Evaluation of the G428A polymorphism of the FUT2 gene in recurrent spontaneous abortion

• Grant number: 12/05367-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Carlos de Mattos
• Grantee: Camila Pontes Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is identified after episodes of two or more consecutive miscarriages before 20 weeks, with no viable fetus merged. It is highly influenced by immunological factors, anatomic, endocrine, and genetic causes, which can act in the selection of the fetus in order to prevent the implantation of the zygote or prevent fertilization. The glycosylation of substrate plays important biological roles in reproduction such as cell-cell interactions during fertilization, embryogenesis, and fetal development. One of the genes responsible for glycosylation is FUT2 (19q13.3), which encodes the enzyme ± (1 2) fucosyltransferase (FUTII) which adds molecule fucose precursors to different substrates. Recently there was a higher frequency of non-secretor phenotype in Italian women with prior history of recurrent spontaneous abortion compared to those with a history of absolute reproductive success. The authors suggested that the G428A polymorphism of the FUT2 gene appears to undergo selective pressure from the embryonic stage. As the Italian background is common in Brazil, our hypothesis is that the G428A polymorphism of the FUT2 gene affects the recurrent spontaneous abortion in Brazilian women. Objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the phenotypes Secretors, not Secretors are associated with prior history of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Its specific objectives include 1. To analyze the G428A polymorphism of the FUT2 gene in women with and without a history of recurrent miscarriage; 2. To verify the occurrence of association between phenotypes and not Secretors with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Material and methods. Will be analyzed 200 genomic DNA samples taken from women with (n = 100) and without (n = 100) prior history of recurrent spontaneous abortion. The FUT2 genotypes resulting from homozygous or heterozygous G428A substitution will be identified by PCR-RFLP. The results will be analyzed using the tests of the Chi-square and Fisher's exact test (p<0.05). (AU)