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Gurugubelli KR, Ballambattu VB. Perspectives on folate with special reference to epigenetics and neural tube defects. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108576. [PMID: 38479591 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Folate is a micronutrient essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, fetal growth and development. Folate deficiency leads to genomic instability. Inadequate intake of folate during conception may lead to neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring. Folate influences the DNA methylation, histone methylation and homocysteine mediated gene methylation. DNA methylation influences the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). Folate deficiency may be associated with miRNAs misregulation leading to NTDs. Mitochondrial epigenetics and folate metabolism has proved to be involved in embryogenesis and neural tube development. Folate related genetic variants also cause the occurrence of NTDs. Unmetabolized excessive folate may affect health adversely. Hence estimation of folate levels in the blood plays an important role in high-risk cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Rao Gurugubelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Andhra Medical College (AMC), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Vishnu Bhat Ballambattu
- Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital (AVMC & H), Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (DU), Kirumambakkam, Puducherry, India.
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2
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Okuda A, Kintaka Y, Tanabe K, Nakayama T, Shimouchi A, Oku T, Nakamura S. Fructooligosaccharide feeding during gestation to pregnant mice provided excessive folic acid decreases maternal and female fetal oxidative stress by increasing intestinal microbe-derived hydrogen gas. Nutr Res 2023; 120:72-87. [PMID: 37948786 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) is fermented by intestinal microbes to generate intestinal microbe-derived hydrogen gas (IMDH). Oxidative stress increases during gestation, whereas hydrogen gas has antioxidant effects with therapeutic benefits. We have previously reported that the offspring from a pregnant, excessive folic acid mouse model (PEFAM) had abnormal glucose metabolism after growth. We hypothesized that IMDH by FOS feeding during gestation in PEFAM would suppress maternal and fetal oxidative stress. C57BL/6J mice on day 1 of gestation were divided into 3 groups and dissected at gestational day 18. The control (CONT) diet was AIN-93G containing folic acid 2 mg/kg diet; PEFAM was fed with an excessive folic acid (EFA) diet containing folic acid 40 mg/kg diet, and the EFA-FOS diet was replaced half of the sucrose in the EFA diet. Hydrogen gas concentrations in maternal livers and whole fetuses in EFA-FOS were significantly higher than those in CONT and EFA, respectively (P < .05). Maternal and fetal 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in EFA-FOS were not significantly different from those in the CONT group, whereas those in the EFA group were significantly increased compared with CONT and EFA-FOS (P < .05). In EFA-FOS, expression of protein and mRNA of superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase 1 in mothers and superoxide dismutase in fetuses were not significantly different from those in CONT, whereas those in EFA were significantly increased (P < .05). The protein expression of Nrf2 in mothers and fetuses were not significantly different between EFA-FOS and CONT. Therefore, FOS feeding to PEFAM during gestation decreases maternal and fetal oxidative stress through IMDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Okuda
- Graduate School of Human Life Sciences, Jumonji University, 2-1-28 Sugasawa, Niiza, Saitama 352-8510, Japan.
| | - Yuri Kintaka
- Institute of International Nutrition and Health, Jumonji University, 2-1-28 Sugasawa, Niiza, Saitama 352-8510, Japan; Faculty of School of Health Sciences, Sapporo University of Health Sciences, 2-1-15 Nakanumanishi 4-jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0894, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tanabe
- Institute of International Nutrition and Health, Jumonji University, 2-1-28 Sugasawa, Niiza, Saitama 352-8510, Japan; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Nakamura Gakuen University, 5-7-1 Befu, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0198, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Nakayama
- Department of Pathology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan
| | - Akito Shimouchi
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi 487-8501, Japan
| | - Tsuneyuki Oku
- Institute of International Nutrition and Health, Jumonji University, 2-1-28 Sugasawa, Niiza, Saitama 352-8510, Japan
| | - Sadako Nakamura
- Graduate School of Human Life Sciences, Jumonji University, 2-1-28 Sugasawa, Niiza, Saitama 352-8510, Japan; Institute of International Nutrition and Health, Jumonji University, 2-1-28 Sugasawa, Niiza, Saitama 352-8510, Japan
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3
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Fardous AM, Heydari AR. Uncovering the Hidden Dangers and Molecular Mechanisms of Excess Folate: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4699. [PMID: 37960352 PMCID: PMC10648405 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate relationship between excess folate (vitamin B9) intake, especially its synthetic form, namely, folic acid, and its implications on health and disease. While folate plays a pivotal role in the one-carbon cycle, which is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, concerns arise about its excessive intake. The literature underscores potential deleterious effects, such as an increased risk of carcinogenesis; disruption in DNA methylation; and impacts on embryogenesis, pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment, and disease risk. Notably, these consequences stretch beyond the immediate effects, potentially influencing future generations through epigenetic reprogramming. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were examined, including altered one-carbon metabolism, the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, vitamin-B12-dependent mechanisms, altered methylation patterns, and interactions with critical receptors and signaling pathways. Furthermore, differences in the effects and mechanisms mediated by folic acid compared with natural folate are highlighted. Given the widespread folic acid supplementation, it is imperative to further research its optimal intake levels and the molecular pathways impacted by its excessive intake, ensuring the health and well-being of the global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Fardous
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Ahmad R. Heydari
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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4
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Mussai EX, Lofft ZA, Vanderkruk B, Boonpattrawong N, Miller JW, Smith A, Bottiglieri T, Devlin AM. Folic acid supplementation in a mouse model of diabetes in pregnancy alters insulin sensitivity in female mice and beta cell mass in offspring. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23200. [PMID: 37773756 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301491r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have reported discrepant findings on the relationship between folic acid intake during pregnancy and risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). To begin to understand how folic acid impacts metabolic health during pregnancy, we determined the effects of excess folic acid supplementation (5× recommendation) on maternal and fetal offspring metabolic health. Using a mouse (female C57BL/6J) model of diet-induced diabetes in pregnancy (western diet) and control mice, we show that folic acid supplementation improved insulin sensitivity in the female mice fed the western diet and worsened insulin sensitivity in control mice. We found no unmetabolized folic acid in liver from supplemented mice suggesting the metabolic effects of folic acid supplementation are not due to unmetabolized folic acid. Male fetal (gestational day 18.5) offspring from folic acid supplemented dams (western and control) had greater beta cell mass and density than those from unsupplemented dams; this was not observed in female offspring. Differential sex-specific hepatic gene expression profiles were observed in the fetal offspring from supplemented dams but this differed between western and controls. Our findings suggest that folic acid supplementation affects insulin sensitivity in female mice, but is dependent on their metabolic phenotype and has sex-specific effects on offspring pancreas and liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ei-Xia Mussai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zoe A Lofft
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ben Vanderkruk
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicha Boonpattrawong
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joshua W Miller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Andre Smith
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Angela M Devlin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Ihirwe RG, Martel J, Rahimi S, Trasler J. Protective and sex-specific effects of moderate dose folic acid supplementation on the placenta following assisted reproduction in mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22677. [PMID: 36515682 PMCID: PMC10108070 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201428r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic defects induced by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been suggested as a potential mechanism contributing to suboptimal placentation. Here, we hypothesize that ART perturbs DNA methylation (DNAme) and gene expression during early placenta development, leading to abnormal placental phenotypes observed at term. Since folic acid (FA) plays a crucial role in epigenetic regulation, we propose that FA supplementation can rescue ART-induced placental defects. Female mice were placed on a control diet (CD), a moderate 4-fold (FAS4) or high dose 10-fold (FAS10) FA-supplemented diet prior to ART and compared to a natural mating group. ART resulted in 41 and 28 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in E10.5 female and male placentas, respectively. Many DEGs were implicated in early placenta development and associated with DNAme changes; a number clustered at known imprinting control regions (ICR). In females, FAS4 partially corrected alterations in gene expression while FAS10 showed evidence of male-biased adverse effects. DNAme and gene expression for five genes involved in early placentation (Phlda2, EphB2, Igf2, Peg3, L3mbtl1) were followed up in placentas from normal as well as delayed and abnormal embryos. Phlda2 and Igf2 expression levels were lowest after ART in placentas of female delayed embryos. Moreover, ART concomitantly reduced DNAme at the Kcnq1ot1 ICR which regulates Phlda2 expression; FAS4 partially improved DNAme in a sex-specific manner. In conclusion, ART-associated placental DNAme and transcriptome alterations observed at mid-gestation are sex-specific; they may help explain adverse placental phenotypes detected at term and are partially corrected by maternal moderate dose FA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Gloria Ihirwe
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josée Martel
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophia Rahimi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Lian Z, Wu Z, Gu R, Wang Y, Wu C, Cheng Z, He M, Wang Y, Cheng Y, Gu HF. Evaluation of Cardiovascular Toxicity of Folic Acid and 6S-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Calcium in Early Embryonic Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11243946. [PMID: 36552710 PMCID: PMC9777352 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic and highly stable version of folate, while 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the predominant form of dietary folate in circulation and is used as a crystalline form of calcium salt (MTHF-Ca). The current study aims to evaluate the toxicity and safety of FA and MTHF-Ca on embryonic development, with a focus on cardiovascular defects. We began to analyze the toxicity of FA and MTHF-Ca in zebrafish from four to seventy-two hours postfertilization and assessed the efficacy of FA and MTHF-Ca in a zebrafish angiogenesis model. We then analyzed the differently expressed genes in in vitro fertilized murine blastocysts cultured with FA and MTHF-Ca. By using gene-expression profiling, we identified a novel gene in mice that encodes an essential eukaryotic translation initiation factor (Eif1ad7). We further applied the morpholino-mediated gene-knockdown approach to explore whether the FA inhibition of this gene (eif1axb in zebrafish) caused cardiac development disorders, which we confirmed with qRT-PCR. We found that FA, but not MTHF-Ca, could inhibit angiogenesis in zebrafish and result in abnormal cardiovascular development, leading to embryonic death owing to the downregulation of eif1axb. MTHF-Ca, however, had no such cardiotoxicity, unlike FA. The current study thereby provides experimental evidence that FA, rather than MTHF-Ca, has cardiovascular toxicity in early embryonic development and suggests that excessive supplementation of FA in perinatal women may be related to the potential risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenglin Lian
- Institute of Biological Chinese Medicine, Beijing Yichuang Institute of Biotechnology Industry, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Zhuanbin Wu
- Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rui Gu
- Institute of Biological Chinese Medicine, Beijing Yichuang Institute of Biotechnology Industry, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Yurong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chenhua Wu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhengpei Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mingfang He
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention, Henan Institute of Reproductive Health Science and Technology, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yongzhi Cheng
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (H.F.G.)
| | - Harvest F. Gu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (H.F.G.)
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Xu X, Johnson Z, Wang A, Padget RL, Smyth JW, Xie H. Folate regulates RNA m 5C modification and translation in neural stem cells. BMC Biol 2022; 20:261. [PMID: 36424632 PMCID: PMC9686110 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01467-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folate is an essential B-group vitamin and a key methyl donor with important biological functions including DNA methylation regulation. Normal neurodevelopment and physiology are sensitive to the cellular folate levels. Either deficiency or excess of folate may lead to neurological disorders. Recently, folate has been linked to tRNA cytosine-5 methylation (m5C) and translation in mammalian mitochondria. However, the influence of folate intake on neuronal mRNA m5C modification and translation remains largely unknown. Here, we provide transcriptome-wide landscapes of m5C modification in poly(A)-enriched RNAs together with mRNA transcription and translation profiles for mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) cultured in three different concentrations of folate. RESULTS NSCs cultured in three different concentrations of folate showed distinct mRNA methylation profiles. Despite uncovering only a few differentially expressed genes, hundreds of differentially translated genes were identified in NSCs with folate deficiency or supplementation. The differentially translated genes induced by low folate are associated with cytoplasmic translation and mitochondrial function, while the differentially translated genes induced by high folate are associated with increased neural stem cell proliferation. Interestingly, compared to total mRNAs, polysome mRNAs contained high levels of m5C. Furthermore, an integrative analysis indicated a transcript-specific relationship between RNA m5C methylation and mRNA translation efficiency. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our study reports a transcriptome-wide influence of folate on mRNA m5C methylation and translation in NSCs and reveals a potential link between mRNA m5C methylation and mRNA translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiguang Xu
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.470073.70000 0001 2178 7701Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Zachary Johnson
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Amanda Wang
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Rachel L. Padget
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016 USA
| | - James W. Smyth
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016 USA
| | - Hehuang Xie
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.470073.70000 0001 2178 7701Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
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Women Taking a Folic Acid Supplement in Countries with Mandatory Food Fortification Programs May Be Exceeding the Upper Tolerable Limit of Folic Acid: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132715. [PMID: 35807899 PMCID: PMC9268323 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In preconception and pregnancy, women are encouraged to take folic acid-based supplements over and above food intake. The upper tolerable limit of folic acid is 1000 mcg per day; however, this level was determined to avoid masking a vitamin B12 deficiency and not based on folic acid bioavailability and metabolism. This review’s aim is to assess the total all-source intake of folate in women of childbearing age and in pregnancy in high-income countries with folate food fortification programs. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in five databases to find studies published since 1998 that reported folate and folic acid intake in countries with a mandatory fortification policy. Results: Women of childbearing age do not receive sufficient folate intake from food sources alone even when consuming fortified food products; however, almost all women taking a folic acid-based supplement exceed the upper tolerable limit of folic acid intake. Conclusions: Folic acid supplement recommendations and the upper tolerable limit of 1000 mcg set by policy makers warrant careful review in light of potential adverse effects of exceeding the upper tolerable limit on folic acid absorption and metabolism, and subsequent impacts on women’s health during their childbearing years.
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Nucera B, Brigo F, Trinka E, Kalss G. Treatment and care of women with epilepsy before, during, and after pregnancy: a practical guide. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864221101687. [PMID: 35706844 PMCID: PMC9189531 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with epilepsy (WWE) wishing for a child represent a highly relevant subgroup of epilepsy patients. The treating epileptologist needs to delineate the epilepsy syndrome and choose the appropriate anti-seizure medication (ASM) considering the main goal of seizure freedom, teratogenic risks, changes in drug metabolism during pregnancy and postpartum, demanding for up-titration during and down-titration after pregnancy. Folic acid or vitamin K supplements and breastfeeding are also discussed in this review. Lamotrigine and levetiracetam have the lowest teratogenic potential. Data on teratogenic risks are also favorable for oxcarbazepine, whereas topiramate tends to have an unfavorable profile. Valproate needs special emphasis. It is most effective in generalized seizures but should be avoided whenever possible due to its teratogenic effects and the negative impact on neuropsychological development of in utero-exposed children. Valproate still has its justification in patients not achieving seizure freedom with other ASMs or if a woman decides to or cannot become pregnant for any reason. When valproate is the most appropriate treatment option, the patient and caregiver must be fully informed of the risks associated with its use during pregnancies. Folate supplementation is recommended to reduce the risk of major congenital malformations. However, there is insufficient information to address the optimal dose and it is unclear whether higher doses offer greater protection. There is currently no general recommendation for a peripartum vitamin K prophylaxis. During pregnancy most ASMs (e.g. lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, and levetiracetam) need to be increased to compensate for the decline in serum levels; exceptions are valproate and carbamazepine. Postpartum, baseline levels are reached relatively fast, and down-titration is performed empirically. Many ASMs in monotherapy are (moderately) safe for breastfeeding and women should be encouraged to do so. This review provides a practically oriented overview of the complex management of WWE before, during, and after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Nucera
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gudrun Kalss
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Jory J. Red cell folate status among a subset of Canadian children with Down Syndrome post-fortification. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:471-482. [PMID: 35266234 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome (DS) is associated with altered methylation pathways. Children with DS may therefore represent a population subgroup with vulnerability to increased exposures to folic acid, which is involved in one-carbon metabolism. Folic acid (FA) fortification of flour and maternal FA supplementation are intended to reduce neural tube defects related to folate deficiency. The interventions have been widely successful in Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that higher FA exposures may also have potential negative consequences, including implications for DNA methylation. This retrospective chart review provides insight on the red blood cell (RBC) folate status of a subset of Canadian children and infants with DS, post-fortification. METHODS Children with DS in two Canadian provinces were assessed in the community. Access to RBC folate testing was variable, limiting sample size to 39 (n = 27 for children ≤6 years; n = 12 for children 6-18 years). All children with DS and an RBC folate result were included. The use of FA-containing supplements and formula was documented. RESULTS Among children 6-18 years, 100% had RBC folates >1000 nmol/L, 50% were >2000 nmol/L and 25% had levels above the upper laboratory reporting limit. Among the younger children (<6 years), 52% had RBC folates >2000 nmol and 2 children exceeded 3000 nmol/L. Among exclusively breast-fed infants (<12 months), 100% had RBC folates >1000 nmol/L and 50% had levels >2000 nmol/L, suggestive of in-utero or maternal exposures. RBC folate status among this subset of Canadian children with DS is higher than documented for the larger Canadian population, and higher than among US children with DS. CONCLUSIONS Young Canadian children with DS demonstrated high post-fortification RBC folate status. RBC folate status was higher than reported for the larger Canadian population, and higher than for US children with Down Syndrome. Consumption of folic acid-containing formula and/or supplements was relatively low among these Canadian children with DS, suggesting maternal FA supplements and/or FA-fortified foods may be important etiological factors. A larger, prospective study is needed to validate these results, and to explore potential health implications among this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jory
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, MacDonald Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Jin X, Cheng Z, Yu X, Tao Q, Huang R, Wang S. Continuous supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy and the risk of perinatal depression-A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2022; 302:258-272. [PMID: 35066009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood folic acid1(FA) level of depressed patients seems to be lower than that of normal, and pregnant women are at greater risk of FA deficiency. The relationship between FA and perinatal depression has not been well described. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of the evidence for the association between the two, using current FA supplementation behavior during pregnancy and blood FA levels as exposures, and the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms and mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale2 (EPDS) scores as outcomes. The present study was recorded in PROSPERO (2019 CRD: 42,020,211,509). RESULTS Fifteen studies were identified, covering a total of 26,275 women from eleven observational studies and four randomized controlled trials. For the primary outcome of folic acid supplementation behavior and risk of perinatal depression, the overall odds ratio was 0.742 (95% CI: (0.647-0.852)), with a combined effect value of 0.84 (95% CI: (0.76, 0.93)) for studies in which an OR could be extracted. A negative association was observed between blood folate levels and depressive symptoms (Standardized mean difference (SMD) =-0.127, 95% CI:(-0.183,-0.071)). No association was observed between folic acid intervention and EPDS score. Continuous supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms (R = 0.017, (95 CI%:(0.014, 0.021)). LIMITATIONS Lack of rigorous randomized controlled trials due to ethical issues, and the research is heterogeneous and does not consider the influence of genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS Continuous use of FA during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Jin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zi Cheng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xuemin Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qi Tao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China.
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12
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Folic Acid, Folinic Acid, 5 Methyl TetraHydroFolate Supplementation for Mutations That Affect Epigenesis through the Folate and One-Carbon Cycles. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020197. [PMID: 35204698 PMCID: PMC8961567 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylation is an essential biochemical mechanism that is central to the transmission of life, and crucially responsible for regulating gametogenesis and continued embryo development. The methylation of DNA and histones drives cell division and regulation of gene expression through epigenesis and imprinting. Brain development and its maturation also depend on correct lipid methylation, and continued neuronal function depends on biogenic amines that require methylation for their synthesis. All methylation processes are carried out via a methyltransferase enzyme and its unique co-factor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM); the transfer of a methyl group to a target molecule results in the release of SAH (SA homocysteine), and then homocysteine (Hcy). Both of these molecules are toxic, inhibiting methylation in a variety of ways, and Hcy recycling to methionine is imperative; this is achieved via the one carbon cycle, supported by the folates cycle. Folate deficiency causes hyperhomocysteinaemia, with several associated diseases; during early pregnancy, deficiency interferes with closure of the neural tube at the fourth week of gestation, and nutraceutical supplementation has been routinely prescribed to prevent neural tube defects, mainly involving B vitamins, Zn and folates. The two metabolic pathways are subject to single nucleotide polymorphisms that alter their activity/capacity, often severely, impairing specific physiological functions including fertility, brain and cardiac function. The impact of three types of nutraceutical supplements, folic acid (FA), folinic acid (FLA) and 5 Methyl THF (MTHF), will be discussed here, with their positive effects alongside potentially hazardous secondary effects. The issue surrounding FA and its association with UMFA (unmetabolized folic acid) syndrome is now a matter of concern, as UMFA is currently found in the umbilical cord of the fetus, and even in infants’ blood. We will discuss its putative role in influencing the acquisition of epigenetic marks in the germline, acquired during embryogenesis, as well as the role of FA in the management of cancerous disease.
