Poor folate status during pregnancy can lead to elevated maternal plasma levels of
homocysteine (Hcy) with associated pregnancy complications and adverse neonatal
outcomes, suggesting placental metabolism of Hcy might be an important determinant in
influencing fetal development. The metabolic pathways for Hcy in placenta are not well
defined. In this study we examined the gene expression of key enzymes involved in Hcy
metabolism in first trimester and term human placenta to determine which metabolic …