Polymorphisms in NOS3, ACE and PAI-1 genes and risk of spontaneous recurrent miscarriage in the Gaza Strip

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between spontaneous recurrent miscarriage [RM] and common polymorphisms in angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE], plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1] and endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthase 3 [NOS3] genes among women experiencing RM in the Gaza Strip. The presence of these genetic profiles was determined for 100 women who had had at least 3 constitutive abortions and 100 controls without any history of abortion using molecular biological techniques. The ACE D/D polymorphism was present in 49% of the study population and in 54% of the controls [p = 0.479]. Similarly, there was no significant difference detected in the distribution of polymorphisms for PAI-1, with the 4G/4G genotype present in the study group and in controls [p = 1.00]. NOS3 4a/4a was present in 4% of the study group and in none of the 100 controls [p = 0.123]. In this study, we also discovered a new variant in the NOS3 gene which was named 4c allele and was encountered in 1 patient and in 1 control subject. There was no significant association between ACEI/D, PAI-1 4G/5G and NOS3 4a/4b and the occurrence of first-trimester RM. In-depth investigation of the association of NOS3 4a/4a with RM is strongly recommended