Abstract: Objective To detect aberrant methylation in the promoter region of fetal endometriosis susceptibility gene
homeobox-10 (HOXA10) in women with and without folic acid supplementation and explore the effect of folic acid in
optimizing intrauterine environment. Methods Thirty-six cord blood specimens were collected between January, 2010 and
December, 2012 from pregnant women with endometriosis, including 22 with folic acid treatment and 15 without.
Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and bisulfite salt modified sequencing (BSP) were employed to detect
aberrant methylation of HOXA10 gene in these specimens. Results The methylation rate of HOXA10 gene differed
significantly between pregnant women with endometriosis taking folic acid and those who did (P<0.05). Conclusion Folic acid
treatment can significantly reduce the methylation rate of fetal endometriosis susceptibility gene HOXA10.