Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C-->T polymorphism and plasma folate in relation to pre-eclampsia risk among Peruvian women

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2004 May;15(5):337-44. doi: 10.1080/14767050410001680037.

Abstract

Objectives: Pre-eclampsia is an important cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia in most studies. Nutritional and genetic factors regulate homocyst(e)ine levels. A missense mutation 677 C-->T in the gene for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) has been associated with an increased pre-eclampsia risk in some, although not most, previously studied populations.

Methods: To further understand the role of this polymorphism in the etiology of pre-eclampsia, we genotyped a total of 125 pre-eclamptics and 179 normotensive pregnant Peruvian women.

Results: The wild-type allele frequency among cases and controls was 54% and 58%, respectively. Twenty percent of cases and 17% of controls were homozygous for the 677 C-->T MTHFR genotype (T/T). After adjustment for confounding by covariates including maternal age, nulliparity, pre-pregnancy body mass index and use of prenatal vitamins, women homozygous for the 677 C-->T MTHFR genotype (T/T) experienced a modest, statistically non-significant increased risk of pre-eclampsia (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.7, 3.8). Maternal folate deficiency was associated with a statistically non-significant doubling in risk of pre-eclampsia in this population (adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.9, 4.3).

Conclusions: There was no evidence to suggest that pre-eclampsia risk is positively associated with the T/T genotype overall, or in the context of folate deficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / blood*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / genetics*
  • Peru / epidemiology
  • Point Mutation
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Pre-Eclampsia / blood
  • Pre-Eclampsia / epidemiology
  • Pre-Eclampsia / etiology
  • Pre-Eclampsia / genetics*
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Folic Acid
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)