STAT3 polymorphisms linked with idiopathic recurrent miscarriages

Abstract

Problem: We investigated the association of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT). 3 gene variants with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage (RM). Method of Study: A case-control study involving 189 RM patients and 244 control women was carried out. STAT3 (rs1053004 and rs1023023) genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination/real-time PCR method. Results: STAT3 rs1053004 C allele [OR (95% CI) = 1.60 (1.22-2.10)] and C/C genotype [OR (95% CI) = 3.42 (1.70-6.92)] were positively associated with RM. Two-locus (rs1053004/rs1053023) haplotype analysis revealed increased frequency of CG and CA haplotypes in RM patients, of which only CA haplotype (Pc = 0.020) remained positively associated with RM after applying the Bonferroni correction. This was confirmed by multivariate regression analysis (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.17-2.46) after adjusting for a number of covariates. Conclusion: STAT3 rs1053004 variant is significantly associated with idiopathic RM. Replication studies on other racial groups and other STAT3 gene variants are warranted. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.