title: Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene as the genetic predispositions of coronary artery diseases in eastern India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gene-environment interaction is an important aspect in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The mutation (677C-T) of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene results in a decrease of the enzyme activity that leads to mild hyperhomocysteinemia. Elevated plasma level of homocysteine has been recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A case-control study was designed to assess whether the prevalence of some MTHFR gene polymorphisms have any role in the development of CAD.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included unrelated 217 cases with CAD and 255 healthy controls. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. MTHFR genotypes were identified by seeing the presence or absence of 677C→T mutation obtained by PCR followed by Hinf1 restriction digestion. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to find association between studied genotypes and lifestyle as well as biochemical risk factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The T allele was found to be associated with the disease. Significant associations were found with smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and family history of CAD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that MTHFR 677C-T polymorphism has significant association with CADs in the population of eastern India.
authors.affiliation: Thalassemia Research Unit, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences 99, Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata - 700 026, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Soujatya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dhar
authors.forename: Sumana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
authors.forename: Saumitra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: Anjanlal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dutta
authors.forename: Bani
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sengupta
authors.forename: Shila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chakrabarti