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Ren Y, Yang M, Ren S, Ge Z, Cao Y, Qin X, Sheng J, Wang S. Placenta-Related Parameters at Delivery in Relation to Folic Acid Supplementation in Different Pregnancies. Nutrients 2024; 16:1729. [PMID: 38892661 PMCID: PMC11174953 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111729] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Folic acid plays an important role in the synthesis, repair, and methylation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Currently, most studies have focused on the effects of periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation on fetal development, and there is still a lack of population-based research exploring the association between FA use during pregnancy and placental development. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of FA supplementation in different pregnancies on placenta-related parameters at delivery. The study included 2708 pregnant women recruited from Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province, China, between May 2013 and September 2014. Information on FA use from one month before conception to delivery was collected. Placental length, width, and thickness were measured. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of FA supplementation in different pregnancies on placenta-related parameters. Based on multiple regression analysis, propensity score weighting was adopted to enhance comparability between different FA supplementation groups. Compared with FA non-users, FA supplementation before conception was associated with increased placental width (0.241 cm, 95%CI: 0.052-0.429, p = 0.013) and increased placental surface area (6.398 cm2, 95%CI: 1.407-11.389, p = 0.012), and FA use in early/middle pregnancy was, respectively, related with increased placental thickness (0.061 cm, 95%CI: 0.004-0.117, p = 0.036; 0.066 cm, 95%CI: 0.004-0.129, p = 0.038). FA use before conception could increase placental width and area, and FA use in early/middle pregnancy could increase placental thickness. To confirm the findings, further investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Ren
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Maoyuan Yang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Siyi Ren
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Zhihao Ge
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Yu Cao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Xinsheng Qin
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Jie Sheng
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China
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Xu X, Zhang Z, Lin Y, Xie H. Risk of Excess Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation in Offspring. Nutrients 2024; 16:755. [PMID: 38474883 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, facilitates the transfer of methyl groups among molecules, which is crucial for amino acid metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. Adequate maternal folate supplementation has been widely acknowledged for its pivotal role in promoting cell proliferation and preventing neural tube defects. However, in the post-fortification era, there has been a rising concern regarding an excess maternal intake of folic acid (FA), the synthetic form of folate. In this review, we focused on recent advancements in understanding the influence of excess maternal FA intake on offspring. For human studies, we summarized findings from clinical trials investigating the effects of periconceptional FA intake on neurodevelopment and molecular-level changes in offspring. For studies using mouse models, we compiled the impact of high maternal FA supplementation on gene expression and behavioral changes in offspring. In summary, excessive maternal folate intake could potentially have adverse effects on offspring. Overall, we highlighted concerns regarding elevated maternal folate status in the population, providing a comprehensive perspective on the potential adverse effects of excessive maternal FA supplementation on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiguang Xu
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Yu Lin
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Hehuang Xie
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Zhang H, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhao X, Zhang L, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang P, Liang H. Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation Attenuates Maternal High-Fat Diet-Induced Fetal Intrauterine Growth Retarded via Ameliorating Placental Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Rats. Nutrients 2023; 15:3263. [PMID: 37513681 PMCID: PMC10385450 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143263] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is particularly susceptible to inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to placental vascular dysfunction and placental insufficiency, which is associated with fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). It is unknown whether folic acid (FA) supplementation can alleviate high-fat diet-induced IUGR in rats by improving placental function. In this study, pregnant rats were randomized into one of four diet-based groups: (1) control diet (CON), (2) control diet supplemented with FA, (3) high-fat diet (HFD), and (4) high-fat diet supplemented with FA (HFD + FA). Dams were sacrificed at gestation day 18.5 (GD18.5). The results indicated that dietary FA supplementation normalized a maternal HFD-induced decrease in fetal weight. The decrease in placental efficiency, labyrinth zone (LZ) area, blood sinusoid area, vascular density, and the levels of angiogenesis factors induced by a maternal HFD were alleviated by the addition of FA, suggesting that FA supplementation can alleviate placental vascular dysplasia. Furthermore, FA supplementation increased the protein expressions of SIRT1, inhibited NF-κB transcriptional activation, attenuated the levels of NF-κB/downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines, induced Nrf2 activation, and increased downstream target protein expression. In conclusion, we found that dietary FA supplementation during pregnancy could improve maternal HFD-induced IUGR by alleviating placental inflammation and oxidative stress, which may be associated with the regulation of SIRT1 and its mediated NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Liang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China; (H.Z.); (X.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.W.)
