Introduction: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T is involved
in folate and homocysteine metabolism. Disruption in the activity of this enzyme
will alter their levels in the body. Methodology: This study assessed MTHFR
C677T polymorphism and its relationship with serum homocysteine and Bvitamins
levels in a sample of Chinese and Malays subjects in UPM, Serdang.
One hundred subjects were randomly selected from among the university
population. Folate, vitamin B12, B6, and homocysteine levels were determined
using MBA, ECLIA, and HPLC, respectively. PCR coupled with HinfI digestion
was used for detection of MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Results: The frequency
of T allele was higher in the Chinese subjects (0.40) compared to the Malay (0.14).
Folate, vitamin B12 and B6 levels were highest in the wild genotype in both
ethnic groups. Subjects with heterozygous and homozygous genotype showed
the highest homocysteine levels. The serum folate and homocysteine were mainly
affected by homozygous genotype. Conclusion: MTHFR C677T polymorphism
plays an important role in influencing the folate and homocysteine metabolism.