Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and methionine synthase A2756G gene polymorphisms and associated risk of cardiovascular diseases: A study from Jammu region.

AIM: Potent risk factors at both genetic and non-genetic levels are accountable for susceptibility and instigation of different cardiovascular phenotypes. Recently, homocysteine is being identified as an important predictor for cardiovascular diseases. Homocysteine remethylation plays a key role in the synthesis of methionine and S-adenosine methionine. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase (MTR) genes are known to regulate the homocysteine remethylation reaction and higher homocysteine level is significantly associated with diverse cardiovascular phenotypes. In this context, we aimed to carry out a study on the association of MTHFR (C677T) and MTR (A2756G) gene polymorphism with CVD in population of Jammu region of J&K state.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 435 individuals were enrolled (195 CVD patients and 240 controls) for the case-control study. Genotyping of MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G gene polymorphism was done by PCR-RFLP technique. Biochemical parameters were estimated by biochemical analyser.
RESULTS: Metabolic variables such as serum LDL-C, TC and TG were significantly higher in patients (p<0.0001), whereas serum HDL-C was higher in controls. Majority of the patients were having history of hypertension (57.44%; p<0.0001) as a concomitant condition. The evaluation of genetic association showed that, MTHFR C6877T (OR: 8.89, 95% CI: 2.01-39.40) and MTR A2756G (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09-2.00) polymorphisms associated with higher risk of CVD.
CONCLUSION: The present study reveals significant differences in nongenetic variables among patients and control as well as association of gene polymorphisms with CVD risk.

Introduction

Notwithstanding the immense advancement and sophistication in healthcare system, the challenge to check the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) still remains, be it a developed nation like the USA or a developing country like India. It is a matter of great concern that CVDs alone would soon be the single largest cause of mortality accounting for more than a third of all deaths worldwide. Besides well established risk factors such as hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, smoking, male gender, dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle and family history,2, 3, 4, 5 genetic alterations in the genes controlling homocysteine and folate metabolism are also linked to onset of CVDs.6, 7 Several investigators have implicated elevated plasma homocysteine as an independent marker for atherosclerotic cardiovascular condition.8, 9, 10, 11 Homocysteine and folate metabolism is dependent on couple of genes performing their specific role, but two genes namely MTR and MTHFR genes are considered critical genes for development of diseased cardiovascular phenotypes particularly congenital heart diseases12, 13 and coronary artery diseases.14, 15, 16 MTHFR enzyme is a co-factor for conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. It has been demonstrated that C677T polymorphism in exon 4 of MTHFR gene reduces enzyme activity, which may be a plausible reason for elevated concentration of plasma homocysteine.17, 18, 19, 20, 21 MTR is engaged in dual performance of both demethylation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate and also, remethylation of homocysteine to methionine by utilizing methyl group donated by 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. A common polymorphism in the MTR gene (A2756G) is associated with hyperhomocystenemia and DNA hypomethylation.22, 23, 24 The distribution of MTHFR and MTR gene SNPs project a higher degree of heterogeneity not among worldwide populations25, 26, 27, 28 but a transient difference was observed in allelic distribution among different Indian populations due to diverse ethnicity.29, 30 The state of Jammu & Kashmir represents diverse cultural and genetic heritage belonging to Kashmiri (Kashmir), Dogra (Jammu) and Ladakhi populations (Ladakh). The ethnicity, genetic makeup, basic lifestyle and dietic pattern of an individual can greatly influence the onset and pathogenesis of disease. The lack of any molecular level study in context to CVD, targeting the populations of Jammu, called for undertaking the research work documented herein. We have attempted to assess link of MTHFR (C677T) and MTR (A2756G) gene variation and risk of CVD in populace of Jammu region of J&K state.

Materials and methods

Study population

The study population comprised of 195 CVD cases (men = 128; women = 67) and 240 healthy controls (men = 145; women = 95), who were genetically unrelated and belonging to Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir state. Eligible cases were patients with major CVD phenotypes encompassing coronary artery disease, acquired arrhythmia (associated with atherosclerotic coronary condition) and myocardial infarction (including acute coronary syndrome).

Ethical approval

The present study design was duly approved by Animal and Human Experimentation Ethical Committee (AHEEC), University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Each study participant was made aware of the nature and scope of the study. Data and blood collection from study individuals was effected after having their informed written consent.

Data collection and clinical evaluation

Non-genetic data including age, dwelling, age of onset and duration of disease, history of HTN/DM, habit of smoking/alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, family history, diet pattern, anthropometric (body mass index and waist hip ratio) and physiometric variables (SBP, DBP, PR and PP) were recorded in pre-designed health datasheet from each study participant.

Demographic profile

The dwelling pattern of the study participants was divided into urban (who had the advantage of instant access to urbane facilities), sub-urban (who dwelled at a distance) and rural (who had remote access to urbane settlements) areas.

Behavioral determinants

Smokers were categorized as current smoker (who smokes one or more cigarette/tobacco per day), ex-smoker (person with former smoking habit for at least 1 year) and non-smoker (person who never smoked). Alcohol intake was assessed in three categories as: current alcoholics (person who drinks per day or week), former alcoholics (subjects with previous history of alcohol intake) and non-alcoholics (person who never drunk). Physical activity was assessed as performers (person involved in any significant bodily activity like walking/jogging/exercise as a minimum of 30 min) and sedentary (person not involved in any bodily exercise).

Anthropometric characteristics

Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as ratio of weight and height (weight in kg/height in m2) and the values were defined according to the recommendations proposed by WHO for Asians. Waist hip ratio (WHR) was obtained as waist circumference divided by hip circumference and was defined as ≥0.90 for men and ≥0.80 for women.

Physiometric characteristics

According to JNC7 guidelines patient on antihypertensive medications or having a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mmHg or greater and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg or greater were considered as having HTN. Pulse rate (PR) was counted by feeling radial artery at the wrist over one minute. Pulse pressure (PP) was calculated by applying formula: PP = Systolic blood pressure (SBP) − Diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Biochemical profiling

Five milliliters of peripheral blood was collected in EDTA vacutainers from each fasting study individual. Lipid profiling (LDL-C, HDL-C, TC and TG) was done on automated biochemical analyzer (Roche, Cobas CIII).

DNA isolation and genotyping

Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes using phenol–chloroform–isoamyl extraction. Qualification and quantification of extracted DNA were done by using agarose gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. The MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and MTR A2756G (rs1805087) gene polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) genotyping technique. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism was detected by target DNA amplification using the forward primer 5′-TGA AGG AGA AGG TGT CTG CGG GA-3′ and the reverse primer 5′-AGG ACG GTG CGG TGA GAG TG-3′ described by Matsuo et al. (2001). For detection of genotypes of MTR A2756G variants following site specific oligonucleotide primers were used: forward primer 5′-TGT TCC AGA CAG TTA GAT GAA AAT C-3′ and the reverse primer 5′-GAT CCA AAG CCT TTT ACA CTC CTC-3′.

PCR conditions

Standard PCR reactions for both MTHFR and MTR genes were performed in Applied Biosystems thermal cycler (Make Veriti by Life Technology, Singapore) using 25 μl of final reaction mixture containing 2 μl DNA (50 ng–100 of genomic DNA), 5 μl flexi buffer (5×), 0.5 μl dNTPs (10 mM), 0.3 μl Taq polymerase (5 U/μl), 0.5 μl each primers (100 pmol/μl) and 13.7 μl sterile distilled water to make up the final volume. PCR thermal cycling conditions for MTHFR 677 were: pre-denaturation – 2 min at 94 °C, denaturation – 30 s at 94 °C, annealing – 1 min at 62 °C, extension – 30 s at 72 °C and final extension – 7 min at 72 °C. The PCR was carried out for 40 cycles. For MTR gene, the conditions were as follows: pre-denaturation – 4 min at 95 °C, followed by 35 cycles with denaturation – 1 min at 95 °C, annealing – 1.5 min at 61 °C, extension – 1 min at 72 °C and final extension – 7 min at 72 °C. The amplified PCR products were 198 bp for MTHFR gene and 211 bp for MTR gene.

