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Lazar VMA, Rahman S, Chowdhury NH, Hasan T, Akter S, Islam MS, Ahmed S, Baqui AH, Khanam R. Folate deficiency in pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: A nested case-control study. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04120. [PMID: 38991209 PMCID: PMC11239188 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth (PTB) and its complications are important public health problems. Its aetiology is multifactorial and involves both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Among the modifiable risk factors, micronutrient deficiencies, including maternal folate deficiency, are increasingly being studied in PTB. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of folate deficiency during pregnancy and examined its association with PTB among rural Bangladeshi women. Methods We conducted a nested case-control study using data from a population-based cohort of 3000 pregnant women who were enrolled between 8 and 19 weeks of gestation following ultrasound confirmation of gestational age. Sociodemographic, epidemiologic, clinical, and pregnancy outcomes data were collected through home visits, while blood samples were collected at enrolment and 24-28 weeks of gestation during pregnancy. We included all women who delivered preterm (defined as live births <37 weeks of gestation) as cases (n = 235) and a random sample of women having a term birth as controls (n = 658). The main exposure was folate concentrations in maternal serum during 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. We categorised women into folate deficient (<3 ng/mL) and not deficient (≥3 ng/mL). We then performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association between maternal folate levels and PTB, adjusting for relevant covariates. Results Thirty-eight per cent of the enrolled pregnant women were folate deficient. Maternal serum folate deficiency was significantly associated with PTB (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27-2.36). The risk of PTB was also higher among women who were of short stature (aOR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.27-2.63), primiparous (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.15-2.22), and had exposure to passive smoking (aOR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.02-2.31). Conclusions The prevalence of folate deficiency was high among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh, and folate deficiency was significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna Mauren Amy Lazar
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sayedur Rahman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Tarik Hasan
- Projahnmo Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Akter
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Abdullah H Baqui
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rasheda Khanam
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Liu Y, Zhou C, Shen R, Wang A, Zhang T, Cao Z. Dietary folate intake and serum klotho levels in adults aged 40-79 years: a cross-sectional study from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2007-2016. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1420087. [PMID: 39040924 PMCID: PMC11260802 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1420087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to explore the relationship between dietary folate intake and serum Klotho levels in adults from aged 40 to 79 years in the United States, seeking to elucidate the intricacies of their interaction. Methods Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2016. The survey research determined folate intake through a 24-h dietary recall and nutrient density modeling, and assessed Klotho levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between folate intake and Klotho levels was evaluated using weighted linear regression, and complemented by analysis via smoothed curve models for nuanced understanding. Results The study encompassed 10,278 participants, with an average age of 57.64 years, revealing a noteworthy positive correlation between dietary folate and serum Klotho levels. The regression coefficient stood at 0.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.05, 0.18) post-adjustment for various covariates. When dietary folate intake was categorized into quartiles, the second, third, and fourth quartiles exhibited statistically significant differences compared to the lowest quartile. This indicates that higher folate intake correlates with increased serum Klotho levels. These findings underscore the potential benefits of elevating folate intake to enhance serum Klotho levels. Stratified analysis indicated that this association was more pronounced among males aged 60 years or older and individuals with hypertension. Conclusion The findings suggest a significant correlation between increased dietary folate intake and elevated serum Klotho levels in adults aged 40-79 years. Hinting at the potential nutritional influences on the aging process and associated health conditions. This calls for further exploration into the mechanisms and broader implications of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Guihang 300 Hospital Affiliated to Zunyi Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chunhuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Guihang 300 Hospital Affiliated to Zunyi Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Rongjun Shen
- Hospital Infection Control Department, Guihang 300 Hospital Affiliated to Zunyi Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Anxian Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Guihang 300 Hospital Affiliated to Zunyi Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guihang 300 Hospital Affiliated to Zunyi Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhengyuan Cao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Guihang 300 Hospital Affiliated to Zunyi Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Jacobson DL, Crider KS, DeMarrais P, Brummel S, Zhang M, Pfeiffer CM, Moore CA, McCarthy K, Johnston B, Mohammed T, Vhembo T, Kabugho E, Muzorah GA, Cassim H, Fairlie L, Machado ES, Ngocho JS, Shapiro RL, Serghides L, Chakhtoura N, Chinula L, Lockman S. Dolutegravir- Versus Efavirenz-Based Treatment in Pregnancy: Impact on Red Blood Cell Folate Concentrations in Pregnant Women and Their Infants. J Infect Dis 2024:jiae308. [PMID: 38877762 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae308] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In IMPAACT 2010/VESTED, pregnant women were randomized to initiate dolutegravir (DTG)+emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), DTG+FTC/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), or efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF. We assessed red blood cell folate concentrations (RBC-folate) at maternal study entry and