Contribution of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine Methyltransferase Reductase Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer in Taiwan

Abstract

Background/Aim: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase (MTRR) is responsible for folate metabolism, and we aimed to investigate its genetic role in colorectal cancer (CRC) among Taiwanese. Materials and Methods: A total of 362 cases and 362 controls were recruited and their MTRR rs1801394 (A66G) and rs1532268 (C524T) genotypes were examined. The behavioral factors and clinicalpathological factors were also analyzed. Results: MTRR rs1801394 genotypes were associated with CRC risk (p for trend=0.0087). In detail, G/G genotype was associated with lower risk (p=0.0049, OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.20-0.76). As for allelic frequency analysis, G allele was also associated with decreased CRC risk (p=0.0026, OR=0.68, 95%CI=0.53-0.88). There was no significant association as for MTRR rs1532268. Among non-smokers and non-alcohol drinkers, those with G/G genotype were at 0.38- and 0.46-fold odds of having CRC. There were no significant protective effects among smokers or alcohol drinkers. Conclusion: MTRR rs1801394 GG genotype can be a protective marker for CRC risk in Taiwan.