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13
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Wang D, Jin L, Zhang J, Meng W, Ren A, Jin L. Maternal Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation and Risk for Fetal Congenital Heart Defects. J Pediatr 2022; 240:72-78. [PMID: 34508748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of maternal periconceptional supplementation with folic acid or multiple micronutrients containing folic acid on the prevention of fetal congenital heart defects (CHDs). STUDY DESIGN Data were drawn from a Prenatal Health Care System and a Birth Defects Surveillance System in a district of Beijing, China. A total of 63 969 singleton births, live or stillborn, 308 CHDs among them, during 2013 to 2018 were included. Associations between different patterns of supplementation and risk for total CHDs or main types of CHDs were evaluated with risk ratios (RRs). RESULTS For folic acid or multiple micronutrients containing folic acid users compared with nonusers, the adjusted RRs (ARRs) for total CHDs, critical CHD, and ventricular septal defect (VSD) were 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44-0.83), 0.41 (95% CI, 0.26-0.67), and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.30-0.74), respectively. When we compared multiple micronutrients containing folic acid users with folic acid users, the ARRs were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.66-1.09), 0.64 (95% CI, 0.41-1.00), and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.63-1.41) for total CHDs, critical CHD, and VSD, respectively. We also found that, compared with supplementation initiated after conception, supplementation initiated before conception was associated with a lower risk for CHDs: the ARRs were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.48-0.95) for total CHDs and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.10-0.71) for critical CHD, but 1.08 (95% CI, 0.63-1.83) for VSD. CONCLUSIONS Maternal periconceptional supplementation with folic acid or multiple micronutrients containing folic acid seems to decrease the risk for CHDs, especially critical CHD, in offspring. Supplementation confers a greater protective effect when it is initiated before conception. We did not find any difference between folic acid and multiple micronutrients containing folic acid in terms of preventing CHDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/National Health Commission Key Laboratory, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/National Health Commission Key Laboratory, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Meng
- Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/National Health Commission Key Laboratory, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/National Health Commission Key Laboratory, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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14
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Yang X, Sun W, Wu Q, Lin H, Lu Z, Shen X, Chen Y, Zhou Y, Huang L, Wu F, Liu F, Chu D. Excess Folic Acid Supplementation before and during Pregnancy and Lactation Alters Behaviors and Brain Gene Expression in Female Mouse Offspring. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010066. [PMID: 35010941 PMCID: PMC8746785 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of folic acid (FA) during early pregnancy protects against birth defects. However, excess FA has shown gender-specific neurodevelopmental toxicity. Previously, we fed the mice with 2.5 times the recommended amount of FA one week prior to mating and during the pregnancy and lactation periods, and detected the activated expression of Fos and related genes in the brains of weaning male offspring, as well as behavioral abnormalities in the adults. Here, we studied whether female offspring were affected by the same dosage of FA. An open field test, three-chamber social approach and social novelty test, an elevated plus-maze, rotarod test and the Morris water maze task were used to evaluate their behaviors. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in the brains. Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blots were applied to verify the changes in gene expression. We found increased anxiety and impaired exploratory behavior, motor coordination and spatial memory in FA-exposed females. The brain transcriptome revealed 36 up-regulated and 79 down-regulated genes in their brains at weaning. The increase of Tlr1; Sult1a1; Tph2; Acacb; Etnppl; Angptl4 and Apold1, as well as a decrease of Ppara mRNA were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Among these genes; the mRNA levels of Etnppl; Angptl4andApold1 were increased in the both FA-exposed female and male brains. The elevation of Sult1a1 protein was confirmed by Western blots. Our data suggest that excess FA alteres brain gene expression and behaviors in female offspring, of which certain genes show apparent gender specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (H.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Wenyan Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Qian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Hongyan Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (H.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Zhixing Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Yongqi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Li Huang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (H.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Dandan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.C.)
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15
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Epigenetic Modifications at the Center of the Barker Hypothesis and Their Transgenerational Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312728. [PMID: 34886453 PMCID: PMC8656758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Embryo/fetal nutrition and the environment in the reproductive tract influence the subsequent risk of developing adult diseases and disorders, as formulated in the Barker hypothesis. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, heart disease, and hypertension in adulthood have all been linked to unwanted epigenetic programing in embryos and fetuses. Multiple studies support the conclusion that environmental challenges, such as a maternal low-protein diet, can change one-carbon amino acid metabolism and, thus, alter histone and DNA epigenetic modifications. Since histones influence gene expression and the program of embryo development, these epigenetic changes likely contribute to the risk of adult disease onset not just in the directly affected offspring, but for multiple generations to come. In this paper, we hypothesize that the effects of parental nutritional status on fetal epigenetic programming are transgenerational and warrant further investigation. Numerous studies supporting this hypothesis are reviewed, and potential research techniques to study these transgenerational epigenetic effects are offered.
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16
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Lai W, He S, Zhou D, Chen L. Managing reproductive problems in women with epilepsy of childbearing age. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-021-00062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGirls and women constitute nearly 50% of all epilepsy cases. Apart from the disease symptoms, epilepsy and antiseizure medications (ASMs) may also affect the reproductive function, pregnancy and even the health of their offspring. Therefore, it is very important to identify and summarize the problems and risks for women with epilepsy (WWE) of childbearing age, and offer internationally recognized methods through multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we summarize the reproduction-related problems with WWE and propose multidisciplinary management by epileptologists, gynecologists and obstetricians, as well as other experts, from preconception to delivery. Large, multicenter registries are needed to advance our knowledge on new ASMs and their effects on WWE and their offspring.
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17
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Brütting C, Hildebrand P, Brandsch C, Stangl GI. Ability of dietary factors to affect homocysteine levels in mice: a review. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:68. [PMID: 34193183 PMCID: PMC8243555 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine is associated with several diseases, and a series of dietary factors are known to modulate homocysteine levels. As mice are often used as model organisms to study the effects of dietary hyperhomocysteinemia, we collected data about concentrations of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, methionine, cystine, and choline in mouse diets and the associated plasma/serum homocysteine levels. In addition, we more closely examined the composition of the control diet, the impact of the mouse strain, sex and age, and the duration of the dietary intervention on homocysteine levels. In total, 113 out of 1103 reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. In the experimental and control diets, homocysteine levels varied from 0.1 to 280 µmol/l. We found negative correlations between dietary vitamin B12 (rho = − 0.125; p < 0.05), vitamin B6 (rho = − 0.191; p < 0.01) and folate (rho = − 0.395; p < 0.001) and circulating levels of homocysteine. In contrast, a positive correlation was observed between dietary methionine and homocysteine (methionine: rho = 0.146; p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found for cystine or choline and homocysteine levels. In addition, there was no correlation between the duration of the experimental diets and homocysteine levels. More importantly, the data showed that homocysteine levels varied widely in mice fed control diets as well. When comparing control diets with similar nutrient concentrations (AIN-based), there were significant differences in homocysteine levels caused by the strain (ANOVA, p < 0.05) and age of the mice at baseline (r = 0.47; p < 0.05). When comparing homocysteine levels and sex, female mice tended to have higher homocysteine levels than male mice (9.3 ± 5.9 µmol/l vs. 5.8 ± 4.5 µmol/l; p = 0.069). To conclude, diets low in vitamin B12, vitamin B6, or folate and rich in methionine are similarly effective in increasing homocysteine levels. AIN recommendations for control diets are adequate with respect to the amounts of homocysteine-modulating dietary parameters. In addition, the mouse strain and the age of mice can affect the homocysteine level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Brütting
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Pia Hildebrand
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Corinna Brandsch
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gabriele I Stangl
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
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18
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Shcherbitskaia AD, Vasilev DS, Milyutina YP, Tumanova NL, Mikhel AV, Zalozniaia IV, Arutjunyan AV. Prenatal Hyperhomocysteinemia Induces Glial Activation and Alters Neuroinflammatory Marker Expression in Infant Rat Hippocampus. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061536. [PMID: 34207057 PMCID: PMC8234222 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia is one of the common complications of pregnancy that causes offspring cognitive deficits during postnatal development. In this study, we investigated the effect of prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia (PHHC) on inflammatory, glial activation, and neuronal cell death markers in the hippocampus of infant rats. Female Wistar rats received L-methionine (0.6 g/kg b.w.) by oral administration during pregnancy. On postnatal days 5 and 20, the offspring’s hippocampus was removed to perform histological and biochemical studies. After PHHC, the offspring exhibited increased brain interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 levels and glial activation, as well as reduced anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 level in the hippocampus. Additionally, the activity of acetylcholinesterase was increased in the hippocampus of the pups. Exposure to PHHC also resulted in the reduced number of neurons and disrupted neuronal ultrastructure. At the same time, no changes in the content and activity of caspase-3 were found in the hippocampus of the pups. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that neuroinflammation and glial activation could be involved in altering the hippocampus cellular composition following PHHC, and these alterations could be associated with cognitive disorders later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia D. Shcherbitskaia
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.P.M.); (A.V.M.); (I.V.Z.); (A.V.A.)
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (D.S.V.); (N.L.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dmitrii S. Vasilev
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (D.S.V.); (N.L.T.)
| | - Yulia P. Milyutina
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.P.M.); (A.V.M.); (I.V.Z.); (A.V.A.)
| | - Natalia L. Tumanova
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (D.S.V.); (N.L.T.)
| | - Anastasiia V. Mikhel
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.P.M.); (A.V.M.); (I.V.Z.); (A.V.A.)
| | - Irina V. Zalozniaia
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.P.M.); (A.V.M.); (I.V.Z.); (A.V.A.)
| | - Alexander V. Arutjunyan
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.P.M.); (A.V.M.); (I.V.Z.); (A.V.A.)
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19
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Interaction between Metformin, Folate and Vitamin B 12 and the Potential Impact on Fetal Growth and Long-Term Metabolic Health in Diabetic Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115759. [PMID: 34071182 PMCID: PMC8198407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the first-line treatment for many people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to maintain glycaemic control. Recent evidence suggests metformin can cross the placenta during pregnancy, thereby exposing the fetus to high concentrations of metformin and potentially restricting placental and fetal growth. Offspring exposed to metformin during gestation are at increased risk of being born small for gestational age (SGA) and show signs of ‘catch up’ growth and obesity during childhood which increases their risk of future cardiometabolic diseases. The mechanisms by which metformin impacts on the fetal growth and long-term health of the offspring remain to be established. Metformin is associated with maternal vitamin B12 deficiency and antifolate like activity. Vitamin B12 and folate balance is vital for one carbon metabolism, which is essential for DNA methylation and purine/pyrimidine synthesis of nucleic acids. Folate:vitamin B12 imbalance induced by metformin may lead to genomic instability and aberrant gene expression, thus promoting fetal programming. Mitochondrial aerobic respiration may also be affected, thereby inhibiting placental and fetal growth, and suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity for cellular nutrient transport. Vitamin supplementation, before or during metformin treatment in pregnancy, could be a promising strategy to improve maternal vitamin B12 and folate levels and reduce the incidence of SGA births and childhood obesity. Heterogeneous diagnostic and screening criteria for GDM and the transient nature of nutrient biomarkers have led to inconsistencies in clinical study designs to investigate the effects of metformin on folate:vitamin B12 balance and child development. As rates of diabetes in pregnancy continue to escalate, more women are likely to be prescribed metformin; thus, it is of paramount importance to improve our understanding of metformin’s transgenerational effects to develop prophylactic strategies for the prevention of adverse fetal outcomes.
