Skip to main content
Download PDF
Download ePub

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and high plasma homocysteine in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infected patients from the Northeast of Brazil

Nutrition Journal volume 10, Article number: 86 (2011) Cite this article

Abstract

Background/Aim

Hyperhomocysteinemia due to Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene, in particular the C677T (Ala222Val) polymorphism were recently associated to steatosis and fibrosis. We analyzed the frequency of MTHFR gene in a cross-sectional study of patients affected by Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) from Northeast of Brazil.

Method

One hundred seven-four untreated patients with CHC were genotyped for the C677T MTHFR. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells and the C677T MTHFR polymorphism was identified by PCR-RFLP. The homocysteine (Hcy) levels were determined by chemiluminescence method. All patients were negative for markers of Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis and autoimmune diseases and have current and past daily alcohol intake less than 100 g/week.

Results

Among subjects infected with CHC genotype non-1 the frequency of MTHFR genotypes TT was 9.8% versus 4.4% genotype 1 (p = 0.01). Nevertheless, association was found between the MTHFR genotype TT Ă— CT/CC polymorphism and the degree of steatosis and fibrosis in both hepatitis C genotype (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found on plasma Hcy levels in patients with steatosis regardless of HCV genotype (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that plasma Hcy levels is highly prevalent in subjects with chronic hepatits C with steatosis regardless of HCV genotype and vitamin deficiency. The presence of genotype TT of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was more common in CHC genotype non-1 infected patient regardless of histopathological classification and genotype TT+CT frequencies were significant in the presence of fibrosis grade 1+2 and of steatosis in CHC infected patients from the northeast of Brazil regardless of HCV genotype. The genetic susceptibility of MTHFR C677T polymorphism should be confirmed in a large population.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Homocysteine (Hcy) belongs to a group of molecules known as cellular thiols. It is considered a "bad thiol" because its association with a variety of health conditions including cardiovascular disease, [1] end-stage renal disease, [2] neural tube defects, [3] and cognitive dysfunctions including Alzheimer disease [4]. Recently, homocysteine has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury [5].

One of the most common mutations, or polymorphisms, that are associated with a mild increase in plasma homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) is the 677C→T substitution (an alanine to valine change) in the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). The MTHFR is an enzyme of the folate metabolism that reduces 5,10- metilenetetraidrofolate (5,10-mTHFR) to 5-metiltetraidrofolate (5-mTHF), an important co-factor to homocysteine (Hcy) methylation. Mutations in MTHFR gene like C677T result in amino acids substitutions that lead to a decreased enzyme activity [6, 7]. As a consequence of the MTHFR dysfunctions, an increased Hcy level in plasma has been expected which, in turn, produces a cytotoxic effect [8].

The frequency of this variant in the homozygous state varies from 0% to1% in African Americans to 25% in Hispanic Americans, ranging for most populations (Canada and United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia) between 10% to 15% [9]. Recently, it has been shown that hyperomocysteinaemia, in relationship with the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, favours steatosis and fibrosis in HCV infected immune competent individuals through an alteration of lipid metabolism [10].

Human hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects about 2-3% of the world population. HCV infection leads to chronic hepatitis in up to 60-80% of infected individuals [11] and is associated with liver steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [12].

Most studies have reported approximately 50% prevalence of steatosis among patients undergoing a liver biopsy because of HCV [13, 14]. In patients with HCV infection there is a ''metabolic fat'' (especially in patients with HCV genotype 1) and a ''viral fat'' (especially in patients with genotype 3).

Genotype 3 is the only subtype that has been shown to correlate with a higher grade of steatosis independent of other host-related factors, such as the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [15]. The severity of steatosis in these patients is directly related to the burden of the HCV RNA viral load, and resolution of steatosis is often observed with the loss of viremia after antiviral treatment [16, 17]. It has been postulated that HCV genotype 3 can cause steatosis also by interfering with triglyceride secretion. Otherwise, in genotype 1 infection is attributable to metabolic perturbations caused by activation of proinflammatory mechanisms and underlying obesity and insulin resistance.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether MTHFR C677T polymorphism might play a role in progression of fibrosis and steatosis in hepatitis C patients from Northeast of Brazil and correlate with homocysteine levels according to histological grades of fibrosis and steatosis.

