Effects of arginase genetic polymorphisms on nitric oxide formation in healthy pregnancy and in preeclampsia

•First association study of ARG1 and ARG2 genetic polymorphisms and preeclampsia.•The ARG1 SNPs rs2781659 and rs2246012 were associated with the risk of preeclampsia.•We found novel effects of ARG1 SNPs on plasma nitrite levels in healthy pregnant.•The ARG1 SNPs rs2781659 and rs2781667 affected plasma nitrite levels in healthy pregnant.•ARG1 SNPs may increase preeclampsia risk and affect nitrite levels in healthy pregnant.