BackgroundMethylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism, which are necessary for DNA methylation and nucleotide synthesis. Genetic polymorphisms that reduce MTHFR activity have been linked to several diseases, including prostate cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether MTHFR polymorphisms, along with serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine, are associated with prostate cancer risk in the Algerian population.MethodsA total of 106 Algerian men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 125 healthy controls were included in this case‐control study. The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were analyzed using PCR/RFLP and Real‐Time PCR TaqMan® assays, respectively. Serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were measured using an automatic biochemistry analyzer.ResultsWe found no significant differences in the genotype frequency of A1298C and C677T between prostate cancer patients and controls. Moreover, serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were not significantly associated with prostate cancer risk (p > 0.05). However, age and family history were identified as significant risk factors (OR = 1.178, p = 0.00 and OR = 10.03, p = 0.007, respectively).ConclusionOur study suggests that MTHFR C677T and A1298C, as well as serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12, are not associated with prostate cancer risk in the Algerian population. However, age and family history are significant risk factors. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these findings.

Background Methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) enzyme plays a crucial role in the metabolism of folate and homocysteine, which are necessary for DNA methylation and nucleotide synthesis. Genetic polymorphisms that decrease MTHFR activity are implicated in several diseases as well as diverse malignancies including prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate an eventual association between MTHFR polymorphisms and prostate cancer within an Algerian population, taking into consideration serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine. Methods and results A total of 106 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 125 healthy controls were examined for MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms using PCR/RFLP and Real-Time PCR TaqMan® respectively. Serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were measured using an automatic biochemistry analyzer.Our study showed no significant difference in genotype frequency of A1298C and C677T in patients compared to the control groups. As for serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12, there were not associated with prostate cancer (P˃0. 05). However, age and family history increased susceptibility to the disease (OR=1.178, P=0.00 and OR = 10.03,P = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion Our results suggest that MTHFR C677T and A1298C as folate, total homocysteine, and vitamine B12 do not contribute to the risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, age and family history are risk factors in an Algerian population.Therefore, further studies with a larger sample size are needed for the confirmation of our finding.