Meta-analysis of FOXP3 polymorphisms and recurrent spontaneous abortion susceptibility

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2024 Mar;91(3):e13827. doi: 10.1111/aji.13827.

Abstract

Background: The polymorphisms of the FOXP3 gene may mediate abnormalities in Tregs, leading to an imbalance in maternal-fetal immune tolerance and ultimately resulting in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). This meta-analysis aims to assess the potential association between FOXP3 polymorphisms and susceptibility to RSA using five specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Materials and methods: By conducting a comprehensive search across databases such as EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and CBM, we identified suitable studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The data extracted from these studies were subjected to analysis using Stata SE 15. To assess the degree of association, we utilized the odds ratio (OR) along with its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Five specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were employed in assessing the connection between FOXP3 gene polymorphisms and RSA.

Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between several polymorphisms (rs3761548, rs2232365, rs2232368, rs2280883, and rs2294021) and susceptibility to RSA. Conversely, the FOXP3 rs5902434 polymorphism was not associated with susceptibility to RSA.

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests that these genetic variations within the FOXP3 gene might play a role in the progression of RSA disease. Meanwhile, large-scale studies that consider multiple factors are needed to validate this finding.

Keywords: FOXP3; Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA); meta-analysis; polymorphism; susceptibility.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual* / genetics
  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • FOXP3 protein, human