Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotypes and haplotypes associated with susceptibility to colorectal cancer in an eastern Chinese Han population

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays an important role in folate metabolism and is involved in DNA synthesis, DNA repair and DNA methylation. The two common functional polymorphisms of MTHFR, C677T and A1298C have been associated with several diseases, including cancer. We made a case-control study to analyze a possible association of MTHFR gene polymorphisms C677T and A1298C with risk for colorectal cancer in an eastern Chinese Han population of 137 patients with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of CRC and 145 age- and gender-matched controls with no history of cancer. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and the genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. The concentrations of folate in plasma were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. The MTHFR 677TT genotype had a protective effect against colorectal cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) = 0.467 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.225-0.966). The 1298CC genotype was significantly correlated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 0.192; 95%CI = 0.040-0.916). Compared with the MTHFR 677CC and MTHFR 1298 AA genotypes, for individuals who carried both MTHFR 677CC and 1298CC genotypes, the OR of colorectal cancer was 0.103 (95%CI = 0.012-0.900); among individuals who carried both MTHFR 677TT and 1298AC genotypes, the OR for risk of colorectal cancer was 0.169 (95%CI = 0.044-0.654). MTHFR 677TT+CT genotypes had a significantly lower plasma folate concentration than those with the MTHFR 677CC genotype. MTHFR 1298AC+CC genotypes had a lower plasma folate concentration than those with the MTHFR 1298AA genotype (P < 0.05). In conclusion, subjects with the MTHFR 677TT and MTHFR 1298CC genotypes appeared to have a significantly lower risk for colorectal cancer. MTHFR haplotypes 677CC/1298CC and 677TT/1298AC were less common in cases than in controls. These haplotypes, when compared to the most common haplotype 677CC/1298AA, were associated with a decreased risk for colorectal cancer. We conclude that plasma folate level is influenced by MTHFR genotypes.     

A Lower Degree of PBMC L1 Methylation in Women with Lower Folate Status May Explain the MTHFR C677T Polymorphism Associated Higher Risk of CIN in the US Post Folic Acid Fortification Era

Background

Studies in populations unexposed to folic acid (FA) fortification have demonstrated that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with increased risk of higher grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2+). However, it is unknown whether exposure to higher folate as a result of the FA fortification program has altered the association between MTHFR C677T and risk of CIN, or the mechanisms involved with such alterations. The current study investigated the following in a FA fortified population: 1) The association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risk of CIN 2+; 2) The modifying effects of plasma folate concentrations on this association; and 3) The modifying effects of plasma folate on the association between the polymorphism and degree of methylation of long interspersed nucleotide elements (L1s), in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) DNA, a documented biomarker of CIN risk.

Methods

The study included 457 US women diagnosed with either CIN 2+ (cases) or ≤ CIN 1 (non-cases). Unconditional logistic regression models were used to test the associations after adjusting for relevant risk factors for CIN.

Results

The 677CT/TT MTHFR genotypes were not associated with the risk of CIN 2+. Women with CT/TT genotype with lower folate, however, were more likely to be diagnosed with CIN 2+ compared to women with CT/TT genotype with higher folate (OR = 2.41, P = 0.030). Women with CT/TT genotype with lower folate were less likely to have a higher degree of PBMC L1 methylation compared to women with CT/TT genotype with higher folate (OR = 0.28, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that the MTHFR 677CT/TT genotype-associated lower degree of PBMC L1 methylation increases the risk of CIN 2+ in women in the US post-FA fortification era. Thus, even in the post-FA fortification era, not all women have adequate folate status to overcome MTHFR 677CT/TT genotype-associated lower degree of L1 methylation.     