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Sadigurschi N, Scrift G, Hirrlinger J, Golan HM. Genetic impairment of folate metabolism regulates cortical interneurons and social behavior. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1203262. [PMID: 37449270 PMCID: PMC10338116 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The implications of folate deficiency in neuropsychiatric disorders were demonstrated in numerous studies. Genetic deficiency in a key folate metabolism enzyme, MTHFR, is an example of the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors: the maternal MTHFR deficiency governs in-utero nutrient availability, and the embryo's Mthfr genotype influences its ability to metabolize folates. Here, we explore how the maternal and offspring Mthfr genotypes affect cortical interneuron densities and distributions, mouse social outcome, and the relation of the different interneuron patterns to cortical excitability. Methods Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of maternal and offspring Mthfr-KO heterozygosity. Mice were tested for direct social interactions (DSIs), repetitive behavior and cortical laminar distribution of interneuron populations expressing glutamate-decarboxylase-65, parvalbumin and somatostatin. Susceptibility to seizure was tested by exposure to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Results Maternal Mthfr+/- genotype was associated with suppressed social activities and reduced interneuron densities in all layers of the retrosplenial cortex (RSC). Somatostatin density and the somatostatin/parvalbumin ratio in the RSC and frontal cortex positively correlated with social behavior in the mice. An interaction between maternal and offspring Mthfr genotypes resulted in higher susceptibility of wild-type offspring to PTZ induced seizure. Discussion Maternal folate metabolism was shown to be critical to interneuron ontogenesis. Our results demonstrate that interneurons have a specific susceptibility to folate deficiency that may mediate folate's involvement in neuropsychiatric disease. The relations between cortical somatostatin interneuron patterns and social behavior highlight this subpopulation of interneurons as a target for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Sadigurschi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Gilad Scrift
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hava M. Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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Jankovic-Karasoulos T, Smith MD, Leemaqz S, Williamson J, McCullough D, Arthurs AL, Jones LA, Bogias KJ, Mol BW, Dalton J, Dekker GA, Roberts CT. Elevated Maternal Folate Status and Changes in Maternal Prolactin, Placental Lactogen and Placental Growth Hormone Following Folic Acid Food Fortification: Evidence from Two Prospective Pregnancy Cohorts. Nutrients 2023; 15:1553. [PMID: 37049394 PMCID: PMC10097170 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071553] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Folic acid (FA) food fortification in Australia has resulted in a higher-than-expected intake of FA during pregnancy. High FA intake is associated with increased insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. We aimed to establish whether maternal one-carbon metabolism and hormones that regulate glucose homeostasis change in healthy pregnancies post-FA food fortification. Circulating folate, B12, homocysteine, prolactin (PRL), human placental lactogen (hPL) and placental growth hormone (GH2) were measured in early pregnancy maternal blood in women with uncomplicated pregnancies prior to (SCOPE: N = 604) and post (STOP: N = 711)-FA food fortification. FA food fortification resulted in 63% higher maternal folate. STOP women had lower hPL (33%) and GH2 (43%) after 10 weeks of gestation, but they had higher PRL (29%) and hPL (28%) after 16 weeks. FA supplementation during pregnancy increased maternal folate and reduced homocysteine but only in the SCOPE group, and it was associated with 54% higher PRL in SCOPE but 28% lower PRL in STOP. FA food fortification increased maternal folate status, but supplements no longer had an effect, thereby calling into question their utility. An altered secretion of hormones that regulate glucose homeostasis in pregnancy could place women post-fortification at an increased risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes, particularly for older women and those with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie D. Smith
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shalem Leemaqz
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jessica Williamson
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Dylan McCullough
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Anya L. Arthurs
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Lauren A. Jones
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | | | - Ben W. Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Julia Dalton
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5112, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A. Dekker
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5112, Australia
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Claire T. Roberts
