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Boeck B, Westmark CJ. Bibliometric Analysis and a Call for Increased Rigor in Citing Scientific Literature: Folic Acid Fortification and Neural Tube Defect Risk as an Example. Nutrients 2024; 16:2503. [PMID: 39125384 PMCID: PMC11313885 DOI: 10.3390/nu16152503] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The health benefits of vitamin B9 (folate) are well documented, particularly in regard to neural tube defects during pregnancy; however, much remains to be learned regarding the health effects and risks of consuming folic acid supplements and foods fortified with folic acid. In 2020, our laboratory conducted a population-based analysis of the Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) dataset to determine the strength of the evidence regarding the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTD) at the national level in response to mandatory fortification of cereal grains with folic acid. We found a very weak correlation between the prevalence of NTDs and the level of folic acid fortification irrespective of the cereal grain fortified (wheat, maize, or rice). We found a strong linear relationship between reduced NTDs and higher socioeconomic status (SES). Our paper incited a debate on the proper statistics to employ for population-level data. Subsequently, there has been a large number of erroneous citations to our original work. The objective here was to conduct a bibliometric analysis to quantitate the accuracy of citations to Murphy and Westmark's publication entitled, "Folic Acid Fortification and Neural Tube Defect Risk: Analysis of the Food Fortification Initiative Dataset". We found a 70% inaccuracy rate. These findings highlight the dire need for increased rigor in citing scientific literature, particularly in regard to biomedical research that directly impacts public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brynne Boeck
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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2
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Wang S, Zeng Y, Pei P, He X, Liu F, Zhang T. Abnormal transcriptome-wide DNA demethylation induced by folate deficiency causes neural tube defects. Front Genet 2022; 13:987210. [PMID: 36199572 PMCID: PMC9529027 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.987210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defect (NTDs) is one of the most common and serious fetal and neonatal birth defects. Neural tube closure (NTC) is an exquisitely coordinated process and this procedure is influenced by both genetic and environmental factor. Folic acid (FA) supplementation is an effective for prevention of a proportion of NTDs, however, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, our data demonstrated genome-wide enrichment of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) modification on active transcriptional start sites (TSS) and decreased 5-methylcytosine (5mC) binding to TSS under folate deficiency in mESCs (mouse embryonic stem cells). Furthermore, folate deficiency promoted 5hmC enrichment enhancer histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) binding to Shh pathway genes in mESCs. Upregulation of Shh target genes was observed in mouse brain tissue under low levels of maternal serum folate, along with increased expression of 5-methylcytosine dioxygenase Tet1 levels. Taken together, we found that folate deficiency promoted DNA demethylation and enriched 5hmC through recruitment of H3K27ac to activate the Shh signaling pathway. These results suggest that the 5hmC modification increases concomitantly with a positive correlation to Shh gene expression in folate deficiency-induced mouse NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
- Children’s Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shan Wang, ; Ting Zhang,
| | - Yubing Zeng
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Pei
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejia He
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Children’s Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
- Children’s Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shan Wang, ; Ting Zhang,
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3
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Was H, Borkowska A, Bagues A, Tu L, Liu JYH, Lu Z, Rudd JA, Nurgali K, Abalo R. Mechanisms of Chemotherapy-Induced Neurotoxicity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:750507. [PMID: 35418856 PMCID: PMC8996259 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.750507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first clinical trials conducted after World War II, chemotherapeutic drugs have been extensively used in the clinic as the main cancer treatment either alone or as an adjuvant therapy before and after surgery. Although the use of chemotherapeutic drugs improved the survival of cancer patients, these drugs are notorious for causing many severe side effects that significantly reduce the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment and patients’ quality of life. Many widely used chemotherapy drugs including platinum-based agents, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, proteasome inhibitors, and thalidomide analogs may cause direct and indirect neurotoxicity. In this review we discuss the main effects of chemotherapy on the peripheral and central nervous systems, including neuropathic pain, chemobrain, enteric neuropathy, as well as nausea and emesis. Understanding mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity is crucial for the development of drugs that can protect the nervous system, reduce symptoms experienced by millions of patients, and improve the outcome of the treatment and patients’ quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Was
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Borkowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland.,Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ana Bagues
