Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Gene Polymorphism as Risk Factor for Psoriasis in Saudis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Dermatology
• Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Background:

• The role of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) in psoriasis pathogenesis is debated.
• Previous studies on MTHFR C677T polymorphism and psoriasis have yielded inconsistent findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and psoriasis vulgaris in a Saudi population.
• To compare cardiovascular risk factors between psoriasis patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• PCR-RFLP technique was employed to genotype MTHFR C677T in 106 Saudi psoriasis patients and 280 controls.
• Comparison of allele and genotype frequencies between cases and controls.
• Analysis of cardiovascular risk factors including BMI, glucose, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and CRP.

Main Results:

• The T-allele and T-containing genotypes (CT, TT) of MTHFR C677T were significantly more prevalent in psoriasis patients (P < .001).
• The C-allele and CC genotype were significantly decreased in psoriasis patients, suggesting a protective role.
• Elevated levels of cardiovascular risk factors (BMI, glucose, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, CRP) were observed in psoriasis patients.

Conclusions:

• The MTHFR C677T polymorphism, specifically the T-allele and T-containing genotypes, is significantly associated with increased susceptibility to psoriasis in the Saudi population.
• The MTHFR C677T polymorphism may contribute to psoriasis risk and is linked with elevated cardiovascular disease markers in Saudi patients.