Recurrent pregnancy failure is associated with a polymorphism in the p53 tumour suppressor gene.
BACKGROUND
The p53 tumour suppressor gene is a well-known factor regulating apoptosis in a wide variety of cells and tissues. Alterations in the p53 gene are among the most common genetic changes in human cancers. In addition, recent data provide evidence that p53 plays a critical role in mediating pregnancy by regulating steroid hormone activation. In idiopathic recurrent miscarriages (IRM), causes and associations are much debated as the exact pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we assess whether an established polymorphism in the p53 gene is associated with the occurrence of IRM.


METHODS
Genotyping was performed by PCR-based amplification of the p53 Arg and Pro variants at codon 72 in 175 cases of IRM and 143 controls.


RESULTS
We observed a statistically significant association between carriage of the Pro allele and the occurrence of IRM (P = 0.03, odds ratio 1.49, confidence interval 1.04-2.14). Distribution of genotypes was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate an over-representation of the Pro allele of the p53 gene in women with IRM, giving support to the theory that p53 has a potential role during pregnancy.
Pietrowski
Detlef
D
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Freiburg School of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany. pietrowski@frk.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Bettendorf
Hertha
H
Riener
Eva-Katrin
EK
Keck
Christoph
C
Hefler
Lukas A
LA
Huber
Johannes C
JC
Tempfer
Clemens
C
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011247:Pregnancy; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000235:genetics*; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics
D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53