Occurrence Of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Research Articles

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Recurrent Early Pregnancy Loss

Background Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the most frustrating and difficult areas in reproductive medicine because the etiology is often unknown and there are few evidence-based diagnostic and treatment strategies. Studies on the etiology, evaluation, and management of RPL are often flawed. Aim of the Work The aim of the current study was to assess the association between vitamin D status and recurrent pregnancy loss. Patients and Methods The current study was conducted at Ain shams University Maternity Hospital during the period between October 2020 and April 2021. This research recruited 60 pregnant women categorized in to two research groups: Group A - study group: 30 pregnant women with early pregnancy loss and history of repeated pregnancy loss, Group B - control group: 30 pregnant women complete the first trimester with no early pregnancy loss. The 25(OH)D concentration measured in this case control study with predominantly first-trimester blood sampling. Results Choosing matched controls was to decrease confounders so according demographic variables; there was a statistically insignificant difference between group A (RPL) and group B (Normal pregnancy) as regards the demographic research data of study subjects recruited, the mean age was 24.5±2.6 years, the mean BMI was 25.8±2.1 Kg/m2. There was a statistically significant difference between Group A (RPL) and group B (Normal pregnancy) as regard 25(OH)D level (p < 0.001), mean was 11.9±3.2 ng/ml and 16.9±6.5 ng/ml respectively. Vitamin D was significantly associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Conclusion The current study showed a significant association between vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and occurrence of Recurrent pregnancy loss. A lot of researches needed to increase the quality of evidence about the association between low levels of vitamin D and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Functional Roles of lncRNAs in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Review Study.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or recurrent miscarriage is the failure of pregnancy before 20-24 weeks that influences around 2-5% of couples. Several genetic, immunological, environmental and physical factors may influence RPL. Although various traditional methods have been used to treat post-implantation failures, identifying the mechanisms underlying RPL may improve an effective treatment. Recent evidence suggested that gene expression alterations presented essential roles in the occurrence of RPL. It has been found that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play functional roles in pregnancy pathologies, such as recurrent miscarriage. lncRNAs can function as dynamic scaffolds, modulate chromatin function, guide and bind to microRNAs (miRNAs) or transcription factors. lncRNAs, by targeting various miRNAs and mRNAs, play essential roles in the progression or suppression of RPL. Therefore, targeting lncRNAs and their downstream targets might be a suitable strategy for diagnosis and treatment of RPL. In this review, we summarized emerging roles of several lncRNAs in stimulation or suppression of RPL.

Waist Circumference is a Better Predictor of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss When Compared to Body Mass Index among Nigerian Women

Recurrent Pregnancy loss is a common obstetrics condition with severe physical and psychological consequences to the patients and attending physicians as well. It affects 1-5% of women and up to 50% has no identifiable etiology. Obesity is one of the independent risk factor of this condition; however, the evidence of this association is conflicting. This study aims to further determine that obese women with higher visceral fat are at increased risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. The study was a cross-sectional case-control at a public referral hospital in Kano state Nigeria where 116 women with recurrent pregnancy loss were compared to a comparison control group consisting of 116 normal women. In addition to their socio-demographics, weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, and Hip circumference were collected. It was discovered that Obese BMI range and High-risk value for WC were significantly higher odds of recurrent pregnancy loss (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.37-2.46; OR, 4.61 95% CI, 3.458- 5.696 respectively) Logistic regression analysis showed that the most important factor predicting the occurrence of Recurrent pregnancy loss was waist circumference. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve showed that WC has a considerably higher area under the curve (AUC) and BMI had the least AUC value. This study concludes that waist circumference may be superior to BMI as a risk factor of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.
 Keywords: Recurrent Pregancy Loss, BMI, Waist Circumference

Decorin promotes decidual M1-like macrophage polarization via mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in recurrent pregnancy loss.

