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As maternal vitamin D status has been associated with preeclampsia, the purpose of this study was to determine variations in DNA methylation patterns and associated protein expression in placental genes regulating vitamin D metabolism.

A convenience sample of 48 pregnant nulliparous women, including 11 later diagnosed with preeclampsia, were recruited in this prospective study. Using a case–control design in two groups of women, we administered a food frequency questionnaire to determine vitamin D dietary intake. Laboratory measures included serum vitamin D levels (25[OH]D), DNA methylation patterns and protein expression in placental genes regulating vitamin D metabolism (1α-hydroxylase, CYP27B1; vitamin D receptor, VDR; retinoid X receptor, RXR) from placental tissue collected at delivery among those diagnosed with preeclampsia and those who remained normotensive …