Polymorphisms in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene (MTHFR) and Impaired Folate Metabolism in Orthotropic Liver Transplant Recipients are Determinants for Vascular Compl…

Cardiovascular risk factors and their major contribution to accelerated cardiovascular disease is an important issue in the long-term management of liver transplant recipients. A common functional polymorphism, C677T, in the gene encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme involved in homocysteine metabolism, has been associated with differences in homocysteine (Hcy) concentration. The 677 C-T polymorphism results in a reduced specific MTHFR activity and thermolability which leads to higher tHcy concentrations. Hcy is a known risk factor for vascular diseases. The aim of the study was to inve…