Rationale: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a distressing disorder that seriously affects the physical and psychological health of women. RPL is also a sentinel risk marker for future obstetric complications and warrants in-depth investigation. Abnormal polarization and functions of decidual macrophages are associated with RPL; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: Decorin expression, localization, and content in the decidua of women with normal pregnancy (NP) and those with RPL were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The profiles of decidual macrophage subsets were determined using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence in both groups. The correlation between decorin content and the proportion of decidual macrophage subsets in the decidua of early NP women was determined using Pearson analysis. The effects of decorin on the polarization and functions of macrophages were assessed in an in-vitro model of Raw264.7 cells via flow cytometry, western blotting, and RT-qPCR. Moreover, the mitochondrial metabolism in Raw264.7 cells under decorin administration was measured via flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Thirty-three pregnant mice were included in the in vivo model and underwent different treatments. The embryo abortion rate, macrophage phenotype in the spleen and uteri, and placental development were evaluated using flow cytometry and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: Decorin, derived from decidual stromal cells, was highly expressed in the decidua of women with RPL. A positive correlation between decorin content and the proportion of M1-like macrophages was also observed in the decidua of early NP women. In vitro studies showed that decorin treatment inhibited macrophage polarization to M2-like subsets and boosted the inflammatory response, which was related to enhanced anaerobic glycolysis, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, reduced mitochondrial mass, and activation of the myeloid differentiation primary response 88-nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. Adoptive transfer of decorin-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages in pregnant C57BL/6 mice increased the embryo absorption, accompanied by impaired fetal vascularization. Conclusions: Decidual stromal cell-derived decorin can polarize decidual macrophages toward the M1 phenotype by regulating mitochondrial metabolism, resulting in the occurrence of RPL.

Interleukin-1β as clinically predictive risk marker for recurrent pregnancy loss in women positive for antinuclear antibody.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was found to be associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This study was designed to explore the immunological predictive indicators of RPL in women with positive ANA. A retrospective case-control study in a university hospital from March 2020 to January 2021 was performed, including 56 cases of women with RPL and 56 controls matched for age, all of which were positive for ANA. Levels of cytokines, lymphocyte subsets, immune globulin and complement in peripheral blood among two groups were compared. Statistical analyses in this study were performed using SPSS 25.0. The level of IL-1β was higher in RPL women compared with controls according to univariable analysis and multivariable regression logistic analysis (7.67 [5.86-11.35] vs 5.00 [5.00-5.00], P=.000). After the cut-off value of IL-1β was set as 5.66pg/mL, the prevalence of RPL was significantly elevated in the high IL-1β group as compared with the low IL-1β group (P<.05). The sensitivity and specificity of IL-1β predicting RPL in ANA-positive women were 76.8% and 91.1%, respectively. Increased IL-1β may play roles in the occurrence of RPL among women with positive ANA. The level of the IL-1β has the potential to be a predictive indicator of RPL in women with positive ANA.

The metabolic landscape of decidua in recurrent pregnancy loss using a global metabolomics approach

IntroductionMaternal metabolism undergoes dynamic changes during pregnancy. A deviation from this physiological metabolic status might be involved in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications, such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Decidua is an important uterine tissue, which provides immunological protection as well as nutritional support to the developing embryo during early pregnancy. Previous studies have shown that aberrant metabolism of the decidua is related to the etiology of RPL. However, the metabolic profile of the decidua in RPL has not yet been fully elucidated. MethodsIn the current study, decidual samples from RPL patients (n = 23) and normal pregnancy (NP) women (n = 30) were collected, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic metabolites were extracted and measured using a liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry system. Besides, the mRNA expression of several critical enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism was detected. ResultsThe OSC-PLS-DA scores plot illustrates that metabolic differences are present in the decidual tissue of RPL patients compared with that of NP women. Combining multivariate analysis with univariate statistical analysis, a total of 62 metabolites related to RPL were selected, including carnitine, glycerophospholipids, sphingomyelin (SM), ceramide, organic acids and their derivatives, and amino acid metabolomics. KEGG analysis showed that abnormalities in multiple metabolic pathways occurred in RPL decidua, including vitamin digestion and absorption, tryptophan metabolism, citrate cycle, arginine biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and sphingolipid signaling pathway. Increased SM synthase and decreased Phospholipase A2 Group IIE mRNA levels were detected in RPL compared with NP group. DiscussionDisruption of decidual metabolism, especially glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism, might be involved in the occurrence of RPL.

Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor-\u03b1 -308G>A, -238G>A and -376G>A polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss risk in the Greek population

BackgroundPromoter region SNPs in TNF-α have been studied in association with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) occurrence in various populations. Among them, −238G > A, −308G > A and − 376G > A have been frequently investigated for their potential role in recurrent abortions. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the correlation among TNF-α 238, TNF-α 308 and TNF-α 376 polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss risk in Greek women.MethodsThis study included 94 Caucasian women with at least two miscarriages of unexplained aetiology, before the 20th week of gestation. The control group consisted of 89 Caucasian women of proven fertility, with no history of pregnancy loss. DNA samples were subjected to PCR amplification using specific primers. Sanger sequencing was applied to investigate the presence of TNF-α 238, TNF-α 308, TNF-α 376 polymorphisms in all samples.ResultsThe TNF-α 238 and TNF-α 308 variants were both detected in RPL and control groups (7.45% vs 4.49 and 45.16% vs 36.73%, respectively), but with no statistically significant association (p-value 0.396 and 0.374, respectively). The TNF-α 376 variant was not detected at all in both control and RPL groups. When TNF-α 238 and TNF-α 308 genotypes were combined no association with RPL was detected (p-value = 0.694). In subgroup analysis by parity, RPL patients carrying the A allele reported less previous births.ConclusionsThis is the first study demonstrating TNF-α 238 and TNF-α 308 gene expression and the absence of TNF-α 376 variant in Greek women with RPL. However, no association emerged between each polymorphism studied and the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss. Accordingly, TNF-α -308G > A, −238G > A and -376G > A variants are not considered genetic markers for identifying women at increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss in the Greek population.

