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.     

Spectrum of MTHFR gene SNPs C677T and A1298C: a study among 23 population groups of India

Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for many complex disorders. The role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in methylation of homocysteine makes it one of the most important candidate genes for these disorders. Considering the heterogeneity in its distribution in world populations, we screened MTHFR C677T and A1298C single nucleotide polymorphisms in a total of 23 Indian caste, tribal and religious population groups from five geographical regions of India and belonging to four major linguistic groups. The frequencies of MTHFR 677T and 1298C alleles were found to be 10.08 and 20.66%, respectively. MTHFR homozygous genotype 677TT was absent in eight population groups and homozygous 1298CC was absent in two population groups. 677T allele was found to be highest among north Indian populations with Indo-European tongue and 1298C was high among Dravidian-speaking tribes of east India and south India. The less common mutant haplotype 677T-1298C was observed among seven population groups and overall the frequency of this haplotype was 0.008, which is similar to that of African populations. cis configuration of 677T and 1298C was 0.94%. However, we could not find any individual with four mutant alleles which supports the earlier observation that presence of more than two mutant alleles may decrease the viability of foetus and possibly be a selective disadvantage in the population.     

Population study of frequency of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene polymorphism in Yakutia

The enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes synthesis of 5'-methylenehydrofolate, which is the methyl donor for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. According to the numerous literature data, polymorphic variant of the MTHFR-encoding gene, C677T, is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, vascular pathologies, neural tube defects, dementia, perinatal mortality, mental disorders, long-term neurodegenerative disorders, lens displacement, arachnodactyly, and venous thromboses. The present study was focused on the analysis of the C677T polymorphism (missence mutation leading to the replacement of cytosine by thymine at position 677) of the MTHFR gene in three indigenous populations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), living in the settlements of Cheriktei, Byadi, and Dyupsya. Comparison of the genotype and allele frequencies revealed no substantial differences between the three Yakut populations, as well as between Yakuts and other Mongoloid ethnic groups.     

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.     

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 C677T variant in Indian children with craniosynostosis: Its role in the pathogenesis,risk of craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND:

677C to T allele in the 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been implicated in the etiology of various syndromes and nonsyndromic diseases but till date no direct studies have been reported with craniosynostosis.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim was to study the family-based association of MTHFR polymorphism in different categories of craniosynostosis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study in which 30 patients classified as Apert syndrome, Pfeiffr syndrome and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients with their family were recruited. A sample of 3 ml intravenous blood was taken from patients and from their family members (father and mother) in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-anticoagulated vacutainer for the purpose of the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes by phenol chloroform extraction method. Primers for MTHFR gene were designed. The polymerase chain reaction was carried out. After successful amplification, a small aliquot (5 μl) of the MTHFR reaction mixture was treated with 1 units of Hinf I restriction enzyme (NEB). Results were obtained and compiled.

RESULTS:

A total of 30 patients/participants with craniosynostosis of Indian descent and their parents formed the study group. The genotyping did not confirm an association between the MTHFR 677C to T polymorphism and between different categories of craniosynostosis. When comparing the offspring of mothers statistically significant differences were found.

CONCLUSION:

C667T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene is unlikely to play a role in the pathogenesis of craniosynostosis though maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor.     

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.     

No major role for periconceptional folic acid use and its interaction with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the etiology of congenital anorectal malformations

Background: Both genetic and nongenetic factors are suggested to be involved in the etiology of congenital anorectal malformations (ARM). Maternal periconceptional use of folic acid supplements were inconsistently suggested to play a role in the prevention of ARM. Therefore, we investigated independent associations and interactions of maternal periconceptional folic acid supplement use and the infant and maternal MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) C677T polymorphisms with the risk of ARM and subgroups of ARM. Methods: A case–control study was conducted among 371 nonsyndromic ARM cases and 714 population‐based controls born between 1990 and 2012 using maternal questionnaires and DNA samples from mother and child. Cases were treated for ARM at departments of Pediatric Surgery of the Radboud university medical center, Sophia Children's Hospital‐Erasmus MC Rotterdam, and the University Medical Center Groningen in The Netherlands and hospitals throughout Germany. Results: No association with folic acid use was present (odds ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval: 0.8–1.4) for ARM as a group. Infant and maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were weakly associated with isolated ARM in particular. Lack of folic acid supplement use in combination with infants or mothers carrying the MTHFR C677T polymorphism did not seem to increase the risk of ARM or subgroups of ARM. The relative excess risks due to interaction did not clearly indicate interaction on an additive scale either. Conclusion: This first study investigating interactions between periconceptional folic acid supplement use and infant and maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphisms in the etiology of ARM did not provide evidence for a role of this gene–environment interaction. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:483–492, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Association study on MTHFR polymorphisms and meningioma in northern China

Background

Meningioma is the second most common primary tumor of the central nervous system, and multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to its etiology. Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a pivotal enzyme in folate metabolism. We conducted a case–control study to investigate the association of the MTHFR gene and meningioma in a Han population in northern China.

