- Alanine amino transferase (ALT) concentrations were higher in obese adolescent girls who were heterozygous or homozygous for the MTHFR 677 C>T mutation, which decreases MTHFR enzyme activity.
- ALT levels were negatively correlated with reported folate intake and positively correlated with homocysteine concentrations. Lower folate intake and higher homocysteine are associated with increased liver damage.
- Girls with the MTHFR mutation also had lower erythrocyte folate levels and higher insulin levels compared to those without the mutation, suggesting the mutation enhances liver damage possibly by reducing antioxidant status and increasing insulin resistance.