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5,10 Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphism as a risk factor for neural tube defects

Journal Article · · American Journal of Medical Genetics
; ;  [1]
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (United States); and others
Persons with a thermolabile form of the enzyme 5,10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) have reduced enzyme activity and increased plasma homocysteine which can be lowered by supplemental folic acid. Thermolability of the enzyme has recently been shown to be caused by a common mutation (677C{sup {r_arrow}}T) in the MTHFR gene. We studied 41 fibroblast cultures from NTD-affected fetuses and compared their genotypes with those of 109 blood specimens from individuals in the general population. 677C{sup {r_arrow}}T homozygosity was associated with a 7.2 fold increased risk for NTDs (95% confidence interval: 1.8-30.3; p value: 0.001). These preliminary data suggest that the 677C{sup {r_arrow}}T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene is a risk factor for spina bifida and anencephaly that may provide a partial biologic explanation for why folic acid prevents these types of NTD. 13 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
OSTI ID:
478400
Journal Information:
American Journal of Medical Genetics, Journal Name: American Journal of Medical Genetics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 63; ISSN 0148-7299; ISSN AJMGDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English