Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and susceptibility to epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism was reported as risk factor for multiple diseases due to its role in conversion of homocysteine to methionine. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to find out the validity of association of C677T polymorphism with epilepsy susceptibility.

METHODS: Pubmed, Science Direct, Springer Link and Google Scholar, databases were searched for relevant studies up to January, 31, 2018. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed using five genetic models. All statistical analysis was done by MetaAnalyst and Mix programs.

RESULTS: Except recessive model, significant association was found between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and epilepsy risk in other four genetic models (T vs C: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.52, p = 0.004; TT vs CC: OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.19-1.82, p = 0.0003; TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05-1.38, p = 0.008; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11-1.62, p = 0.002). Similarly, in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, significant association was found in Asian (T vs C: OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.15-2.99; p = 0.03) and Caucasian populations (TT vs CC: OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.10-1.1.73; p = 0.005). No evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias was detected in present meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, results of present meta-analysis suggested that 677T allele of MTHFR is significantly increases the epilepsy susceptibility.