Gene polymorphisms and low dietary intake of micronutrients in coronary artery disease

Background/Aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex disorder involving genetic and non-genetic factors. Food is an important component of the latter. We examined if DNA polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes of one-carbon metabolism coupled with low consumption of micronutrients such as folate, vitamins B(6) and B(12) might increase the risk of CAD. Methods: A case-control study consisting of 252 CAD patients and 252 controls were included. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), 2 insertion/deletion and 1 repeat polymorphism were typed. The micronutrient intake was estimated from a standard 24-hour dietary recall coupled to a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The results suggest an association of 'early-onset CAD' with betaine homocysteine S-methyl transferase (BHMT) 742G-->A SNP (odds ratio = 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-2.41; p = 0.04). No association was observed for all age of onset, but more patients than controls whose micronutrient intake was in the lowest quintile also carried the minor allele (50% patients vs. 37% controls; p = 0.042). Furthermore, dietary intake of folate micronutrients below the recommended daily allowance was observed in a larger percent of patients than controls with the minor BHMT allele (51% patients vs. 44% controls; p = 0.021). Conclusions: In the presence of the minor BHMT allele, a decreased consumption of folate micronutrients might increase the risk of CAD.

Singh, P. R., S. S. Lele, et al. (2011). "Gene Polymorphisms and Low Dietary Intake of Micronutrients in Coronary Artery Disease." J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics 4(4): 203-209.