Patients and methods

Patients

We studied one hundred seven-four naive patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) from the Northeast of Brazil (91 male, 83 female). All patients enrolled had increased aminotransferase levels for at least six months and tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies (third-generation enzyme immunoassay) and HCV-RNA (RT-PCR, Roche Cobas Amplicor 2.0, Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland).

The HCV genotype, determined by LiPA assay (Innolipa HCV II; Immunogenetics, Ghent, Belgium). All patients were enrolled at the Liver Institute of Pernambuco in Brazil from February 2007 to October 2009.

This cross-sectional study was conducted according with the Helsinki declaration of 1975. Specific informed consent was obtained for the study and the protocol was approved by the Internal Review Board of the University of Pernambuco- Brazil. The investigations performed to exclude other causes of liver disease included a hepatobiliary system ultrasound, viral serology, autoantibody titers, serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation, ceruloplasmin and copper levels, and alpha1-antitrypsin. Patients who had a > 100 g/week alcohol intake determined by a detailed personal history, questioning of family members, and an investigation of previous medical records, were excluded. Also it was excluded treatment with immunosuppressive drugs or drugs causing steatosis (corticosteroids, antiepileptic agents, tamoxifen and amiodarone).

The diagnosis of diabetes type II, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were based on the criteria of the American Diabetes Association (Alexandria, VA, USA); fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL; triglyceride (Tg) ≥ 150 mg/dL; high density lipoprotein (HDL) < 40 mg/dL in men or < 50 mg/dL in women; and ≥ 130 mmHg systolic or ≥ 85 mmHg diastolic) [18]. The folic acid and B12 vitamin reference were 3.1-17.5 ng/mL and 197-866 pg/mL respectively.

Normative reference Hcy levels were considered to be 12 or less (ÎĽmol/L) in males and 10 or less in females [10]. The homocysteine cut-off level in this study was 9 ÎĽmol/L determined by ROC curve.

Study Design and Laboratory assays

The MTHFR polymorphism was analyzed in all 174 patients, however only in 138 of these patients the serum samples were collected at the time of liver biopsy. Thus, we used 138 serum samples to determine total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (Tg), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]: fasting insulin (U/mL) fasting glucose (mmol/L)/22.5) [19]. For insulin resistance the cut-off value was considered to be ≥ 2.5. Blood samples were centrifuged within 60 min to separate plasma, serum and leukocyte cells and storaged at-80 °C.

The homocysteine levels were determined by chemiluminescence method [20]; Fasting Glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, ALT, AST, AP, ÎłGT and fasting insulin were performed by standard methods using automated techniques (Cobas, Roche). The LDL cholesterol was determined by Friedwald equation [21].

The C677T polymorphism was determined by a polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. The C→T transition creates a restriction site for the enzyme Hinf I and the digested product was isolated electrophoretically in 2% agarose gel and the fragments were visualized in ultraviolet light (UV) after being stained with ethidium bromide. Wild type (CC) shows a single fragment of 198 bp; heterozygote (CT) shows fragments of 198, 175 and 23 bp; and mutant homozygote (TT) shows two fragments with 175 and 23 bp [22].

Histological analysis

The liver tissue was fixed in 4% formaldehyde and processed for hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome stains for histological analysis. Histological analyses were evaluated by only one pathologist who was unaware of the HCV genotype and of the patient's clinical characteristics. Stages of fibrosis and grades of inflammation were scored according to METAVIR, that it consists of F0 (no fibrosis), F1 (portal fibrosis without septa), F2 (portal fibrosis with few septa), F3 (numerous septa without cirrhosis), F4 (cirrhosis). Steatosis was graded 0-3 based on percentages of hepatocytes harbouring lipid droplets in the biopsy (0 reflecting none; 1 equalling 40-33%; 2 referring to 33-66%; and 3 representing > 66% steatotic hepatocytes).

Statistical analysis

Data analysis was performed with SPSS 15.0 software. Distribution normality of the groups considered was preliminary evaluated by Kolmogorov-Sminorv test. Differences between groups were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) when variables were normally distributed. Chisquare test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors for MTHFR polymorphism, gender, triglyceride, fibrosis and steatosis. The proportion of MTHFR alleles were distributed in patients in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Results were considered significant when the p value was less than 0.05.

Results

Clinical and biochemical analysis

In the present study 174 patients with CHC were included. There were 52.3% (91/174) males and 47.7% (83/174) females. The biochemical characteristics according genotype and histological classification were only analyzed in 138 patients with CHC and the patients were stratified according to viral genotype 1 (n = 93) and non-1 (n = 45).

The biochemical characteristics according to the genotype classification demonstrated Hcy levels and concentrations of total cholesterol differ significantly between patients with genotype 1 and genotype non-1 (9.96 versus 9.39 ÎĽmol/L and 158.01 versus 138.58 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.01) (Table 1). The Hcy level differs significantly between no steatosis and steatosis (9.0 versus 10.3 ÎĽmol/L respectively, p = 0.03) (Table 2). Although neither folate and vitamin B12 nor triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, HOMA, glucose and Hcy level differ between genotypes frequencies of the 677C/T (MTHFR) polymorphism (p > 0.05) (Table 3).

Table 1 Clinical and biochemical characteristics of CHC virus infection patients according genotype classification
Full size table
Table 2 Plasma levels of Homocysteine in CHC virus infection patients according genotype and histopathological classification
Full size table
Table 3 Biochemical characteristics of the 677C/T (MTHFR) polymorphisms in CHC
Full size table

MTHFR677C/T polymorphism

The MTHFR polymorphism was analyzed from peripheral blood of 174 patients. The genotype TT was more frequent in HCV non-1 genotype than genotype 1 (9.8% versus 4.4% respectively, p = 0.01) (Table 4). Associated with this no relation was observed in the genotype frequencies of the 677C/T (MTHFR) polymorphism according to HCV genotype and histopathological classification (p > 0.05) (Table 5). Hence, a significant difference was observed in the genotype TT+CT frequencies according to histological grades of fibrosis (1+2 [n = 116] versus 3+4 [n = 58]) (p = 0.001) and of steatosis (No Steatosis [n = 70] versus Steatosis [n = 104]) (p = 0.04) regardless of HCV genotype (Table 6).

Table 4 Genotype frequencies of the 677C/T (MTHFR) polymorphisms in CHC patients according genotype and histopathological classification
Full size table
Table 5 Genotype frequencies of the 677C/T (MTHFR) polymorphisms in CHC patients according genotype and histopathological classification
Full size table
Table 6 Genotype frequencies of the 677C/T (MTHFR) polymorphisms in CHC patients according to histopathological classification
Full size table

In multi regression analysis no relation were observed among MTHFR polymorphism, Hcy level, HCV genotype and lipid profile as a independent variables for steatosis and fibrosis (Table 7 and 8).

Table 7 Multi regression analysis in which MTHFR polymorphism, Homocysteine level, HCV genotype and lipid profile as a independent variables for steatosis
Full size table
Table 8 Multi regression analysis in which MTHFR polymorphism, Homocysteine level, HCV genotype and lipid profile as a independent variables for fibrosis1+2
Full size table

Discussion

The heterogeneity of Brazilian population regarding racial definition mixed with social economic factors may represent a confounding factor herein. The absence of information on the reported genetic risk factors in the Northeast of Brazil population, which is considered to be genetically very heterogeneous, led us to design the present study. In our data we reported that the genotype TT was more frequent in the HCV genotype non-1 without association with histological grades of fibrosis and of steatosis. We also observed significant difference in the genotype TT+CT frequencies according to histological grades of fibrosis and steatosis regardless of HCV genotype.

