Low folate status, and MTHFR 677C > T and MTR 2756A > G polymorphisms associated with colorectal cancer risk in Thais: a case-control study

Meta Analysis of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and its association with folate and colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

DNA hypomethylation and uracil misincorporation into DNA, both of which have a very important correlation with colorectal carcinogenesis. Folate plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, acting as a coenzyme in one-carbon metabolism, which involves the synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and methyl groups. MTHFR, a key enzyme in folate metabolism, has been widely studied in relation to neural tube defects and hypertension, but its role in colorectal cancer remains underexplored. Therefore, understanding the role of folate and MTHFR genes in colorectal cancer may be helpful for potential preventive or therapeutic interventions. In this meta-analysis, the effects of MTHFR genotype and folate intake on colorectal cancer incidence were analyzed.

METHODS

We searched PubMed,Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI database to identify relevant studies up to January 2024. We included a series of studies on the association of MTHFR C677T genotype and folate intake with colorectal cancer incidence. The meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). It included 100 studies (39702 cases and 55718 controls),that investigated the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC). Additionally, the analysis incorporated further stratification by ethnic population and geographical region. Furthermore, Six of the studies which clarified high amount of folate might be a protective factor for CRC in all three MTHFR C677T genotype, especially in TT genotype.

RESULTS

MTHFR 677TT genotype was negatively associated with CRC incidence compared with CC genotype (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.85-0.93; P < 0.00001; Z = 5.17). MTHFR 677CT genotype was not significantly associated with colorectal cancer incidence (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98,1.03). A negative correlation between TT genotype and CRC was observed in ethnics of Asians (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.91), Caucasians (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99) and the region of USA (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.85), Asia (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.00) and Europe (OR = 0.93, 95% CI:0.87, 1.00),but not in Indian (TT: OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.63; CT: OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.73)). Amount folate intakes might reduce the morbidity of CRC for people in MTHFR 677TT genotype (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48,0.96; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The analysis showed that the incidence of colorectal cancer was reduced among individuals with TT genotype. The individuals with TT genotype and amount folate intake may collectively improve the incidence of colorectal cancer. While the MTHFR 677TT genotype is associated with a reduced risk of CRC, especially in certain populations, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of retrospective studies.

Impacts of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Genotypes on Hallux Valgus

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hallux valgus (HV) is the most common deformity of the forefoot. Although HV has been strongly associated with a family history, its genetic underpinnings remain unclear. Few studies have examined the relationship between folic acid metabolism, which is critical in normal bone development, and HV. The study aimed to investigate the contribution of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotypes to the risk of HV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MTHFR rs1801133 and rs1801131 genotypes were analyzed in 150 patients with HV and 600 controls without HV, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

The results highlighted a significant difference in the genotypic frequency distributions of MTHFR rs1801133 between the HV cases and non-HV controls (p for trend=0.0024). Specifically, individuals with the homozygous TT genotype at MTHFR rs1801133 exhibited a 2.57-fold increased risk of HV (95% confidence interval=1.49-4.42, p=0.0009). However, those with the CT genotype did not show an elevated risk. Stratified analysis showed no correlation between MTHFR rs1801133 genotypic distributions and different age groups (below or above 51 years) or sex (both p>0.05). Furthermore, no associations were identified between MTHFR rs1801133 and height, weight, or body mass index in relation to HV risk.

CONCLUSION

The TT genotype of MTHFR rs1801133 is associated with an increased risk of HV. Subgrouping HV patients based on their MTHFR genotypes and related comorbidities, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may offer a new approach to diagnosis.

Association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene rs1801133 Polymorphism and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score with Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility

Background

Susceptibility to some cancers is linked to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in some populations. However, their relationship with susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility in the Hakka Chinese population remains unclear.

Methods

In total, 620 CRC patients and 734 controls were enrolled. MTHFR rs1801133 was genotyped, medical records (age, sex, smoking history, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and family history of cancer, and blood cell parameters) were collected, and the relationship between this information and CRC susceptibility was analyzed.

