Objective: To investigate the correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism and the coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP), and to discover the involvement of genetic factors in CSFP.
Participants and methods: Seventy-five patients with normal angiographic coronary arteries were recruited between June 2012 and June 2013. MTHFR C677T genotypes were sequenced by pyrosequencing, whereas the concentration of homocysteine (Hcy) was determined using the enzymatic cycling assay.
Results: Compared with the controls, the CSFP patients had higher Hcy concentrations and higher male morbidity. The CSFP patients showed higher frequencies of MTHFR 677(TT+TC) genotypes and the 677T allele compared with the controls. Plasma Hcy levels and male morbidity were correlated positively with the average corrected TIMI frame count. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression analysis indicated that both Hcy and male sex were risk factors for CSFP. MTHFR C677T genotypes and the frequency distribution of 677T allele complied with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Conclusion: CSFP was associated with a high level of plasma Hcy, and men were more vulnerable to CSFP. By regulating the plasma Hcy level, the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and folic acid level might be involved in the occurrence of CSFP.