The C677 mutation in methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene: Correlation with uric acid and cardiovascular risk factors in elderly Korean men

The C677T mutation in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene results in elevated homocysteine levels and, presumably, in increased cardiovascular risk. Moreover, elevated homocysteine levels are reportedly associated with high serum uric acid levels. We evaluated the MTHFR genotype and a panel of biochemical, hematological variables, and lifestyle characteristics in 327 elderly Korean men (age range 40-81 yr; mean, 51.87). This study shows that mutation of the MTHFR gene may be a risk for hyperuricemia. The mean uric acid levels for the C/C, C/T and T/T genotypes were 5.54, 5.91 and 6.33 mg/dL, respectively (p = 0.000), The T/T genotype was significantly more frequent in subjects with high uric acid levels (p = 0.003). Thus, this mutation of the MTHFR gene is implied by the study results to be a risk factor of hyperuricemia in elderly Korean men. However, the relationship between the MTHFR mutation and uric acid metabolism remains unclear. Therefore, further studies are necessary to explain the associated between the MTHFR mutation and elevated uric acid levels, and to examine potential relationships between it and conventional cardiovascular risk factors.