A Case-Control Study Identifying the Frequency and Spectrum of Chromosomal Anomalies and Variants in a Cohort of 1000 Couples with a Known History of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in the Eastern Region of India.

Background:Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common occurrence that affects up to 15% of couples in their reproductive years. In both males and females with RPL and infertility, chromosomal abnormalities play a significant impact.Aim:The study was designed to examine the involvement of chromosomal anomalies and the frequency of certain chromosomal variants persistent among couples experiencing RPL.Setting and Design:This case–control study was conducted on 1000 couples from January 2015 to September 2020 in the state of Odisha, India, strictly adhering to principles of Helsinki Declaration (1975). The study was performed at the School of Biotechnology, KIIT University in collaboration with inDNA Life Sciences Private Limited.Materials and Methods:A cohort of 1148 individuals with a history of RPL were selected for the study and they were screened with respect to fertile controls for the presence of any chromosomal anomaly using G-banding, nucleolar organizing region (NOR)-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridisation wherever necessary.Statistical Analysis:The connection between distinct polymorphic variations and the occurrence of RPL was assessed using Fisher's exact test. Significant was defined as a P ≤ 0.005.Results:One hundred and thirty-four individuals were found to harbor chromosomal anomalies. This study elucidates that along with balanced chromosomal translocations, the involvement of polymorphic variants also plays a significant role in cases of RPL.Conclusion:The cumulative occurrence of chromosomal anomalies and variants across our cohort of 1148 individuals indicates that the chromosomal assessment of all couples experiencing RPL must be performed by all the clinicians. This study aids us in identifying chromosomal polymorphisms as major players of RPL in addition to novel chromosomal translocations.

Variants c.677 C>T, c.1298 A>C in MTHFR, and c.66 A>G in MTRR Affect the Occurrence of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Chinese Women.

Objective: Although genetic variants of key enzymes in the folic acid-methionine metabolic circulation, including methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) were thought to be related to the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), the results of recent studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, the present retrospective case–control study was designed to explore whether the variants c.66A>G in MTRR and c.677C>T and c.1298A>C in MTHFR are associated with the susceptibility of RPL in Southeast Chinese women.Materials and Methods: In total, samples from 237 RPL patients and 618 healthy controls were collected and genotyped by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of the variants were calculated and compared between the two groups. The relative risk of the various genotypes was further determined by calculating the odds ratio (OR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between the variants MTHFR c.677C>T, MTHFR c.1298A>C, MTRR c.66A>G, and RPL susceptibility (MTHFR c.677C>T, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.58–0.95, p = 0.02; MTHFR c.1298A>C, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09–1.77, p = 0.008; MTRR c.66A>G, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10–1.73, p = 0.006). Further analysis of the genotypic distributions of the three variants between the two groups showed that the MTHFR c.677C>T heterozygote was associated with lower RPL risk, while the MTHFR c.1298A>C variant and MTRR c.66A>G heterozygote were correlated with higher RPL risk (dominant model, MTHFR c.677C>T, OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52–0.95, p = 0.02; MTHFR c.1298A>C, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.03–1.88, p = 0.032; MTRR c.66A>G, OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20–2.19, p = 0.002).Conclusion: MTHFR c.677C>T and c.1298A>C and MTRR c.66A>G were associated with RPL in Southeast Chinese women.

Molecular Mechanisms of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Introduction: Pregnancy and health is the process in which the egg is fertilized and being able to survive. When pregnancy occurs under some conditions and the fetus is being at risk, it will lead to abortion that occurs involuntarily and spontaneously. Abortions that occur more than two or three times are called recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Various etiological factors involved in RPL, including environmental, pathological and genetic factors. The environmental factors that often related to an inappropriate lifestyle, and endanger the pregnancy. The pathological factors are including autoimmune, infectious, endocrine and anatomical factors. The genetic factors are including several structural and chromosomal abnormalities. The majority of chromosomal abnormalities are including trisomy, polyploidy, and monosomy X. The structural abnormalities due to chromosomal cleavage, which may be balanced or unbalanced. However, a large number of these abortions do not have any clear reason, so molecular studies have shown that these types of recurrent pregnancy losses are related to the gene disorders of the mother. The function of these genes shows that they are associated with the process of formation, implantation and maintenance, fetal growth and development, and so on. This review focuses on the genetic and molecular abnormalities that may involve in the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss to choose the appropriate treatment for couples who suffer from RPL, based on the type of disorder.