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Alcorcón, Spain.,High Performance Research Group in Experimental Pharmacology (PHARMAKOM-URJC), URJC, Alcorcón, Spain.,Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Longlong Tu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julia Y H Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zengbing Lu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John A Rudd
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,The Laboratory Animal Services Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Raquel Abalo
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Alcorcón, Spain.,Unidad Asociada I+D+i del Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut-URJC), URJC, Alcorcón, Spain.,Grupo de Trabajo de Ciencias Básicas en Dolor y Analgesia de la Sociedad Española del Dolor, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Adibi JJ, Layden AJ, Birru RL, Miragaia A, Xun X, Smith MC, Yin Q, Millenson ME, O’Connor TG, Barrett ES, Snyder NW, Peddada S, Mitchell RT. First trimester mechanisms of gestational sac placental and foetal teratogenicity: a framework for birth cohort studies. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:747-770. [PMID: 33675653 PMCID: PMC8222765 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of the gestational sac (GS) and the placenta in the closely related processes of embryogenesis and teratogenicity in the first trimester has been minimally described. The prevailing assumption is that direct teratogenic effects are mediated by the critical extraembryonic organ, the placenta, which either blocks or transfers exposures to the foetus. Placental transfer is a dominant mechanism, but there are other paradigms by which the placenta can mediate teratogenic effects. Knowledge of these paradigms and first trimester human developmental biology can be useful to the epidemiologist in the conduct of biomarker-based studies of both maternal and child health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our aim is to provide a causal framework for modelling the teratogenic effects of first trimester exposures on child health outcomes mediated by the GS and placenta using biomarker data collected in the first trimester. We initially present first trimester human developmental biology for the sake of informing and strengthening epidemiologic approaches. We then propose analytic approaches of modelling placental mechanisms by way of causal diagrams using classical non-embryolethal teratogens (diethylstilboestrol [DES], folic acid deficiency and cytomegalovirus [CMV]) as illustrative examples. We extend this framework to two chronic exposures of particular current interest, phthalates and maternal adiposity. SEARCH METHODS Information on teratogens was identified by a non-systematic, narrative review. For each teratogen, we included papers that answered the five following questions: (i) why were these exposures declared teratogens? (ii) is there a consensus on biologic mechanism? (iii) is there reported evidence of a placental mechanism? (iv) can we construct a theoretical model of a placental mechanism? and (v) can this knowledge inform future work on measurement and modelling of placental-foetal teratogenesis? We prioritized literature specific to human development, the organogenesis window in the first trimester and non-embryolethal mechanisms. OUTCOMES As a result of our review of the literature on five exposures considered harmful in the first trimester, we developed four analytic strategies to address first trimester placental mechanisms in birth cohort studies: placental transfer and direct effects on the foetus (DES and maternal adiposity), indirect effects through targeted placental molecular pathways (DES and phthalates), pre-placental effects through disruptions in embryonic and extraembryonic tissue layer differentiation (folic acid deficiency), and multi-step mechanisms that involve maternal, placental and foetal immune function and inflammation (DES and CMV). WIDER IMPLICATIONS The significance of this review is to offer a causal approach to classify the large number of potentially harmful exposures in pregnancy when the exposure occurs in the first trimester. Our review will facilitate future research by advancing knowledge of the first trimester mechanisms necessary for researchers to effectively associate environmental exposures with child health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Adibi
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander J Layden
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rahel L Birru
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra Miragaia
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiaoshuang Xun
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan C Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Thomas G O’Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shyamal Peddada
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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5
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Sugiyama KI, Kinoshita M, Furusawa H, Sato K, Honma M. Epigenetic effect of the mycotoxin Fumonisin B1 on DNA methylation. Mutagenesis 2021; 36:295-301. [PMID: 34086936 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxin Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a secondary metabolite that is produced by certain Fusarium species. Although numerous studies demonstrate toxic and carcinogenic effects of FB1, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the epigenetic effects of FB1 for the first time using FLO assays, which detect epigenetic changes that affect the flocculation gene (FLO1) promoter activity in budding yeast. FLO assays showed increased reporter activities of the FLO1 promoter in the presence of 10- and 20-µM FB1. FB1 (20 µM) treatments also promoted flocculation. In subsequent in vitro methylation assays of a bacterial DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), FB1 treatments increased DNMT activities. Moreover, global DNA methylation was significantly increased in HEK293 cells treated with 100-µM FB1. Taken together, these results suggest that FB1 exposure leads to unique epigenetic alterations due to increased DNMT activities and demonstrate that FB1 may be an important risk factor for epigenetic dysfunction-associated human diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei-Ichi Sugiyama
- Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Mawo Kinoshita
- Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Furusawa
- Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Kaoru Sato
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Honma
- Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
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6
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Shao Y, Tan B, Shi J, Zhou Q. Methotrexate induces astrocyte apoptosis by disrupting folate metabolism in the mouse juvenile central nervous system. Toxicol Lett 2019; 301:146-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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7
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Wu M, Wanggou S, Li X, Liu Q, Xie Y. Overexpression of mitochondrial serine hydroxyl-methyltransferase 2 is associated with poor prognosis and promotes cell proliferation and invasion in gliomas. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:3781-3788. [PMID: 28794642 PMCID: PMC5538688 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s130409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial serine hydroxyl-methyltransferase 2 (SHMT2), participating in the synthesis of mitochondrial thymidine monophosphate, has been reported to drive glioma cell survival in ischemia. However, its clinical relevance in gliomas remains unclear. In the current study, immunohistochemistry was performed to examine subcellular localization and expression levels of SHMT2 protein in glioma and non-neoplastic brain tissue specimens. Then, the associations of SHMT2 expression with various clinicopathological features and patients’ prognosis were statistically evaluated. The roles of SHMT2 in the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells after siRNA-SHMT2 vector transfection were also detected by cell counting kit-8 and transwell assays, respectively. Results showed that SHMT2 immunostaining was predominantly localized in the cellular cytoplasm of tumor cells in glioma tissues but weakly in non-neoplastic brain tissues. Statistically, SHMT2 protein expression was significantly higher in glioma tissues than in non-neoplastic brain tissues (P<0.001). In addition, SHMT2 overexpression more frequently occurred in glioma patients with an advanced grade of malignancy (P<0.001) and poor prognosis (P=0.001). Notably, multivariate analysis based on a Cox regression model identified SHMT2 expression as an independent prognostic factor for glioma patients (P=0.01). Functionally, SHMT2 knockdown efficiently suppressed the proliferation (P=0.02) and invasion (P<0.001) of glioma cells in vitro. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SHMT2 may function as an oncogene in glioma development and progression. Clinically, SHMT2 may serve as a prognostic factor and as a potential therapeutic target for human gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyi Wanggou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyang Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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8
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Dupépé EB, Patel DM, Rocque BG, Hopson B, Arynchyna AA, Bishop ER, Blount JP. Surveillance survey of family history in children with neural tube defects. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2017; 19:690-695. [PMID: 28362184 PMCID: PMC5640157 DOI: 10.3171/2016.12.peds1668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although there are known risk factors for the development of neural tube defects (NTDs), little is known regarding the role of family history. The authors' goal in this study is to describe the family history in their population of patients with NTDs. METHODS Surveys were completed for 254 patients who were accompanied by their biological mother during their annual visit to the multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic at Children's of Alabama. An NTD has been diagnosed in all patients who are seen in this clinic (myelomeningocele, lipomeningocele, split cord malformation, and congenital dermal sinus tract). Each mother answered questions regarding known NTD risk factors and their pregnancy, as well as the family history of NTDs, other CNS disorders, and birth defects. RESULTS The overall prevalence of family history of NTDs in children with an NTD was 16.9% (n = 43), of which 3.1% (n = 8) were in first-degree relatives. In patients with myelomeningocele, 17.7% (n = 37) had a positive family history for NTDs, with 3.8% in first-degree relatives. Family history in the paternal lineage for all NTDs was 8.7% versus 10.6% in the maternal lineage. Twenty-two patients (8.7%) had a family history of other congenital CNS disorders. Fifteen (5.9%) had a family history of Down syndrome, 12 (4.7%) had a family history of cerebral palsy, and 13 (5.1%) patients had a family history of clubfoot. Fourteen (5.5%) had a family history of cardiac defect, and 13 (5.1%) had a family history of cleft lip or palate. CONCLUSIONS The family history of NTDs was 16.9% in children with NTD without a difference between maternal and paternal lineage. This high rate of positive family history suggests that genetics and epigenetics may play a larger role in the pathogenesis of NTD in the modern era of widespread folate supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther B. Dupépé
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Daxa M. Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Brandon G. Rocque
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham,Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Betsy Hopson
- Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Anastasia A. Arynchyna
- Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - E. Ralee’ Bishop
- Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Jeffrey P. Blount
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham,Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
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9
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Stevens AJ, Rucklidge JJ, Kennedy MA. Epigenetics, nutrition and mental health. Is there a relationship? Nutr Neurosci 2017; 21:602-613. [PMID: 28553986 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2017.1331524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many aspects of human development and disease are influenced by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Understanding how our genes respond to the environment is central to managing health and disease, and is one of the major contemporary challenges in human genetics. Various epigenetic processes affect chromosome structure and accessibility of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to the enzymatic machinery that leads to expression of genes. One important epigenetic mechanism that appears to underlie the interaction between environmental factors, including diet, and our genome, is chemical modification of the DNA. The best understood of these modifications is methylation of cytosine residues in DNA. It is now recognized that the pattern of methylated cytosines throughout our genomes (the 'methylome') can change during development and in response to environmental cues, often with profound effects on gene expression. Many dietary constituents may indirectly influence genomic pathways that methylate DNA, and there is evidence for biochemical links between nutritional quality and mental health. Deficiency of both macro- and micronutrients has been associated with increased behavioural problems, and nutritional supplementation has proven efficacious in treatment of certain neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review we examine evidence from the fields of nutrition, developmental biology, and mental health that supports dietary impacts on epigenetic processes, particularly DNA methylation. We then consider whether such processes could underlie the demonstrated efficacy of dietary supplementation in treatment of mental disorders, and whether targeted manipulation of DNA methylation patterns using controlled dietary supplementation may be of wider clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Stevens
- a Department of Pathology , University of Otago , P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch , New Zealand
| | - Julia J Rucklidge
- b Department of Psychology , University of Canterbury , Christchurch , New Zealand
| | - Martin A Kennedy
- a Department of Pathology , University of Otago , P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch , New Zealand
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10
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Weng Q, Wang J, Wang J, Tan B, Wang J, Wang H, Zheng T, Lu QR, Yang B, He Q. Folate Metabolism Regulates Oligodendrocyte Survival and Differentiation by Modulating AMPKα Activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1705. [PMID: 28496133 PMCID: PMC5431811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01732-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Folate, an essential micronutrient, is a critical cofactor in one-carbon metabolism for many cellular pathways including DNA synthesis, metabolism and maintenance. Folate deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of neurological disease, cancer and cognitive dysfunction. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a key enzyme to regulate folate metabolism, however folate/DHFR activity in oligodendrocyte development has not been fully understood. Here we show that folate enhances oligodendrocyte maturation both in vitro and in vivo, which is accompanied with upregulation of oligodendrocyte-specific DHFR expression. On the other hand, pharmacological inhibition of DHFR by methotrexate (MTX) causes severe defects in oligodendrocyte survival and differentiation, which could be reversed by folate intake. We further demonstrate that folate activates a metabolic regulator AMPKα to promote oligodendrocyte survival and differentiation. Moreover, activation of AMPKα partially rescues oligodendrocyte defects caused by DHFR-inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these findings identify a previously uncharacterized role of folate/DHFR/AMPKα axis in regulating oligodendrocyte survival and myelination during CNS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinjie Weng
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Center for drug safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biqin Tan
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Brain Tumor Center, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Tao Zheng
- School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Brain Tumor Center, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Center for drug safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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11
