Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism in Pre-Eclampsia

Abstract

Objectives: Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disease linked to pregnant women with severe maternal and perinatal consequences. The etiopathogenesis of pre-eclampsia is not clear and still controversial with investigations still ongoing. This study therefore aimed to determine the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism in women with pre-eclampsia in Ekiti State, South West, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a case–control non-interventional study and 165 pregnant women with preeclampsia (subjects) and 135 normotensive healthy pregnant women (control) were studied. Demographic and anthropometric data were determined utilizing questionnaires and tools as appropriate, following standard operating procedures. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples that had been stored at −20°C, and genotypes of MTHFR C677T were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and suitable restriction enzymes and were subsequently subjected to electrophoresis to determine the band size of alleles as per routine protocols. Results: There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics between subjects and controls as per age and location ( P = 0.456; P = 0.102). Anthropometric characteristics (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference) were statistically significant ( P = 0.000; P = 0.000; P = 0.012; P = 0.001; P = 0.043; P = 0.031), respectively. Those with mild pre-eclampsia were higher than those with severe pre-eclampsia (64.2% vs. 35.8%). Significant proteinuria was observed between subjects and controls ( P = 0.011). Fetal death had the highest complication rate of 14.0%. The frequency of homozygous MTHFR C677T gene mutation in pre-eclampsia was significantly higher in subjects than in controls ( P = 0.045). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference between subjects and controls in the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism. In pregnant women with pre-eclampsia in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria, the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism may play a role in the development and progression of pre-eclampsia. This study provides valuable corroboration of what has been previously noted in other population groups.