Results

There were significant differences in the distribution of CONUT classification (p=0.002), and proportions of history of smoking (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), and family history of cancer (p=0.002) between patients and controls. There were statistically significant differences in MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes distribution (58.7% C/C, 35.5% C/T, and 5.8% T/T in patients vs 65.5%, 31.2%, and 3.3% in controls, p=0.010) and allele distribution (76.5% C, and 23.5% T allele in patients vs 81.1%, and 18.9% in controls, p=0.003) between patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis indicated that non-normal CONUT range (non-normal vs normal, odds ratio (OR): 1.451, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.119-1.882, p=0.005), and MTHFR rs1801133 variant (C/T + T/T vs C/C, OR: 1.373, 95% CI: 1.091-1.728, p=0.007), older age (≥65 vs <65 years, OR: 1.298, 95% CI: 1.023-1.646, p=0.032), male sex (OR: 1.354, 95% CI: 1.067-1.718, p=0.013), and history of alcohol drinking (OR: 2.232, 95% CI: 1.164-4.282, p=0.016) were independently associated with CRC risk.

Conclusion

Individuals carried MTHFR rs1801133 variant and with non-normal CONUT range, advanced age, history of alcohol consumption may be at increased CRC risk in the Hakka population.

Genetic variants in folate metabolism-related genes, serum folate and hepatocellular carcinoma survival: the Guangdong Liver Cancer Cohort study

Folate metabolism is involved in the development and progression of various cancers. We investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in folate-metabolising genes and their interactions with serum folate concentrations with overall survival (OS) and liver cancer-specific survival (LCSS) of newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. We detected the genotypes of six SNP in three genes related to folate metabolism: methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase (MTRR) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR). Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI. This analysis included 970 HCC patients with genotypes of six SNP, and 864 of them had serum folate measurements. During a median follow-up of 722 d, 393 deaths occurred, with 360 attributed to HCC. In the fully-adjusted models, the MTRR rs1801394 polymorphism was significantly associated with OS in additive (per G allele: HR = 0·84, 95 % CI: 0·71, 0·99), co-dominant (AG v. AA: HR = 0·77; 95 % CI: 0·62, 0·96) and dominant (AG + GG v. AA: HR = 0·78; 95 % CI: 0·63, 0·96) models. Carrying increasing numbers of protective alleles was linked to better LCSS (HR10–12 v. 2–6 = 0·70; 95 % CI: 0·49, 1·00) and OS (HR10–12 v. 2–6 = 0·67; 95 % CI: 0·47, 0·95). Furthermore, we observed significant interactions on both multiplicative and additive scales between serum folate levels and MTRR rs1801394 polymorphism. Carrying the variant G allele of the MTRR rs1801394 is associated with better HCC prognosis and may enhance the favourable association between higher serum folate levels and improved survival among HCC patients.

Interactions between folate metabolism-related nutrients and polymorphisms on colorectal cancer risk: a case-control study in the Basque country

Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (FOCM) plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Previous studies have assessed the role of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (FOCM)-related gene-diet interaction in the aetiology of colorectal cancer (CRC), however, the results remained inconclusive. Thus, this study aimed to investigate dietary factors and genetic variants related to FOCM, as well as potential nutrient-gene and nutrient-lifestyle interactions, on CRC risk. This observational study included 229 patients diagnosed with CRC and 229 age- and sex-matched subjects as controls from a population-based bowel cancer screening program. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for CRC risk. A Bonferroni-corrected threshold of α = 0.005 was considered significant, and P values less than 0.05 were considered to be suggestive of an association. After Bonferroni correction, a high dietary intake of betaine was associated with a decreased risk of CRC in the adjusted model (OR, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.10-0.40, P < 0.001). Two SNPs, rs1476413 and rs17824591, exhibited significant gene-diet interactions with total choline ad vitamin B12 intakes, respectively, in adjusted models (total choline, tertile 3 vs. 1, OR, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.11-0.66, Pinteraction = 0.012; vitamin B12, tertile 2 vs. tertile 1, OR, 95% CI: 2.48, 1.04-5.00, Pinteraction = 0.003). These findings suggest that betaine intake and interactions between some dietary factors and variants in MTHFR and MTHFD1 genes have an influence on CRC risk in the population studied. If these results are confirmed, specific nutritional intervention strategies could be designed.

