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Different metabolic and absorption patterns of betaine in response to dietary intake of whole-wheat grain, wheat aleurone or rye aleurone in catheterized pigs. Eur Food Res Technol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00217-012-1825-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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52
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Jadavji NM, Deng L, Leclerc D, Malysheva O, Bedell BJ, Caudill MA, Rozen R. Severe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency in mice results in behavioral anomalies with morphological and biochemical changes in hippocampus. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 106:149-59. [PMID: 22521626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The brain is particularly sensitive to folate metabolic disturbances, since methyl groups are critical for its functions. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) generates the primary circulatory form of folate required for homocysteine remethylation to methionine. Neurological disturbances have been described in homocystinuria caused by severe MTHFR deficiency. The goal of this study was to determine if behavioral anomalies are present in severe Mthfr-deficient (Mthfr(-/-)) mice and to identify neurobiological changes that could contribute to these anomalies. Adult male mice of 3 Mthfr genotypes (+/+, +/-, -/-) were tested on motor, anxiety, exploratory and cognitive tasks. Volumes (whole brain and hippocampus) and morphology, global DNA methylation, apoptosis, expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and concentrations of choline metabolites were assessed in hippocampus. Mthfr(-/-) mice had impairments in motor function and in short- and long-term memory, increased exploratory behavior and decreased anxiety. They showed decreased whole brain and hippocampal volumes, reduced thickness of the pyramidal cell layer of CA1 and CA3, and increased apoptosis in hippocampus. There was a disturbance in choline metabolism as manifested by differences in acetylcholine, betaine or glycerophosphocholine concentrations, and by increased ChAT levels. Mthfr(-/-) mice also had increased GR mRNA and protein. Our study has revealed significant anomalies in affective behavior and impairments in memory of Mthfr(-/-) mice. We identified structural changes, increased apoptosis, altered choline metabolism and GR dysregulation in hippocampus. These findings, as well as some similar observations in cerebellum, could contribute to the behavioral changes and suggest that choline is a critical metabolite in homocystinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafisa M Jadavji
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, 4060 Ste. Catherine West, Montreal, Canada H3Z 2Z3.
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53
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Maclean KN, Jiang H, Greiner LS, Allen RH, Stabler SP. Long-term betaine therapy in a murine model of cystathionine beta-synthase deficient homocystinuria: decreased efficacy over time reveals a significant threshold effect between elevated homocysteine and thrombotic risk. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 105:395-403. [PMID: 22192524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.11.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is caused by deficiency of cystathionine β-synthase and is characterized by connective tissue disturbances, mental retardation and cardiovascular disease. Treatment for pyridoxine non-responsive HCU typically involves lowering homocysteine levels with a methionine-restricted diet and dietary supplementation with betaine. Compliance with the methionine-restricted diet is difficult and often poor. Investigating optimization of the efficacy of long-term betaine treatment in isolation from a methionine-restricted diet is precluded by ethical considerations regarding patient risk. The HO mouse model of HCU developed in our laboratory, exhibits constitutive expression of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and a hypercoagulative phenotype both of which respond to short-term betaine treatment. Investigation of the effects of long-term betaine treatment in the absence of methionine-restriction in HO HCU mice revealed that the ability of betaine treatment to lower homocysteine diminished significantly over time. Plasma metabolite analysis indicated that this effect was due at least in part, to reduced betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) mediated remethylation of homocysteine. Western blotting analysis revealed that BHMT protein levels are significantly repressed in untreated HCU mice but are significantly induced in the presence of betaine treatment. The observed increase in plasma homocysteine during prolonged betaine treatment was accompanied by a significant increase in the plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and reversion to a hypercoagulative phenotype. Our findings are consistent with a relatively sharp threshold effect between severely elevated plasma homocysteine and thrombotic risk in HCU and indicate that the HO mouse model can serve as a useful tool for both testing novel treatment strategies and examining the optimal timing and dosing of betaine treatment with a view toward optimizing clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Maclean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045-0511, USA.
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54
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Abstract
A 17-year-old female patient with pyridoxine non-responsive homocystinuria, treated with 20 g of betaine per day, developed a strong body odour, which was described as fish-like. Urinary trimethylamine (TMA) was measured and found to be markedly increased. DNA mutation analysis revealed homozygosity for a common allelic variant in the gene coding for the TMA oxidising enzyme FMO3. Without changing diet or betaine therapy, riboflavin was given at a dose of 200 mg per day. An immediate improvement in her odour was noticed by her friends and family and urinary TMA was noted to be greatly reduced, although still above the normal range.Gradual further reductions in TMA (and odour) have followed whilst receiving riboflavin. Throughout this period, betaine compliance has been demonstrated by the measurement of dimethylglycine (DMG) excretion, which has been consistently increased. Marked excretions of DMG when the odour had subsided also demonstrate that DMG was not the source of the odour.This patient study raises the possibility that betaine may be converted to TMA by intestinal flora to some degree, resulting in a significant fish odour when oxidation of TMA is compromised by FMO3 variants. The possibility exists that the body odour occasionally associated with betaine therapy for homocystinuria may not be related to increased circulating betaine or DMG, but due to a common FMO3 mutation resulting in TMAU. Benefits of riboflavin therapy for TMAU for such patients would allow the maintenance of betaine therapy without problematic body odour.
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55
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Kopecká J, Krijt J, Raková K, Kožich V. Restoring assembly and activity of cystathionine β-synthase mutants by ligands and chemical chaperones. J Inherit Metab Dis 2011; 34:39-48. [PMID: 20490928 PMCID: PMC3026675 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-010-9087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 02/28/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of mutant enzymes have been proposed to play role in the pathogenesis of homocystinuria due to cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency. Chemical chaperones have been recently shown to facilitate proper assembly of several CBS mutants. To asses the number of patients that may respond to chaperone therapy, we examined the effect of selected CBS ligands and osmolytes on assembly and activity of 27 CBS mutants that represent 70% of known CBS alleles. The mutant enzymes were expressed in a bacterial system, and their properties were assessed by native Western blotting and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay, respectively. We studied the chaperoning activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA)-a heme precursor-and of three osmolytes betaine, 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine), and glycerol. Fourteen mutants responded by at least 30% increase in the amount of correctly assembled tetramers and enzymatic activity to the coexpressional presence of either 0.5 mM δ-ALA, 100 mM betaine, and/or 750 mM glycerol. Eight of these mutants (p.R266K, p.P49L, p.R125Q, p.K102N, p.R369C, p.V180A, p.P78R, p.S466L) were rescuable by all of these three substances. Four mutants showed increased formation of tetramers that was not accompanied by changes in activity. Topology of mutations appeared to determine the chaperone responsiveness, as 11 of 14 solvent-exposed mutations were substantially more responsive than three of 13 buried mutations. This study identified chaperone-responsive mutants that represent 56 of 713 known patient-derived CBS alleles and may serve as a basis for exploring pharmacological approaches aimed at correcting misfolding in homocystinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kopecká
- Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Krijt
- Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Raková
- Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Kožich
- Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Praha 2, Czech Republic
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56
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Schiff M, Benoist JF, Tilea B, Royer N, Giraudier S, Ogier de Baulny H. Isolated remethylation disorders: do our treatments benefit patients? J Inherit Metab Dis 2011; 34:137-45. [PMID: 20490923 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-010-9120-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), the very rare methionine synthase reductase (CblE) and methionine synthase (CblG) defects, and the recently identified CblD-variant-1 defect are primary remethylation defects characterized by an isolated defect in methionine synthesis without methylmalonic aciduria. The clinical signs are mainly neurological, and hematological signs are seen in CblE, CblG, and CblD-variant-1 defects. Patients with neonatal or early-onset disease exhibit acute neurological distress. Infants and children have unspecific mental retardation, often with acquired microcephaly. Without appropriate therapy, they may experience acute or rapidly progressive neurological deterioration, which may be fatal. Adolescents and adults show normal development or mild developmental delay initially and then experience rapid neurological or behavioral deterioration. A few patients may have signs of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Adults may be asymptomatic or present with isolated thromboembolism. All patients with suspected remethylation disorders should receive emergency treatment with parenteral administration of hydroxocobalamin and folate supplements combined with betaine orally. The long-term treatment of CblE, CblG, and CblD-variant-1 defects consists of parenterally administered hydroxocobalamin and orally administered folate and betaine supplements, whereas patients with MTHFR deficiency require long-term oral folate and betaine supplements. Long-term oral methionine therapy should also be considered. Early treatment may lead to a favorable outcome with developmental recovery and prevention of further neurological deterioration. In contrast, most late-treated patients have severe and irreversible neuromotor impairments. Hematological abnormalities are easily corrected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Schiff
- Reference Center for Metabolic Disease, Robert Debré University Hospital, Paris, France.
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57
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Ucar SK, Koroğlu OA, Berk O, Yalaz M, Kültürsay N, Blom HJ, Coker M. Titration of betaine therapy to optimize therapy in an infant with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency. Eur J Pediatr 2010; 169:241-3. [PMID: 19434424 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-009-0997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Betaine therapy was given for 2 years to a 2-year-old boy with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency. Used as a methyl donor to lower homocysteine levels through methylation of methionine, betaine has been reported to be effective in treating homocystinuria. Satisfactory biochemical and clinical responses were obtained with the following regimen: betaine started in the newborn period at increasing doses to reach 1 g given six times a day. It is suggested that frequent administration of a moderate dose may provide clinical and biochemical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Kalkan Ucar
- Department of Pediatrics, Ege University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey.
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58
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Atkinson W, Slow S, Elmslie J, Lever M, Chambers ST, George PM. Dietary and supplementary betaine: effects on betaine and homocysteine concentrations in males. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 19:767-773. [PMID: 19346114 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2008] [Revised: 01/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Betaine is an osmolyte that when catabolised decreases plasma total homocysteine. A betaine-rich meal has acute effects similar to a supplement, but the effects of a longer-term increase in dietary betaine intake need clarification. We compared the effects of two weeks of dietary and supplementary betaine on plasma betaine and homocysteine concentrations both fasting and after a methionine load. METHODS AND RESULTS In a randomized crossover study, 8 healthy males (22-36 y) consumed either a betaine-rich diet ( approximately 800 mg/day) or a betaine supplement (0.5 g twice daily) for 14 days. Fasting blood samples were collected on day -5, -1 (pre-treatment) 0, 2, 6, 9, 13 (treatment), 14 and 18 (post-treatment). Post-methionine load blood samples were collected on day -5, 0, 6 and 13, while 24h urine samples were collected on day -5, 0, 6, 13 and 14. Plasma betaine, dimethylglycine, homocysteine and urine betaine, dimethylglycine and creatinine concentrations were measured. Plasma betaine concentrations significantly increased for both treatments compared to pre-treatment values (P<0.001). Fasting homocysteine levels were minimally affected. Both treatments reduced post-methionine load homocysteine and this effect tended to be greater following a betaine-rich diet (P=0.108). Small increases in urinary betaine excretion were observed following both treatments ( approximately 1.5% of supplement; approximately 1.3% of dietary betaine). Most was attributable to increased excretion of betaine as dimethylglycine. CONCLUSIONS Supplemental or dietary betaine similarly increase circulating betaine concentrations and attenuate the post-methionine load rise in homocysteine concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Atkinson
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, P.O. Box 151, Christchurch Mail Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
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59
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Bertram HC, Malmendal A, Nielsen NC, Straadt IK, Larsen T, Bach Knudsen KE, Nygaard Laerke H. NMR-based metabonomics reveals that plasma betaine increases upon intake of high-fiber rye buns in hypercholesterolemic pigs. Mol Nutr Food Res 2009; 53:1055-62. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200800344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Oliva J, Bardag-Gorce F, Li J, French BA, Nguyen SK, Lu SC, French SW. Betaine prevents Mallory-Denk body formation in drug-primed mice by epigenetic mechanisms. Exp Mol Pathol 2009; 86:77-86. [PMID: 19073172 PMCID: PMC3319154 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) prevented MDB formation and the hypomethylation of histones induced by DDC feeding. These results suggest that formation of MDBs is an epigenetic phenomenon. To further test this theory, drug-primed mice were fed the methyl donor, betaine, together with DDC, which was refed for 7 days. Betaine significantly reduced MDB formation, decreased the liver/body weight ratio and decreased the number of FAT10 positive liver cells when they proliferate in response to DDC refeeding. Betaine also significantly prevented the decreased expression of BHMT, AHCY, MAT1a and GNMT and the increased expression of MTHFR, caused by DDC refeeding. S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) levels were reduced by DDC refeeding and this was prevented by betaine. The results support the concept that betaine donates methyl groups, increasing methionine available in the cell. SAMe metabolism was reduced by the decrease in GNMT expression, which prevented the conversion of SAMe to SAH. As a consequence, betaine prevented MDB formation and FAT10 positive cell proliferation by blocking the epigenetic memory expressed by hepatocytes. The results further support the concept that MDB formation is the result of an epigenetic phenomenon, where a change in methionine metabolism causes global gene expression changes in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Oliva
- Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509
| | | | - Jun Li
- Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509
| | - Barbara A French
- Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509
| | - Sheila K. Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509
| | - Shelly C. Lu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, USC-UCLA Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine USC, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Samuel W. French
- Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509
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61
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Pei KL, Gailer J. Probing the interaction of arsenobetaine with blood plasma constituents in vitro: an SEC-ICP-AES study. Metallomics 2009; 1:403-8. [DOI: 10.1039/b903681d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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62
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Armstrong LE, Casa DJ, Roti MW, Lee EC, Craig SAS, Sutherland JW, Fiala KA, Maresh CM. Influence of Betaine Consumption on Strenuous Running and Sprinting in a Hot Environment. J Strength Cond Res 2008; 22:851-60. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e31816a6efb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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63
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Atkinson W, Elmslie J, Lever M, Chambers ST, George PM. Dietary and supplementary betaine: acute effects on plasma betaine and homocysteine concentrations under standard and postmethionine load conditions in healthy male subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 2008; 87:577-85. [PMID: 18326594 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/87.3.577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Betaine comes from the diet and from choline, and it is associated with vascular disease in some patient groups. Betaine supplementation lowers plasma total homocysteine. OBJECTIVE We compared the acute effects of dietary and supplementary betaine and choline on plasma betaine and homocysteine under standard conditions and after a methionine load. DESIGN In a randomized crossover study, 8 healthy men (19-40 y) consumed a betaine supplement (approximately 500 mg), high-betaine meal (approximately 517 mg), choline supplement (500 mg), high-choline meal (approximately 564 mg), high-betaine and -choline meal (approximately 517 mg betaine, approximately 622 mg choline), or a low-betaine and -choline control meal under standard conditions or postmethionine load. Plasma betaine, dimethylglycine, and homocysteine concentrations were measured hourly for 8 h and at 24 h after treatment. RESULTS Dietary and supplementary betaine raised plasma betaine concentrations relative to control (P < 0.001) under standard conditions. This was not associated with raised plasma dimethylglycine concentration, and no significant betaine appeared in the urine. A small increase in dimethylglycine excretion was observed when either betaine or choline was supplied (P = 0.011 and < 0.001). Small decreases in plasma homocysteine 6 h after ingestion under standard conditions (P < or = 0.05) were detected after a high-betaine meal and after a high-betaine and high-choline meal. Dietary betaine and choline and betaine supplementation attenuated the increase in plasma homocysteine at both 4 and 6 h after a methionine load (P < or = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Dietary betaine and supplementary betaine acutely increase plasma betaine, and they and choline attenuate the postmethionine load rise in homocysteine concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Atkinson
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
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64
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Detkova EN, Boltyanskaya YV. Osmoadaptation of haloalkaliphilic bacteria: Role of osmoregulators and their possible practical application. Microbiology (Reading) 2007. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261707050013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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65
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Alfthan G, Tapani K, Nissinen K, Saarela J, Aro A. The effect of low doses of betaine on plasma homocysteine in healthy volunteers. Br J Nutr 2007; 92:665-9. [PMID: 15522136 DOI: 10.1079/bjn20041253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine is a risk factor for vascular diseases, and lowering of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) may be beneficial for health. Homocysteine can be remethylated to methionine by betaine–homocysteine methyltransferase using betaine (2(N,N,N-trimethyl)glycine) as methyl donor. A dose of 6 g betaine/d has been used in the treatment of homocystinuria, but data on the dose–response are scarce. Thirty-four healthy men and women were supplied with doses of 1, 3 and 6 g betaine and then with 6 g betaine + 1 mg folic acid for four consecutive 1-week periods. The mean plasma tHcy concentration decreased by 1·1 (NS), 10·0 and 14·0 % (P<0·001) after supplementation with 1, 3 and 6 g betaine respectively. A further decrease in plasma tHcy by 5 % (P<0·01) was achieved by combining 1 mg folic acid with the 6 g betaine dose. Plasma betaine increased from 31 (SD 13) to 255 (SD 136) μmol/l in a dose-dependent manner (R20·97). We conclude that plasma tHcy is lowered rapidly and significantly by 3 or 6 g betaine/d in healthy men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Alfthan
- Department of Health and Functional Capacity, National Public Health Institute (KTL), Helsinki, Finland.
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66
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Bertram HC, Bach Knudsen KE, Serena A, Malmendal A, Nielsen NC, Fretté XC, Andersen HJ. NMR-based metabonomic studies reveal changes in the biochemical profile of
plasma and urine from pigs fed high-fibre rye bread. Br J Nutr 2007; 95:955-62. [PMID: 16611386 DOI: 10.1079/bjn20061761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study presents an NMR-based metabonomic approach to elucidate the overall endogenous biochemical effects of a wholegrain diet. Two diets with similar levels of dietary fibre and macronutrients, but with contrasting levels of wholegrain ingredients, were prepared from wholegrain rye (wholegrain diet (WGD)) and non-wholegrain wheat (non-wholegrain diet (NWD)) and fed to four pigs in a crossover design. Plasma samples were collected after 7 d on each diet, and 1H NMR spectra were acquired on these. Partial least squares regression discriminant analysis (PLSDA) on spectra obtained for plasma samples revealed that the spectral region at 3·25 parts per million dominates the differentiation between the two diets, as the WGD is associated with higher spectral intensity in this region. Spiking experiments and LC–MS analyses of the plasma verified that this spectral difference could be ascribed to a significantly higher content of betaine in WGD plasma samples compared with NWD samples. In an identical study with the same diets, urine samples were collected, and1H NMR spectra were acquired on these. PLS-DA on spectra obtained for urine samples revealed changes in the intensities of spectral regions, which could be ascribed to differences in the content of betaine and creatine/creatinine between the two diets, and LC–MS analyses verified a significantly lower content of creatinine in WGD urine samples compared with NWD urine samples. In conclusion, using an explorative approach, the present studies disclosed biochemical effects of a wholegrain diet on plasma betaine content and excretion of betaine and creatinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne C Bertram
- Department of Food Science, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
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67
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Yagisawa M, Doi Y, Uenohara T, Toda M, Shigematsu N, Nakata R. Betaine supplementation suppresses plasma homocysteine level elevation induced by folate deficiency in rats. Nutr Res 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2006.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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68
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Schwab U, Törrönen A, Meririnne E, Saarinen M, Alfthan G, Aro A, Uusitupa M. Orally administered betaine has an acute and dose-dependent effect on serum betaine and plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy humans. J Nutr 2006; 136:34-8. [PMID: 16365055 DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.1.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Betaine, i.e., trimethylglycine, is linked to homocysteine metabolism. A 3-mo daily betaine supplementation decreased even normal plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in humans. The pharmacokinetic characteristics and metabolism of betaine in humans have not been investigated in detail. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of orally administered betaine and its acute effect on plasma tHcy concentrations. Healthy volunteers (n = 10; 3 men, 7 women) with normal body weight (mean +/- SD, 69.5 +/- 17.0 kg), 40.8 +/- 12.4 y old, participated in the study. The betaine doses were 1, 3, and 6 g. The doses were mixed with 150 mL of orange juice and ingested after a 12-h overnight fast by each volunteer according to a randomized double-blind crossover design. Blood samples were drawn for 24 h and a 24-h urine collection was performed. Orally administered betaine had an immediate and dose-dependent effect on serum betaine concentration. Single doses of 3 and 6 g lowered plasma tHcy concentrations (P = 0.019 and P < 0.001, respectively), unlike the 1-g dose. After the highest dose, the concentrations remained low during the 24 h of monitoring. The change in plasma tHcy concentration was linearly associated with betaine dose (P = 0.006) and serum betaine concentration (R2 = 0.17, P = 0.025). The absorption and elimination of betaine were dose dependent. The urinary excretion of betaine seemed to increase with an increasing betaine dose, although a very small proportion of ingested betaine was excreted via urine. In conclusion, a single dose of orally administered betaine had an acute and dose-dependent effect on serum betaine concentration and resulted in lowered plasma tHcy concentrations within 2 h in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Schwab
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio, Finland.
