Association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and thyroid cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism is a common genetic variation.
• Existing research on the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and thyroid cancer (TC) risk has yielded conflicting results.
• A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to clarify this relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
• To evaluate the overall risk and explore potential ethnic differences in this association.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CBM databases up to March 2014.
• Five independent studies, comprising 2,554 cases and 2,671 controls, were included in the meta-analysis.
• Statistical analysis was conducted using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to assess the association.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and thyroid cancer risk in the recessive genetic model (TT vs. CC/TC) in the overall population (OR = 1.88, P = 0.00).
• Subgroup analyses revealed significant associations in both Caucasian (TT vs. CC/TC: OR = 2.28, P = 0.025) and Asian populations (TT vs. CC/TC: OR = 1.86, P = 0.00) under the recessive model.
• No significant associations were observed in other genetic models (e.g., codominant, dominant).

Conclusions:

• The MTHFR C677T polymorphism is significantly associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
• This association is evident in both Caucasian and Asian populations, particularly when considering the recessive genetic model.
• Further research may be warranted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.