Abstract
Background
Striae gravidarum (SG), commonly known as stretch marks, are a frequent connective tissue alteration observed in pregnant women. Postpartum women may feel damaged in their self-image due to SG which can lead to lower self-esteem and emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. The study aimed to evaluate the potential risk factors and genetic associations of SG in a Chinese Han population.
Methods
A multicenter trial was conducted involving 1017 pregnant women of Chinese Han descent who provided informed consent. Participants completed questionnaires regarding demographics, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric measurements and obstetric data were gathered, followed by a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Results
The study found that 59% of participants experienced SG. Significant correlations were observed between SG and factors including age, pre-pregnancy weight, maximum pregnancy weight during pregnancy, BMI before and during pregnancy, and maximum abdomen girth. Risk factors for SG included a positive family history, prior experience of striae distensae during adolescence, and specific skin types according to the Fitzpatrick classification. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that age, family history, history of striae distensae, skin types, and pre-pregnancy BMI were notable predictors of SG. The GWAS identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to SG presence and severity, implicating genes such as FGF12, RAB38, MUC16, PTPRT, SIPA1L2, PPARGC1A, PTPRD, and ELOVL3.
Conclusion
The study presents a predictive model for SG risk that includes non-modifiable factors like family history and skin type, and modifiable factors such as pre-pregnancy weight and BMI. The findings provide insights into the genetic basis of SG and may aid in counseling patients on risk reduction strategies. The identified genetic variants offer potential targets for future research into the pathogenesis and prevention of SG.