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Bueno D, Garcia-Fernàndez J. Evolutionary development of embryonic cerebrospinal fluid composition and regulation: an open research field with implications for brain development and function. Fluids Barriers CNS 2016; 13:5. [PMID: 26979569 PMCID: PMC4793645 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-016-0029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the consolidated field of evolutionary development, there is emerging research on evolutionary aspects of central nervous system development and its implications for adult brain structure and function, including behaviour. The central nervous system is one of the most intriguing systems in complex metazoans, as it controls all body and mind functions. Its failure is responsible for a number of severe and largely incurable diseases, including neurological and neurodegenerative ones. Moreover, the evolution of the nervous system is thought to be a critical step in the adaptive radiation of vertebrates. Brain formation is initiated early during development. Most embryological, genetic and evolutionary studies have focused on brain neurogenesis and regionalisation, including the formation and function of organising centres, and the comparison of homolog gene expression and function among model organisms from different taxa. The architecture of the vertebrate brain primordium also reveals the existence of connected internal cavities, the cephalic vesicles, which in fetuses and adults become the ventricular system of the brain. During embryonic and fetal development, brain cavities and ventricles are filled with a complex, protein-rich fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, CSF has not been widely analysed from either an embryological or evolutionary perspective. Recently, it has been demonstrated in higher vertebrates that embryonic cerebrospinal fluid has key functions in delivering diffusible signals and nutrients to the developing brain, thus contributing to the proliferation, differentiation and survival of neural progenitor cells, and to the expansion and patterning of the brain. Moreover, it has been shown that the composition and homeostasis of CSF are tightly controlled in a time-dependent manner from the closure of the anterior neuropore, just before the initiation of primary neurogenesis, up to the formation of functional choroid plexuses. In this review, we draw together existing literature about the formation, function and homeostatic regulation of embryonic cerebrospinal fluid, from the closure of the anterior neuropore to the formation of functional fetal choroid plexuses, from an evolutionary perspective. The relevance of these processes to the normal functions and diseases of adult brain will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bueno
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Unit of Biomedical, Evolutionary and Developmental Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Jordi Garcia-Fernàndez
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Unit of Biomedical, Evolutionary and Developmental Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Abstract
Rapidly growing evidences link maternal lifestyle and prenatal factors with serious health consequences and diseases later in life. Extensive epidemiological studies have identified a number of factors such as diet, stress, gestational diabetes, exposure to tobacco and alcohol during gestation as influencing normal fetal development. In light of recent discoveries, epigenetic mechanisms such as alteration of DNA methylation, chromatin modifications and modulation of gene expression during gestation are believed to possibly account for various types of plasticity such as neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorder, congenital heart defects, oral clefts, allergies and cancer. The purpose of this article is to review a number of published studies to fill the gap in our understanding of how maternal lifestyle and intrauterine environment influence molecular modifications in the offspring, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations. To support these associations, we highlighted laboratory studies of rodents and epidemiological studies of human based on sampling population cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subit Barua
- Structural Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
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Barua S, Kuizon S, Junaid MA. Folic acid supplementation in pregnancy and implications in health and disease. J Biomed Sci 2014; 21:77. [PMID: 25135350 PMCID: PMC4237823 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-014-0077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to dietary factors during pregnancy can influence embryonic development and may modulate the phenotype of offspring through epigenetic programming. Folate is critical for nucleotide synthesis, and preconceptional intake of dietary folic acid (FA) is credited with reduced incidences of neural tube defects in infants. While fortification of grains with FA resulted in a positive public-health outcome, concern has been raised for the need for further investigation of unintended consequences and potential health hazards arising from excessive FA intakes, especially following reports that FA may exert epigenetic effects. The objective of this article is to discuss the role of FA in human health and to review the benefits, concerns and epigenetic effects of maternal FA on the basis of recent findings that are important to design future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subit Barua
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island 10314, NY, USA
| | - Salomon Kuizon
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island 10314, NY, USA
| | - Mohammed A Junaid
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island 10314, NY, USA
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Williams SD, Hughes TE, Adler CJ, Brook AH, Townsend GC. Epigenetics: a new frontier in dentistry. Aust Dent J 2014; 59 Suppl 1:23-33. [DOI: 10.1111/adj.12155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SD Williams
- School of Dentistry; The University of Adelaide; South Australia Australia
| | - TE Hughes
- School of Dentistry; The University of Adelaide; South Australia Australia
| | - CJ Adler
- Institute of Dental Research; Westmead Millennium Institute; Faculty of Dentistry; The University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - AH Brook
- School of Dentistry; The University of Adelaide; South Australia Australia
- Institute of Dentistry; Queen Mary University of London; United Kingdom
| | - GC Townsend
- School of Dentistry; The University of Adelaide; South Australia Australia
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