Functional inference of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms from a large-scale epidemiological study

Two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms, 677C > T and 1298A > C have been described for the methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) gene. Both are associated with reduced enzyme activity in vitro. For the 677T, but not the 1298C allele, significantly lower serum folate and higher plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) have been reported. We genotyped 10,034 middle-aged (50–64 years old) subjects and measured serum folate and tHcy. Within strata of 677 genotypes, 1,298 genotypes had significantly different serum folate and tHcy (P ≤ 0.03 for all comparisons). Each additional 1298C allele reduced mean serum folate and increased mean tHcy, by (on average) 4.5 and 3.0%, respectively. In comparison, within strata of 1,298 genotypes, the increase from no, to one 677T-allele reduced serum folate and increased tHcy by, 7.1 and 6.3%, respectively. Lowest serum folate and highest tHcy level was found for the 677TT/1298AA genotype. The difference in tHcy was significantly larger at low folate than at high folate when genotypes 677TT/1298AA and 677CT/1298AA, 677CT/1298AC and 677CC/1298AC, and genotypes 677CT/1298AC and 677CT/1298AA were compared. We interpreted these data in the context of a model of the MTHFR enzyme that describes the enzyme as a dimer that mainly exist in six different configurations. The model reconciled the observed phenotypic effects of the 677/1,298 combination genotypes with previous in vitro measurements, and identified enzyme configurations that are sensitive to low folate levels. In conclusion, this report demonstrates functional inference of the MTHFR 677 C > T and 1,298 A > C polymorphisms from a large-scale epidemiological study.     

Polymorphisms of 5,10-methylenetetralydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), fruit and vegetable intake, and the risk of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is a serious public health problem in China. 5,10-Methylenetetralydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) may be involved in both DNA methylation and DNA synthesis. Folate deficiency is associated with cancer risk that may be modulated by a genetic variation in the MTHFR gene in folate metabolism. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the association between polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene and the risk of stomach cancer. This study also explored the modification effects of fruit and vegetable intake (one of the main constituents is folate) on the risk of this disease. A population-based case-control study was conducted in Taixing, China, consisting of 206 newly diagnosed cases with primary stomach cancer and 415 healthy population controls. Polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and A1298C were assayed by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques. The data were analysed using the logistic regression model. No obvious association between the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and the risk of stomach cancer was observed in this study. The frequencies of 677 C/C, C/T, and T/T were 34.5, 50.9, and 14.6%, respectively, in controls. The frequency of the MTHFR 677 wild homozygotic genotype was 25.8% in cases, which was lower than that in controls (34.5%). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the MTHFR 677 any T genotype was 2.05 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26-3.34) when compared with the C/C genotype. In the low fruit and vegetable intake group an increasing trend was observed with the T allele exposure, p=0.0056. The adjusted ORs were 1.68 (95% CI = 0.86-3.29) for the C/T genotype and 3.58 (95% CI = 1.46-8.75) for the T/T genotype, respectively. The MTHFR 677 any T genotype was associated with an increased risk of primary stomach cancer among the Chinese population. Folate deficiency might modify the MTHFR gene polymorphism and influence the risk of stomach cancer.     

Association of the Maternal MTHFR C677T Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Neural Tube Defects in Offsprings: Evidence from 25 Case-Control Studies

Background

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical enzyme in folate metabolism and is involved in DNA methylation, DNA synthesis, and DNA repair. In addition, it is a possible risk factor in neural tube defects (NTDs). The association of the C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene and NTD susceptibility has been widely demonstrated, but the results remain inconclusive. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis with 2429 cases and 3570 controls to investigate the effect of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism on NTDs.

Methods

An electronic search of PubMed and Embase database for papers on the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and NTD risk was performed. All data were analysed with STATA (version 11). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association. Sensitivity analysis, test of heterogeneity, cumulative meta-analysis, and assessment of bias were performed in our meta-analysis.

Results

A significant association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and NTD susceptibility was revealed in our meta-analysis ( TT versus CC: OR  = 2.022, 95% CI: 1.508, 2.712; CT+TT versus CC: OR  = 1.303, 95% CI: 1.089, 1.558; TT versus CC+CT: OR  = 1.716, 95% CI: 1.448, 2.033; 2TT+CT versus 2CC+CT: OR  = 1.330, 95% CI: 1.160, 1.525). Moreover, an increased NTD risk was found after stratification of the MTHFR C677T variant data by ethnicity and source of controls.