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Pregnancy homocysteine and cobalamin status predict childhood metabolic health in the offspring. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:633-642. [PMID: 35641553 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate pregnancy cobalamin status has been associated with adverse offspring metabolic health in Indian and Nepalese studies. Studies of pregnancy cobalamin status and mid-childhood health outside of Asia are scarce. METHODS Associations between pregnancy fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), cobalamin status (plasma cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA)) and mid-childhood metabolic score (MetSco) ((including fat mass index (zFMI), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (zHOMA-IR) and dyslipidemia (zTG - zHDLc)/2) z-scores)) were investigated in a prospective study of 293 mother-child dyads. RESULTS Highest versus low-mid pregnancy tHcy tertile was associated with higher mid-childhood MetSco, specifically with higher child zFMI. Stratifying by sex, the maternal tHcy-child MetSco association was limited to boys and confirmed for zFMI and zHOMA-IR. The maternal tHcy-child zFMI association was not mediated by birth weight z-score. First trimester plasma cobalamin was not associated with child outcomes, but other indicators of cobalamin status were. Lowest versus mid-high plasma holoTC tertile was associated with MetSco (specifically zFMI and zHOMA-IR) and highest versus low-mid plasma MMA tertile with higher MetSco and dyslipidemia in boys. CONCLUSIONS Moderately elevated pregnancy tHcy and low cobalamin status were associated with mid-childhood metabolic score in boys. The pregnancy tHcy-child zFMI association was not mediated by birth weight. IMPACT Fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) during pregnancy and low cobalamin status during early pregnancy are associated with mid-childhood metabolic score and its components in the offspring. These findings were only significant in male offspring. The study provides new evidence that impaired one carbon metabolism during pregnancy is associated with negative health outcomes in the offspring, in a population with low prevalence of cobalamin deficiency. The maternal-offspring associations were observed in the functional markers of cobalamin status (holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid) and tHcy, not with plasma cobalamin concentration. Screening for low pregnancy cobalamin status should be considered.
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Kaldygulova L, Ukybassova T, Aimagambetova G, Gaiday A, Tussupkaliyev A. Biological Role of Folic Acid in Pregnancy and Possible Therapeutic Application for the Prevention of Preeclampsia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020272. [PMID: 36830809 PMCID: PMC9953465 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The rationale and importance of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy for fetal congenital defect prevention are accepted worldwide. Moreover, a sufficient plasma concentration of folates can reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortions, and support the normal expansion of placental blood vessels, ensuring physiological placental blood flow, thus promoting appropriate fetal growth and development. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that long-term supplementation with folic acid can effectively prevent preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is unique to the human species in complications during pregnancy, which contributes to maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. In the pathogenesis of preeclampsia abnormal placental invasion, the excess of antiangiogenic factors and maternal-placental syndrome play a key role. Increased blood levels of homocysteine during pregnancy are associated with the risk of preeclampsia. Moreover, hyperhomocysteinemia has been proposed to be an independent risk factor for preeclampsia. Folate supplementation helps to decrease elevated levels of homocysteine; thus, the role of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy is even more important. Multiple reports suggest that folate administration decreases the level of serum homocysteine and, therefore, reduce the risk and severity of preeclampsia. However, the association between folic acid supplementation and the decreased risk of preeclampsia has been investigated with controversial conclusions. Currently, the optimal dose of folic acid that is effective for preeclampsia prevention remains uncertain. In this review, we aim to summarize the accumulated knowledge on the role of folic acid in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and the possible impact of folate supplementation on the decreased risk of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyazzat Kaldygulova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #2, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030012, Kazakhstan
| | - Talshyn Ukybassova
- Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, CF “University Medical Center”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulzhanat Aimagambetova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrey Gaiday
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #2, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030012, Kazakhstan
| | - Akylbek Tussupkaliyev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology #2, West-Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030012, Kazakhstan
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Lian Z, Wu Z, Gu R, Wang Y, Wu C, Cheng Z, He M, Wang Y, Cheng Y, Gu HF. Evaluation of Cardiovascular Toxicity of Folic Acid and 6S-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Calcium in Early Embryonic Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11243946. [PMID: 36552710 PMCID: PMC9777352 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic and highly stable version of folate, while 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the predominant form of dietary folate in circulation and is used as a crystalline form of calcium salt (MTHF-Ca). The current study aims to evaluate the toxicity and safety of FA and MTHF-Ca on embryonic development, with a focus on cardiovascular defects. We began to analyze the toxicity of FA and MTHF-Ca in zebrafish from four to seventy-two hours postfertilization and assessed the efficacy of FA and MTHF-Ca in a zebrafish angiogenesis model. We then