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69
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Yagisawa M, Shigematsuo N, Nakata R. Effects of Chronic Betaine Ingestion on Methionine-Loading Induced Plasma Homocysteine Elevation in Rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2006; 52:194-9. [PMID: 16967763 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.52.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of chronic betaine ingestion were investigated in rats. Rats were fed an experimental diet containing 5% betaine for 4 wk and methionine was intravenously administered. The elevations of plasma homocysteine were assessed by comparing the increments to the initial measured value and the positive incremental area under the plasma homocysteine concentration curve over the 240-min post-methionine-loading period (deltaAUC0-240). In the betaine-ingesting rats, deltaAUC0-240 was significantly lower than in the control group (48% of the control), and the increments of plasma homocysteine were also lower compared with the control, especially 15-30 min after methionine loading. Choline, a precursor of betaine, did not alter the plasma homocysteine elevation. In a definite period immediately after methionine loading, carnitine, a methyl-group-rich amino acid, induced a significant increase of plasma homocysteine, compared to the control. Moreover, plasma homocysteine concentration was significantly decreased by 4 wk of betaine ingestion. Betaine enhanced liver BHMT activity whereas choline and carnitine did not show any effects on BHMT activity. These results suggest that betaine contributes to both the decrease in the plasma homocysteine concentration and the suppression of plasma homocysteine elevation through the activation of liver BHMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Yagisawa
- Central Research Laboratory, Fancl Co., Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0806, Japan
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Ueland PM, Holm PI, Hustad S. Betaine: a key modulator of one-carbon metabolism and homocysteine status. Clin Chem Lab Med 2005; 43:1069-75. [PMID: 16197300 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2005.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Betaine serves as a methyl donor in a reaction converting homocysteine to methionine, catalysed by the enzyme betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase. It has been used for years to lower the concentration of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) in patients with homocystinuria, and has recently been shown to reduce fasting and in particular post-methionine load (PML) tHcy in healthy subjects. Betaine exists in plasma at concentrations of about 30 micromol/L; it varies 10-fold (from 9 to 90 micromol/L) between individuals, but the intra-individual variability is small. Major determinants are choline, dimethylglycine and folate in plasma, folic acid intake and gender. Recent studies have demonstrated that plasma betaine is a stronger determinant of PML tHcy than are vitamin B6 and folate. The betaine-PML tHcy relationship is attenuated after supplementation with B-vitamins, and is most pronounced in subjects with low folate. Betaine shows a weaker association with fasting tHcy (than with PML tHcy), and also this association is most pronounced in subjects with low folate. In pregnancy, plasma betaine declines until gestational week 20, and thereafter remains constant. From gestational week 20 onwards, fasting tHcy shows a strong inverse association with plasma betaine, and betaine becomes a stronger predictor than folate of fasting tHcy. To conclude, betaine status is a component of an individual's biochemical make-up with ramifications to one-carbon metabolism. Betaine status should be investigated in pathologies related to altered metabolism of homocysteine and folate, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and neural tube defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Magne Ueland
- LOCUS for Homocysteine and Related Vitamins, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Olthof MR, Brink EJ, Katan MB, Verhoef P. Choline supplemented as phosphatidylcholine decreases fasting and postmethionine-loading plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy men. Am J Clin Nutr 2005. [DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/82.1.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Margreet R Olthof
- From the Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences and the Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands (MRO, MBK, and PV), and the Department of Physiological Sciences, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Quality of Life, Zeist, Netherlands (EJB)
| | - Elizabeth J Brink
- From the Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences and the Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands (MRO, MBK, and PV), and the Department of Physiological Sciences, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Quality of Life, Zeist, Netherlands (EJB)
| | - Martijn B Katan
- From the Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences and the Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands (MRO, MBK, and PV), and the Department of Physiological Sciences, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Quality of Life, Zeist, Netherlands (EJB)
| | - Petra Verhoef
- From the Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences and the Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands (MRO, MBK, and PV), and the Department of Physiological Sciences, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Quality of Life, Zeist, Netherlands (EJB)
