PreImplantation Factor (PIF) correlates with early mammalian embryo development-bovine and murine models.

Background: PreImplantation Factor (PIF), a novel peptide secreted by viable embryos is essential for pregnancy: PIF modulates local immunity, promotes decidual pro-adhesion molecules and enhances trophoblast invasion. To determine the role of PIF in post-fertilization embryo development, we measured the peptide's concentration in the culture medium and tested endogenous PIF's potential trophic effects and direct interaction with the embryo.

Methods: Determine PIF levels in culture medium of multiple mouse and single bovine embryos cultured up to the blastocyst stage using PIF-ELISA.

Are polymorphisms in the ACE and PAI-1 genes associated with recurrent spontaneous miscarriages?

Problem: To determine whether the ACE D/D genotype or the combination of PAI-1 4G/4G and ACE D/D genotypes may serve as a risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss.

Method Of Study: Buccal swabs were obtained from 120 women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss and from 84 fertile control women. DNA was extracted from the buccal swab samples using the Qiagen DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen), followed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The association of Apoprotein E polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Problem: We have previously reported the role of polymorphisms of thrombogenic genes involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis as risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss. Thrombophilia has been viewed as a multigenic disorder rather than a monogenetic clinical phenotype and Apo E has been shown to play an important role in lipid metabolism in pregnancy. As individuals carrying the E4 allele of the ApoE gene have the highest risk for thrombosis, we evaluated the frequency of the Apo E4 genotype among women suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss.