The effect of RFC G80A polymorphism in Cretan children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its interaction with MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms.

INTRODUCTION

The association between the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and enzymes involved in the folate metabolism has been under investigation lately. The reduced folate carrier gene (RFC) encodes reduced folate carrier, a protein that transports into the cell both folate and methotrexate, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, has been proved polymorphic at position 80 (G→A). The role of this polymorphism in childhood ALL and its interaction with other enzymes of the folate metabolic pathway, including MTHFR, has been examined in different populations with diverse results.

METHODS

In the present case-control study, 35 children with ALL and 48 healthy adult blood donors, all originating from the island of Crete (Greece), were screened for the presence of the RFC G80A polymorphism, using PCR/RFLP techniques. The effect on ALL risk and methotrexate-induced toxicities, along with the role of gene-gene interactions in our population, were examined.

RESULTS

No significant association was observed between the RFC G80A genotypes and either the development of ALL or the presence of adverse events. However, a significant association was detected between the MTHFR A1298C/ RFC G80A genotype and a nonpredisposition for ALL (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that gene-gene interactions in childhood ALL may be of prognostic value in our population.