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20
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Ford SM, Pedersen CJ, Ford MR, Kim JW, Karunamuni GH, McPheeters MT, Jawaid S, Jenkins MW, Rollins AM, Watanabe M. Folic acid prevents functional and structural heart defects induced by prenatal ethanol exposure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00817.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
State-of-the-art biophotonic tools captured blood flow and endocardial cushion volumes in tiny beating quail embryo hearts, an accessible model for studying four-chambered heart development. Both hemodynamic flow and endocardial cushion volumes were altered with ethanol exposure but normalized when folic acid was introduced with ethanol. Folic acid supplementation preserved hemodynamic function that is intimately involved in sculpting the heart from the earliest stages of heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Ford
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Cameron J. Pedersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthew R. Ford
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Ohio
| | - Jun W. Kim
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ganga H. Karunamuni
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthew T. McPheeters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Safdar Jawaid
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael W. Jenkins
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Andrew M. Rollins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michiko Watanabe
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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Penailillo RS, Eckert JJ, Burton MA, Burdge GC, Fleming TP, Lillycrop KA. High maternal folic acid intake around conception alters mouse blastocyst lineage allocation and expression of key developmental regulatory genes. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:261-273. [PMID: 33719134 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Folate, a cofactor for the supply of one-carbon groups, is required by epigenetic processes to regulate cell lineage determination during development. The intake of folic acid (FA), the synthetic form of folate, has increased significantly over the past decade, but the effects of high periconceptional FA intake on cell lineage determination in the early embryo remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of maternal high FA (HFA) intake on blastocyst development and expression of key regulatory genes. C57BL/6 adult female mice were fed either Control diet (1 mg FA) for 4 weeks before conception and during the preimplantation period (Con-Con); Control diet for 4 weeks preconception, followed by HFA (5 mg FA) diet during preimplantation (Con-HFA); or HFA diet for 4 weeks preconception and during preimplantation (HFA-HFA). At E3.5, blastocyst cell number, protein, and mRNA expression were measured. In HFA-HFA blastocysts, trophectoderm cell numbers and expression of CDX2, Oct-4, and Nanog were reduced compared with Con-Con blastocysts; Con-HFA blastocysts showed lower CDX2 and Oct-4 expression than Con-Con blastocysts. These findings suggest periconceptional HFA intake induces changes in key regulators of embryo morphogenesis with potential implications for subsequent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Penailillo
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J J Eckert
- School of Human Health and Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M A Burton
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - G C Burdge
- School of Human Health and Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - T P Fleming
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - K A Lillycrop
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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22
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Folic acid supplementation during oocytes maturation influences in vitro production and gene expression of bovine embryos. ZYGOTE 2021; 29:342-349. [PMID: 33685547 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Embryos that are produced in vitro frequently present epigenetic modifications. However, maternal supplementation with folic acid (FA) may improve oocyte maturation and embryo development, preventing epigenetic errors in the offspring. We sought to evaluate the influence of FA supplementation during in vitro maturation of grade I (GI) and grade III (GIII) bovine oocytes on embryo production rate and the expression of IGF2 and KCNQ1OT1 genes. The oocytes were matured in vitro with different concentrations of FA (0, 10, 30 and 100 μM), followed by in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. On the seventh day (D7) of culture, embryo production was evaluated and gene expression was measured using real-time qPCR. Supplementation with 10 μM of FA did not affect embryo production for GI and GIII oocytes. Moderate supplementation (30 μM) seemed to be a positive influence, increasing embryo production for GIII (P = 0.012), while the highest dose (100 μM) reduced embryo production (P = 0.010) for GI, and IGF2 expression was not detected. In GIII, only embryos whose oocyte maturation was not supplemented with FA demonstrated detected IGF2 expression. The lowest concentration of FA (10 μM) reduced KCNQ1OT1 expression (P = 0.05) on embryos from GIII oocytes. Different FA concentrations induced different effects on bovine embryo production and gene expression that was related to oocyte quality. Despite the epigenetic effects of FA, supplementation seems to be a promising factor to improve bovine embryo production if used carefully, as concentration is an important factor, especially in oocytes with impaired quality.
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23
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Li Q, Wang YY, Guo Y, Zhou H, Wang X, Wang QM, Shen HP, Zhang YP, Yan DH, Li S, Chen G, Lin L, He Y, Yang Y, Peng ZQ, Wang HJ, Ma X. Folic Acid Supplementation and the Association between Maternal Airborne Particulate Matter Exposure and Preterm Delivery: A National Birth Cohort Study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:127010. [PMID: 33337244 PMCID: PMC7747880 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potential modification of the association between maternal particulate matter (PM) exposure and preterm delivery (PTD) by folic acid (FA) supplementation has not been studied. OBJECTIVE We examined whether FA supplementation could reduce the risk of PTD associated with maternal exposure to PM in ambient air during pregnancy. METHOD In a cohort study covering 30 of the 31 provinces of mainland China in 2014, 1,229,556 primiparas of Han ethnicity were followed until labor. We collected information on their FA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes and estimated each participant's exposure to PM with diameters of ≤ 10 μ m (PM 10 ), 2.5 μ m (PM 2.5 ), and 1 μ m (PM 1 ) using satellite remote-sensing based models. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine interactions between FA supplementation and PM exposures, after controlling for individual characteristics. RESULTS Participants who initiated FA ≥ 3 months prior to pregnancy (38.1%) had a 23% [hazard ratio ( HR ) = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.78)] lower risk of PTD than women who did not use preconception FA. Participants with PM concentrations in the highest quartile had a higher risk of PTD [HR = 1.29 (95% CI: 1.26, 1.32) for PM 1 , 1.52 (95% CI: 1.46, 1.58) for PM 2.5 , and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.27) for PM 10 ] than those with exposures in the lowest PM quartiles. Estimated associations with a 10 - μ g / m 3 increase in PM 1 and PM 2.5 were significantly lower among women who initiated FA ≥ 3 months prior to pregnancy [HR = 1.09 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.10) for both exposures] than among women who did not use preconception FA [HR = 1.12 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.13) for both exposures; p interaction < 0.001 ]. The corresponding association was also significantly lower for a 10 - μ g / m 3 increase in PM 10 [HR = 1.03 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.03) for FA ≥ 3 months before pregnancy vs. 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.04) for no preconception FA; p interaction < 0.001 ]. CONCLUSION Our findings require confirmation in other populations, but they suggest that initiating FA supplementation ≥ 3 months prior to pregnancy may lessen the risk of PTD associated with PM exposure during pregnancy among primiparas of Han ethnicity. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6386.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Li
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Environmental and Spatial Epidemiology Research Center, National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, China
- Reproductive Medical Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Environmental and Spatial Epidemiology Research Center, National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, China
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Environmental and Spatial Epidemiology Research Center, National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Qiao-Mei Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Ping Shen
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Ping Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Hai Yan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lizi Lin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan He
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Zuo-Qi Peng
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Jun Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Environmental and Spatial Epidemiology Research Center, National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Ma
- Environmental and Spatial Epidemiology Research Center, National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, China
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
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24
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Rahimi S, Martel J, Karahan G, Angle C, Behan NA, Chan D, MacFarlane AJ, Trasler JM. Moderate maternal folic acid supplementation ameliorates adverse embryonic and epigenetic outcomes associated with assisted reproduction in a mouse model. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:851-862. [PMID: 30989206 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Could clinically-relevant moderate and/or high dose maternal folic acid supplementation prevent aberrant developmental and epigenetic outcomes associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART)? SUMMARY ANSWER Our results demonstrate dose-dependent and sex-specific effects of folic acid supplementation in ART and provide evidence that moderate dose supplements may be optimal for both sexes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Children conceived using ART are at an increased risk for growth and genomic imprinting disorders, often associated with DNA methylation defects. Folic acid supplementation is recommended during pregnancy to prevent adverse offspring outcomes; however, the effects of folic acid supplementation in ART remain unclear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Outbred female mice were fed three folic acid-supplemented diets, control (rodent daily recommended intake or DRI; CD), moderate (4-fold DRI; 4FASD) or high (10-fold DRI; 10FASD) dose, for six weeks prior to ART and throughout gestation. Mouse ART involved a combination of superovulation, in vitro fertilisation, embryo culture and embryo transfer. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Midgestation embryos and placentas (n = 74-99/group) were collected; embryos were assessed for developmental delay and gross morphological abnormalities and embryos and placentas were examined for epigenetic defects. We assessed methylation at four imprinted genes (Snrpn, Kcnq1ot1, Peg1 and H19) in matched midgestation embryos and placentas (n = 31-32/group) using bisulfite pyrosequencing. In addition, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in placentas (n = 6 normal placentas per sex/group) and embryos (n = 6 normal female embryos/group; n = 3 delayed female embryos/group) using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Moderate, but not high dose supplementation, was associated with a decrease in the proportion of developmentally delayed embryos. Although moderate dose folic acid supplementation reduced DNA methylation variance at certain imprinted genes in embryonic and placental tissues, high dose supplementation exacerbated the negative effects of ART at imprinted loci. Furthermore, folic acid supplements resolved female-biased aberrant imprinted gene methylation. Supplementation was more effective at correcting ART-induced genome-wide methylation defects in male versus female placentas; however, folic acid supplementation also led to additional methylation perturbations which were more pronounced in males. LARGE-SCALE DATA The RRBS data from this study have been submitted to the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus under the accession number GSE123143. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the combination of mouse ART utilised in this study consisted of techniques commonly used in human fertility clinics, there may be species differences. Therefore, human studies, designed to determine the optimal levels of folic acid supplementation for ART pregnancies, and taking into account foetal sex, are warranted. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Taken together, our findings support moderation in the dose of folic acid supplements taken during ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (FDN-148425). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Rahimi
- Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montréal QC, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 3640 rue University, Montréal QC, Canada
| | - Josée Martel
- Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montréal QC, Canada
| | - Gurbet Karahan
- Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montréal QC, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 3640 rue University, Montréal QC, Canada
| | - Camille Angle
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montréal QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie A Behan
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa ON, Canada
| | - Donovan Chan
- Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montréal QC, Canada
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa ON, Canada
| | - Jacquetta M Trasler
- Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montréal QC, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 3640 rue University, Montréal QC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montréal QC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montréal QC, Canada
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25
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Excessive folic acid supplementation in pregnant mice impairs insulin secretion and induces the expression of genes associated with fatty liver in their offspring. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03597. [PMID: 32322701 PMCID: PMC7170958 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous human and animal studies have shown that excessive maternal intake of folic acid (FA) predisposes to impaired glucose tolerance in the offspring. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether excessive supplementation with FA during pregnancy affects the glucose tolerance of mouse offspring. Research methods & procedures Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were fed AIN93G diet containing either 2 mg [control group (CN)] or 40 mg [high FA group (HFA)] FA/kg diet throughout their pregnancies. On postnatal days (PD)22 and 50, fasting blood glucose was measured in the offspring of both groups, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on PD50. On PD53, tissues were collected, and the tissue masses, area of insulin expression in the pancreas, liver triglyceride content, and gene expression were determined. Results The blood glucose concentrations at 60 and 120 min of the OGTT were higher in female HFA than CN offspring. The serum fasting and non-fasting insulin concentrations and the area of insulin expression in the pancreas were lower in HFA than CN offspring. The liver triglyceride content was higher in female, and tended to be higher in male (P < 0.05), HFA offspring than CN offspring (P < 0.05). The liver mRNA expression of fat synthesis genes, such as Pparγ2 (male and female) and Cidec (male), was higher in HFA than CN offspring (P < 0.05). Conclusion Excessive maternal supplementation of FA in mice leads to lower insulin synthesis and an impairment in hepatic fat metabolism in the offspring.