delivery, and infant birth. RBC-folate outcomes were: 1) maternal change entry to delivery (trajectory), 2) infant, 3) ratio of infant-to-maternal delivery. Generalized estimating equation models for each log(folate) outcome were fit to estimate adjusted geometric mean ratio (Adj-GMR)/GMR trajectories (Adj-GMRT) of each arm comparison in 340 mothers and 310 infants. Overall, 90% of mothers received folic acid supplements and 78% lived in Africa. At entry, median maternal age was 25 years, gestational age was 22 weeks, CD4 count was 482 cells/mm3 and log10HIV RNA was 3 copies/mL. Entry RBC-folate was similar across arms. Adj-GMRT of maternal folate was 3% higher in the DTG+FTC/TAF versus EFV/FTC/TDF arm (1.03, 95%CI 1.00, 1.06). The DTG+FTC/TAF arm had an 8% lower infant-maternal folate ratio (0.92, 95%CI 0.78, 1.09) versus EFV/FTC/TDF. Results are consistent with no clinically meaningful differences between arms for all RBC-folate outcomes and they suggest that cellular uptake of folate and folate transport to the infant do not differ in pregnant women starting DTG- vs. EFV-based ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise L Jacobson
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krista S Crider
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Patricia DeMarrais
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sean Brummel
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mindy Zhang
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christine M Pfeiffer
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Tichaona Vhembo
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Haseena Cassim
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lee Fairlie
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth S Machado
- Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - James S Ngocho
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tanzania
| | - Roger L Shapiro
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lena Serghides
- University Health Network and Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Lameck Chinula
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Özdemir ES, Bulut Dİ, Sağlam ASY, İşgör B, Elmas Ç. The effect of folic acid supplementation and folate deficiency on embryo implantation. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100895. [PMID: 38824709 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100895] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Implantation is a critical stage of pregnancy, which occurs in a short period of interaction between the receptive endometrium and the embryo. Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic derivative of folate and is recommended as a pre-conceptional supplement. However, the impact of different doses of FA supplementation and folate deficiency during the early stages of pregnancy requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of FA supplementation and folate deficiency on expression of Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ER-α), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGFA), and Integrin alpha V and beta3 (Integrin αVβ3). A total of 32, 6-8-week old Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups of control, folate-deficiency, low-dose, and high-dose FA supplement groups. After five weeks of FA supplementation and folate deficiency model formation, mated rats were sacrificed on the 5th gestational day (GD), and implantation sites were collected. The expression of ER- α, VEGFA, and Integrin αVβ3 in the implantation sites were examined with immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. The results revealed that the mRNA levels of ESR1, VEGFA, and Integrin αV and β3 were significantly increased in the high-dose FA group and significantly decreased in the folate deficiency group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Based on these results, it can be concluded that FA supplementation before pregnancy has positive effects on the maintenance of pregnancy, and folate deficiency may lead to implantation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Seda Özdemir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Deniz İrem Bulut
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atiye Seda Yar Sağlam
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Belgin İşgör
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Atilim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Elmas
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Wiedeman AM, Miliku K, Moraes TJ, Mandhane PJ, Simons E, Subbarao P, Turvey SE, Zwicker JG, Devlin AM. Women in Canada are consuming above the upper intake level of folic acid but few are meeting dietary choline recommendations in the second trimester of pregnancy: data from the CHILD cohort study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:868-873. [PMID: 38320263 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0258] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
There is concern that during a low-risk pregnancy, women are consuming more than recommended (400 µg/day) supplemental folic acid and may not meet recommendations for other nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine folic acid supplement use and dietary folate intakes in the second trimester (week 18) of pregnancy in women (n = 2996) in the Canadian CHILD cohort study. Vitamin B12 and choline intakes were also assessed because they are metabolically related to folate. The majority of participants (71.6%) were consuming a daily prenatal supplement. Twenty-eight percent of women (n = 847) reported consuming a folic acid supplement and of these women, 45.3% had daily supplemental folic acid intakes above the upper intake level (UL; 1000 µg/day). Daily dietary folate intakes were (mean (SD)) 575 (235) DFE µg/day. In contrast, only 24.8% of women met the dietary choline adequate intake (AI) recommendation (AI ≥ 450 mg/day) with a mean (SD) intake of 375 (151) mg/day. Further understanding of the impact of supplemental folic acid intake above the UL and low choline intake during pregnancy requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra M Wiedeman
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Kozeta Miliku
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Theo J Moraes
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | | | - Elinor Simons
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
| | - Padmaja Subbarao
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Stuart E Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jill G Zwicker
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Angela M Devlin
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
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6
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Ren Y, Yang M, Ren S, Ge Z, Cao Y, Qin X, Sheng J, Wang S. Placenta-Related Parameters at Delivery in Relation to Folic Acid Supplementation in Different Pregnancies. Nutrients 2024; 16:1729. [PMID: 38892661 PMCID: PMC11174953 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Folic acid plays an important role in the synthesis, repair, and methylation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Currently, most studies have focused on the effects of periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation on fetal development, and there is still a lack of population-based research exploring the association between FA use during pregnancy and placental development. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of FA supplementation in different pregnancies on placenta-related parameters at delivery. The study included 2708 pregnant women recruited from Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province, China, between May 2013 and September 2014. Information on FA use from one month before conception to delivery was collected. Placental length, width, and thickness were measured. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of FA supplementation in different pregnancies on placenta-related parameters. Based on multiple regression analysis, propensity score weighting was adopted to enhance comparability between different FA supplementation groups. Compared with FA non-users, FA supplementation before conception was associated with increased placental width (0.241 cm, 95%CI: 0.052-0.429, p = 0.013) and increased placental surface area (6.398 cm2, 95%CI: 1.407-11.389, p = 0.012), and FA use in early/middle pregnancy was, respectively, related with increased placental thickness (0.061 cm, 95%CI: 0.004-0.117, p = 0.036; 0.066 cm, 95%CI: 0.004-0.129, p = 0.038). FA use before conception could increase placental width and area, and FA use in early/middle pregnancy could increase placental thickness. To confirm the findings, further investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Ren
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Maoyuan Yang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Siyi Ren
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Zhihao Ge
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Yu Cao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Xinsheng Qin
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
| | - Jie Sheng
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; (Y.R.); (M.Y.); (S.R.); (Z.G.); (Y.C.); (X.Q.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China
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Tirore LL, Areba AS, Tamrat H, Habte A, Abame DE. Determinants of severity levels of anemia among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: multilevel analysis. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1367426. [PMID: 38655396 PMCID: PMC11035794 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1367426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Anemia is a severe public health problem affecting 54% of pregnant women in SSA Yet, only a limited number of studies have provided a partial assessment of the pooled prevalence and related determinants of the severity levels of anemia in pregnant women in SSA. Therefore, this study provides the most recent estimates of anemia severity levels and related determinants. Methods The most recent Demographic Health Survey (DHS) dataset of 21 Sub-Saharan African countries which were collected between 2015 and 2022 were used. A total of 14,098 pregnant women were included. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression was used. Results The pooled prevalence of anemia was 51.26%. Pregnant women who were in the old age groups, and who have attended secondary and higher education were less likely to be at higher levels of anemia. Those women who have given birth to >1 children in the last 5 years, pregnant women in second and third trimester and living in poorest households had greater odds of being at higher levels of anemia. Conclusion In Sub-Saharan Africa, anemia is a severe public health concern for pregnant mothers. When developing and implementing strategies for the prevention and control of anemia, it is imperative to take into account the individual and community circumstances. Programs for the prevention and control of anemia should incorporate the economic and educational empowerment of women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Habtamu Tamrat
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia
| | - Aklilu Habte
- Department of Public Health, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia
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Qi YP, Crider KS, Williams AM, Tripp K, Mapango C, Rhodes EC, Nyirenda E, Phiri F, Zhang M, Jabbar S, Pfeiffer CM, Pachón H, Zimmerman S, Williams JL. Folate and vitamin B 12 status and predicted neural tube defects risk among nonpregnant women of reproductive age from the Malawi National Micronutrient Survey, 2015-2016. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2329. [PMID: 38526193 PMCID: PMC11253844 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal folate and vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious adverse pregnancy outcomes. There are no nationally representative estimates on folate and vitamin B12 status among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Malawi. OBJECTIVE We assessed folate and vitamin B12 status among nonpregnant WRA in Malawi and predicted the risk of folate-sensitive neural tube defects (NTDs) were they to become pregnant. METHODS Using data from the cross-sectional, nationally representative 2015-2016 Malawi Micronutrient Survey, we calculated the proportion of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency by demographic characteristics among 778 nonpregnant WRA (15-49 years). We predicted NTD prevalence using red blood cell (RBC) folate distributions and a published Bayesian model of the association between RBC folate and NTD risk. Analyses accounted for complex survey design. RESULTS Among WRA, 8.5% (95% CI: 6.2, 11.6) and 13.3% (10.0, 17.4) had serum (<7 nmol/L) and RBC folate (<305 nmol/L) deficiency, respectively. The proportion of vitamin B12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L) and insufficiency (≤221 pmol/L) was 11.8% (8.6, 16.0) and 40.6% (34.1, 47.4), respectively. RBC folate insufficiency (<748 nmol/L, defined as the concentration associated with the threshold for elevated NTD risk: >8 cases per 10,000 births) was widespread: 81.4% (75.0, 86.4). The predicted NTD risk nationally was 24.7 cases per 10,000 live births. RBC folate insufficiency and higher predicted NTD risk were more common among WRA living in urban areas or with higher education. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of nutritional and NTD surveillance in Malawi and the opportunity for improving folate and vitamin B12 nutrition among Malawian WRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ping Qi
