Polymorphisms of genes involved in homocysteine metabolism in preeclampsia and in uncomplicated pregnancies

Objective: To evaluate the possible relationship between preeclampsia and polymorphisms in the main genes involved in folate-homocysteine metabolism. Study design: Case-control Study: 43 patients with preeclampsia and 122 controls without pregnancy complications. Laboratory studies: tHcy and other amino acids, folate and vitamin B-12 and polymorphisms: 677C > T and 1298A > C (MTHFR); 699C > T, 844ins68 and 1080C > T (CBS); 2756A > G (MTR): and 66G > A, IVSI+766G > A and IVSI+754A > C (MTRR). Results: Plasma tHcy and folate values were significantly higher (P = 0.004 and P = 0.019), while Met/tHcy ratios were lower (P < 0.001) in the patients compared with controls. No association was observed between polymorphisms tested and preeclampsia. In the control group, four such associations were found: the 1298A > C polymorphism (MTHFR) with the ratio Met/tHcy (P = 0.014); the 699C > T polymorphism (CBS) with the ratio tHcy/Sigma AA (P = 0.013); the 2756A > G polymorphism (MTR) with tHcy (P = 0.034); and the IVSI+766G > A polymorphism (MTRR) with hyperhomocysteinemia (P = 0.012). Conclusion: An association between the polymorphisms analysed and preeclampsia Could not be demonstrated. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.