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This systematic review and meta-analysis study was performed to assess the potential association between interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1143634 and rs16944) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) SNP (rs1800795) and pre-eclampsia (PE). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the international search engines and databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science (ISI) up to 9 March 2021. After retrieving relevant articles, data extraction was performed by four authors independently. Pooled ORs and corresponding 95% CIs were used to evaluate the association between IL-1β and IL-6 polymorphisms and PE risk. Cochran's Q test was used to check heterogeneity, and the I2 index was calculated for measuring the heterogeneity between the estimations of included studies. After reviewing fully published studies, 21 studies were included in this study based on the eligibility criteria. Our results showed that rs16944 and rs1143634 of IL-1β were significantly associated with the risk of PE. Regarding rs16944, the minor C allele significantly decreased the risk of PE (C vs. T: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69–0.90). In contrast, the minor T allele of rs1143634 significantly increased the risk of PE (T vs. C: OR = 1. 28, 95% CI = 1.04–1.58). There was no significant association between IL-6 rs1800795 (C vs. G: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.93–1.16) polymorphism and PE risk. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests rs1143634 and rs16944 polymorphisms of IL-1β are related to the risk of PE.

Background: Azoospermia is the medical condition of a man not having any measurable level of sperm in his semen. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a member of the glycoprotein hormone family that plays an important role in human reproduction because of its essential role in normal spermatogenesis. Various Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported within FSH receptor (FSHR) gene that may affect the receptor function. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between two FSHR SNPs at positions A919G, A2039G, and susceptibility to azoospermia in a group of Iranian azoospermic men. The association between FSH levels within the sera and A919G and A2039G alleles and genotypes were also investigated. Materials and Methods: This case control study was performed on 212 men with azoospermia (126 non-obstructive and 86 obstructive) and 200 healthy Iranian men. Two FSHR gene SNPs were genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. The relationship between FSH levels within the sera and A919G and A2039G alleles and genotypes were also investigated. Results: Statistical analysis indicated that at A919G position, AA genotype and A allele were more frequent in obstructive azoospermia cases compared to non-obstructive or normal men (p=0.001). Regarding A2039G polymorphisms, no significant difference was observed between both azoospermia groups and the controls. The mean level of serum FSH was higher in the non-obstructive men compared to the obstructive patients (23.8 versus 13.8, respectively, p= 0.04). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that the genetic polymorphisms in the FSHR gene might increase the susceptibility to azoospermia in Iranian men.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the most complex and life-threatening pregnancy disorders. PE is characterized by maternal hypertension and proteinuria. There is much evidence to support an immunological etiology for PE and auto-immunity is considered a predisposing factor for PE. The aim of the present study was the investigation of placental proteins as targets for auto-antibodies in PE patients. 2D-PAGE technique was used for separation of the total human placental proteins. After separation, protein spots were transferred to the PVDF membranes and blotted with sera from 20 PE patients and compared with membranes blotted with 20 sera from normal women. MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry technique was used for identification of differentially blotted spots. Moreover, the results of mass analysis were confirmed using western blot with commercial mAbs and RT-PCR technique. The results indicated that two placental proteins, annexin A1 and vitamin D binding protein (DBP), might be targeted by PE sera. The expression of annexin A1 and DBP was also confirmed at RNA level using the RT-PCR technique. Furthermore, the mass results were confirmed by western blotting with commercial mAbs against two targeted proteins. The data of the present study suggest two new placental proteins, annexin A1 and DBP, as placental immune targets. Considering the relation among vitamin D deficiency, increased risk of PE, and the role of annexin A1 in the resolution of inflammation, production of antibody against annexin A1 and DBP may be considered a new auto-immune hypothesis in pre-eclampsia that calls for further investigation in future work.