ L]compared with the healthy control group [96. 67％,0,(3. 20 ± 0. 44)mmol/ L] (all P < 0. 05). The expression level of GATA6 mRNA in peripheral blood of patients with congenital heart disease (0. 014 ± 0. 005)was significantly lower than that of the control group (0. 129 ± 0. 031),and the difference was statis-tically significant (t = 28. 386,P = 0. 000). Logistic regression analysis showed that the level of in GATA6 mRNA ex-pression increased in the peripheral blood and folic acid intake were protective factors for CHD (all P < 0. 05)during pregnancy;while fetal gestational diabetes,elevated levels of LDL-C are risk factors for congenital heart disease (all P < 0. 05)fetus. Conclusion Down regulation of GATA6 mRNA expression in the maternal peripheral blood is one of the independent risk factors for fetal congenital heart disease.