The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C genetic polymorphisms and plasma homocysteine in Alzheimer’s disease in an Algerian population

Abstract

Background

The etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is multifactorial. The most important challenge of research is the identification of potential biomarkers associated with AD pathogenesis that may significantly contribute to early diagnosis of the disease. We aim to explore an eventual association of the C677T and A1298C genetic polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene with AD risk in an Algerian population.

Methods

This case-control study involved comparing a group of 106 patients that had developed AD to another group of 104 non-demented individuals. The MTHFR genotypes were determined using PCR-RFLP method. Additionally, the homocysteine level was evaluated.

Results

Genotypes analysis did not show an association for both MTHFR677CT and 677TT variants with AD risk (OR = 1.12; p = 0.66; OR = 1.76; p = 0.09) respectively. As expected, the 677CC wild type genotype showed a protective role against AD (OR = 0.52; p = 0.03). For 1298AC MTHFR variant, the distribution of different genotypes did not show a statistical significant difference between the two cohorts. However the silmutaneous carrier, CT/AC presented association with AD (OR = 5.96; p = 0.05). On the other hand, carrier-state of MTHFR T allele showed a relationship with AD (OR = 1.98; p = 0.02). Additionally, hyperhomocysteinemia seems to be a risk factor for AD (OR = 1.08; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our exploration reveals that the silmutaneous carrier, CT/AC, carrier-state of MTHFR T allele, and hyperhomocysteinemia seem to be risk factors for AD.

Keywords:

• MTHFR gene polymorphisms
• Alzheimer disease
• Algerian population

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the individuals who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.