Search

Background: Although numerous replication case-control studies have attempted to determine the association between Factor V Leiden (FVL) 1691G > A mutation and susceptibility to Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), there have been confliction among the results of various ethnic groups. To address this limitation, here we implemented first meta-analysis to provide with consistent conclusion of the association between FVL 1691G > A mutation and RPL risk. Methods: After a systematic literature search, pooled odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the strength of the association. Additionally, meta-regression analyses were performed to find potential source of heterogeneity. Results: In this meta-analysis, 62 studies, containing 10,410 cases and 9406 controls, were included in quantitative analysis. Overall population analysis revealed a significant positive association in the dominant (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.84–2.50, P < 0.001), over-dominant (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.61–2.19, P < 0.001), allelic (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.79–2.35, P < 0.001), and heterozygote (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.68–2.30, P < 0.001) models. Moreover, a significant association of dominant (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 2.04–4.54, P < 0.001), over-dominant (OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.74–4.05, P < 0.001), and heterozygote (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.81–4.22, P < 0.001) models was found in the Iranian population. The subgroup analysis indicated strong significant association in Asian, European, Africa population, and case-control studies but not in South Americans and cohort studies. Conclusion: The FVL 1691G > A mutation and the risk of RPL confers a genetic contributing factor in increasing the risk of RPL, particularly in Iranians, except for South Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To date, the conclusions of studies on a possible association between factor V Leiden (FVL, FV G1691A, rs6025) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are conflicting. Here, we aimed to estimate the relationship between the risk of HDP and FVL. Methods: Eligible studies focused on FVL and HDP were searched from the PubMed and the Web of Science databases up to March 31, 2018. We used random effects model for the meta‐analysis, and I2 statistic to assess the degree of heterogeneity between all included studies. To evaluate the association between FVL and the risk of HDP, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing cases and controls of all samples and each subgroup based on different regions. Results: Fifty citations on FVL and HDP were identified through the literature search, and a meta‐analysis on the GA + AA genotype between 6041 cases and 8364 controls was conducted. The holistic analysis found that pregnant women with GA or AA genotype of FVL have a 1.97‐fold (95% CI: 1.64–2.35, P < 0.00001) increased risk of HDP compared with GG carriers. While the OR are 2.23 (95% CI: 1.76–2.84, P < 0.00001) and 1.90 (95% CI: 1.12–3.23, P = 0.02) in Europe and the Middle East subgroups, respectively. Conclusion: Factor V Leiden mutation is associated with an increased risk of HDP, and is particularly associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia in European women. However, further high‐quality studies are warranted to confirm the possible effectiveness of FVL in HDP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the fundamental debate that is going on in Europe and the United States about whether genes and genetic diagnostic methods are to be regarded as inventions or subject matter eligible for patent protection, or whether they are discoveries or principles of nature and thus excluded from patentability. The study further explores some possible scenarios of American influences on European patent applications with respect to genetic diagnostic methods. Our analysis points out that patent eligibility for genes and genetic diagnostic methods, as discussed in the United States in the Association of Molecular Pathology versus US Patent and Trademark Office decision, is based on a different reasoning compared with the European Patent Convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]