Assessment of folate and vitamin B12 metabolism in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia among pregnant Nigerian Women in Lagos

Abstract

There is increasing need to determine the role of folate and vitamin B12 as possible nutritional factors in the aetiology of pre-eclampsia (PE) which has become a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality in Lagos, Nigeria. This multicenter study was carried out in Lagos state, South West, Nigeria. The primary aim of this study was to determine the role of folate and vitamin B12 metabolism in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia among pregnant Nigerian females in Lagos. This matched case control study included 200 pregnant females clinically diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (study group) and 200 pregnant, apparently healthy normotensive females (control group). Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic and clinical history. Anticoagulated blood sample was obtained for estimation of red cell folate and vitamin B12 by electrochemiluminescence binding assay method on Cobase E 411 immunoassay auto-analyzer (Roche, Switzerland). Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) was estimated based on Enzyme Immunoassay technique using the AxisR- homocysteine EIA kit, LOT No: 802896074, supplied by Axis-Shield Diagnostics Ltd, Scotland, United Kingdom. Mean red cell folate for study group (387.3 ± 75.6 ng/mL) and control group (358.4 ± 77.6 ng/mL) did not differ significantly (p = 0.065). Similarly, median plasma vitamin B12 for study group (479.5 ± 162pg/mL) was not significantly different from control group value (450.5 ± 137pg/mL; p=0.755). Plasma homocysteine of study group (21.2 ± 3.6 μmol/L) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than values for control group (10.8 ± 1.8μmol/L). Red cell folate and vitamin B12 are not significant independent indicators of PE, and hyperhomocysteinaemia observed in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia in Lagos, Nigeria.

Keywords: pre-eclampsia, folate, vitamin B12, hyperhomocysteinaemia