RFLP conditions

The restriction digestion was performed by using 0.3 μl of restriction enzyme (10 U/μl), 2 μl NEB restriction buffer 4, 10 μl of amplified PCR product and 7.7 μl of sterile distilled water to reach total volume of 20 μl. The restriction endonuclease used for detection of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was Hinf I (New England Biolabs) and for MTR, it was Hae III (New England Biolabs). The restriction digestion mixture was given overnight incubation at 37 °C.

Detection of genotypes

The products of restriction digestion were separated on a 4% agarose gel pre-stained with ethidium bromide and analyzed under UV light. Genotypes of all individuals were noted as:

MTHFR C677T polymorphism: CC (wild) = 198 bp; CT (hetero) = 198 bp + 175 bp + 23 bp; and TT (mutant) = 175 bp + 23 bp (Fig. 1). MTR A2756G polymorphism: AA (wild) = 211 bp; AG (hetero) = 211 bp + 131 bp + 80 bp; and GG (mutant) = 131 bp + 80 bp (Fig. 2).

Fig. 1

Showing the restriction digestion of MTR PCR product with HaeII enzyme. Lane no. 1 – marker, Lanes 2, 3, 6 and 7 – homozygous wild, Lanes 4 and 5 – heterozygous.

Fig. 2

Showing the restriction digestion of MTHFR PCR product with HinfI enzyme. Lane no. 9 – marker, Lanes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 – homozygous wild, Lanes 4 and 7 – heterozygous.

Statistical analysis

For non-genetic variables, mean and standard deviation were calculated and Student's t-test was performed to calculate the difference between the patients and controls. The allele frequencies were calculated by allele counting for each genetic marker. Hardy–Weinberg equation and the differences in genotypic frequencies were examined by using Chi-square test. The odd-ratios (OR) for different MTHFR and MTR genotypes/alleles were calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI) by unconditional logistic regression and concurrently, p values were calculated to conclude risk association with CVD. A value of p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 17.

Results

Non-genetic factors

Different non-genetic variables including physiometric, anthropometric and biochemical variables along with personal history of study participants are enlisted in Table 1, Table 2.

Table 1

Prevalence of CVD risk factors in study groups.

