PP004. The polymorphism C677T of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), may increase risk for future higher blood pressure in women with previous hypertension in pregnancy

Introduction The MTHFR is a key enzyme in the folate cycle involved in homocysteine remethylation. The T allele of MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with lower activity inhibiting the DNA methylation and protecting from oxidative stress. Objectives To evaluate the MTHFR genotype–phenotype relationship during and after pregnancy comparing hypertensive with normotensive women. Method A sample of 380 women with 32.54±6.478 years old, 181 normotensive (NT) and 199 hypertensive (HBP) being 70.3% above 34 weeks of gestation. A subgroup 63 women with history of preeclampsia were studied 3–6 years postpartum and compared with 59 controls. The MTHFR was evaluated by PCR-RFLP using DNA extracted from peripheral blood. Statistical analysis evaluated with appropriated tests. Results The distribution of genotypes of the MTHFR was different according to blood pressure (BP), it was observed that the TT genotype had lower frequency in HBP ( p p p =0.04, p =0.042, p =0.035, p =0.03, p =0.022, p =0.026, respectively). There were differences between levels of BP systolic and diastolic between women previously HBP and NT of CC+CT compared with TT carriers ( p Conclusion The MTHFR may modulate blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk. TT genotype with increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, may be a protective factor for future hypertension and cardiovascular risk compared with women CC and CT genotypes with higher levels of circulating biomarkers of inflammation.