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Lack of association between the MTHFR (C677T) polymorphism and atopic disease

Betina Heinsbaek Thuesen1, Lise Lotte Nystrup Husemoen, Mogens Fenger

  • 1Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Nordre Ringvej 57, Glostrup, Denmark. beheth01@glo.regionh.dk

The Clinical Respiratory Journal
|March 20, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found no significant link between the MTHFR gene variant, a marker for folate metabolism, and the development of asthma or atopic disease. These findings do not support the hypothesis that impaired folate metabolism contributes to these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Immunology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Impaired folate metabolism is a potential risk factor for asthma and atopic disease.
  • Conflicting reports exist regarding the association between atopic disease and the MTHFR (C677T) gene polymorphism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the MTHFR (C677T) polymorphism and asthma/atopic disease outcomes.
  • To clarify the role of folate metabolism in the development of allergic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based study of 1189 participants (aged 15-77) in Copenhagen.
  • Assessed specific IgE, skin prick tests, methacholine bronchial hyper-reactivity, and serum eosinophilic cationic protein.
  • Genotyped participants for the MTHFR (C677T) polymorphism and used questionnaires for allergy/asthma symptoms.

Main Results:

  • No significant associations were found between the MTHFR (C677T) polymorphism and any of the measured asthma or atopic disease outcomes.
  • Objective markers of atopic disease showed no correlation with the MTHFR genotype.

Conclusions:

  • The study's findings do not support the hypothesis linking impaired folate metabolism, indicated by MTHFR genotype, to the development of atopic disease.
  • Objective assessment of atopic disease markers did not confirm a role for MTHFR in disease development.

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