Homocysteinemia is inversely correlated with platelet count and directly correlated with sE- and sP-selectin levels in females homozygous for C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

Plasma homocysteine levels depend in part on the molecular nature of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and on blood folate intake. Little has been reported on platelet counts in the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR polymorphisms, with the exception of delayed platelet recovery in homozygous MTHFR C677T subjects after treatment with methotrexate for ovarian cancer. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the possibility of a link between the platelet count and plasma homocysteine levels in different MTHFR variants in 165 female patients. Determinations of plasma homocysteine levels were by ELISA and of MTHFR polymorphisms (A1298C and C677T) were by inverse hybridization. Serum P- and E-selectin concentrations were obtained by ELISA. An inverse correlation (R=-0.88, P<0.001) was observed between blood platelet counts and plasma homocysteine levels in the women homozygous for MTHFR C677T. This correlation did not depend on pregnancy or other variables reported. Serum concentrations of sE- and sP-selectin, markers of endothelial and platelet activation, were significantly and positively correlated with homocysteine levels. These findings suggest that homocysteine affects platelet numbers in women with MTHFR C677T possibly consequent to endothelial and platelet activation.