Homocysteine, MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, and clinical and biochemical variables in the mexican population

The objective of the current work was to analyze the relationship of serum homocysteine (Hcy) with MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and clinical and biochemical variables in the Mexican population. Hcy (immunoassay) levels and polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) levels were determined in 102 individuals from the general population. The 677TT genotype showed significant association with body weight (rho=0.012) and the 1298CC genotype tended to be associated with BMI (rho=0.06). Serum levels of Hcy in women (51/102) were 8.33 +/- 1.86 mu mol/L and in men (51/102) 11.64 +/- 4.15 mu mol/L. The Hcy was positively associated with body weight (rho=0.004) and negatively with Hb and Hct (rho=0.001). Higher levels of Hcy were found in smokers (rho=0.009) and a tendency to hyperhomocysteinemia in alcoholics and in menopausal women. There was no association of Hcy with MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, although the analysis with dominant inheritance model for the C677T polymorphism (TT + CT vs. CC) showed a semidominant effect (rho<0.10). In this study, the presence of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms did not represent a significant risk factor for hyperhomocysteinemia; however, those differences may point out the dependence of the relative levels of Hcy modified genotypes on various environmental factors.