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Krista S. Crider
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Katie Tripp
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carine Mapango
- National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Rhodes
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eunice Nyirenda
- Department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Felix Phiri
- Department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mindy Zhang
- National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shameem Jabbar
- National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Helena Pachón
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Food Fortification Initiative, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah Zimmerman
- McKing Consulting Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Williams
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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9
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White M, Abdo H, Grynspan D, Mieghem TV, Connor KL. Altered placental immune cell composition and gene expression with isolated fetal spina bifida. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13836. [PMID: 38528656 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13836] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Fetal spina bifida (SB) is more common in pregnant people with folate deficiency or anomalies of folate metabolism. It is also known that fetuses with SB have a higher risk of low birthweight, a condition that is typically placental-mediated. We therefore hypothesized that fetal SB would associate with altered expression of key placental folate transporters and an increase in Hofbauer cells (HBCs), which are folate-dependent placental macrophages. METHOD OF STUDY Folate receptor-α (FRα), proton coupled folate receptor (PCFT), and reduced folate carrier (RFC) protein localization and expression (immunohistochemistry) and HBC phenotypes (HBC abundance and folate receptor-β [FRβ] expression; RNA in situ hybridization) were assessed in placentae from fetuses with SB (cases; n = 12) and in term (n = 10) and gestational age (GA) - and maternal body mass index - matched (n = 12) controls without congenital anomalies. RESULTS Cases had a higher proportion of placental villous cells that were HBCs (6.9% vs. 2.4%, p = .0001) and higher average HBC FRβ expression (3.2 mRNA molecules per HBC vs. 2.3, p = .03) than GA-matched controls. HBCs in cases were largely polarized to a regulatory phenotype (median 92.1% of HBCs). In sex-stratified analyses, only male cases had higher HBC levels and HBC FRβ expression than GA-matched controls. There were no differences between groups in the total percent of syncytium and stromal cells that were positive for FRα, PCFT, or RFC protein immunolabeling. CONCLUSIONS HBC abundance and FRβ expression by HBCs are increased in placentae of fetuses with SB, suggesting immune-mediated dysregulation in placental phenotype, and could contribute to SB-associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina White
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hasan Abdo
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristin L Connor
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Bokor S, Csölle I, Felső R, Vass RA, Funke S, Ertl T, Molnár D. Dietary nutrients during gestation cause obesity and related metabolic changes by altering DNA methylation in the offspring. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1287255. [PMID: 38449848 PMCID: PMC10916691 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1287255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence shows that maternal nutrition from preconception until lactation has an important effect on the development of non-communicable diseases in the offspring. Biological responses to environmental stress during pregnancy, including undernutrition or overnutrition of various nutrients, are transmitted in part by DNA methylation. The aim of the present narrative review is to summarize literature data on altered DNA methylation patterns caused by maternal macronutrient or vitamin intake and its association with offspring's phenotype (obesity and related metabolic changes). With our literature search, we found evidence for the association between alterations in DNA methylation pattern of different genes caused by maternal under- or overnutrition of several nutrients (protein, fructose, fat, vitamin D, methyl-group donor nutrients) during 3 critical periods of programming (preconception, pregnancy, lactation) and the development of obesity or related metabolic changes (glucose, insulin, lipid, leptin, adiponectin levels, blood pressure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) in offspring. The review highlights that maternal consumption of several nutrients could individually affect the development of offspring's obesity and related metabolic changes via alterations in DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Bokor
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Csölle
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Regina Felső
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Réka A. Vass
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Magyar Imre Hospital Ajka, Ajka, Hungary
| | - Simone Funke
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tibor Ertl
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dénes Molnár
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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11
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Forsby M, Hulander E, Amberntsson A, Brembeck P, Winkvist A, Bärebring L, Augustin H. Nutritional intake and determinants of nutritional quality changes from pregnancy to postpartum-a longitudinal study. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:1245-1256. [PMID: 38370042 PMCID: PMC10867539 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Nutrient requirements vary across the reproductive cycle, but research on changes in nutritional intake and quality from pregnancy to beyond the lactation period is limited. Thus, we aimed to study nutritional intake and quality changes, among Swedish pregnant participants from late pregnancy to 18 months postpartum and to study the determinants of nutritional quality changes. Participants (n = 72) were studied longitudinally from the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum (2 weeks 4, 12, and 18 months postpartum). At each visit, participant characteristics and 4-day food diaries were collected. Nutritional quality was assessed by energy adjusted Nutrient Rich Food Index 11.3. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the determinants of change in nutritional quality. Intakes of carbohydrate energy percentage (E%), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium were higher in the third trimester compared to postpartum, whereas intakes of E% protein and monounsaturated fat were lower. Adherence to recommended intakes was low at all study visits for saturated fat (4%-11%), fiber (15%-39%), vitamin D (8%-14%), folate (0%-2%), and iron (6%-21%). Overall, nutritional quality did not differ significantly from third trimester to postpartum. Shorter duration (<4 months) of lactation was negatively related to nutritional quality changes, whereas higher age was positively related to changes. In conclusion, nutritional intake from pregnancy to postpartum changed, whereas quality remained relatively stable, with age and lactation duration as determinants. Identification of people at risk of adverse dietary changes from pregnancy to the postpartum period should be further addressed in future larger and more diverse study populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilda Forsby