Several biological and clinical implications have been suggested to occur in relationship with the MTHFR 677C/T polymorphism. The MTHFR polymorphisms were found to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk in several populations including Lebanese, Japanese and French Canadians [23–25]. Toniutto et al., also found a relation between MTHFR 677C/T polymorphism and liver fibrosis in patients who underwent liver transplantation with recurrent hepatitis C and also speculates that the MTHFR polymorphism could play a direct profibrogenic effect, modulating the action of proteins involved in collagen degradation [26].

Otherwise Borgia et al. did not find association with polymorphisms of MTHFR in the outcome of pegylated-IFNα plus ribavirin treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C, only the homocysteine levels [27]. Silva et al., only confirms the association between increased plasma homocysteine concentration in Alzheimer's disease and suggests that C677T MTHFR polymorphisms not contributed to genetic susceptibility for Alzheimer's disease in elderly individuals in the Northeast of Brazil [28].

However, another study conducted in Northeast of Brazil, Couto et al., screened 843 neonates for MTHFR C677T polymorphism. The T677 allele frequency and TT677 genotype was higher than those observed in other studies of African-descent populations. The T allele frequency was 0.23 and the C/T and T/T genotypes prevalence were 36.2 and 5.3 percent, respectively [29].

The present study provides evidence that a genetic background, such as the MTHFR polymorphism through hyperhomocysteinemia induced derangement of lipid metabolism, may contribute to the development of higher degrees of steatosis, which in turn accelerates the progression of liver fibrosis in chronic HCV infection. Potential mechanisms of this effect may include the increased sensitivity of steatotic livers to oxidative stress, cytokine-mediated injury, and steatosis-related hepatic insulin resistance [30].

Other important finding of our study was the higher Hcy level in patients with steatosis, although the MTHFR polymorphism was not identified as a risk factor for steatosis in the whole population (HCV genotypes 1+ non-1) in the multi regression analysis. It should be understood because the high plasma levels of Hcy have been reported to negatively influence normal cell function in many different tissues, such as vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells and the liver. These effects, in turn, may explain the association of hyperhomocysteinaemia with vascular disease (thrombosis of arterial and venous districts and atherosclerosis) [31–36] and more recently, have been advocated for a possible role in pathogenesis and evolution of chronic liver disease [36, 37].

Hcy is a toxic non-protein sulfur containing amino acids in humans. It is formed exclusively upon demethylation of the essential amino acid- methionine. The Hcy metabolism occurs through the junction of the remethylation and transsulfuration pathways. These pathways are strongly influenced by enzymes polymorphisms. MTHFR enzyme has fundamental importance in plasmatic Hcy regulation [38, 39].

Hcy decreases the expression of a wide range of antioxidant enzymes [40–42] and impairs endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability by inhibiting glutathione peroxidase activity raise the possibility that Hcy sensitizes cells to the cytotoxic effects of agents or conditions known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Decreased NO bioavailability has also been shown in vitro to increase the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) which may enhance intravascular monocyte recruitment and lead to accelerated lesion formation [43].

There is evidence that Hcy induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress causes dysregulation of the endogenous sterol response pathway, thereby leading to increased hepatic biosynthesis and uptake of cholesterol and triglycerides without impairing the hepatic export of lipids [44]. Similar result was observed in Adinolfi et al., studies that investigated the role of these factors in the development of HCV related steatosis and in the progression of chronic hepatitis C in 116 patients, 50% had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher; 58% were infected with HCV genotype 1, and 65.5% showed steatosis. According to multivariate analysis, steatosis was independently associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (OR = 7.1) [10].

We also observed lower concentrations of serum total cholesterol in CHC patients genotype non-1. Similar results have been described by Corey at al., who demonstrated that serum lipids play a role in hepatitis C virion circulation and hepatocyte entry. In a cohort of 179 patients with CHC this author showed that patients with HCV had lower concentrations of total cholesterol than in the control group. These data support the hypothesis that the lipo-viral particles use the LDL-C receptors of hepatocytes as points of entry of the virus. Once inside into hepatocyte, the replication dependents of the lipid environment of the host [45–47].