Conclusion

The results suggested the maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism is a genetic risk factor for NTDs. Further functional studies to investigate folate-related gene polymorphisms, periconceptional multivitamin supplements, complex interactions, and the development of NTDs are warranted.     

MTHFR Polymorphisms Involved in Vitamin B12 Deficiency Associated with Atrophic Gastritis

Genetic polymorphisms affecting methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) activity may influence hematological and neurological dysfunction in cobalamin-deficient patients. We studied the prevalence of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms by analyzing genomic DNA in 30 cobalamin-deficient patients. No significant difference was found in 677 and 1298 genotype distribution with respect to hematological parameters, B₁₂ and folate levels, and neurological symptoms. The two MTHFR polymorphisms were not protective against anemia or neurological dysfunction in patients with cobalamin deficiency; however, we found evidence of a significant increase in atrophic gastritis in the 677TT group (P = 0.009) but not for the 1298CC genotype. Based on observations that inadequate cobalamin intake and reduced MTHFR activity might be significant risk factors for gastric cancer, and the increased risk of gastric cancer shown in patients affected by atrophic gastritis, we speculate that concomitant atrophic gastritis and impaired MTHFR function could have a role in the development of gastric cancer.     

5,10‐Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms: genotype frequency and association with homocysteine and folate levels in middle‐southern Italian adults.

Two genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (C677T and A1298C) can influence the plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels, especially in the presence of an inadequate folate status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of C677T and of A1298C MTHFR polymorphisms and their correlation with Hcy and serum folate concentrations in a population of blood donors living in a region of middle‐southern Italy (the Molise Region). One hundred ninety seven blood donors were studied for total plasma Hcy, serum folate and C677T and A1298C MTHFR genotypes. The frequency of C677T genotypes was 20.8% (CC), 49.8% (CT) and 29.4% (TT); for the A1298C genotypes: 48.7% (AA), 43.7% (AC) and 7.6% (CC). Hcy and serum folate concentrations were significantly different among genotypes of the C677T polymorphism (CC versus CT versus TT: <0.0001 both for Hcy and folate), with Hcy values increasing, and serum folate decreasing, from CC to TT subjects. Regarding to A1298C polymorphism, the difference among genotypes (AA versus AC versus CC; p: 0.026 for Hcy and 0.014 for serum folate), showed an opposite trend for both parameters, with Hcy higher in the wild‐type and lower in the homozygotes and serum folate higher in CC than in AA subjects. In conclusion, we found a high frequency of MTHFR allele associated with high level of Hcy and low levels of folate in an Italian southern population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low Birthweight (LBW) and Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NNH) in an Indian Cohort: Association of Homocysteine,Its Metabolic Pathway Genes and Micronutrients as Risk Factors

Background & Aims

Indian subcontinent has the highest child mortality rates along with a very high frequency of low birthweight (LBW). Folate and vitamin B12 (Vit-B12) are necessary during foetal development and their deficiency prevalence in Indians is very high. The objective of the present paper is to assess whether foetal homocysteine (Hcy)/folate metabolic pathway genes, their cofactors and homocysteine level independently (or collectively) predispose children to Low birth weight.

Methods

Cord blood was collected for the study. Frequency of 5 SNPs in 4-Hcy-pathway genes, and levels of Hcy, Vit-B12 and folate were evaluated.

Results

Of the 421 newborns recruited for the study, 38% showed low birth weight (<2.5kg) and 16% were preterm babies. 101 neonates developed neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH). High prevalence of Vit-B12 (65%) and folate (27%) deficiency was observed in newborns along with hyperhomocystinemia (hypHcy-25%). Preterm delivery, micronutrient deficiency, hypHcy and MTHFR 677T SNP are associated as risk factor while G allele of TCN2 C776G is protective against LBW. MTHFR 677T allele and folate deficiency are also independent risk factors for NNH.

