MTHFR gene polymorphism and associated nutritional deficiency in the etiology and pathogenesis of Down syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundOur aim was to evaluate the influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism on maternal risk for Down syndrome (DS) and observe the impact of this polymorphism on folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 concentrations and their association with pregnancy outcome in addition to malformations in DS offspring.ResultsThe prevalence of MTHFR gene polymorphism at 677 positions in mothers of DS children (DSM) (n = 118) was compared with control mothers (CM) who were age matched with normal children and no history of spontaneous abortion (SA) (n = 118). The MTHFR gene polymorphism was detected using the PCR-RFLP method. MN frequency was measured by CBMN assay and folate; homocysteine and vitamin B12 were measured using the biochemical analyzer. All statistical analyses were carried out using the chi-square test and t test by using GraphPad Prism 7.0 software.Heterozygous (C/T) genotype was highly significant (p < 0.001) in DSM occurring at 64.4 %, while only 33% CM showed C/T genotype, with an odds ratio of 4.1. Significantly lower levels of folate (p < 0.01), vitamin B12 (p < 0.001), and higher levels of homocysteine (p < 0.01) were found in DSM compared to CM. The MN frequency was highly significant (p < 0.001) in DSM with C/T genotype when compared to CM. Within DSM, significantly higher (p < 0.001) MN frequencies were observed in DSM with C/T genotype than DSM with C/C genotype. This shows the susceptibility of chromosome malsegregation leading to DS in these women. In addition, the frequency of SA in DSM with C/T genotype was significantly higher (p < 0.01). The DS children showed significantly higher rates of congenital heart defect, preterm birth and low birth weight when mother had C/T genotype.ConclusionThe present study supports the association of MTHFR C677T with DS risk and the above mentioned associated abnormalities in the child. We suggest that identification of MTHFR genotype and adequate folate and vitamin B12 intake during the preconception and pregnancy period could help protect against congenital malformations and improving pregnancy outcome.