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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining of Four Endometrial Immune Cell Types in Recurrent Miscarriage
Published on: August 4, 2021
[Relationship between IL-18 gene polymorphism and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion]
Dan Wang1, Chen Wang2, Ling-zhi Zheng2
1Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou 317000, China.
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene polymorphisms, specifically rs187238, are linked to unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The C allele significantly increases the risk of recurrent miscarriage.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
Context:
- Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) affects numerous women, impacting reproductive health.
- The role of genetic factors, particularly cytokine polymorphisms, in RSA etiology is increasingly recognized.
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with potential implications in pregnancy.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between specific Interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene polymorphisms (rs187238, rs360718, rs360717) and the risk of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA).
Summary:
- A case-control study involving 207 URSA patients and 144 controls analyzed IL-18 polymorphisms using PCR and DNA sequencing.
- The rs187238 polymorphism showed a significant association with URSA; the GC+CC genotype and C allele were more frequent in URSA patients.
- Carriage of the C allele at rs187238 was associated with a 7.05-fold increased risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion. No significant associations were found for rs360718 and rs360717.
Impact:
- Identifies a specific IL-18 gene polymorphism (rs187238) as a potential genetic marker for susceptibility to unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.
- Findings contribute to understanding the genetic underpinnings of recurrent miscarriage.
- May inform future genetic screening or personalized risk assessment strategies for women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss.
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