Frequencies of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene at the early stage of human individual development

In most cases, the cause of embryo and fetus death remains unclear although the multifactorial causes are suspected. The polymorphic C677T and A1298C variants of the MTHFR gene are associated with an increase in the level of homocysteine, which is risk factor of pregnancy loss. The subject of this study is analysis of genotypes and haplotypes of C677T and A1298C polymorphic variants of MTHFR genes in the groups of spontaneous abortions with the normal karyotype and newborns in the Tomsk population. Between these groups, no statistically significant differences were determined in the allele, genotype, and haplotype distributions of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene. The haplotype frequencies of C677T and A1298C polymorphic variants of MTHFR gene in the Russian populations, which proved to be similar to those in most European populations, are presented.     

Neonatal and fetal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphisms: an examination of C677T and A1298C mutations

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations are commonly associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and, through their defects in homocysteine metabolism, they have been implicated as risk factors for neural tube defects and unexplained, recurrent embryo losses in early pregnancy. Folate sufficiency is thought to play an integral role in the phenotypic expression of MTHFR mutations. Samples of neonatal cord blood (n=119) and fetal tissue (n=161) were analyzed for MTHFR C677T and A1298C mutations to determine whether certain MTHFR genotype combinations were associated with decreased in utero viability. Mutation analysis revealed that all possible MTHFR genotype combinations were represented in the fetal group, demonstrating that 677T and 1298C alleles could occur in both cis and trans configurations. Combined 677CT/1298CC and 677TT/1298CC genotypes, which contain three and four mutant alleles, respectively, were not observed in the neonatal group (P=.0402). This suggests decreased viability among fetuses carrying these mutations and a possible selection disadvantage among fetuses with increased numbers of mutant MTHFR alleles. This is the first report that describes the existence of human MTHFR 677CT/1298CC and 677TT/1298CC genotypes and demonstrates their potential role in compromised fetal viability.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms in 13 Chinese ethnic populations

It has been shown that the polymorphisms of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene are associated with susceptibility to several disorders including hyperhomocysteinemia, vascular disease, birth defect, and certain cancers, and exhibit great diversities among various populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of two common non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (i.e., C677T and A1298C) at MTHFR gene in 13 Chinese populations. A total of 1015 healthy individuals from 13 populations distributed widely from north to south in China were studied. DNA samples were isolated from peripheral blood samples and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. For C677T polymorphism, the frequency in Chinese of CC homozygous was 42.4%; CT heterozygous was 49.8%; and TT homozygous was 7.9%. For A1298C, AA homozygous was 39.2%; AC heterozygous was 38.6%; and CC homozygous was 22.2%. The allelic frequency of 677T and 1298C was 32.8 and 41.5%, respectively, and each allele frequency had significant variance in 13 Chinese populations. The frequency of the 677T allele among southern populations was 30.7% compared to 38.0% among northeastern and 30.5% among northwestern populations. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The frequency of 1298C mutation in southerns was 58.9% whereas in northeasterns it was 24.0% and 37.6% in northwesterns. This was also statistically significant (p < 0.01). The MTHFR C677T and A1298C sites were in linkage disequilibrium in the Chinese population revealed by our data.     

MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms and their relation to homocysteine level in Egyptian children with congenital heart diseases

Objective

To investigate the association of combined MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms with congenital heart diseases (CHD) in Egyptian children and their mothers and to determine their effect on homocysteine level in these children.

Material and methods

MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were genotyped in 160 Egyptian children (80 patients with CHD and 80 healthy controls) and their mothers using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP), while, homocysteine (Hcy) level was measured optically by enzymatic method.

Results

We found that MTHFR 677TT genotype, T allele, 1298CC genotype, and C allele were associated with 2.61, 2.0, 2.91 and 1.99 fold increased risk of CHD in Egyptian children respectively. Furthermore, the frequencies of MTHFR 1298AC and CC genotypes and C allele significantly increased in mothers with CHD affected children. The homocysteine levels were significantly increased in MTHFR 677TT and 1298CC genotypes in children with CHD.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated an association of MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms with CHD in Egyptian children and their mothers, while, MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of CHD in the children only. An association between combined MTHFR A1298C and C677T polymorphisms and CHD was recorded in the children and their mothers. Also, homocysteine levels were significantly increased with both MTHFR 677TT and 1298CC genotypes in Egyptian children with CHD.     

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.     

Interaction of MTHFR 1298C with ACE D allele augments the risk of diabetic nephropathy in Western Iran

The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of interaction between polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C with angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism on the risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In a case control study using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), the presence of three polymorphisms in 140 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with nephropathy including patients with micro- and macro-albuminuria and 72 patients with normoalbuminuria from Western Iran were investigated. In the presence of both MTHFR 677 T and ACE D alleles, there was a trend toward increased risk of DN 2.68-fold (p=0.054). The possession of both MTHFR 677 T and ACE D alleles increased the risk of macro-albuminuria four times (p=0.035). The concomitant presence of both MTHFR 1298 C and ACE D alleles increased the risk of macro-albuminuria 7.8-fold (p=0.012). In addition, the risk of progression from micro- to macro-albuminuria in the presence of both alleles tended to be increased (4.1-fold, p=0.09). Our study for the first time demonstrated a synergistic effect between ACE I/D with either MTHFR C677T or A1298C polymorphism on the increased risk of DN among patients with T2DM. We found that MTHFR 1298 C strongly interacts with the ACE D allele and augments the risk of DN in our population.     

MTHFR C677T、A1298C基因多态性与老年单纯收缩期高血压患者Hcy、血脂水平的关系研究

摘要 目的：研究5,10-亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶（MTHFR）C677T、A1298C基因多态性与老年单纯收缩期高血压（ISH）患者同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）、血脂水平的关系。方法：选取2019年3月至2021年3月期间中南大学湘雅医学院附属海口医院全科医学科收治的212例老年ISH患者作为ISH组,以同期体检无高血压老年人120例为对照组。检测两组MTHFR C677T、A1298C基因多态性。收集两组一般资料及血浆Hcy及血脂检查结果。观察MTHFR C677T、A1298C不同基因型的血浆Hcy、血脂水平差异。采用多因素Logistic回归分析老年ISH发生的影响因素。结果：相比于对照组,ISH组MTHFR C677T位点T等位基因频率较高,C等位基因频率较低;ISH组CC基因型频率较低,CT、TT基因型频率较高（P<0.05）。相比于对照组,ISH组A1298C位点C等位基因频率较高,A等位基因频率较低;ISH组A1298C位点AA基因型频率较低,CC、AC基因型频率较高（P<0.05）。MTHFR基因C677T位点不同基因型血浆Hcy、总胆固醇（TC）水平差异具有显著性（P<0.05）。MTHFR基因A1298C位点不同基因型血浆Hcy、TC水平明显差异具有显著性（P<0.05）。血浆Hcy、MTHFR C677T及A1298C基因多态性是老年ISH发生的影响因素（均P<0.05）。结论：MTHFR C677T、A1298C基因多态性与老年ISH患者血浆TC、Hcy水平有关,血浆Hcy、MTHFR C677T及A1298C基因多态性是老年ISH发生的影响因素。     

The Frequent 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism Is Associated with a Common Haplotype in Whites, Japanese, and Africans

The common 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism causes decreased activity of this enzyme and can be associated with mild-to-moderate hyperhomocysteinemia in homozygotes, particularly when there is folic acid deficiency, as well as with vascular dementia, arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, neural-tube defects, and fetal loss. When folic acid intake is sufficient, homozygotes for MTHFR 677T appear to be protected against colon cancer and acute lymphatic leukemia, and fetuses bearing this genotype have an augmented survival. The distribution of MTHFR 677T is worldwide, but its frequency in different populations varies extensively. In the present study, we addressed the question of whether the MTHFR 677T alteration has an ancestral origin or has occurred repeatedly. We analyzed the frequency distribution of the previously described polymorphism A1298C in exon 7 and of three intronic dimorphisms, in white Israelis (Jews and Arabs), Japanese, and Ghanaian Africans. The 677T allele was, remarkably, associated with one haplotype, G-T-A-C, in white and Japanese homozygotes. Among the Africans, analysis of maximum likelihood also disclosed an association with the G-T-A-C haplotype, although none of the 174 subjects examined was homozygous for MTHFR 677T. These results suggest that the MTHFR 677T alteration occurred on a founder haplotype that may have had a selective advantage.     

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.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Incidence of the C677T mutation in a Siberian female population

We have studied the distribution of genotypes of the MTHFR gene among the Siberian female population and compared it with the frequency of this mutation in different populations. The TT genotype and the T allele frequency in 299 women from Novosibirsk (West Siberia) was determined. The presence of the C677T allele was determined by PCR and Hinf I digestion. The homozygous genotype TT was detected in 8.69% of the population sample. The frequency of the C677T mutant allele was found to be 0.290.     

Correlation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms with homocysteine metabolism in healthy Lebanese adults

Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with several vascular and teratogenic conditions. Determinants of total homocysteine concentrations include genetic and nutritional factors. This study assesses the relation between homocysteine concentrations and MTHFR gene polymorphisms at two common alleles (C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131)) as well as other predictors of homocysteine (folate, vitamin B(12), body mass index (BMI), age, and gender) in a group of healthy Lebanese: 109 males and 124 females aged 17-55years. We used serum for the determination of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B(12) levels and blood drawn in EDTA tubes for molecular analysis of MTHFR polymorphisms. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 59/233 (25.3%) of the subjects, with male/female ratio of 1.95. Multivariable regression analysis showed that homocysteine levels were negatively related to folate and vitamin B(12) and positively related to male gender and C677T homozygosity; but not A1298C polymorphism, BMI or age. The prevalence of wild, heterozygous, and homozygous C677T genotypes was 45.0%, 43.3% and 11.6%, respectively; with a carrier frequency of 54.9% and allelic frequency of 33.3%. The A1298C genotypic prevalence was 39.5%, 30.9%, and 29.6% respectively; with a carrier frequency of 60.5% and allelic frequency of 45.1%. C677T/A1289C compound heterozygosity was present in 47/233 (20.2%) of volunteers. In this first pilot study, gender, folate, vitamin B(12) and C677T mutational status could explain around 32% of homocysteine variations. Future larger studies are recommended to investigate other predictors of homocysteine variation and combine them with markers explored in this and other studies, in order to evaluate their impact on vascular and/or congenital diseases.     

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.     

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.     

5, 10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C --> T genetic polymorphism in 228 Croatian volunteers

5, 10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) is one of the key enzymes in the metabolism of homocysteine, where it catalyses its remethylation. The autosomal recessive bp 677 C --> T mutation in the MTHFR gene leads to the substitution of valine for alanine. Individuals who are homozygous for this C677T mutation exhibit a decreased specific activity and increased thermolability of this enzyme. This leads to increased plasma levels of homocysteine, which is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and various manifestations of the atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this study was to find out the distribution and frequency of this mutation in the general Croatian population. A group of 228 volunteers (175 males and 53 females) has been analyzed for the MTHFR polymorphism, which revealed the following distribution: 105 (46.05%) individuals were without mutation (C/C), 102 (44.74%) were heterozygous (C/T) and 21 (9.21%) homozygous (T/T). These findings are within the results of studies on other European populations.     

Genetic polymorphisms involved in folate metabolism and elevated plasma concentrations of homocysteine: maternal risk factors for Down syndrome in Brazil

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of polymorphisms C677T and A1298C in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, A2756G in methionine synthase reductase (MTR) gene and A80G in reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1) gene, and plasma homocysteine (Hcy), on the maternal risk for Down syndrome (DS). Seventy-two DS mothers and 194 mothers who had no children with DS were evaluated. The investigation of the MTHFR C677T, MTR A2756G and RFC1 A80G polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme digestion and the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Hcy quantification was carried out by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The median number of polymorphic alleles for the four loci tested was greater in DS mothers compared to the control group, and the presence of three or more polymorphic alleles increased the risk for having a child with DS 1.74 times. Elevated maternal risk for DS was also observed when plasma Hcy concentration was higher than 4.99 micromol/L. In conclusion, the presence of three or more polymorphic alleles for MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G, and RFC1 A80G, and plasma Hcy concentrations higher than 4.99 micromol/L are maternal risk factors for DS.     

C677T mutation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and serum homocysteine levels in Turkish patients with coronary artery disease

Elevated levels of homocysteine is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The C677T transition in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is associated with increased homocysteine levels in the general population. We analysed the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and serum homocysteine concentrations in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Allele frequencies for the 'C' (wild-type) and 'T' alleles were 0.71 and 0.29 in CAD patients and 0.70 and 0.30 in controls, respectively. There was no difference in the distribution of MTHFR genotypes between patients with CAD and control subjects (p > 0.05). In the patient group, homocysteine levels were higher than controls but not significantly (13.99 +/- 7.44 vs. 11.77 +/- 5.18 micromol l(-1); p > 0.05). Serum homocysteine concentration was significantly higher in the TT genotype with respect to CC and CT genotypes in both the control group (p < 0.01) and patient group (p < 0.01). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures in subjects with different MTHFR genotypes did not differ significantly. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T mutation was significantly related to hyperhomocysteinemia. In spite of the clear effect of the MTHFR polymorphism on elevated homocysteine levels, we did not observe any associations among the MTHFR genotypes with a the risk of CAD in the Turkish population.     

