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Bustelli IB, Oliveira LM, Correa-Netto NF, Stilhano RS, Caetano AL. Behavioral effects of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced damage to nigro-striatal pathway and Locus coeruleus as a rodent model of Parkinson's disease. Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114873. [PMID: 38266776 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), which leads to motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). NMS can appear many years before the classical motor symptoms and are associated with the neurodegeneration of several nuclei; in this work, we highlight the neurodegeneration of Locus coeruleus (LC) in PD. The aim was to investigate the effects of depleting SNpc and LC catecholaminergic neurons on behavioral and neurobiological endpoints. Here we used 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in order to induced neurotoxic damage in three independent experimental groups: SNpc lesion group, which 6-OHDA was injected into CPu (CPu-6-OHDA), LC lesion group, which 6-OHDA was injected directly on LC to selectively caused a damage on this nucleus (LC-6-OHDA), and the combined SNpc and LC lesion group (CL-6-OHDA). Next, the behavioral studies were performed using the Morris water maze (MWM), open field (OF), and elevated plus maze (EPM). After stereotaxic surgeries, the animals showed a loss of 67% and 77% of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) reactive neurons in the SNpc and LC, respectively. The behavioral analysis showed the anxiety-like behavior in CL-6-OHDA group in the EPM test; in the MWM test, the combined lesions (CL-6-OHDA) showed an impairment in memory acquisition and spatial memory; and no changes were observed in locomotor activity in all the tests. Furthermore, our investigation demonstrating the effects of depleting SN and LC catecholaminergic neurons on behavioral and neurobiological parameters. All these data together lead us to believe that a bilateral PD model including a LC bilateral degeneration is potentially a more accurate model to evaluate the NMS in the pathological development of the disease in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella B Bustelli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, SP 01221-020, Brazil
| | - Luiz M Oliveira
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Nelson F Correa-Netto
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, SP 01221-020, Brazil
| | - Roberta S Stilhano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, SP 01221-020, Brazil
| | - Ariadiny L Caetano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, SP 01221-020, Brazil.
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Xu X, Zhang Z, Lin Y, Xie H. Risk of Excess Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation in Offspring. Nutrients 2024; 16:755. [PMID: 38474883 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, facilitates the transfer of methyl groups among molecules, which is crucial for amino acid metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. Adequate maternal folate supplementation has been widely acknowledged for its pivotal role in promoting cell proliferation and preventing neural tube defects. However, in the post-fortification era, there has been a rising concern regarding an excess maternal intake of folic acid (FA), the synthetic form of folate. In this review, we focused on recent advancements in understanding the influence of excess maternal FA intake on offspring. For human studies, we summarized findings from clinical trials investigating the effects of periconceptional FA intake on neurodevelopment and molecular-level changes in offspring. For studies using mouse models, we compiled the impact of high maternal FA supplementation on gene expression and behavioral changes in offspring. In summary, excessive maternal folate intake could potentially have adverse effects on offspring. Overall, we highlighted concerns regarding elevated maternal folate status in the population, providing a comprehensive perspective on the potential adverse effects of excessive maternal FA supplementation on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiguang Xu
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Yu Lin
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Hehuang Xie
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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3
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Fardous AM, Heydari AR. Uncovering the Hidden Dangers and Molecular Mechanisms of Excess Folate: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4699. [PMID: 37960352 PMCID: PMC10648405 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate relationship between excess folate (vitamin B9) intake, especially its synthetic form, namely, folic acid, and its implications on health and disease. While folate plays a pivotal role in the one-carbon cycle, which is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, concerns arise about its excessive intake. The literature underscores potential deleterious effects, such as an increased risk of carcinogenesis; disruption in DNA methylation; and impacts on embryogenesis, pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment, and disease risk. Notably, these consequences stretch beyond the immediate effects, potentially influencing future generations through epigenetic reprogramming. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were examined, including altered one-carbon metabolism, the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, vitamin-B12-dependent mechanisms, altered methylation patterns, and interactions with critical receptors and signaling pathways. Furthermore, differences in the effects and mechanisms mediated by folic acid compared with natural folate are highlighted. Given the widespread folic acid supplementation, it is imperative to further research its optimal intake levels and the molecular pathways impacted by its excessive intake, ensuring the health and well-being of the global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Fardous