In summary, our study had important implications. According to our data, Hcy levels were highly prevalent in subjects with chronic hepatits C with steatosis regardless of HCV genotype and vitamin deficiency. The presence of genotype TT of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was more common in CHC genotype non-1 infected patient regardless of histopathological classification and genotype TT+CT frequencies were significant in the presence of fibrosis grade 1+2 and of steatosis in CHC infected patients from the northeast of Brazil. The genetic susceptibility of MTHFR C677T polymorphism should be confirmed in a large population.

Conclusion

The MTHFR C677T polymorphism frequencies were significant in the presence of fibrosis and of steatosis in CHC infected patients from the northeast of Brazil regardless of homocysteine levels and HCV genotype.

Abbreviations

ALT :

alanine aminotransferase

AP :

alkaline phosphatase

AST :

aspartate aminotransferase

BMI :

body mass index

CHC :

Chronic Hepatitis C

ER :

endoplasmic reticulum

GGT :

gamma-glutamyl transferase

HCC :

hepatocellular carcinoma

HCV :

human hepatitis C virus

HCY :

homocysteine

HDL :

high-density lipoprotein

HOMA-IR :

homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance

LDL :

low-density lipoprotein

MCP-1 :

monocyte chemoattractant protein 1

MTHFR :

methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

NAFLD :

nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

NO :

nitric oxide

PCR-RFLD :

polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism

ROS :

reactive oxygen species

5-mTHFR :

5-metiltetraidrofolate

Tg :

triglyceride.

References

  1. Refsun H, Ueland P, Nygard O, Vollset SE: Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease. Annu Rev Med. 1998, 31-62. 49

  2. Bostom AG, Lathrop L: Hyperhomocysteinemia in end-stage renal disease: Prevalence, etiology, and potential relationship to arteriosclerosis outcomes. Kidney Int. 1997, 52: 10-20. 10.1038/ki.1997.298.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Eskes TKAB: Open or closed? A word of differences: A history of homocysteine research. Nutr Rev. 1998, 56: 236-244.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Lehmann M, Gottfries CG, Regland B: Identification of cognitive impairment in the elderly: Homocysteine is an early marker. Dementia. 1999, 10: 12-20.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Ji C, Kaplowitz N: Betaine decreases hyperyhomocysteinemia, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and liver injury in alcohol-fed mice. Gastroenterology. 2003, 124: 1488-1499. 10.1016/S0016-5085(03)00276-2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Goyette P, Sumner JS, Milos R, Duncan AM, Rosenblatt DS, Matthews RG, Rozen R: Human methylenetetrahydro folate reductase: isolation of cDNA, mapping and mutation identification. Nat Gen. 1994, 7: 195-200. 10.1038/ng0694-195.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Van der Put NMJ, Gabreels F, Stevens EM, Smeitink JA, Trijbels FJ, Eskes TK, van den Heuvel LP, Blom HJ: A second common mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene: an additional risk factor for neural-tube defects?. Am J HumGenet. 1998, 62: 1044-1051. 10.1086/301825.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Andreassi MG, Botto N, Battaglia D, Antonioli E, Masetti S, Manfredi S, Colombo MG, Biagini A, Clerico A: Methylenetetrahydro folate reductase gene C677T polymorphism, homocysteine, vitamin B12, and DNA damage in coronary artery disease. HumGenet. 2003, 112: 171-177.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Rozen R: Polymorphisms of folate and cobalamin metabolism. Edited by: Carmel R, Jacobsen DW. 2001, Homocysteine in Health and Disease. UK: Cambridge University Press, 259-270.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Adinolfi LE, Ingrosso D, Cesaro G, Cimmino A, D'Antò M, Capasso R, Zappia V, Ruggiero G: Hyperhomocysteinemia and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism promote steatosis and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. Hepatology. 2005, 41: 995-1003. 10.1002/hep.20664.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Finelli L, Alter MJ: Global epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005, 5: 558-56.7. 10.1016/S1473-3099(05)70216-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Negro F, Sanyal AJ: Hepatitis C virus, steatosis and lipid abnormalities: clinical and pathogenic data. Liver Int. 2009, Suppl 2, 26-37. 29

