The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T genotype and the risk of obesity in three large population-based cohorts

S.J. Lewis, D.A. Lawlor, B.G. Nordestgaard, A. Tybjaerg-Hansen, S. Ebrahim, J. Zacho, A. Ness, S. Leary, G.D. Smith

    Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

    41 Citationer (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: Epidemiological studies have shown that low folate levels are associated with a high body mass index (BMI). These findings have potentially important health implications and warrant further investigation to determine whether a causal relationship exists and the direction of this relationship. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T TT genotype is associated with reduced folate availability and may be a surrogate for measuring folate levels. We sought to determine whether MTHFR C677T genotype was associated with obesity. Design: We carried out our study on four populations from three longitudinal studies based in the UK and Denmark in which DNA for genotyping was obtained along with measures of obesity. Methods: Our subjects were taken from the British Women's Heart and Health Study (BWHHS), the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (two populations: mothers and children) and the Copenhagen City Heart Study. We performed analyses separately by population, and then carried out a meta-analysis, combining similar populations. Results: Initial findings in the BWHHS suggested that the TT genotype may be associated with an increased risk of obesity BMI 3 0, however, no association was found with BMI or central adiposity in this cohort. This genotype was not associated with obesity in our other cohorts. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the initial positive finding with obesity in the BWHHS was a chance finding. Our findings do not support a causal effect of low folate on obesity
    Udgivelsesdato: 2008/7
    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TidsskriftEuropean Journal of Endocrinology
    Vol/bind159
    Udgave nummer1
    Sider (fra-til)35-40
    Antal sider5
    ISSN0804-4643
    StatusUdgivet - 2008

    Bibliografisk note

    Times Cited: 0ArticleEnglishLewis, S. JUniv Bristol, Dept Social Med, Canynge Hall,Whiteladies Rd, Bristol BS8 2PR, Avon, EnglandCited References Count: 22329GUBIO SCIENTIFICA LTDEURO HOUSE, 22 APEX COURT WOODLANDS, BRADLEY STOKE, BRISTOL BS32 4JT, ENGLANDBRISTOL

    Citationsformater