Bilateral transverse sinus thrombosis secondary to a homozygous C677T MTHFR gene mutation

We describe the case of a previously healthy young man who presented with headache, diplopia, nausea, vomiting, and bilateral papilledema. Magnetic resonance venography of the brain revealed thrombosis of the right transverse sinus. Blood tests showed elevated homocysteine levels, and coagulation studies revealed a homozygous C677T mutation and a heterozygous A1298C mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. The patient had no other etiology for venous thrombosis. We recommend screening patients who present with sinus thrombosis for MTHFR gene mutations.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and nonsyndromic orofacial clefts susceptibility in a southern Chinese population

Nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOC) are one of the most common congenital anomalies in humans. Great efforts have been taken to unravel its genetic background. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme in folate metabolism and two of its functional polymorphisms, MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C, might be associated with NSOC susceptibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate their associations with risks of NSOC in a southern Chinese population. We found that MTHFR 677 TT and 677 CT/TT were associated with increased risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate; meanwhile, MTHFR 1298 AC and 1298 AC/CC had protective effects against cleft lip with or without cleft palate. In further stratified analysis, we found that MTHFR 677 CT contributed to elevated risk of cleft lip only, as did MTHFR 677 CT/TT. On the contrary, MTHFR 1298 AC and 1298 AC/CC appeared to be protective against cleft lip with cleft palate. These results suggested that these two polymorphisms were involved in the development of NSOC in a southern Han Chinese population.     

A Possible Genetic Link between MTHFR Genotype and Smoking Behavior

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for stroke and other vascular events. The variant methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T is associated with elevated homocysteine levels, cardiovascular disease and stroke, which supports a causal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and vascular disease. However, MTHFR variants have also been reported to be associated with smoking behavior, which could be an important confounder.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We analyzed the MTHFR variants C677T and A1298C in two independent samples of 525 and 535 individuals, respectively. 21% of the non-smokers, but only 12% of the smokers were homozygous carriers of both MTHFR wildtype alleles, i.e. 677CC and 1298AA (Chi² = 15.8; p<0.001; binary regression). Plasma homocysteine levels were higher in smokers (13.9±4.1 µmol/L) than in non-smokers (12.6±4.0 µmol/L; F = 11.4; p = 0.001; ANOVA). Smoking MTHFR 677TT individuals had the highest plasma homocysteine levels (16.2±5.2 µmol/L), non-smoking 677CC individuals had the lowest (12.2±13.6 µmol/L).

Conclusions/Significance

In our study samples, MTHFR variants and smoking behaviour were associated with homocysteine plasma levels. In addition, the MTHFR variants were associated with smoking behaviour. Such an association may be a relevant confounder between MTHFR variants, homocysteine plasma levels and vascular diseases.     

Genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphic methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene in Turkey

The polymorphic methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms C677T and A1298C cause mild hyperhomocysteinemia, not only in homozygotes for C677T, but also in compound heterozygotes for C677T/A1298C. The aim of this study was to determine allelic frequencies of the polymorphic MTHFR gene C677T, A1298C. In this regard, we have investigated the allelic frequencies of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene in 1684 randomized individuals around Turkey. DNA samples isolated from peripheral blood samples of randomized individuals were analysed. The study population consisted of 1004 females and 680 males. The frequency in Turkey of the C677T was 42.9 %; of C677C, 47.4 %; and of T677T, 9.6 %. The frequency in Turkey of A1298C was 43.7 %; of A1298A, 46.3 %; and of C1298C, 10.0 %. The allelic frequencies of the T allele of MTHFR 677 and the C allele of MTHFR 1298 were 33.34 and 33.16 %, respectively. The frequency of C677T/A1298C compound heterozygosity is highest in Turkey (21.6 %), as compared to Canada (15 %), the United States (17 %) and The Netherlands (20 %).