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Ahmad R. Heydari
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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4
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Yao X, Zhao J, Yuan Y, Wang C, Yu Z, Huang Z, Chen C, Yang C, Ren J, Ma Y, Rong Y, Huang Y, Ming Y, Liu L. Prolonged Early Exposure to a High-Fat Diet Augments the Adverse Effects on Neurobehavior and Hippocampal Neuroplasticity: Involvement of Microglial Insulin Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1568-1586. [PMID: 37356575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
High-fat diet (HFD) consumption may contribute to the high prevalence of cognitive-emotional issues in modern society. Mice fed a HFD for a prolonged period develop more severe neurobehavioral disturbances when first exposed to a HFD in the juvenile period than in adulthood, suggesting an initial age-related difference in the detrimental effects of long-term HFD feeding. However, the mechanism underlying this difference remains unclear. Here, male C57BL/6J mice initially aged 4 (IA4W) or 8 (IA8W) weeks were fed a control diet (CD) or HFD for 6 months and then subjected to metabolic, neurobehavioral, and histomorphological examinations. Although the detrimental effects of long-term HFD feeding on metabolism and neurobehavior were observed in mice of both ages, IA4W-HFD mice showed significant cognitive inflexibility accompanied by significantly greater levels of anxiety-like behavior than age-matched controls. Hippocampal neuroplasticity and microglial phenotype were altered by HFD feeding, whereas significant morphological alterations were more frequently observed in IA4W-HFD mice than in IA8W-HFD mice. Additionally, significantly increased hippocampal microglial engulfment of postsynaptic proteins and elevated phospho-insulin-receptor levels were observed in IA4W-HFD, but not in IA8W-HFD, mice. These findings suggest that aberrant microglia-related histomorphological changes in the hippocampus underlie the exacerbated detrimental neurobehavioral effects of prolonged early HFD exposure and indicate that enhanced insulin signaling might drive microglial dysfunction after prolonged early HFD exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuting Yao
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- The Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Conghui Wang
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhehao Yu
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhihui Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenxi Yang
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayi Ren
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Rong
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijie Liu
- Department of Physiology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Yang X, Sun W, Wu Q, Lin H, Lu Z, Shen X, Chen Y, Zhou Y, Huang L, Wu F, Liu F, Chu D. Excess Folic Acid Supplementation before and during Pregnancy and Lactation Alters Behaviors and Brain Gene Expression in Female Mouse Offspring. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010066. [PMID: 35010941 PMCID: PMC8746785 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of folic acid (FA) during early pregnancy protects against birth defects. However, excess FA has shown gender-specific neurodevelopmental toxicity. Previously, we fed the mice with 2.5 times the recommended amount of FA one week prior to mating and during the pregnancy and lactation periods, and detected the activated expression of Fos and related genes in the brains of weaning male offspring, as well as behavioral abnormalities in the adults. Here, we studied whether female offspring were affected by the same dosage of FA. An open field test, three-chamber social approach and social novelty test, an elevated plus-maze, rotarod test and the Morris water maze task were used to evaluate their behaviors. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in the brains. Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blots were applied to verify the changes in gene expression. We found increased anxiety and impaired exploratory behavior, motor coordination and spatial memory in FA-exposed females. The brain transcriptome revealed 36 up-regulated and 79 down-regulated genes in their brains at weaning. The increase of Tlr1; Sult1a1; Tph2; Acacb; Etnppl; Angptl4 and Apold1, as well as a decrease of Ppara mRNA were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Among these genes; the mRNA levels of Etnppl; Angptl4andApold1 were increased in the both FA-exposed female and male brains. The elevation of Sult1a1 protein was confirmed by Western blots. Our data suggest that excess FA alteres brain gene expression and behaviors in female offspring, of which certain genes show apparent gender specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (H.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Wenyan Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Qian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Hongyan Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (H.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Zhixing Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Yongqi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (W.S.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Li Huang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (H.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Dandan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (X.Y.); (Q.W.); (X.S.); (L.H.)
