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A methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism in ischaemic stroke and in carotid artery stenosis
Author(s) -
Konstantinos Kostulas,
Milita Crisby,
Wenxiao Huang,
Lars Lannfelt,
Lars Hagenfeldt,
Gösta Eggertsen,
Vasilios Kostulas,
Jan Hillert
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2362.1998.00281.x
Subject(s) - methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase , medicine , stenosis , homocysteine , genotype , cardiology , gastroenterology , gene polymorphism , stroke (engine) , internal carotid artery , endocrinology , gene , genetics , biology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Methods A biallelic polymorphism of the methylenetretrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, reported to influence the plasma level of homocysteine (Hcy), was investigated for a possible role in influencing the risk of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) and occlusive atherosclerosis in 126 patients with ischaemic stroke and 70 patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Results Only minor differences were observed between different groups of patients and control subjects. Although 47% of ICA stenosis patients had increased plasma Hcy, the MTHFR genotype did not correlate with levels of either Hcy, folic acid or vitamin B 12 . In addition, the MTHFR genotype did not affect Hcy levels, even in the presence of low blood folate. Conclusion We conclude that this common MTHFR gene polymorphism does not exert a significant influence on the risk of developing ICVD or ICA stenosis, and does not cause the increased level of Hcy observed in ICA stenosis.