The 2756A>G variant in the gene encoding methionine synthase: its relation with plasma homocysteine levels and risk of coronary heart disease in a Dutch case-control study.
BACKGROUND
Elevated plasma homocysteine levels have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2756A>G polymorphism has been found in the gene (MTR) coding for methionine synthase, an enzyme catalyzing remethylation of homocysteine to methionine.


METHODS
In a Dutch case-control study comprising 123 cases with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 540 controls, we evaluated whether the MTR 2756A>G polymorphism was associated with plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate concentrations, and CHD risk.


CONCLUSIONS
The polymorphism was not associated with fasting or post-methionine load homocysteine concentrations. Individuals with the GG genotype had 30% lower vitamin B12 concentrations than individuals with AA or AG genotype (P < 0.05). After adjustment for CHD risk factors, the odds ratio (OR) of CHD was 4.0 (95% CI 1.4-11.6) for the GG genotype and 0.7 (95% CI 0.4-1.2) for the AG genotype, when compared to the AA genotype. In conclusion, despite the absence of an association with plasma homocysteine, the GG genotype represented a four-fold increased risk of CHD when compared to the AA genotype. Before putting effort in additional epidemiological studies, it needs to be established first whether this polymorphism has functional consequences for enzyme activity.
Klerk
Mariska
M
Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Lievers
Karin J A
KJ
Kluijtmans
Leo A J
LA
Blom
Henk J
HJ
den Heijer
Martin
M
Schouten
Evert G
EG
Kok
Frans J
FJ
Verhoef
Petra
P
D013766:5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase / Q000235:genetics*; D000225:Adenine; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood; D005787:Gene Frequency; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006147:Guanine; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012307:Risk Factors; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood
D006710:Homocysteine; D006147:Guanine; D005492:Folic Acid; D013766:5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase; D000225:Adenine; D014805:Vitamin B 12