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Cancer

Folic Acid and MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms May Protect Against Gastric Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from China have conducted a case-control study to investigate the potential role of folate intake and MTHFR gene polymorphisms in gastric cancer, as well as their interaction with Helicobacter pylori infection and tumor location. The study found that individuals carrying the MTHFR 677TT genotype and those with high folate intake had a decreased risk of gastric cancer. However, the effect of the MTHFR C677T genotype may differ by H. pylori infection, folate consumption, and tumor site.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the MTHFR 677TT genotype was significantly associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer when adjusted for other potential risk factors.
  • Individuals carrying the T allele of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism had a marginal significantly decreased risk of gastric cancer.
  • High folate intake was associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer, with an adjusted OR of 0.64 (95% CI=0.49-0.87) for moderate to high folate intake.
  • The effect of the MTHFR C677T genotype may differ by H. pylori infection, folate consumption, and tumor site.
  • The study suggests a protective role of MTHFR 677TT and high folate intake against gastric cancer.
  • The study involved 767 patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer and 775 controls selected from a Chinese population.
  • The study used TaqMan assays to conduct genotyping of MTHFR C677T and A1298C, and collected information on folate intake through a questionnaire.

Statistics:

  • 767 patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer were selected for the study.
  • 775 controls were selected for the study.
  • The adjusted OR for the MTHFR 677TT genotype was 0.83 (95% CI=0.65-1.01) compared to the CC genotype.
  • The adjusted ORs for moderate and high folate intake were 0.97 (0.74-1.25) and 0.64 (0.49-0.87), respectively.
  • 13% of the study population carried the MTHFR 677TT genotype.

Sources:

  • Impact of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and folate intake on the risk of gastric cancer and their association with Helicobacter pylori infection and tumor site. Genetics and Molecular Research [electronic Resource], 2014;13(4):9718-26

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