Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms contribute to acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia susceptibilities: evidence from meta-analyses

Purpose: The expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Most studies have linked the common functional C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene and susceptibility to AML and CML, but the results were not consistent. The aim of the present study was to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship.

Methods: Meta-analyses assessing the association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C variations with AML and CML were conducted. Eligible articles were identified from the PubMed and EMBASE databases. All statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager Software.

Results: 10 and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis about the role of C677T polymorphism on the AML and CML risks, respectively; 6 and 4 studies were included about the role of A1298C polymorphism on the AML and CML risks, respectively. Overall, both the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were significantly associated with CML risk under the recessive model (P=0.04, OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.02-1.79 for C677T and P=0.003, OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.29-3.63 for A1298C). In addition, the risk of CML was higher in 1298CC genotype carriers than in 1298AA genotype carriers (P=0.004, OR=2.17, 95%=1.28-3.69). Conversely, the overall data failed to indicate a significant association of C677T or A1298C polymorphisms with AML risk under any model.

Conclusions: The findings provide evidence that C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are risk factors for CML risk.