Association between p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and recurrent pregnancy loss: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

The p53 tumour suppressor gene plays an important role in angiogenesis and apoptosis. The association between Arg72Pro polymorphism and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has been studied but with inconsistent results. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine whether p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism is a risk factor for RPL. Electronic searchs of PubMed, Embase and Web of Knowledge were conducted to identify relevant studies. The final meta-analysis included six published articles with 730 RPL cases and 613 controls. The pooled results suggested that the variant genotype was associated with the RPL risk in additive model (Pro versus Arg; odds ratio [OR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 1.54) and recessive model (Pro/Pro versus Arg/Pro + Arg/Arg; OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.73). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, for white people the results were consistent. The Egger's regression asymmetry test suggested a lack of publication bias. Results of this meta-analysis suggest that p53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with RPL, especially in white people. Identification of p53 codon 72 mutation would have some implication for primary prevention of RPL and screening of high-risk individuals. Large well-designed studies are needed to fully describe the association between this polymorphism and RPL.