MTHFR genotype and colorectal adenoma recurrence: data from a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 Sep;17(9):2409-15. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-07-2670.

Abstract

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in folate metabolism. We assessed the association between two common MTHFR variants, 677C>T and 1298A>C, and adenoma recurrence in the context of a randomized double- blind clinical trial of aspirin use and folate supplementation. We used generalized linear regression to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for recurrence, adjusting for age, sex, clinical center, follow-up time, and treatment status. Neither MTHFR polymorphism was associated with overall or advanced adenoma recurrence. Compared with those with two wild-type alleles, the relative risk for advanced adenoma was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.36-1.55) for the MTHFR 677 TT genotype and 1.16 (95% CI, 0.58-2.33) for the MTHFR 1298 CC genotype. The effect of folate supplementation on recurrence risk did not differ by genotype. Our findings indicate that the MTHFR genotype does not change adenoma risk in a manner similar to its effect on colorectal cancer, and does not modify the effect of folate supplementation on metachronous adenoma risk.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / enzymology
  • Adenoma / genetics*
  • Adenoma / prevention & control
  • Alleles
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / enzymology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Placebos
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Folic Acid
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Aspirin