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic products, nutrition and allergies [NDA] related to an application concerning the use of betaine as a novel food in the EU. EFSA J 2005. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2005.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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73
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Abstract
Betaine is distributed widely in animals, plants, and microorganisms, and rich dietary sources include seafood, especially marine invertebrates ( approximately 1%); wheat germ or bran ( approximately 1%); and spinach ( approximately 0.7%). The principal physiologic role of betaine is as an osmolyte and methyl donor (transmethylation). As an osmolyte, betaine protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress (eg, low water, high salinity, or extreme temperature). As a methyl donor, betaine participates in the methionine cycle-primarily in the human liver and kidneys. Inadequate dietary intake of methyl groups leads to hypomethylation in many important pathways, including 1) disturbed hepatic protein (methionine) metabolism as determined by elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations and decreased S-adenosylmethionine concentrations, and 2) inadequate hepatic fat metabolism, which leads to steatosis (fatty accumulation) and subsequent plasma dyslipidemia. This alteration in liver metabolism may contribute to various diseases, including coronary, cerebral, hepatic, and vascular diseases. Betaine has been shown to protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, and enhance performance. Databases of betaine content in food are being developed for correlation with population health studies. The growing body of evidence shows that betaine is an important nutrient for the prevention of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A S Craig
- Danisco USA Inc., 440 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Inadequate folate status has been linked to risk of a wide range of adverse health conditions throughout life, from birth defects and complications of pregnancy to cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. In many instances these risks are manifested through elevated plasma homocysteine. This review focuses on current research into the contribution of genetic variability to folate status and disease predisposition. RECENT FINDINGS Some dozen potentially important polymorphisms in folate-related genes have been examined for disease associations or for their role in determining the level of plasma homocysteine. In most instances, the effects are either modest, not significant, or undetectable. However, the mechanism by which the 677C-->T variant of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase determines homocysteine status has become clearer with the elucidation of a critical role for riboflavin in modulating the plasma homocysteine of TT homozygotes. Moreover, several new metaanalyses have confirmed an association of this variant with vascular disease, probably through low folate status and elevated plasma homocysteine. SUMMARY There are enormous difficulties in attempting to assess the contribution of minor genetic variability to nutrient status, against major background differences due to ethnicity, age, gender, lifestyle, dietary habits and disease status. Nevertheless, this is an important goal in the future management of chronic multifactorial disease. The present research into the genetic components of folate and homocysteine variability is paving the way towards an eventual capacity to ensure optimal folate status in every individual and, consequently, to reduce their risk of developing such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Molloy
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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Lao JI, Beyer K, Ariza A. The homocysteine pathway: A new target for Alzheimer disease treatment? Drug Dev Res 2004. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.10360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Olthof MR, van Vliet T, Boelsma E, Verhoef P. Low Dose Betaine Supplementation Leads to Immediate and Long Term Lowering of Plasma Homocysteine in Healthy Men and Women. J Nutr 2003; 133:4135-8. [PMID: 14652361 DOI: 10.1093/jn/133.12.4135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High plasma homocysteine is a risk for cardiovascular disease and can be lowered through supplementation with 6 g/d of betaine. However, dietary intake of betaine is approximately 0.5-2 g/d. Therefore, we investigated whether betaine supplementation in the range of dietary intake lowers plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy adults. Four groups of 19 healthy subjects ingested three doses of betaine or placebo daily for 6 wk. A methionine loading test was performed during run in, on d 1 of betaine supplementation, and after 2 and 6 wk of betaine supplementation. Fasting plasma homocysteine after 6-wk daily intakes of 1.5, 3 and 6 g of betaine was 12% (P < 0.01), 15% (P < 0.002) and 20% (P < 0.0001) less than in the placebo group, respectively. Furthermore, the increase in plasma homocysteine after methionine loading on the 1st d of betaine supplementation was 16% (P < 0.06), 23% (P < 0.008) and 35% (P < 0.0002) less than in the placebo group, respectively, and after 6 wk of supplementation was 23% (P < 0.02), 30% (P < 0.003) and 40% (P < 0.0002) less, respectively. Thus, doses of betaine in the range of dietary intake reduce fasting and postmethionine loading plasma homocysteine concentrations. A betaine-rich diet might therefore lower cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet R Olthof
- Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences and Wageningen University, Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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