Hyperhomocysteinemia, C-677T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, and chronic arterial hypertension in pregnant women

Abstract

Aim. To investigate the prevalence of C-677T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC) in pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension (CAH). Material and methods. This prospective cohort study included two groups: Group I – pregnant women with CAH (n=80), and Group II – pregnant women without AH (n=40). In all participants, homocysteine (HC) levels were assessed using immunoenzymatic method, at 9-12 weeks, 22-24 weeks, and 30-32 weeks. Genotyping of the C-677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction. Results. In pregnant women with CAH, HC levels were higher than in women without AH, throughout the pregnancy. Group I also demonstrated higher prevalence of T allele and T/C genotype. In pregnant women with HHC, relative risk (RR) of pre-eclampsia was 3,5 (95% CI 2,0-5,6), of chronic placental insufficiency - 1,2 (95% CI 0,9-1,6), and of intrauterine growth restriction syndrome - 6,4 (95% CI 3,1-13,3). Conclusion. HCC, as well as its combination with C-677T polymorphism of MTHRF gene, could be regarded as a biomarker of complicated pregnancy in women with CAH.

Keywords

• chronic arterial hypertension in pregnant women
• hyperhomocysteinemia
• c-677t polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene