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.     

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.     

Oxidative stress mediates cardiac fibrosis by enhancing transforming growth factor-beta1 in hypertensive rats

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease and in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the relationship between MTHFR polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients on hemodialysis has not been examined. The aim of this study was to assess the association of polymorphisms of MTHFR gene with homocysteine (Hcy) and intimal medial thickness (IMT) in patients on hemodialysis. We performed case-control study involving107 patients with ESRD and 103 healthy controls. Plasma Hcy was measured in all the subjects and these subjects were genotyped for three MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C, and G1793A). We observed significantly higher Hcy levels in patients as compared to controls. The frequency of MTHFR 1298CC genotype was significantly higher in ESRD patients than in controls (21.4% vs. 2.9%); the frequency of the MTHFR C677T genotypes did not differ between groups (26.1% vs. 17.4%). Compound heterozygous MTHFR 677CT/1298AC genotypes showed maximum association with the risk of ESRD (OR: 12.8; 5%CI: 1.64–10.01, P < 0.05). Concurrent occurrence of MTHFR 677CC wild genotype with either 1298CC or 1793GA significantly increased the risk of disease (OR: 7.20; 95%CI: 2.06–2.51, P < 0.001 and OR: 7.60; 95%CI: 1.68–34.35; P < 0.05, respectively). MTHFR 1298CC genotype was associated with higher Hcy levels. IMT was also significantly higher in patients with the 1298CC genotype (P < 0.05). Thus, A1298C polymorphism of MTHFR gene appears to be associated with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and co-occurrence of MTHFR polymorphisms may be a risk factor for CVD in patients on hemodialysis.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of abnormal hepatic steatosis in the absence of a history of alcohol use. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of NAFLD. Hyperhomocysteinemia causes steatosis, and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms result in hyperhomocysteinemia. To examine whether the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene were associated with NASH, we analysed the allele and genotype distribution of the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in 57 well-diagnosed NASH patients, 324 healthy controls in a case-control study of Turkish subjects of Caucasian origin. The diagnosis of the NASH patients was based on liver biopsy. The method used in the analysis of genotypes was PCR-RFLP. The MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was significantly associated with NASH (chi(2) = 8.439; p = 0.015) in the total NASH patients compared with healthy controls. The MTHFR 1298C allele (odds ratio (OR) = 2.480; 95%CI = 1.286-4.782; chi(2) = 7.703; df = 1; p = 0.006) was significantly associated with NASH in the total NASH patients. The MTHFR C677C/A1298C compound genotype (OR = 2.218; 95%CI = 1.003-4.906; chi(2) = 3.998; df = 1; p = 0.046) in men patients was also significantly associated with NASH. Likewise the MTHFR C1298C genotype was significantly associated with NASH in women patients with NASH (OR = 2.979; 95%CI = 1.027-8.641; chi(2) = 4.343; df = 1; p = 0.037). In conclusion, the MTHFR 1298C allele in all NASH patients, C1298C genotype, C677C/C1298C compound genotype in women NASH patients and C677C/A1298C compound genotype in men NASH patients were genetic risk factors for NASH.     

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。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

The association between methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk

This study aimed to determine the relation between methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk and the frequency of this polymorphism. The study involved 64 lung cancer patients (the study group) with definitive diagnosis and 61 noncancerous subjects (the control group). MTHFR C677T and A1298C mutation analysis was made using DNA isolated from peripheric blood and multiplex PCR and reverse hybridization strip test. Eighty-four percent of the patients were male. The age, gender, and history of alcohol use of the patients and control group were statistically similar. While MTHFR 677T and 677C allele frequency was 0.33 and 0.67 in the patients respectively, it was 0.29 and 0.71 in the control group. The frequencies of MTHFR 1298C and 1298A were 0.33 and 0.67 in the patients, and it was 0.31 and 0.69 in the control group respectively. When MTHFR 677TT and 677CT genotypes were compared with 677CC genotype, lung cancer risk was 2.4 times higher in the 677TT genotype. When MTHFR 1298AC and 1298CC genotypes were compared with 1298AA genotype, lung cancer risk was 1.5 times higher in 1298CC genotype. According to the results, allele frequency of homozygote T and C was high in lung cancer patients. It was 3.05 and 1.29 times higher in smokers than in non-smokers, and 3.05 and 1.64 times higher in males than in females; 3.0 and 2.44 times higher in those with non-small cell lung cancer than in those with small-cell lung cancer.     

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 %).     

Polymorphisms and haplotypes in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma risk

Functional polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in folate metabolism might modulate head and neck carcinoma risk because folate participates in DNA methylation and synthesis. We therefore conducted a case–control study of 853 individuals (322 head and neck cancer cases and 531 non-cancer controls) to investigate associations among MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma risk. Interactions between these two polymorphisms and risk factors and clinical histopathological parameters were also evaluated. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to genotype the polymorphisms and Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. The variables age ≥49 years, male gender, tobacco habits and alcohol consumption, MTHFR 1298 AC or CC genotypes, combined genotypes with two or more polymorphic alleles and 677T and 1298C polymorphic alleles were associated with increased risk for this disease (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that 1298 AC or CC genotypes were associated with age ≥49 years, tobacco and alcohol habits (P < 0.05). Regarding clinical histopathological parameters, the A1298C polymorphism was more frequent in patients with oral cavity as primary site (P < 0.05). MTHFR polymorphisms may contribute for increase risk for head and neck carcinoma and the variables age ≥49 years, male gender, tobacco and alcohol habits were associated with MTHFR 1298AC or CC genotypes, confirming that individuals with these variables and MTHFR A1298C polymorphism has higher risk for this disease.     

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.     

MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and cervical carcinoma susceptibility: meta-analyses based on 4421 individuals

MTHFR polymorphisms have been implicated as risk factors for several cancers. Studies have conducted on the associations of MTHFR polymorphisms with cervical carcinoma risk and have generated inconclusive results. The aim of the present study was to increase power demonstrating the possible relations. Meta-analyses examining the association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and cervical carcinoma risk were performed. Separate analyses on ethnicity and source of controls were also implemented. Eligible studies were identified for the period up to Dec 2011. Eleven case-control studies containing 1859 cases and 2562 controls regarding MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were selected, of which four studies containing 461 cases and 832 controls described A1298C polymorphisms. For the overall data, no associations of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms with cervical carcinoma were observed (TT vs CC: OR = 1.07; 95 %CI = 0.73-1.58; dominant model: OR = 0.89; 95 %CI = 0.66-1.18; recessive model: OR = 1.13; 95 %CI = 0.84-1.52). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, MTHFR 677T allele was associated with decreased cervical cancer susceptibility among Caucasians (TT vs CC: OR = 0.65; 95 %CI = 0.45-0.93; dominant model: OR = 0.70; 95 %CI = 0.58-0.86) but not Asians. As for A1298C polymorphism, no marked associations of A1298C genetic variation with cervical cancer risk were observed (CC vs AA: OR = 1.01; 95 %CI = 0.60-1.73; dominant model: OR = 1.17; 95 %CI = 0.91-1.49; recessive model: OR = 0.99; 95 %CI = 0.60-1.63). Collectively, the results of the present study suggest that MTHFR 677T allele might play a preventive role for cervical carcinoma among Caucasians. A1298C polymorphisms might exert little effect on cervical cancerigenesis.     

No association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in susceptibility to gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in north India. Evidence has highlighted the role of abnormal DNA methylation patterns on inappropriate gene expression in development and progression of various cancers. 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays a major role in provision of methyl groups for DNA methylation. A C/T substitution in MTHFR at nucleotide 677 results in replacement of ala222-to-val in the N-terminal catalytic domain of protein, and causes considerable decrease in enzymatic activity. Thus, MTHFR C677T polymorphism may influence genetic susceptibility to GBC. The present study aimed to examine the role of C677T MTHFR polymorphism in conferring genetic susceptibility to GBC. The present study included 146 proven GBC patients and 210 healthy controls. Genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP method. The MTHFR C677T genotypes in control population were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p = ns). No statistically significant difference was observed in frequency of variant TT genotype in GBC patients in comparison to healthy controls (4.1% and 2.9%). Stratification of GBC patients on the basis of presence or absence of gallstones showed no significant association with the disease. Further, gender and age of onset of the disease did not show any significant association. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the genetic risk for GBC is not modulated by MTHFR C677T polymorphism.     

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.     

The common MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants are not associated with the risk of non-syndromic cleft lip/palate in northern Venezuela

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate （nsCL/P） is among the most common major birth defects, with complex inheritance involving multiple genes and environmental factors. Numerous studies of MTHFR, encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of folic acid biosynthesis, have shown inconsistent association of two common hypomorphic allelic variants, C677T and A1298C, in nsCL/P patients and, in some cases, their mothers. We have studied the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in nsCL/P patients, their mothers, and population-matched controls from northern Venezuela. We found no evidence for contribution of the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants to the risk of nsCL/P in northern Venezuela. Overall, our findings fail to support a causal role of either the MTHFR C677T or A 1298C variants in the pathogenesis of nsCL/P in northern Venezuela.     

The association of idiopathic recurrent early pregnancy loss with polymorphisms in folic acid metabolism-related genes

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in folic acid metabolism-related genes and idiopathic recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL). A prospective case–control study was performed on a cohort of 82 REPL patients and 166 healthy controls. Genotyping of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C was assessed by applying polymerase chain reaction for amplification followed by DNA sequencing, for methionine synthase reductase A66G, solute carrier family 19, member 1 (SLC19A1) G80A and C696T, and genotyping was done by utilizing the Sequenom MassARRAY system. The results revealed a significant association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and idiopathic REPL. Haplotype analysis indicated that the MTHFR 677C-MTHFR 1298C allele combination was associated with REPL (P < 0.001). The MTHFR 677C-MTHFR 1298A and SLC19A1 80G-SLC19A1 696C allele combinations had lower frequencies in patients with REPL, but with P > 0.05 (P = 0.093 and P = 0.084, respectively).