Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Multi-Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection in Gastric Cancer Based on Ion Semiconductor Sequencing Platform
Published on: May 10, 2024
ACMG Practice Guideline: lack of evidence for MTHFR polymorphism testing
Scott E Hickey1, Cynthia J Curry, Helga V Toriello
1Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. Scott.Hickey@nationwidechildrens.org
MTHFR polymorphism testing is often ordered for thrombophilia but lacks clinical utility. Recent evidence disproves links between MTHFR, hyperhomocysteinemia, and major health risks, questioning its routine use.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Clinical Medicine
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism testing is commonly used in thrombophilia evaluations.
- Previous hypotheses linked MTHFR variants to hyperhomocysteinemia and increased risks of thrombosis and pregnancy loss.
- Emerging evidence challenges these established associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of MTHFR polymorphism testing in thrombophilia assessment.
- To review the scientific literature regarding the association between MTHFR, hyperhomocysteinemia, and thrombotic/cardiovascular risks.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of meta-analyses and relevant studies.
- Analysis of evidence linking MTHFR genotype to enzyme activity and homocysteine levels.
- Assessment of the association between MTHFR status, hyperhomocysteinemia, and clinical outcomes like venous thromboembolism and coronary heart disease.
Main Results:
- Recent meta-analyses have refuted the link between hyperhomocysteinemia and coronary heart disease risk.
- Evidence does not support an association between MTHFR polymorphism and venous thromboembolism risk.
- The clinical utility of MTHFR testing in routine thrombophilia workups is minimal.
Conclusions:
- MTHFR polymorphism testing is not recommended for routine thrombophilia evaluation.
- Physicians should reconsider ordering MTHFR tests due to a lack of proven clinical benefit.
- Further research should focus on validated biomarkers for thrombophilia risk assessment.
More Related Videos
07:15Determining the Likelihood of Variant Pathogenicity Using Amino Acid-level Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Genetic Variation
Published on: January 16, 2019
08:22A Robust Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Assay for Quantifying Cytosine-guanine-guanine Trinucleotide Repeats in Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 Gene
Published on: September 16, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Mismatch Repair
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets