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Hyperhomocysteinaemia: a risk factor for preeclampsia?
M T Raijmakers1, P L Zusterzeel, E A Steegers
1Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Summary
Mild hyperhomocysteinemia is not confirmed as a risk factor for preeclampsia. Pregnancy-induced elevations in homocysteine levels may be due to plasma volume changes, not MTHFR gene variations.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication with unknown etiology.
- Endothelial damage and hyperhomocysteinemia are implicated in preeclampsia pathophysiology.
- The 677(C-->T) polymorphism in the MTHFR gene can lead to elevated homocysteine levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in preeclampsia.
- To measure plasma homocysteine levels in pregnant and non-pregnant women.
- To assess the prevalence of the MTHFR 677(C-->T) polymorphism in preeclamptic women.
Main Methods:
- Plasma homocysteine levels measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.
- MTHFR 677(C-->T) polymorphism analyzed using PCR/RFLP.
- Study included healthy non-pregnant women, normotensive pregnant women, and women with preeclampsia.
Main Results:
- Homocysteine levels were lower in normotensive pregnancy than in non-pregnant controls.
- Preeclamptic women had higher homocysteine levels than normotensive pregnant women.
- No significant difference in MTHFR 677(C-->T) polymorphism incidence between preeclamptic and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Mild hyperhomocysteinemia is not confirmed as a risk factor for preeclampsia.
- Pregnancy-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in preeclampsia may be related to plasma volume fluctuations.
- The MTHFR 677(C-->T) polymorphism does not appear to be a significant factor in preeclampsia risk.