  13. Fiore G, Fera G, Napoli N, Vella F, Schiraldi O: Liver steatosis and chronic hepatitis C: a spurious association?. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1996, 8: 125e129-

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Patton HM, Patel K, Behling C, Bylund D, Blatt LM, Vallee M, Heaton S, Conrad A, Pockros PJ, McHutchison JG: The impact of steatosis on disease progression and early and sustained treatment response in chronic hepatitis C patients. J Hepatol. 2004, 40: 484-490.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Rubbia-Brandt L, Fabris P, Paganin S, Leandro G, Male PJ, Giostra E, Carlotto A, Bozzola L, Smedile A, Negro F: Steatosis affects chronic hepatitisC progression in a genotype specific way. Gut. 2004, 53: 406-12. 10.1136/gut.2003.018770.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Castera L, Hezode C, Roudot-Thoraval F, Lonjon I, Zafrani ES, Pawlotsky JM, Dhumeaux D: Effect of antiviral treatment on evolution of liver steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C: indirect evidence of a role of hepatitis C virus genotype 3 in steatosis. Gut. 2004, 53: 420-4. 10.1136/gut.2002.009936.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Hezode C, Roudot-Thoraval F, Zafrani ES, Dhumeaux D, Pawlotsky JM: Different mechanisms of steatosis in hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 3 infections. J Viral Hepat. 2004, 11: 455-8. 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2004.00528.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Gruady SM, Hansen B, Smith SC, Cleeman JI, Kahn RA: Clinical management of metabolic syndrome: report of the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/American Diabetes Association conference on scientific issues related to management. Circulation. 2004, 109: 551-6. 10.1161/01.CIR.0000112379.88385.67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudesnki AS, Naylor BA, Treacher DF, Turner RC: Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and β-cell function from plasma fasting blood sugar and insulin concentration in man. Diabetologia. 1985, 28: 412-419. 10.1007/BF00280883.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Mindicino HJ, Carlsen J, Tewari P, Aagaard O, Zhang B, Conarpe C: An evaluation of an automated homocysteine method on the Bayer ADVIA Centaur automated chemiluminescent system. Clin Lab. 2002, 48: 493-496.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Friedewald WT, Levi RI, Fredrickson DS: Estimation of the concentration of low-density lipoprotein in plasma, without the use of preparative ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem. 1992, 21: 1983-1985.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Frosst P, Blom HJ, Milos R, Goyette P, Sheppard CA, Matthews RG, Boers GJ, den Heijer M, Kluijtmans LA, van den Heuvel LP, et al: A candidate genetic risk factor for vascular disease: A common mutation at the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase locus. Nature Gen. 1995, 10 (1): 111-113. 10.1038/ng0595-111.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Almawi WY, Ameen G, Tamim H, Finan RR, Irani-Hakime N: Factor V G1691A, prothrombin G20210A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] C677T gene polymorphism in angiographically documented coronary artery disease. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2004, 17: 199-205.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Morita H, Taguchi J, Kurihara H, Kitaoka M, Kaneda H, Kurihara Y, Maemura K, Shindo T, Minamino T, Ohno M, Yamaoki K, Ogasawara K, Aizawa T, Suzuki S, Yazaki Y: Genetic polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Circulation. 1997, 95: 2032-2036.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Jee SH, Beaty TH, Suh I, Yoon Y, Appel LJ: The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in Japan, but not in other populations. Atherosclerosis. 2000, 153: 161-168. 10.1016/S0021-9150(00)00389-0.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Toniutto P, Fabris C, Falleti E, Cussigh A, Fontanini E, Bitetto D, Fornasiere E, Minisini R, De Feo T, Marangoni F, Pirisi M: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphismand liver fibrosis progression in patients with recurrent hepatitis C. Liver International. 2007, 273-263.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Borgia G, Gentile I, Fortunato G, Borrelli F, Borelli S, de Caterina M, Di Taranto MD, Simone M, Borgia F, Viola C, Reynaud L, Cerini R, Sacchetti L: Homocysteine levels and sustained virological response to pegylatedinterferon α2b plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C:a prospective study. Liver International. 2008, 248-252.

