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MTHFR C677T polymorphism and migraine risk: a meta-analysis
Ruozhuo Liu1, Peiliang Geng2, Minghui Ma3
1Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|November 5, 2013
Summary
The MTHFR C677T gene variant increases migraine risk, particularly in Asian populations. This polymorphism affects folate metabolism and may contribute to migraine development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- The association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and migraine risk is debated.
- Previous molecular epidemiological studies yielded controversial results across diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism in migraine pathogenesis.
- To clarify the association between MTHFR C677T and migraine risk through a comprehensive meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on published case-control studies.
- Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random and fixed effects models.
- Included 17 studies with 8903 cases and 27,637 controls.
Main Results:
- The 677T allele significantly increased total migraine risk in Asians (TT vs. CT+CC: OR=1.62).
- Similar associations were observed in Asian populations with migraine with aura (MA).
- No significant heterogeneity was detected in the Asian subgroup analyses.
Conclusions:
- The C677T MTHFR polymorphism, impacting folate metabolism, may be a genetic susceptibility factor for migraine.
- This genetic factor appears particularly relevant for migraine, especially MA, in individuals of Asian descent.
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