Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) has a key role in converting homocysteine to methionine so its deficiency might cause homocysteine accumulation and arterial destruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), homocysteine, and MDA levels in preeclampsia patients.
Material and methods: In this case-control study, 30 preeclampsia patients and 30 healthy pregnant women as control group were selected and matched for maternal age, gestational age, and BMI. Preeclampsia was confirmed by examining hypertension and urinary proteinuria. Serum homocysteine and MDA level as well as MTHFR activity were measured manually.
Results: Homocysteine and MDA levels were significantly different between women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancies (p-value <0.001). Also, the results indicate that MTHFR activity in the two groups was statistically different (p-value <0.001).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the regulation of homocysteine and its metabolic enzymes plays a significant role in controlling blood pressure and consequently in the pathophysiology of Preeclampsia and it can be a goal for prevention and treatments.
Keywords: Preeclampsia; blood pressure; homocysteine; malondialdehyde; methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.