Conclusion

We record the highest incidence of Vit-B12, folate deficiency and elevated Hcy levels, of all the studies so far reported on neonates. These together with MTHFR 677T are potential risk factors for LBW. Association of impaired folate/Hcy metabolism with NNH is reported for the first time and the possible way of interaction is discussed. It appears that proper nutritional management during pregnancy would reduce the risk of complex clinical outcomes.     

Genetic determinants of folate status in Central Bohemia

Although several genetic factors have been implicated as determinants of blood folate concentration in various populations, their effect on folate status in the Czech population has not yet been examined. We explored whether blood folate concentrations in healthy Czech population are associated with polymorphisms in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1), reduced folate carrier (RFC), and folate receptor (FOLR1) genes. In a cross-sectional study of 591 control subjects we determined genotypes by PCR-RFLP or ARMS-PCR methods, and plasma and erythrocyte folates by MEIA. The effect of different genotypes on folate status was examined by non-parametric tests and by regression analysis. The prevalence of the MTHFR 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C, FOLH1 1561C>T, RFC 80G>A and FOLR1 480G>C variant alleles was 0.34, 0.33, 0.05, 0.44 and 0.00, respectively. Only the MTHFR 677C>T variant was significantly associated with plasma folate concentrations (median 14.7, 14.0 and 12.2 nmol/l for the CC, CT and TT genotypes, respectively). Our study showed that among the five studied allelic variants, only the 677C>T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is a significant genetic determinant of plasma folate concentrations in Czech population.     

Rate of T alleles and TT genotype at MTHFR 677C‐>T locus or C alleles and CC genotype at MTHFR 1298A‐>C locus among healthy subjects in Turkey: impact on homocysteine and folic acid status and reference intervals

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is important for folate and homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. MTHFR 677C‐>T and 1298A‐>C MTHFR are two most common mutations which can affect folate and total homocysteine (tHcy) status. This study was designed to determine the rate of MTHFR 677C‐>T and 1298A‐>C mutations, and their influence on serum folate, Hcy and vitamin B12 status and the reference intervals in 402 healthy Turkish adults. The rate of MTHFR 677C‐>T or 1298A‐>C mutations was 50.7% or 54.7%, respectively. The MTHFR 677C‐>T mutation‐specific reference intervals for serum folate and tHcy were characterized by marked shifts in their upper limits. In homozygote subjects for MTHFR 677C‐>T serum folate concentration was lower and serum tHcy concentration was higher than those in the wild genotype; all subjects had lower serum folate and 54% of the subjects had higher tHcy concentrations than the cutoff values of ≤10 nmol/L and ≥12 µmol/L, respectively. Serum vitamin B12 status was similar in all genotypes. Serum tHcy concentrations were inversely correlated with serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in all genotypes. These data show that the rate of MTHFR 677C‐>T and 1298A‐>C mutations is very high in Turks and serum folate and tHcy status are impaired by these mutations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Folate intake and MTHFR polymorphism C677T is not associated with ovarian cancer risk: evidence from the meta-analysis

Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and methylation and implicated in the process of carcinogenesis. Several studies inconclusively suggested increased folate intake may reduce ovarian cancer risk. Studies concerning the association between C677T polymorphism in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an important enzyme in folate metabolism, and ovarian cancer risk also resulted in no agreement. The meta-analysis was conducted based on current studies to assess the association between folate intake, the MTHFR C667T polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk. 1,158 cases out of 217,309 participants from four cohort studies, 4,519 cases and 6,031 controls from four case–control studies about folate intake along with 5,617 cases and 9,808 controls from 10 publications concerning the polymorphism were pooled, respectively. We detected no significant association between total folate (RR = 1.04, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.87–1.23) or dietary folate (RR = 0.88, 95 % CI = 0.75–1.05) intake and ovarian cancer risk, and also no significant relationship was found between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk (TT vs. CC: odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95 % CI = 0.90–1.46; CT vs. CC: OR = 1.04, 95 % CI = 0.94–1.16). Our analysis indicated neither folate intake nor MTHFR C677T polymorphism is related to altered susceptibility of ovarian cancer.     

