The Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is involved in reducing homocysteine level which, when elevated, has been found to predict cardiovascular events. Adequate blood folate status may decrease the circulating level of homocysteine and lower the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We studied MTHFR gene variant C667T, its association with hypertension (HT) and CVD endpoints in Croatian elderly population (85-101 yrs ; mean=88.23 yrs ; N=303 ; 65.3% hypertensives). Compared to the previously reported data, the TT genotype frequency was twice as high in senescents as in Croatian general population (12.5% vs. 6%, p=0.023). The results of multiple logistic analysis in elderlies showed significance of younger age (<90 yrs) and TT genotype (OR 2.175, p=0.039) in predicting HT. T allele carriers had increased incidence of stroke in comparison to non-carriers (p=0.027). Further, we evaluated associations between MTHFR genotype, serum folate and HT. Regardless of association of low folate (<7 pmol/l) and TT genotype (p=0.002), we found no association of folate and HT. According to our results, adequate folate levels in blood serum have no protective effect on incidence of HT. Therefore, we suggest that further research of folates - CVD endpoints relation should be directed towards broader spectrum of genes involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism rather than focusing on MTHFR polymorphisms as the main factor. Also, our results indicate that T allele may have some selective advantage that contributes to longevity.

Biologija,Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita,Etnologija i antropologija