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

  • Genetics
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA

    Dara S. Berger & Robert E. Ferrell

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montefiore Medical Center, Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, NY, 10530, USA

    Dara S. Berger

  3. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA

    Zaher Merhi

  4. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    W. Allen Hogge

Authors
  1. Dara S. Berger
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  2. Zaher Merhi
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  3. W. Allen Hogge
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  4. Robert E. Ferrell
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert E. Ferrell.

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Capsule

Population variation in the mannose binding lectin gene is not a risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss.

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Berger, D.S., Merhi, Z., Hogge, W.A. et al. Mannose binding lectin genotypes are not associated with increased risk of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Assist Reprod Genet 30, 723–727 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9985-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9985-1

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