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Correlation Between the MTHFR C677T Genotype and Coronary Heart Disease in Populations from Gansu, China
Xue Wu1,2,3,4, Kai Liu1,3,5, Xinke Zhao1,3,5
1College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
Insights
The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T TT genotype is linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This finding in the Gansu, China population highlights MTHFR C677T as a potential biomarker for CHD risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Genetic factors, including polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, are implicated in CHD development.
- Understanding regional genetic predispositions is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms (C677T) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- To evaluate the relationship between MTHFR C677T genotypes, serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels, and folate levels in a Chinese population from the Gansu region.
- To determine if the MTHFR C677T polymorphism serves as an independent risk factor for CHD.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was performed using PCR gold magnetic particle chromatography in 209 CHD patients and 212 controls.
- Serum homocysteine (Hcy) and folate levels were quantified using standard biochemical assays.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the independence of the association from other risk factors.
Main Results:
- The TT genotype of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly more prevalent in the CHD group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
- Conversely, the CC genotype was less frequent in CHD patients.
- Individuals with the TT genotype exhibited elevated serum Hcy levels and decreased folate levels, and this association remained significant after adjusting for multiple confounding factors (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The TT genotype of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism is significantly associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in the Gansu population.
- Elevated Hcy and reduced folate levels are linked to the MTHFR C677T TT genotype.
- The MTHFR C677T polymorphism may function as a valuable biomarker for predicting CHD risk in this specific demographic.
Abstract:
This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and coronary heart disease (CHD) in populations from the Gansu region of China. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism genotypes from 209 patients with CHD, as confirmed by coronary angiography, and 212 non-CHD control patients were identified using PCR gold magnetic particle chromatography. We simultaneously evaluated homocysteine (Hcy) and folate levels in these samples using biochemical methods. The TT genotype of the MTHFR C677T locus was significantly more frequent in the CHD group than in the control, while the CC genotype was significantly less frequent in CHD patients than in non-CHD patients (p < 0.05). In addition, biochemical analysis revealed that the serum Hcy levels increased, and folate levels decreased in the TT genotype. Logistic regression analysis showed that this correlation was independent of nationality, sex, age, body mass index, medical history, and blood lipid level (p < 0.05). The occurrence of the TT genotype at the MTHFR C677T locus was closely associated with CHD in the Gansu population and may serve as a biomarker of increased risk for this disease.
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