Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/927975

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Title
Photoperiod at conception predicts C677T-MTHFR genotype: a novel gene-environment interaction
Author/Creator
Lucock, Mark;  Glanville, Tracey;  Ovadia, Liz;  Yates, Zoe;  Walker, James;  Simpson, Nigel
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Science & Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Description
Data is presented, which suggest that the day length a woman experiences during the periconceptional period predicts the C677T-MTHFR genotype of her child. Logistic regression analysis involving 375 neonates born in the same geographical location within a three year period demonstrated that photoperiod (minutes) at conception predicts both genotype (P = 0.0139) and mutant allele carriage (P = 0.0161); the trend clearly showing that the 677T-MTHFR allele frequency increases as photoperiod increases. We propose a number of explanations, including a hypothesis in which a long photoperiod around conception decreases maternal systemic folate because of UVA induced dermal oxidative degradation of 5-methyl-H₄folate, leading to a lower cellular 5,10-methylene-H₄folate status. In this scenario, 5,10-methylene-H₄folate would be more efficiently used for dTMP and DNA synthesis by 677T-MTHFR embryos than wildtype embryos giving the 677T-MTHFR embryos increased viability, and hence increasing mutant T-allele frequency. Alternate hypotheses include: increased seasonal availability of folate rich foods that genetically buffer any negative effect of 677T-MTHFR in embryos; seasonal oxidative stress lowering embryo-toxic homocysteine; an undefined hormonal effect of photoperiod on the neuroendocrine axis, which mediates genotype/embryo selection. The effect of photoperiod on genotype seems clear, but the speculative molecular mechanism underpinning the effect needs careful examination.
Relation
American Journal of Human Biology Vol. 22, Issue 4, p. 484-489
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.21022
Date
2010
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons
Keyword(s)
neural tube defects;  single nucleotide polymorphisms;  early pregnancy;  loss
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/927975
Identifier
ISSN:1042-0533
Reviewed
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Subject
"American Journal of Human Biology"
 
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