DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) plays a critical role in immune tolerance during pregnancy, and its genetic polymorphisms have been linked to reproductive disorders. This study aimed to investigate the association between HLA-G polymorphisms (rs1632947) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in Iraqi women.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 30 women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and 30 fertile controls. Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP, HLA-G mRNA expression was quantified via qRT-PCR, and plasma soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels were measured by ELISA. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Student’s t-tests, and odds ratios (ORs).
Results: The rs1632947 AA genotype was significantly more frequent in infertile women (41%) compared to controls (10%) (OR = 13.75, p = 0.0178), with the A allele associated with increased risk (OR = 3.967, p = 0.0115). HLA-G expression was upregulated in infertile women (1.95-fold, p = 0.0442), particularly in GA heterozygotes (2.68-fold). Lower sHLA-G levels were observed in infertility cases, suggesting impaired immune tolerance.
Conclusion: The HLA-G rs1632947 AA genotype is a potential genetic marker for IVF failure, likely mediated through immune dysregulation. These findings support integrating HLA-G genotyping into IVF risk stratification and highlight avenues for immunotherapy-based interventions.