Association between Methylene-Tetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Morocco

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection varies substantially among individuals. One of the factors influencing viral infection is genetic variability. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism is a genetic factor that has been correlated with different types of pathologies, including HIV-1. The MTHFR gene encodes the MTHFR enzyme, an essential factor in the folate metabolic pathway and in maintaining circulating folate and methionine at constant levels, thus preventing the homocysteine accumulation. Several studies have shown the role of folate on CD4+ T lymphocyte count among HIV-1 subjects. In this case-control study we aimed to determine the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and HIV-1 infection susceptibility, AIDS development, and therapeutic outcome among Moroccans. The C677T polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by fragment length polymorphism digestion in 214 participants living with HIV-1 and 318 healthy controls. The results of the study revealed no statistically significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and HIV-1 infection (P > .05). After dividing HIV-1 subjects according to their AIDS status, no significant difference was observed between C677T polymorphism and AIDS development (P > .05). Furthermore, regarding the treatment response outcome, as measured by HIV-1 RNA viral load and CD4+ T cell counts, no statistically significant association was found with MTHFR C677T polymorphism. We conclude that, in the genetic context of the Moroccan population, MTHFR C677T polymorphism does not affect HIV-1 infection susceptibility, AIDS development, or response to treatment. However, more studies should be done to investigate both genetic and nutritional aspects for more conclusive results.

Thrombophilia and Immune-Related Genetic Markers in Long COVID

“…Polymorphisms of MTHFR gene have been reported in association with several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, thrombophilia predisposition, inflammatory disorders and even cancer [32]. Regarding infectious diseases, mutations at this gene could be associated with important protozoa infections such as malaria and leishmaniosis [33,34], as well as with viral diseases such as human papilloma virus [35] Cytomegalovirus, HIV and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [36][37][38]. While most of the studies indicate predisposition due to the presence of MTHFR *T allele, at least one study reported protective effects of this allele against persistent HBV infection in West Africa [39].…”