MTHFR Gene C677T Polymorphism (rs1801133) and Susceptibility to Colorectal Polyps in an Azerbaijani Population

BACKGROUND

Understanding the relationships between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism, colorectal polyps, and CRC risk can aid in advancing personalized medicine approaches in CRC prevention. The aim of the current study is to identify the association of C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene with the risk of colorectal polyps in the Azerbaijani population.

METHODS

This study included 125 patients with colon polyps and 155 healthy individuals as a control group. DNA was extracted from venous blood samples obtained from patients and healthy individuals, and the results were analyzed through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Wild-type, heterozygote, and homozygous mutant were revealed within 69 (55.2%), 49 (39.2%), and 7 (5.6%) patients and within 100 (64.5%), 45 (29%), and 10 (6.5%) healthy controls, respectively. However, no significant statistical associations were observed between CT and TT genotypes, dominant (CC vs. CT + TT) and recessive (CC + CT vs. TT) models, and the mutant T allele and disease risk. There were also no significant differences between patients and controls regarding age, sex, smoking and alcohol use.

CONCLUSION

Our research did not reveal any significant association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and susceptibility to colorectal polyps in the Azerbaijan population.

Diet is Linked to Colorectal Cancer Risk among Asian Adults: A Scoping Review

This review aimed to map current evidence on the association between dietary factors and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in Asia. This review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) flow diagram was used to record the review process. For the purpose of searching for articles, three electronic databases namely PubMed, EBSCOHost and ScienceDirect were employed. The inclusion criteria for articles selection were articles with association analysis between diet and CRC risk among Asians, had adults as participants, articles were written in English, open-accessed and published between years 2009 and 2021. Thus, 35 out of 369 screened articles were eventually included in this review which covered 28 case-control studies, six prospective cohort studies and one randomised clinical trial. Foods such as meats, alcohol and westernised diet have been shown to be associated with increase of CRC risk while fruits, vegetables and traditional meals decreased the risk of CRC. Only a few interventional and dietary patterns studies were identified. Specific single foods and nutrients and dietary patterns have been found to increase the risk but also protected the Asian population against CRC. The findings of this review will guide health professionals, researchers and policy makers to conduct a suitable study design and topic for future research.

Changing Colorectal Cancer Trends in Asians: Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Once an infrequent disease in parts of Asia, the rate of colorectal cancer in recent decades appears to be steadily increasing. Colorectal cancer represents one of the most important causes of cancer mortality worldwide, including in many regions in Asia. Rapid changes in socioeconomic and lifestyle habits have been attributed to the notable increase in the incidence of colorectal cancers in many Asian countries. Through published data from the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), we utilized available continuous data to determine which Asian nations had a rise in colorectal cancer rates. We found that East and South East Asian countries had a significant rise in colorectal cancer rates. Subsequently, we summarized here the known genetics and environmental risk factors for colorectal cancer among populations in this region as well as approaches to screening and early detection that have been considered across various countries in the region.

Usual intake of one-carbon metabolism nutrients in a young adult population aged 19-30 years: a cross-sectional study

One-carbon nutrients play an important role in epigenetic mechanisms and cellular methylation reactions. Inadequate intake of these nutrients is linked to metabolic perturbations, yet the current intake levels of these nutrients have rarely been studied in Asia. This cross-sectional study surveyed the usual dietary intake of one-carbon nutrients (folate, choline and vitamins B2, B6 and B12) among Thai university students aged 19-30 years (n 246). Socioeconomic background, health information, anthropometric data and 24-h dietary recall data were collected. The long-term usual intake was estimated using the multiple-source method. The average usual intake levels for men and women were (mean ± sd) 1⋅85 ± 0⋅95 and 2⋅42 ± 8⋅7 mg/d of vitamin B2, 1⋅96 ± 1⋅0 and 2⋅49 ± 8⋅7 mg/d of vitamin B6, 6⋅20 ± 9⋅5 and 6⋅28 ± 12 μg/d of vitamin B12, 195 ± 154 and 155 ± 101 μg dietary folate equivalent/d of folate, 418 ± 191 and 337 ± 164 mg/d of choline, respectively. Effect modification by sex was observed for vitamin B2 (P-interaction = 0⋅002) and choline (P-interaction = 0⋅02), where every 1 mg increase in vitamin B2 and 100 mg increase in choline intake were associated with a 2⋅07 (P = 0⋅01) and 0⋅81 kg/m² (P = 0⋅04) lower BMI, respectively, in men. The study results suggest that Thai young adults meet the recommended levels for vitamins B2, B6 and B12. The majority of participants had inadequate folate intake and did not achieve recommended intake levels for choline. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. This trial was registered at www.thaiclinicaltrials.gov (TCTR20210420007).