- Institute of Medicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Erik Hulander
- Institute of Medicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | | | - Petra Brembeck
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Anna Winkvist
- Institute of Medicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | | | - Hanna Augustin
- Institute of Medicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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12
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Cochrane KM, Elango R, Devlin AM, Mayer C, Hutcheon JA, Karakochuk CD. Supplementation with (6 S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid appears as effective as folic acid in maintaining maternal folate status while reducing unmetabolised folic acid in maternal plasma: a randomised trial of pregnant women in Canada. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:92-102. [PMID: 37649241 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523001733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Folic acid supplementation is recommended during pregnancy to support healthy fetal development; (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid ((6S)-5-MTHF) is available in some commercial prenatal vitamins as an alternative to folic acid, but its effect on blood folate status during pregnancy is unknown. To address this, we randomised sixty pregnant individuals at 8-21 weeks' gestation to 0·6 mg/d folic acid or (6S)-5-MTHF × 16 weeks. Fasting blood specimens were collected at baseline and after 16 weeks (endline). Erythrocyte and serum folate were quantified via microbiological assay (as globally recommended) and plasma unmetabolised folic acid (UMFA) via LC-MS/MS. Differences in biochemical folate markers between groups were explored using multivariable linear/quantile regression, adjusting for baseline concentrations, dietary folate intake and gestational weeks. At endline (n 54), the mean values and standard deviations (or median, inter-quartile range) of erythrocyte folate, serum folate and plasma UMFA (nmol/l) in those supplemented with (6S)-5-MTHF v. folic acid, respectively, were 1826 (sd 471) and 1998 (sd 421); 70 (sd 13) and 78 (sd 17); 0·5 (0·4, 0·8) and 1·3 (0·9, 2·1). In regression analyses, erythrocyte and serum folate did not differ by treatment group; however, concentrations of plasma UMFA in pregnancy were 0·6 nmol/l higher (95 % CI 0·2, 1·1) in those supplementing with folic acid as compared with (6S)-5-MTHF. In conclusion, supplementation with (6S)-5-MTHF may reduce plasma UMFA by ∼50 % as compared with supplementation with folic acid, the biological relevance of which is unclear. As folate is currently available for purchase in both forms, the impact of circulating maternal UMFA on perinatal outcomes needs to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Cochrane
- Food, Nutrition, and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rajavel Elango
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
- Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Angela M Devlin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
- Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Chantal Mayer
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Hutcheon
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Crystal D Karakochuk
- Food, Nutrition, and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
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13
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Anabire NG, Aculley B, Pobee A, Kyei-Baafour E, Awandare GA, Del Pilar Quintana M, Hviid L, Ofori MF. High burden of asymptomatic malaria and anaemia despite high adherence to malaria control measures: a cross-sectional study among pregnant women across two seasons in a malaria-endemic setting in Ghana. Infection 2023; 51:1717-1729. [PMID: 37300587 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02058-z] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anaemia remains a serious concern among pregnant women, and thus, it is closely monitored from the onset of pregnancy through to delivery to help prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In malaria-endemic settings, continuous low-level carriage of P. falciparum parasites is common and its contribution to maternal anaemia should not be underestimated. In this study, we evaluated the impact of adherence to malaria control measures [number of antenatal clinics (ANC) attended, supervised intake of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP), and use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs)] on asymptomatic malaria and anaemia outcomes among pregnant women on ANC in hospitals in the Central region of Ghana. METHODS The study was conducted during two seasons; October-November 2020 (dry season, n = 124) and May-June 2021 (rainy season, n = 145). Among the women, there was a high adherence to the control measures for both seasons (ANC ≥ 3 visits; ~ 82.0%, intake of SP; ~ 80.0% and ITNs use; ~ 75.0%). RESULTS Asymptomatic P. falciparum carriage was high for both seasons (44.4% for the dry season; 46.9% for the rainy season). Correspondingly, the occurrence of anaemia was high for both seasons (57.3% for the dry season; 68.3% for the rainy season) and was strongly predicted by carriage of P. falciparum parasites. Despite the high adherence to ANC protocols, asymptomatic P. falciparum infection was common and contributed to the high burden of maternal anaemia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the need for improved control measures that can clear asymptomatic/sub-microscopic P. falciparum infection and protect against malaria-induced anaemia among pregnant women attending ANC in malaria endemic-settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nsoh Godwin Anabire
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Belinda Aculley
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abigail Pobee
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Kyei-Baafour
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Maria Del Pilar Quintana
