Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C polymorphism and diabetes risk: evidence from a meta-analysis

Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR), the One-Carbon Cycle, and Cardiovascular Risks

The 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is vital for cellular homeostasis due to its key functions in the one-carbon cycle, which include methionine and folate metabolism and protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. The enzyme is responsible for maintaining methionine and homocysteine (Hcy) balance to prevent cellular dysfunction. Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene, especially C677T, have been associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, inflammatory conditions, diabetes, and vascular disorders. The C677T MTHFR polymorphism is thought to be the most common cause of elevated Hcy levels, which is considered an independent risk factor for CVD. This polymorphism results in an amino acid change from alanine to valine, which prevents optimal functioning of the enzyme at temperatures above 37 °C. Many studies have been conducted to determine whether there is an association between the C677T polymorphism and increased risk for CVD. There is much evidence in favour of this association, while several studies have concluded that the polymorphism cannot be used to predict CVD development or progression. This review discusses current research regarding the C677T polymorphism and its relationship with CVD, inflammation, diabetes, and epigenetic regulation and compares the evidence provided for and against the association with CVD.

Relationship between MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms and complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in an Emirati population

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes with clinical consequences giving rise to chronic multiple organ complications. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms are genetic variations that have been linked to T2DM, and micro/macrovascular complications. The link between MTHFR and T2DM however is strongly dependent on the ethnic group studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible association between two MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and T2DM and specifically examine if there are any associations with clinical and demographic characteristics among patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

The study included 169 T2DM patients and 209 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using TaqMan real-Time PCR assays for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms.

Results

There were no significant differences in genotype and haplotype distributions observed between groups. A significant association was observed between the C677T polymorphism and history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (p = 0.0330), history of nephropathy (p = 0.0280) and levels of LDL cholesterol (p = 0.0409). Also, the A1298C polymorphism was associated with hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.0305) in T2DM patients.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the MTHFR gene polymorphisms are not related to T2DM in the Emirati population. However, these polymorphisms can be used as risk markers for CVA, nephropathy, high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in T2DM patients and allow timely treatment.

Association of tagging SNPs in the MTHFR gene with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and serum homocysteine levels in a Chinese population

Diabetes is a global public health crisis, and the prevalence is increasing rapidly. Folate supplementation is proved to be effective in reducing the risk of diabetes or improving its symptoms. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is an important enzyme involved in folate metabolism. The aim of this study is to examine whether polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene are associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and fasting total serum homocysteine (tHcy) levels. We genotyped nine tagging SNPs in the MTHFR gene in a case-control study, including 595 T2DM cases and 681 healthy controls in China. We found that C allele of rs9651118 had significant decreased risk of T2DM (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55–0.87, P = 0.002) compared with T allele. Haplotype analysis also showed that MTHFR CTCCGA haplotype (rs12121543-rs13306553-rs9651118-rs1801133-rs2274976-rs1801131) had significant reduced risk of T2DM (adjusted OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58–0.87, P = 0.001) compared with CTTTGA haplotype. Besides, the MTHFR rs1801133 was significantly associated with serum levels of tHcy in healthy controls (P = 0.0002). These associations were still significant after Bonferroni corrections (P < 0.0056). These findings suggest that variants in the MTHFR gene may influence the risk of T2DM and tHcy levels.