Introduction: The MTHFR is a key enzyme in the folate cycle involved in homocysteine remethylation. The T allele of MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with lower activity inhibiting the DNA methylation and protecting from oxidative stress.
Objectives: To evaluate the MTHFR genotype-phenotype relationship during and after pregnancy comparing hypertensive with normotensive women.
Method: A sample of 380 women with 32.54±6.478 years old, 181 normotensive (NT) and 199 hypertensive (HBP) being 70.3% above 34 weeks of gestation. A subgroup 63 women with history of preeclampsia were studied 3-6 years postpartum and compared with 59 controls. The MTHFR was evaluated by PCR-RFLP using DNA extracted from peripheral blood. Statistical analysis evaluated with appropriated tests.
Results: The distribution of genotypes of the MTHFR was different according to blood pressure (BP), it was observed that the TT genotype had lower frequency in HBP (p<0.001). In the subgroup CC+CT the MPO levels were higher in HBP as well as nitrites, leucocytes, neutrophils, Apo B, BMI, waist and ratio waist/hip compared with NT (p<0.001, p=0.04, p=0.042, p=0.035, p=0.03, p=0.022, p=0.026, respectively). There were differences between levels of BP systolic and diastolic between women previously HBP and NT of CC+CT compared with TT carriers (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The MTHFR may modulate blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk. TT genotype with increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, may be a protective factor for future hypertension and cardiovascular risk compared with women CC and CT genotypes with higher levels of circulating biomarkers of inflammation.
Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.