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.C.)
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Deniz BF, Confortim HD, Miguel PM, Bronauth L, Fernandes IR, Muotri AR, Pereira LO. High gestational folic acid supplementation prevents hypoxia-ischemia-induced caspase-3 augmenting without changing synapsin and H3 methylation levels in the rat hippocampus. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:510-519. [PMID: 34021639 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal asphyxia is a peripartum event that can cause permanent sequelae to the newborns, affecting the brain development. Recently, it has been demonstrated that epigenetics mechanisms play an important role in this injury and that folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy can affect these epigenetics modifications as well as gene expression. We have identified both positive and negative effects of FA treatment in rats submitted to a model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Considering that FA supplementation is already used in pregnant women and that HI occurs in the peripartum period, this study was designated to evaluate how gestational FA supplementation and neonatal HI affect: apoptosis (caspase-3) and expression of synaptic proteins (synapsin and PSD-95) and the methylation of histone H3 lysine (K) 4 and 27 in the rat hippocampus. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided according to the diets: standard (SD), supplemented with 2 mg/kg of FA or with 20 mg/kg of FA. HI procedure was performed at the 7th PND. Protein expression and H3 methylation were evaluated at the 60th PND in the rats' hippocampus. Neonatal HI increased caspase-3 expression decreased synapsin expression and reduced H3K4me2, -me3 and H3K27me2, -me3 in the ipsilateral hippocampus. FA only prevented the augment in caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, neonatal HI caused lasting effects on caspase-3-mediated cell death (prevented by the FA) and synaptic proteins in the rats' hippocampus. This is the first study to show that histone modifications may contribute to these pathological findings in the hippocampus of HI animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Ferrary Deniz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Deola Confortim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Maidana Miguel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Loise Bronauth
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Isabela R Fernandes
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lenir Orlandi Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Behavioral changes and brain epigenetic alterations induced by maternal deficiencies of B vitamins in a mouse model. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1213-1222. [PMID: 33496816 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE B vitamins play essential roles in brain development and functionality; however, the effects of their deficiency during early life on mental health are not thoroughly understood. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a maternal deficiency of vitamin B6, B9 (folate), and B12 on behavioral changes in adult offspring. METHODS Female C57BL/6 J mice were put on a diet lacking vitamin B6, B9, B12, or the above three vitamins from pregnancy to weaning. The growth and developmental characteristics of both the pregnant mothers and offspring were collected. In the adult offspring, the serum levels of neuroactive substances were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The level of BDNF and dimethylated lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9me2) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, their depressive-like behaviors, anxiety-like behaviors, and sociability were recorded using sucrose preference, a forced swim, social interaction, tail suspension, and open field tests. RESULTS The maternal deficiency of the three B vitamins delayed offspring development. Compared to the controls, all of the groups showed decreased serum levels of 5-HT and neuropeptide Y. In the groups with deficiency of B9 or the three B vitamins, there were significant changes in sociability and social novelty preference. In groups with deficiencies in B9, B12, or all three B vitamins, the expression levels of BDNF and H3K9me2 in the hippocampus were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS Maternal deficiencies of the major B vitamins caused changes in social behaviors in adult mice accompanied with epigenetic alterations in the brain and changes in the serum levels of neuroactive substances.