Parameters	Patients			Controls			OR	p-Value	95% CI
	Men (n = 128)	Women (n = 67)	Total (n = 195)	Men (n = 145)	Women (n = 95)	Total (n = 240)
Age (years)	58.98 ± 15.08	53.40 ± 13.94	57.06 ± 14.90	42.03 ± 12.58	41.73 ± 12.51	41.91 ± 12.53	–	–	–
Dwelling
Urban	61 (47.66%)	24 (35.82%)	85 (43.59%)	28 (19.31%)	25 (26.31%)	53 (22.08%)	–	–	–
Sub-urban	49 (38.28%)	23 (34.33%)	72 (36.92%)	65 (44.83%)	41 (43.16%)	106 (44.17%)		–	–
Rural	18 (14.06%)	20 (29.85%)	38 (19.49%)	52 (35.86%)	29 (30.53%)	81 (33.75%)			–
Physical activity
Performers	67 (52.34%)	23 (34.33%)	90 (46.15%)	102 (70.34%)	60 (63.16%)	162 (67.5%)	Ref
Sedentary	61 (47.66%)	44 (65.67%)	105 (53.85%)	43 (29.66%)	35 (36.84%)	78 (32.5%)	2.42	<0.0001*	1.64–3.58
Smoking
Current	25 (19.53%)	1 (1.5%)	26 (13.33%)	34 (23.45%)	2 (2.11%)	36 (15%)	1.09	0.76	0.63–1.89
Formers	38 (29.69%)	1 (1.5%)	39 (20%)	8 (5.52%)	–	8 (3.33%)	7.35	<0.001*	3.33–16.23
Non-smokers	65 (50.78%)	65 (97.0%)	130 (66.67%)	103 (71.03%)	93 (97.89%)	196 (81.67%)	Ref
Duration of smoking (years)	24.51 ± 13.63	13.5 ± 9.19	24.17 ± 13.60	11.90 ± 13.82	30.5 ± 34.65	12.75 ± 15.01	–	–	–
Alcohol intake
Current	43 (33.59%)	–	43 (22.05%)	27 (18.62%)	–	27 (11.25%)	2.49	0.0007*	1.47–4.22
Former	16 (12.5%)	–	16 (8.21%)	–	–	–	–	–	–
Never	69 (53.91%)	67 (100%)	136 (69.74%)	118 (81.38%)	95 (100%)	213 (88.75%)	Ref.
Duration of alcohol intake (years)	22.12 ± 14.55	–	21.14 ± 13.75	9.07 ± 5.05	–	9.07 ± 5.05	–	–	–
Diet pattern
Vegetarian	25 (19.53%)	33 (49.25%)	58 (29.74%)	52 (35.86%)	55 (57.89%)	107 (44.58%)	Ref
Non-vegetarian	103 (80.47%)	34 (50.75%)	137 (70.26%)	93 (64.14%)	40 (42.11%)	133 (55.42%)	1.90	0.002*	1.27–2.83
History of HTN
Yes	81 (63.28%)	31 (46.27%)	112 (57.44%)	–	–	–	–	<0.0001*	–
No	47 (36.72%)	36 (53.73%)	83 (42.56%)	–	–	–	–
History of DM
Yes	25 (19.53%)	13 (19.40%)	38 (19.49%)	–	–	–	–	0.0001*	–
No	103 (80.47%)	54 (80.60%)	157 (80.51%)	–	–	–

HTN, hypertension; DM, diabetes mellitus.

Significant values.

Table 2

Physiometric, anthropometric and biochemical variables in the study groups.

Parameters	Patients			Controls			p-Value
	Men (n = 128)	Women (n = 67)	Total (n = 195)	Men (n = 145)	Women (n = 95)	Total (n = 240)
Blood pressure (mmHg)
Systolic (SBP)	143.75 ± 19.53	138.19 ± 23.66	141.84 ± 21.15	125.45 ± 7.31	122.73 ± 7.94	124.37 ± 7.67	<0.0001*
Diastolic (DBP)	88.63 ± 9.46	87.04 ± 10.58	88.09 ± 9.86	86.04 ± 10.16	83.82 ± 8.74	85.16 ± 9.67	0.002*
Pulse pressure (PP)	55.19 ± 15.72	51.15 ± 18.03	53.80 ± 16.62	39.41 ± 8.93	38.90 ± 6.73	39.21 ± 8.12	<0.0001*
Pulse rate (PR)	80.53 ± 11.38	85.12 ± 17.34	82.11 ± 13.85	73.43 ± 4.16	72.94 ± 2.76	73.24 ± 3.67	<0.0001*
BMI	24.11 ± 4.30	24.67 ± 5.65	24.30 ± 4.80	23.01 ± 3.80	22.46 ± 4.50	22.79 ± 4.07	0.0004*
WHR	1.00 ± 0.07	0.99 ± 0.10	1.00 ± 0.08	0.95 ± 0.05	0.95 ± 0.05	0.95 ± 0.05	<0.0001*
Total cholesterol (TC) (mg/dl)	184.26 ± 58.85	185.30 ± 65.23	184.62 ± 60.95	131.44 ± 31.17	124.82 ± 31.67	128.82 ± 31.47	<0.0001*
Triglycerides (TG) (mg/dl)	207.95 ± 86.16	198.13 ± 71.69	204.58 ± 81.42	124.13 ± 26.75	122.04 ± 26.45	123.30 ± 26.6	<0.0001*
HDL-C (mg/dl)	35.62 ± 9.95	37.24 ± 9.54	36.18 ± 9.82	50.81 ± 7.03	52.28 ± 6.25	51.39 ± 6.75	<0.0001*
LDL-C (mg/dl)	126.66 ± 69.75	135.76 ± 74.53	129.78 ± 71.37	78.26 ± 18.56	75.58 ± 20.37	77.20 ± 19.30	<0.0001*

Values are mean ± SD.

SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, body mass index; WHR, waist hip ratio, HDL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Significant values.

Demographic characteristics

During the study course, we enrolled a good deal of male patients (n = 128) as compared to females (n = 67). Majority of the patients were natives of urban (43.59) and sub-urban (36.92%) areas of Jammu region. The dwelling pattern of controls showed that most of them belong to sub-urban (44.17%) areas of Jammu region followed by rural (33.75%) and urban (22.08%) vicinity.

Behavioral determinants and diet pattern

The CVD patients were elder than the controls, with a mean age of 57.06 ± 14.90 years compared to 41.91 ± 12.53 years in the control group. Sedentary behavior was significantly exhibited by patient group (53.85%; p < 0.0001) as compared to controls (32.5%). The prevalence of physical inactivity was higher in female patients in contrast to male patients in the present study (67.12% vs 48.18%). Smoking appeared to be potent risk factor for CVD in our population with 13.33% patients engaged in current smoking habit [OR = 1.12, 95% CI (0.6531–1.9238); p = 0.6787], 21.90% were former smokers [OR = 7.35, 95% CI (3.33–16.23); p < 0.001] and 66.67% were non-smokers. On the contrary, frequency of non-smokers was higher among controls. The pattern of alcohol intake was higher in cases (22.05% current alcoholics and 8.21% former alcoholics) than controls (11.25% current alcoholics). Women participants of our study were not reported to be engrossed in drinking habit owing to cultural perspective. Moreover, female subjects of the present study were not found to be actively engaged in smoking as like male subjects. 70.26% of patients were reportedly non-vegetarian, whereas 55.42% controls were also found to be keen for non-vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diet was more prevalent in female participants.

Anthropometric, physiometric, metabolic characteristics and co-morbid disease

BMI and WHR were calculated for both study groups as increment in these anthropometric variables adds to risk of CVD in an individual. It was seen that patients had significantly higher BMI and WHR values (24.30 ± 4.80 and 1.00 ± 0.08) than controls (22.79 ± 4.07 and 0.95 ± 0.05) respectively. The SBP, DBP, PP, and PR were significantly higher in CVD patients as compared with controls. Significant distinction was observed in serum LDL-C, HDL-C, TC and TG levels among cases and controls. The mean total cholesterol of cases and controls was 184.62 ± 60.95 and 128.82 ± 31.47, those of triglycerides were 204.58 ± 81.42 and 123.30 ± 26.6 and those of LDL-C were 129.78 ± 71.37 and 77.20 ± 19.30 respectively. However, HDL-C level appeared to be in lower range in patients (36.18 ± 9.82) and higher in controls (51.39 ± 6.75, p < 0.0001). In comparison to DM (18.1%), history of HTN (53.33%) was found to be higher in patients as a co-morbid condition. The percentage of male patients with HTN as a co-morbid disease was more than DM, whereas sex-specific comparison showed that frequency of CVD and DM was almost similar in both male (19.53%) and female (19.40%) patients.

Among different non-genetic risk factors, lifestyle parameters namely sedentary behavior, history of previous smoking and alcohol intake; SBP; WHR; high levels of serum LDL-C, TG and low levels of HDL-C were highly significant (p < 0.0001) to be associated with CVD.