    Google Scholar 

  28. da Silva VC, Ramos FJ, Freitas EM, de Brito-Marques PR, Cavalcanti MN, D'Almeida V, Cabral-Filho JE, Muniz MT: Alheimer's Disease in Brazilian Elderly has a Relation With Homocysteine but not with MTHFR polymorphisms. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2006, 64 (4): 941-945. 10.1590/S0004-282X2006000600010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Couto FD, Adorno EV, Menezes JF, MouraNeto JP, dos Reis MG: C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene and variant haemoglobin: a study in newborns from Salvador,Bahia, Brazil. Cad Saude Publica. 2004, 20 (2): 529-533. 10.1590/S0102-311X2004000200021.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Lonardo A, Adinolfi LE, Loria P, Carulli N, Ruggiero G, Day CP: Steatosis and hepatitis C: mechanisms and significance for hepatic and extrahepatic disease. Gastroenterology. 2004, 126: 586-597. 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.11.020.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Graham IM, Daly LE, Refsum HM, Robinson K, Brattström LE, Ueland PM, Palma-Reis RJ, Boers GH, Sheahan RG, Israelsson B, Uiterwaal CS, Meleady R, McMaster D, Verhoef P, Witteman J, Rubba P, Bellet H, Wautrecht JC, de Valk HW, Sales Lúis AC, Parrot-Rouland FM, Tan KS, Higgins I, Garcon D, Andria G, et al: Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. The European Concerted Action Project. JAMA. 1997, 277: 1775-81. 10.1001/jama.277.22.1775.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Clarke R, Daly L, Robinson K, Naughten E, Cahalane S, Fowler B, Graham I: Hyperhomocysteinemia: an independent risk factor for vascular disease. N Engl J Med. 1991, 324: 1149-55. 10.1056/NEJM199104253241701.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Den Heijer M, Rosendaal FR, Blom HJ, Gerrits WB, Bos GM: Hyperhomocysteinemia and venous thrombosis: a metaanalysis. Thromb Haemost. 1998, 80: 874-7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Cattaneo M: Hyperhomocysteinemia, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Thromb Haemost. 1999, 81: 165-76.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Melvin Hayden R, Suresh Tyagi C: Homocysteine and reactive oxygen species in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and atheroscleropathy: The pleiotropic effects of folate supplementation. Nutrition Journal. 2004, 3: 4-10.1186/1475-2891-3-4.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Garcia-Tevijano ER, Berasain C, Rodriguez JA, Corrales FJ, Arias R, MartĂ­n-Duce A, CaballerĂ­a J, Mato JM, Avila MA: Hyperhomocysteinemia in liver cirrhosis: mechanisms and role in vascular and hepatic fibrosis. Hypertension. 2001, 38: 1217-21. 10.1161/hy1101.099499.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Torres L, Garcia-Trevijano E R, Rodriguez JA, Carretero MV, Bustos M, Fernández E, Eguinoa E, Mato JM, Avila MA: Induction of TIMP-1 expression in rat hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes: a new role for homocysteine in liver fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1999, 1455: 12-22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Kang SS, Zhou J, Wong PW, Kowalisyn J, Strokosch G: Intermediate homocysteinemia:a thermolabile variant of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. AmJ Hum Genet. 1988, 43: 414-421.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Finkelstein JD, Martin JJ, Harris BJ: Methionine metabolism in mammals. The methionine-sparing effect of cystine. J Biol Chem. 1988, 263: 11750-11754.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Upchurch GR, Welch GN, Fabian AJ, Freedman JE, Johnson JL, Keaney JF, Loscalzo J: Homocyst(e)ine decreases bioavailable nitric oxide by a mechanism involving glutathione peroxidase. JBiol Chem. 1997, 272: 17012-17017. 10.1074/jbc.272.27.17012.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Outinen PA, Sood SK, Liaw PC, Sarge KD, Maeda N, Hirsh J, Ribau J, Podor TJ, Weitz JI, Austin RC: Characterization of the stress-inducing effects of homocysteine. Biochem J. 1998, 332: 213-221.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  42. Dayal S, Brown KL, Weydert CJ, Oberley LW, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Faraci FM, Lentz SR: Deficiency of glutathione peroxidase-1 sensitizes hyperhomocysteinemic mice to endothelial dysfunction. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2002, 22: 1996-2002. 10.1161/01.ATV.0000041629.92741.DC.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Yla-Herttuala S, Palinski W, Rosenfeld ME, Parthasarathy S, Carew TE, Butler S, Witztum JL, Steinberg D: Evidence for the presence of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein in atherosclerotic lesions of rabbit andman. J Clin Invest. 1989, 84: 1086-1095. 10.1172/JCI114271.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Werstuck GH, Lentz SR, Dayal S, Hossain GS, Sood SK, Shi YY, Zhou J, Maeda N, Krisans SK, Malinow MR, Austin RC: Homocysteine-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress causes dysregulation of the cholesterol and triglyceride biosynthetic pathways. J Clin Invest. 2001, 107: 1263-73. 10.1172/JCI11596.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. Andre P, Komurian-Pradel F, Deforges S, Perret M, Berland JL, Sodoyer M, Pol S, Bréchot C, Paranhos-Baccalà G, Lotteau V: Characterization of low- and very-low-density hepatitis C virus RNA-containing particles. J Virol. 2002, 76: 6919-6928. 10.1128/JVI.76.14.6919-6928.2002.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Agnello V, Abel G, Elfahal M, Knight GB, Zhang QX: Hepatitis C virus and other flaviviridae viruses enter cells via low density lipoprotein receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1999, 96: 12766-12771. 10.1073/pnas.96.22.12766.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Molina S, Castet V, Fournier-Wirth C, Pichard-Garcia L, Avner R, Harats D, Roitelman J, Barbaras R, Graber P, Ghersa P, Smolarsky M, Funaro A, Malavasi F, Larrey D, Coste J, Fabre JM, Sa-Cunha A, Maurel P: The low-density lipoprotein receptor plays a role in the infection of primary human hepatocytes by hepatitis C virus. J Hepatol. 2007, 46: 411-419. 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.09.024.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the CAPES (Centro de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal do Ensino Superior) that supported this study.

