Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to study the genetic origin of complete hydatidiform mole
Article Abstract:
Complete hydatidiform mole is an abnormal pregnancy in which the membranes develop cysts and degenerate; this abnormality of development is associated with malignancy. The mechanisms underlying this disorder are not completely understood. Most cases have 46 chromosomes with two X chromosomes (female genotype). A few cases have 46 chromosomes with one each of X and Y chromosomes (male genotype), and these are thought to be caused by dispermy, fertilization of the egg by two spermatozoa. However, the techniques used to study complete hydatidiform mole have been superseded by newer methods, and alternative evaluations might provide further information. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis studies mutations, naturally occurring alterations in the DNA structure. This type of analysis has been used to determine paternity and the parental origin of conditions such as Down syndrome. In this study, polymorphism analysis was used to study 12 molar pregnancies and 8 other cases in which miscarriage occurred. In the molar pregnancies, 11 originated from the paternal side and had identical pairs of chromosomes, indicating duplication of a spermatozoa. The twelfth case had both maternal and paternal genetic material; the mechanism underlying this case is unclear. Four other cases mimicked molar pregnancies, but had another cause; these cases had both paternal and maternal genetic material. The remaining four cases were diagnosed as blighted ovum, and three had genetic material from both parents, while the fourth had only paternal material, which did not arise from duplication of a normal spermatozoa. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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The prevalence of recurrent spontaneous abortions, cancer, and congenital anomalies in the families of couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions or gestational trophoblastic tumors
Article Abstract:
Animal studies and clinical findings suggest that genes linked to the major histocompatibility complex affect growth, development, reproduction, and susceptibility to cancer. The major histocompatibility complex is a set of genes that control the histocompatibility antigens, which are elements of cells that can promote an immune reaction. Family members share common specific histocompatibility antigens and genes, which may influence growth and reproductive processes. Certain histocompatibility antigens have been associated with an increased frequency of miscarriage or gestational trophoblastic tumor, a cancer of the trophoblast (outer layer of the developing embryo). The genetic aspects of recurrent spontaneous abortions and gestational trophoblastic tumors were assessed in a population of Chinese subjects in Taiwan. The incidence of spontaneous abortion, cancer, and congenital defects was assessed in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of couples with fertility problems and in normally fertile couples. If the genes linked to the major histocompatibility complex are responsible for recurrent spontaneous abortion and gestational trophoblastic tumors, these conditions would be more prevalent among relatives of affected persons. The results showed that the rate of these conditions was higher among relatives of the couples with recurrent spontaneous abortion and gestational trophoblastic tumors. These findings are consistent with histocompatibility complex-linked genes having a role in growth, development, and susceptibility to cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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Differences between white and Chinese populations in human leukocyte antigen sharing and gestational trophoblastic tumors
Article Abstract:
Trophoblastic tumors are composed of abnormal tissue developing from early embryonic fetal cells in the uterus. Trophoblastic tumors are more common in Chinese women than white women, indicating a possible genetic predisposition. It is thought that the associated frequent spontaneous abortions and the high prevalence of cancer may be linked to defective genes. A group of genes responsible for the expression of the major histocompatibility complex is suspected. The histocompatibility antigens, also known as the human leukocyte antigens (HLA), are found on the surface of cells and are responsible for immune reactions that cause the rejection of transplanted organs on the basis of incompatibility of tissue type. There is evidence of a relationship between the incidence of spontaneous abortion and similar HLA antigens in both parents, but previous research does not indicate there is HLA sharing between partners who are white when the woman develops a trophoblastic tumor. To determine the incidence of HLA sharing in patients with trophoblastic tumors, a population of Chinese couples in Taiwan was compared to a similar population of white couples in the US. The incidence of trophoblastic tumors, 30 times higher in Chinese women, is a more severe manifestation of the disease. There is a significant increase in HLA sharing in three or more antigens in the Chinese population, which supports the notion of a genetic basis for trophoblastic tumors. The incidence of the disease in white populations is considered sporadic and less severe, as evidenced by lack of increased HLA sharing among couples.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1989
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