IJE Advance Access published online on June 9, 2006
International Journal of Epidemiology, doi:10.1093/ije/dyl094
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1 Copenhagen County Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup, Denmark
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. Background Deficiency of folate has been associated with several disorders characterized by enhanced activation of the cellular immune system (non-allergic th1 type immune response). Whether folate status is also associated with atopic disease (allergic th2 type immune response) is unknown. We aimed at examining the association between atopy and markers of impaired folate metabolism, i.e. MTHFR(C677T) genotype, plasma total homocysteine, and dietary intakes of methionine, folates, and vitamins B12, B6, and B2. Methods Cross-sectional population-based study of 1671 male and female residents of Copenhagen County, Denmark, aged 30-60 years participating in a health examination during 1999-2001. Atopy was defined as positive levels of specific IgE against a panel of inhalant allergens. MTHFR(C677T) genotype was determined by PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses. Total homocysteine was measured by fluorescent polarization immunoassay. Dietary vitamin intakes were estimated from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results The prevalence of atopy was associated with MTHFR(C677T) genotype. TT individuals had a significantly higher risk of atopy compared with CC/CT individuals [odds ratio 1.76, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.19-2.60]. Additionally, gene-diet interaction effects were identified. Dietary markers were negatively associated with risk of atopy in persons with the TT genotype. Total homocysteine was not related to atopy (odds ratio per 5 µmol/l = 1.12, 95% CI 0.98-1.29). Conclusions The results suggest that an impaired folate metabolism may be causally related to the development of atopy.
Accepted April 6, 2006
Original paper
The association between atopy and factors influencing folate metabolism: is low folate status causally related to the development of atopy?
Lise Lotte N. Husemoen 1 *,
Ulla Toft 1,
Mogens Fenger 2,
Torben Jørgensen 1,
Niels Johansen 3,
and
Allan Linneberg 1
2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
3 In Vitro Diagnostics Business Unit, ALK-Abelló, Denmark
Lise Lotte N. Husemoen, E-mail: lloh{at}glostruphosp.kbhamt.dk
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