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26
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Maynard C, Weinkove D. Bacteria increase host micronutrient availability: mechanisms revealed by studies in C. elegans. GENES AND NUTRITION 2020; 15:4. [PMID: 32138646 PMCID: PMC7057599 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-020-00662-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Micronutrients cannot be synthesized by humans and are obtained from three different sources: diet, gut microbiota, and oral supplements. The microbiota generates significant quantities of micronutrients, but the contribution of these compounds to total uptake is unclear. The role of bacteria in the synthesis and uptake of micronutrients and supplements is widely unexplored and may have important implications for human health. The efficacy and safety of several micronutrient supplements, including folic acid, have been questioned due to some evidence of adverse effects on health. The use of the simplified animal-microbe model, Caenorhabditis elegans, and its bacterial food source, Escherichia coli, provides a controllable system to explore the underlying mechanisms by which bacterial metabolism impacts host micronutrient status. These studies have revealed mechanisms by which bacteria may increase the bioavailability of folic acid, B12, and iron. These routes of uptake interact with bacterial metabolism, with the potential to increase bacterial pathogenesis, and thus may be both beneficial and detrimental to host health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Maynard
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - David Weinkove
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK.
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27
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Mishra J, Tomar A, Puri M, Jain A, Saraswathy KN. Trends of folate, vitamin B 12 , and homocysteine levels in different trimesters of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 32:e23388. [PMID: 31898383 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of folate and vitamin B12 levels on pregnancy progression and outcomes. METHODS The present study is a prospective follow up study of 100 pregnant women. Biochemical investigations (plasma homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels) were performed on all pregnant women in first, second, and third trimesters. Nonparametric tests were used to compare the differences in median levels and odds ratio analysis for the assessment of the risk between the selected biomarkers and adverse pregnancy progression and outcomes. RESULTS The pregnant women at their first antenatal care visit were found to be predominantly folate replete (97%) and vitamin B12 deficient (60%). Hyperhomocysteinemia in first and second trimesters was found to pose more than 3-fold increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes (P = .006 and .0002, respectively). Low birth weight (LBW) was found to be the most common adverse pregnancy outcome (52%), and was significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in the first and second trimesters (82%, P < .0001; 71.4%, P = .04, respectively). CONCLUSION The vitamin B12 deficiency is more common among Indian pregnant women as compared to folate deficiency. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications. Vitamin B12 deficiency in first and second trimesters is associated with LBW babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Mishra
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Abhilasha Tomar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi, India
| | - Manju Puri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi, India
| | - Anju Jain
- Department of Biochemistry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi, India
| | - K N Saraswathy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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28
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Ly L, Chan D, Landry M, Angle C, Martel J, Trasler J. Impact of mothers' early life exposure to low or high folate on progeny outcome and DNA methylation patterns. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2020; 6:dvaa018. [PMID: 33240529 PMCID: PMC7673481 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic patterning of DNA and histone methylation during oocyte development presents a potentially susceptible time for epigenetic disruption due to early life environmental exposure of future mothers. We investigated whether maternal exposure to folic acid deficient and supplemented diets starting in utero could affect oocytes and cause adverse developmental and epigenetic effects in next generation progeny. Female BALB/c mice (F0) were placed on one of four amino acid defined diets for 4 weeks before pregnancy and throughout gestation and lactation: folic acid control (rodent recommended daily intake; Ctrl), 7-fold folic acid deficient, 10-fold folic acid supplemented or 20-fold folic acid supplemented diets. F1 female pups were weaned onto Ctrl diets, mated to produce the F2 generation and the F2 offspring were examined at E18.5 for developmental and epigenetic abnormalities. Resorption rates were increased and litter sizes decreased amongst F2 E18.5-day litters in the 20-fold folic acid supplemented group. Increases in abnormal embryo outcomes were observed in all three folic acid deficient and supplemented groups. Subtle genome-wide DNA methylation alterations were found in the placentas and brains of F2 offspring in the 7-fold folic acid deficient , 10-fold folic acid supplemented and 20-fold folic acid supplemented groups; in contrast, global and imprinted gene methylation were not affected. The findings show that early life female environmental exposures to both low and high folate prior to oocyte maturation can compromise oocyte quality, adversely affecting offspring of the next generation, in part by altering DNA methylation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lundi Ly
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Donovan Chan
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mylène Landry
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Camille Angle
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Josée Martel
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Correspondence address. Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Block E.M.0.3211, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 3J1. Tel: +1-514-934-1934 (ext. 25235); Fax: +1-514-933-9673; E-mail:
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29
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Li B, Zhang X, Peng X, Zhang S, Wang X, Zhu C. Folic Acid and Risk of Preterm Birth: A Meta-Analysis. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1284. [PMID: 31849592 PMCID: PMC6892975 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The results from epidemiologic studies linking blood folate concentrations, folic acid supplementation, or dietary folate to the risk of preterm birth are inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to summarize the available evidence on these associations. A systematic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to October 20, 2018 was performed and reference lists of retrieved articles were screened. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest vs. the lowest levels of folate concentrations, folic acid supplementation, and dietary folate were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses and univariate meta-regression were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Ten studies (six prospective cohort studies and four case-control studies) were included on folate concentrations, 13 cohort studies were included about folic acid supplementation, and 4 cohort studies were included regarding dietary folate intake. Higher maternal folate levels were associated with a 28% reduction in the risk of preterm birth (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.93). Higher folic acid supplementation was associated with 10% lower risk of preterm birth (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85–0.95). In addition, a significant negative association was observed between dietary folate intake and the risk of preterm birth (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55–0.84), but no significant relation was seen between dietary folate and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.57–1.41). In the subgroup analysis, higher maternal folate levels in the third trimester were associated with a lower risk of preterm birth (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.94). To initiate taking folic acid supplementation early before conception was adversely associated with preterm birth risk (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83–0.95). In conclusion, higher maternal folate levels and folic acid supplementation were significantly associated with a lower risk of preterm birth. The limited data currently available suggest that dietary folate is associated with a significantly decreased risk of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xirui Peng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Perinatal Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
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30
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Lovely CB. Animal models of gene-alcohol interactions. Birth Defects Res 2019; 112:367-379. [PMID: 31774246 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Most birth defects arise from complex interactions between multiple genetic and environmental factors. However, our current understanding of how these interactions and their contributions affect birth defects remains incomplete. Human studies are limited in their ability to identify the fundamental causes of birth defects due to ethical and practical limitations. Animal models provide a great number of resources not available to human studies and they have been critical in advancing our understanding of birth defects and the complex interactions that underlie them. In this review, we discuss the use of animal models in the context of gene-environment interactions that underlie birth defects. We focus on alcohol which is the most common environmental factor associated with birth defects. Prenatal alcohol exposure leads to a wide range of cognitive impairments and structural deficits broadly termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We discuss the broad impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing embryo and elaborate on the current state of gene-alcohol interactions. Additionally, we discuss how animal models have informed our understanding of the genetics of FASD. Ultimately, these topics will provide insight into the use of animal models in understanding gene-environment interactions and their subsequent impact on birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Benjamin Lovely
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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31
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Murray LK, Smith MJ, Jadavji NM. Maternal oversupplementation with folic acid and its impact on neurodevelopment of offspring. Nutr Rev 2019; 76:708-721. [PMID: 30010929 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Folic acid, a B vitamin, is vital for early neurodevelopment and is well known for its protective effect against neural tube defects. Various national health agencies worldwide recommend that women of childbearing age take approximately 0.4 to 1 mg of supplemental folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in offspring. Several countries have tried to promote folic acid intake through mandatory fortification programs to reduce neural tube defects. Supplementation combined with mandatory fortification of foods has led to high levels of folic acid and related metabolites in women of childbearing age. Recent studies have reported that oversupplementation, defined as exceeding either the recommended dietary allowance or the upper limit of the daily reference intake of folic acid, may have negative effects on human health. This review examines whether maternal oversupplementation with folic acid affects the neurodevelopment of offspring. Data from animal studies suggest there are behavioral, morphological, and molecular changes in the brain of offspring. Additional studies are required to determine both the dosage of folic acid and the timing of folic acid intake needed for optimal neurodevelopment in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mark J Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
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32
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McKee SE, Reyes TM. Effect of supplementation with methyl-donor nutrients on neurodevelopment and cognition: considerations for future research. Nutr Rev 2019; 76:497-511. [PMID: 29701796 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy represents a critical period in fetal development, such that the prenatal environment can, in part, establish a lifelong trajectory of health or disease for the offspring. Poor nutrition (macro- or micronutrient deficiencies) can adversely affect brain development and significantly increase offspring risk for metabolic and neurological disease development. The concentration of dietary methyl-donor nutrients is known to alter DNA methylation in the brain, and alterations in DNA methylation can have long-lasting effects on gene expression and neuronal function. The decreased availability of methyl-donor nutrients to the developing fetus in models of poor maternal nutrition is one mechanism hypothesized to link maternal malnutrition and disease risk in offspring. Animal studies indicate that supplementation of both maternal and postnatal (early- and later-life) diets with methyl-donor nutrients can attenuate disease risk in offspring; however, clinical research is more equivocal. The objective of this review is to summarize how specific methyl-donor nutrient deficiencies and excesses during pre- and postnatal life alter neurodevelopment and cognition. Emphasis is placed on reviewing the current literature, highlighting challenges within nutrient supplementation research, and considering potential strategies to ensure robust findings in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E McKee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Teresa M Reyes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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33
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Maternal folic acid supplementation reduces the severity of cleft palate in Tgf-β 3 null mutant mice. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:566-573. [PMID: 30683931 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cleft palate (CP) constitutes the most frequently seen orofacial cleft and is often associated with low folate status. Folate plays an essential role in the human body as a major coenzyme in one-carbon metabolism, including DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. Whether the administration of isolated folic acid (FA) supplements prevents the CP caused by genetic mutations is unknown, as is its effect on the mechanisms leading to palate fusion. METHODS FA was administered to females from two different strains of transforming growth factor β3 heterozygous mice. Null mutant progeny of these mice exhibit CP in 100% of cases of varying severity. We measured cleft length, height of palatal shelf adhesion, and the number of proliferating mesenchymal cells. Immunohistochemistry was also carried for collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin, cytokeratin-17, and EGF. RESULTS FA supplementation significantly reduced CP severity and improved palatal shelf adhesion in both strains both in vivo and in vitro. Medial edge epithelium proliferation increased, and its differentiation was normalized as indicated by the presence and disposition of collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin, and cytokeratin-17. CONCLUSIONS A maternal FA supplementation reduces the CP appearance by improving the mechanisms leading to palatal shelf adhesion.
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Aarabi M, Christensen KE, Chan D, Leclerc D, Landry M, Ly L, Rozen R, Trasler J. Testicular MTHFR deficiency may explain sperm DNA hypomethylation associated with high dose folic acid supplementation. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:1123-1135. [PMID: 29360980 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplementation with high doses of folic acid, an important mediator of one-carbon transfers for DNA methylation, is used clinically to improve sperm parameters in infertile men. We recently detected an unexpected loss of DNA methylation in the sperm of idiopathic infertile men after 6 months of daily supplementation with 5 mg folic acid (>10× the daily recommended intake-DRI), exacerbated in men homozygous for a common variant in the gene encoding an important enzyme in folate metabolism, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677C>T). To investigate the epigenomic impact and mechanism underlying effects of folic acid on male germ cells, wild-type and heterozygote mice for a targeted inactivation of the Mthfr gene were fed high-dose folic acid (10× the DRI) or control diets (CDs) for 6 months. No changes were detected in general health, sperm counts or methylation of imprinted genes. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing revealed sperm DNA hypomethylation in Mthfr+/- mice on the 10× diets. Wild-type mice demonstrated sperm hypomethylation only with a very high dose (20×) of folic acid for 12 months. Testicular MTHFR protein levels decreased significantly in wild-type mice on the 20× diet but not in those on the 10× diet, suggesting a possible role for MTHFR deficiency in sperm DNA hypomethylation. In-depth analysis of the folic acid-exposed sperm DNA methylome suggested mouse/human susceptibility of sequences with potential importance to germ cell and embryo development. Our data provide evidence for a similar cross-species response to high dose folic acid supplementation, of sperm DNA hypomethylation, and implicate MTHFR downregulation as a possible mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Aarabi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.,Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Karen E Christensen
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Donovan Chan
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Daniel Leclerc
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Mylène Landry
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Lundi Ly
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.,Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Rima Rozen
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.,Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.,Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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35
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Chan YM, Aufreiter S, O'Keefe SJ, O'Connor DL. Switching to a fibre-rich and low-fat diet increases colonic folate contents among African Americans. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2018; 44:127-132. [PMID: 29996064 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2018-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
How dietary patterns impact colonic bacterial biosynthesis of vitamins and utilization by humans is poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate whether a reciprocal dietary switch between rural South Africans (traditionally high fibre, low fat) and African Americans (Western diet of low fibre, high fat) affects colonic folate synthesis. Colonic evacuants were obtained from 20 rural South Africans and 20 African Americans consuming their usual diets at baseline. For 2 weeks thereafter, rural South Africans were provided with a Western diet (protein, 27%; fat, 52%; carbohydrate, 20%; and fibre, 8 g/day) and African Americans were provided with a high fibre, low-fat diet (protein, 16%; fat, 17%; carbohydrate, 63%; and fibre, 43 g/day). Colonic evacuants were again collected. No difference between groups at baseline in the folate content of 3-h evacuants was observed. The high-fibre, low-fat diet consumed by African Americans during the intervention produced a 41% increase in mean total folate content compared with baseline values (p = 0.0037). No change was observed in rural South Africans consuming a Western diet. Mean total folate content of colonic evacuants was higher among African Americans at the end of the dietary switch (3107 ± 1811 μg) compared with rural South Africans (2157 ± 1956 μg) (p = 0.0409). In conclusion, consistent with animal studies, switching from a Western diet to one higher in fibre and lower in fat can be expected to result in greater colonic folate content. Future research should confirm that these observations are not transitory and understand the contribution of transit-time to the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ming Chan
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto and Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Susanne Aufreiter
- b Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Stephen J O'Keefe
- c Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- d Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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36
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Maynard C, Cummins I, Green J, Weinkove D. A bacterial route for folic acid supplementation. BMC Biol 2018; 16:67. [PMID: 29903004 PMCID: PMC6002978 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To prevent folate deficiencies, many countries supplement various foodstuffs with folic acid. This compound is a synthetic oxidised folate that differs from naturally occurring reduced folates in its metabolism and uptake. Notably, safety reviews of folic acid supplementation have not considered interactions with gut bacteria. Here, we use the Caenorhabditis elegans – Escherichia coli animal– microbe model to examine a possible bacterial route for folic acid uptake. It has been assumed that supplements are taken up directly by the worm, especially because E. coli is unable to take up folates. However, E. coli, like many other bacteria, can transport the folate breakdown product, para-aminobenzoate-glutamate (PABA-glu), via AbgT and use it for bacterial folate synthesis. This pathway may impact host health because inhibition of bacterial folate synthesis increases C. elegans lifespan. Results Folic acid supplementation was found to rescue a C. elegans developmental folate-deficient mutant; however, a much higher concentration was required compared to folinic acid, a reduced folate. Unlike folinic acid, the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation was dependent on the E. coli gene, abgT, suggesting a bacterial route with PABA-glu uptake by E. coli as a first step. Surprisingly, we found up to 4% PABA-glu in folic acid preparations, including in a commercial supplement. Via breakdown to PABA-glu, folic acid increases E. coli folate synthesis. This pathway restores folate synthesis in a bacterial mutant defective in PABA synthesis, reversing the ability of this mutant to increase C. elegans lifespan. Conclusions Folic acid supplementation in C. elegans occurs chiefly indirectly via bacterial uptake of breakdown products via E. coli AbgT, and can impact C. elegans development and longevity. Examining how folic acid supplementation affects bacterial folate synthesis in the human gut may help us to better understand the safety of folic acid supplementation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12915-018-0534-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Maynard
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Ian Cummins
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Jacalyn Green
- Midwestern University, Illinois, Downers Grove, IL, 60515, USA
| | - David Weinkove
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. .,Biophysical Sciences Institute, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
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37
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Baker BC, Hayes DJ, Jones RL. Effects of micronutrients on placental function: evidence from clinical studies to animal models. Reproduction 2018; 156:R69-R82. [PMID: 29844225 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies are common in pregnant women due to low dietary intake and increased requirements for fetal development. Low maternal micronutrient status is associated with a range of pregnancy pathologies involving placental dysfunction, including fetal growth restriction (FGR), small-for-gestational age (SGA), pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. However, clinical trials commonly fail to convincingly demonstrate beneficial effects of supplementation of individual micronutrients, attributed to heterogeneity and insufficient power, potential interactions and lack of mechanistic knowledge of effects on the placenta. We aimed to provide current evidence of relationships between selected micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, folate, vitamin B12) and adverse pregnancy outcomes, combined with understanding of actions on the placenta. Following a systematic literature search, we reviewed data from clinical, in vitro and in vivo studies of micronutrient deficiency and supplementation. Key findings are potential effects of micronutrient deficiencies on placental development and function, leading to impaired fetal growth. Studies in human trophoblast cells and rodent models provide insights into underpinning mechanisms. Interestingly, there is emerging evidence that deficiencies in all micronutrients examined induce a pro-inflammatory state in the placenta, drawing parallels with the inflammation detected in FGR, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth and preterm birth. Beneficial effects of supplementation are apparent in vitro and in animal models and for combined micronutrients in clinical studies. However, greater understanding of the roles of these micronutrients, and insight into their involvement in placental dysfunction, combined with more robust clinical studies, is needed to fully ascertain the potential benefits of supplementation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Baker
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Dexter Jl Hayes
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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38
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Ly L, Chan D, Aarabi M, Landry M, Behan NA, MacFarlane AJ, Trasler J. Intergenerational impact of paternal lifetime exposures to both folic acid deficiency and supplementation on reproductive outcomes and imprinted gene methylation. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:461-477. [PMID: 28535307 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do paternal exposures to folic acid deficient (FD), and/or folic acid supplemented (FS) diets, throughout germ cell development adversely affect male germ cells and consequently offspring health outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Male mice exposed over their lifetimes to both FD and FS diets showed decreased sperm counts and altered imprinted gene methylation with evidence of transmission of adverse effects to the offspring, including increased postnatal-preweaning mortality and variability in imprinted gene methylation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is increasing evidence that disruptions in male germ cell epigenetic reprogramming are associated with offspring abnormalities and intergenerational disease. The fetal period is the critical time of DNA methylation pattern acquisition for developing male germ cells and an adequate supply of methyl donors is required. In addition, DNA methylation patterns continue to be remodeled during postnatal spermatogenesis. Previous studies have shown that lifetime (prenatal and postnatal) folic acid deficiency can alter the sperm epigenome and increase the incidence of fetal morphological abnormalities. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Female BALB/c mice (F0) were placed on one of four amino-acid defined diets for 4 weeks before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy and lactation: folic acid control (Ctrl; 2 mg/kg), 7-fold folic acid deficient (7FD; 0.3 mg/kg), 10-fold high FS (10FS, 20 mg/kg) or 20-fold high FS (20FS, 40 mg/kg) diets. F1 males were weaned to their respective prenatal diets to allow for diet exposure during all windows of germline epigenetic reprogramming: the erasure, re-establishment and maintenance phases. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS F0 females were mated with chow-fed males to produce F1 litters whose germ cells were exposed to the diets throughout embryonic development. F1 males were subsequently mated with chow-fed female mice. Two F2 litters, unexposed to the experimental diets, were generated from each F1 male; one litter was collected at embryonic day (E)18.5 and one delivered and followed postnatally. DNA methylation at a global level and at the differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes (H19, Imprinted Maternally Expressed Transcript (Non-Protein Coding)-H19, Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptide N-Snrpn, KCNQ1 Opposite Strand/Antisense Transcript 1 (Non-Protein Coding)-Kcnq1ot1, Paternally Expressed Gene 1-Peg1 and Paternally Expressed Gene 3-Peg3) was assessed by luminometric methylation analysis and bisulfite pyrosequencing, respectively, in F1 sperm, F2 E18.5 placenta and F2 E18.5 brain cortex. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE F1 males exhibited lower sperm counts following lifetime exposure to both folic acid deficiency and the highest dose of folic acid supplementation (20FS), (both P < 0.05). Post-implantation losses were increased amongst F2 E18.5 day litters from 20FS exposed F1 males (P < 0.05). F2 litters derived from both 7FD and 20FS exposed F1 males had significantly higher postnatal-preweaning pup death (both P < 0.05). Sperm from 10FS exposed males had increased variance in methylation across imprinted gene H19, P < 0.05; increased variance at a few sites within H19 was also found for the 7FD and 20FS groups (P < 0.05). While the 20FS diet resulted in inter-individual alterations in methylation across the imprinted genes Snrpn and Peg3 in F2 E18.5 placenta, ≥50% of individual sites tested in Peg1 and/or Peg3 were affected in the 7FD and 10FS groups. Inter-individual alterations in Peg1 methylation were found in F2 E18.5 day 10FS group brain cortex (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The cause of the increase in postnatal-preweaning mortality was not investigated post-mortem. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of folic acid deficiency and supplementation on developing male germ cells. Genome-wide DNA and histone methylome studies as well as gene expression studies are required to better understand the links between folic acid exposures, an altered germ cell epigenome and offspring outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study provide further support for paternally transmitted environmental effects. The results indicate that both folic acid deficiency and high dose supplementation can be detrimental to germ cell development and reproductive fitness, in part by altering DNA methylation in sperm. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by a grant to J.M.T. from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR #89944). The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lundi Ly
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montréal, QC, Canada H3A 1B1.,Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Westmount, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Donovan Chan
- Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Westmount, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Mahmoud Aarabi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montréal, QC, Canada H3A 1B1.,Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Westmount, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Mylène Landry
- Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Westmount, QC, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Nathalie A Behan
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, 251 Promenade Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, 251 Promenade Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montréal, QC, Canada H3A 1B1.,Child Health and Human Development Program (CHHD), Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Westmount, QC, Canada H4A 3J1.,Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 3655 Prom. Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 1Y6
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Ryan DP, Henzel KS, Pearson BL, Siwek ME, Papazoglou A, Guo L, Paesler K, Yu M, Müller R, Xie K, Schröder S, Becker L, Garrett L, Hölter SM, Neff F, Rácz I, Rathkolb B, Rozman J, Ehninger G, Klingenspor M, Klopstock T, Wolf E, Wurst W, Zimmer A, Fuchs H, Gailus-Durner V, Hrabě de Angelis M, Sidiropoulou K, Weiergräber M, Zhou Y, Ehninger D. A paternal methyl donor-rich diet altered cognitive and neural functions in offspring mice. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1345-1355. [PMID: 28373690 PMCID: PMC5984088 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dietary intake of methyl donors, such as folic acid and methionine, shows considerable intra-individual variation in human populations. While it is recognized that maternal departures from the optimum of dietary methyl donor intake can increase the risk for mental health issues and neurological disorders in offspring, it has not been explored whether paternal dietary methyl donor intake influences behavioral and cognitive functions in the next generation. Here, we report that elevated paternal dietary methyl donor intake in a mouse model, transiently applied prior to mating, resulted in offspring animals (methyl donor-rich diet (MD) F1 mice) with deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity and reduced hippocampal theta oscillations. Gene expression analyses revealed altered expression of the methionine adenosyltransferase Mat2a and BK channel subunit Kcnmb2, which was associated with changes in Kcnmb2 promoter methylation in MD F1 mice. Hippocampal overexpression of Kcnmb2 in MD F1 mice ameliorated altered spatial learning and memory, supporting a role of this BK channel subunit in the MD F1 behavioral phenotype. Behavioral and gene expression changes did not extend into the F2 offspring generation. Together, our data indicate that paternal dietary factors influence cognitive and neural functions in the offspring generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Ryan
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - K S Henzel
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - B L Pearson
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - M E Siwek
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - A Papazoglou
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - L Guo
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - K Paesler
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - M Yu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - R Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - K Xie
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - S Schröder
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - L Becker
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - L Garrett
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - S M Hölter
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - F Neff
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - I Rácz
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - B Rathkolb
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,Member of German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - J Rozman
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,Member of German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - G Ehninger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Klingenspor
- Molecular Nutritional Medicine, Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - T Klopstock
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany,DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - E Wolf
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - W Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,Chair of Developmental Genetics, Technische Universität München, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - A Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - H Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - V Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - M Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany,Member of German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany,Chair of Experimental Genetics, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - K Sidiropoulou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklio, Greece
| | - M Weiergräber
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Y Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - D Ehninger
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany,Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Sigmund-Freud-Str. 27, Bonn 53127, Germany. E-mail:
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40
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İscan B, Tuzun F, Eroglu Filibeli B, Cilekar Micili S, Ergur BU, Duman N, Ozkan H, Kumral A. Effects of maternal folic acid supplementation on airway remodeling and allergic airway disease development. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 32:2970-2978. [PMID: 29587542 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1452904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Maternal folic acid supplementation has been recommended prior to and during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of infant neural tube defects. However, an uncertain relationship between folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and development of childhood asthma exists. Recent data show a methyl donor-rich diet could increase the risk of developing allergic airway disease through DNA methylation and aberrant gene transcription. This study evaluated the effect of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on airway remodeling and allergic airway disease vulnerability in a mouse asthma model. Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into four groups according to gestational folic acid supplementation and postnatal ovalbumin (OVA) exposure: Group 1 (whole pregnancy folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), Group 2 (first gestational week folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), Group 3 (no folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), and Group 4 (control group). Offspring were sacrificed on day 45 for immunohistological and ultrastructural tests. Results: In OVA challenged groups, folic acid supplementation led to a thicker epithelial and subepithelial smooth muscle layer than in the unsupplemented group. Moreover, folic acid supplementation during whole pregnancy (Group 1) was associated with a thicker epithelial and subepithelial smooth muscle layer than folic acid supplementation during the first week of pregnancy (Group 2), suggesting a duration-response relationship. Electron microscopic imaging revealed that structural changes including the loss of epithelial integrity, thickening of basement membrane, and subepithelial fibrosis were more prominent in the folic acid supplementation groups. Conclusions: This study suggested that maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy affects airway remodeling and increases the allergic responses induced by ovalbumin challenge in offspring. In addition, the effect size increased as the duration and cumulative dose increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcin İscan
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Funda Tuzun
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Berna Eroglu Filibeli
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Serap Cilekar Micili
- b Department of Histology , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Bekir Ugur Ergur
- b Department of Histology , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Nuray Duman
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Hasan Ozkan
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kumral
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
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41
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Navarrete-Muñoz EM, Valera-Gran D, Garcia-de-la-Hera M, Gonzalez-Palacios S, Riaño I, Murcia M, Lertxundi A, Guxens M, Tardón A, Amiano P, Vrijheid M, Rebagliato M, Vioque J. High doses of folic acid in the periconceptional period and risk of low weight for gestational age at birth in a population based cohort study. Eur J Nutr 2017; 58:241-251. [PMID: 29181588 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-017-1588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the association between maternal use of folic acid (FA) during pregnancy and child anthropometric measures at birth. METHODS We included 2302 mother-child pairs from a population-based birth cohort in Spain (INMA Project). FA dosages at first and third trimester of pregnancy were assessed using a specific battery questionnaire and were categorized in non-user, < 1000, 1000-4999, and ≥ 5000 µg/day. Anthropometric measures at birth (weight in grams, length and head circumference in centimetres) were obtained from medical records. Small for gestational age according to weight (SGA-w), length (SGA-l) and head circumference (SGA-hc) were defined using the 10th percentile based on Spanish standardized growth reference charts. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between FA dosages in different stages of pregnancy and child anthropometric measures at birth. RESULTS In the multiple linear regression analysis, we found a tendency for a negative association between the use of high dosages of FA (≥ 5000 µg/day) in the periconceptional period of pregnancy and weight at birth compared to mothers who were non-users of FA (β = - 73.83; 95% CI - 151.71, 4.06). In the multiple logistic regression, a greater risk of SGA-w was also evident among children whose mothers took FA dosages of 1000-4999 (OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.17, 4.19) and of ≥ 5000 µg/day (OR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.06, 5.08) compared to mothers non-users of FA in the periconceptional period of pregnancy. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a high dosage of FA (≥ 1000 µg/day) may be associated with an increased risk of SGA-w at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva María Navarrete-Muñoz
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra. Nacional 332 S/n, Sant Joan D'alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Desirée Valera-Gran
- Department of Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra. Nacional 332 S/n, Sant Joan D'alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Manuela Garcia-de-la-Hera
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra. Nacional 332 S/n, Sant Joan D'alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Sandra Gonzalez-Palacios
- Department of Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra. Nacional 332 S/n, Sant Joan D'alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isolina Riaño
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Pediatric Service, Hospital San Agustin, Avilés, Asturias, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aitana Lertxundi
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, BIODONOSTIA, San Sebastian, Spain.,Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad del País Vasco UPV-EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adonina Tardón
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Pilar Amiano
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, BioDonostia Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Jesus Vioque
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra. Nacional 332 S/n, Sant Joan D'alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain.
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42
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Yamaguchi Y, Miyazawa H, Miura M. Neural tube closure and embryonic metabolism. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2017; 57:134-137. [PMID: 28295633 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube closure (NTC) is an embryonic process during formation of the mammalian central nervous system. Disruption of the dynamic, sequential events of NTC can cause neural tube defects (NTD) leading to spina bifida and anencephaly in the newborn. NTC is affected by inherent factors such as genetic mutation or if the mother is exposed to certain environmental factors such as intake of harmful chemicals, maternal infection, irradiation, malnutrition, and inadequate or excessive intake of specific nutrients. Although effects of these stress factors on NTC have been intensively studied, the metabolic state of a normally developing embryo remains unclear. State-of-the art mass spectrometry techniques have enabled detailed study of embryonic metabolite profiles and their distribution within tissues. This approach has demonstrated that glucose metabolism is altered during NTC stages involving chorioallantoic branching. An understanding of embryonic metabolic rewiring would help reveal the etiology of NTD caused by environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Medical Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Miyazawa
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masayuki Miura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Medical Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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43
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Valera-Gran D, Navarrete-Muñoz EM, Garcia de la Hera M, Fernández-Somoano A, Tardón A, Ibarluzea J, Balluerka N, Murcia M, González-Safont L, Romaguera D, Julvez J, Vioque J. Effect of maternal high dosages of folic acid supplements on neurocognitive development in children at 4-5 y of age: the prospective birth cohort Infancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) study. Am J Clin Nutr 2017; 106:878-887. [PMID: 28724645 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.117.152769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The benefits of the use of folic acid supplements (FASs) during the periconception period to prevent neural tube defects and to ensure normal brain development in offspring are well known. There is concern, however, about the long-term effects of the maternal use of high dosages of FASs that exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (≥1000 μg/d) on child neurocognitive outcomes.Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the association between the use of high dosages of FASs during pregnancy and child neuropsychological development at ages 4-5 y.Design: The multicenter prospective mother-child cohort study, the Infancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) Project, was conducted in 4 regions of Spain: Asturias, Sabadell, Gipuzkoa, and Valencia. Pregnant women were recruited between 2003 and 2008. Data on 1682 mother-child pairs were included in the final analyses. The pregnant women completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire that was validated to estimate typical dietary folate intake and the use of FASs at 10-13 and 28-32 wk of gestation. Neuropsychological development scores at 4-5 y of age were estimated with the use of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. Multiple linear regression and meta-analysis were used to obtain combined-effect estimates.Results: During the periconception period, one-third of the women (n = 502) took FAS dosages ≥1000 μg/d. The use of FAS dosages ≥1000 μg/d in this period was negatively associated with several neuropsychological outcomes scores in children: global verbal (β = -2.49; 95% CI: -4.71, -0.27), verbal memory (β = -3.59; 95% CI: -6.95, -0.23), cognitive function of posterior cortex (β = -2.31; 95% CI: -4.45, -0.18), and cognitive function of left posterior cortex (β = -3.26; 95% CI: -5.51, -1.01).Conclusions: The use of FAS dosages exceeding the UL (≥1000 μg/d) during the periconception period was associated with lower levels of cognitive development in children aged 4-5 y. The use of FAS dosages ≥1000 μg/d during pregnancy should be monitored and prevented as much as possible, unless medically prescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Valera-Gran
- Department of Public Health, History of Medicine, and Gynecology, University Miguel Hernández, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Alicante, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva M Navarrete-Muñoz
- Department of Public Health, History of Medicine, and Gynecology, University Miguel Hernández, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Alicante, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuela Garcia de la Hera
- Department of Public Health, History of Medicine, and Gynecology, University Miguel Hernández, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Alicante, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Somoano
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardón
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute (BIODONOSTIA), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Nekane Balluerka
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Social Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Methods, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,FISABIO-University of Valencia-University Jaume I Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Llúcia González-Safont
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,FISABIO-University of Valencia-University Jaume I Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dora Romaguera
- Health Research Institute of Palma (IdISPa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain.,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; and.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Julvez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; and
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Department of Public Health, History of Medicine, and Gynecology, University Miguel Hernández, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), Alicante, Spain; .,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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44
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Burgos-Barragan G, Wit N, Meiser J, Dingler FA, Pietzke M, Mulderrig L, Pontel LB, Rosado IV, Brewer TF, Cordell RL, Monks PS, Chang CJ, Vazquez A, Patel KJ. Mammals divert endogenous genotoxic formaldehyde into one-carbon metabolism. Nature 2017; 548:549-554. [PMID: 28813411 PMCID: PMC5714256 DOI: 10.1038/nature23481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The folate-driven one-carbon (1C) cycle is a fundamental metabolic hub in cells that enables the synthesis of nucleotides and amino acids and epigenetic modifications. This cycle might also release formaldehyde, a potent protein and DNA crosslinking agent that organisms produce in substantial quantities. Here we show that supplementation with tetrahydrofolate, the essential cofactor of this cycle, and other oxidation-prone folate derivatives kills human, mouse and chicken cells that cannot detoxify formaldehyde or that lack DNA crosslink repair. Notably, formaldehyde is generated from oxidative decomposition of the folate backbone. Furthermore, we find that formaldehyde detoxification in human cells generates formate, and thereby promotes nucleotide synthesis. This supply of 1C units is sufficient to sustain the growth of cells that are unable to use serine, which is the predominant source of 1C units. These findings identify an unexpected source of formaldehyde and, more generally, indicate that the detoxification of this ubiquitous endogenous genotoxin creates a benign 1C unit that can sustain essential metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niek Wit
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | - Felix A Dingler
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | - Lee Mulderrig
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Lucas B Pontel
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Ivan V Rosado
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS) Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Thomas F Brewer
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca L Cordell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Paul S Monks
- Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Christopher J Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Alexei Vazquez
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Ketan J Patel
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
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45
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High-dose maternal folic acid supplementation before conception impairs reversal learning in offspring mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3098. [PMID: 28596566 PMCID: PMC5465191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03158-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation prior to and during gestation is recommended for the prevention of neural tube closure defects in the developing embryo. Prior studies, however, suggested that excessive FA supplementation during gestation can be associated with toxic effects on the developing organism. Here, we address whether maternal dietary folic acid supplementation at 40 mg/kg chow (FD), restricted to a period prior to conception, affects neurobehavioural development in the offspring generation. Detailed behavioural analyses showed reversal learning impairments in the Morris water maze in offspring derived from dams exposed to FD prior to conceiving. Furthermore, offspring of FD dams showed minor and transient gene expression differences relative to controls. Our data suggest that temporary exposure of female germ cells to FD is sufficient to cause impaired cognitive flexibility in the subsequent generation.
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46
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Oster M, Trakooljul N, Reyer H, Zeyner A, Muráni E, Ponsuksili S, Wimmers K. Sex-Specific Muscular Maturation Responses Following Prenatal Exposure to Methylation-Related Micronutrients in Pigs. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9010074. [PMID: 28106759 PMCID: PMC5295118 DOI: 10.3390/nu9010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplementation of micronutrients involved in DNA methylation, particularly during pregnancy, is recommended because of its impacts on human health, but further evidence is needed regarding the effects of over-supplementation and differences between sexes. Here, a porcine model was used to assess effects of maternal supplementation with one-carbon-cycle compounds during prenatal and postnatal stages on offspring muscle development. Sows received either a standard diet (CON) or a standard diet supplemented with folate, B6, B12, methionine, choline, and zinc (MET) throughout gestation. Myogenesis-, growth-, and nutrient utilization-related transcript expression was assessed using quantitative PCR. Organismal phenotype and gene expression effects differed significantly between males and females. Male MET-offspring showed increased fetal weight during late pregnancy but decreased live weight postnatally, with compensatory transcriptional responses comprising myogenic key drivers (Pax7, MyoD1, myogenin). In contrast, female weights were unaffected by diet, and mRNA abundances corresponded to a phenotype of cellular reorganization via FABP3, FABP4, SPP1 and Insulin-like Growth Factor-signaling. These findings in an animal model suggest that supplementation during pregnancy with methylation-related micronutrients can promote sex-specific myogenic maturation processes related to organismal growth and muscle metabolism. The usage of maternal dietary supplements should be more carefully considered regarding its ability to promote fetal and postnatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oster
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Nares Trakooljul
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Henry Reyer
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Annette Zeyner
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Animal Nutrition, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Eduard Muráni
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Siriluck Ponsuksili
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Klaus Wimmers
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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47
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Lovely C, Rampersad M, Fernandes Y, Eberhart J. Gene-environment interactions in development and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 6:10.1002/wdev.247. [PMID: 27626243 PMCID: PMC5191946 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Developmental geneticists continue to make substantial jumps in our understanding of the genetic pathways that regulate development. This understanding stems predominantly from analyses of genetically tractable model organisms developing in laboratory environments. This environment is vastly different from that in which human development occurs. As such, most causes of developmental defects in humans are thought to involve multifactorial gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. In this review, we discuss how gene-environment interactions with environmental teratogens may predispose embryos to structural malformations. We elaborate on the growing number of gene-ethanol interactions that might underlie susceptibility to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e247. doi: 10.1002/wdev.247 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lovely
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mindy Rampersad
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yohaan Fernandes
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Johann Eberhart
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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48
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Christensen KE, Hou W, Bahous RH, Deng L, Malysheva OV, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Caudill MA, Jerome-Majewska LA, Rozen R. Moderate folic acid supplementation and MTHFD1-synthetase deficiency in mice, a model for the R653Q variant, result in embryonic defects and abnormal placental development. Am J Clin Nutr 2016; 104:1459-1469. [PMID: 27707701 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.139519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moderately high folic acid intake in pregnant women has led to concerns about deleterious effects on the mother and fetus. Common polymorphisms in folate genes, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase-methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFD1) R653Q, may modulate the effects of elevated folic acid intake. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of moderate folic acid supplementation on reproductive outcomes and assessed the potential interaction of the supplemented diet with MTHFD1-synthetase (Mthfd1S) deficiency in mice, which is a model for the R653Q variant. DESIGN Female Mthfd1S+/+ and Mthfd1S+/- mice were fed a folic acid-supplemented diet (FASD) (5-fold higher than recommended) or control diets before mating and during pregnancy. Embryos and placentas were assessed for developmental defects at embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5). Maternal folate and choline metabolites and gene expression in folate-related pathways were examined. RESULTS The combination of FASD and maternal MTHFD1-synthetase deficiency led to a greater incidence of defects in E10.5 embryos (diet × maternal genotype, P = 0.0016; diet × embryonic genotype, P = 0.054). The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) protein and methylation potential [ratio of S-adenosylmethionine (major methyl donor):S-adenosylhomocysteine) were reduced in maternal liver. Although 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (methylTHF) was higher in maternal circulation, the methylation potential was lower in embryos. The presence of developmental delays and defects in Mthfd1S+/- embryos was associated with placental defects (P = 0.003). The labyrinth layer failed to form properly in the majority of abnormal placentas, which compromised the integration of the maternal and fetal circulation and presumably the transfer of methylTHF and other nutrients. CONCLUSIONS Moderately higher folate intake and MTHFD1-synthetase deficiency in pregnant mice result in a lower methylation potential in maternal liver and embryos and a greater incidence of defects in embryos. Although maternal circulating methylTHF was higher, it may not have reached the embryos because of abnormal placental development; abnormal placentas were observed predominantly in abnormally developed embryos. These findings have implications for women with high folate intakes, particularly if they are polymorphic for MTHFD1 R653Q.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Christensen
- Departments of Human Genetics and.,Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Wenyang Hou
- Departments of Human Genetics and.,Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Renata H Bahous
- Departments of Human Genetics and.,Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Liyuan Deng
- Departments of Human Genetics and.,Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Olga V Malysheva
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Erland Arning
- Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Marie A Caudill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Loydie A Jerome-Majewska
- Departments of Human Genetics and.,Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Rima Rozen
- Departments of Human Genetics and .,Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
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Shojaei Saadi HA, Gagné D, Fournier É, Baldoceda Baldeon LM, Sirard MA, Robert C. Responses of bovine early embryos to S-adenosyl methionine supplementation in culture. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1039-60. [PMID: 27419740 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM There is a growing concern about the potential adverse effects of high dose folic acid (FA) supplementation before and during pregnancy. FA metabolism generates S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) which is an important cofactor of epigenetic programming. We sought to assess the impact of a large dose of SAM on early embryo development. MATERIALS & METHODS In vitro cultured bovine embryos were treated with SAM from the eight-cell stage to the blastocyst stage. In addition to the phenotype, the genome-wide epigenetic and transcription profiles were analyzed. RESULTS Treatment significantly improved embryo hatching and caused a shift in sex ratio in favor of males. SAM caused genome-wide hypermethylation mainly in exonic regions and in CpG islands. Although differentially expressed genes were associated with response to nutrients and developmental processes, no correspondence was found with the differentially methylated regions, suggesting that cellular responses to SAM treatment during early embryo development may not require DNA methylation-driven changes. CONCLUSION Since bovine embryos were not indifferent to SAM, effects of large-dose FA supplements on early embryonic development in humans cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib A Shojaei Saadi
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des sciences animales, Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Dominic Gagné
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des sciences animales, Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Éric Fournier
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des sciences animales, Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Luis Manuel Baldoceda Baldeon
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des sciences animales, Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des sciences animales, Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des sciences animales, Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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50
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O’Connor DL, Blake J, Bell R, Bowen A, Callum J, Fenton S, Gray-Donald K, Rossiter M, Adamo K, Brett K, Khatri N, Robinson N, Tumback L, Cheung A. Consensus canadien sur la nutrition féminine : adolescence, reproduction, ménopause et au-delà. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2016; 38:555-609.e19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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