Effects that the methylenetetrahydrofolate gene mutation (both the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms) have on both men and women’s fertility abilities and subsequent fetal development, as well as what nutritional changes can possibly do to aid in reversing these supposed negative effects.

Author

Elizabeth Simkanin, The University of AkronFollow

College

College of Health Professions

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-06 08:15:34

Major

Nutrition/Dietetics

Honors Course

7760:499 (Sr Honors Project: Nutr & Diet)

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2023

Abstract

This study discusses the perceived negative effects of variants (C677T and A1298C) of the methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) gene on male and female fertility and fetal development, as well as the potential for nutrition changes to aid in reversing these negative effects. This research project was completed in order to discuss the possible association with and connection between nutrition and fertility in both male and female individuals who have either of the two most common MTHFR gene polymorphisms, 677C>T and 1298A>C. These two polymorphisms are of particular interest because they are associated with the most decreased activity of the MTHFR enzyme. After the review of numerous scholarly articles, it is still unclear the impact that an MTHFR genetic polymorphism may or may not have on an individual's everyday life, and its contributions to current or preexisting health conditions remain unclear. It is relatively simple to see that a majority of the clinical tests and research pertaining to the MTHFR gene and the issues it potentially causes shows mixed results and conclusions. Methylenetetrahydrofolate gene polymorphisms are becoming increasingly common in the general population, so it is difficult to determine correlation verses causation when considering its exact influence on human health.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Pei Yang Liu

First Reader

Dr. Carrie Wissmar

Second Reader

Debra Horning

Honors Faculty Advisor

Pei Yang Liu

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

Recommended Citation

Simkanin, Elizabeth, "Effects that the methylenetetrahydrofolate gene mutation (both the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms) have on both men and women’s fertility abilities and subsequent fetal development, as well as what nutritional changes can possibly do to aid in reversing these supposed negative effects." (2023). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1636.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1636