Homocysteine, B vitamins, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, and risk of primary open-angle glaucoma: a meta-analysis

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Homocysteine, B vitamins, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, and risk of primary open-angle glaucoma: a meta-analysis

Xu et al., 2012 | Ophthalmology | Meta Analysis

Citation

Xu Fan, Zhao Xin, ... Li Min. Homocysteine, B vitamins, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, and risk of primary open-angle glaucoma: a meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2012-Dec;119(12):2493-9. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2012.06.025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, serum folic acid, vitamin B(12) and vitamin B(6) levels, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype and risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There are conflicting reports on the association of Hcy, folic acid, vitamin B(12), vitamin B(6), MTHFR, and risk of POAG. We conducted this meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the association. METHODS: Pertinent articles were identified through a systematic search of the EMBASE and Medline databases. Results were pooled using meta-analytic methods. The main outcome measure included tHcy, folic acid, vitamin B(12) and vitamin B(6) levels, and MTHFR C677T genotype. RESULTS: Twelve studies were eligible for Hcy, 6 studies for folic acid, 6 studies for vitamin B(12), 3 studies for vitamin B(6), and 10 studies for MTHFR. The combined results showed that plasma tHcy levels in POAG were 2.05 μmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-3.47) higher than in controls. There was no difference between serum folic acid, vitamin B(6), and vitamin B(12) levels in POAG and controls. The weighted mean difference with 95% CI were 0.34 μmol/L (-0.37 to 1.05), 2.75 μmol/L (-3.68 to 9.18), and 0.97 μmol/L (-30.45 to 32.40), respectively. The MTHFR 677TT genotype was not associated with the risk of POAG (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.83-1.47). CONCLUSIONS: We found that POAG is associated with elevated plasma tHcy levels, but not serum folic acid, vitamin B(12), vitamin B(6) levels, or MTHFR C677T genotype. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.

Key Findings

Twelve studies were eligible for Hcy, 6 studies for folic acid, 6 studies for vitamin B(12), 3 studies for vitamin B(6), and 10 studies for MTHFR. The combined results showed that plasma tHcy levels in POAG were 2.05 μmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-3.47) higher than in controls. There was no difference between serum folic acid, vitamin B(6), and vitamin B(12) levels in POAG and controls. The weighted mean difference with 95% CI were 0.34 μmol/L (-0.37 to 1.05), 2.75 μmol/L (-3.68 to 9

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 6
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Genotype
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle
  • Homocysteine
  • Humans
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin B Complex

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance

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