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael F Ofori
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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14
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Mehra P, Ekta, Shukla S. Managing endometrial calcifications using Kshara Taila and Phalaghrita Uttara Basti: A case report. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2023; 14:100827. [PMID: 38070240 PMCID: PMC10755534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100827] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial calcification is an uncommon clinical entity. They can be detected during pelvic ultrasonography or as incidental pathologic findings. Most of the cases are asymptomatic or present with secondary infertility and menstrual anomalies. Its definite etiology is still not known and the pathogenesis is uncertain; its clinical importance is not yet fully validated. Since there is no exact simulating disease to compare this condition in Ayurveda; according to the features involved in its pathophysiology; involvement of Tridosha has been contemplated. Therefore, the management of endometrial calcifications is conducted by considering the specific Dosha involved. Uttara Basti is a minimally invasive procedure that can be easily performed as an outpatient procedure, offering a more convenient and cost-effective approach to enhance the treatment of endometrial calcifications. Here in this case study, the patient had been diagnosed with endometrial calcifications and was subsequently scheduled for an Ayurvedic management protocol. The procedure of Uttara Basti with Kshara Oil and Phala ghrita, was undertaken for a duration of 3 consecutive months, following the cessation of menstrual flow. The patient experienced improvment in scanty menses, her USG showed a reduction in endometrial calcification. Furthermore, she was conceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Mehra
- Department (Prasuti Tantra evum Stree Roga), RGGPG Ayurvedic college and Hospital Paprola, H.P, India.
| | - Ekta
- Department (Prasuti Tantra evum Stree Roga), RGGPG Ayurvedic college and Hospital Paprola, H.P, India
| | - Seema Shukla
- Department (Prasuti Tantra evum Stree Roga), RGGPG Ayurvedic college and Hospital Paprola, H.P, India
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15
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Xu Z, Li Y, Liu Y, Liu S, Zhang L, Wang J, Su S, Liu L, Meng L, Zhu H, Sun J, Shao L, Li L, Zhai Y, Li G, Cao Z. Diverse associations observed between pregnancy complications and RBC or plasma folates determined by an in-house developed LC-MS/MS method. Ann Med 2023; 55:2265381. [PMID: 37824254 PMCID: PMC10572033 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2265381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As folates are essential for embryonic development and growth, it is necessary to accurately determine the levels of folates in plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) for clinical intervention. The aims of this study were to develop and validate a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for quantitation of folates in plasma and RBCs and to examine the association between plasma and RBC folate concentrations and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE). METHODS With the in-house developed LC-MS/MS, a retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The healthy pregnant women of first- (n = 147), second- (n = 84) and third-trimester (n = 141) or the women diagnosed with GDM (n = 84), GH (n = 58) or PE (n = 23), that were aged between 22 and 46 years old and registered at our institute, were subjected for measurement of folic acid (FA) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), followed by appropriate statistical association analysis. RESULTS The assay for simultaneous quantitation of FA and 5-MTHF in plasma and RBCs was linear, stable, with imprecision less than 15% and recoveries within ±10%. The lower limits of quantification for FA and 5-MTHF measurement in whole blood were 0.57 and 1.09 nmol/L, and in plasma were 0.5 and 1 nmol/L, respectively. In the association analysis, the patients with lower RBC folate level (<906 nmol/L) presented higher risks of PE development (OR 4.861 [95% CI 1.411-16.505]) by logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression in a nonlinear fashion. In addition, higher level of plasma folates in pregnancy was significantly associated with GH risk but may be protective for the development of GDM. CONCLUSIONS The in-house developed LC-MS/MS method for folates and metabolites in plasma or RBC showed satisfactory analytical performance for clinical application. Further, the levels of folates and metabolites were diversely associated with GDM, GH and PE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Youran Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | | | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shaofei Su
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hongyuan Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingru Sun
- Health Biotech Co. Ltd, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lijun Shao
- Health Biotech Co. Ltd, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Health Biotech Co. Ltd, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yanhong Zhai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guanghui Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, PR China
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16
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Gaml-Sørensen A, Brix N, Lunddorf LLH, Ernst A, Høyer BB, Olsen SF, Granström C, Toft G, Henriksen TB, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal intake of folate and folic acid during pregnancy and pubertal timing in girls and boys: A population-based cohort study. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:618-629. [PMID: 37132131 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folate is essential for normal foetal development as it plays an important role for gene expression during different periods of foetal development. Thus, prenatal exposure to folate may have a programming effect on pubertal timing. OBJECTIVES To study the association between maternal intake of folate during pregnancy and pubertal timing in girls and boys. METHODS We studied 6585 girls and 6326 boys from a Danish population-based Puberty Cohort, 2000-2021. Information on maternal intake of folate from diet and folic acid from supplements was obtained from a food-frequency questionnaire in mid-pregnancy, and total folate was calculated as dietary folate equivalents. Information on age at menarche in girls, age at first ejaculation and voice break in boys, and Tanner stages, acne and axillary hair in both girls and boys was obtained every 6 months throughout puberty. We estimated mean monthly differences according to exposure groups for each pubertal milestone in addition to a combined estimate for the average age at attaining all pubertal milestones using multivariable interval-censored regression models. Total folate was analysed in quintiles, continuous and as restricted cubic splines. RESULTS Maternal intake of total folate in mid-pregnancy was not associated with pubertal timing in girls (combined estimate for overall pubertal timing per standard deviation (SD 325 μg/day) decrease in maternal intake of total folate: -0.14 months (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.51, 0.22)). Boys had slightly later overall pubertal timing per standard deviation (SD 325 μg/day) decrease in maternal intake of total folate (combined estimate: 0.40 months, 95% CI 0.01, 0.72). Spline plots supported these findings. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to low maternal intake of total folate in mid-pregnancy was not associated with pubertal timing in girls but associated with slightly later pubertal timing in boys. This minor delay is likely not of clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | | | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sjurdur Frodi Olsen
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen S, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Charlotta Granström
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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17
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Addo EK, Allman SJ, Arunkumar R, Gorka JE, Harrison DY, Varner MW, Bernstein PS. Systemic Effects of Prenatal Carotenoid Supplementation in the Mother and her Child: The Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) Randomized Trial -Report Number 1. J Nutr 2023; 153:2205-2215. [PMID: 37247819 PMCID: PMC10447612 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.05.024] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adding carotenoids, particularly lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), to prenatal micronutrient formulations has been promoted to enhance infant visual and neural development and to maintain maternal health. Although these claims are biologically plausible, they are not yet supported by a compelling prospective trial. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of prenatal carotenoid supplementation on biomarkers of maternal and infant systemic carotenoid status. METHODS We randomly assigned 47 first trimester pregnant subjects by 1:1 allocation to receive standard-of-care prenatal vitamins plus a 10 mg L and 2 mg Z softgel (the Carotenoid group) or standard-of-care prenatal vitamins with a placebo softgel (the Control group) for 6-8 mo. Maternal carotenoid concentrations in the serum and skin at the end of each trimester and postpartum were measured with HPLC and resonance Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Infants' systemic carotenoid status was assessed using similar techniques but optimized for infants. Repeated measures and paired t-tests were determined, and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS After supplementation, there was a statistically significant increase in maternal serum L + Z concentrations, serum total carotenoid concentrations, and skin carotenoid status (P < 0.001 for all) in the Carotenoid group relative to the Control group at all study time points. Similarly, infants whose mothers were in the Carotenoid group had a significant 5-fold increase in cord blood L + Z concentrations, over a 3-fold increase in cord blood total carotenoids, and a 38% increase in skin carotenoids compared with the Control group (P < 0.0001 for all). In addition, there was a strong positive, statistically significant correlation between postpartum maternal and infant systemic carotenoid status (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Prenatal carotenoid supplementation significantly increased maternal and infant systemic (skin and serum) carotenoid status, which may benefit pregnant women and their infants' health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03750968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel K Addo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Susan J Allman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ranganathan Arunkumar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joanna E Gorka
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Deborah Y Harrison
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael W Varner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paul S Bernstein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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18
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Cochrane KM, Elango R, Devlin AM, Hutcheon JA, Karakochuk CD. Human milk unmetabolized folic acid is increased following supplementation with synthetic folic acid as compared to (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11298. [PMID: 37438496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38224-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Folic acid supplementation is recommended perinatally, but may increase unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in human milk; this is concerning as it is an inactive form which may be less bioavailable for the infant. "Natural" (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid [(6S)-5-MTHF] is available as an alternative to folic acid, and may prevent the accumulation of UMFA in human milk. Pregnant women (n = 60) were enrolled at 8-21 weeks of gestation and randomized to 0.6 mg/day folic acid or (6S)-5-MTHF. At ~ 1-week postpartum, participants provided a human milk specimen. Total human milk folate (nmol/L) and concentrations of UMFA (nmol/L) were quantified via LC-MS/MS. Differences between groups were evaluated using multivariable quantile/linear regression, adjusting for dietary folate, weeks supplementing, and milk collection methods. No significant difference in total milk folate was found; however, the median milk UMFA concentration was 11 nmol/L higher in those receiving folic acid versus (6S)-5-MTHF (95% CI = 6.4-17 nmol/L), with UMFA representing 28% and 2% of total milk folate. In conclusion, the form of supplemental folate had markedly differential effects on the human milk folate profile, with folic acid increasing the mean proportion of milk UMFA by ~ 14-fold. Investigation of whether increased UMFA impacts folate-related metabolism and infant health outcomes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Cochrane
- Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rajavel Elango
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Angela M Devlin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Hutcheon
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Crystal D Karakochuk
- Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Healthy Starts, Vancouver, Canada.
