Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder causes uteroplacental dysfunction resulting in fetal growth restriction. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and PE susceptibility in a sample of Jordanian women. Methodology: The analysis of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). PCR-RFLP products were digested with hinfI and MboII enzymes. The digestion products were electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel, stained and visualized under UV light. The levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and B12 were assayed using ELISA. Results: The study revealed a significant difference in plasma levels of homocysteine in PE patients versus the controls. TT, CT polymorphisms, AC polymorphism, mutant T, C alleles of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, respectively, also, combined polymorphisms 677CT/1298CC, 677CT/1298AA and 677TT/1298AA were shown to be associated with increased PE susceptibility. Conclusion: Our data suggest that MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are most likely to be risk factors for developing PE among Jordanian pregnant women. Also, the two types of polymorphisms may synergize to increase the risk of PE.
Keywords: MTHFR, Homocysteine, Folic acid, single nucleotide
polymorphisms, Hypertension