Detection of Aneuploidies in Products of Conception and Neonatal Deaths in Iranian  Patients Using the Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)

Sara  Khorami Sarvestani; Maryam Rafati; Haleh Soltanghoraee; Azadeh Hoseini; Azadeh  Soltani; Koosha Jalilian; Saeed Reza Ghaffari

doi:10.18502/ajmb.v13i3.6363

Sara Khorami Sarvestani Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Rafati Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
Haleh Soltanghoraee Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
Azadeh Hoseini Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
Azadeh Soltani Avicenna Fertility Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
Koosha Jalilian Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Saeed Reza Ghaffari Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ajmb.v13i3.6363

Keywords: Aneuploidy, Conception, Perinatal Deaths

Abstract

Background: Around 70% of all pregnancies (Including 15% of clinically-recognized ones) are lost due to various fetal or maternal disorders. Chromosomal aneuploidies are among the most common causes of pregnancy loss. Standard chromosome analysis using G-banding technique (Karyotype) is the technique of choice in studying such abnormalities; however, this technique is time-consuming and sensitive, and limited by vulnerabilities such as cell culture failure. The use of molecular cytogenetic techniques, including array-based techniques and Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), has been proposed to overcome the limitations of this method to study the products of conception. This study has been designed to investigate the feasibility of using MLPA technique as a standalone genetic testing, with histopathologic examinations and genetic counseling to detect aneuploidies in products of conception and neonatal deaths.

Methods: Forty-two verified fetal and neonatal samples were studies and genetic counseling was scheduled for all parents. Histopathologic examinations were carried out on the products of conception, and appropriate fetal tissues were separated for genetic studies. Following DNA extraction and purification, MLPA was carried out to investigate chromosomal aneuploidies.

Results: Nine samples (21.42%) were diagnosed to be affected with aneuploidy. Detected aneuploidies were trisomy 22 (n=3), trisomy 21(n=1), trisomy 18 (n=2), trisomy 16 (n=1), trisomy 13 (n=1), and monosomy of chromosome X (n=1). The MLPA analysis results were conclusive for all of the fetal samples (Success rate: 100%).

Conclusion: These results suggest that MLPA, as a standalone genetic testing, is an accurate, rapid, and reliable method in overcoming the limitations of standard cytogenetic techniques in genetic investigation of products of conception.