Risk of colorectal cancer associated with the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in the Kashmiri population

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical enzyme in folate metabolism and is involved in DNA synthesis, DNA repair and DNA methylation. The two common functional polymorphisms of MTHFR, 677 C→T and 1298 A→C, have been shown to impact various diseases, including cancer. The 677 C→T polymorphism has been widely investigated in different cancers and has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of various cancers. We investigated MTHFR C677T genotype frequency in colorectal cancer cases in the Kashmiri population and correlated this information with the known clinicopathological characters of colorectal cancer, in a case-control study. Eighty-six colorectal cancer cases were studied for MTHFR C677T polymorphism, compared to 160 controls taken from the general population, employing the PCR-RFLP technique. We found the frequency of the three different genotypes of MTHFR in our ethnic Kashmir population, i.e., CC, CT and TT, to be 68.6, 20.9 and 10.4% among colorectal cancer cases and 75.6, 16.9 and 7.5% among the general control population, respectively. There was a significant association between the MTHFR TT genotype and colorectal cancer in the higher age group. We conclude that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism slightly increases the risk for colorectal cancer development in our ethnic Kashmir population.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T genetic polymorphisms and risk of leukaemia among the North Indian population

Background: Leukaemia is a heterogeneous disease in which haematopoietic progenitor cells acquire genetic lesions that lead to a block in differentiation, increased self-renewal, and unregulated proliferation. The enzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), involved in folate metabolism, plays a crucial role in cells because folate availability is important for DNA integrity. The aim of this case–control study was to evaluate the association of the C677T MTHFR gene polymorphism with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Materials and methods: A total of 275 leukaemia cases – including AML (n = 112), ALL (n = 81), CML (n = 43), CLL (n = 39) – and 251 age/sex-matched healthy control individuals participated in this study. MTHFR C677T polymorphisms in the cases and controls were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The average MTHFR 677CC, 677CT, 677TT genotype frequencies of total leukaemia cases were 68.73%, 19.64%, and 11.64% in cases, and 71.71%, 24.30%, and 3.98% in healthy controls, respectively. The average frequency of the MTHFR 677T allele was 21.45% among the cases compared to 16.13% among the controls. Conclusions: In the present case–control study we have observed a higher frequency of the MTHFR 677TT genotype in cases of leukaemia (AML, ALL, CML and CLL) as compared with controls; this might be due to ethnic and geographic variation. As per our findings, although the frequency of the MTHFR 677T allele is moderately high in AML, ALL and CLL, no statistically significant association was found; on the other hand statistically significant association was found in the context of CML cases.     

Maternal dietary intake of folate,vitamin B12 and MTHFR 677C>T genotype: their impact on newborn’s anthropometric parameters

In this study, we evaluated the effects of dietary intake of vitamin B₁₂ and folate during pregnancy and their interactions with maternal polymorphism of MTHFR (677C>T; 1298A>C) on intrauterine development. Anthropometric parameters were obtained from 231 newborns that belong to a prospective birth cohort in Morelos, Mexico. Maternal dietary intake of vitamin B₁₂ and folate was assessed using a semi-quantitative questionnaire administered during the first and third trimesters of the pregnancy. Maternal MTHFR 677C>T and 1298 A>C genotypes were determined by PCR–RFLP. The associations between deficient dietary intake of vitamin B₁₂ (<2.0 μg/d) and folate (<400 μg/d) in the first and third trimesters and maternal polymorphisms of MTHFR on anthropometric parameters at birth were estimated using a multivariate linear regression model. During pregnancy, the deficient dietary intake was roughly 60 % for folate and 19 % for vitamin B₁₂. Allelic frequencies of 677T and 1298C were 59 and 10 %, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, deficiency in maternal dietary intake of vitamin B₁₂ (<2.0 μg/d) was associated with a significant reduction in length (β ~ −2.4; 95 % CI −4.3; −0.6) and length-for-age at birth (β ~ −1.2; 95 % CI −2.3; −0.1) among infants whose mothers were carriers of the 677TT genotype (p for interaction = 0.02). In contrast, no association was observed between deficiency in maternal dietary intake of folate (<400 μg/d) and any anthropometric parameter of newborns. These results suggest that supplementation with vitamin B₁₂ during pregnancy could have a favorable impact on intrauterine fetal development mainly in populations that are genetically susceptible.     