The authors declare that they do not have anything to disclose regarding funding from industries or conflict of interest with respect to this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology LIM-07, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Avenue Dr Arnaldo, 455, Sao Paulo, 01246903, Brazil

    Erika RF Siqueira, Cláudia PMS Oliveira & Flair J Carrilho

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, University of Pernambuco School of Medicine, Avenue Agamenon MagalhĂŁes, Pernambuco, 50.100-010, Brazil

    Erika RF Siqueira & Leila MMB Pereira

  3. Departments of Biochemistry, University of Pernambuco School of Medicine, Avenue Agamenon MagalhĂŁes, Pernambuco, 50.100-010, Brazil

    Maria TC Muniz & Filipe Silva

  4. Liver Institute of Pernambuco, ArnĂłbio Marques Street, 282, Pernambuco, 50.100-130, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Erika RF Siqueira & Leila MMB Pereira

Authors
  1. Erika RF Siqueira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cláudia PMS Oliveira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Maria TC Muniz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Filipe Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Leila MMB Pereira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Flair J Carrilho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cláudia PMS Oliveira.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

ERFS- participated in the all steps of study, including design of the study, performed the statistical analysis and wrote the manuscript.

CPMSO- critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content.

MTCM-carried out the molecular genetic studies, participated in the sequence alignment and drafted the manuscript.

FSS- acquisition of data; analysis and interpretation of data.

LMMBP- conceived of the study, and participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript.

FJC-study supervision

All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 ), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Siqueira, E.R., Oliveira, C.P., Muniz, M.T. et al. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and high plasma homocysteine in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infected patients from the Northeast of Brazil. Nutr J 10, 86 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-10-86

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-10-86

Keywords

Nutrition Journal

ISSN: 1475-2891

Contact us