Evaluation of an association of the rs1801133 MTHFR gene polymorphism with folic acid deficiency in obese patients

Abstract

Background: The use of molecular genetic technologies has made it possible to show that the genetic factor plays a significant role in the development of obesity. In addition, in obese people the supply with vitamins, in particular with folic acid, is largely controlled genetically.Aim: To study an association of the rs1801133 polymorphism of the MTHFR gene with folic acid deficiency in the residents of the Moscow region depending on their body mass index.Materials and methods: rs1801133 polymorphisms were identified in 326 subjects (74 male and 252 female) aged from 20 to 65 years, living in the Moscow region. The DNA was isolated from blood by the sorption on silica gel-coated magnetic particles. DNA was isolated with the use of the epMotion 5075 automatic station (Eppendorf, Germany). To identify the polymorphism, a polymerase chain reaction was used, followed by cleavage of the Hinf1 restriction endonuclease products, with analysis of these products by gel electrophoresis. The equipment CFX96 Real Time System (BIO-RAD, USA) was used. Folic acid was measured by ID-Vit® Folic Acid test system (R-Biopharm, Germany).Results: According to the results of folic acid measurements in blood, a deficiency of this vitamin was found in 24.2% of the studied residents of the Moscow region. Analysis of the genotyping results did not show any association of the rs1801133 MTHFR gene polymorphism with the serum levels of folic acid. However, in the subjects with overweight and obesity, there was a statistically significant association between the T allele of the rs1801133 of the MTHFR gene polymorphism and a low level of folic acid (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.09–5.74, p = 0.03).Conclusion: The rs1801133 polymorphism of the MTHFR gene significantly contributes to the development of folic acid deficiency in overweight and obese individuals.