MTHFR 677 CT/MTHFR 1298 CC genotypes are associated with increased risk of hypertension in Indians

The goals of our present study were to measure plasma homocysteine levels and determine their association with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) in essential hypertensive subjects. Plasma total homocysteine and folic acid levels were measured in essential hypertensive patients (n = 153) before and after oral supplementation with either 5 mg folic acid tablet/day or 5 mg placebo/day for 4 weeks and compared with age and sex matched normotensive controls (n = 133). MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) were studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism and correlated with plasma homocysteine levels. Homocysteine levels were significantly higher in hypertensive patients as compared to controls and showed a negative correlation with plasma folate levels. Folic acid supplementation (5 mg/day) for 4 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in plasma homocysteine concentrations in these patients. Patients carrying MTHFR 677T allele (OR = 1.90; 95%CI: 1.14–3.19) or MTHFR 1298C (OR = 2.6, 95%CI: 1.55–4.40) allele were at increased risk of hypertension. The frequency of co-occurrence of MTHFR 677 CT/1298 CC genotypes was significantly higher in the patients compared to controls (P < 0.05) and was associated with increased risk of hypertension (OR = 3.54, 95%CI: 0.37–4.30). Subjects with MTHFR 1298 CC genotype had significantly higher homocysteine levels compared to those with MTHFR 1298 AA genotype (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that MTHFR 677T and 1298C alleles and co-occurrence of MTHFR 677 CT/MTHFR 1298 CC genotypes are associated with increased risk of hypertension and MTHFR 1298 CC genotype is associated with higher homocysteine levels in our subjects.     

MTHFR 677T is a strong determinant of the degree of hearing loss among Polish males with postlingual sensorineural hearing impairment

Hearing impairment (HI) is the most common sensory handicap. Congenital HI often has a genetic basis, whereas the etiology of nonsyndromic postlingual HI (npHI) usually remains unidentified. Our purpose was to test whether the MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) polymorphism affecting folate metabolism is associated with the occurrence or severity of npHI. We studied rs1801133 genotypes in 647 npHI patients (age <40, sudden sensorineural loss excluded, HI characterized as mean of better ear hearing thresholds for 0.5-8 kHz) and 3273 adult controls from the background population. Genotype distribution among patients and controls was similar, but among male cases (n = 302) we found a dose-dependent correlation of MTHFR 677T with the degree of HI (mean thresholds in dB: 38.8, 44.9, and 53.3, for CC, CT, and TT genotypes, respectively; p = 0.0013, p(cor.) = 0.017). Among male patients rs1801133 TT significantly increased the risk of severe/profound HI (odds ratio = 4.88, p = 0.001). Among controls the known effect of MTHFR 677T on plasma total homocysteine was more pronounced in men than in women (p<0.00004 for genotype-sex interaction) suggesting that in Poland folate deficiency is more prevalent in males. In conclusion, we report a novel strong effect of MTHFR 677T among males with npHI. The functional significance of rs1801133 suggests that these patients may benefit from folate supplementation-an intervention which is simple, cheap, and devoid of side effects.     

