title: PP004. The polymorphism C677T of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), may increase risk for future higher blood pressure in women with previous hypertension in pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the MTHFR genotype-phenotype relationship during and after pregnancy comparing hypertensive with normotensive women.
  
  
  METHODS
  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<0.001). In the subgroup CC+CT the MPO levels were higher in HBP as well as nitrites, leucocytes, neutrophils, Apo B, BMI, waist and ratio waist/hip compared with NT (p<0.001, 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<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.forename: Andreia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matos
authors.forename: Alda Pereira
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.forename: Joana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Nuno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Clode
authors.forename: Maria José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Areias
authors.forename: Maria Clara
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bicho
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bicho
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rebelo