Investigation of the relationship between MTRR A66G, MTR A2756G gene variations and cell anomalies in early diagnosis and progression of bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between MTRR A66G, MTRA2756G gene variations and cell anomalies in the early diagnosis and progression of bladder cancer.

METHODS

PCR and RFLP methods were used to determine the genotype distributions of MTRR A66G and MTR A2756G gene variations. Peripheral smear preparations prepared from blood samples were fixed with methanol fixative and stained histochemically. Cellular morphological evaluations were made under the light microscope.

RESULTS

In our study, AA-GG haplotype was observed significantly more in the patient group than control group (OR: 3.304, 95% CI: 1.023-10.665, p = 0.046). The significant increase was determined in terms of histological damage parameters in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). For multiple vacuoles damage parameter (mild score), AA genotype of MTR A2756G gene variation was significantly different compared to AA genotype of MTRR A66G gene variation (OR: 0.211, 0.049-0.912, p = 0.037). AA genotype of MTR A2756G gene variation was observed more than AA homozygous genotype of MTR A66G gene variation for giant platelets with different sizes damage parameter (mild score) (OR: 0.062, 0.017-0.228, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, in Thrace population, AA genotype of the MTR A2756G gene variation was significantly higher than the AA homozygous genotype of the MTR A66G gene variation as a genetic risk factor for the multiple vacuoles damage parameter. In addition, AA genotype of MTR A2756G gene variation was determined as a genetic risk factor for giant platelets with different sizes damage parameter.

Transmission Jeopardy of Adenomatosis Polyposis Coli and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the globally prevalent and virulent types of cancer with a distinct alteration in chromosomes. Often, any alterations in the adenomatosis polyposis coli (APC), a tumor suppressor gene, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene are related to surmise colorectal cancer significantly. In this study, we have investigated chromosomal and gene variants to discern a new-fangled gene and its expression in the southern populations of India by primarily spotting the screened APC and MTHFR variants in CRC patients. An equal number of CRC patients and healthy control subjects (n = 65) were evaluated to observe a chromosomal alteration in the concerted and singular manner for APC and MTHFR genotypes using standard protocols. The increasing prognosis was observed in persons with higher alcoholism and smoking (P < 0.05) with frequent alterations in chromosomes 1, 5, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 21, and 22. The APC Asp 1822Val and MTHFR C677T genotypes provided significant results, while the variant alleles of this polymorphism were linked with an elevated risk of CRC. Chromosomal alterations can be the major cause in inducing carcinogenic outcomes in CRCs and can drive to extreme pathological states.

Dppa2/4 as a trigger of signaling pathways to promote zygote genome activation by binding to CG-rich region

Developmental pluripotency-associated 2 (Dppa2) and developmental pluripotency-associated 4 (Dppa4) as positive drivers were helpful for transcriptional regulation of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Here, we systematically assessed the cooperative interplay of Dppa2 and Dppa4 in regulating cell pluripotency and found that simultaneous overexpression of Dppa2/4 can make induced pluripotent stem cells closer to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Compared with other pluripotency transcription factors, Dppa2/4 can regulate majorities of signaling pathways by binding on CG-rich region of proximal promoter (0-500 bp), of which 85% and 77% signaling pathways were significantly activated by Dppa2 and Dppa4, respectively. Notably, Dppa2/4 also can dramatically trigger the decisive signaling pathways for facilitating ZGA, including Hippo, MAPK and TGF-beta signaling pathways and so on. At last, we found alkaline phosphatase, placental-like 2 (Alppl2) was completely silenced when Dppa2 and 4 single- or double-knockout in ESC, which is consistent with Dux. Moreover, Alppl2 was significantly activated in mouse 2-cell embryos and 4-8 cells stage of human embryos, further predicted that Alppl2 was directly regulated by Dppa2/4 as a ZGA candidate driver to facilitate pre-embryonic development.