Consanguinity in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and preterm delivery among Saudi females

Objectives: Consanguinity is considered as a factor which influences reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate the role of cousin marriages on the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and preterm delivery (PTD) in Saudi females. Methods: The study included 300 Saudi women (RPL = 100; PTD = 50; control = 150). Demographic and clinical data were entered on forms specially designed for the study, and the women were interviewed about the relationship with their husbands. The degree of consanguinity as the first and second cousins was recorded, and the prevalence of PTD and RPL was calculated in consanguineous and nonconsanguineous marriages. Results: The results revealed that consanguinity occurs at a higher frequency in RPL and PTD (RPL = 55%; PTD = 52%) compared to the control group (36%) and the difference compared to the controls were statistically significant for both PTD and RPL (P

Detection of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (-675 4G/5G) gene polymorphism in women with recurrent abortion

Background: recurrent abortion is considered one of the most common complications that occur during pregnancy and counts for 15% of pregnancies that are recognized clinically. Many causes can be attributed to the recurrent pregnancy loss e.g. chromosomal anomalies, thrombophilic disorders, uterine anomalies, endocrine abnormalities and fetal anomalies. Thrombophilia can be either hereditary or acquired. Multiple genes had been implicated in the pathogenesis of the thrombophilia. Previous studies have indicated that genetic polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene (PAI-1) may be associated with recurrent abortion. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (-675 4G/5G) gene polymorphism is associated with the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss or not. Methods: DNA samples were collected from sixty six female patients with recurrent abortion (33 primary abortion, 33 secondary abortion) and thirty four healthy controls with normal pregnancy for detection of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (-675 4G/5G) gene polymorphism by restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR. Results: there was a significant association between PAI-1(-675 4G/5G) polymorphism and the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss. Conclusion: Our results assumed that PAI-1 (-675 4G/5G) polymorphism is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss.

The role and mechanism of vitamin D-mediated regulation of Treg/Th17 balance in recurrent pregnancy loss.

Vitamin D has a pivotal role in regulating immune responses in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), but the underlying mechanism has not been completely clarified. This study aimed to determine the correlation between vitamin D and Treg/Th17 and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on Treg/Th17 balance in RPL patients. The level of vitamin D was determined in women with normal pregnancy and RPL by electrochemiluminescence. The percentages of CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg, CD4+ IL-17+ Th17, and CD4+ Foxp3+ IL-17+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry before and after vitamin D supplementation. Changes about Treg/Th17 balance after culturing with active vitamin D in vitro were determined. Vitamin D metabolic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cellswas also detected by RT-PCR. Compared with normal pregnancy, both the level of vitamin D and the Treg/Th17 ratio were significantly decreased in women with RPL. There was a positive correlation between the level of vitamin D and the Treg/Th17 ratio in the RPL group. Within the RPL group, those who received 2months of vitamin D supplementation showed a significantly increased Treg/Th17 ratio compared with those without vitamin D supplementation. In vitro analysis showed that adding different concentrations of active vitamin D increased the Treg/Th17 ratio, also the mRNA levels of the vitamin D receptor and the metabolic enzyme CYP24A1 increased significantly. The occurrence of RPL may be related to vitamin D insufficiency and Treg/Th17 imbalance. The Treg/Th17 imbalance seen in women with RPL can be restored by vitamin D supplementation both in vivo and in vitro. The effects of vitamin D on the immune regulation of RPL indicate that vitamin D might be used as an alternative therapy in the future.

Correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the ANXA5 (annexin A5) gene with recurrent miscarriages in women of Greek origin

Background: Recent findings show that a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region of the annexin A5-gene (ANXA5) reduce the expression of the reporter gene and so they display a significant association with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).Objective: The objective of the present study aimed to address the contribution of ANXA5 M2 haplotype consisting of four minor alleles: (SNP1: (−)467G > A, SNP2: (−)448A > C, SNP3: (−)422T > C, and SNP4: (−)373G > A) in the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy losses in the Greek population, and the role of further two minor alleles: SNP5: (−)302 T > G and SNP6: (−)1C > T as independent risk factors for RPL.Methods: A 752-bp genomic region of ANXA5 promoter was amplified by PCR using specific primers. Genotypic analysis by Sanger sequencing was performed for these six SNPs (minor alleles) in the promoter region of ANXA5 gene, in 100 (100) Greek women with recurrent miscarriages (median =3) and 70 (70) fertile controls. Statistical analysis was done using the SAS 9.3 for Windows (SAS Institute Inc, NC, USA) and SPSS packages for Windows (C.DiMaggio 2013, SAS Institute 2014).Results: This case-control study revealed that there is no significantly increased risk of RPL among the M2/ANXA5 haplotype carriers in the Greek population, as there were no statistical differences between the patients with recurrent pregnancy losses and the fertile controls (11.5% in RPL cases versus 9.29% in controls, p-value: .6364). There was no difference in SNP5 and SNP6 minor carriership between the two groups. In particular, carriers of SNP5 and SNP6 had an increased risk for RPL state with odds ratio: 1.2472 and 1.3846 respectively, however without statistically significant importance.Conclusion: The M2/ANXA5 haplotype does not differ between RPL patients and controls in the Greek population. Also, it is the first time that SNP5 and SNP6 minor alleles were evaluated extensively in women of European origin with recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL), and they do not seem to be independent risk factors in the occurrence of RPL in the Greek population. Though, this has to be confirmed in further and larger clinical trials with women of European origin.

Inflammosome in the human endometrium: further step in the evaluation of the “maternal side”

To investigate the expression of inflammosome components (NALP-3, associated speck-like protein containing a CARD [ASC]) and their activation (caspase-1, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-18 secretion) in the human endometrium from fertile and women with history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Experimental study. University hospital. Ten fertile women (control group [CTR]) and 30 women with RPL. None. Endometrial samples were collected by hysteroscopy during the putative window of implantation and evaluated for chronic endometrial inflammation by hystopathological analysis. Inflammosome expression was analysed by immunohystochemical staining (27 RPL and 10 CTR women). The expression of NALP-3 and ASC protein was quantified by Western blot (30 RPL and 10 CTR women). Caspase-1 activation and IL-1β and IL-18 secretion was quantified by ELISA (30 RPL and 10 CTR women). We observed a significantly increased expression of inflammasome NALP-3 and ASC protein, an increased activation of caspase-1, and increased levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in RPL endometrium compared with CTR. Abnormal activation of endometrial innate immunity by means of inflammosome, stimulated by pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns, may represent an additional mechanism, currently not investigated, negatively interfering with endometrial receptivity. More studies are required [1] to identify the primary trigger of endometrial inflammosome activation and its clinical impact in the occurrence of RPL; and [2] to validate the inflammosome components as a novel family of endometrial biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets in RPL.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Thrombophilia

Emerging data seem to be available also on the role of active thromboprophylaxis with heparin and pregnancy outcome. In the last decades we found many data concerning the association between a hypercoagulable state and its causes and adverse pregnancy outcome, in particular recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). First studies which focused on the association between thrombophilia and RPL underlined the role of reduced clotting inhibitors and RPL, and subsequent studies underlined a pathogenetic role of gene variant associated to hypercoagulable state in the occurrence of RPL. On the other hand, acquired thrombophilic abnormalities as antiphipsholipid syndrome are a well known cause of RPL and should be considered for a screening. These data are relevant because recent studies suggested a role of an extensive thromprophilaxis in women with RPL that should be addressed only in case of known thrombophilia and high risk of venous thromboembolism.KeywordsThrombophilia; Recurrent pregnancy loss; Factor V Leiden; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Antiphospholipid antibodies; PAI 4G\\4G

Lack of association of TNFα gene polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss in Caucasian women

The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) gene plays an important role in immunology and inflammation. Variant alleles of TNFα are associated with altered RNA and serum protein levels in humans. Conflicting results have been obtained regarding the role of TNFα during pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This study investigated the relationship between RPL and two polymorphisms in the promoter of the TNFα gene (TNFα −308 and −863). Genotyping was performed in 168 RPL women and 212 ethnically matched healthy individuals. In addition, we performed analysis of TNFα serum protein levels. We demonstrate that neither the polymorphism −308 nor the polymorphism −863 of the TNFα gene is associated with RPL in Caucasian women. In addition, we did not find any association between TNFα serum levels and the occurrence of RPL in a subset of 36 RPL women and 36 healthy individuals. We conclude that TNFα polymorphisms and resting blood TNFα levels do not correlate with the propensity to recurrent pregnancy loss in Caucasian women.