analyzed the differently expressed genes in in vitro fertilized murine blastocysts cultured with FA and MTHF-Ca. By using gene-expression profiling, we identified a novel gene in mice that encodes an essential eukaryotic translation initiation factor (Eif1ad7). We further applied the morpholino-mediated gene-knockdown approach to explore whether the FA inhibition of this gene (eif1axb in zebrafish) caused cardiac development disorders, which we confirmed with qRT-PCR. We found that FA, but not MTHF-Ca, could inhibit angiogenesis in zebrafish and result in abnormal cardiovascular development, leading to embryonic death owing to the downregulation of eif1axb. MTHF-Ca, however, had no such cardiotoxicity, unlike FA. The current study thereby provides experimental evidence that FA, rather than MTHF-Ca, has cardiovascular toxicity in early embryonic development and suggests that excessive supplementation of FA in perinatal women may be related to the potential risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenglin Lian
- Institute of Biological Chinese Medicine, Beijing Yichuang Institute of Biotechnology Industry, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Zhuanbin Wu
- Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rui Gu
- Institute of Biological Chinese Medicine, Beijing Yichuang Institute of Biotechnology Industry, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Yurong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chenhua Wu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhengpei Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mingfang He
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention, Henan Institute of Reproductive Health Science and Technology, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yongzhi Cheng
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (H.F.G.)
| | - Harvest F. Gu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (H.F.G.)
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High Folate, Perturbed One-Carbon Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14193930. [PMID: 36235580 PMCID: PMC9573299 DOI: 10.3390/nu14193930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate is a dietary micronutrient essential to one-carbon metabolism. The World Health Organisation recommends folic acid (FA) supplementation pre-conception and in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects (NTDs). Subsequently, many countries (~92) have mandatory FA fortification policies, as well as recommendations for periconceptional FA supplementation. Mandatory fortification initiatives have been largely successful in reducing the incidence of NTDs. However, humans have limited capacity to incorporate FA into the one-carbon metabolic pathway, resulting in the increasingly ubiquitous presence of circulating unmetabolised folic acid (uFA). Excess FA intake has emerged as a risk factor in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Several other one-carbon metabolism components (vitamin B12, homocysteine and choline-derived betaine) are also closely entwined with GDM risk, suggesting a role for one-carbon metabolism in GDM pathogenesis. There is growing evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggesting a role for excess FA in dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism. Specifically, high levels of FA reduce methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) activity, dysregulate the balance of thymidylate synthase (TS) and methionine synthase (MTR) activity, and elevate homocysteine. High homocysteine is associated with increased oxidative stress and trophoblast apoptosis and reduced human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. While the relationship between high FA, perturbed one-carbon metabolism and GDM pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, here we summarise the current state of knowledge. Given rising rates of GDM, now estimated to be 14% globally, and widespread FA food fortification, further research is urgently needed to elucidate the mechanisms which underpin GDM pathogenesis.
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Moderate Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Mice Results in Altered Sex-Specific Gene Expression in Brain of Young Mice and Embryos. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051051. [PMID: 35268026 PMCID: PMC8912750 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Food fortification and increased vitamin intake have led to higher folic acid (FA) consumption by many pregnant women. We showed that FA-supplemented diet in pregnant mice (fivefold higher FA than the recommended level (5xFASD)) led to hyperactivity-like behavior and memory impairment in pups. Disturbed choline/methyl metabolism and altered placental gene expression were identified. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of 5xFASD on the brain at two developmental stages, postnatal day (P) 30 and embryonic day (E) 17.5. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet or 5xFASD for 1 month before mating. Diets were maintained throughout the pregnancy and lactation until P30 or during pregnancy until E17.5. The 5xFASD led to sex-specific transcription changes in P30 cerebral cortex and E17.5 cerebrum, with microarrays showing a total of 1003 and 623 changes, respectively. Enhanced mRNA degradation was observed in E17.5 cerebrum. Expression changes of genes involved in neurotransmission, neuronal growth and development, and angiogenesis were verified by qRT-PCR; 12 and 15 genes were verified at P30 and E17.5, respectively. Hippocampal collagen staining suggested decreased vessel density in FASD male embryos. This study provides insight into the mechanisms of neurobehavioral alterations and highlights potential deleterious consequences of moderate folate oversupplementation during pregnancy.
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