Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and skin cancer risk: a meta-analysis

We sought to determine whether the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) A1298C and C677T polymorphisms are associated with increased skin cancer risk. We performed literature searches of the PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, and Web of Science databases to identify eligible articles published through September 15, 2013. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Publication bias and subgroup analyses were also performed. Eight articles, which consisted of 10,066 subjects (2,672 patients and 7,394 controls), were included in the meta-analysis. Homozygous MTHFR 1298C individuals were 1.29 times more likely to develop skin cancer (95% CI, 1.04–1.61) compared with A1298C allele (AA or AC) carriers. There was an increased risk for C allele homozygotes compared with the 1,298 AA+AC carriers (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.08–1.96) when restricted to basal cell carcinomas (BCC). The 1298C homozygote carriers increased the odds of BCC by 1.47 times (95% CI, 1.07–2.01) compared with those who were 1298A homozygote carriers. ORs for all genetic models yielded a null association. The data obtained from this meta-analysis suggest that the MTHFR 1298C allele is associated with increased skin cancer risk, particularly BCC; however, no association was observed between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and skin cancer.