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Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, de Henauw S, Hirsch‐Ernst K, Knutsen HK, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Lietz G, Passeri G, Craciun I, Fabiani L, Horvath Z, Valtueña Martínez S, Naska A. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for preformed vitamin A and β-carotene. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8814. [PMID: 38846679 PMCID: PMC11154838 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8814] [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] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Following two requests from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for preformed vitamin A and β-carotene. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted for priority adverse health effects of excess vitamin A intake, namely teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity and endpoints related to bone health. Available data did not allow to address whether β-carotene could potentiate preformed vitamin A toxicity. Teratogenicity was selected as the critical effect on which to base the UL for preformed vitamin A. The Panel proposes to retain the UL for preformed vitamin A of 3000 μg RE/day for adults. This UL applies to men and women, including women of child-bearing age, pregnant and lactating women and post-menopausal women. This value was scaled down to other population groups using allometric scaling (body weight0.75), leading to ULs between 600 μg RE/day (infants 4-11 months) and 2600 μg RE/day (adolescents 15-17 years). Based on available intake data, European populations are unlikely to exceed the UL for preformed vitamin A if consumption of liver, offal and products thereof is limited to once per month or less. Women who are planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised not to consume liver products. Lung cancer risk was selected as the critical effect of excess supplemental β-carotene. The available data were not sufficient and suitable to characterise a dose-response relationship and identify a reference point; therefore, no UL could be established. There is no indication that β-carotene intake from the background diet is associated with adverse health effects. Smokers should avoid consuming food supplements containing β-carotene. The use of supplemental β-carotene by the general population should be limited to the purpose of meeting vitamin A requirements.
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Shaw GM, Yang W, Weber KA, Olshan AF, Desrosiers TA. A search for factors associated with reduced carbohydrate intake and NTD risk in two population-based studies. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2328. [PMID: 38450884 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2328] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two population-based case-control studies have reported an increased risk of neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies among women with low carbohydrate diet in the periconceptional period. Given that only two studies have investigated this association, it is unclear to what degree the findings could be impacted by residual confounding. Here, we further interrogated both studies that observed this association with the objective to identify factors from a much larger number of factors that might explain the association. METHODS By employing a machine learning algorithm (random forest), we investigated a baseline set of over 200 variables. These analyses produced the top 10 variables in each data set for cases and controls that predicted periconceptional low carbohydrate intake. RESULTS Examining those prediction variables with logistic regression modeling, we did not observe any particular variable that substantially contributed to the NTD-low carbohydrate association in either data set. CONCLUSIONS If there are underlying factors that explain the association, our findings suggest that none of the 200+ variables we examined were sufficiently correlated with what that true explanatory exposure may be. Alternatively, our findings may suggest that there are other unidentified factor(s) at play, or the association observed in two independent data sets is directly related to low carbohydrate intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary M Shaw
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kari A Weber
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay. W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Andrew F Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tania A Desrosiers
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Petersen JM, Smith-Webb RS, Shaw GM, Carmichael SL, Desrosiers TA, Nestoridi E, Darling AM, Parker SE, Politis MD, Yazdy MM, Werler MM. Periconceptional intakes of methyl donors and other micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism may further reduce the risk of neural tube defects in offspring: a United States population-based case-control study of women meeting the folic acid recommendations. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 118:720-728. [PMID: 37661108 PMCID: PMC10624769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTDs) still occur among some women who consume 400 μg of folic acid for prevention. It has been hypothesized that intakes of methyl donors and other micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism may further protect against NTDs. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether intakes of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, choline, betaine, methionine, thiamine, riboflavin, and zinc, individually or in combination, were associated with NTD risk reduction in offspring of women meeting the folic acid recommendations. METHODS Data were from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (United States population-based, case-control). We restricted deliveries between 1999 and 2011 with daily periconceptional folic acid supplementation or estimated dietary folate equivalents ≥400 μg. NTD cases were live births, stillbirths, or terminations affected by spina bifida, anencephaly, or encephalocele (n = 1227). Controls were live births without a major birth defect (n = 7095). We categorized intake of each micronutrient as higher or lower based on a combination of diet (estimated from a food frequency questionnaire) and periconceptional vitamin supplementation. We estimated NTD associations for higher compared with lower intake of each micronutrient, individually and in combination, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, and study center. RESULTS NTD associations with each micronutrient were weak to modest. Greater NTD reductions were observed with concurrent higher-amount intakes of multiple micronutrients. For instance, NTD odds were ∼50% lower among participants with ≥4 micronutrients with higher-amount intakes than among participants with ≤1 micronutrient with higher-amount intake (adjusted OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.86). The strongest reduction occurred with concurrent higher-amount intakes of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, choline, betaine, and methionine (adjusted OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.77) compared with ≤1 micronutrient with higher-amount intake. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support that NTD prevention, in the context of folic acid fortification, could be augmented with intakes of methyl donors and other micronutrients involved in folate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Rashida S Smith-Webb
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Suzan L Carmichael
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Tania A Desrosiers
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Eirini Nestoridi
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anne Marie Darling
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Samantha E Parker
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maria D Politis
- Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Martha M Werler
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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White M, Arif-Pardy J, Connor KL. Identification of novel nutrient-sensitive gene regulatory networks in amniocytes from fetuses with spina bifida. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 116:108333. [PMID: 36584796 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) remain among the most common congenital anomalies. Contributing risk factors include genetics and nutrient deficiencies, however, a comprehensive assessment of nutrient-gene interactions in NTDs is lacking. We applied a nutrient-focused gene expression analysis pipeline to identify nutrient-sensitive gene regulatory networks in amniocyte gene expression data (GSE4182) from fetuses with NTDs (cases; n = 3) and fetuses with no congenital anomalies (controls; n = 5). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened for having nutrient cofactors. Nutrient-dependent transcriptional regulators (TRs) that regulated DEGs, and nutrient-sensitive miRNAs with a previous link to NTDs, were identified. Of the 880 DEGs in cases, 10% had at least one nutrient cofactor. DEG regulatory network analysis revealed that 39% and 52% of DEGs in cases were regulated by 22 nutrient-sensitive miRNAs and 10 nutrient-dependent TRs, respectively. Zinc- and B vitamin-dependent gene regulatory networks (Zinc: 10 TRs targeting 50.6% of DEGs; B vitamins: 4 TRs targeting 37.7% of DEGs, 9 miRNAs targeting 17.6% of DEGs) were dysregulated in cases. We identified novel, nutrient-sensitive gene regulatory networks not previously linked to NTDs, which may indicate new targets to explore for NTD prevention or to optimise fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina White
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa K1S 5B6, ON, Canada
| | - Jayden Arif-Pardy
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa K1S 5B6, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin L Connor
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa K1S 5B6, ON, Canada.
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Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol 2022; 8:4. [PMID: 35818085 PMCID: PMC9275129 DOI: 10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood levels of most vitamins decrease during pregnancy if un-supplemented, including vitamins A, C, D, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, folate, biotin, and B12. Sub-optimal intake of vitamins from preconception through pregnancy increases the risk of many pregnancy complications and infant health problems. In the U.S., dietary intake of vitamins is often below recommended intakes, especially for vitamin D, choline and DHA. Many studies suggest that insufficient vitamin intake is associated with a wide range of pregnancy complications (anemia, Cesarean section, depression, gestational diabetes, hypertension, infertility, preeclampsia, and premature rupture of membranes) and infant health problems (asthma/wheeze, autism, low birth weight, congenital heart defects, intellectual development, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, neural tube defects, orofacial defects, and preterm birth). The primary goal of this paper is to review the research literature and propose evidence-based recommendations for the optimal level of prenatal supplementation for each vitamin for most women in the United States. A secondary goal was to compare these new recommendations with the levels of vitamins in over 180 commercial prenatal supplements. The analysis found that prenatal supplements vary widely in content, often contained only a subset of essential vitamins, and the levels were often below our recommendations. This suggests that increasing prenatal vitamin supplementation to the levels recommended here may reduce the incidence of many pregnancy complications and infant health problems which currently occur.
