Association Between MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis in Chinese Han Population

Frontiers in Pediatrics

article

Chen-Xi Li¹  Yi-Guang Liu²  Yue-Ping Che¹  Jian-Lin Ou³  Wen-Cong Ruan¹  Yong-Lin Yu¹  Hai-Feng Li¹ 

[1] Department of Rehabilitation, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health;Department of Linguistics, Zhejiang University;Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University

关键词: autism spectrum disorders;    susceptibility;    MTHFR;    polymorphism;    meta-analysis;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fped.2021.598805

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Prior studies have examined the influence of MTHFR C677T on autism susceptibility, however, there are no consensus conclusions and specific analyses of a Chinese population. This meta-analysis included a false-positive report probability (FPRP) test to comprehensively evaluate the association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with autism susceptibility among a Chinese Han population. A large-scale literature retrieval was conducted using various databases including PubMed, Embase, Wan Fang, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to July 31, 2020, with a total of 2,258 cases and 2,073 controls included. The strength of correlation was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). MTHFR C677T showed a significant correlation with increased ASD susceptibility under all genetic models (T vs. C, OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.79; TT vs. CC: OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.15; CT vs. CC, OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.51; CT + TT vs. CC: OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.15; TT vs. CT + CC, OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.13). Stratification analysis by region also revealed a consistent association in the Northern Han subgroup, but not in the Southern Han subgroup. Pooled minor allele frequency (MAF) of 30 studies were 45% in Northern Han and 39% in Southern Han. To avoid a possible “false positive report,” we further investigated the significant associations observed in the present meta-analysis using the FPRP test, which consolidated the results. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with the increased risk of autism in China, especially in Northern Han. For those mothers and children who are generally susceptible to autism, prenatal folate and vitamin B12 may reduce the risk that children suffer from autism, especially in Northern Han populations. In the future, more well-designed studies with a larger sample size are expected.

【 授权许可】

CC BY