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Thromb Haemost 2012; 108(03): 533-542
DOI: 10.1160/TH11-12-0899
Platelets and Blood Cells
Schattauer GmbH

Oxidative stress and platelet activation in subjects with moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia due to MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism

Alfredo Dragani
1   Departments of Haematology and Laboratory Medicine, Civil Hospital Pescara, Italy
,
Angela Falco
2   “G. d’Annunzio” University Foundation and Department of Drug Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio” Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
,
Francesca Santilli
2   “G. d’Annunzio” University Foundation and Department of Drug Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio” Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
,
Stefania Basili
3   Department of Medicine, “La Sapienza”, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
,
Giancarlo Rolandi
1   Departments of Haematology and Laboratory Medicine, Civil Hospital Pescara, Italy
,
Loredana Cerasa
2   “G. d’Annunzio” University Foundation and Department of Drug Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio” Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
,
Stefano Lattanzio
2   “G. d’Annunzio” University Foundation and Department of Drug Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio” Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
,
Giovanni Ciabattoni
2   “G. d’Annunzio” University Foundation and Department of Drug Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio” Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
,
Carlo Patrono
4   Department of Pharmacology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
,
Giovanni Davì
2   “G. d’Annunzio” University Foundation and Department of Drug Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio” Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chieti, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 28 December 2011

Accepted after major revision: 12 June 2012

Publication Date:
25 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C→T polymorphism may be associated with elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It was the study objective to evaluate in vivo lipid peroxidation and platelet activation in carriers of the MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism and in non-carriers, in relation to tHcy and folate levels. A cross-sectional comparison of urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin (PG)F2α and 11-dehydro-thromboxane (TX)B2 (markers of in vivo lipid peroxidation and platelet activation, respectively) was performed in 100 carriers and 100 non-carriers of the polymorphism. A methionine-loading test and folic acid supplementation were performed to investigate the causal relationship of the observed associations. Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and 11-dehydro-TXB2 were higher in carriers with hyperhomocysteinaemia than in those without hyperhomocysteinaemia (p<0.0001). Hyperhomocysteinaemic carriers had lower folate levels (p=0.0006), higher urinary 8-iso-PGF2α (p<0.0001) and 11-dehydro-TXB2 (p<0.0001) than hyperhomocysteinaemic non-carriers. On multiple regression analysis, high tHcy (p<0.0001), low folate (p<0.04) and MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism (p<0.001) independently predicted high rates of 8-iso-PGF2α excretion. Methionine loading increased plasma tHcy (p=0.002), and both urinary prostanoid metabolites (p=0.002). Folic acid supplementation was associated with decreased urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and 11-dehydro-TXB2 excretion (p<0.0003) in the hyperhomocysteinaemic group, but not in the control group, with substantial inter-individual variability related to baseline tHcy level and the extent of its reduction. In conclusion, hyperhomocysteinaemia due to the MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism is associated with enhanced in vivo lipid peroxidation and platelet activation that are reversible, at least in part, following folic acid supplementation. An integrated biomarker approach may help identifying appropriate candidates for effective folate supplementation.

Keywords

Hyperhomocysteinaemia - MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism - oxidative stress - platelet activation - folate supplementation

 

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