SKA2 gene – A novel biomarker for latent anxiety and preterm birth prediction

There is a relationship between preterm birth (PTB) and anxiety. Spindle and Kinetochore Associated Complex Subunit 2 (SKA2) gene polymorphism (NC_000017.11: g.59110368 G > A) has also been associated with the development of anxiety. The current study was designed to evaluate the relationship between SKA2 gene SNP (NC_000017.11: g.59110368 G > A) with the occurrence of anxiety and PTB which might be considered a predictive biomarker for the prediction of preterm delivery. SKA2 gene (SNP rs7208505) genotyping was performed in 300 women with term birth (TB) and 293 women with PTB using PCR-RFLP method and then followed by DNA sequencing. Cortisol level was analyzed with ELISA method and the presence of anxiety was detected using Spielberg Inventory. The AA genotype of SKA2 gene significantly increased the risk of PTB compared to the GG genotype by 9.6 fold ([CI] 4.5–20.2, P