Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T and A1298C Polymorphisms in Male Partners of Recurrent Miscarriage Couples.
BACKGROUND
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) C677T and A1298C have been described as strong risk factors for idiopathic recurrent miscarriage (RM). However, very few studies have investigated the association of paternal MTHFR SNPs with RM. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of paternal C677T and A1298C SNPs among Iranian RM couples.


METHODS
The study subjects comprised 225 couples with more than three consecutive pregnancy losses, and 100 control couples with no history of pregnancy complications. All females in the case group had MTHFR polymorphisms; and genotype SNPs were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Groups were statistically compared using Mann Whitney U-test and Chi-square statistical tests. The p<0.05 were considered significant.


RESULTS
Statistically significant difference was detected in the frequency of MTHFR SNPs in male partners of the two groups (p=0.019). Combined heterozygosity of MTHFR polymorphisms was a common phenomenon in the males; 52 (23.1%) and 14 (14%) of males in RM and control groups, respectively. Absence of combined homozygosity for both SNPs in all studied groups/genders was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The MTHFR gene composition of male partners of RM couples may contribute to increased risk of miscarriage.
Department of Genetics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Somayeh-Sadat
SS
Tara
Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Fatemeh
F
Ghaemimanesh
Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Saeed
S
Zarei
Avicenna Fertility Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Fakhreddin
F
Reihani-Sabet
Avicenna Fertility Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Zhamak
Z
Pahlevanzadeh
Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Hosein
MH
Modarresi
Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Mahmood
M
Jeddi-Tehrani
Male partners; Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase; Polymorphism; Recurrent miscarriage; Thrombophilia