Supplementation with Watermelon Extract Reduces Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol in Adults with Dyslipidemia under the Influence of the MTHFR C677T Polymorphism

Introduction: Emerging evidence links a functional polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (rs1801133) with hypertension in adults. This variant reduces the affinity of MTHFR for its cofactor flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD) which is derived from riboflavin. Previous work has demonstrated a blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect of riboflavin in Irish adults with the MTHFR 677TT variant. We hypothesize that the almost-universal severe riboflavin deficiency seen in rural Gambia mimics the BP phenotypic effect of the TT variant and exacerbate the effect of the CT variant. We will test this in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial, whether intervention with riboflavin can decrease BP in adults in rural Gambia. Methods: This is a phase 2 recall-by-genotype randomised single-blind placebo-controlled riboflavin supplementation trial. We will use the Keneba biobank to recruit approximately 102 individuals aged between 18-70, previously genotyped for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and identified as carrying the T allele; these individuals will be age- and sex-matched to a similar number of homozygotes for the C allele. The participants will be randomised to a 16-week supplementation trial of 5 mg/day riboflavin or placebo, supplied every 14 days. The primary outcome, BP, will be measured at baseline and at weeks 8 and 16. Blood samples, collected at baseline and week 16, will be analysed for riboflavin, homocysteine, red cell folate, cobalamin (vitamin B12) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Discussion: The study will evaluate the role of riboflavin supplementation in BP control within a population with high levels of riboflavin deficiency and will test a possible gene-nutrient interaction with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. If improvements in BP are observed in this study, and proven in subsequent large-scale interventions, riboflavin could offer a cost-effective, safe and accessible option for the prevention and control of hypertension in this population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03151096. Registered on 12 May 2017.

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MTHFR Gene Polymorphism and Age of Onset of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/318483 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Mohamed A. El-Hadidy ◽

Hanaa M. Abdeen ◽

Sherin M. Abd El-Aziz ◽

Mohammad Al-Harrass

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase ◽

Age Of Onset ◽

Age At Onset ◽

Mthfr C677t ◽

Control Group ◽

C677t Polymorphism ◽

Mthfr C677t Polymorphism ◽

Mthfr Gene Polymorphism

Objective. Several studies with contradictory results from different cultures about association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Little is known about this association in Arab culture and Egypt. So the present study aimed to assess the association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia in comparison to control group. The association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the age at onset in schizophrenia or BD was also studied.Methods. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to examine the genotype and allele frequencies of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in 149 healthy subjects and 134 bipolar and 103 schizophrenia patients.Results. In BD and schizophrenia, there was a higher prevalence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism than healthy subjects. Earlier age at onset was found in patients with BD, carrying one copy of the T allele or CT genotypes but not in patients with schizophrenia.Conclusion. The present findings suggest that the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms are likely to be associated with the risk of developing BD and schizophrenia and influence the age at onset of BD but not the age at onset of schizophrenia.

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