Nutritional Genetics: The Case of Alcohol and the MTHFR C677T Polymorphism in Relation to Homocysteine in a Black South African Population

Publisher： Karger

E-ISSN： 1661-6758|6|2|61-72

ISSN： 1661-6499

Source： Journal of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, Vol.6, Iss.2, 2013-03, pp. : 61-72

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Abstract

Background/Aims: It is unknown whether the effect of alcohol consumption on homocysteine (Hcy) is modulated by the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T. We explored this hypothesized effect by analyzing cross-sectional data of 1,827 black South Africans. Methods: Total Hcy concentrations were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and the genotype through polymerase chain reaction-based RFLP analysis. Results: Subjects harboring the 677 TT genotype had the highest Hcy. Among subjects harboring the 677 CC genotype, men had higher Hcy (p = 0.04). Age and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) correlated best (r = 0.26 and r = 0.27; p < 0.05), while the percentage carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and the B vitamins correlated weakly (r < 0.1; p < 0.05) with Hcy. Hcy was positively associated with the reported alcohol intake (p ≤ 0.01). There was no interaction between alcohol consumption and the MTHFR 677 CC or CT genotypes (p > 0.05) for Hcy concentrations; however, an interaction was determined for GGT and the MTHFR genotype (p = 0.02). Age, GGT, gender, MTHFR and vitamin B₆ explained 16.8% of the variation in Hcy (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The determined interactions might result in differences in the risk conveyed through Hcy with regard to disease development in those with unfavorable GGT concentrations.