Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms in andrology-a narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme involved in folate metabolism and one-carbon metabolism. MTHFR gene polymorphism affects enzyme activity. MTHFR gene polymorphism is closely related to many human diseases, such as cardiocerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, neural tube defects (NTDs), tumors, and so on. In the field of Andrology, MTHFR gene polymorphism may be associated with male infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED), and there is a possibility of treating male infertility and ED by supplementing with folic acid. However, its exact pathophysiologic mechanism is not fully understood. We sought to obtain a robust understanding of the interactions between MTHFR gene polymorphism, oxidative stress, DNA methylation, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), male infertility, and ED.

METHODS

We performed a non-systematic literature review using the PubMed database to identify articles specifically related to MTHFR, male infertility and ED.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS

Our literature review on MTHFR gene polymorphism in male infertility patients indicates a significant association between C677T gene polymorphism and male infertility. There is limited literature on the correlation between ED and MTHFR gene polymorphism, and there are two different conclusions, related and unrelated. More clinical data are needed to clarify the conclusion. There is a possibility of using folic acid supplementation to treat male infertility and ED, especially for patients with thymine-thymine (TT) genotype. Future research is necessary to further understand the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphism and male infertility and ED.

CONCLUSIONS

Our literature review on MTHFR gene polymorphism in male infertility patients indicates a significant association between C677T gene polymorphism and male infertility. Folic acid supplementation can improve sperm quality. The correlation between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and ED is questionable and needs to be confirmed by more clinical data. MTHFR gene polymorphisms are associated with homocysteine (Hcy) levels, which affects vascular endothelial function and may be related to the development of vascular ED (VED). Folic acid supplementation improves International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire scores in ED patients in whom phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) alone is ineffective.