Association study between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and Graves' disease

5,10‐Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the metabolism of folate and nucleotides, which are essential for DNA synthesis and methylation. It is highly polymorphic, and its variant genotypes result in lower enzymatic activity and higher plasma homocysteine. Previous studies have provided evidence that a high prevalence of MTHFR gene polymorphisms is frequently detected in patients with autoimmune disease, suggesting a novel genetic association with autoimmune disorders. However, the genetic association between MTHFR and Graves' disease (GD), one of the most common autoimmune diseases, has not been studied. Here, we designed a clinic‐based case–control study including 199 GD cases and 235 healthy controls to examine the associations between three common MTHFR polymorphisms (i.e., C677T, A1298C, and G1793A) and GD. Surprisingly, logistic regression analysis shows MTHFR 677CT + TT genotypes are associated with an approximately 42% reduction in the risk of GD in women (adjusted OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.3–0.9), compared to the CC genotype, indicating a significant protective effect of 677CT + TT genotypes. Our result provides epidemiological evidence that MTHFR mutation (C677T) protects women from GD. The protective effect, possibly obtained by influencing DNA methylation, should be confirmed in a large number of cohorts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modulator effects of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism on response to vitamin B12 therapy and homocysteine metabolism

In this study, our aim was to investigate the association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism on the vitamin B12 therapy response in 95 patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and 92 healthy control subjects using vitamin B12, plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), and folate as the main measure of outcome. MTHFR C677T genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. There were no differences in the distribution of MTHFR genotypes in the cases versus the controls. Mean concentrations of plasma tHcy and B12 vitamin were 18.84 μM and 142.47 pg/mL in patients with TT (10.5%) genotypes. Furthermore, mean concentrations of B12 vitamin after cobalamin therapy were 697.62, 656.64, and 488.76 pg/mL in patients with the CC, CT, and TT genotypes, respectively. The MTHFR 677 TT genotype has decreasing effect in B12 vitamin and increasing effect in tHcy. In comparison with the patients having CC and CT genotypes, patients with the TT genotype had a lower response to vitamin B12 therapy.     

Association of the MTHFR A1298C variant with unexplained severe male infertility

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is one of the main regulatory enzymes involved in folate metabolism, DNA synthesis and remethylation reactions. The influence of MTHFR variants on male infertility is not completely understood. The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution of the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) in a case group consisting of 344 men with unexplained reduced sperm counts compared to 617 ancestry-matched fertile or normozoospermic controls. The Chi square test was used to analyze the genotype distributions of MTHFR polymorphisms. Our data indicated a lack of association of the C677T variant with infertility. However, the homozygous (C/C) A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene was present at a statistically high significance in severe oligozoospermia group compared with controls (OR = 3.372, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.27–8.238; p = 0.01431). The genotype distribution of the A1298C variants showed significant deviation from the expected Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting that purifying selection may be acting on the 1298CC genotype. Further studies are necessary to determine the influence of the environment, especially the consumption of diet folate on sperm counts of men with different MTHFR variants.     

Two MTHFR polymorphisms, maternal B-vitamin intake, and CHDs

BACKGROUND: The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are associated with complex congenital malformations. Whether these polymorphisms are associated with CHDs is not clear. We studied both MTHFR polymorphisms, folate and vitamin B2 by maternal food intake and supplements, and CHD risk. METHODS: A case‐control family study was conducted in a European population in the Netherlands including 230 case and 251 control children with both parents. Approximately 17 months after the index pregnancy, mothers filled out standardized questionnaires on periconception use of folic acid supplements and a validated food frequency questionnaire on current dietary folate and vitamin B2 intake. All subjects were genotyped for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. Data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis and ORs and 95% CIs were calculated. For the interaction analysis the dominant model was used. RESULTS: The risk estimates for the MTHFR 677 CT genotypes were 1.4 (0.9–2.0) in mothers, 1.1 (0.8–1.6) in fathers, and 1.2 (0.8–1.7) in children, and for the MTHFR 677 TT genotypes 0.9 (0.6–1.2), 1.4 (1.0–1.9), and 1.0 (0.7–1.3), respectively. The MTHFR 1298 CC genotype in fathers and the MTHFR 1298 AC genotype in children significantly reduced CHD risk, 0.6 (0.5–0.9) and 0.6 (0.4–0.9), respectively. Of interest is the significant interaction (p = .008) towards a nearly twofold increased risk in mothers carrying the MTHFR 1298C allele and using a periconception folic acid supplement. CONCLUSIONS: The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are not strong risk factors for CHDs. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.