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Tindula G, Mukherjee SK, Ekramullah SM, Arman DM, Biswas SK, Islam J, Obrycki JF, Christiani DC, Liang L, Warf BC, Mazumdar M. Parental metal exposures as potential risk factors for spina bifida in Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106800. [PMID: 34358915 PMCID: PMC9008873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects are a pressing public health concern despite advances in prevention from folic acid-based strategies. Numerous chemicals, in particular arsenic, have been associated with neural tube defects in animal models and could influence risk in humans. OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between parental exposure to arsenic and 17 metals and risk of neural tube defects (myelomeningocele and meningocele) in a case control study in Bangladesh. METHODS Exposure assessment included analysis of maternal and paternal toenail samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A total of 278 participants (155 cases and 123 controls) with data collected from 2016 to 2020 were included in the analysis. RESULTS In the paternal models, a one-unit increase in the natural logarithm of paternal toenail arsenic was associated with a 74% (odds ratio: 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-2.42) greater odds of having a child with spina bifida, after adjusting for relevant covariates. Additionally, paternal exposure to aluminum, cobalt, chromium, iron, selenium, and vanadium was associated with increased odds of having a child with spina bifida in the adjusted models. In the maternal models, a one-unit increase in the natural logarithm of maternal toenail selenium and zinc levels was related to a 382% greater (odds ratio: 4.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-17.60) and 89% lower (odds ratio: 0.11, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.42) odds of having a child with spina bifida in the adjusted models, respectively. Results did not suggest an interaction between parental toenail metals and maternal serum folate. DISCUSSION Parental toenail levels of numerous metals were associated with increased risk of spina bifida in Bangladeshi infants. Paternal arsenic exposure was positively associated with neural tube defects in children and is of particular concern given the widespread arsenic poisoning of groundwater resources in Bangladesh and the lack of nutritional interventions aimed to mitigate paternal arsenic exposure. The findings add to the growing body of literature of the impact of metals, especially paternal environmental factors, on child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen Tindula
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sudipta Kumer Mukherjee
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Muhammad Ekramullah
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - D M Arman
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Subrata Kumar Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Joynul Islam
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - John F Obrycki
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David C Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin C Warf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maitreyi Mazumdar
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States.
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Effect of maternal dietary niacin intake on congenital anomalies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr 2021; 61:1133-1142. [PMID: 34748060 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02731-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The significance of niacin in embryonic development has clinical implications in the counseling of pregnant women and may be used to inform nutrition recommendations. This study, therefore, aims to review the associations between maternal periconceptional niacin intake and congenital anomalies. METHODS A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, AMED, CENTRAL, Emcare, EMBASE, Maternity & Infant Care and Google Scholar was conducted between inception and 30 September 2020. Medical subject heading terms included "nicotinic acids" and related metabolites, "congenital anomalies" and specific types of congenital anomalies. Included studies reported the association between maternal niacin intake and congenital anomalies in their offspring and reported the measure of association. Studies involved solely the women with co-morbidities, animal, in vitro and qualitative studies were excluded. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random effects-restricted maximum likelihood model was used to obtain summary estimates, and multivariable meta-regression model was used to adjust study-level covariates. RESULTS Of 21,908 retrieved citations, 14 case-control studies including 35,743 women met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies were conducted in the U.S, three in Netherlands and one in South Africa. The meta-analysis showed that expectant mothers with an insufficient niacin intake were significantly more likely to have babies with congenital abnormalities (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.24) compared to mothers with adequate niacin intake. A similar association between niacin deficiency and congenital anomalies was observed (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.26) when sensitivity analysis was conducted by quality of the included studies. Meta-regression showed neither statistically significant impact of study size (p = 0.859) nor time of niacin assessment (p = 0.127). The overall quality of evidence used is high-thirteen studies achieved a rating of six or seven stars out of a possible nine based on the NOS. CONCLUSION Inadequate maternal niacin intake is associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies in the offspring. These findings may have implications in dietary counseling and use of niacin supplementation during pregnancy.
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Maternal malnutrition and anaemia in India: dysregulations leading to the 'thin-fat' phenotype in newborns. J Nutr Sci 2021; 10:e91. [PMID: 34733503 PMCID: PMC8532069 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.83] [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: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal and child malnutrition and anaemia remain the leading factors for health loss in India. Low birth weight (LBW) offspring of women suffering from chronic malnutrition and anaemia often exhibit insulin resistance and infantile stunting and wasting, together with increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders in adulthood. The resulting self-perpetuating and highly multifactorial disease burden cannot be remedied through uniform dietary recommendations alone. To inform approaches likely to alleviate this disease burden, we implemented a systems-analytical approach that had already proven its efficacy in multiple published studies. We utilised previously published qualitative and quantitative analytical results of rural and urban field studies addressing maternal and infantile metabolic and nutritional parameters to precisely define the range of pathological phenotypes encountered and their individual biological characteristics. These characteristics were then integrated, via extensive literature searches, into metabolic and physiological mechanisms to identify the maternal and foetal metabolic dysregulations most likely to underpin the ‘thin-fat’ phenotype in LBW infants and its associated pathological consequences. Our analyses reveal hitherto poorly understood maternal nutrition-dependent mechanisms most likely to promote and sustain the self-perpetuating high disease burden, especially in the Indian population. This work suggests that it most probably is the metabolic consequence of ‘ill-nutrition’ – the recent and rapid dietary shifts to high salt, high saturated fats and high sugar but low micronutrient diets – over an adaptation to ‘thrifty metabolism’ which must be addressed in interventions aiming to significantly alleviate the leading risk factors for health deterioration in India.
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Key Words
- 5-mTHF, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate
- Anaemia
- BAT, brown adipocyte tissue
- EAA, essential amino acids
- FA, fatty acid
- GSH, glutathione
- Hcy, homocysteine
- LBW, low birth weight
- Low birth weight
- Malnutrition
- PE, phosphatidylethanolamine
- Pathological mechanisms
- Physiological programming
- SAM, S-adenosyl methionine
- TG, triacylglycerol
- WAT, white adipocyte tissue
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White M, Grynspan D, Van Mieghem T, Connor KL. Isolated fetal neural tube defects associate with increased risk of placental pathology: Evidence from the Collaborative Perinatal Project. Placenta 2021; 114:56-67. [PMID: 34479062 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neural tube defects (NTDs) are amongst the most common congenital anomalies and are associated with significant postnatal morbidity, but also with a higher incidence of low birthweight and fetal growth restriction. Despite the placenta being a critical determinant of fetal growth, placental development has not been extensively studied in fetuses with NTDs. METHODS We performed a matched case-cohort study using data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project to assess the risk of placental pathology in pregnancies with an isolated fetal NTD (cases; n = 74) compared to those without any congenital anomalies (controls; n = 148). We hypothesised that cases would be at an increased risk of placental pathology compared to controls. Data were analysed using adjusted generalized linear and nominal logistic regression models. Results are presented as adjusted β or adjusted odds ratio (aOR; 95% confidence interval). RESULTS Cases had lower placental weight (β = -22.2 g [-37.8 to -6.6]), surface area (β = -9.6 cm2 [-18.3 to -1.0]) and birth length z-scores (β = -0.4 [-0.7 to -0.001]) compared to controls. Cases were more likely to have a single umbilical artery (vs. two; 6 [8.1%] vs. 1 [0.7%]; aOR = 301 [52.6-1726]), placental hypermaturity (9 [12.2%] vs. 5 [3.4%]; aOR = 6.8 [3.1-14.7]), many (vs. few) Hofbauer cells (9 [12.2%] vs. 7 [4.7%]; aOR = 3.02 [1.2-7.3]), and stromal fibrosis (9 [12.2%] vs. 10 [6.8%]; aOR = 3.0 [1.4-6.3]) in placental terminal villi compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Fetuses with isolated NTDs may be at increased risk of placental pathology, which could be contributing to poor fetal growth in these pregnancies and subsequent postnatal morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina White
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Vernon, BC, V1T 5L2, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Kristin L Connor
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
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Bekdash RA. Early Life Nutrition and Mental Health: The Role of DNA Methylation. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093111. [PMID: 34578987 PMCID: PMC8469584 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Does the quality of our diet during early life impact our long-term mental health? Accumulating evidence suggests that nutrition interacts with our genes and that there is a strong association between the quality of diet and mental health throughout life. Environmental influences such as maternal diet during pregnancy or offspring diet have been shown to cause epigenetic changes during critical periods of development, such as chemical modifications of DNA or histones by methylation for the regulation of gene expression. One-carbon metabolism, which consists of the folate and methionine cycles, is influenced by the diet and generates S-Adenosylmethinoine (SAM), the main methyl donor for methylation reactions such as DNA and histone methylation. This review provides current knowledge on how the levels of one-carbon metabolism associated micronutrients such as choline, betaine, folate, methionine and B vitamins that play a role in brain function can impact our well-being and mental health across the lifespan. Micronutrients that act as methyl donors for SAM formation could affect global or gene methylation, altering gene expression and phenotype. Strategies should then be adopted to better understand how these nutrients work and their impact at different stages of development to provide individualized dietary recommendations for better mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola A Bekdash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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Prevention of Teratogenesis in Pregnancies of Obese Rats by Vitamin E Supplementation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081173. [PMID: 34439421 PMCID: PMC8389020 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081173] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital malformations are a common adverse outcome in pregnancies complicated by pregestational obesity, although the underlying mechanisms are still unrevealed. Our aim was to study the effect of oxidative stress in obesity-induced teratogenesis. Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet for 13 weeks, with (OE group) or without (O group) vitamin E supplementation. Then, rats were mated and sacrificed at day 11.5 of gestation. Embryos from O dams presented a 25.9 ± 3.5% rate of malformations (vs. 8.7 ± 3.4% in C rats), which was reduced in the OE group (11.5 ± 2.3%). Pregestational obesity induced hepatic protein and DNA oxidation and a decline in antioxidant enzymes. Importantly, glutathione content was also decreased, limiting the availability of this antioxidant in the embryos. Vitamin E supplementation efficiently maintained glutathione levels in the obese mothers, which could be used in their embryos to prevent oxidation-induced malformations. To test the effect of decreasing glutathione levels alone in a cell culture model of neuroepithelium, murine embryonic stem cells (ESC) were induced to form neuronal precursors and glutathione synthesis was inhibited with the gamma–glutamylcysteine synthesis inhibitor, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). BSO inhibited the expression of Pax3, a gene required for neural tube closure that is also inhibited by oxidative stress. Taken together, our data indicate that obesity causes malformations through the depletion of maternal glutathione, thereby decreasing glutathione-dependent free radical scavenging in embryos, which can be prevented by vitamin E supplementation.