Methods

We genotyped two SNPs (C677T and A1298C) using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In this study 317 meningioma patients were compared to 320 normal controls. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 and HaploView software.

Results

We found a significant difference in the frequency distribution of 677CC and 677TT between cases and control groups; another SNP exhibited no differences in any genotype between the two cohorts.

Conclusion

The results revealed that variations of the MTHFR gene were associated with meningioma; this finding indicates that the MTHFR gene potentially plays an important role in the pathogenesis of meningioma in the Northern Chinese Han population.     

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.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation in patients with alopecia areata in Turkish population

Objective

Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme regulating folate metabolism and it is thought to influence DNA methylation and nucleic acid synthesis. Mutations in the MTHFR gene have been associated with several autoimmune disorders in previous studies. Alopecia areata (AA) is considered to be a tissue-specific autoimmune disease as the hair follicle has been targeted and antibodies to their own hair follicle structures have been developed. Since there is a common shared pathway between AA and other autoimmune disorders, we aimed to investigate a possible association between the MTHFR gene C677T mutation and AA susceptibility in the Turkish population.

Methods

The study included 136 patients affected by AA and 130 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay for the MTHFR gene C677T mutation.

Results

The distributions of genotype and allele frequencies of MTHFR gene C677T mutation were statistically different between AA patients and the control group (p = 0.036 and p = 0.011, respectively). High differences were also observed when the patients and controls were compared according to CC versus CT + TT (p = 0.012). CT + TT genotypes and T allele of MTHFR gene C677T mutation were found to be a susceptibility factor for AA in the Turkish population.

Conclusion

The results suggest that MTHFR gene C677T mutation may have an effect on the risk of alopecia areata in the Turkish population. This is the first study reporting the association between the MTHFR (C677T) genotype and AA.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism in diabetes and obesity

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism may play an important role in the pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes accompanied by obesity due to its influence on plasma homocysteine levels. There are significant and sometimes very strong relationship between levels of homocysteine and several multi-system diseases including CHD and CVA. To examine the association between MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism in diabetes and obesity with serum homocysteine levels. A total of 682 subjects were recruited in four groups (Normal, obese, diabetic and obese and diabetics). MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism was detected using PCR-RFLP technique. Serum homocysteine levels were measured using HPLC. There was a significant increase in the mean serum homocysteine levels in subjects carrying TT genotype (34.6 ± 26.5) compared to subjects carrying CC (15.1 ± 8) or CT genotype (16.4 ± 7.8) (P < 0.000). We found no significant differences for MTHFR allele and genotype frequencies between different groups. Our data have confirmed the association between serum homocysteine levels and MTHFR C677T genotype reported in other populations.     

C677T Methylentetrahydrofulate Reductase and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease in Iranian Population

In recent years numerous data suggest that vascular risk factors may be play a role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To determine the association of AD with methylentetrahydrofulate reductase (MTHFR) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) as two main vascular risk factors, we examined MTHFR C677T and ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism in 117 late-onset AD cases and 125 controls. We found no difference in ACE I/D genotype distribution between AD cases and control (P > 0.05) but there was a significant association between AD and the common MTHFR polymorphism C677T. The T allele conferred an increased risk of AD compared to carrying a C allele (P = 0.001, OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.3–2.09). Our result suggests a significant increase in risk of AD in cases with the MTHFR T allele, atleast in the Iranian population.     

Role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C→T polymorphism in the development of myocardial infarction: evidence from an original study and updated meta-analysis

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variant 677C→T is considered a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) in Caucasians, but it remains unclear whether this applies to Chinese or other Asian populations. A total of 551 controls and 304 age-matched Chinese MI patients were recruited. MTHFR genotypes were determined. A subsequent meta-analysis was performed to determine the association between MTHFR and MI in Asia. Conventional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and low-density lipoprotein exhibited no significant differences between the two groups. Genotype frequencies among cases and controls were compatible with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes were 28, 46 and 26 % for patients with MI and 31, 52 and 17 % for the matched control group (p = 0.006). T-allele frequency in MI patients was higher than in controls (49 vs. 43 %, odds ratio = 0.785, 95 % confidence interval = 0.644–0.958, p = 0.017). A total of 16 studies including ours were identified, involving 4053 patients and 6791 controls. A recessive genotype model of MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism, but not a dominant genotype model, was significantly associated with greater MI risk in Asians. MI risk increased 48, 37 and 47 % for the TT homozygote compared with the CC wild type, CT heterozygote and the combination of CT and CC. Thus, we conclude that the MTHFR gene variant 677C→T is a risk factor for MI in the Chinese population and the TT genotype is associated with a significant increase in MI risk in Asia.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis of 29 Case-Control Studies

Background

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a key enzyme in folate metabolism, had significant effects on the homocysteine levels. The common functional MTHFR C677T polymorphism had been extensively researched. Several studies had evaluated the relationship between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the results were still controversial in the Chinese Han population. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and T2DM in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

We searched the relevant studies in multiple electronic databases, which published up to December 2013. We reviewed and extracted data from all the included studies on the relationship between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and T2DM in the Chinese Han population. The odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were used to evaluate the relationship. Fixed-effects and random-effects meta-analysis were used to pool ORs by the heterogeneity. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also examined.

Results

29 studies were finally included in our meta-analysis, which contained 4656 individuals with T2DM and 2127 healthy controls. There was a significant relationship between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and T2DM under dominant (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.42–2.02), recessive (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.21–1.80), homozygous (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.47–2.42), heterozygous (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.33–1.87), and additive (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.28–1.68) genetic model in a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis also reached similar results. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the overall result were dependable.

Conclusions

There was a significant relationship between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and T2DM in the Chinese Han population. The results of our meta-analysis suggested that MTHFR 677T allele might be a risk genetic factor of T2DM in the Chinese Han 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.     

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.     

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.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Polymorphisms and Susceptibility for Cervical Lesions: A Meta-Analysis

Background

The association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T/A1298C polymorphisms and the susceptibility to cervical lesions was unclear. This study was designed to investigate their precise association using a large-scale meta-analysis.

Methods

The previous 16 studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase and CBM databases. The crude odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association between the MTHFR C677T/A1298C polymorphisms and the susceptibility to the cervical lesions. The subgroup analyses were made on the following: pathological history, geographic region, ethnicity, source of controls and source of DNA for genotyping.

Results

Neither of the polymorphisms had a significant association with the susceptibility to the cervical lesions in all genetic models. Similar results were found in the subgroup analyses. No association was found between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the cervical lesions in the Asia or the America populations though a significant inverse association was found in the Europe population (additive model: P = 0.006, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.72–0.95; CT vs. CC: P = 0.05, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69–1.00; TT vs. CC: P = 0.05, OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.53–1.00). Interestingly, women with the MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms had a marginally increased susceptibility to invasive cancer (ICC) when compared with no carriers but no statistically significant difference in the dominant model (P = 0.06, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.99–1.49) and AC vs. AA (P = 0.09, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.97–1.51).

Conclusions

The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms may not increase the susceptibility to cervical lesions. However, the meta-analysis reveals a negative association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms and the cervical lesions, especially in the European populations. The marginal association between the MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms and the susceptibility to cervical cancer requires a further study.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and promoter methylation in cervical oncogenic lesions and cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and MTHFR methylation pattern in cervical lesions development among women from Romania, a country with high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infections. To achieve this goal, blood samples and cervical cytology specimens (n = 77)/tumour tissue specimens (n = 23) were investigated. As control, blood and negative cytological smears (n = 50) were used. A statistically significant association was found between T allele of C677T polymorphism and cervical lesions, heterozygote women presenting a threefold increased risk (normal/cervical lesions and tumours: wild homozygote 34/41 (0.68/0.41), heterozygote 14/51 (0.28/0.51), mutant homozygote 2/8 (0.04/0.08); OR = 3.081, P = 0.0035). Using χ square test for the control group, the HPV‐negative and HPV‐positive patients with cervix lesions, a significant correlation between viral infection and T allele of C677T polymorphism (P = 0.0287) was found. The MTHFR promoter was methylated in all HGSIL and tumour samples, significant differences being noted between HPV‐positive samples, control group and cases of cervical dysplastic lesions without HPV DNA (P < 0. 0001) and between samples from patients with high‐risk (hr)HPV versus low‐risk (lr)HPV (P = 0.0026). No correlations between polymorphisms and methylation were observed. In Romania, individuals carrying T allele are susceptible for cervical lesions. MTHFR promoter methylation is associated with cervical severity lesions and with hrHPV.