The A6936G polymorphism of the endothelial protein C receptor gene is associated with the risk of unexplained foetal loss in Mediterranean European couples

The endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is expressed by trophoblast cells. Mid-gestation pregnancy loss is described in animals with a haemochorial placenta lacking EPCR. The A6936G allele of the EPCR gene (PROCR) may be associated with lower EPCR densities on trophoblasts, but data are lacking for its effect on the risk of pregnancy loss in humans. A 1:2 case-control study on unexplained pregnancy loss was nested in the NOHA First cohort: 3,218 case couples and 6,436 control couples were studied for PROCR A6936G, coagulation factor V gene (F5) G1691A and coagulation factor II gene (F2) G20210A polymorphisms. Ethnicity and time of pregnancy loss defined through biometry-based gestational ages (embryonic loss < 10 th week ≥ foetal loss) were analysed.