Presentation on research work carried out on the E4 genetic variant in the APOE gene in patients with RIF and RPL.

The results of research work entitled “Association of the e4 genetic variant in the apolipoprotein gene in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and implantation failure” are presented in the form of an oral communication to the British Fertility Society Congress which is taking place in Newscastle.

Repeated Implantation Failure and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss are the main causes of repeat failure in IVF treatment. Despite the fact that over 50% are down to genetic, anatomical, endocrine and auto-immune issues, the causes behind a substantial number of cases are unknown. Certain environmental or lifestyle factors might explain the etiology in such cases. Certain genetic variants (polymorphisms) may also increase the risk of such pathologies.

The research work carried out analysed genetic variants in the APOE gene. The aim was to determine if they are more common in patients suffering from RIF or RPL and may, therefore, be considered risk factors. The variants were studied in a group of 266 patients who had suffered over two pregnancy losses (RPL) and patients to whom over 4 good quality embryos had been transferred and in at least two transfer procedures (RIF). A control group comparison was set up. The results indicate that there are a greater number of carriers of the E4 variant amongst patients with RIF and RPL (28.9%) compared with the control group. This variant could, therefore, explain the pathology. This information is of great importance since, along with other data, it could help to develop diagnosis tests to detect the risk of RIF and RPL before embarking on treatment.

In the Implantation Failure and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit in Instituto Bernabeu, a multi-disciplinary approach is taken when working with these patients in order to diagnose and treat each reproduction issue on an individual basis. The team in this unit includes experts from different fields and their research work has been reflected in the study.

‘ASSOCIATION OF APOLIPOPROTEIN E4 POLYMORPHISM WITH RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS (RPL) AND IMPLANTATION FAILURE (RIF).’ Lledo B., Sanz J., Ortiz JA, Morales R.,  Ll. Aparicio J.,  Bernabeu, R.