Abstract
BackgroundWe used Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal relationship between maternal homocysteine level, as represented by maternal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype, with the birth weight of offspring.MethodsWe recruited women at 24 to 28 weeks’ gestation who visited Ewha Womans University Hospital for prenatal care during the period from August 2001 to December 2003. A total of 473 newborns with a gestational age of at least 37 weeks were analyzed in this study. We excluded twin births and children of women with a history of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, or chronic renal disease. The association of maternal homocysteine concentration with the birth weight of infants was analyzed using 2-stage regression.ResultsMTHFR C677T genotype showed a dose–response association with homocysteine concentration for each additional T allele (Ptrend < 0.01). Birth weight decreased from 120 to 130 grams as maternal homocysteine level increased, while controlling for confounding factors; however, the association was of marginal significance (P = 0.06).ConclusionsOur results suggest an adverse relationship between maternal homocysteine level and birth weight. A reduction in homocysteine levels might positively affect birth outcomes.
Highlights
The extent of intrauterine growth can determine lifelong health and the health of future generations
We found a strong association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype and homocysteine level
There was a dose–response association between homocysteine and homozygosity for MTHFR C677T (TT), ie, homocysteine level significantly increased with the number of T alleles (P for trend
Summary
The extent of intrauterine growth can determine lifelong health and the health of future generations. A number of studies have confirmed Barker’s hypothesis regarding the fetal origin of adult disease.[1] The intrauterine environment responds to factors such as abnormal metabolic exposures induced by genetic variants, behavioral features, and environmental factors In addition to these risk factors, homocysteine concentration was reported to be positively associated with the risk of pregnancy complications[2] and low birth weight.[3] In general, homocysteine concentration remains low during pregnancy.[2] abnormal homocysteine levels in the intrauterine environment could induce adverse birth outcomes such as pregnancy loss,[4,5] placental abruption,[5] and intrauterine growth retardation.[3]. A reduction in homocysteine levels might positively affect birth outcomes
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