Systematic review on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Fang et al., 2011 | Asian Pac J Cancer Prev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fang Yuan, Xiao Fu, ... Hao Luo. Systematic review on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2011;12(7):1861-6

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Both genetic and environmental factors play roles in pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and susceptibility may be modified by functional polymorphisms in folate metabolic genes, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). We here aimed to evaluate associations of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with ESCC. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Chinese Biomedical Database and 2 evaluators independently reviewed all the articles identified according to predetermined criteria. RESULTS: A total of 15 case-control studies published between 2001 and 2010 were included. When all the studies were pooled, the crude odds ratio (95% CI) of ESCC for individuals carrying MTHFR 677 CT and TT genotypes, as compared to CC, were 1.39 (1.11-1.75) and 1.79 (1.31-2.43), respectively. Individuals with MTHFR 1298CC showed non-significantly increased risk of ESCC, with an OR (95%CI) of 3.31 (0.90-12.17). In smokers, a significantly increased risk of ESCC was observed for those with the MTHFR 677T allele (OR (95% CI)=2.2 (1.31-2.41)). Chinese carrying MTHFR 677T and MTHFR 1298C alleles had a greater increase in ESCC risk than other ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis provided evidence that MTHFR 677CT/TT plays a carcinogenic role in ESCC, and its effect is modified by tobacco and ethnicity. The small number of subjects with the MTHFR 1299C allele genotype in published studies limits conclusions regarding this polymorphism.

Key Findings

A total of 15 case-control studies published between 2001 and 2010 were included. When all the studies were pooled, the crude odds ratio (95% CI) of ESCC for individuals carrying MTHFR 677 CT and TT genotypes, as compared to CC, were 1.39 (1.11-1.75) and 1.79 (1.31-2.43), respectively. Individuals with MTHFR 1298CC showed non-significantly increased risk of ESCC, with an OR (95%CI) of 3.31 (0.90-12.17). In smokers, a significantly increased risk of ESCC was observed for those with the MTHFR 677T

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population mthfr 1298cc showed non
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
  • China
  • Esophageal Neoplasms
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking
  • Tobacco Products

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: folate

Provenance

  • PMID: 22126580
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09