Aim. Aim of this study was to determine the role of the genome of folate metabolism in the formation of triiodothyronine in children living in areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. Methods. Immunochemical, mathematical and statistical. Results. The proportion of cases of elevated blood levels of triiodothyronine is statistically significantly higher in the group of children who are carriers of the G risk allele of the MTR:А2756G genetic polymorphism associated with the В12-dependent methionine synthase enzyme than in the group of children who have no this allele (MTR:2756 A/A genotype). The formation of triiodothyronine is associated with the metabolic conversion of homocysteine involving vitamin В6 as a cofactor of cystathionine β-synthase. Conclusions. The cause of thyrotoxic effects with damage to the cardiovascular system may lie in high levels of homocysteine occurring due to impaired functioning of В12-dependent methionine synthase.
Keywords: folate metabolism, triiodothyronine, genetic polymorphisms, radiation-contaminated areas.