Impact of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and vitamins intake on homocysteine concentration in the Polish adult population.
BACKGROUND
Homocysteine (Hcy) levels are modulated by nutritional and genetic factors, among which is the enzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of the MTHTR C677T polymorphism, as well as the intake of folate, vitamins B(6) and B(12) on serum Hcy concentration in the Polish population.


METHODS
Within the framework of the National Multicentre Health Survey (WOBASZ), a representative sample of the whole Polish population aged 20-74 was screened in 2003-2005. Vitamins intake, Hcy level and known MTHTR C677T genotype were available for 1,561 men and 1,712 women.


RESULTS
In the Polish population, T/T, C/T and C/C genotype frequencies were 10%, 43% and 47%, respectively in men, and 9%, 42% and 49%, respectively in women. The T/T genotype was associated with increased levels of Hcy (13.14 μmol/L in men, and 9.77 mmol/L in women) compared to the C/C and C/T genotypes (10.18 and 8.77, respectively), after adjustment for age, methionine, coffee and alcohol intake, smoking and drugs used. In a multivariable linear regression model, among subjects with the T/T genotype, the only factor influencing Hcy was age in women. In the case of the other groups (C/C and C/T), there was a relationship between Hcy and age, alcohol consumption, drugs used, folate and vitamin B(6) in men, and age, smoking, coffee consumption, drugs used, folate and vitamin B(12) in women.


CONCLUSIONS
The T/T genotype is associated with higher levels of Hcy (29% in men, and 11% in women) compared to other genotypes. Nutritional factors affect Hcy levels only in the C/C and C/T MTHFR genotypes.
Department of Cardiovascular Diseases Epidemiology, Prevention and Health Promotion, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland. awaskiewicz@ikard.pl
Anna
A
Waśkiewicz
Walerian
W
Piotrowski
Grażyna
G
Broda
Agnieszka
A
Sobczyk-Kopcioł
Rafał
R
Płoski
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006306:Health Surveys; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014815:Vitamins; D006710:Homocysteine; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)