Mannose binding lectin genotypes are not associated with increased risk of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2013 Jun;30(5):723-7. doi: 10.1007/s10815-013-9985-1. Epub 2013 Apr 7.

Abstract

Purpose: Immune response to infections has been associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Low plasma mannose binding lectin (MBL) levels, an innate immunity factor in infections, has been related to RPL. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that MBL genotypes that are known to cause reduced plasma MBL levels are significantly more frequent among women experiencing unexplained RPL.

Methods: This study included 219 Caucasian women diagnosed with unexplained RPL and 236 control women. All participants were genotyped for two promoter (-550 C > G and -221 G > C) and three missense (R52C, G54D and G57E) mutations in exon 1. These mutations are known to be associated with variations in plasma MBL levels. Genotype frequencies were estimated by gene counting and were compared to the expectation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium by chi-squared (X(2)) analysis and Fisher's exact test. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared in cases and controls using X(2) contingency table analysis.

Results: There was no difference in demographics between cases and controls. The number of miscarriages in the participants with RPL ranged from 2 to 10 spontaneous abortions (SAB's) per participant. Populations genotyped were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was no association between a history of RPL and multi-SNP genotypes at the MBL locus. In unexplained RPL, the number of SAB's and live birth rates were unaffected by MBL genotype. There was no association between MBL genotype and the risk of unexplained RPL. The occurrence of live birth was not associated with MBL genotype.

Conclusion: Genotypes known to cause low MBL plasma levels are not associated with an increased risk of unexplained RPL.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual / epidemiology
  • Abortion, Habitual / ethnology
  • Abortion, Habitual / genetics*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / genetics*
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • White People / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Mannose-Binding Lectin