The C677T variant in MTHFR modulates associations between brain integrity, mood, and cognitive functioning in old age.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The C677T functional variant in the methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene leads to reduced enzymatic activity and elevated blood levels of homocysteine. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been linked with higher rates of cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, and late-life depression.

Methods and materials

Here, 3D magnetic resonance imaging data was analyzed from 738 individuals (age: 75.5 ± 6.8 years; 438 men/300 women) including 173 Alzheimer's patients, 359 subjects with mild cognitive impairment, and 206 healthy older adults, scanned as part of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).

Results

We found that this variant associates with localized brain atrophy, after controlling for age, sex, and dementia status, in brain r

SUBMITTER: Roussotte FF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5395287 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature