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Socha MW, Flis W, Wartęga M. Epigenetic Genome Modifications during Pregnancy: The Impact of Essential Nutritional Supplements on DNA Methylation. Nutrients 2024; 16:678. [PMID: 38474806 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is an extremely stressful period in a pregnant woman's life. Currently, women's awareness of the proper course of pregnancy and its possible complications is constantly growing. Therefore, a significant percentage of women increasingly reach for various dietary supplements during gestation. Some of the most popular substances included in multi-ingredient supplements are folic acid and choline. Those substances are associated with positive effects on fetal intrauterine development and fewer possible pregnancy-associated complications. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the impacts of specific environmental factors, such as diet, stress, physical activity, etc., on epigenetic modifications, understood as changes occurring in gene expression without the direct alteration of DNA sequences. Substances such as folic acid and choline may participate in epigenetic modifications by acting via a one-carbon cycle, leading to the methyl-group donor formation. Those nutrients may indirectly impact genome phenotype by influencing the process of DNA methylation. This review article presents the current state of knowledge on the use of folic acid and choline supplementation during pregnancy, taking into account their impacts on the maternal-fetal unit and possible pregnancy outcomes, and determining possible mechanisms of action, with particular emphasis on their possible impacts on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej W Socha
- Department of Perinatology, Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Łukasiewicza 1, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Adalbert's Hospital in Gdańsk, Copernicus Healthcare Entity, Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wojciech Flis
- Department of Perinatology, Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Łukasiewicza 1, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Adalbert's Hospital in Gdańsk, Copernicus Healthcare Entity, Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wartęga
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Xia Y, Huang L, Long Z, Chen Y, Gao L, Hua R, Li S, Wang Y. The association of preconceptional folic acid supplementation with gestational age and preterm birth risk in twin pregnancies: a prospective cohort study in China. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:107-119. [PMID: 37733259 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03223-8] [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: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to explore the association of maternal preconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation with gestational age and preterm birth in twin pregnancies, and whether the association varies by chorionicity or conception mode. METHODS From November 2018 to December 2021, the information of FA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes were collected in twin pregnant women. The linear regression models and the logistic regression were used to test the association of preconceptional FA supplementation with gestational age at delivery and preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes (PROM). RESULTS A total of 416 twin pregnancies were included. Compared with no use in twins, maternal preconceptional FA use was associated with a 0.385-week longer gestational age (95% CI 0.019-0.751) and lower risk of preterm birth < 36 weeks (adjusted OR 0.519; 95% CI 0.301-0.895) and PROM (adjusted OR 0.426; 95% CI 0.215-0.845). The protective effect on preterm birth < 36 weeks and PROM is similar whether taking FA supplements alone or multivitamins. However, the associations varied by chorionicity and conception mode of twins or compliance with supplementation. The positive associations between preconceptional FA use and gestational age only remained significant among twins via assisted reproductive technology or dichorionic diamniotic twins. Significant protective effects on preterm birth < 36 weeks and PROM were only found among women who took FA at least 4 times a week before conception. CONCLUSION Maternal preconceptional FA supplementation was associated with longer gestation duration and lower risk of preterm birth < 36 weeks and PROM in twin pregnancies. To improve the success of their pregnancies, reproductive women should start taking FA supplements well before conception and with good compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Xia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Diagnosis Department, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Lili Huang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 227 South Chongqing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zichong Long
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 227 South Chongqing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yiting Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 227 South Chongqing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Li Gao
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Diagnosis Department, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Renyi Hua
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Diagnosis Department, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shenghui Li
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 227 South Chongqing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Diagnosis Department, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Dey M, Dhume P, Sharma SK, Goel S, Chawla S, Shah A, Madhumidha G, Rawal R. Folic acid: The key to a healthy pregnancy - A prospective study on fetomaternal outcome. Tzu Chi Med J 2024; 36:98-102. [PMID: 38406574 PMCID: PMC10887341 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_110_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of the study is to study the fetomaternal outcome associated with folic acid deficiency in pregnancy. Materials and Methods This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt, and a total of 351 participants were enrolled who were fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The plasma folic acid level of the selected patients was measured in the booking visit by automated chemiluminescence assay. The cutoff levels of folic acid were taken at 8.6 ng/mL. Based on these values, the study population was divided into two groups, one with folic acid values <8.6 ng/mL and the other with values ≥8.6 ng/mL. Plasma Vitamin B12 levels were measured to check for any concurrent deficiencies. Obstetric outcomes included first- and second-trimester miscarriages, development of anemia, gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, placental abruption, and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (FGR). Furthermore, the period of gestation at delivery, fetal weights, APGAR scores at 5 min were documented. The study also considered fetal neural tube defects, intrauterine fetal demise for data collection. Collected data were analyzed statistically to find the association of the above-mentioned outcomes with levels of folic acid. Results The rate of preterm deliveries was significantly higher in the folic acid group with levels <8.6 ng/mL (16.94%). The incidence of small for gestational age/FGR was higher in the folic acid group with levels <8.6 ng/mL (27.11%) compared to the high folic acid group with levels ≥8.6 ng/mL (13.38%). The differences in the incidence of anemia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia between the two groups were not statistically significant and no cases of intrauterine fetal demise or placental abruption were observed in either group. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the relative risk of low Apgar scores at 5 min between the two groups. Conclusion The present study suggests that low folic acid levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as anemia, miscarriages, preterm delivery, and FGR. Therefore, adherence to nutritional recommendation of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is essential to prevent these adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusudan Dey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India
| | - Pranjali Dhume
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay K Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suyash Goel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India
| | - Sunil Chawla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Shah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India
| | - G Madhumidha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India
| | - Reshu Rawal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India
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He J, Jiang D, Cui X, Ji C. Vitamin B12 status and folic acid/vitamin B12 related to the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:587. [PMID: 35870897 PMCID: PMC9308279 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This review was conducted to investigate the association between serum vitamin B12 levels as well as folic acid/vitamin B12 during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods A comprehensive search of electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science) was performed. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of GDM risk were summarized using a random effects model. We also performed subgroup analyses to explore the source of heterogeneity. Results A total of 10 studies, including 10,595 pregnant women were assessed. Women with vitamin B12 deficiency were at higher risk for developing GDM when compared with those who were vitamin B12 sufficient (OR, 1.46; 95% CI 1.21–1.79; I2: 59.0%). Subgroup analysis indicated that this association might differ based on sample size and geographical distribution. Elevated vitamin B12 levels may decrease the risk of GDM by 23%. The role of excess folic acid and low vitamin B12 levels in the occurrence of GDM is also controversial. Conclusion In summary, vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with increased risk of GDM, it is necessary to pay more attention to the balance of vitamin B12 and folic acid. However, more in-depth studies across multiple populations are needed to verify these results. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04911-9.
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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: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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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Yildizdas HY, Erdogan BG, Tepe T, Görüroglu O, Ozlü F, Satar M, Narli N. Newborns’ Birth Weight, Head Circumference And, Length Are Unaffected By Maternal Levels Of Vitamin B12 And Folate. Nutr Res 2022; 104:101-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Liberman RF, Heinke D, Petersen JM, Parker SE, Nestoridi E, Van Zutphen AR, Nembhard WN, Ramirez GM, Ethen MK, Tran T, Kirby RS, Getz KD, Nance AE, Yazdy MM. Interpregnancy interval and prevalence of selected birth defects: A multistate study. Birth Defects Res 2021; 114:69-79. [PMID: 34676681 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) have been associated with adverse birth outcomes. We undertook a multistate study to describe the prevalence of selected birth defects by IPI. METHODS We obtained data from nine population-based state birth defects registries for singleton live births in 2000-2009 among mothers with a previous live birth identified through birth certificates. IPI was calculated as the difference between prior birthdate and start of the current pregnancy (conception date). We estimated prevalence of selected defects per 10,000 live births and prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) overall and stratified by maternal age at previous birth and race/ethnicity. Primary analyses focused on short IPI < 6 months and long IPI ≥ 60 months compared to 18-23 months (referent). Sensitivity analyses limited to active-surveillance states and those with<10% missing IPI. RESULTS Among 5,147,962 eligible births, 6.3% had short IPI while 19.8% had long IPI. Compared to referent, prevalence with short IPI was elevated for gastroschisis (3.7, CI: 3.0-4.5 vs. 2.0, CI: 1.6-2.4) and with both short and long IPI for tetralogy of Fallot (short: 3.4, 2.8-4.2 long: 3.8, 3.4-4.3 vs. 2.7, 2.3-3.2) and cleft lip ± palate (short: 9.9, 8.8-11.2 long: 9.2, 8.5-9.8 vs. 8.4, 7.6-9.2). Stratified analyses identified additional associations, including elevated prevalence of anencephaly with short IPI in younger mothers and limb defects with long IPI in those ages 25-34 at prior birth. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results. CONCLUSION In this population-based study, we observed increased prevalence of several birth defects with short and long IPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F Liberman
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dominique Heinke
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie M Petersen
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha E Parker
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eirini Nestoridi
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alissa R Van Zutphen
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Wendy N Nembhard
- Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Glenda M Ramirez
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Birth Defects Monitoring Program, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Tri Tran
- Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Russell S Kirby
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kelly D Getz
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy E Nance
- Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Children with Special Health Care Needs, Utah Birth Defect Network, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kubo Y, Fukuoka H, Kawabata T, Shoji K, Mori C, Sakurai K, Nishikawa M, Ohkubo T, Oshida K, Yanagisawa N, Yamashiro Y. Distribution of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Folic Acid Levels in Maternal and Cord Blood Serum: Longitudinal Evaluation of Japanese Pregnant Women. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061633. [PMID: 32492914 PMCID: PMC7352618 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
“Total” folate in blood has usually been measured to evaluate the folate status of pregnant women. However, folate is composed of many metabolites. The main substrate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), with folic acid (FA) representing a very small component as an unmetabolized species in blood. We longitudinally evaluated 5-MTHF, FA and total homocysteine in maternal and cord blood from Japanese pregnant women. Subjects were 146 pregnant women who participated in the Chiba study of Mother and Child Health (C-MACH) prospective cohort study. Sera were obtained in early and late pregnancy, at delivery, and from cord blood. Species levels were measured by isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. Both 5-MTHF and FA levels were lower than reported levels from pregnant women in populations from countries with mandatory FA fortification. As gestational age progressed, serum 5-MTHF levels decreased, whereas serum FA levels were slightly reduced only at delivery compared to early pregnancy. A significant negative association between serum 5-MTHF and total homocysteine was shown at all examined times, but no associations with FA were evident. At delivery, cord 5-MTHF was significantly higher than maternal levels, while FA again showed no significant correlation. These results suggest that 5-MTHF is actively transported to the fetus through placental transporters and may reflect folate status during pregnancy as a physiologically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Kubo
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan; (T.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-49-282-3705
| | - Hideoki Fukuoka
- Department of Progressive DOHaD Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Terue Kawabata
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan; (T.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Kumiko Shoji
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan; (T.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Chisato Mori
- Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan;
- Department of Sustainable Health Science, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sakurai
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan;
| | - Masazumi Nishikawa
- Department of Food Management, School of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Miyagi University, 2-2-1 Hatadate, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 982-0215, Japan;
| | - Takeshi Ohkubo
- Department of Health Nutrition, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sendai Shirayuri Women’s College, Honda-Cho, Izumi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-3107, Japan;
| | - Kyoichi Oshida
- Research & Development Department, Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 2-3-3, Higashishinbash, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0021, Japan;
| | - Naotake Yanagisawa
- Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Yuichiro Yamashiro
- Probiotics Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-9-8-3F, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
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Environmental and Genetic Determinants of Serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D Levels during Pregnancy and Early Childhood. CHILDREN-BASEL 2019; 6:children6100116. [PMID: 31640192 PMCID: PMC6826446 DOI: 10.3390/children6100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D insufficiency has become a common health problem worldwide, particularly among pregnant women and young children. Therefore, we sought to identify environmental, dietary, and genetic determinants of serum 25(OH)-vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels during pregnancy and early childhood. 25(OH)D was measured in women at 24-weeks of gestation (n = 738) and one-week postpartum (n = 284) in the population-based Danish COPSAC2010 mother–child cohort; and in cord blood (n = 257) and age 4 years (n = 298) in children from the at-risk COPSAC2000 mother–child cohort. Environmental, dietary, and genetic variables were tested for association with 25(OH)D using linear regression analyses. After adjusting for season of blood sampling, determinants of lower 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy in the women were higher pre-pregnancy BMI, lower age at birth, lower genetic vitamin D score, lower dietary vitamin D intake, and lower social circumstances. In children, the determinants were lower maternal age at birth, higher pre-pregnancy BMI, lower genetic vitamin D score, older siblings, exposure to tobacco smoking, and female sex. Genetics was an important determinant at all time points, alone explaining 2%–11% of the variance in 25(OH)D. Important determinants of circulating 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy and early childhood include environmental factors, diet, and to a large extent genetics.
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Szczuko M, Ziętek M, Kulpa D, Seidler T. Riboflavin - properties, occurrence and its use in medicine. Pteridines 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/pteridines-2019-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Riboflavin is built on an isoalloxazin ring, which contains three sixcarbon rings: benzoic, pyrazine and pyrimidine. Riboflavin is synthesized by some bacteria, but among humans and animals, the only source of flavin coenzymes (FAD, FMN) is exogenous riboflavin. Riboflavin transport in enterocytes takes place via three translocators encoded by the SLC52 gene. Deficiency of dietary riboflavin has wide ranging implications for the efficacy of other vitamins, the mechanism of cellular respiration, lactic acid metabolism, hemoglobin, nucleotides and amino acid synthesis. In studies it was found that, pharmacologic daily doses (100 mg) have the potential to react with light, which can have adverse cellular effects. Extrene caution should be exercised when using riboflavin as phototherapy in premature newborns. At the cellular level, riboflavin deficiency leads to increased oxidative stress and causes disorders in the glutathione recycling process. Risk factors for developing riboflavin deficinecy include pregnancy, malnutrition (including anorexia and other eating disorders, vegitarianism, veganism and alcoholism. Furthermore, elderly people and atheletes are also at risk of developing this deficiency. Widespread use of riboflavin in medicine, cancer therapy, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, corneal ectasia and viral infections has resulted in the recent increased interest in this flavina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Szczuko
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition , Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin , Poland
| | - Maciej Ziętek
- Clinic of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin , Poland
| | - Danuta Kulpa
- Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology , West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin , Poland
| | - Teresa Seidler
- Department of Human Nutrition , West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin , Poland
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Singh S, Geddam JJB, Reddy GB, Pallepogula DR, Pant HB, Neogi SB, John N, Kolli SR, Doyle P, Kinra S, Ness A, Murthy GVS. Folate, vitamin B12, ferritin and haemoglobin levels among women of childbearing age from a rural district in South India. BMC Nutr 2017; 3:50. [PMID: 32153830 PMCID: PMC7050838 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-017-0173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low folate and vitamin B12 levels have negative effect on pregnancy outcomes but there is paucity of data on their levels among Indian women. Ferritin and haemoglobin are associated with maternal mortality and low birth-weight. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of deficiency of serum folate and vitamin B12, and low levels of serum ferritin and blood haemoglobin among women of childbearing age from a rural population of South India. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 15-35 year women in a rural district. We used multistage stratified random sampling. Trained staff interviewed women to collect socio-demographic information and draw blood samples. We analysed samples for serum folate, vitamin B12, ferritin and blood haemoglobin levels and computed means and medians. We computed the proportion of deficiency based on cut-offs recommended by WHO. We examined the association of levels with age, parity and current pregnancy or breastfeeding by multi-variable regression using Stata 13.0. Results We recruited 979 women. One-fifth (185, 19%) were pregnant and one-fifth (196, 20%)were breastfeeding. Median serum folate levels were 2.5 ng/ml (IQR, 1.2-4.8), median vitamin B12 levels were 228.0 pg/ml (IQR, 121 - 390), median ferritin levels were 13.0 μg/l (IQR, 6.0 - 20.0) and median blood haemoglobin levels were 12.1 mg/dl (IQR, 10.7 – 13.6). Low levels of serum folate, vitamin B12, ferritin and haemoglobin were found in 57% (95% CI, 54-60%), 44% (95% CI, 41-48%), 46% (95% CI, 43-49%) and 28% (95% CI, 25-31%) respectively. Women with folic acid deficiency had two times higher prevalence of having vitamin B12 deficiency. In adjusted regression analysis folate levels were lower in older and breastfeeding women, but not associated with parity and were higher among pregnant women. Similar associations were not found with Vitamin B12 deficiency. Ferritin levels were higher in older women; but not associated with parity, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Haemoglobin levels were lower in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Conclusion Our findings suggest that folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron deficiency are important public health problems in India. We observed that half of the women of childbearing age were deficient in these nutrients. Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies co-exist and should be supplemented together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Singh
- 1South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research, Indian Institute of Public Health-Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 1, ANV Arcade, Amar Coop Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033 India
| | | | | | - Dinesh Raj Pallepogula
- 1South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research, Indian Institute of Public Health-Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 1, ANV Arcade, Amar Coop Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033 India
| | - Hira Ballabh Pant
- 1South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research, Indian Institute of Public Health-Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 1, ANV Arcade, Amar Coop Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033 India
| | - Sutapa B Neogi
- 3Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi, Public Health Foundation of India, Delhi, India
| | - Neena John
- 1South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research, Indian Institute of Public Health-Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 1, ANV Arcade, Amar Coop Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033 India
| | - Sunanda Reddy Kolli
- 4South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research, Indian Institute of Public Health-Hyderabad, Centre for Applied Research and Education on Neurodevelopmental Impairments and Disability- related Health Issues (CARENIDHI), New Delhi, India
| | - Pat Doyle
- 5London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sanjay Kinra
- 5London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andy Ness
- 6NIHR Biomedical Research Unit in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle, University Hospitals Bristol Education Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - Gudlavalleti Venkata Satyanarayana Murthy
- 1South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research, Indian Institute of Public Health-Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 1, ANV Arcade, Amar Coop Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033 India
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12
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Bjørke-Monsen AL, Ulvik A, Nilsen RM, Midttun Ø, Roth C, Magnus P, Stoltenberg C, Vollset SE, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Ueland PM. Impact of Pre-Pregnancy BMI on B Vitamin and Inflammatory Status in Early Pregnancy: An Observational Cohort Study. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8120776. [PMID: 27916904 PMCID: PMC5188431 DOI: 10.3390/nu8120776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal nutrition and inflammation have been suggested as mediators in the development of various adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal obesity. We have investigated the relation between pre-pregnancy BMI, B vitamin status, and inflammatory markers in a group of healthy pregnant women. Cobalamin, folate, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, and riboflavin; and the metabolic markers homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, and 3-hydroxykynurenine/xanthurenic acid ratio (HK/XA); and markers of cellular inflammation, neopterin and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR) were determined in pregnancy week 18 and related to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), in 2797 women from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Pre-pregnancy BMI was inversely related to folate, cobalamin, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), and riboflavin (p < 0.001), and associated with increased neopterin and KTR levels (p < 0.001). Inflammation seemed to be an independent predictor of low vitamin B6 status, as verified by low PLP and high HK/XA ratio. A high pre-pregnancy BMI is a risk factor for low B vitamin status and increased cellular inflammation. As an optimal micronutrient status is vital for normal fetal development, the observed lower B vitamin levels may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal obesity and B vitamin status should be assessed in women with high BMI before they get pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roy M Nilsen
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | - Christine Roth
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
- Imprints Center for Genetic and Environmental Life Course Studies, Mailman School of Public Health and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Per Magnus
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Camilla Stoltenberg
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Stein Emil Vollset
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0313 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Per Magne Ueland
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway.
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13
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Kalhan SC. One carbon metabolism in pregnancy: Impact on maternal, fetal and neonatal health. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 435:48-60. [PMID: 27267668 PMCID: PMC5014566 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One carbon metabolism or methyl transfer, a crucial component of metabolism in all cells and tissues, supports the critical function of synthesis of purines, thymidylate and methylation via multiple methyl transferases driven by the ubiquitous methyl donor s-adenosylmethionine. Serine is the primary methyl donor to the one carbon pool. Intracellular folates and methionine metabolism are the critical components of one carbon transfer. Methionine metabolism requires vitamin B12, B6 as cofactors and is modulated by endocrine signals and is responsive to nutrient intake. Perturbations in one carbon transfer can have profound effects on cell proliferation, growth and function. Epidemiological studies in humans and experimental model have established a strong relationship between impaired fetal growth and the immediate and long term consequences to the health of the offspring. It is speculated that during development, maternal environmental and nutrient influences by their effects on one carbon transfer can impact the health of the mother, impair growth and reprogram metabolism of the fetus, and cause long term morbidity in the offspring. The potential for such effects is underscored by the unique responses in methionine metabolism in the human mother during pregnancy, the absence of transsulfuration activity in the fetus, ontogeny of methionine metabolism in the placenta and the unique metabolism of serine and glycine in the fetus. Dietary protein restriction in animals and marginal protein intake in humans causes characteristic changes in one carbon metabolism. The impact of perturbations in one carbon metabolism on the health of the mother during pregnancy, on fetal growth and the neonate are discussed and their possible mechanism explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish C Kalhan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, NE-40, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Av, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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14
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Rees G, Brooke Z, Doyle W, Costeloe K. The nutritional status of women in the first trimester of pregnancy attending an inner-city antenatal department in the UK. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 125:232-8. [PMID: 16220738 DOI: 10.1177/146642400512500516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We have previously found high rates of poor iron and folate status in women who had delivered a low birthweight baby (LBW) in an ethnically diverse inner-city area of the UK. However, little was known of the nutritional status in the local general obstetric population. We therefore investigated biochemical measures of nutritional status in the first trimester of the first pregnancy. Routine blood samples collected at the antenatal booking clinic were analysed for haemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, red cell folate (RCF) (n=100) and erythrocyte transketolase activation coefficient (ETKAC) for thiamin status (n=90). We found 9% of women in our sample had a low Hb level, 10% had a low serum ferritin and only one had a low RCF. This is a substantially lower number of women with biochemical deficiencies than we found previously in women three months after delivering a LBW baby. However, 34% had low thiamin status. Thiamin status was negatively correlated with gestational age at birth (r=-0.407, p<0.001). Differences in nutritional status were observed between ethnic and socio-economic groups. Hb levels differed between ethnic (p=0.001) and socio-economic groups (p=0.02), with Africans and women in manual occupations/unwaged having the lowest Hb levels. RCF levels also differed between groups (p<0.001) with Caucasians and those in non-manual occupations having highest levels. ETKAC also differed between ethnic groups (p=0.008) with Africans having the highest level indicating a poorer status. The study highlights the need to improve nutrition particularly in ethnic minorities and low income groups who are most at risk of adverse birth outcomes such as LBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Rees
- Health and Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, 166-220, Holloway Road, London N7 8DB, England.
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15
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Sukumar N, Rafnsson SB, Kandala NB, Bhopal R, Yajnik CS, Saravanan P. Prevalence of vitamin B-12 insufficiency during pregnancy and its effect on offspring birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016; 103:1232-51. [PMID: 27076577 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.123083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin B-12 and folate are micronutrients essential for normal embryogenesis. Vitamin B-12 insufficiency in pregnancy is high in certain parts of the world, such as India, and although this has been linked to low birth weight (LBW) in these populations, the relation between vitamin B-12 and birth weight (BW) elsewhere is unknown. OBJECTIVES We performed a systematic review to assess 1) the worldwide prevalence of vitamin B-12 insufficiency in pregnancy and 2) its association with BW. DESIGN A search of 5 electronic databases was performed to identify eligible articles. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted according to geographic regions and pregnancy trimesters for the prevalence subreview and by categorical measures of BW. RESULTS A total of 57 and 23 articles were included for the prevalence and BW subreviews, respectively. The pooled estimates of vitamin B-12 insufficiency were 21%, 19%, and 29% in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, with high rates for the Indian subcontinent and the Eastern Mediterranean. The large heterogeneity between studies was partially addressed by creating a standardized score for each study (mean vitamin B-12 insufficiency ÷ cutoff value), which internally corrected for geographic region, trimester, and assay type. Twelve of the 13 longitudinal studies included showed a decrease in mean or median vitamin B-12 across trimesters. Pooled analysis showed nonsignificantly lower maternal vitamin B-12 concentrations in LBW than in normal-BW infants and higher odds of LBW with lower vitamin B-12 values (adjusted OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.50), but studies from India largely contributed to the latter. CONCLUSIONS Our review indicates that vitamin B-12 insufficiency during pregnancy is common even in nonvegetarian populations and that concentrations of vitamin B-12 decrease from the first to the third trimester. There is no consistent association between vitamin B-12 insufficiency and LBW. However, given the long-term risks of LBW, this observation warrants further cohort studies and randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithya Sukumar
- Division of Health Sciences, Populations, Evidence, and Technologies Group, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Snorri B Rafnsson
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Edinburgh Migration, Ethnicity, and Health Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala
- Department of Mathematics and Information Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Health Economics and Evidence Synthesis Unit, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Raj Bhopal
- Edinburgh Migration, Ethnicity, and Health Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chittaranjan S Yajnik
- Diabetes Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, Rasta Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, India; and
| | - Ponnusamy Saravanan
- Division of Health Sciences, Populations, Evidence, and Technologies Group, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Academic Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, United Kingdom
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16
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Eggemoen ÅR, Falk RS, Knutsen KV, Lagerløv P, Sletner L, Birkeland KI, Jenum AK. Vitamin D deficiency and supplementation in pregnancy in a multiethnic population-based cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:7. [PMID: 26785795 PMCID: PMC4719746 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-0796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate ethnic differences in vitamin D levels during pregnancy, assess risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and explore the effect of vitamin D supplementation in women with deficiency in early pregnancy. METHODS This is a population-based, multiethnic cohort study of pregnant women attending Child Health Clinics for antenatal care in Oslo, Norway. Serum-25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured in 748 pregnant women (59% ethnic minorities) at gestational weeks (GW) 15 (SD:3.6) and 28 (1.4). Women with 25(OH)D <37 nmol/L at GW 15 were for ethical reasons recommended vitamin D3 supplementation. Main outcome measure was 25(OH)D, and linear regression models were performed. RESULTS Severe deficiency (25(OH)D <25 nmol/L) was found at GW 15 in 45% of women from South Asia, 40% from the Middle East and 26% from Sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 2.5% in women from East Asia and 1.3% of women from Western Europe. Women from South Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa had mean values that were -28 (95 % CI:-33, -23), -24 (-29, -18) and -20 (-27, -13) nmol/L lower than in Western women, respectively. Ethnicity, education, season and intake of vitamin D were independently associated with 25(OH)D. At GW 28, the mean 25(OH)D had increased from 23 (SD:7.8) to 47 (27) nmol/L (p < 0.01) in women who were recommended vitamin D supplementation, with small or no change in women with sufficient vitamin D levels at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among South Asian, Middle Eastern and African women. The serum levels of 25(OH)D increased significantly from GW 15 to 28 in vitamin D deficient women who received a recommendation for supplementation. This recommendation of vitamin D supplementation increased vitamin D levels in deficient women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åse R Eggemoen
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindern, N-0318, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ragnhild S Falk
- Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten V Knutsen
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindern, N-0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Lagerløv
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindern, N-0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Sletner
- Department of Child and Adolescence Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Kåre I Birkeland
- Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne K Jenum
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindern, N-0318, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Ekin A, Gezer C, Taner CE, Ozeren M, Mat E, Solmaz U. Impact of interpregnancy interval on the subsequent risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2015; 41:1744-51. [PMID: 26183146 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of interpregnancy interval as a risk factor on multiple adverse perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Interpregnancy intervals and confounding factors were determined for healthy pregnancies (controls [n = 357]) and for pregnancies complicated by adverse perinatal outcomes. Interpregnancy interval was categorized as <6, 6-11, 12-17, 18-23, 24-35 and ≥36 months. Adverse outcomes included spontaneous labor leading to preterm birth (n = 265), preterm premature rupture of membranes (n = 245), pre-eclampsia (n = 286), gestational diabetes (n = 302), abnormal placentation (n = 154), anemia (n = 314), congenital anomalies (n = 459), post-partum hemorrhage (n = 326) and small for gestational age (n = 168). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of each outcome with the interpregnancy interval categories. RESULTS Spontaneous labor leading to preterm birth (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.97), preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR, 1.69; 95%CI, 1.28-2.39), congenital anomalies (OR, 1.38; 95%CI, 1.09-1.76) and small for gestational age (OR, 1.68; 95%CI, 1.14-2.34) were significantly associated with intervals of <6 months. Among congenital anomalies, short interpregnancy interval represents an increased risk for cardiac defects (OR, 1.55; 95%CI, 1.09-5.46), neural tube defects (OR, 2.06; 95%CI, 1.32-7.64) and central nervous system anomalies (OR, 1.45; 95%CI, 1.12-3.65). CONCLUSION Short interpregnancy interval is an independent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atalay Ekin
- Department of Perinatology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cenk Gezer
- Department of Perinatology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cuneyt Eftal Taner
- Department of Perinatology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozeren
- Department of Perinatology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Emre Mat
- Department of Perinatology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ulas Solmaz
- Department of Perinatology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
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18
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Liu X, Lv L, Zhang H, Zhao N, Qiu J, He X, Zhou M, Xu X, Cui H, Liu S, Lerro C, Lin X, Zhang C, Zhang H, Xu R, Zhu D, Dang Y, Han X, Bai H, Chen Y, Tang Z, Lin R, Yao T, Su J, Wang W, Wang Y, Ma B, Huang H, Liang J, Qiu W, Liu Q, Zhang Y. Folic acid supplementation, dietary folate intake and risk of preterm birth in China. Eur J Nutr 2015; 55:1411-22. [PMID: 26138063 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-015-0959-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Folic acid supplementation has been suggested to reduce the risk of preterm birth. However, results from previous epidemiologic studies have been inconclusive. We investigated the hypothesis that folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake during pre- and post-conception reduces the risk of preterm birth. METHODS We analyzed data from a birth cohort study conducted between 2010 and 2012 in Lanzhou, China, including 10,179 pregnant women with live singleton births. RESULTS Compared to non-users, folic acid supplement users with >12-week duration had a reduced risk of preterm birth (OR 0.67, 95 % CI 0.55-0.83) with a significant dose-response relationship (P for trend = 0.01). A similar pattern was observed for spontaneous preterm birth. Stronger associations were seen for ever use of folic acid supplement and very preterm birth (OR 0.50, 95 % CI 0.36-0.69) and spontaneous very preterm birth (OR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.29-0.63). Dietary folate intake during preconception and pregnancy were also associated with reduced risk of preterm birth (OR 0.68, 95 % CI 0.56-0.83, OR 0.57, 95 % CI 0.47-0.70 for the highest quartiles, respectively), particularly for spontaneous very preterm (OR 0.41, 95 % CI 0.24-0.72, OR 0.26, 95 % CI 0.15-0.47 for the highest quartiles, respectively). There were also decreased risks of preterm birth observed per 10-µg increase in dietary folate intake, and similar associations were found after stratification by folic acid supplementation status. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that folic acid supplementation and higher dietary folate intake during preconception and pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm birth, and the protective effect varies by preterm subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Liu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ling Lv
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hanru Zhang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jie Qiu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaochun He
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hongmei Cui
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Sufen Liu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Catherine Lerro
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Xiaojuan Lin
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ruifeng Xu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Daling Zhu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yun Dang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xudong Han
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Haiya Bai
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Zhongfeng Tang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ru Lin
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Tingting Yao
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jie Su
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Wendi Wang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Bin Ma
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Huang Huang
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Weitao Qiu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Bae S, West AA, Yan J, Jiang X, Perry CA, Malysheva O, Stabler SP, Allen RH, Caudill MA. Vitamin B-12 Status Differs among Pregnant, Lactating, and Control Women with Equivalent Nutrient Intakes. J Nutr 2015; 145:1507-14. [PMID: 25995278 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.210757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available from controlled studies on biomarkers of maternal vitamin B-12 status. OBJECTIVE We sought to quantify the effects of pregnancy and lactation on the vitamin B-12 status response to a known and highly controlled vitamin B-12 intake. METHODS As part of a 10-12 wk feeding trial, pregnant (26-29 wk gestation; n = 26), lactating (5 wk postpartum; n = 28), and control (nonpregnant, nonlactating; n = 21) women consumed vitamin B-12 amounts of ∼8.6 μg/d [mixed diet (∼6 μg/d) plus a prenatal multivitamin supplement (2.6 μg/d)]. Serum vitamin B-12, holotranscobalamin (bioactive form of vitamin B-12), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and homocysteine were measured at baseline and study-end. RESULTS All participants achieved adequate vitamin B-12 status in response to the study dose. Compared with control women, pregnant women had lower serum vitamin B-12 (-21%; P = 0.02) at study-end, whereas lactating women had higher (P = 0.04) serum vitamin B-12 throughout the study (+26% at study-end). Consumption of the study vitamin B-12 dose increased serum holotranscobalamin in all reproductive groups (+16-42%; P ≤ 0.009). At study-end, pregnant (vs. control) women had a higher holotranscobalamin-to-vitamin B-12 ratio (P = 0.04) with ∼30% (vs. 20%) of total vitamin B-12 in the bioactive form. Serum MMA increased during pregnancy (+50%; P < 0.001) but did not differ by reproductive state at study-end. Serum homocysteine increased in pregnant women (+15%; P = 0.009) but decreased in control and lactating women (-16-17%; P < 0.001). Despite these changes, pregnant women had ∼20% lower serum homocysteine than the other 2 groups at study-end (P ≤ 0.02). CONCLUSION Pregnancy and lactation alter vitamin B-12 status in a manner consistent with enhanced vitamin B-12 supply to the child. Consumption of the study vitamin B-12 dose (∼3 times the RDA) increased the bioactive form of vitamin B-12, suggesting that women in these reproductive states may benefit from vitamin B-12 intakes exceeding current recommendations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01127022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajin Bae
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Allyson A West
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Jian Yan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Cydne A Perry
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Olga Malysheva
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Sally P Stabler
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
| | - Robert H Allen
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
| | - Marie A Caudill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
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Merklinger-Gruchala A, Jasienska G, Kapiszewska M. Short interpregnancy interval and low birth weight: A role of parity. Am J Hum Biol 2015; 27:660-6. [PMID: 25754897 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Short interpregnancy intervals (IPI) and high parity may be synergistically associated with the risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. This study tests if the effect of short IPI on the odds ratio for low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 g) differs across parity status. METHODS The study was carried out on the birth registry sample of almost 40,000 singleton, live-born infants who were delivered between the years 1995 and 2009 to multiparous mothers whose residence at the time of infant's birth was the city of Krakow. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used for testing the effect of IPI on the odds ratio (OR) for LBW, after controlling for employment, educational and marital status, parity, sex of the child, maternal and gestational age. Stratified analyses (according to parity) and tests for interaction were performed. RESULTS Very short IPI (0-5 months) was associated with an increased OR for LBW, but only among high parity mothers with three or more births (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.45-4.80). The test for interaction between very short IPI and parity on the OR for LBW was statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (P = 0.04). Among low parity mothers (two births) no statistically significant associations were found between IPI and LBW after standardization. CONCLUSION Parity may modify the association between short birth spacing and LBW. Women with very short IPI and high parity may have a higher risk of having LBW infants than those with very short IPI but low parity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Merklinger-Gruchala
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, ul. Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzińskiego 1, 30-705, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grazyna Jasienska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Grzegorzecka 20, 31-531, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Kapiszewska
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, ul. Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzińskiego 1, 30-705, Krakow, Poland
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21
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Naimi AI, Auger N. Population-wide folic acid fortification and preterm birth: testing the folate depletion hypothesis. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:793-5. [PMID: 25713974 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We assess whether population-wide folic acid fortification policies were followed by a reduction of preterm and early-term birth rates in Québec among women with short and optimal interpregnancy intervals. METHODS We extracted birth certificate data for 1.3 million births between 1981 and 2010 to compute age-adjusted preterm and early-term birth rates stratified by short and optimal interpregnancy intervals. We used Joinpoint regression to detect changes in the preterm and early term birth rates and assess whether these changes coincide with the implementation of population-wide folic acid fortification. RESULTS A change in the preterm birth rate occurred in 2000 among women with short (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1994, 2005) and optimal (95% CI = 1995, 2008) interpregnancy intervals. Changes in early term birth rates did not coincide with the implementation of folic acid fortification. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not indicate a link between folic acid fortification and early term birth but suggest an improvement in preterm birth rates after implementation of a nationwide folic acid fortification program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley I Naimi
- Ashley I. Naimi is with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quèbec. Nathalie Auger is with the Institute National de Santé Publique du Quèbec, Montreal
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22
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Opler M, Charap J, Greig A, Stein V, Polito S, Malaspina D. Environmental Risk Factors and Schizophrenia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2014. [DOI: 10.2753/imh0020-7411420102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Opler
- a Institute for Social and Psychiatric Initiatives (InSPIRES), Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Joseph Charap
- b Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Astrea Greig
- b Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Victoria Stein
- b Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Stephanie Polito
- b Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Dolores Malaspina
- b Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
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23
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Radunovic N, Lockwood CJ, Stanojlovic O, Steric M, Kontic-Vucinic O, Sulovic N, Hrncic D, Ackerman Iv WE. Fetal and maternal plasma homocysteine levels during the second half of uncomplicated pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2014; 28:1244-1249. [PMID: 25162468 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2014.951626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure fetal and maternal plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations in uncomplicated pregnancies. METHODS Paired maternal venous and fetal umbilical cord blood (n = 81) samples were evaluated for plasma Hcy and vitamin B12 levels, in addition to eight neonatal umbilical cord blood samples obtained immediately following delivery. RESULTS Both fetal and maternal Hcy concentrations were positively correlated with advancing gestational age (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.0001; and ρ = 0.27, p < 0.05, respectively). Fetal plasma Hcy concentrations [2.2 µmol/l (IQR: 2.0-3.2)] were significantly lower than both neonatal umbilical vein [5.0 µmol/l (IQR: 4.4-6.5); p < 0.001] and maternal plasma Hcy levels [4.4 μmo/l (IQR: 3.4-5.4); p < 0.001]. In addition, Hcy values at term were higher in the umbilical vein compared with the umbilical artery [5.0 μmol/l (IQR: 3.4-5.4) versus 4.2 μmol/l (IQR: 3.7-5.5), respectively; p = 0.016]. Significant correlation was noted and between fetal and maternal Hcy levels (ρ = 0.50, p < 0.0001), while fetal Hcy was negatively correlated with maternal B12 concentrations (ρ = -0.32, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Fetal Hcy levels were significantly lower than maternal and neonatal levels and correlated with gestational age across the second half of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Radunovic
- a Faculty of Medicine , University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia and
| | - Charles J Lockwood
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Ohio State University College of Medicine , Columbus , OH , USA
| | | | - Milena Steric
- a Faculty of Medicine , University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia and
| | | | - Nenad Sulovic
- a Faculty of Medicine , University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia and
| | - Dragan Hrncic
- a Faculty of Medicine , University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia and
| | - William E Ackerman Iv
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Ohio State University College of Medicine , Columbus , OH , USA
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Shiraishi M, Haruna M, Matsuzaki M, Murayama R, Kitanaka S, Sasaki S. Validity of a self-administered diet history questionnaire for estimating vitamin D intakes of Japanese pregnant women. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2013; 11:525-36. [PMID: 24118748 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Maternal vitamin D status is important for fetal development and the prevention of pregnancy complications. Mothers require both sufficient intakes and skin production of this vitamin. We investigated the validity and test-retest reliability of a self-administered diet history questionnaire (DHQ) to establish a method of assessing vitamin D intakes of Japanese pregnant women, using a serum marker. A total of 245 healthy pregnant women in the second trimester, who were not taking vitamin D supplements, were recruited at a university hospital in Tokyo between June 2010 and July 2011. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured as an indicator of vitamin D status. To assess the test-retest reliability of the DHQ, 58 pregnant women completed it twice within a 4-5-week interval. Significant positive correlations between intakes and serum concentrations of vitamin D were found (r = 0.266 for daily intakes and r = 0.249 for energy-adjusted intakes). In the winter investigation in which the serum 25(OH)D concentrations were less likely to be affected by sunlight exposure, the correlation coefficients were 0.304 for both daily and energy-adjusted intakes. After excluding participants with pregnancy-associated nausea, the coefficients increased. The intraclass correlation coefficient between vitamin D intakes estimated from the two-time DHQ was 0.638. The DHQ provides an acceptable validity and reliability of the vitamin D intake of Japanese pregnant women. However, the data of women with nausea should be interpreted with caution. We believe that the DHQ is a useful questionnaire to grasp and improve vitamin D intakes during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Shiraishi
- Department of Midwifery and Women's Health, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Haruna
- Department of Midwifery and Women's Health, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayo Matsuzaki
- Department of Midwifery and Women's Health, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Murayama
- Department of Midwifery and Women's Health, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Kitanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sasaki
- Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Wadhwani NS, Pisal HR, Mehendale SS, Joshi SR. A prospective study of maternal fatty acids, micronutrients and homocysteine and their association with birth outcome. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2013; 11:559-73. [PMID: 23795920 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Our earlier studies both in animals and in humans have indicated that micronutrients (folic acid, vitamin B12) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are interlinked in the one-carbon cycle, which plays an important role in fetal 'programming' of adult diseases. The present study examines the levels of maternal and cord plasma fatty acids, maternal folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in healthy mothers at various time points during pregnancy and also examine an association between them. A longitudinal study of 106 normal pregnant women was carried out, and maternal blood was collected at three time points, viz., T1 = 16-20th week, T2 = 26-30th week and T3 = at delivery. Cord blood was collected at delivery. Fatty acids were estimated using a gas chromatograph. Levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were estimated by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) technology. Maternal plasma folate (P < 0.05), vitamin B12 (P < 0.01) and DHA (P < 0.05) levels were lowest, while maternal homocysteine levels were highest (P < 0.01) at T3. There was a negative association between maternal DHA and homocysteine at T2 (P < 0.05) and T3 (P < 0.01). There was a positive association between plasma DHA in maternal blood at T3 and cord blood. Furthermore, there was a positive association between maternal folate and vitamin B12 at T3 and baby weight, whereas maternal homocysteine at T1 were inversely associated with baby weight at delivery. Our study provides evidence for the associations of folic acid, vitamin B12, homocysteine with DHA and baby weight, suggesting that a balanced dietary supplementation of folate-vitamin B12-DHA during pregnancy may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha S Wadhwani
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Hemlata R Pisal
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Savita S Mehendale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Charity Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
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Lassi ZS, Salam RA, Haider BA, Bhutta ZA. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy for maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; 2013:CD006896. [PMID: 23543547 PMCID: PMC10069458 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006896.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During pregnancy, fetal growth causes an increase in the total number of rapidly dividing cells, which leads to increased requirements for folate. Inadequate folate intake leads to a decrease in serum folate concentration, resulting in a decrease in erythrocyte folate concentration, a rise in homocysteine concentration, and megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow and other tissues with rapidly dividing cells OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of oral folic acid supplementation alone or with other micronutrients versus no folic acid (placebo or same micronutrients but no folic acid) during pregnancy on haematological and biochemical parameters during pregnancy and on pregnancy outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 December 2012) and we contacted major organisations working in micronutrient supplementation, including UNICEF Nutrition Section, World Health Organization (WHO) Maternal and Reproductive Health, WHO Nutrition Division, and National Center on Birth defects and Developmnetal Disabilities, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised, cluster-randomised and cross-over controlled trials evaluating supplementation of folic acid alone or with other micronutrients versus no folic acid (placebo or same micronutrients but no folic acid) in pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Data were checked for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS Thirty-one trials involving 17,771 women are included in this review. This review found that folic acid supplementation has no impact on pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 1.38; three studies, 2959 participants), and stillbirths/neonatal deaths (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.85; three studies, 3110 participants). However, improvements were seen in the mean birthweight (mean difference (MD) 135.75, 95% CI 47.85 to 223.68). On the other hand, the review found no impact on improving pre-delivery anaemia (average RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.10; eight studies, 4149 participants; random-effects), mean pre-delivery haemoglobin level (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.19; 12 studies, 1806 participants), mean pre-delivery serum folate levels (standardised mean difference (SMD) 2.03, 95% CI 0.80 to 3.27; eight studies, 1250 participants; random-effects), and mean pre-delivery red cell folate levels (SMD 1.59, 95% CI -0.07 to 3.26; four studies, 427 participants; random-effects). However, a significant reduction was seen in the incidence of megaloblastic anaemia (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.38, four studies, 3839 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found no conclusive evidence of benefit of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra S Lassi
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Samuel TM, Duggan C, Thomas T, Bosch R, Rajendran R, Virtanen SM, Srinivasan K, Kurpad AV. Vitamin B(12) intake and status in early pregnancy among urban South Indian women. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2013; 62:113-22. [PMID: 23344013 DOI: 10.1159/000345589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the vitamin B(12) status of South Indian women in early pregnancy and its relationship with sociodemographic, anthropometry and dietary intake. METHODS Cross-sectional study among 366 pregnant urban South Indian women ≤14 weeks of gestation with outcome variables defined as low vitamin B(12) blood concentration (<150 pmol/l) and impaired vitamin B(12) status [low vitamin B(12) plus elevated methylmalonic acid (MMA) >0.26 µmol/l)]. RESULTS Low plasma vitamin B(12) concentration was observed in 51.1% of the women, while 42.4% had impaired B(12) status. Elevated MMA, elevated homocysteine (>10 µmol/l) and low erythrocyte folate (<283 nmol/l) were observed among 75.8, 43.3 and 22.2% of the women, respectively. The median (25th, 75th percentile) dietary intake of vitamin B(12) was 1.25 (0.86, 1.96) µg/day. Lower maternal body weight was associated with higher vitamin B(12) concentration [prevalence ratios (PR) (95% CI) 0.57 (0.39, 0.84)]. The predictors of impaired vitamin B(12) status were no consumption of yoghurt [PR (95% CI) 1.63 (1.03, 2.58)] or fish [PR (95% CI) 1.32 (1.01, 1.71)] and primiparity [PR (95% CI) 1.41 (1.05, 1.90)]. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of vitamin B(12) deficiency in early pregnancy among urban South Indian women was related to primiparity and to a low consumption of yoghurt and fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinu Mary Samuel
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
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Development and validation of a vitamin D status prediction model in Danish pregnant women: a study of the Danish National Birth Cohort. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53059. [PMID: 23326380 PMCID: PMC3541280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D has been hypothesized to reduce risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm delivery. However, many of these outcomes are rare and require a large sample size to study, representing a challenge for cohorts with a limited number of preserved samples. The aims of this study were to (1) identify predictors of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) among pregnant women in a subsample (N = 1494) of the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) and (2) develop and validate a score predicting 25(OH)D-status in order to explore associations between vitamin D and maternal and offspring health outcomes in the DNBC. In our study sample, 42.3% of the population had deficient levels of vitamin D (<50 nmol/L 25(OH)D) and average levels of 25(OH)D-status were 56.7(s.d. 24.6) nmol/L. A prediction model consisting of intake of vitamin D from diet and supplements, outdoor physical activity, tanning bed use, smoking, and month of blood draw explained 40.1% of the variance in 25(OH)D and mean measured 25(OH)D-level increased linearly by decile of predicted 25(OH)D-score. In total 32.2% of the women were placed in the same quintile by both measured and predicted 25(OH)D-values and 69.9% were placed in the same or adjacent quintile by both methods. Cohen's weighted kappa coefficient (Κ = 0.3) reflected fair agreement between measured 25(OH)D-levels and predicted 25(OH)D-score. These results are comparable to other settings in which vitamin D scores have shown similar associations with disease outcomes as measured 25(OH)D-levels. Our findings suggest that predicted 25(OH)D-scores may be a useful alternative to measured 25(OH)D for examining associations between vitamin D and disease outcomes in the DNBC cohort, but cannot substitute for measured 25(OH)D-levels for estimates of prevalence.
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Bjørke-Monsen AL, Roth C, Magnus P, Midttun Ø, Nilsen RM, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Stoltenberg C, Susser E, Vollset SE, Ueland PM. Maternal B vitamin status in pregnancy week 18 according to reported use of folic acid supplements. Mol Nutr Food Res 2012; 57:645-52. [PMID: 23001761 PMCID: PMC3774931 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201200114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Epidemiological studies on the association between pregnancy outcomes and use of periconceptional folic acid are often based on maternal reported intake. Use of folic acid during pregnancy is associated with a higher socioeconomic status known to have an impact on diet quality. We have studied plasma B vitamin status according to reported use of folic acid supplements during the periconceptional period in Norwegian women. METHODS AND RESULTS Plasma levels of folate, cobalamin, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6), riboflavin, and the metabolic markers total homocysteine, methylmalonic acid and 3-hydro-xykynurenine were measured in pregnancy week 18 and related to reported intake of folic acid from 4 weeks prior to conception throughout week 18 in 2911 women from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Being a folic acid user during the periconceptional period was associated with a better socioeconomic status, and a higher intake of several micronutrients, including vitamins, trace-metals, and omega 3 fatty acids. Folic acid users had a significantly better plasma B vitamin status. CONCLUSION Epidemiological data based on maternal reported intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy, should take into account the numerous nutritional implications, in addition to higher blood folate levels, of being a folic acid user.
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Getz KD, Anderka MT, Werler MM, Case AP. Short interpregnancy interval and gastroschisis risk in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 94:714-20. [PMID: 22903973 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The micronutrient depletion hypothesis proposes that consecutive pregnancies spaced too closely may leave insufficient time for maternal micronutrient replenishment. Short interpregnancy intervals (IPI) have been associated with an increased risk for several adverse pregnancy outcomes, but an association with gastroschisis risk has not been previously explored. METHODS Within a population-based, case-control study, we evaluated the association between IPI length and gastroschisis risk using multivariable logistic regression models to estimate gastroschisis odds ratios for IPI <12 months and 12 to 17 months relative to those 18 to 23 months. We further evaluated the association between IPI and gastroschisis risk stratified by maternal age, periconceptional multivitamin use, preceding pregnancy outcome, study center region, and season of conception to explore whether observed associations were compatible with the hypothesis of maternal micronutrient depletion. RESULTS For women with IPI <12 months, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.5). The magnitude of the observed effect did not differ among strata of maternal age or periconceptional multivitamin use. However, the association was more pronounced after a miscarriage or termination (aOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.6) and among women who resided in northern study areas (aOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3-5.9). The higher risk observed with short IPI among women in northern study areas was attenuated for spring/summer conceptions. CONCLUSION Short IPI was associated with an increased risk for gastroschisis, particularly among women whose preceding pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage or termination and among those who resided in northern study areas with winter/fall conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly D Getz
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, USA.
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Effect on risk of anencephaly of gene-nutrient interactions between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and maternal folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine profile. Public Health Nutr 2012; 15:1419-28. [PMID: 22230335 DOI: 10.1017/s136898001100334x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects on anencephaly risk of the interaction between the maternal profile of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine and the 677C→T polymorphism in the gene encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). DESIGN Case-control study paired (1:1) on maternity clinic, date of birth and state of residence. Cases of anencephaly were identified using the Registry of the Mexican Neural Tube Defect Epidemiological Surveillance System. Case and control mothers were selected from the same maternity departments. All mothers completed a structured questionnaire and blood samples were obtained to determine the MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism and biochemical profile. SETTING Mexico, Puebla and Guerrero states, Mexico. SUBJECTS A total of 151 mothers of cases and controls were enrolled from March 2000 to February 2001. We had complete information on biochemical profile and MTHFR C677T polymorphism for ninety-eight mothers of cases and ninety-one mothers of controls. RESULTS The adjusted models show that the risk of anencephaly in mothers with 677TT genotype was reduced by 18 % (OR = 0·82; 95 % CI 0·72, 0·94) for each 1 ng/ml increment in serum folate. In terms of tertiles, mothers with 677TT genotype with serum folate levels in the upper tertile (>14·1 ng/ml) had a 95 % lower risk to have a child with anencephaly than mothers with serum folate levels in the first and second tertiles (P trend = 0·012). CONCLUSIONS Our data agree with the hypothesis of a gene-nutrient interaction between MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism and folate status. We observed a protective effect on anencephaly risk only in mothers with 677TT genotype as serum folate levels increased.
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Sørensen IM, Joner G, Jenum PA, Eskild A, Torjesen PA, Stene LC. Maternal serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D during pregnancy and risk of type 1 diabetes in the offspring. Diabetes 2012; 61:175-8. [PMID: 22124461 PMCID: PMC3237654 DOI: 10.2337/db11-0875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies indicate reduced risk of type 1 diabetes after intake of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy or early childhood. We aimed to test whether lower maternal serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH D) during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. In this case-control study nested within a cohort of 29,072 women in Norway, 25-OH D levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay on samples from late pregnancy in 109 women delivering a child who developed type 1 diabetes before 15 years of age (case subjects) and from 219 control women. Dividing the levels of maternal 25-OH D into quartiles, there was a trend toward a higher risk of type 1 diabetes with lower levels of vitamin D during pregnancy. The odds of type 1 diabetes was more than twofold higher for the offspring of women with the lowest levels of 25-OH D compared with the offspring of those with levels above the upper quartile. Given future replication in independent cohorts, our findings provide support for the initiation of a randomized intervention trial to prevent type 1 diabetes in children by enhancing maternal 25-OH D status during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild M Sørensen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.
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Maternal nutritional status, C(1) metabolism and offspring DNA methylation: a review of current evidence in human subjects. Proc Nutr Soc 2011; 71:154-65. [PMID: 22124338 PMCID: PMC3491641 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665111003338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is growing for the long-term effects of environmental factors during early-life on later disease susceptibility. It is believed that epigenetic mechanisms (changes in gene function not mediated by DNA sequence alteration), particularly DNA methylation, play a role in these processes. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of the involvement of C1 metabolism and methyl donors and cofactors in maternal diet-induced DNA methylation changes in utero as an epigenetic mechanism. Methyl groups for DNA methylation are mostly derived from the diet and supplied through C1 metabolism by way of choline, betaine, methionine or folate, with involvement of riboflavin and vitamins B6 and B12 as cofactors. Mouse models have shown that epigenetic features, for example DNA methylation, can be altered by periconceptional nutritional interventions such as folate supplementation, thereby changing offspring phenotype. Evidence of early nutrient-induced epigenetic change in human subjects is scant, but it is known that during pregnancy C1 metabolism has to cope with high fetal demands for folate and choline needed for neural tube closure and normal development. Retrospective studies investigating the effect of famine or season during pregnancy indicate that variation in early environmental exposure in utero leads to differences in DNA methylation of offspring. This may affect gene expression in the offspring. Further research is needed to examine the real impact of maternal nutrient availability on DNA methylation in the developing fetus.
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Nassar N, Halligan GH, Roberts CL, Morris JM, Ashton AW. Systematic review of first-trimester vitamin D normative levels and outcomes of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 205:208.e1-7. [PMID: 21640968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We undertook a systematic review to assess normative levels of vitamin D in early pregnancy and association with subsequent pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Medline and Embase databases and reference lists were searched. Inclusion criteria were pregnant populations, blood sample taken during the first trimester, and serum hydroxyvitamin D levels assessed. RESULTS Eighteen studies reported vitamin D levels in first trimester (n = 11-3730), and 5 examined pregnancy outcomes. Mean vitamin D concentrations differed when stratified by ethnicity: white (mean [SD]: 29.4 [11.7] to 73.1 [27.1] nmol/L) and nonwhite (15.2 [12.1] to 43 [12] nmol/L). Most studies used general population cut points to define deficiency and found a large proportion of women deficient. Two articles examined risk of preeclampsia and reported differing findings, whereas 2 of 3 found low levels associated with increased risk of small-for-gestational age births. CONCLUSION There is no clear definition of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and insufficient evidence to suggest low vitamin D levels in early pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Vitamin D status in pregnant Indian women across trimesters and different seasons and its correlation with neonatal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Br J Nutr 2011; 106:1383-9. [DOI: 10.1017/s000711451100170x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The present cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the vitamin D status of pregnant Indian women and their breast-fed infants. Subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics, Armed Forces Clinic and Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi. A total of 541 apparently healthy women with uncomplicated, single, intra-uterine gestation reporting in any trimester were consecutively recruited. Of these 541 women, 299 (first trimester, ninety-seven; second trimester, 125; third trimester, seventy-seven) were recruited in summer (April–October) and 242 (first trimester, fifty-nine, second trimester, ninety-three; third trimester, ninety) were recruited in winter (November–March) to study seasonal variations in vitamin D status. Clinical, dietary, biochemical and hormonal evaluations for the Ca–vitamin D–parathormone axis were performed. A subset of 342 mother–infant pairs was re-evaluated 6 weeks postpartum. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of pregnant women was 23·2 (sd 12·2) nmol/l. Hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l) was observed in 96·3 % of the subjects. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in winter in the second and third trimesters, while serum intact parathormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in winter in all three trimesters. A significant negative correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D and iPTH in mothers (r − 0·367, P = 0·0001) and infants (r − 0·56, P = 0·0001). A strong positive correlation was observed between 25(OH)D levels of mother–infant pairs (r 0·779, P = 0·0001). A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was observed in pregnancy, lactation and infancy with no significant inter-trimester differences in serum 25(OH)D levels.
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Mistry HD, Mather J, Ramsay MM, Kurlak LO, Symonds ME, Pipkin FB. Homocysteine and folate plasma concentrations in mother and baby at delivery after pre-eclamptic or normotensive pregnancy: Influence of parity. Pregnancy Hypertens 2011; 1:150-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hewitt AJ, Knuff AL, Jefkins MJ, Collier CP, Reynolds JN, Brien JF. Chronic ethanol exposure and folic acid supplementation: fetal growth and folate status in the maternal and fetal guinea pig. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 31:500-6. [PMID: 21315145 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol exposure (CEE) can produce developmental abnormalities in the CNS of the embryo and developing fetus. Folic acid (FA) is an important nutrient during pregnancy and low folate status exacerbates ethanol-induced teratogenicity. This study tested the hypotheses that (1) CEE depletes folate stores in the mother and fetus; and (2) maternal FA supplementation maintains folate stores. CEE decreased fetal body, brain, hippocampus weights, and brain to body weight ratio but not hippocampus to body weight ratio. These effects of CEE were not mitigated by maternal FA administration. The FA regimen prevented the CEE-induced decrease of term fetal liver folate. However, it did not affect maternal liver folate or fetal RBC folate at term, and did not mitigate the nutritional deficit-induced decrease of term fetal hippocampus folate. This study suggests that maternal FA supplementation may have differential effects on folate status in the mother and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Hewitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Chowdhury S, Cleves MA, MacLeod SL, James SJ, Zhao W, Hobbs CA. Maternal DNA hypomethylation and congenital heart defects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:69-76. [PMID: 21254366 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most prevalent and serious of birth defects. Multiple maternal factors are thought to contribute to CHD development, including folate intake. Maternal DNA methylation, which is dependent on folate metabolism, may impact the risk of CHDs. Our study was designed to determine whether maternal long interspersed nucleotide elements-1 (LINE-1) DNA hypomethylation is associated with increased occurrence of non-syndromic CHDs and whether maternal folate-dependent metabolites are correlated with DNA methylation status. METHODS Using a case-control study design, we measured global DNA methylation status among mothers whose pregnancies were affected by non-syndromic CHDs (n = 180) and mothers of unaffected pregnancies (n = 187). Methylation of LINE-1 was used as a surrogate marker of global DNA methylation status. The association between DNA methylation and CHD risk was determined while adjusting for selected lifestyle factors. RESULTS LINE-1 DNA methylation was significantly lower in cases compared to controls (p = 0.049). After covariate adjustments, a significant difference between cases and controls remained (p = 0.010). Among women with LINE-1 methylation in the lowest decile of DNA methylation, the estimated risk of having a CHD-affected pregnancy was almost twice that of women in all other deciles (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-3.58). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that maternal LINE-1 DNA hypomethylation is associated with an increased risk of CHDs. Future studies investigating the association between maternal DNA methylation patterns and CHDs should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimul Chowdhury
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, 13 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
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Influence of fish oil or folate supplementation on the time course of plasma redox markers during pregnancy. Br J Nutr 2010; 103:1648-56. [PMID: 20211038 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114509993746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Maternal supplementation with long-chain PUFA, to improve infant neurological development, might cause additional increase of oxidative stress. Pregnant women aged 18-41 years were randomised into one of four supplementation groups. From week 22 on, they received supplements containing either modified fish oil (n 69), 5-methyl-tetrahydro-folate (n 65), both (n 64), or placebo (n 72). Plasma Trolox-equivalent antioxidative capacity (TEAC), concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, retinol, beta-carotene, free thiol groups, uric acid and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were determined at weeks 20 and 30 and at delivery. The studied antioxidants showed no significant differences between the four supplementation groups. At week 30 plasma TBARS levels were found to be significantly higher in the fish oil group (0.80 (sem 0.04) micromol/l) than in the folate (0.67 (sem 0.03) micromol/l; P = 0.024) and control (0.69 (sem 0.04) micromol/l; P = 0.01) groups. Concentrations of retinol and free thiol groups decreased during pregnancy, whereas uric acid increased and beta-carotene as well as TEAC showed only minor changes. Fish oil supplementation during the second half of pregnancy appears not to decrease antioxidant status. The increased TBARS levels at week 30 may indicate a period of increased oxidative stress in plasma at this time.
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Marszałł ML, Lebiedzińska A, Czarnowski W, Makarowski R, Kłos M, Szefer P. Application of the high-performance liquid chromatography method with coulometric detection for determination of vitamin B(6) in human plasma and serum. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2009; 877:3151-8. [PMID: 19733133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2009.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC) with coulometric electrochemical detection has been developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate (PMP), pyridoxamine (PM), pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN) and 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) in human plasma and serum. The isocratic separation was achieved on C(18) column (250mmx4.6mm, I.D., 5microm) with a mobile phase consisted of 35mM sodium phosphate containing 2.5mM heptanesulfonic acid, adjusted to pH 3.2 with 85% orthophosphoric acid and 12% methanol (v/v). Within-run and between-run precisions expressed by the relative standard deviations were less than 2.7% and 7.7% for all the analysed vitamins and 4-PA, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were: 0.8 and 2.6nM, 1.1 and 3.8nM, 1.5 and 4.5nM, 1.3 and 4.2nM, 1.1 and 3.7nM, 2.1 and 6.3nM for PMP, PM, PLP, PL, PN and 4-PA, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 90.4% to 98.4%. Stability of vitamins was checked under a variety of storage conditions. The developed application demonstrated acceptable sensitivity, precision, accuracy, stability, and linearity over the physiological concentration range. The major advantage of the proposed method is its great simplicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin L Marszałł
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, Gdańsk 80-416, Poland.
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Abstract
Epileptic seizures due to pyridoxine deficiency, although rare, are known to occur. They are characterized by untreatable convulsions during childhood. We present the case of an epileptic status resistant to conventional treatment in a 29-year-old woman, with no previous history of epileptic seizures, in the 29th week of pregnancy, who responded to the intravenous administration of pyridoxine.
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van Eijsden M, Smits LJM, van der Wal MF, Bonsel GJ. Association between short interpregnancy intervals and term birth weight: the role of folate depletion. Am J Clin Nutr 2008; 88:147-53. [PMID: 18614735 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/88.1.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal folate depletion has been proposed as a primary explanation for the excess risk of fetal growth restriction associated with short interpregnancy intervals. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the folate depletion hypothesis in a community-based cohort of pregnant women. DESIGN Using a subsample of the cohort (multiparous participants who delivered a liveborn singleton infant, n = 3153), we investigated the relation between an increase in the interpregnancy interval (from 1 to 24 mo, natural log transformation) and birth weight and the risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) in 3 strata of maternal periconceptional folic acid use: nonuse, late use (begun after conception), and early use (begun before conception). RESULTS Each increase in the interpregnancy interval on the natural log (ln) scale was associated with a mean (+/-SE) increase of 63.1 +/- 20.3 g in birth weight (P = 0.002). This relation was mitigated by folic acid use: the change in birth weight was increases of 165.2 +/- 39.6 g for nonuse (P < 0.001) and 33.5 +/- 35.6 g for late use (P = 0.347) and a decrease of 5.9 +/- 33.6 g for early use (P = 0.861). The birth weight differences were directly translated into SGA risk. Odds ratios per 1-mo increase in ln(interpregnancy interval) were significant for the total group (0.61; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.82) and for nonuse (0.38; 0.24, 0.60) and nonsignificant for late (0.83; 0.48, 1.44) and early (1.28; 0.58, 2.84) use. CONCLUSIONS Folate depletion apparently contributes to the excess risk of fetal growth restriction that is associated with short interpregnancy intervals. As a preventive option, postnatal supplementation may be beneficial, but confirmation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon van Eijsden
- Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, Municipal Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Molloy AM, Kirke PN, Brody LC, Scott JM, Mills JL. Effects of Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiencies During Pregnancy on Fetal, Infant, and Child Development. Food Nutr Bull 2008; 29:S101-11; discussion S112-5. [DOI: 10.1177/15648265080292s114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The importance of folate in reproduction can be appreciated by considering that the existence of the vitamin was first suspected from efforts to explain a potentially fatal megaloblastic anemia in young pregnant women in India. Today, low maternal folate status during pregnancy and lactation remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity in some communities. The folate status of the neonate tends to be protected at the expense of maternal stores; nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that inadequate maternal folate status during pregnancy may lead to low infant birthweight, thereby conferring risk of developmental and long-term adverse health outcomes. Moreover, folate-related anemia during childhood and adolescence might predispose children to further infections and disease. The role of folic acid in prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) is now established, and several studies suggest that this protection may extend to some other birth defects. In terms of maternal health, clinical vitamin B12 deficiency may be a cause of infertility or recurrent spontaneous abortion. Starting pregnancy with an inadequate vitamin B12 status may increase risk of birth defects such as NTD, and may contribute to preterm delivery, although this needs further evaluation. Furthermore, inadequate vitamin B12 status in the mother may lead to frank deficiency in the infant if sufficient fetal stores of vitamin B12 are not laid down during pregnancy or are not available in breastmilk. However, the implications of starting pregnancy and lactation with low vitamin B12 status have not been sufficiently researched.
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Effect of folate deficiency on placental DNA methylation in hyperhomocysteinemic rats. J Nutr Biochem 2008; 20:172-6. [PMID: 18547797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2008.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We report that the maternal folate status can influence folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation in the placenta. Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following three dietary groups: folate-supplemented (FS; 8 mg/kg folic acid, n=12), homocystine- and folate-supplemented (HFS; 0.3% homocystine and 8 mg/kg folic acid, n=12) and homocystine-supplemented and folate-deficient (HFD; 0.3% homocystine and no folic acid, n=12). The animals were fed their experimental diets from 4 weeks prior to mating until Day 20 of pregnancy (n=7-9 per group). The HFS diet increased the plasma homocysteine and placental DNA methylation but did not affect plasma folate, vitamin B-12, S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) or S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH) levels, or the SAM/SAH ratio in the liver and placenta compared with the FS diet. The HFD diet induced severely low plasma folate concentrations, with plasma homocysteine levels increasing up to 100 micromol/L, and increased hepatic SAH and decreased placental SAM levels and SAM/SAH ratio in both tissues, with a concomitant decrease in placental DNA methylation. Placental DNA methylation was significantly correlated with placental (gamma=0.819), hepatic (gamma=0.7) and plasma (gamma=0.752) folate levels; plasma homocysteine level (gamma=-0.688); hepatic SAH level (gamma=-0.662) and hepatic SAM/SAH ratio (gamma=0.494). These results suggest that the maternal folate status in hyperhomocysteinemic rats influences the homeostasis of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism and the methyl pool, which would, in turn, affect placental DNA methylation by altering the methylation potential of the liver.
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Haider BA, Humayun Q, Bhutta ZA, Jabeen A. Folate supplementation in pregnancy. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Murphy MM, Molloy AM, Ueland PM, Fernandez-Ballart JD, Schneede J, Arija V, Scott JM. Longitudinal study of the effect of pregnancy on maternal and fetal cobalamin status in healthy women and their offspring. J Nutr 2007; 137:1863-7. [PMID: 17634256 DOI: 10.1093/jn/137.8.1863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Compromised cobalamin status during pregnancy may put both mother and child at risk of deficiency during lactation and subsequent development. We investigated whether changes in cobalamin status during pregnancy are associated with impaired status in the mother and the cord. Plasma cobalamin, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and holotranscobalamin (holoTC) concentrations were determined in 92 women at preconception, 8, 20, and 32 wk of pregnancy, at labor, and in the cord. All variables [geometric mean percentiles 10, 90 (P(10), P(90))] were significantly reduced from preconception [cobalamin: 293 (155, 535) pmol/L; holoTC: 63 (38,98) pmol/L; MMA: 0.12 (0.09, 0.17) micromol/L] by 20 wk of pregnancy [cobalamin: 230 (123, 432) pmol/L; holoTC: 48 (34,78) pmol/L; MMA: 0.11 (0.08, 0.15) micromol/L P < 0.001]. Plasma cobalamin and holoTC remained lower throughout the remainder of pregnancy [32 wk: 198 (107, 339); labor: 224 (117, 444); P < 0.001] and [32 wk: 45 (26,82); labor: 40 (23,79); P < 0.05], respectively. By 32 wk, MMA was greater than preconception [0.14 (0.09, 0.20) micromol/L; P < 0.01]. Plasma holoTC at 32 wk and at labor was negatively correlated with cord MMA (r = -0.51, P < 0.001 and r = -0.40, P < 0.01, respectively). Women with lower holoTC at preconception had greater increases in MMA at 32 wk and at labor. Maternal MMA at 32 wk and at labor was significantly and independently associated with cord MMA only in women with lower holoTC at preconception (regression models: R(2) = 0.707, 0.682, respectively; P < 0.01). The moderate increases observed in the cobalamin biomarker, MMA, during pregnancy may indicate a functional depletion in intracellular cobalamin status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Murphy
- Unitat de Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública, IRCIS, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, 43201 Spain.
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Santana Cabrera L, Amela R, Rodríguez González F, Sánchez-Palacios M. [Status epilepticus due to low vitamin B6 levels refractory to convencional antiepileptic treatment during pregnancy]. Med Clin (Barc) 2007; 129:239. [PMID: 17678610 DOI: 10.1157/13107933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Zammit S, Lewis S, Gunnell D, Smith GD. Schizophrenia and neural tube defects: comparisons from an epidemiological perspective. Schizophr Bull 2007; 33:853-8. [PMID: 16980574 PMCID: PMC2632320 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbl041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we examine and compare epidemiological studies of schizophrenia and neural tube defects (NTDs). Although there is no apparent link between these 2 disparate disorders in terms of clinical manifestation or phenotypes, overlapping patterns in the variation of incidence of schizophrenia with that of NTDs indicate the existence of one or more shared etiological risk factors. Evidence in support of such a phenomenon may enhance our understanding of underlying pathological mechanisms and may guide future studies of etiology and prevention. The similarities that occur in a number of epidemiological observations for these disorders are in keeping with a hypothesis of nutritional deficiencies in utero acting as a risk factor for both schizophrenia and NTDs. Programes of periconceptual folate and multivitamin supplementation aimed to reduce the risk of NTDs are already in place in many countries. Nevertheless, evidence of additional effects of specific maternal micronutrient deficiency on risk of schizophrenia may not only increase enthusiasm for expansion of such programes but also enhance understanding of etiology of this disorder and offer the potential for targeted interventions in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Zammit
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
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Barbosa PR, Stabler SP, Machado ALK, Braga RC, Hirata RDC, Hirata MH, Sampaio-Neto LF, Allen RH, Guerra-Shinohara EM. Association between decreased vitamin levels and MTHFR, MTR and MTRR gene polymorphisms as determinants for elevated total homocysteine concentrations in pregnant women. Eur J Clin Nutr 2007; 62:1010-21. [PMID: 17522601 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (C677T and A1298C), methionine synthase (MTR) A2756G and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G gene polymorphisms and total homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM/SAH) levels; and to evaluate the potential interactions with folate or cobalamin (Cbl) status. SUBJECTS/METHODS Two hundred seventy-five healthy women at labor who delivered full-term normal babies. Cbl, folate, tHcy, MMA, SAM and SAH were measured in serum specimens. The genotypes for polymorphisms were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS Serum folate, MTHFR 677T allele and MTR 2756AA genotypes were the predictors of tHcy levels in pregnant women. Serum Cbl and creatinine were the predictors of SAM/SAH ratio and MMA levels, respectively. The gene polymorphisms were not determinants for MMA levels and SAM/SAH ratios. Low levels of serum folate were associated with elevated tHcy in pregnant women, independently of the gene polymorphisms. In pregnant women carrying MTHFR 677T allele, or MTHFR 1298AA or MTRR 66AA genotypes, lower Cbl levels were associated with higher levels of tHcy. Lower SAM/SAH ratio was found in MTHFR 677CC or MTRR A2756AA genotypes carriers when Cbl levels were lower than 142 pmol/l. CONCLUSIONS Serum folate and MTHFR C677T and MTR A2576G gene polymorphisms were the determinants for tHcy levels. The interaction between low levels of serum Cbl and MTHFR (C677T or A1298C) or MTRR A66G gene polymorphisms was associated with increased tHcy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Barbosa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Couto FD, Moreira LMO, Dos Santos DB, Reis MG, Gonçalves MS. Folate, vitamin B12 and total homocysteine levels in neonates from Brazil. Eur J Clin Nutr 2006; 61:382-6. [PMID: 16988650 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine folates, vitamin B12 and total homocysteine levels among neonates from mothers of low or high socioeconomic status. DESIGN We carried out a cross-sectional transversal study comprising 143 neonates from two maternity hospitals in the city of Salvador, Northeast of Brazil. Cord blood samples were obtained at the time of delivery from newborns from low (group 1, n=77) or high (group 2, n=66) socioeconomic status. The vitamin B12 and folates were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and by a competitive test using a natural folate-binding protein (FBP), respectively. Total homocyteine levels were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Maternal environmental risk factors for pregnancy complications were obtained from all mothers. RESULTS Only 2% of women from group 1 received prenatal care/vitamin supplementation, whereas almost all mothers from group 2 (96%) were properly followed. Anemia and/or infections pre- or during pregnancy was more prevalent among mothers of babies from group 1. Folate levels among newborns from group 1 and 2 were 7.38+/-2.71 and 8.83+/-4.06 ng/ml, respectively. No difference in the vitamin B12 levels was determined between groups. In addition, tHcy serum levels were higher among newborns from group 1 compared to those from group 2 (8.54+/-4.06 vs 6.35+/-1.33 micromol/l, respectively; P=0.005). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that unprivileged young woman has limited accesses to prenatal care, present high-risk factors that hamper both maternal and newborn health. Maternal and newborn health status could be improved by simply reinforcing the use of folate-enriched diet. The work presented illustrates the challenges that developing countries have to face in order to provide preventive adequate health care to the population at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- F D Couto
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Center/FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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