Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype does not play a role in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma pathogenesis among human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 carriers.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). However, the incidence of ATL is low among HTLV-1 carriers suggesting additional mechanisms are involved in the progression of the disease. A recent study found that polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene influence the susceptibility to malignant lymphoma. We have analyzed the MTHFR genotype in 81 HTLV-1 carriers and 87 ATL patients. No statistically significant associations were found between MTHFR genotype and development of ATL. These data suggest that genetic polymorphisms in the MTHFR locus do not play a role in ATL pathogenesis among HTLV-1 carriers.