SONOGRAPHIC MARKERS OF ASSOCIATION OF FOLATE CYCLE POLYMORPHIC GENES AND EPIGENETIC FACTORS

Abstract

Reproductive losses in Ukraine are about twice the European average, but have the same causes: miscarriage, abortion, malformations, parental infertility, death of women of childbearing age and children under six days of age. The study focuses on genetically determined reproductive losses associated with folate cycle polymorphism, some other polymorphisms, and epigenetic factors that increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods of systematic and demographic analysis studied the indices of medical and statistical observation of the population of the Kharkiv region within the period of 2008−2018 with an emphasis on the results of biochemical, molecular genetic and sonographic examinations of pregnant women. Data on the number of examined pregnant women were analyzed using ultrasonographic and biochemical studies at the level of alpha−fetoprotein, chorionic gonadotropin and free estriol in the framework of selective screening programs for pregnant women. Statistical data on the number of fetuses and newborns who died during the first − sixth day after birth, with a distribution on the basis of full−term have been studied. The data are compared with similar national indices. The directions of reducing the reproductive losses are offered, including complex inspection of pregnant women with use of ultrasonography, biochemical and molecular−genetic methods of diagnostics of genetic diseases and defects of fetus development. Among the epigenetic factors we have identified obesity and old age of pregnant women, among the types of abortions we did medical abortions associated with stillborn pregnancies, as well as miscarriages. The findings of the study can be used to minimize the effects of risk factors for reproductive loss in the activity of general practitioners. Key words: polymorphism of folate cycle genes, reproductive losses, miscarriage, congenital malformations of fetus, ultrasonography.