Association of HLA-G (rs1063320) gene polymorphism with recurrent pregnancy loss

Abstract

Recurrent abortion, or miscarriage, is defined as pregnancy loss before 20 weeks’ gestation and is different from infertility. Commonly two or more pregnancies are lost spontaneously. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) has been linked to many diseases. The HLA-G gene polymorphism may have an impact on pregnancy outcome. Objective. To study the association between the HLA-G (rs1063320) gene polymorphism and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Patients and methods. This study included 100 women with RPL aged 20 to 45 years (a study group) and 50 age-matched healthy women with at least two successful pregnancies and normal blood pressure (a control group). Women with normal blood pressure, endocrine disorders, infections, and anatomical defects were excluded from the study group. All samples and data related to the studied cases were obtained from private clinics of genealogists between 2019 and 2022. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from patients and healthy controls. DNA extraction was done using the Promega Extraction Kit. PCR was then performed using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) to amplify the gene region specific for the HLA-G (rs1063320) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Results. The frequency of CG, GG, and CC alleles was higher in women with RPL than in healthy controls. The frequency of CG allele in the study group was 18% compared to 8% in the control group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. A high association was found between the HLA-G (rs1063320) gene polymorphism and RPL. Key words: HLA-G, polymorphism, recurrent pregnancy loss, SNP, ARMS-PCR