MTHFR C677T mutation increased the risk of Ischemic Stroke, especially in large-artery atherosclerosis in adults: an updated meta-analysis from 38 researches

Abstract

Background: To date, many publications have evaluated the correlation between the Ethylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) C677T and Ischemic Stroke susceptibility in adults. However, the results remain inconclusive. The meta-analysis was performed to resolve the problem. Methods: Based on 38 studies, dichotomous data were presented as the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: This study found, the carriers of the MTHFR 677C→T variation were more likely to increase the risk of Ischemic Stroke susceptibility in all over pooled population, including Asian and European, but not in African population (Europe: TT vs. CC+TC: OR = 1.364 95% CI = 1.010–1.841 p = 0.043; Asia subgroup: T vs. C: OR = 1.245, 95% CI = 1.141–1.358, p < 0.001; Africa: T vs. C: OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 0.990–1.459, p = 0.062). Among etiology stratified analysis, only large-artery atherosclerosis subgroups had a significant different, and the p value was less than 0.01 in all genetic models (T vs. C: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.09-1.52, p = 0.002; TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.06-1.51, p = 0.009; TT vs. CC+TC: OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.19–2.19, p = 0.002). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that MTHFR C677T mutation increased the risk of Ischemic Stroke in adults, especially in large-artery atherosclerosis.

KEYWORDS:

• ischemic stroke
• MTHFR gene
• susceptibility
• meta-analysis
• gene polymorphism

Appendix:  Findings of the studies included in this meta-analysis.