Analysis of CTLA4 gene variant in infertile Brazilian women with and without endometriosis

Summary An autoimmune aetiology has been suggested for endometriosis mostly on the basis of an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases in affected women. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA) 4 gene is recognized as a primary determinant for autoimmunity, since specific polymorphisms have been associated with predisposition to most autoimmune disorders. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate CTLA4 polymorphism (+49A/G) in a group of infertile women with and without endometriosis and controls. Case–control study comprising 244 infertile women (177 with endometriosis and 67 without endometriosis) and 172 fertile women as controls. CTLA4 polymorphism was identified by qPCR. The results were analysed statistically and a P‐value