Possible effect of the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 polymorphism on autoimmune parameters and lymphocyte subpopulation in recurrent pregnancy losses.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 1-2 % of women. Allo- and autoimmune disorders are a recognized factor for RPL and poor pregnancy outcomes. There is a link between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Hashimoto's thyroiditis or coeliac disease, and pregnancy losses. The prevalence of the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to the development of celiac disease may be higher in women who experience RPL. A total of 95 women who had experienced two or more miscarriages were qualified into the study: 49 women with the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 polymorphism as the study group, and 46 as the control group. The prenatal test results of the women were evaluated, which revealed that the foetuses from the study group had higher nuchal translucency measurements than those of controls (1.85 mm vs 1.50 mm; p = 0.0024). A higher level of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in the IgG class (18.38 GP L vs 11.37 GP L; p = 0.0039) and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (aTPO) (87.67 IU/mL vs 11.87 IU/mL; p = 0.0062) was observed when compared to the control group. The presence of the HLA-DQ2.2 polymorphism was observed when higher nuchal translucency measurements and a higher aTPO concentration occurred. A relationship between the aTPO concentration and a higher birth weight of newborns was also shown. No significant differences between the groups were observed for peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. A statistically significant relationship between the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 polymorphism and the increased concentrations of indicators of autoimmune disorders was indicated.