Association of the 677C -->T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene with colorectal cancer in Mexican patients.

The 5,10-methyl-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme plays a critical role in folate and homocysteine metabolism, and its gene, MTHFR, displays common genetic polymorphisms that influence its activity. Clinical implications of MTHFR polymorphisms have been reported for several diseases, including a variety of solid tumors such as colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, the role of the 677C -->T polymorphism of MTHFR was evaluated by genotyping 369 patients and 170 healthy controls from the Mexican population. The observed genotype frequencies for the controls and patients, respectively, were: 18.8% and 32% for 677TT; 34.7% and 34% for 677CC; 46.4% and 34% for 677CT. The odds ratio (OR) was 2.0 (95% confidence intervals CI; 1.3-3.3) (p<0.05). The data suggested that the 677C -->T polymorphism in MTHFR contributes significantly to the risk of CRC susceptibility in the Mexican population.