Genetic factors

Genotypic and allelic allocation of both MTHFR (C677T) and MTR (A2756G) gene polymorphisms among cases and controls are summarized in Table 3. The MTHFR genotype distribution was in the range of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for both study participants (cases: χ2 = 0.27, p = 0.05; controls: χ2 = 0, p = 0.05). The frequencies of CC vs CT and CC vs CT + TT [OR = 9.20, 95% CI (2.06–41.01); p = 0.00047] genotypes differed significantly between the two groups. OR for C vs T allele showed that ‘T’ allele of MTHFR gene was adding 8.89 folds (p = 0.00053) risk for the development of CVD in our population. There was a statistical significant difference between genotypic distribution for MTR (A2756G) polymorphism between patients (χ2 = 22.1, p = 0.001) and controls (χ2 = 20.72, p = 0.001). Logistic regression for AA vs AG [OR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.11–2.39); p = 0.01] and AA vs AG + GG [OR = 1.69, 95% CI (1.15–2.47); p = 0.007] genotypes appeared to have a significant association. The mutant “G” allele of MTR (A2756G) polymorphism is having a significant role for the development of CVD phenotype in the study population [OR = 1.48, 95% CI (1.09–2.00); p = 0.01] (Table 4).

Table 3

Genotypic and allelic allocation of MTHFR (C677T) and MTR (A2756G) polymorphism in study groups.

Genotypes/alleles/genetic model	CVD cases (n = 195) (%)	Controls (n = 240) (%)	OR (95% CI)*	p-Value
MTHFR C677T
677CC	181 (92.82%)	238 (99.17%)	1 (Reference)
677 CT (CC vs CT)	14 (7.18%)	2 (0.83%)	9.20 [2.06–41.01]	0.00047*
677 TT (CC vs TT)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	Not possible†	–
677 CT + TT (CC vs CT + TT)	14 (7.18%)	2 (0.83%)	9.20 [2.06–41.01]	0.00047*
677C	0.96	0.996	1 (Reference)
677T (C vs T)	0.04	0.004	8.89 [2.01–39.40]	0.00053*
MTRA2756G
2756AA	81 (41.54%)	131 (54.58%)	1 (Reference)
2756AG (AA vs AG)	110 (56.41%)	109 (45.42%)	1.63 [1.11–2.39]	0.01*
2756GG (AA vs GG)	4 (2.05%)	0 (0%)	Not possible†	–
2756AG + GG (AA vs AG + GG)	114 (58.46%)	109 (45.42%)	1.69 [1.15–2.47]	0.007*
2756A	0.7	0.8	1 (Reference)
2756G (A vs G)	0.3	0.2	1.48 [1.09–2.00]	0.01*

OR and 95% CI were calculated with MTHFR 677CC and MTR 2756AA genotype as reference group.

Some genotype combinations were not observed, so it was not possible to calculate odds ratio.

Significant values.

Table 4

Combined genotype frequencies of MTHFR and MTR gene polymorphisms in study groups.

Variant MTHFR C677T/MTR A2756G	CVD cases (n = 195) (%)	Controls (n = 240) (%)	OR (95% CI)*	p-Value
677CC/2756AA	73 (37.44%)	130 (54.16%)	1 (Reference)
677CT/2756AA	8 (4.10%)	1 (0.42%)	14.25 [1.75–116.17]	0.01*
677TT/2756AA	0	0	Not possible†
677CC/2756AG	104 (53.33%)	108 (45%)	1.71 [1.16–2.54]	0.007*
677CT/2756AG	6 (3.08%)	1 (0.42%)	10.68 [1.26–90.48]	0.03*
677TT/2756AG	0	0	Not possible†
677CC/2756GG	4 (2.05%)	0	Not possible†
677CT/2756GG	0	0	Not possible†
677TT/2756GG	0	0	Not possible†

Some genotype combinations were not observed, so it was not possible to calculate odds ratio.

Significant values.

