Polymorphism C677T MTHFR and Folate Intake in Inflammatory Biomarkers

The C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene is associated to several biochemicals imbalances, as changes in folic acid serum levels and some inflammatory markers, elevating the oxidative stress and increasing the risk of developing non communicable diseases (NCDs). Thus, a diet containing folate as a main antioxidant nutrient, could reduce not only the oxidative stress, but also has many others benefits for individuals with this genetic alteration, like the anti-inflammatory function, which could help restore the altered serum levels and minimizing or avoiding the development of future diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene and the effect of a diet containing folate in the inflammatory markers levels, such as homocysteine, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins in women with overweight or obesity. This is an intervention study, double-blind, held in a city in northeastern Brazil, with a sample of 48 adult women (20-59 years old) with BMI among 26.19 kg / m² and 49.64 kg / m². In which we evaluated the TNF-α levels, Interleukins 1β, Interleukin 6, Interleukin 8, Interleukin 12p70, Interleukin 10, homocysteine, folic acid and in addition to these markers evaluation, were made the genotyping for the C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene and the food consumption assessment by the 24 hour dietary recall (24HR). For the intervention, the sample was divided by randomization into two groups, each one with 24 indivuals, receiving daily during 8 weeks, a salad with 300g vegetables containing 191 ug of folate for group 1 and 90 ug for group 2.