MTHFR 677 C > T Gene Polymorphism is Associated with Large for Gestational Age Infants

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neonatal Health
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Investigating the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T gene polymorphism.
• Examining its association with birth size in term infants: small (SGA), appropriate (AGA), and large (LGA) for gestational age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the role of the MTHFR 677C>T gene polymorphism in term infants.
• To assess the association between MTHFR genotypes and birth weight categories (SGA, AGA, LGA).

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism in 165 newborns.
• DNA isolation from peripheral blood samples.
• Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique used for genotyping.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in genotype and allele distribution were observed among AGA, SGA, and LGA groups.
• Newborns with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype exhibited higher birth weights compared to CC and CT genotypes.
• The MTHFR 677 TT genotype and T allele were more frequent and associated with increased risk in LGA infants compared to AGA infants.

Conclusions:

• The MTHFR 677C>T gene polymorphism can serve as a genetic marker for identifying Turkish infants who are large for gestational age (LGA).
• This polymorphism was not found to be a significant marker for small for gestational age (SGA) infants.