A molar pregnancy is a kind of aberration that occurs during fertilization, wherein although the symptoms of pregnancy manifest themselves, there is no embryo formed. Moreover, there is an possibility of the "mole" (placental parts without fetus) developing into cancer.

Researchers from the McGill University Health Center may have traced the genetic cause underlying this condition to gene located on chromosome 19. Their findings will be published in next month's issue of Nature Genetics.

"We believe that the NALP7 gene, which is involved in inflammation, plays a role not only in repeated molar pregnancies but also in other forms of reproductive failure such as spontaneous abortions and stillbirths," says MUHC geneticist Rima Slim. "Our findings will open new avenues of research to better understand the genetic basis of various forms of reproductive failure."

These finding could provide the basis for the development of future screening and diagnosis tests.

Source: MUHC News Center