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Prasad P, Mori M, Toriello HV. Focused Revision: Policy statement on folic acid and neural tube defects. Genet Med 2021; 23:2464-2466. [PMID: 34230639 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01226-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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13
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Evidence-Based Recommendations for an Optimal Prenatal Supplement for Women in the U.S., Part Two: Minerals. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061849. [PMID: 34071548 PMCID: PMC8229801 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The levels of many essential minerals decrease during pregnancy if un-supplemented, including calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and possibly chromium and iodine. Sub-optimal intake of minerals from preconception through pregnancy increases the risk of many pregnancy complications and infant health problems. In the U.S., dietary intake of minerals is often below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), especially for iodine and magnesium, and 28% of women develop iron deficiency anemia during their third trimester. The goal of this paper is to propose evidence-based recommendations for the optimal level of prenatal supplementation for each mineral for most women in the United States. Overall, the evidence suggests that optimal mineral supplementation can significantly reduce a wide range of pregnancy complications (including anemia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, hyperthyroidism, miscarriage, and pre-eclampsia) and infant health problems (including anemia, asthma/wheeze, autism, cerebral palsy, hypothyroidism, intellectual disability, low birth weight, neural tube defects, preterm birth, rickets, and wheeze). An evaluation of 180 commercial prenatal supplements found that they varied widely in mineral content, often contained only a subset of essential minerals, and the levels were often below our recommendations. Therefore, there is a need to establish recommendations on the optimal level of mineral supplementation during pregnancy.
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14
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Ledur PF, Karmirian K, Pedrosa CDSG, Souza LRQ, Assis-de-Lemos G, Martins TM, Ferreira JDCCG, de Azevedo Reis GF, Silva ES, Silva D, Salerno JA, Ornelas IM, Devalle S, Madeiro da Costa RF, Goto-Silva L, Higa LM, Melo A, Tanuri A, Chimelli L, Murata MM, Garcez PP, Filippi-Chiela EC, Galina A, Borges HL, Rehen SK. Zika virus infection leads to mitochondrial failure, oxidative stress and DNA damage in human iPSC-derived astrocytes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1218. [PMID: 31988337 PMCID: PMC6985105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has been extensively studied since it was linked to congenital malformations, and recent research has revealed that astrocytes are targets of ZIKV. However, the consequences of ZIKV infection, especially to this cell type, remain largely unknown, particularly considering integrative studies aiming to understand the crosstalk among key cellular mechanisms and fates involved in the neurotoxicity of the virus. Here, the consequences of ZIKV infection in iPSC-derived astrocytes are presented. Our results show ROS imbalance, mitochondrial defects and DNA breakage, which have been previously linked to neurological disorders. We have also detected glial reactivity, also present in mice and in post-mortem brains from infected neonates from the Northeast of Brazil. Given the role of glia in the developing brain, these findings may help to explain the observed effects in congenital Zika syndrome related to neuronal loss and motor deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Karmirian
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gabriela Assis-de-Lemos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo De Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago Martino Martins
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Ferreira de Azevedo Reis
- Insitute of Biology, Department of Biophysics and Biometrics, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Santos Silva
- Insitute of Biology, Department of Biophysics and Biometrics, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Débora Silva
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, State Institute of Brain Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre Salerno
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Sylvie Devalle
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Livia Goto-Silva
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiza Mendonça Higa
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriana Melo
- Research Institute Prof. Joaquim Amorim Neto (IPESQ), Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - Amilcar Tanuri
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leila Chimelli
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, State Institute of Brain Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Massao Murata
- Insitute of Biology, Department of Biophysics and Biometrics, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pestana Garcez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Galina
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo De Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Helena Lobo Borges
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Stevens Kastrup Rehen
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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15
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Petersen JM, Parker SE, Crider KS, Tinker SC, Mitchell AA, Werler MM. One-Carbon Cofactor Intake and Risk of Neural Tube Defects Among Women Who Meet Folic Acid Recommendations: A Multicenter Case-Control Study. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:1136-1143. [PMID: 30976786 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate associations between individual and concurrent (≥2) intakes of one-carbon cofactors vitamins B6 and B12, choline, betaine, and methionine and neural tube defect (NTD) outcomes among mothers meeting the folic acid recommendations. In the Slone Birth Defects Study (case-control design; North America, 1998-2015), mothers of 164 NTD cases and 2,831 nonmalformed controls completed food frequency questionnaires and structured interviews. Estimated intakes of one-carbon cofactors were dichotomized (high vs. low) for all except betaine (low or middle vs. high). We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for center, age, and race. The analysis was restricted to mothers with estimated daily total folate intake of ≥400 μg during periconception. Fewer cases, compared with controls, had high intakes for each one-carbon cofactor except betaine, where the starkest contrast occurred in the middle group. Women with concurrent high intakes of B6, B12, choline, and methionine and moderate intake of betaine had approximately half the risk of an NTD-affected pregnancy (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.23, 1.08). These findings suggest that, in the presence of folic acid, one-carbon cofactors-notably when consumed together-might reduce NTD risk. Additional research should inform any changes to clinical recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Samantha E Parker
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Krista S Crider
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarah C Tinker
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Allen A Mitchell
- the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Martha M Werler
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Li Z, Ren A, Liu J, Ye R. Maternal periconceptional body mass index and risk for neural tube defects: results from a large cohort study in China. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:274-280. [PMID: 31006286 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1606192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Case-control studies have consistently suggested an association between pre- or periconceptional maternal obesity and an increased risk for neural tube defects (NTDs). Few studies have examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and NTDs using measured weight and height. We examined this association in a large cohort study in China.Methods: We used data from a large population-based cohort study established to evaluate the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation to prevent NTDs in China. BMI was computed using maternal weight and height measured before pregnancy or during early pregnancy. External birth defects were identified through a unique birth defects surveillance system. We estimated the birth prevalence and prevalence odds ratios (POR) for NTDs by Chinese BMI categories, controlling for potential confounders.Results: Our study population included a total of 194,844 women. We observed significantly elevated risk for spina bifida (adjusted POR = 5.4, 95% CI: 1.3-22.5) among children born to obese compared to normal weight women. Among women who took folic acid supplements, the adjusted POR for spina bifida among obese women was 10.0 (95% CI: 2.3-42.6) compared to pill users who were of normal weight. Borderline significantly elevated risk was observed for anencephaly (adjusted POR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.2) among children born to underweight compared to normal weight women.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that maternal periconceptional obesity may be associated with an increased risk for spina bifida. Maternal underweight may be associated with increased risk for anencephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, P. R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, P. R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, P. R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, P. R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jianmeng Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, P. R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Rongwei Ye
