MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms and DNA Methylation in Idiopathic Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) is a complex condition with various contributing factors, including genetic and epigenetic influences such as DNA methylation. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays a critical role in DNA methylation and the remethylation of homocysteine. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, LINE-1 DNA methylation levels, and the risk of idiopathic spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in Caucasian women from Croatia and Slovenia. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 women with SPTB (<34 weeks of gestation) and 50 control women were included in the study. MTHFR polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and LINE-1 DNA methylation levels were quantified using the MethyLight method. Results: The study found no significant differences in MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms’ genotype or allele frequencies between women with SPTB and controls. Additionally, no statistical significance of LINE-1 DNA methylation was found between the genotypes of the MTHFR polymorphisms analyzed. Conclusions: The study suggests no conclusive association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, LINE-1 DNA methylation, and SPTB in Croatian and Slovenian women. Considering prior evidence connecting MTHFR polymorphisms, hyperhomocysteinemia, and PTB, the lack of homocysteine measurements and unassessed impact of folate or vitamin B supplementation limit the conclusions.