Atherosclerosis in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis: the relation with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T) gene polymorphism and plasma homocysteine levels.

The aim of this study was to determine the intima-media thickness (IMT) in carotid arteries and to assess the relation of these values with plasma homocysteine (pHcy) levels and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism in patients with Ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Serum lipids, vitamin B12, folic acid, pHcy and acute phase protein levels were measured in all cases. MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms were determined, and IMT of main carotid artery were evaluated ultrasonographically in all subjects.