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The association between plasma homocysteine and coronary heart disease is modified by the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism

K Mehlig1, K Leander, U de Faire

  • 1Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, , Gothenburg, Sweden.

Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|September 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). This risk is primarily associated with the MTHFR 677 C-allele, not the T-allele, suggesting targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • The MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism significantly influences tHcy levels.
  • Genetic predisposition plays a role in tHcy levels alongside lifestyle factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between tHcy and CHD.
  • To determine if the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism modifies the tHcy-CHD relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from two Swedish case-control studies (SHEEP and INTERGENE).
  • Total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels were measured in 1150 cases and 1753 controls.
  • Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between tHcy and CHD, considering MTHFR genotype.

Main Results:

  • High tHcy was confirmed as a risk factor for CHD in both studies.
  • The association between tHcy and myocardial infarction (MI) was significant in MTHFR 677 C-homozygotes and heterozygotes, but not T-homozygotes.
  • Effect modification by MTHFR genotype was observed, consistent across studies and in meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

  • The association between elevated tHcy and CHD is primarily confined to individuals carrying the MTHFR 677 C-allele.
  • These findings suggest that MTHFR genotype may influence the effectiveness of tHcy-lowering treatments for CHD prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
Myocardial Ischaemia And Infarction (IHD)

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