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C677T MTHFR Gene Polymorphism is Contributing Factor in Development of Renal Impairment in Young Hypertensive
Hanaa H Elsaid1, Khaled A El-Hefnawy2, Saffaa M Elalawi1
1Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Insights
The MTHFR C677T gene variant is linked to higher homocysteine levels and increased risk of early kidney damage in young hypertensive patients. The TT genotype may predispose individuals to elevated homocysteine and renal impairment.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Nephrology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Homocysteine levels are influenced by methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme activity.
- Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene, particularly C677T, can impair enzyme function, leading to hyperhomocysteinemia.
- Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for various health issues, including cardiovascular and renal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) gene polymorphism, homocysteine levels, and the progression of renal impairment in young adult hypertensive patients.
- To identify genetic predispositions to renal damage in hypertensive individuals.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 200 young hypertensive patients (ages 21-24) and 200 healthy controls.
- Genotyping of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism using PCR/RFLP.
- Laboratory analysis of lipid profile, homocysteine, folic acid, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).
Main Results:
- Patients with the TT genotype exhibited higher homocysteine and UACR levels compared to the CC genotype group.
- Carrying the T allele of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased risk of hypertension and early renal impairment (OR 2.02, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The MTHFR C677T gene variants and associated hyperhomocysteinemia may accelerate renal impairment in young Egyptian hypertensive patients.
- The TT genotype or T allele could be a predisposing factor for elevated homocysteine and renal damage.
- Lowering homocysteine levels might be a strategy to mitigate renal impairment in hypertensive patients.
Abstract:
Homocysteine concentration affected by the activities of the enzymes methylene tetra-hyrdofolate reductase (MTHFR). Polymorphisms in MTHFR gene associated with an impairment of MTHFR activity. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a result of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MTHFR 677 C>T that can cause homocysteine levels in the blood to increase. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) gene polymorphism, changes in homocysteine concentrations and progress of renal impairment in young adult hypertensive patients. Two hundred young hypertensive patients (age 21-24 years) were involved in this study; they were classified into patients with and without renal impairment in addition to 200 age and sex matched healthy controls. All participants were submitted to laboratory investigations as assay of MTHFR gene polymorphism C677T (rs1801133) by PCR/RFLP, determination of lipid profile, homocysteine and folic acid concentrations in addition to urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR). The levels of both homocysteine and UACR in the TT genotype patients were higher than those in the CC genotype group. Individuals who carry the T allele were more risky to hypertension and progress to early renal impairment in young age compared with those carrying the C allele [OR 2.02 (1.33-3.08), P < 0.001]. Genetic variants of C677T MTHFR gene and hyperhomocysteinemia may be responsible for rapid progress of renal impairment in Egyptian young age hypertensive patients. TT genotype or T allele may be considered as a predisposing factor for both elevated Hcy levels and the development of renal impairment. This study believed that lowering of homocysteine level can reduce renal impairment of hypertensive patients.
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