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MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) C677T polymorphism and psoriasis
Vladimir Vasku1, Julie Bienertova-Vasku, Miroslav Necas
11st Department of Dermatology, St. Ann's Faculty Hospital, Masaryk University Brno, Pekarská 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic. vladimir.vasku@fnusa.cz
Clinical and Experimental Medicine
|June 2, 2009
Summary
The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene variant shows a marginal association with psoriasis. The T allele is more common in psoriasis patients with a history of diabetes and tonsillitis, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a complex etiology.
- The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene plays a crucial role in folate metabolism and one-carbon unit transfer.
- The C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is a common genetic variation studied for its association with various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and psoriasis in a Caucasian (Czech) population.
- To explore potential correlations between MTHFR genotypes/alleles and clinical phenotypes or family history in psoriatic patients.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis (HinfI).
- A total of 654 subjects were analyzed, comprising 410 patients with psoriasis and 244 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis included genotype distribution, allelic frequency, odds ratios, and confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in MTHFR C677T genotype distribution (P(g) = 0.03) and allelic frequency (P(a) = 0.02) was observed between psoriatic patients and controls.
- The CC genotype (thermostable) was significantly more frequent in psoriatic patients (OR = 1.55, P = 0.004814).
- The T allele (thermolabile) was associated with a positive family history of diabetes (P(a) = 0.02) and frequent tonsillitis/tonsillectomy (P(a) = 0.04).
- Psoriasis patients with a history of psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, and repeated tonsillitis showed the highest incidence of CT + TT genotypes (OR = 3.17, P(corr) = 0.04).
Conclusions:
- The MTHFR C677T polymorphism is marginally associated with psoriasis.
- The T allele may indicate a predisposition in patients with a combined history of psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, and recurrent tonsillitis.
- This polymorphism might contribute to the genetic background of psoriasis, potentially influencing one-carbon metabolism pathways.
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