Discussion and conclusion

Study of both non-genetic and genetic determinants can give an apparent delineation of disease pathophysiology and the later generates possible options for disease management. The classical non-genetic risk factors, which were undertaken in the present study included dwelling, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol intake, diet pattern, any history of concomitant disease including HTN, DM, etc. Main portion of the patient participants of our study belonged to urban counterparts of Jammu region. Sedentary behavior was adopted by higher percentage of patient population as their basic lifestyle pattern. Smoking emerged to be potent risk factor for CVD in our population. Men, when compared to women, were reportedly more prone to smoking. Strong association of smoking with CAD was also reported by Achari and Thakur (2004). A significant pattern of fluctuations in biochemical variables (LDL, HDL, TC and TG) from the normal range was observed in cases. In comparison to DM, the present study revealed that history of HTN in patients was a predominant co-morbid state. Iqbal and researchers (2012) suggested HTN as one of major contributors for CVD phenotype. On the contrary, a previous report revealed a higher incidence of HTN and DM as concomitant conditions than HTN and CAD, in Jammu region of J&K state. Aggarwal et al. (2012) reported high prevalence of smoking, dyslipidemia and HTN in Indian patients with CAD. Study undertaken by Iyer et al. (2011) and De et al. (2004) are in concordance with the present study.

Every individual has a unique identity in terms of both phenotype and genotype. Of course, it is a universal truth that 99.9% of human genome architecture is identical with a difference of only 0.1%. In the last couple of decades, a tremendous effort has been made by researchers worldwide to elucidate a functional link between such human genetic variations particularly SNPs and complex traits including CVDs. Since, MTHFR and MTR genes are the key genes of homocysteine pathway, any variation in these genes could bring a deviation in the said pathway from routine functioning and is correlated to the appearance of complex cardiovascular phenotypes. The present study has been designed to elucidate the association of MTHFR (C677T) and MTR (A2756G) gene variants in susceptibility of CVDs in populace of Jammu region.

In our study, we found higher frequency of T allele in cases as compared to controls, and a significant association of the said polymorphism was observed in CVD patients. Similarly, Dhar et al. (2010) found T allele to be significantly related with CAD in eastern Indian population. Matam et al. (2014) depicted that T allele greatly influences the risk of CAD in south Indian population (T vs C: OR = 3.1; p = 0.00001). Research on other Indian populations has shown MTHFR (C677T) gene polymorphism to be a strong candidate for CVDs.16, 43, 44 A non-significant association with CAD was formulated by Pandey et al. (2011) despite having higher frequency of T allele in cases than the controls. Vasisht and colleagues (2002) also found higher frequency trend for ‘T’ allele in north Indian CAD patients than in controls but these associates failed to proclaim any significant association of the said polymorphism with the atherosclerotic coronary phenotype. Study conducted by other researchers showed negative association of MTHFR gene polymorphism with CAD.29, 47 Regarding different worldwide population groups strong positive relationship between TT genotype of MTHFR (C677T) SNP and risk of CVD has been described by some eminent researchers,48, 49, 50 whereas a couple of case–control studies presented contradictory results.51, 52, 53, 54 Recently, it has been proposed that evaluation of CVD risk in T2DM patients cannot be carried out on the presence of either MTHFR C677T polymorphism or mutant genotypes. Investigations on MTHFR gene polymorphisms by various distinguished researchers worldwide reported MTHFR (C677T) gene variant as a feeble marker for CAD,29, 52, 56, 57, 58 arrhythmia, MI and stroke. Conversely, Kluijtmans and associates (1996) reported positive association of homozygous TT genotype with a three-fold increase in risk for premature CVD. Several research studies have assessed an apparent association of MTHFR (677-TT) genotype with hyper-homocystinuria and CVD.60, 61, 62 A comparison on genotypic and allelic frequency of MTHFR gene polymorphism in relation to CVD phenotypes between present study and other studies is depicted in Table 5.

Table 5

MTHFR (C677 T) gene polymorphism in different ethnic groups.

