The role of antiphospholipid and other relevant auto-antibodies in the recurrent abortion of Omani pregnant women

Autoimmunity is a possible cause of reproductive failure and infertility, since an increased prevalence of both organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies have been well documented in infertile women. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are molecules directed against negatively charged phospholipids and phospholipid binding proteins (including cardiolipin and andbeta;2 glycoprotein). They have gained much attention due to their association with pregnancy failure, particularly recurrent fetal loss. We are aiming to investigate the presence of aPL in addition to other relevant autoantibodies in a group of Omani pregnant women who have more than one miscarriages. In this study we will measure the level of cardiolipin and andbeta;2 glycoprotein IgG and IgM antibodies in the sera of 300 Omani women who had at least two or more miscarriages will be measured. In addition, antibodies to double stranded DNA, extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) and antibodies against liver/kidney/ stomach components will also be measured. In addition, three hundred healthy Omani pregnant women will constitute the control group. By conducting this study we hope to be able to show that whether or not the cardiolipin, andbeta;2 glycoprotein and other auto-antibodies are significantly associated with recurrent abortion in Omani women, or not. The outcome of this project will help to give us some clue and a better understanding to why some Omani pregnant women were able to keep their fetus while others having abortions.