[The plasma homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in young people with high risk for cardiovascular disease and its relation to metylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism]

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity.

Aim: The study was designed to evaluate the total homocysteine level and MTHFR C677T polymorphism frequency of 122, healthy, young adults who had increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 were also measured.

Methods: Immunoassay, PCR-RFLP methods were used. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS program.

Results: The frequency of the gene-polymorphism was not different significantly in the study group compared to a Hungarian neonatal sample: although in the increased risk group the frequency of homozygous 677TT polymorphism was higher (14.8%), and heterozygosity was smaller (41%). There was no association between MTHFR gene polymorphism and homocysteine levels. A significant negative correlation was found between the folic acid and homocysteine, and between the vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels correlating with the literature. The mean serum total homocysteine level of the group without vitamin supplementation (n: 86) was 9.8 +/- 3.3 micromol/l, while in the other group with vitamin uptake (n: 36) this level was 7.5 +/- 3.0 micromol/l. There was a significant difference between the homocysteine levels of men and women.

Conclusion: The results of the study correlate with the literature. It would be useful to call the attention of the Hungarian population to the importance of vitamin supply.