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Leclerc D, Jelinek J, Christensen KE, Issa JPJ, Rozen R. High folic acid intake increases methylation-dependent expression of Lsr and dysregulates hepatic cholesterol homeostasis. J Nutr Biochem 2020; 88:108554. [PMID: 33220403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Food fortification with folic acid and increased use of vitamin supplements have raised concerns about high folic acid intake. We previously showed that high folic acid intake was associated with hepatic degeneration, decreased levels of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), lower methylation potential, and perturbations of lipid metabolism. MTHFR synthesizes the folate derivative for methylation reactions. In this study, we assessed the possibility that high folic acid diets, fed to wild-type and Mthfr+/- mice, could alter DNA methylation and/or deregulate hepatic cholesterol homeostasis. Digital restriction enzyme analysis of methylation in liver revealed DNA hypomethylation of a CpG in the lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (Lsr) gene, which is involved in hepatic uptake of cholesterol. Pyrosequencing confirmed this methylation change and identified hypomethylation of several neighboring CpG dinucleotides. Lsr expression was increased and correlated negatively with DNA methylation and plasma cholesterol. A putative binding site for E2F1 was identified. ChIP-qPCR confirmed reduced E2F1 binding when methylation at this site was altered, suggesting that it could be involved in increasing Lsr expression. Expression of genes in cholesterol synthesis, transport or turnover (Abcg5, Abcg8, Abcc2, Cyp46a1, and Hmgcs1) was perturbed by high folic acid intake. We also observed increased hepatic cholesterol and increased expression of genes such as Sirt1, which might be involved in a rescue response to restore cholesterol homeostasis. Our work suggests that high folic acid consumption disturbs cholesterol homeostasis in liver. This finding may have particular relevance for MTHFR-deficient individuals, who represent ~10% of many populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leclerc
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karen E Christensen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rima Rozen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Zhao J, Zou W, Hu T. Novel genes associated with folic acid-mediated metabolism in mouse: A bioinformatics study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238940. [PMID: 32915913 PMCID: PMC7485790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Folic acid plays an essential role in the central nervous system and cancer. This study aimed to screen genes related to folic acid metabolism. Datasets (GSE80587, GSE65267 and GSE116299) correlated to folic acid were screened in the Gene Expression Omnibus. Weighed gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify modules associated with sample traits of folic acid and organs (brain, prostate and kidney). Functional enrichment analysis was performed for the eigengenes in modules that were significantly correlated with sample traits. Accordingly, the hub genes and key nodes in the modules were identified using the protein interaction network. A total of 17,252 genes in three datasets were identified. One module, which included 97 genes that were highly correlated with sample traits (including folic acid treatment [cor = -0.57, P = 3e-04] and kidney [cor = -0.68, p = 4e-06]), was screened out. Hub genes, including tetratricopeptide repeat protein 38 (Ttc38) and miR-185, as well as those (including Sema3A, Insl3, Dll1, Msh4 and Snai1) associated with "neuropilin binding", "regulation of reproductive process" and "vitamin D metabolic process", were identified. Genes, including Ttc38, Sema3A, Insl3, Dll1, Msh4 and Snai1, were the novel factors that may be associated with the development of the kidneys and related to folic acid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Zhao
- Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wen Zou
- Liaoning Vocational College of Ecological Engineering, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tingxi Hu
- Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- * E-mail:
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10
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Raghavan R, Selhub J, Paul L, Ji Y, Wang G, Hong X, Zuckerman B, Fallin MD, Wang X. A prospective birth cohort study on cord blood folate subtypes and risk of autism spectrum disorder. