Genetic and Environmental Influence of rs181206 (T>C) Polymorphism in IL-27 on Third Trimester Miscarriage Risk

Background: Miscarriage in the third trimester is a serious reproductive health problem. The IL-27 genepolymorphic site (rs181206 (T>C)) has been suggested to be involved in immune regulation and inflammatory reactions, and it may affect the outcome of pregnancy.

Purpose: The proposed study aims in exploring the relationship between IL-27 polymorphic site (rs181206) T>C, environmental factors and the risks of miscarriage during the third trimester.

Methods: 100 samples were studied, where 50 were women with miscarriage in the third trimester, and the other 50 were healthy. Amplification Release System-PCR was used to genotype the rs181206 (T>C) by means of Amplification Refractory Mutation System. The level of IL-27 in serum were measured with the help of ELISA. Risk factors were assessed through statistical techniques such as Chi-square, logistic regression and gene-environment interaction models.

Findings: The TC genotype was found to risk chances of miscarriage significantly (OR = 2.45, p = 0.027) with no significant influence of the CC genotype. The level of IL-27 was much more significant in miscarriage group than in controls (P < 0.001), which shows its contribution to inflammatory pregnancy complications. Poor nutrition (OR = 3.12, p = 0.003) and smoking (OR = 2.68, p = 0.029) are other environmental factors that augmented the risk of miscarriages. There was a close interaction between genetic and environmental factors that increased the risk of miscarriage.

Conclusion: IL-27 polymorphism (rs181206 T C) together with the environmental factors increases the miscarriage risk during the third trimester. The level of IL-27 can be used as biomarker in the prediction of pregnancy complications. Risk reduction may be achieved through lifestyle changes, i.e. quitting smoking and better nutrition. More studies are required in examining the specific immunological pathways.