MTHFR and Meningioma – Question

Question:    I thought I saw a connection to MTHFR & meningioma somewhere that you wrote about or linked, but I cannot find it now. anyway my daughter who is 15 has a meningioma and my baby ( my 8th child) has down syndrome, so I have been thinking about getting tested and in the meantime we are all taking folate (not folic acid ) supplements. I don’t have insurance and my daughter has medicaid so I would have to pay for the test. If Iam positive then I can tell her dr. and they will test her too.

I really need someone to help us through this, do you know if there is anyone practicing in south Florida who has a “clue” about MTHFR? I appreciate all the info you have here and how you care to educate us all all the best.

Answer: Yes, there is a connection between meningioma and compound heterozygous MTHFR and homozygous C677T mutations.

The highest risk of meningioma was associatedwi th heterozygosity for both MTHFR variants [odds ratio (OR), 2.11; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.42-3.12]. The corresponding OR for glioma was 1.23 (95% CI, 0.91-1.66). A significant association between risk of meningioma and homozygosity for MTRR 66G was also observed (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02-1.94). Our findings provide support for the role of folate metabolism in the development of primary brain tumors. In particular, genotypes associated with increased 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate levels are associated with elevated risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008; 17(5):1195–202)[1]

Down’s Syndrome is also linked to MTHFR.

Those with Down Syndrome have higher levels of Hydrogen Sulfide. This is because homocysteine is broken down into cysteine which is then transformed into hydrogen sulfide at some point. That said, taking vitamin B6 if having Down Syndrome may exacerbate the condition while taking TMG or L-5-MTHF may help alleviate it.

If one with Down’s Syndrome has MTHFR and is low in TMG or 5-MTHF, then homocysteine breaks down into cysteine which then breaks down into hydrogen sulfide.

Folate = folic acid.

In order to bypass the MTHFR mutation, one must take methylated folate which is often labeled as L-5-MTHF or 5-MTHF. Taking folic acid, folate, folinic acid or NatureFolate are inadequate.

Mother’s with MTHFR and MTRR mutations are at a higher risk of developing a child with Down’s Syndrome. [2]

I do not know anyone in Florida who works with MTHFR currently.

I am amazed at the lack of doctors who are knowledgeable about it and who take it seriously.

I am available for consultations if you would like to discuss MTHFR and other health concerns with me.

I also offer the ability for MTHFR testing if needed.

In health,

Dr Ben

References:
1) Functional Polymorphisms in Folate Metabolism Genes Influence the Risk of Meningioma and Glioma
2) MTRR and MTHFR polymorphism: link to Down syndrome?