title: Fetal folate C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism and low birth weight.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine if fetal C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype contributes to low birth weight. The study group consisted of 243 term babies with a birth weight<10th centile for gestational age, with subgroup analyses for those <1st centile. The control group consisted of 132 term babies with a birth weight 3.3-3.8 kg. Odds ratio analyses with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for carriage of the t allele and overall genotype frequencies. There was no significant difference in carriage of the t allele between study and control groups, odds ratio (OR) 0.79 (95% CI, 0.57-1.09). No differences were observed for frequencies of heterozygote and recessive homozygote genotypes for the two populations. In the subgroup analyses, no statistical differences were observed in the t allele frequency, frequency of the heterozygote or homozygote genotype. Trends were seen and the study suggests that fetal C677T MTHFR genotype may be a factor contributing to birth weight. The potential may exist to influence clinical outcome by maternal folate supplementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Leeds General Infirmary, and Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St James University Teaching Hospital, UK. tracey.glanville@leedsth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Glanville
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ovadia
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lucock
authors.forename: N A B
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight / Q000235:genetics*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D047929:Term Birth
chemical_list: D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)