# Association of catechol-o-methyltransferase gene polymorphism with preeclampsia and biomarkers of oxidative stress: Study protocol for a prospective case-control study in Pakistan

## TL;DR

This study aims to explore how a gene variant and oxidative stress are linked to preeclampsia in Pakistani women.

## Contribution

The study investigates the Val158Met polymorphism in the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and its association with oxidative stress in preeclampsia.

## Key findings

- The study will analyze the methylation pattern of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene in preeclamptic women.
- It will correlate gene polymorphism with oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant vitamins in pregnant women.
- The research will assess maternal and fetal outcomes related to gene and stress marker interactions.

## Abstract

Preeclampsia is one of the three leading causes of worldwide maternal mortality. Oxidative stress-mediated endothelial damage is expected to be an ultimate common mechanism in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The role of bioamines is also well-established in the induction of preeclampsia. This project is aimed to understand the factors which may affect the induction, progression, and aggravation of preeclampsia and oxidative stress during pregnancy. This study will explore the methylation pattern of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene to determine its role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, association of Val158Met polymorphism with a wide range of oxidative stress biomarkers, major antioxidants vitamins, and blood pressure regulating amines in preeclamptic Pakistani women.

In this prospective case-control study, 85 preeclamptic and 85 normotensive pregnant women will be recruited in their third trimesters. DNA will be extracted from peripheral blood and Val158Met polymorphism in the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene will be examined on PCR amplified product digested with Hin1II (NlaIII) restriction enzyme, further validated by Sanger sequencing. Methylation-sensitive PCR will also be performed. Oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant vitamins, bioamines, and catechol-O-methyltransferase levels will be measured by ELISA. The data will be used to correlate maternal and fetal outcomes in both groups.

This study will help to identify and understand the multifactorial path and cause-effect relationship of gene polymorphism, oxidative stress biomarkers, major antioxidants vitamins, and blood pressure regulating amines in the pathogenesis and aggravation of preeclampsia in the Pakistani population. The outcome of this project will be particularly helpful in reducing the incidence of preeclampsia and further improving its management.