Association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C Polymorphisms with Preeclampsia among Sudanese Pregnant Women in North Kordofan

Abstract

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in folate metabolism. Polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene, particularly C677T and A1298C, can reduce enzyme activity and lead to elevated homocysteine levels. This, in turn, may contribute to placental vascular disease and endothelial dysfunction, which are hallmark features of preeclampsia (PE). Methods: A case–control study was conducted at El Obeid Teaching Hospital in North Kordofan. Blood samples were collected from 100 women with PE and 120 age-matched healthy pregnant women as a control group, both were in the second half of pregnancy. DNA was extracted from EDTA-treated blood samples, and PCR–RFLP analysis was performed to detect the C677T and A1298C variants of the MTHFR gene. Results: The prevalence of the 677CC genotype was 89% in cases and 90.8% in controls. The 677TT mutation was observed in 1% of cases and was absent in the control group. The heterozygous 677CT genotype was present in 10% of cases and 9.1% of controls, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. For the A1298C polymorphism, the 1298AA genotype was found in 7% of cases and 3.3% of controls. The 1298CC mutation was detected in 2% of cases and was absent in controls. The heterozygous 1298AC genotype was observed in 91% of cases and 96.5% of controls, with no significant difference. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, and the risk of PE (OR 1.33; 95% CI 0.57 to 3.08; P = 0.506 and OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.51; P = 0.865, respectively). Conclusion: MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) were not considered as genetic risk factors for the development of PE among Sudanese pregnant women in North Kordofan State.