HLA-G and HLA-E Gene polymorphisms in idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion women in Gaza strip-Palestine

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-G and HLA-E are non-classical HLA class I antigens expressed on extravillous cytotrophoblast that invades decidua in the uterus during pregnancy and are postulated to help in maternal immunotolerance of the fetus. Published results on the relation between HLA-G and HLA-E polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are, however, controversial. This study was initiated in order to investigate whether HLA-G (G*0103, G*0104 and G0105N) and HLA-E (E*0101 and E*0103) polymorphisms are associated with risk of RSA in Palestinian women. Forty women with ?2 first trimester unexplained RSAs and 40 age-matched fertile women were genotyped for HLA-G and HLA-E polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP technique. The results revealed the absence of HLA-G*0103 in the study population. No significant difference was observed between the RSA and the fertile groups in terms of the frequency of HLA-G*0104, HLA-G0105N, HLA-E* 0101, or HLA-E*0103 alleles. Interestingly, HLA-G*0105N/0104 genotype was present in the RSA group only and was encountered in 4 patients. The other genotypes showed comparable frequencies in both groups. The presented data suggest that the investigated HLA-G and HLA-E alleles do not predispose to RSA in the study population. Meanwhile, the HLA-G*0105N/0104 genotype may contribute to RSA through linkage disequilibrium with other genetic elements. Larger sample size and further studies are needed in order to confirm this observation. [Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol 2013; 2(3.000): 277-283]