The Study of HLA-G Gene and Protein Expression in Patients with Recurrent Miscarriage

Although it has been frequently confirmed that HLA-G plays an important role in the reproduction and pregnancy, the pattern of HLA-G gene and its protein expression are rarely addressed in studies. Therefore we conducted this study in regard to evaluate the HLA-G gene and its protein expression in the women's placenta with recurrent miscarriage. Placental samples were obtained from the women who were admitted for delivery or abortion in Al Zahra and Taleghani hospitals, Tabriz, Iran. HLA-G gene expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and HLA-G protein expression was assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining in the tissue samples. The results showed a significant decrease in the expression of gene and proteins of HLA-G in the women with recurrent miscarriage compared to the control placental tissues. According to the obtained results, it was concluded that the decrement of HLA-G gene and protein expressions are associated with recurrent miscarriage. Since there are conflicting results from other studies, it is suggested to conduct a more comprehensive similar study with greater sample size.