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:1304-1317. [PMID: 32844208 PMCID: PMC7657337 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported that extremely high concentrations of maternal plasma folate were associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. This study explored whether specific types of folate in cord blood have differential association with ASD. OBJECTIVES In the Boston Birth Cohort (BBC), we assessed the association between cord blood unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA), 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (THF), and total folate and a child's ASD risk. In a subset, we explored whether the association between UMFA and ASD risk can be affected by the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) genotype and cord plasma creatinine. We also examined prenatal correlates of cord UMFA concentrations. METHODS This report included 567 BBC children (92 ASD, 475 neurotypical), who were recruited at birth and prospectively followed at the Boston Medical Center. ASD was defined from International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes documented in electronic medical records. RESULTS Children with cord UMFA in the highest, versus lowest quartile, had a greater ASD risk (adjusted OR, aORquartile4: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.75). When stratified by race/ethnicity, the association was limited to 311 (45 ASD) Black children (aORquartile4: 9.85; 95% CI: 2.53, 38.31); a test of interaction between race/ethnicity and cord UMFA concentrations was significant (P = 0.007). The UMFA-ASD association in Black children slightly attenuated after adjusting for cord plasma creatinine (P = 0.05). There was no significant association between cord 5-methyl THF, total folate, DHFR genotype, and ASD risk. Cord total folate and maternal supplement intake during second trimester were associated with higher cord UMFA. CONCLUSIONS Higher concentrations of cord UMFA, but not 5-methyl THF or total folate, were associated with a greater risk of ASD in Black children. This study in a preterm-birth-enriched cohort raises more questions than it could answer and underscores the need for additional investigations on the sources and role of cord UMFA in children's neurodevelopmental outcomes and underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkripa Raghavan
- Center on Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacob Selhub
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center for Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ligi Paul
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center for Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuelong Ji
- Center on Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guoying Wang
- Center on Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Center on Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barry Zuckerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Cosín-Tomás M, Luan Y, Leclerc D, Malysheva OV, Lauzon N, Bahous RH, Christensen KE, Caudill MA, Rozen R. Moderate Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Mice Results in Behavioral Alterations in Offspring with Sex-Specific Changes in Methyl Metabolism. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061716. [PMID: 32521649 PMCID: PMC7352339 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifteen to 20% of pregnant women may exceed the recommended intake of folic acid (FA) by more than four-fold. This excess could compromise neurocognitive and motor development in offspring. Here, we explored the impact of an FA-supplemented diet (5× FASD, containing five-fold higher FA than recommended) during pregnancy on brain function in murine offspring, and elucidated mechanistic changes. We placed female C57BL/6 mice for one month on control diets or 5× FASD before mating. Diets were maintained throughout pregnancy and lactation. Behavioural tests were conducted on 3-week-old pups. Pups and mothers were sacrificed at weaning. Brains and livers were collected to examine choline/methyl metabolites and immunoreactive methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). 5× FASD led to hyperactivity-like behavior and memory impairment in 3-week-old pups of both sexes. Reduced MTHFR protein in the livers of FASD mothers and male pups resulted in choline/methyl metabolite disruptions in offspring liver (decreased betaine) and brain (decreased glycerophosphocholine and sphingomyelin in male pups, and decreased phosphatidylcholine in both sexes). These results indicate that moderate folate supplementation downregulates MTHFR and alters choline/methyl metabolism, contributing to neurobehavioral alterations. Our findings support the negative impact of high FA on brain development, and may lead to improved guidelines on optimal folate levels during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cosín-Tomás
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (M.C.-T.); (Y.L.); (D.L.); (R.H.B.); (K.E.C.)
| | - Yan Luan
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (M.C.-T.); (Y.L.); (D.L.); (R.H.B.); (K.E.C.)
| | - Daniel Leclerc
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (M.C.-T.); (Y.L.); (D.L.); (R.H.B.); (K.E.C.)
| | - Olga V. Malysheva
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (O.V.M.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Nidia Lauzon
- Drug Discovery Platform, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - Renata H. Bahous
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (M.C.-T.); (Y.L.); (D.L.); (R.H.B.); (K.E.C.)
| | - Karen E. Christensen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (M.C.-T.); (Y.L.); (D.L.); (R.H.B.); (K.E.C.)
