Introduction:

The molecular characteristic features of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) (−308A > G) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (+405G > C) polymorphisms can be applied to define the number of embryos to be transferred during assisted reproductive procedures, to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy and implantation failure rates.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between individual predisposition in combination with VEGF (+405G > C) and TNFa (−308A > G) genetic polymorphisms and embryonic implantation rates in Cuban patients receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Methods:

A cohort study was conducted at the National Centre for Medical Genetics, where 27 patients were evaluated in consultation for infertile couples. The identification of the genotypes was carried out using amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction . The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was determined by applying the Chi-square goodness of fit test, and a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to evaluate the genotypic population structure.

Results:

Subjects with a VEGF.CC/TNFa.GG variant genotype combination were grouped homogeneously in the PCA model with respect to axis 2, where the frequency of women with a low implantation rate was higher. Patients with a TNFa.AG variant genotype were grouped together, as they presented higher implantation rates.

Conclusions:

There is a relationship between VEGF.CC and TNFa.GG variant genotypes and a low implantation rate, when they are expressed individually or in combination in patients treated with IVF techniques, whereas the individual TNFa.AG variant genotype is associated with a higher implantation rate.

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