Association of TCN2 rs1801198 c.776G>C polymorphism with markers of one-carbon metabolism and related diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of genetic association studies [Gene-nutrient interactions]

Background: Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) deficiency may produce severe neurologic and hematologic manifestations. Approximately 20–25% of circulating cobalamin binds to transcobalamin 2 (TCN2), which is referred to as active vitamin B-12. The G allele of the TCN2 c.776G>C (rs1801198) polymorphism has been associated with a lower plasma concentration of holotranscobalamin. However, genotype association studies on rs1801198 have led to conflicting results regarding its influence on one-carbon metabolism (OCM) markers or its association with pathologic conditions.

Objective: We assessed the association of rs1801198 genotypes with OCM marker concentrations and primary risks of congenital abnormalities, cancer, and Alzheimer disease.

Design: We conducted a systematic review of the literature that was published from January 1966 to February 2017 and included all studies that assessed the association between rs1801198 and OCM markers or a pathologic condition.

Results: Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Subjects with the rs1801198 GG genotype had significantly lower concentrations of holotranscobalamin [standardized mean difference (SMD): –0.445 (95% CI: –0.673, –0.217; P < 0.001); I² = 48.16% (95% CI: 0.00%, 78.10%; P = 0.07)] and higher concentrations of homocysteine (European descent only) [SMD: 0.070 (95% CI: 0.020, 0.120; P = 0.01); I² = 0.00% (95% CI: 0.00%, 49.59%; P = 0.73)] than did subjects with the rs1801198 CC genotype. The meta-analysis on the association between rs1801198 and methylmalonic acid (MMA) lacked statistical power. No significant difference was observed regarding cobalamin, folate, and red blood cell folate. No significant association was observed between rs1801198 and primary risks of congenital abnormalities, cancer, or Alzheimer disease.

Conclusions: Meta-analysis results indicate an influence of rs1801198 on holotranscobalamin and homocysteine concentrations in European-descent subjects. In addition, well-designed and -powered studies should be conducted for assessing the association between rs1801198 and MMA and clinical manifestations that are linked to a decreased availability of cobalamin. This review was registered at http://ift.tt/2dOOxo8 as CRD42017058504.

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