Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Gene Variant in Relation to Body Mass Index and Folate Concentration in a Polish Population

Abstract

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme responsible for producing an active form of folate. The MTHFR T677T genotype may have adverse health effects associated with weight gain and a reduction in folate availability. Aim: In this study, we examined the influence of the MTHFR C677T variant on BMI and determined its role as a risk factor for obesity. We also assessed the relationships between the MTHFR C677T genotype and folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in subjects before and after radical weight loss. Methods: The study group consisted of 1712 Caucasian adults of Polish nationality with a wide range of body mass indexes (BMIs). DNA was extracted from the blood, and the C677T variant was tested with RFLP-PCR and real-time-PCR. Results: There was no significant influence found for the MTHFR 677 TT genotype on BMI or the obesity risk in codominant, dominant or recessive inheritance models. Individuals with obesity and the TT genotype had significantly lower folate concentrations. After radical weight reduction, the impact of the risk genotype, as well as homeostasis between folate and vitamin B12 in TT homozygotes, seems to be attenuated. Conclusion: Although the MTHFR 677TT genotype is not directly related to a higher BMI in Polish adults, it has a detrimental effect on folate concentrations in individuals with high BMI values.

Coronary Artery Disease Is Related to Methylation Disorders Caused by the c.1286A>C MTHFR Polymorphism and to Low Serum 5-MTHF and Folic Acid Concentrations—Preliminary Results

“…Our results, showing that 5-MTHF and folic acid concentrations were lower in heterozygotes and in homozygotes with methylation disorders caused by MTHFR c.665C>T and c.1286A>C polymorphisms, were consistent with outcomes regarding folic acid provided by other researchers [34,35]. However, in a whole-genome sequencing study it appeared that the other gene located on the same chromosome as MTHFR was responsible for folic acid concentration [36].…”

The Correlation between Methylation Disorders Caused by the <em>MTHFR</em> Polymorphism and the Folates (Folic Acid, 5-MTHF) Metabolism, in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Diagnosed by Invasive Coronary Angiography—Preliminary Results

“…Lower 5-MTHF and folic acid levels were observed in patients with the c.665C>T homozygous genotype. Our results were not statistically significant, however they are consistent with the 2022 study conducted on the population of 1712 obese people, where it was found that in the case of MTHFR gene polymorphisms (in homozygotes c.665C>T) the concentration of folic acid was significantly lower than in heterozygotes and in the wild type [33]. Our results are consistent with the results of the 2022 study conducted on 1855 postmenopausal women, where lower folic acid concentration and higher homocysteine concentration were found in the homozygous c.665C>T variant of the MTHFR gene [34].…”

The Implication of a Polymorphism in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene in Homocysteine Metabolism and Related Civilisation Diseases

“…Similarly, no statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism between obese and non-obese individuals in 1712 individuals of Polish origin [ 104 ], in a young population in Mexico [ 105 ], or in a population of Brazilian patients [ 106 ]. Regarding the first of the mentioned studies, a correlation was established between excessive body weight, the TT genotype of the MTHFR gene, and reduced folate levels.…”