Ethnicity	Frequency of genotypes (%)						Frequency of alleles (%)				Type of CVD phenotype	Reference
	Cases			Controls			Cases		Controls
	CC	CT	TT	CC	CT	TT	C	T	C	T
North Indian	92.82	7.18	0	99.17	0.83	0	96.41	3.59	99.5	0.5	CAD, MI, Arrhythmia	Present study
North Indian	70.9	24.6	4.4	73.59	25	1.4	83.3	16.7	86.1	13.9	CAD	Pandey et al. (2011)47
East Indian	51.6	21.6	26.72	72.94	14.11	12.9	61.96	38.03	63.97	36.12	CAD	Dhar et al. (2010)43
South Indian	73.3	26.7	0	80	20	0	86	14	90	10	MI and DM	Angeline et al. (2009)66
Arabs	64.2	32.1	3.7	72.2	25.8	2	80	20	85	15	CAD	Abu-Amero et al. (2003)54
Turkish	48.7	40	11.3	55.9	40.7	3.4	69	31	76	24	CAD	Caner et al. (2008)60
Italian	29.2	48.7	22.1	24.7	52.5	22.8	53.5	46.5	50.93	49.07	Arrhythmia	Giusti et al. (2007)55

CAD, coronary artery disease; EH, essential hypertension; MI, myocardial infarction; DM, diabetes mellitus.

Regarding MTR gene, the present study has figured out higher frequency of G allele in cases than in controls. Similarly, Jemaa et al. (2008) revealed significant and dependent association between the G allele of the MTR gene and MI in Tunisian population. Huang and colleagues (2008), observed a striking difference between MTHFR (C677T), MTR (A2756G) gene polymorphisms and hyperlipidemia in Northern Chinese subjects. These investigators reported that the subjects with G allele of MTR gene and increased levels of homocysteine had higher risk of combined hyperlipidemia. On the contrary, insignificant association was observed by Lakshmi et al. (2011) and Kanth et al. (2011). Singh and Lele (2012), in their meta-analysis declared MTR (A2756G) gene (OR = 1.61; p = 0.06) as a weak marker for CAD. Salomon and co-authors (2001) suggested that homozygosity for MTR 2756G genotype did not confer risk for idiopathic venous thromboembolism. As in the results concerning MTHFR gene, controversial results were also shown by MTR (A2756G) gene polymorphism and risk of CVD among different populations (Table 6).

Table 6

MTR (A2756G) gene polymorphism in different ethnic groups.

Ethnicity	Frequency of genotypes (%)						Frequency of alleles (%)				Type of CVD phenotype	Reference
	Cases			Controls			Cases		Controls
	AA	AG	GG	AA	AG	GG	A	G	A	G
North Indian	41.54	56.41	2.05	54.58	45.52	0	69.74	30.26	77	23	CAD, MI, Arrhythmia	Present study
South Indian	94	6	0	210	0	0	97	3	100	–	CAD	Kanth et al. (2011)29
South Indian	170	149	31	126	141	12	69.8	31.2	70.4	29.6	CAD	Lakshmi (2011)45
Chinese	88.9	10.7	0.39	84.6	15	0.4	94.2	5.8	92.1	7.9	Cerebrovascular diseases	Aifan et al. (2009)67
Tunisian	72	26.2	1.9	80.5	18.7	0.9	85	15	90	10	MI	Jemaa et al. (2008)65
Italian	70	28	2	68.9	29	2.1	83.99	16.01	83.39	16.61	Arrhythmia	Giusti et al. (2007)55

CAD, coronary artery disease; EH, essential hypertension; MI, myocardial infarction.

In the work under report, we observed a significant association of both MTHFR (C677T) and MTR (A2756G) gene polymorphisms with CVD. The possible limitations of the present study may include small sample size, sample enrolment from single region of J&K state and lack of homocysteine measurements. Plasma homocysteine levels appear to increase with age and sex as are CVDs. In the present study the mean age of the patients also differs significantly from the controls, which speculates the attribution of risk of CVD to difference in plasma homocysteine levels in the study participants. Since, we were not able to measure homocysteine levels in the study participants hence; it is difficult to reach a definite conclusion. The study needs to be further replicated by taking into consideration the above-mentioned limitations, which may help in ascertaining the results. We intend to plan a wider research study on diversity of gene variations of homocysteine metabolism in CVD among populations of three regions of the J&K state in future.

Conflicts of interest

The authors have none to declare.