Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and cervical cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of folate, and the role of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in cervical carcinogenesis is still controversial. Method: We performed a meta-analysis of all relevant case-control studies that examined any association between the C677T polymorphism and cervical cancer risk. We estimated summary odds ratios (ORs) with their confidence intervals (CIs) to assess links. Results: Finally, 10 studies with a total of 2113 cervical cancer cases and 2804 controls were included. Results from this meta-analysis showed that significantly elevated cervical cancer risk was associated with the MTHFR T allele in the Asian population under conditions of two genetic comparison models (for TT vs. CC, OR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.00-1.87, P = 0.050; for TT vs. TC+CC: OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.01-1.77, P = 0.039). However, there was no obvious association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and cervical cancer risk in the other populations. Conclusion: The MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with cervical cancer risk in Asians, while any possible link in the Caucasian population needs further studies.