A METHYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE GENE POLYMORPHISM IN ISCHEMIC STROKE AND IN CAROTID-ARTERY STENOSIS

Methods A biallelic polymorphism of the methylenetretrahydrofolate red uctase (MTHFR) gene, reported to influence the plasma level of homocys teine (Hcy), was investigated for a possible role in influencing the r isk of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) and occlusive atherosc lerosis in 126 patients with ischaemic stroke and 70 patients with int ernal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Results Only minor differences we re observed between different groups of patients and control subjects. Although 47% of ICA stenosis patients had increased plasma Hcy, the M THFR genotype did not correlate with levels of either Hcy, folic acid or vitamin B-12. In addition, the MTHFR genotype did not affect Hcy le vels, even in the presence of low blood folate. Conclusion We conclude that this common MTHFR gene polymorphism does not exert a significant influence on the risk of developing ICVD or ICA stenosis, and does no t cause the increased level of Hcy observed in ICA stenosis.