Korean J Nutr.  2006 Apr;39(3):264-273.

Effects of Maternal 5, 10-Methylenetetranhydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Genotypes, Serum Homocysteine and B Vitamin Levels on Postnatal Growth in Their Offsprings

• Kim HS
• Kim YJ
• Chang N

Abstract

Elevated maternal plasma homocysteine concentrations have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Serum homocysteine levels may be affected by the MTHFR genotypes and the nutritional status of B vitamins including vitamin B2, B6, folate and vitamin B12. We investigated whether postnatal growth measurements were influenced by maternal MTHFR genotypes and their mid-pregnancy serum vitamin B and homocysteine levels. In 130 pregnant women of 24 -28 wks of gestation, the MTHFR genotypes, serum B vitamins and homocysteine concentrations were analyzed. Physical growth status was assessed in their offsprings by measuring height, weight, and head and chest circumferences from birth up to 24 months. Serum homocysteine levels were higher in the subjects with T/T genotype than those with the C/T or C/C. Heights and head and chest circumferences of offsprings from the T/T mothers were significantly lower than those from the C/C or C/T mothers only when the serum homocysteine levels were above the median. The mean height of offsprings from the T/T mothers was significantly lower than those from the C/C and C/T mothers. The mean weight and head circumferences of offsprings born from the mothers whose mid-term pregnancy PLP levels were in the lowest quartile was significantly lower than those from mothers in the highest quartile. Heights and head circumferences of offsprings from the T/T mothers were significantly lower than those from the C/C or C/T mothers only when the serum FAD levels were in the lowest quartile. These results suggest that postnatal growth up to 24 months may be influenced by the maternal C677T MTHFR genotypes, and mid-pregnancy serum homocysteine and vitamin B status.

Keyword

MTHFR genotypes; homocysteine; vitamin B2; vitamin B6; postnatal growth

MeSH Terms

Female
Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide
Folic Acid
Genotype*
Head
Homocysteine*
Humans
Mothers
Nutritional Status
Oxidoreductases*
Parturition
Plasma
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Outcome
Pregnant Women
Riboflavin
Thorax
Vitamin B 12
Vitamin B 6
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamins*
Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide
Folic Acid
Homocysteine
Oxidoreductases
Riboflavin
Vitamin B 12
Vitamin B 6
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamins