Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (C677T) mutation as a genetic risk factor for preeclampsia in Ethiopian pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION

Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant contributor to maternal mortality. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) mutation has been linked to cardiovascular complications. However, data on MTHFR mutation status among Ethiopians remain limited. This study aimed to assess the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and the risk of preeclampsia among women receiving maternity care among Ethiopian women.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 110 participants selected through systematic random sampling. Baseline and biochemical data were collected by questionnaire. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted and amplified while the MTHFR (C677T) genotype was detected by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genomic analysis was carried out by Snapstat online software while multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association of independent variables with an outcome variable. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 at 95% CI were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the CT genotypes were significantly higher in cases than in controls [CT: 11(20%) vs. 4 (7.2%), p-value = 0.024). Participants with CT genotype (AOR = 5.88, CI: 1.06-32.63), family history of PE (AOR = 10.17, CI: 2.46-42.0), and obesity (AOR = 5.82, CI: 1.74-19.51) were significantly associated with PE.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that having a CT genotype, family history of preeclampsia, and obesity were significantly associated with preeclampsia. Therefore, Further multicenter studies and screening for the MTHFR C677T mutation, family history of preeclampsia, and obesity during antenatal care may help reduce preeclampsia risk.