Association between Psoriasis and MTHFR polymorphisms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is key to the metabolism of folic acid, with loss of function mutations resulting in elevated homocysteine levels, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Psoriasis patients may demonstrate hyperhomocysteinemia. To assess for the association between psoriasis and MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science. Case reports, case–control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies with full-text availability in English were considered. Meta-analysis was conducted with pooled ORs calculated via the random effects model (I2 > 50%). Of 917 records identified, 10 studies were selected for review of 1965 psoriasis patients and 2030 controls. Meta-analysis demonstrated that for MTHFR C677T, there were positive associations between psoriasis and the allele contrast model (C vs T, pooled OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.10–2.59), the additive model (CC vs TT, pooled OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.06–5.60), the dominant model (CC vs CT + TT, pooled OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.06–2.98), and the recessive model (CC + CT vs TT, pooled OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.05–4.13). For MTHFR A1298C, there were positive associations between psoriasis and the allele contrast model (A vs C, pooled OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.19–10.68), the dominant model (AA vs AC + CC, pooled OR = 4.44, 95% CI = 1.12–17.66), and the overdominant model (AC vs AA + CC, pooled OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07–0.91). There may be a link between the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with psoriasis diagnosis.