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, P. R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
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17
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Hoang TT, Lei Y, Mitchell LE, Sharma SV, Swartz MD, Waller DK, Finnell RH, Benjamin RH, Browne ML, Canfield MA, Lupo PJ, McKenzie P, Shaw G, Agopian AJ. Maternal Lactase Polymorphism (rs4988235) Is Associated with Neural Tube Defects in Offspring in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. J Nutr 2019; 149:295-303. [PMID: 30689919 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies is reduced with adequate folic acid intake during early pregnancy. However, NTDs have been observed among offspring of women with adequate folic acid intake. Some of these women are possibly not absorbing enough folic acid. Because lactase deficiency can lead to poor nutrient absorption, we hypothesized that lactase-deficient women will be at increased risk of having offspring with NTDs. OBJECTIVE We examined the association between maternal rs4988235 (a lactase deficiency genetic marker) and NTDs in offspring. METHODS We conducted a case-control study using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, United States, 1997-2009, restricting to non-Hispanic white (NHW) and Hispanic women. Cases were women with an offspring with an NTD (n = 378 NHW, 207 Hispanic), and controls were women with an offspring without a birth defect (n = 461 NHW, 165 Hispanic). Analyses were conducted separately by race/ethnicity, using logistic regression. Women with the CC genotype were categorized as being lactase deficient. To assess potential effect modification, analyses were stratified by lactose intake, folic acid supplementation, dietary folate, and diet quality. RESULTS Among NHW women, the odds of being lactase deficient were greater among cases compared with controls (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.82). Among Hispanic women, the odds of being lactase deficient were significantly lower among cases compared with controls (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.77). The association differed when stratified by lactose intake in NHW women (higher odds among women who consumed ≥12 g lactose/1000 kcal) and by dietary folate in Hispanic women (opposite direction of associations). The association did not differ when stratified by folic acid supplementation or diet quality. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that maternal lactase deficiency is associated with NTDs in offspring. However, we observed opposite directions of effect by race/ethnicity that could not be definitively explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T Hoang
- Departments of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences
| | | | - Laura E Mitchell
- Departments of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences
| | - Shreela V Sharma
- Departments of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences
| | - Michael D Swartz
- Biostatistics and Data Science, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX
| | - D Kim Waller
- Departments of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences
| | | | - Renata H Benjamin
- Departments of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- Congenital Malformations Registry, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, NY.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, New York, NY
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Paige McKenzie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Gary Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - A J Agopian
- Departments of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences
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18
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Lowry RB, Bedard T, MacFarlane AJ, Crawford S, Sibbald B, Agborsangaya BC. Prevalence rates of spina bifida in Alberta, Canada: 2001–2015. Can we achieve more prevention? Birth Defects Res 2018; 111:151-158. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Brian Lowry
- Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System, Clinical Genetics, Alberta Health Services Calgary Alberta Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical GeneticsUniversity of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital Calgary Alberta Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute Calgary Alberta Canada
| | - Tanya Bedard
- Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System, Clinical Genetics, Alberta Health Services Calgary Alberta Canada
| | | | - Susan Crawford
- Alberta Perinatal Health Program, Alberta Health Services Calgary Alberta Canada
| | - Barbara Sibbald
- Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System, Clinical Genetics, Alberta Health Services Calgary Alberta Canada
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19
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Alcala M, Gutierrez-Vega S, Castro E, Guzman-Gutiérrez E, Ramos-Álvarez MP, Viana M. Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress: Focus in Obese Pregnancies. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1569. [PMID: 30459642 PMCID: PMC6232303 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity in women of childbearing age around the globe has dramatically increased in the last decades. Obesity is characterized by a low-state chronic inflammation, metabolism impairment and oxidative stress, among other pathological changes. Getting pregnant in this situation involves that gestation will occur in an unhealthy environment, that can potentially jeopardize both maternal and fetal health. In this review, we analyze the role of maternal obesity-induced oxidative stress as a risk factor to develop adverse outcomes during gestation, including reduced fertility, spontaneous abortion, teratogenesis, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. Evidences of macromolecule oxidation increase in reactive oxygen species generation and antioxidant defense alterations are commonly described in maternal and fetal tissues. Thus, antioxidant supplementation become an interesting prophylactic and therapeutic tool, that yields positive results in cellular, and animal models. However, the results from most meta-analysis studying the effect of these therapies in complicated gestations in humans are not really encouraging. It is still to be analyzed whether these therapies could work if applied to cohorts of patients at a high risk, such as those with low concentration of antioxidants or obese pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Alcala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Facultad de Farmacia, CEU San Pablo University – CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
- Red Iberoamericana de Alteraciones Vasculares Asociadas a TRastornos del EMbarazo (RIVA-TREM), Chillán, Chile
| | - Sebastián Gutierrez-Vega
- Red Iberoamericana de Alteraciones Vasculares Asociadas a TRastornos del EMbarazo (RIVA-TREM), Chillán, Chile
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Erica Castro
- Red Iberoamericana de Alteraciones Vasculares Asociadas a TRastornos del EMbarazo (RIVA-TREM), Chillán, Chile
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Enrique Guzman-Gutiérrez
- Red Iberoamericana de Alteraciones Vasculares Asociadas a TRastornos del EMbarazo (RIVA-TREM), Chillán, Chile
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Maria Pilar Ramos-Álvarez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Facultad de Farmacia, CEU San Pablo University – CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
- Red Iberoamericana de Alteraciones Vasculares Asociadas a TRastornos del EMbarazo (RIVA-TREM), Chillán, Chile
| | - Marta Viana
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Facultad de Farmacia, CEU San Pablo University – CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
- Red Iberoamericana de Alteraciones Vasculares Asociadas a TRastornos del EMbarazo (RIVA-TREM), Chillán, Chile
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20
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Nguyen MP, Lupo PJ, Northrup H, Morrison AC, Cirino PT, Au KS. Maternal gene-micronutrient interactions related to one-carbon metabolism and the risk of myelomeningocele among offspring. Birth Defects Res 2018; 109:99-105. [PMID: 27384413 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated interactions between maternal genetic variation in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and micronutrient intake on the risk of myelomeningocele (MM) in offspring. Therefore, we sought to determine if the role of maternal MTHFR C677T and A1298C on MM risk is altered by maternal intake of micronutrients related to one-carbon metabolism. METHODS The study consisted of 220 MM case-parent trios recruited from 1996 to 2006. A dietary questionnaire was used to obtain information on maternal dietary intake on eight micronutrients including folate and cobalamin. TaqMan assays were used to generate MTHFR C677T and A1298C genotypes. Log-linear models were used to evaluate the joint effects of maternal genotype and micronutrient intake dichotomized as at or above versus below the United States Recommended Dietary Allowance (US RDA) on MM. RESULTS There was little evidence to suggest maternal MTHFR genotypes interacted with micronutrient intake to influence the risk of MM. For instance, the effect of MTHFR 677T was similar for mothers with cobalamin intake below US RDA (relative risk [RR] = 0.97) versus at or above US RDA cobalamin intake (RR = 0.81, interaction p = 0.87). However, some differences were noted. For example, the effect of MTHFR 1298C appeared to be different between those mothers below US RDA folate intake (RR = 0.98) versus those at or above US RDA folate intake (RR = 0.68), but the interaction was not statistically significant (interaction p = 0.27). CONCLUSION There did not appear to be strong effects of maternal micronutrient intake on the role of maternal genetic polymorphisms in MTHFR C677T and A1298C on MM risk. Birth Defects Research 109:99-105, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret P Nguyen
- Divisions of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hope Northrup
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Alanna C Morrison
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul T Cirino
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Kit Sing Au
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
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21
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Stokes BA, Sabatino JA, Zohn IE. High levels of iron supplementation prevents neural tube defects in the Fpn1 ffe mouse model. Birth Defects Res 2018; 109:81-91. [PMID: 28008752 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periconception maternal nutrition and folate in particular are important factors influencing the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Many but not all NTDs are prevented by folic acid supplementation and there is a pressing need for additional strategies to prevent these birth defects. Other micronutrients such as iron are potential candidates, yet a clear role for iron deficiency in contributing to NTDs is lacking. Our previous studies with the flatiron (ffe) mouse model of Ferroportin1 (Fpn1) deficiency suggest that iron is required for neural tube closure and forebrain development raising the possibility that iron supplementation could prevent NTDs. METHODS We determined the effect of periconception iron and/or folic acid supplementation on the penetrance of NTDs in the Fpn1ffe mouse model. Concurrently, measurements of folate and iron were made to ensure supplementation had the intended effects. RESULTS High levels of iron supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of NTDs in Fpn1ffe mutants. Fpn1 deficiency resulted in reduced folate levels in both pregnant dams and embryos. Yet folic acid supplementation did not prevent NTDs in the Fpn1ffe model. Similarly, forebrain truncations were rescued with iron. Surprisingly, the high levels of iron supplementation used in this study caused folate deficiency in wild-type dams and embryos. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that iron supplementation can prevent NTDs and forebrain truncations in the Fpn1ffe model. Surprisingly, high levels of iron supplementation and iron overload can cause folate deficiency. If iron is essential for neural tube closure, it is possible that iron deficiency might contribute to NTDs. Birth Defects Research 109:81-91, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Birth Defects Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany A Stokes
- Department of Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.,Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Julia A Sabatino
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Irene E Zohn
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
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22
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Schubert M, Kluge S, Schmölz L, Wallert M, Galli F, Birringer M, Lorkowski S. Long-Chain Metabolites of Vitamin E: Metabolic Activation as a General Concept for Lipid-Soluble Vitamins? Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:antiox7010010. [PMID: 29329238 PMCID: PMC5789320 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamins E, A, D and K comprise the class of lipid-soluble vitamins. For vitamins A and D, a metabolic conversion of precursors to active metabolites has already been described. During the metabolism of vitamin E, the long-chain metabolites (LCMs) 13'-hydroxychromanol (13'-OH) and 13'-carboxychromanol (13'-COOH) are formed by oxidative modification of the side-chain. The occurrence of these metabolites in human serum indicates a physiological relevance. Indeed, effects of the LCMs on lipid metabolism, apoptosis, proliferation and inflammatory actions as well as tocopherol and xenobiotic metabolism have been shown. Interestingly, there are several parallels between the actions of the LCMs of vitamin E and the active metabolites of vitamin A and D. The recent findings that the LCMs exert effects different from that of their precursors support their putative role as regulatory metabolites. Hence, it could be proposed that the mode of action of the LCMs might be mediated by a mechanism similar to vitamin A and D metabolites. If the physiological relevance and this concept of action of the LCMs can be confirmed, a general concept of activation of lipid-soluble vitamins via their metabolites might be deduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schubert
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Competence Center for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Stefan Kluge
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Competence Center for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Lisa Schmölz
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Competence Center for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Maria Wallert
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Francesco Galli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Marc Birringer
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Consumer Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Fulda, 36037 Fulda, Germany.
| | - Stefan Lorkowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Competence Center for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Silva C, Keating E, Pinto E. The impact of folic acid supplementation on gestational and long term health: Critical temporal windows, benefits and risks. Porto Biomed J 2017; 2:315-332. [PMID: 32258789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbj.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Highlights Associations between FA supplementation in pregnancy and effects on offspring's NTDs, allergy/respiratory problems, cancer and behaviour problems as been studied.There is growing concern about the effects of excessive FA supplementation, whether in terms of doses or times of exposure.FA supplementation in the periconceptional period is protective against NTDs while in later periods it could be deleterious.A daily dose of 0.4 mg FA in the periconceptional period seems to be effective and safe. Abstract Maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation is one of the most popular nutritional interventions during pregnancy for its protective effect against neural tube defects (NTDs).The purposes of this review are: (a) to gather the current evidence regarding supplementation of maternal diet with FA and (b) to problematize the available literature in terms of dosages, critical temporal windows, and its potential benefits and risks.The expression (pregnancy OR fetus OR offspring OR mother) AND ("folic acid" AND supplementation) was searched on PubMed database, filtering for articles published from 2005 to 2014. Publications referring to FA supplementation during the periconceptional period or pregnancy in which there was a conclusion about the effects of isolated FA supplementation on pregnant woman, pregnancy or offspring were included. Of the initial 1182 papers, 109 fulfilled the inclusion criteria.The majority of the publications reported FA supplementation outcomes on offspring's health, with emphasis in NTDs, allergy/respiratory problems, cancer and behaviour problems. Some inconsistency is observed on the impact of FA supplementation on different outcomes, except for NTDs. It is also visible an increased concern about the impact of excessive supplementation, either in terms of doses or exposure's duration.In conclusion, there is a growing interest in FA supplementation issues. The protective effect of FA supplementation over NTDs has been confirmed, being the periconceptional period a critical window, and it is frequently suggested that allergy/respiratory outcomes arise from (excessive) FA supplementation particularly later in pregnancy. Further research on critical doses and time of exposure should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Silva
- Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisa Keating
- Department of Biomedicine - Biochemistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Pinto
- CBQF - Centre of Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry - School of Biotechnology, Portuguese Catholic University, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Deficient Vitamin E Uptake During Development Impairs Neural Tube Closure in Mice Lacking Lipoprotein Receptor SR-BI. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5182. [PMID: 28701710 PMCID: PMC5507922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05422-w] [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: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
SR-BI is the main receptor for high density lipoproteins (HDL) and mediates the bidirectional transport of lipids, such as cholesterol and vitamin E, between these particles and cells. During early development, SR-BI is expressed in extraembryonic tissue, specifically in trophoblast giant cells in the parietal yolk sac. We previously showed that approximately 50% of SR-BI-/- embryos fail to close the anterior neural tube and develop exencephaly, a perinatal lethal condition. Here, we evaluated the role of SR-BI in embryonic vitamin E uptake during murine neural tube closure. Our results showed that SR-BI-/- embryos had a very low vitamin E content in comparison to SR-BI+/+ embryos. Whereas SR-BI-/- embryos with closed neural tubes (nSR-BI-/-) had high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intermediate ROS levels between SR-BI+/+ and nSR-BI-/- embryos were detected in SR-BI-/- with NTD (NTD SR-BI-/-). Reduced expression of Pax3, Alx1 and Alx3 genes was found in NTD SR-BI-/- embryos. Maternal α-tocopherol dietary supplementation prevented NTD almost completely (from 54% to 2%, p < 0.001) in SR-BI-/- embryos and normalized ROS and gene expression levels. In sum, our results suggest the involvement of SR-BI in the maternal provision of embryonic vitamin E to the mouse embryo during neural tube closure.
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Zaheri F, Ranaie F, Shahoei R, Hasheminasab L, Roshani D. Risk factors associated with neural tube defects in infants referred to western Iranian obstetrical centers; 2013-2014. Electron Physician 2017; 9:4636-4642. [PMID: 28848641 PMCID: PMC5557146 DOI: 10.19082/4636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tubes defects (NTDs) are known to be the second most prevalent congenital disorder worldwide whose risk factors have not been explicitly addressed yet. AIM To determine the risk factors affecting NTDs among infants who referred to obstetrical centers in Kurdistan, a western province of Iran. METHODS This prospective case-control study was conducted in the form of prospective case-control. Sample population included all women (27,153 cases) who referred to obstetrical centers in Kurdistan for either delivery or abortion during 2013 and 2014. Inclusion criterion was the presence of a known NTD in infants, and exclusion criterion was the reluctance of patients to participate in the study. Accordingly, 46 cases participated in the study as the case group, and 138 cases (three times higher than case group) were selected to be the control group. Case and control groups were matched in terms of the number of pregnancies and place of birth. The variables investigated in the present study were as follows: age, occupation, BMI, abortion history, family relation with husband, fetus' sex, number of twins, history of previous children with NTD, receiving prenatal surveillance, consumption of folic acid and multivitamins, smoking, alcohol drinking, passive smoking, and suffering from such diseases as epilepsy and diabetes. Data were analyzed using various statistical tests, including chi-square, Fishers' exact test, multiple logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 20. In the study group, inclusion criteria included all women who had an infant with tube defects that their total number was 46 individuals. In the control group inclusion criteria included mothers with healthy infants who were similar to the study group in terms of birth place and frequency of pregnancy. RESULTS The results of the present study demonstrated that prenatal surveillance (p<0.002), multivitamin consumption (p<0.001), history of having a child with NTD (p<0.001), alcohol drinking (p<0.014), and passive smoking were related to NTDs (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Before fertilization and during pregnancy, mothers should be examined in terms of exposure to harmful agents, diet, and nutritional status in order to identify possible risk factors and find opportunities to prevent NTDs in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Zaheri
- Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Fariba Ranaie
- Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Roonak Shahoei
- Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Leila Hasheminasab
- Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Daem Roshani
- Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Medical School, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Huang HY, Chen HL, Feng LP. Maternal obesity and the risk of neural tube defects in offspring: A meta-analysis. Obes Res Clin Pract 2016; 11:188-197. [PMID: 27155922 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this was to access maternal obesity and the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in offspring, and establishes a nonlinear dose-response relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and risk of NTDs in offspring. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched. We compared NTDs risk difference in maternal obesity group vs. normal weight group+overweight group, and maternal obesity group vs. normal weight group. We also examined the dose-response relationship between maternal body mass index and the risk of NTDs in offspring. RESULTS A total of 22 studies with 1,758,832 patients included in the meta-analysis. The results showed obesity maternal obesity is an important risk factor for NTDs in offspring. When maternal obesity group compared with normal weight group+overweight group, the summary OR of NTDs was 1.632 (95% CI 1.473-1.808; Z=9.37, P<0.00001); when maternal obesity group compared with normal weight group, the summary OR was 1.682 (95% CI 1.510-1.873; Z=9.44, P<0.00001). No publication biases were found. Dose-response meta-analysis showed statistically significant association between maternal BMI and risk of NTDs in offspring (model χ2=41.49, <0.00001). In linear model, the OR of NTDs in offspring was 1.040 (95% CI 1.027-1.051) for every 1kg/m2 BMI increase in mother. In spline model, the OR of NTDs in offspring risk increased rapidly along with maternal BMI, especially when BMI >30kg/m2. Sensitivity analyses by only included the studies reported adjusted OR showed the result was robust. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis indicated that maternal obesity is an important risk factor for neural tube defects in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yan Huang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | | | - Li-Ping Feng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Affected by Promoter Hypermethylation Induces Aberrant Gli2 Expression in Spina Bifida. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5413-24. [PMID: 26446020 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9447-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
GLI2 is a key mediator of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway and plays an important role in neural tube development during vertebrate embryogenesis; however, the role of gli2 in human folate-related neural tube defects remains unclear. In this study, we compared methylation status and polymorphisms of gli2 between spina bifida patients and a control group to explore the underlying mechanisms related to folate deficiency in spina bifida. No single nucleotide polymorphism was found to be significantly different between the two groups, although gli2 methylation levels were significantly increased in spina bifida samples, accompanied by aberrant GLI2 expression. Moreover, a prominent negative correlation was found between the folate level in brain tissue and the gli2 methylation status (r = -0.41, P = 0.014), and gli2 hypermethylation increased the risk of spina bifida with an odds ratio of 12.45 (95 % confidence interval: 2.71-57.22, P = 0.001). In addition, we established a cell model to illustrate the effect of gli2 expression and the accessibility of chromatin affected by methylation. High gli2 and gli1 mRNA expression was detected in 5-Aza-treated cells, while gli2 hypermethylation resulted in chromatin inaccessibility and a reduced association with nuclear proteins containing transcriptional factors. More meaningful to the pathway, the effect gene of the Shh pathway, gli1, was found to have a reduced level of expression along with a decreased expression of gli2 in our cell model. Aberrant high methylation resulted in the low expression of gli2 in spina bifida, which was affected by the change in chromatin status and the capacity of transcription factor binding.
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Timur H, Tokmak A, Türkmen GG, Ali İnal H, Uygur D, Danışman N. Pregnancy outcome in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:2470-4. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1089432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Functional variant in methionine synthase reductase intron-1 is associated with pleiotropic congenital malformations. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 407:51-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Folate and folic acid in the periconceptional period: recommendations from official health organizations in thirty-six countries worldwide and WHO. Public Health Nutr 2015; 19:176-89. [DOI: 10.1017/s1368980015000555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo summarize the recommendations on folate intake and folic acid supplementation and fortification in the periconceptional period, aimed at prevention of neural tube defects (NTD), provided by official health organizations in different countries worldwide and WHO.DesignInformation on recommendations for folate and folic acid intake in the periconceptional period was gathered from the websites of official national health organizations of several countries worldwide and from the WHO website.SettingWHO, selected developed countries and emerging economies, totalling thirty-six countries worldwide (some European, BRICS, G8, Asian Tiger/Asian Dragon and Australia).ResultsRecommendations differ between countries, although the majority (69·4 %) recommend a healthy diet plus a folic acid supplement of 400 µg/d from preconception (4–12 weeks) until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (8–12 weeks). The same recommendation is issued by the WHO. Dosages for women at high risk of NTD are up to 4–5 mg/d (for 41·7 % of studied countries). The recommended intake for folate is in the range of 300–400 µg/d for women of childbearing age and 500–600 µg/d for pregnant women in different countries and WHO. Five countries emphasize the importance of a healthy diet rendering supplementation needless. By contrast, five others advise a healthy diet and supplementation plus mandatory fortification. Only one mentions the importance of ensuring an adequate folate status and refers to checking with a health-care provider on the need for supplements.ConclusionsDifferent recommendations regarding folate and folic acid, seeking NTD prevention, are available worldwide; however, most countries and WHO focus on a healthy diet and folic acid supplementation of 400 µg/d periconceptionally.
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Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida and anencephaly, are severe birth defects of the central nervous system that originate during embryonic development when the neural tube fails to close completely. Human NTDs are multifactorial, with contributions from both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic basis is not yet well understood, but several nongenetic risk factors have been identified as have possibilities for prevention by maternal folic acid supplementation. Mechanisms underlying neural tube closure and NTDs may be informed by experimental models, which have revealed numerous genes whose abnormal function causes NTDs and have provided details of critical cellular and morphological events whose regulation is essential for closure. Such models also provide an opportunity to investigate potential risk factors and to develop novel preventive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D E Greene
- Newlife Birth Defects Research Center, Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom;
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A spectrum project: preterm birth and small-for-gestational age among infants with birth defects. J Perinatol 2015; 35:198-203. [PMID: 25275696 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2014.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the association between birth defects (BDs), prematurity and small-for-gestational age (SGA) in a population-based sample. STUDY DESIGN Participants were singleton live births enrolled in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, including 18 737 case infants with one or more BD and 7999 controls. Logistic regression models to evaluate associations between BDs, prematurity and fetal growth were computed while adjusting for covariates. RESULT Cases were significantly more likely to be born prematurely than controls, particularly at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. The highest odds ratios for preterm birth were found for intestinal atresia, anencephaly, gastroschisis and esophageal atresia. Infants with BDs were also significantly more likely to be SGA than controls (17.2 and 7.8%). CONCLUSION Infants with BDs are more likely than controls to be born prematurely and SGA. Findings from this study present additional evidence demonstrating a complex interaction between the development of BDs, prematurity and intrauterine growth.
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Dubchak I, Balasubramanian S, Wang S, Meyden C, Sulakhe D, Poliakov A, Börnigen D, Xie B, Taylor A, Ma J, Paciorkowski AR, Mirzaa GM, Dave P, Agam G, Xu J, Al-Gazali L, Mason CE, Ross ME, Maltsev N, Gilliam TC. An integrative computational approach for prioritization of genomic variants. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114903. [PMID: 25506935 PMCID: PMC4266634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential step in the discovery of molecular mechanisms contributing to disease phenotypes and efficient experimental planning is the development of weighted hypotheses that estimate the functional effects of sequence variants discovered by high-throughput genomics. With the increasing specialization of the bioinformatics resources, creating analytical workflows that seamlessly integrate data and bioinformatics tools developed by multiple groups becomes inevitable. Here we present a case study of a use of the distributed analytical environment integrating four complementary specialized resources, namely the Lynx platform, VISTA RViewer, the Developmental Brain Disorders Database (DBDB), and the RaptorX server, for the identification of high-confidence candidate genes contributing to pathogenesis of spina bifida. The analysis resulted in prediction and validation of deleterious mutations in the SLC19A placental transporter in mothers of the affected children that causes narrowing of the outlet channel and therefore leads to the reduced folate permeation rate. The described approach also enabled correct identification of several genes, previously shown to contribute to pathogenesis of spina bifida, and suggestion of additional genes for experimental validations. The study demonstrates that the seamless integration of bioinformatics resources enables fast and efficient prioritization and characterization of genomic factors and molecular networks contributing to the phenotypes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Dubchak
- Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ID); (NM)
| | - Sandhya Balasubramanian
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sheng Wang
- Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Cem Meyden
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Dinanath Sulakhe
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Computation Institute, University of Chicago/Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Alexander Poliakov
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California, United States of America
| | - Daniela Börnigen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Bingqing Xie
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Andrew Taylor
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jianzhu Ma
- Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Alex R. Paciorkowski
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Biomedical Genetics and Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Ghayda M. Mirzaa
- Seattle Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Paul Dave
- Computation Institute, University of Chicago/Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gady Agam
- Department of Computer Science, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jinbo Xu
- Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lihadh Al-Gazali
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - M. Elizabeth Ross
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Development, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Natalia Maltsev
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Computation Institute, University of Chicago/Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ID); (NM)
| | - T. Conrad Gilliam
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Computation Institute, University of Chicago/Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Özeren E, Er U, Güvenç Y, Demirci A, Arıkök AT, Şenveli E, Ergün RB. The effect of flurbiprofen on the development of anencephaly in early stage chicken embryos. Br J Neurosurg 2014; 29:265-71. [DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2014.976172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Krikov S, Botto LD, Shaw GM, Carmichael SL. Better diet quality before pregnancy is associated with reduced risk of gastroschisis in Hispanic women. J Nutr 2014; 144:1781-6. [PMID: 25332477 PMCID: PMC6498459 DOI: 10.3945/jn.114.201376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastroschisis is unique because of its substantial risk in pregnancies of adolescent women. Adolescents may have poor diet quality, which places them at higher risk of gastroschisis. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether better maternal diet quality, measured by 2 different indices, reduced the risk of gastroschisis. METHODS We used case-control data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to investigate maternal diet quality among 1125 gastroschisis cases and 9483 controls (estimated delivery dates between 1997 and 2009). Cases were ascertained from 10 U.S. birth defect surveillance systems. Control subjects were randomly selected from birth certificates or hospital records. Using a 58-item food-frequency questionnaire, interviewers queried mothers about their average food and cereal intake during the year before conception. Diet quality scores [Diet Quality Index (DQI) and Mediterranean diet score (MDS)] were calculated using specific components. Women were excluded if they consumed <500 or >5000 kcal/d, reported pregestational diabetes, or had >1 missing food item. Quartile-specific adjusted ORs (aORs) were calculated, using as reference the lowest quartile. RESULTS Overall, we observed a statistically significant decrease with increasing diet quality for both the DQI and MDS. When stratified by maternal race/ethnicity, this finding was confined to Hispanic women. Among Hispanic women, the risk of gastroschisis decreased significantly with increasing DQI quartiles: quartile 2, aOR = 0.58 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.86); quartile 3, aOR = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.79); and quartile 4, aOR = 0.48 (95% CI: 0.32, 0.76). Increasing diet quality, as measured by the MDS, showed reduced risk of gastroschisis among women, mostly Hispanic, who were born outside the United States: quartile 2, aOR = 0.62 (95% CI: 0.33, 1.16); quartile 3, aOR = 0.51 (95% CI: 0.28, 0.94); and quartile 4, aOR = 0.50 (95% CI: 0.28, 0.90). CONCLUSIONS Increasing diet quality was associated with a reduced risk of gastroschisis only among Hispanic and foreign-born women, but these findings require replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergey Krikov
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and
| | - Lorenzo D Botto
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Suzan L Carmichael
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
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Mills JL, Fan R, Brody LC, Liu A, Ueland PM, Wang Y, Kirke PN, Shane B, Molloy AM. Maternal choline concentrations during pregnancy and choline-related genetic variants as risk factors for neural tube defects. Am J Clin Nutr 2014; 100:1069-74. [PMID: 25240073 PMCID: PMC4163794 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.113.079319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low maternal choline intake and blood concentration may be risk factors for having a child with a neural tube defect (NTD); however, the data are inconsistent. This is an important question to resolve because choline, if taken periconceptionally, might add to the protective effect currently being achieved by folic acid. OBJECTIVE We examined the relation between NTDs, choline status, and genetic polymorphisms reported to influence de novo choline synthesis to investigate claims that taking choline periconceptionally could reduce NTD rates. DESIGN Two study groups of pregnant women were investigated: women who had a current NTD-affected pregnancy (AP; n = 71) and unaffected controls (n = 214) and women who had an NTD in another pregnancy but not in the current pregnancy [nonaffected pregnancy (NAP); n = 98] and unaffected controls (n = 386). Blood samples to measure betaine and total choline concentrations and single nucleotide polymorphisms related to choline metabolism were collected at their first prenatal visit. RESULTS Mean (±SD) plasma total choline concentrations in the AP (2.8 ± 1.0 mmol/L) and control (2.9 ± 0.9 mmol/L) groups did not differ significantly. Betaine concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Total choline and betaine in the NAP group did not differ from controls. Cases were significantly more likely to have the G allele of phosphatidylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PEMT; V175M, +5465 G>A) rs7946 (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that maternal betaine and choline concentrations are not strongly associated with NTD risk. The association between PEMT rs7946 and NTDs requires confirmation. The addition of choline to folic acid supplements may not further reduce NTD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Mills
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Ruzong Fan
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Lawrence C Brody
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Aiyi Liu
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Per M Ueland
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Yifan Wang
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Peadar N Kirke
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Barry Shane
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
| | - Anne M Molloy
- From the Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (JLM, RF, AL, and YW), and Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (LCB), NIH, Bethesda, MD; the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen and Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway (PMU); the Health Research Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland (PNK); the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (BS); and the Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (AMM)
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Abstract
It is estimated that >90% of Americans do not consume sufficient dietary vitamin E, as α-tocopherol, to meet estimated average requirements. What are the adverse consequences of inadequate dietary α-tocopherol intakes? This review discusses health aspects where inadequate vitamin E status is detrimental and additional vitamin E has reversed the symptoms. In general, plasma α-tocopherol concentrations <12 μmol/L are associated with increased infection, anemia, stunting of growth, and poor outcomes during pregnancy for both the infant and the mother. When low dietary amounts of α-tocopherol are consumed, tissue α-tocopherol needs exceed amounts available, leading to increased damage to target tissues. Seemingly, adequacy of human vitamin E status cannot be assessed from circulating α-tocopherol concentrations, but inadequacy can be determined from “low” values. Circulating α-tocopherol concentrations are very difficult to interpret because, as a person ages, plasma lipid concentrations also increase and these elevations in lipids increase the plasma carriers for α-tocopherol, leading to higher circulating α-tocopherol concentrations. However, abnormal lipoprotein metabolism does not necessarily increase α-tocopherol delivery to tissues. Additional biomarkers of inadequate vitamin E status are needed. Urinary excretion of the vitamin E metabolite α-carboxy-ethyl-hydroxychromanol may fulfill this biomarker role, but it has not been widely studied with regard to vitamin E status in humans or with regard to health benefits. This review evaluated the information available on the adverse consequences of inadequate α-tocopherol status and provides suggestions for avenues for research.
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Ngo S, Li X, O'Neill R, Bhoothpur C, Gluckman P, Sheppard A. Elevated S-adenosylhomocysteine alters adipocyte functionality with corresponding changes in gene expression and associated epigenetic marks. Diabetes 2014; 63:2273-83. [PMID: 24574043 DOI: 10.2337/db13-1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Maternal deficiencies in micronutrients affecting one-carbon metabolism before and during pregnancy can influence metabolic status and the degree of insulin resistance and obesity of the progeny in adulthood. Notably, maternal and progeny plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) levels are both elevated after vitamin deficiency in pregnancy. Therefore, we investigated whether this key one-carbon cycle intermediate directly affects adipocyte differentiation and function. We found that expansion and differentiation of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in the presence of SAH impaired both basal and induced glucose uptake as well as lipolysis compared with untreated controls. SAH did not alter preadipocyte factor 1 (Dlk1) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ 2 (Pparγ2) but significantly reduced expression of CAAT enhancer-binding protein-α (Cebpα), Cebpβ, and retinoid x receptor-α (Rxrα) compared with untreated adipocytes. SAH increased Rxrα methylation on a CpG unit (chr2:27,521,057+, chr2:27,521,049+) and CpG residue (chr2:27,521,080+), but not Cebpβ methylation, relative to untreated adipocytes. Trimethylated histone H3-Lys27 occupancy was significantly increased on Cebpα and Rxrα promoters in SAH-treated adipocytes, consistent with the reduction in gene expression. In conclusion, SAH did not affect adipogenesis per se but altered adipocyte functionality through epigenetic mechanisms, such that they exhibited altered glucose disposal and lipolysis. Our findings implicate micronutrient imbalance in subsequent modulation of adipocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Ngo
- Developmental Epigenetics Group, Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Developmental Epigenetics Group, Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Renelle O'Neill
- Developmental Epigenetics Group, Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chandrakanth Bhoothpur
- Developmental Epigenetics Group, Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Gluckman
- Developmental Epigenetics Group, Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Allan Sheppard
- Developmental Epigenetics Group, Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Lavery AM, Brender JD, Zhao H, Sweeney A, Felkner M, Suarez L, Canfield MA. Dietary intake of choline and neural tube defects in Mexican Americans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 100:463-71. [PMID: 24619903 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low maternal intake of dietary choline and betaine (a choline derivative) has recently been investigated as a possible risk factor for neural tube defects (NTDs). METHODS This case-control study examined the NTD risk associated with choline and betaine in 409 Mexican-American women who gave birth during 1995 to 2000 in the 14-county border region of Texas. RESULTS Using data from the food frequency questionnaire and the lowest quartiles of intake as the reference categories, a protective association was suggested between higher intakes of choline and betaine and NTD risk although the 95% confidence intervals for all risk estimates included 1.0. For choline intake in the second, third, and fourth quartiles, adjusted odds ratios were 1.2, 0.80, and 0.89, respectively. Betaine appeared more protective with odds ratios of 0.62, 0.73, and 0.61, respectively, for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of intake. CONCLUSION Study findings suggest that dietary betaine may help to prevent NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Lavery
- College of Health Professions and Social Work, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, School of Rural Public Health, College Station, Texas
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40
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Molloy AM, Einri CN, Jain D, Laird E, Fan R, Wang Y, Scott JM, Shane B, Brody LC, Kirke PN, Mills JL. Is low iron status a risk factor for neural tube defects? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 100:100-6. [PMID: 24535840 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folic acid supplements can protect against neural tube defects (NTDs). Low folate and low vitamin B12 status may be maternal risk factors for having an NTD affected pregnancy. However, not all NTDs are preventable by having an adequate folate/ B12 status and other potentially modifiable factors may be involved. Folate and vitamin B12 status have important links to iron metabolism. Animal studies support an association between poor iron status and NTDs, but human data are scarce. We examined the relevance of low iron status in a nested NTD case-control study of women within a pregnant population-based cohort. METHODS Pregnant women were recruited between 1986 and 1990, when vitamin or iron supplementation in early pregnancy was rare. Blood samples, taken at an average of 14 weeks gestation, were used to measure ferritin and hemoglobin in 64 women during an NTD affected pregnancy and 207 women with unaffected pregnancies. RESULTS No significant differences in maternal ferritin or hemoglobin concentrations were observed between NTD affected and nonaffected pregnancies (case median ferritin 16.9 µg/L and hemoglobin 12.4 g/dl versus 15.4 µg/L and 12.3g/dl in controls). As reported previously, red cell folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly lower in cases. Furthermore, there was no significant association of iron status with type of NTD lesion (anencephaly or spina bifida). CONCLUSION We conclude that low maternal iron status during early pregnancy is not an independent risk factor for NTDs. Adding iron to folic acid for periconceptional use may improve iron status but is not likely to prevent NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Molloy
- The Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Ross AB, Zangger A, Guiraud SP. Cereal foods are the major source of betaine in the Western diet – Analysis of betaine and free choline in cereal foods and updated assessments of betaine intake. Food Chem 2014; 145:859-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.08.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Fan L, Gong T, Cao X, Du Y. Epidemiologic characteristics of birth defects in the Hainan Province from 2000 to 2010, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 97:750-4. [PMID: 24265128 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prevalence of congenital malformations is high in China, little information is available on the Hainan Province. METHODS Data used in this study were collected from 2000 to 2010 by monitoring newborns (including both live births and stillbirths) in the Hainan Province. Comparison analyses were conducted by performing χ(2) tests. RESULTS The data showed an increasing temporal trend of the birth defect prevalence in the Hainan Province; however, the rate of birth defects changed over time. CONCLUSION The Hainan Province is confronted with the challenge to reduce the prevalence of birth defects. Interventions should focus on the rural areas where a higher prevalence of birth defects is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Fan
- Department of Maternal and Children Health Care, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
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Nzila A, Okombo J, Molloy AM. Impact of folate supplementation on the efficacy of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine in preventing malaria in pregnancy: the potential of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate. J Antimicrob Chemother 2013; 69:323-30. [PMID: 24126794 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkt394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children under the age of 5 years and pregnant women. To counterbalance the malaria burden in pregnancy, an intermittent preventive treatment strategy has been developed. This is based on the use of the antifolate sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, taken at specified intervals during pregnancy, and reports show that this approach reduces the malaria burden in pregnancy. Pregnancy is also associated with the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), especially in women with low folate status, and folic acid supplementation is recommended in pregnancy to lower the risk of NTDs. Thus, in malaria-endemic areas, pregnant women have to take both antifolate medication to prevent malaria and folic acid to lower the risk of NTDs. However, the concomitant use of folate and antifolate is associated with a decrease in antifolate efficacy, exposing pregnant women to malaria. Thus, there is genuine concern that this strategy may not be appropriate. We have reviewed work carried out on malaria folate metabolism and antifolate efficacy in the context of folate supplementation. This review shows that: (i) the folate supplementation effect on antifolate efficacy is dose-dependent, and folic acid doses required to protect pregnant women from NTDs will not decrease antifolate activity; and (ii) 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, the predominant form of folate in the blood circulation, could be administered (even at high dose) concomitantly with antifolate without affecting antifolate efficacy. Thus, strategies exist to protect pregnant women from malaria while maintaining adequate folate levels in the body to reduce the occurrence of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Nzila
- Department of Biology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, PO Box 468, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
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Imbard A, Benoist JF, Blom HJ. Neural tube defects, folic acid and methylation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4352-89. [PMID: 24048206 PMCID: PMC3799525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10094352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common complex congenital malformations resulting from failure of the neural tube closure during embryogenesis. It is established that folic acid supplementation decreases the prevalence of NTDs, which has led to national public health policies regarding folic acid. To date, animal studies have not provided sufficient information to establish the metabolic and/or genomic mechanism(s) underlying human folic acid responsiveness in NTDs. However, several lines of evidence suggest that not only folates but also choline, B12 and methylation metabolisms are involved in NTDs. Decreased B12 vitamin and increased total choline or homocysteine in maternal blood have been shown to be associated with increased NTDs risk. Several polymorphisms of genes involved in these pathways have also been implicated in risk of development of NTDs. This raises the question whether supplementation with B12 vitamin, betaine or other methylation donors in addition to folic acid periconceptional supplementation will further reduce NTD risk. The objective of this article is to review the role of methylation metabolism in the onset of neural tube defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apolline Imbard
- Biochemistry-Hormonology Laboratory, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, 48 bd Serrurier, Paris 75019, France; E-Mail:
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU Free University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
| | - Jean-François Benoist
- Biochemistry-Hormonology Laboratory, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, 48 bd Serrurier, Paris 75019, France; E-Mail:
| | - Henk J. Blom
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU Free University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
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