| | - Marie A. Caudill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (O.V.M.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Rima Rozen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (M.C.-T.); (Y.L.); (D.L.); (R.H.B.); (K.E.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +15-14934-1934 (ext. 23839)
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12
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Chu D, Li L, Jiang Y, Tan J, Ji J, Zhang Y, Jin N, Liu F. Excess Folic Acid Supplementation Before and During Pregnancy and Lactation Activates Fos Gene Expression and Alters Behaviors in Male Mouse Offspring. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:313. [PMID: 31024236 PMCID: PMC6460239 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation is recommended to prevent neural tube defects and other birth defects. After 20 years mandate food fortification with FA, serum concentration of folate and unmetabolized FA increased significantly in the North American population. But whether excess FA intake impairs neurodevelopment and behavior is still controversial. Here, we treated mice with approximately 2.5-fold (moderate dose of FA, MFA) or 10-fold (high dose of FA, HFA) the dietary requirement of FA 1 week before mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation, and examined behaviors in adult male offspring using open field test, three-chamber sociability and social novelty test, elevated plus maze, rotarod and Morris water maze. We found that early life MFA supplementation increased long-term body weight gain in adults, elevated anxiety-like behavior, and impaired social preference, motor learning and spatial learning ability without modifying motor ability and spatial memory. In contrast, HFA supplementation only induced mild behavioral abnormality. RNA sequencing revealed that FA supplementation altered the expression of brain genes at weaning, among which Fos and related genes were significantly up-regulated in MFA mice compared with control and HFA mice. Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blots confirmed the increase of these genes. Our results suggested that FA supplementation during early life stage affected gene expression in weaning mice, and exhibited long-term impairments in adult behaviors in a dose-sensitive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanli Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jianxin Tan
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jie Ji
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Nana Jin
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, United States
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13
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Deniz BF, Confortim HD, Deckmann I, Miguel PM, Bronauth L, de Oliveira BC, Barbosa S, Cechinel LR, Siqueira IR, Pereira LO. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy prevents cognitive impairments and BDNF imbalance in the hippocampus of the offspring after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. J Nutr Biochem 2018; 60:35-46. [PMID: 30064014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Folic acid (FA) supplementation (400 μg/day) has been recommended during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. However, in some countries, flours are required to be fortified with FA, possibly increasing the levels of this vitamin in pregnant women. Our previous studies have evidenced a dual effect of the FA treatment in a rat model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Aiming to better correlate with humans, this paper evaluated the effects of two different levels of FA supplementation during pregnancy on memory parameters and neuronal survival and plasticity in the hippocampus of rats submitted to the neonatal HI. During pregnancy, female Wistar rats received one of these diets: standard (SD), supplemented with 2 mg/kg of FA or with 20 mg/kg of FA. At the 7th PND, rats suffered the HI procedure. At the 60th PND rats were evaluated in the open field, Morris water maze, novel-object recognition and inhibitory avoidance tasks. Furthermore, neuronal density, synaptophysin densitometry and BDNF concentration were assessed in the hippocampus. Both doses of FA prevented the HI-induced memory impairments. The supplementation reversed the BDNF late increase in the hippocampus of the HI rats, but did not inhibit the neuronal death. In conclusion, FA supplementation during pregnancy prevented memory deficits and BDNF imbalance after neonatal HI. These findings are particularly relevant because neuroprotection was achieved even in the high level of FA supplementation during pregnancy, indicating that this intervention would be considered secure for the offspring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Ferrary Deniz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, sala 107, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Deola Confortim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, sala 107, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Maidana Miguel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, sala 107, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Loise Bronauth
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Chaves de Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Sílvia Barbosa
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Laura Reck Cechinel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, sala 320, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ionara Rodrigues Siqueira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, sala 320, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lenir Orlandi Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, sala 107, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050- 170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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14
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Yan Z, Jiao F, Yan X, Ou H. Maternal Chronic Folate Supplementation Ameliorates Behavior Disorders Induced by Prenatal High‐Fat Diet Through Methylation Alteration of BDNF and Grin2b in Offspring Hippocampus. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 61. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghai Yan
- Department of MedicineColumbia University New York NY USA
| | - Fei Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyBinzhou Medical College Yantai Shandong China
| | - Xiaoshuang Yan
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Translational Medicine of Malignant TumorSoochow University Suzhou China
| | - Hailong Ou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyGuizhou Medical University Guiyang Guizhou China
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