The effect of the c677T polymorphism in MTHFR gene on bone phenotypes in Korean vegetarian men

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between C677T polymorphism in methylenetetrafolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters in Korean men, and the interaction with diet as an environmental factor.

METHODS: BUA (broadband ultrasound attenuation), SOS (sound of speed) and stiffness index of calcaneus were measured using an ultrasound bone densitometer in 240 Korean men (age: mean SD; 51.1 +/- 11.6 year), and a C667T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene analyzed by PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS: In total subjects, the distribution of CC, CT and TT genotypes occurred with frequencies of 30.0%, 52.1%, and 17.9%, respectively. Comparing between control and patient groups (osteopenia and osteoporosis), there were no significant association in genotype distribution. There were also no significant associations in any bone phenotypes among each genotype group in total, non-vegetarian and vegetarian groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is likely that the C6T7T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene did not significantly contribute to the inter-individual differences of any bone phenotypes in our subjects.