Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and susceptibility to epilepsy

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism was reported as risk factor for multiple diseases due to its role in conversion of homocysteine to methionine. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to find out the validity of association of C677T polymorphism with epilepsy susceptibility.

Pubmed, Science Direct, Springer Link and Google Scholar, databases were searched for relevant studies up to January, 31, 2018. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed using five genetic models. All statistical analysis was done by MetaAnalyst and Mix programs.

Except recessive model, significant association was found between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and epilepsy risk in other four genetic models (T vs C: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.52, p = 0.004; TT vs CC: OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.19-1.82, p = 0.0003; TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05-1.38, p = 0.008; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11-1.62, p = 0.002). Similarly, in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, significant association was found in Asian (T vs C: OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.15-2.99; p = 0.03) and Caucasian populations (TT vs CC: OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.10-1.1.73; p = 0.005). No evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias was detected in present meta-analysis.

In conclusion, results of present meta-analysis suggested that 677T allele of MTHFR is significantly increases the epilepsy susceptibility.