The effects of genetic and seasonal factors on reproductive success.
OBJECTIVE
To search for possible effects of two polymorphisms and of the solar cycle of illumination on reproductive success.


METHODS
Study of haptoglobin (Hp) and ACP1 polymorphisms in consecutive puerperae and analysis of phenotype distribution in relation to time of conception.


METHODS
The Maternity Department of Penne Hospital, Penne, Italy.


METHODS
Three hundred sixty-eight consecutive healthy pueperae from the Caucasian population.


RESULTS
The distribution of Hp and ACP1 phenotypes depends on the phase of the solar cycle at conception. Women homozygous for Hp with low ACP1 activity are more likely to conceive in the first part of the year. Women heterozygous for Hp with medium-high ACP1 activity are more likely to conceive in the last part of the year.


CONCLUSIONS
In the first months of the year there is a steady increase in solar illumination, and this phase corresponds to the best period for reproduction in most plants and animals. This period is also the coldest in the Italian latitudes. Although humans are not seasonal breeders, it is possible that women having a genetic background best adapted to the metabolic demand of the cold period of the year will respond better to reproductive stimuli, resulting in a higher probability of conceiving in the first part of the year.
Division of Human Populations Biopathology and Environmental Pathology, Department of Biopathology and Imaging Diagnostics, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: gloria@med.uniroma2.it.
Fulvia
F
Gloria-Bottini
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Nunzio
N
Bottini
Department of Neonatology, S. Massimo Hospital, Penne, Italy.
Mauro
M
La Torre
Division of Human Populations Biopathology and Environmental Pathology, Department of Biopathology and Imaging Diagnostics, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Andrea
A
Magrini
Institute of Occupational Health Medicine, Catholic University of the Holy Hearth, Rome, Italy.
Antonio
A
Bergamaschi
Division of Human Populations Biopathology and Environmental Pathology, Department of Biopathology and Imaging Diagnostics, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Egidio
E
Bottini
D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005306:Fertilization / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D006242:Haptoglobins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D017027:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D012621:Seasons
D006242:Haptoglobins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; C490429:ACP1 protein, human; D017027:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases