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The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in intron 16 of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene ( ACE ) has been extensively studied as a predisposing factor for idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (IRSA). A case-control study including 149 women with ≥3 spontaneous abortions and 149 controls was performed to test the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with IRSA. A systematic review was conducted of previous case-control studies, with strict selection criteria for meta-analyses. We also aimed to evaluate the potential differences in summary estimates between studies defining IRSA as ≥2 and ≥3 spontaneous abortions. Genotyping was performed by PCR, and systematic review conducted using PubMed and Scopus. There was no association of the polymorphism with IRSA in Slovenian women. Sixteen case-control studies, showing substantial differences regarding IRSA definition and selection criteria for women were identified. Meta-analysis was performed and included four studies defining IRSA as ≥2 spontaneous abortions and the current study, which defined IRSA as ≥3 spontaneous abortions. Based on random effects model, meta-analysis conducted on 1192 patients and 736 controls showed no association with IRSA under dominant (DD+IDvsII) and recessive (DDvsID+II) genetic models. Well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the role of ACE I/D polymorphism in IRSA defined as ≥3 spontaneous abortions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (IRSA) has been associated with abnormalities in the remodelling of endometrial extracellular matrix, as well as aberrant matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene expression in endometrium of IRSA women and chorionic villi of IRSA concepti. This study investigated the association of five functional MMP gene promoter polymorphisms (MMP1 -1607 1G/2G, MMP2 -735 C/T, MMP2 -1306 C/T, MMP3 -1612 5A/6A and MMP9 -1562 C/T) with IRSA. A total of 149 couples with at least three consecutive IRSA and 149 fertile couples were included in a case-control study. Genotype analysis was performed using PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistically significant differences were found in distributions of MMP2 -735 CT (chi-squared 10.21, P = 0.006; OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.34-3.45, P = 0.001), and MMP9 -1562 CC (chi-squared 9.06, P = 0.010; OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.30-3.80, P = 0.004) between IRSA women and controls. Combined analysis of MMP gene polymorphisms did not increase their predictive value. There were no statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of any polymorphism between IRSA men and controls. MMP2 -735 C/T and MMP9 -1562 C/T functional gene polymorphisms might be associated with an increased risk of IRSA in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: 1) To perform the first comprehensive systematic review of genetic association studies (GASs) in idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (IRSA); 2) to analyze studies according to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) definition and selection criteria for patients and control subjects; and 3) to perform meta-analyses for the association of candidate genes with IRSA.Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Setting: Not applicable.Patient(s): Couples with IRSA and their spontaneously aborted embryos.Intervention(s): Summary odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by means of fixed- or random-effects models.Main Outcome Measure(s): Association of genetic variants with IRSA.Result(s): The systematic review included 428 case-control studies (1990-2015), which differed substantially regarding RSA definition, clinical evaluation of patients, and selection of control subjects. In women, 472 variants in 187 genes were investigated. Meta-analyses were performed for 36 variants in 16 genes. Association with IRSA defined as three or more spontaneous abortions (SAs) was detected for 21 variants in genes involved in immune response (IFNG, IL10, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, MBL, TNF), coagulation (F2, F5, PAI-1, PROZ), metabolism (GSTT1, MTHFR), and angiogenesis (NOS3, VEGFA). However, ORs were modest (0.51-2.37), with moderate or weak epidemiologic credibility. Minor differences in summary ORs were detected between IRSA defined as two or more and as three or more SAs. Male partners were included in 12.1% of studies, and one study included spontaneously aborted embryos.Conclusion(s): Candidate gene studies show moderate associations with IRSA. Owing to large differences in RSA definition and selection criteria for participants, consensus is needed. Future GASs should include both partners and spontaneously aborted embryos. Genome-wide association studies and large-scale replications of identified associations are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) gene polymorphisms have been extensively evaluated as predisposing factors to human reproductive disorders. However, the evidence available is inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide the first comprehensive synopsis of case-control studies that investigated the association of MMP and TIMP gene polymorphisms with disorders that influence fertility and pregnancy complications. Literature search was performed using PubMed and Scopus databases. We included 42 case-control studies in the systematic review for the following disorders: adenomyosis, endometriosis, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Although a large number of MMP and TIMP gene polymorphisms were tested, no exclusive and unambiguous risk factors were identified for any of the disorders. The majority of statistically significant associations were confirmed in just one study. Additionally, we performed two meta-analyses for MMP9 rs3918242 polymorphism in endometriosis/adenomyosis and preeclampsia but found no association with either disorder. Considering the modest associations and conflicting results between individual case-control studies, new data is needed for further research of this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the potential association of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) 1, 2, 3, and 4 gene polymorphisms with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (IRSA). Design: Case-control and association study. Setting: Departments of gynecology and obstetrics and university-based research laboratory. Patient(s): A total of 149 couples with a history of three or more idiopathic spontaneous pregnancy losses and 149 fertile men and 149 fertile women with at least two live births and no history of pregnancy pathologies. Intervention(s): Polymerase chain reaction and restriction-fragment-length polymorphism methods. Main Outcome Measure(s): Detection of TIMP-1 -372 C/T, TIMP-2 -303 C/T, TIMP-3 -915 A/G, TIMP-3 -1296 C/T, and TIM -3'-UTR C/T genotypes and allele frequencies. Result(s): There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of any genotype and allele frequencies or any genetic model between IRSA patients and controls. Additionally, no significant associations occurred between combinations of TIMP polymorphisms and the risk of IRSA. Conclusion(s): We found no evidence for the association of TIMP- 1, -2, -3, and -4 with IRSA in a Slovenian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the potential association of Y chromosome microdeletions with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (IRSA) in a Slovenian population and compare our results with those of previously published studies in different populations, with the intention of clarifying the potential impact of Y chromosome microdeletions on IRSA. Design: Case–control and association study. Setting: Departments of gynecology and obstetrics and university-based research laboratory. Patient(s): Male partners of 148 couples with at least three spontaneous pregnancy losses of unknown etiology, and 148 fertile men. Intervention(s): Multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Azoospermia factor (AZF) regions were tested for Y chromosome microdeletions according to European Academy of Andrology/European Molecular Genetics Quality Network guidelines. The PubMed database was searched to retrieve articles linking Y chromosome microdeletions and susceptibility to IRSA. Result(s): None of the IRSA or control men had microdeletions in the AZFa, AZFb, or AZFc regions. A total of nine previous studies examined the relationship between Y chromosome microdeletions and IRSA, yielding contradictory results, which we discuss in detail. Conclusion(s): On the basis of our comparisons, it is unlikely that Y chromosome microdeletions contribute to IRSA and are therefore currently not recommended for the routine evaluation of IRSA couples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the last three decades it has become quite common to evaluate local muscle fatigue by means of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal processing. A large number of studies have been performed yielding signal-based quantitative criteria of fatigue in primarily static but also in dynamic tasks. The non-invasive nature of this approach has been particularly appealing in areas like ergonomics and occupational biomechanics, to name just the most prominent ones. However, a correct appreciation of the findings concerned can only be obtained by judging both the scientific value and practical utility of methods while appreciating the corresponding advantages and limitations. The aim of this paper is to serve as a state of the art summary of this issue. The paper gives an overview of classical and modern signal processing methods and techniques from the standpoint of applicability to sEMG signals in fatigue-inducing situations relevant to the broad field of biomechanics. Time domain, frequency domain, time–frequency and time-scale representations, and other methods such as fractal analysis and recurrence quantification analysis are described succinctly and are illustrated with their biomechanical applications, research or clinical alike. Examples from the authors’ own work are incorporated where appropriate. The future of this methodology is projected by estimating those methods that have the greatest chance to be routinely used as reliable muscle fatigue measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]