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Homocysteine and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in subjects undergoing coronary angiography

Luciana Moreira Lima1, Maria das Graças Carvalho, Ana Paulo Fernandes

  • 1Hospital Socor, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|March 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are significantly associated with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the study found no link between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia in CAD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism is linked to homocysteine metabolism.
  • The relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia, MTHFR polymorphism, and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess plasma homocysteine levels and MTHFR C677T polymorphism incidence in subjects undergoing coronary angiography.
  • To determine the correlation between these factors and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • To investigate the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and the presence of MTHFR gene polymorphism.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of 20 control subjects, 14 with mild/moderate atheromatosis, and 29 with severe atheromatosis.
  • Measurement of plasma homocysteine levels.
  • Genotyping for the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism.

Main Results:

  • Mean homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the severe atheromatosis group compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • The MTHFR C677T polymorphism was present in 62.0% (heterozygous) and 6.9% (homozygous) of the severe atheromatosis group.
  • No correlation was found between MTHFR mutation and hyperhomocysteinemia, but hyperhomocysteinemia showed a positive correlation with CAD (41.91%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is significantly associated with coronary stenosis exceeding 70%.
  • The study did not establish a correlation between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia in the context of CAD.
  • Further research is needed to determine if elevated homocysteine causes or is a consequence of atherosclerosis.
Abstract

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