The C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism influences the homocysteine-lowering effect of hormone replacement therapy

Elevated homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular dise ase and has been associated with a common C677T polymorphism in the methyle netetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. Estrogen use has been shown to r educe homocysteine concentrations, suggesting that this might contribute to the cardiovascular benefit of hormone replacement therapy. We examined 90 postmenopausal women to determine if MTHFR genotype affected the response o f homocysteine to hormone replacement therapy. Women with the TT genotype d id not show decreased homocysteine in response to hormone replacement thera py as demonstrated for women with the CG genotype and may receive decreased cardiovascular benefits from hormone replacement therapy. (C) 1999 Academi c Press.