Abstract

Aims: The genetics of folate metabolism is one of the most significant mechanisms influencing fetal growth and may underlie some cases of unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Reduced folate carrier 1, encoded by the SLC19A1 gene, is a transporter of folate. Folate deficiency and elevated levels of homocysteine could be disadvantageous for the female reproductive system health. Thus, the balance between homocysteine and folate status can be used to measure the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss. Methods: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between -43T>C, 80G>A, and 696C>T polymorphisms of the SLC19A1 gene in 147 women who had unexplained recurrent miscarriage in comparison with 150 healthy women. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction was used to genotype the molecular polymorphisms of this gene. Results: The results indicated that the -43T>C single nucleotide of the SLC19A1 gene was significantly associated with a risk of recurrent miscarriage in Iranian women (p < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the other two polymorphisms. The haplotype frequency distribution of -43C/80G/696C, -;43C/80G/696T, -43C/80G, and 80G/696T was significantly different in patients than controls, which may represent a novel risk factor for idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss. Conclusions: Polymorphisms and haplotypes of the SLC19A1 gene can be considered risk factors for idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss.