IS THE C677T Substitution in the MTHFR Gene Associated with PRE-ECLAMPSIA in Indigenous Black Populations?

The aim of this study was to determine the association of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) C677T mutation with preeclampsia in an indigenous black population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A case-control study was conducted, diagnosis of preeclampsia was made on the criteria of gestational hypertension and proteinuria. The C677T polymorphism was assessed by DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction and amplicon digestion using Hinfi enzyme. The CC genotype was found in 54 patients and 62 controls, the CT genotype in 2 preeclampsia patients and 6 controls. No participant had the TT genotype. Genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT were. 0.935, 0.064, 0.000 respectively and allele frequencies were C- 96.8%, T -3.2%. The results showed that the mutant TT genotype implicated as one of the possible causes of preeclampsia was absent in the sampled indigenous black preeclampsia population and probably have no contribution to the high prevalence rate and severity of preeclampsia in indigenous black African women.