科研之友
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摘要
Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for stroke and other vascular events. The variant methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T is associated with elevated homocysteine levels, cardiovascular disease and stroke, which supports a causal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and vascular disease. However, MTHFR variants have also been reported to be associated with smoking behavior, which could be an important confounder.
Methodology/Principal Findings: We analyzed the MTHFR variants C677T and A1298C in two independent samples of 525 and 535 individuals, respectively. 21% of the non-smokers, but only 12% of the smokers were homozygous carriers of both MTHFR wildtype alleles, i.e. 677CC and 1298AA (Chi(2) = 15.8; p<0.001; binary regression). Plasma homocysteine levels were higher in smokers (13.9 +/- 4.1 mu mol/L) than in non-smokers (12.6 +/- 4.0 mu mol/L; F = 11.4; p = 0.001; ANOVA). Smoking MTHFR 677TT individuals had the highest plasma homocysteine levels (16.2 +/- 5.2 mu mol/L), non-smoking 677CC individuals had the lowest (12.2 +/- 13.6 mu mol/L).
Conclusions/Significance: In our study samples, MTHFR variants and smoking behaviour were associated with homocysteine plasma levels. In addition, the MTHFR variants were associated with smoking behaviour. Such an association may be a relevant confounder between MTHFR variants, homocysteine plasma levels and vascular diseases.
- 出版日期2012-12-28