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19
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Sainty R, Silver MJ, Prentice AM, Monk D. The influence of early environment and micronutrient availability on developmental epigenetic programming: lessons from the placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1212199. [PMID: 37484911 PMCID: PMC10358779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1212199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most commonly studied epigenetic mark in humans, as it is well recognised as a stable, heritable mark that can affect genome function and influence gene expression. Somatic DNA methylation patterns that can persist throughout life are established shortly after fertilisation when the majority of epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, are erased from the pre-implantation embryo. Therefore, the period around conception is potentially critical for influencing DNA methylation, including methylation at imprinted alleles and metastable epialleles (MEs), loci where methylation varies between individuals but is correlated across tissues. Exposures before and during conception can affect pregnancy outcomes and health throughout life. Retrospective studies of the survivors of famines, such as those exposed to the Dutch Hunger Winter of 1944-45, have linked exposures around conception to later disease outcomes, some of which correlate with DNA methylation changes at certain genes. Animal models have shown more directly that DNA methylation can be affected by dietary supplements that act as cofactors in one-carbon metabolism, and in humans, methylation at birth has been associated with peri-conceptional micronutrient supplementation. However, directly showing a role of micronutrients in shaping the epigenome has proven difficult. Recently, the placenta, a tissue with a unique hypomethylated methylome, has been shown to possess great inter-individual variability, which we highlight as a promising target tissue for studying MEs and mixed environmental exposures. The placenta has a critical role shaping the health of the fetus. Placenta-associated pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, are all associated with aberrant patterns of DNA methylation and expression which are only now being linked to disease risk later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sainty
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Matt J. Silver
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Prentice
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - David Monk
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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20
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Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Sun Q, Coull B, McElrath T, Rifas-Shiman SL, Martin L, Sun Y, Wang YX, Oken E, Cardenas A, Messerlian C. Association of Early Pregnancy Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure With Birth Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2314934. [PMID: 37256622 PMCID: PMC10233420 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.14934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Prenatal perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to adverse birth outcomes. Previous research showed that higher folate concentrations are associated with lower blood PFAS concentrations in adolescents and adults. Further studies are needed to explore whether prenatal folate status mitigates PFAS-related adverse birth outcomes. Objective To examine whether prenatal folate status modifies the negative associations between pregnancy PFAS concentrations, birth weight, and gestational age previously observed in a US cohort. Design, Setting, and Participants In a prospective design, a prebirth cohort of mothers or pregnant women was recruited between April 1999 and November 2002, in Project Viva, a study conducted in eastern Massachusetts. Statistical analyses were performed from May 24 and October 25, 2022. Exposure Plasma concentrations of 6 PFAS compounds were measured in early pregnancy (median gestational week, 9.6). Folate status was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire and measured in plasma samples collected in early pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures Birth weight and gestational age, abstracted from delivery records; birth weight z score, standardized by gestational age and infant sex; low birth weight, defined as birth weight less than 2500 g; and preterm birth, defined as birth at less than 37 completed gestational weeks. Results The cohort included a total of 1400 mother-singleton pairs. The mean (SD) age of the mothers was 32.21 (4.89) years. Most of the mothers were White (73.2%) and had a college degree or higher (69.1%). Early pregnancy plasma perfluorooctanoic acid concentration was associated with lower birth weight and birth weight z score only among mothers whose dietary folate intake (birth weight: β, -89.13 g; 95% CI, -166.84 to -11.42 g; birth weight z score: -0.13; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.003) or plasma folate concentration (birth weight: -87.03 g; 95% CI, -180.11 to 6.05 g; birth weight z score: -0.14; 95% CI, -0.30 to 0.02) were below the 25th percentile (dietary: 660 μg/d, plasma: 14 ng/mL). No associations were found among mothers in the higher folate level groups, although the tests for heterogeneity did not reject the null. Associations between plasma perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) concentrations and lower birth weight, and between PFNA and earlier gestational age were noted only among mothers whose prenatal dietary folate intake or plasma folate concentration was in the lowest quartile range. No associations were found among mothers in higher folate status quartile groups. Conclusions and Relevance In this large, US prebirth cohort, early pregnancy exposure to select PFAS compounds was associated with adverse birth outcomes only among mothers below the 25th percentile of prenatal dietary or plasma folate levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs, Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health Grenada, Spain
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brent Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas McElrath
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leah Martin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston
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21
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Hohman EE, Corr TE, Kawasaki S, Savage JS, Symons Downs D. Nutritional Status Differs by Prescription Opioid Use among Women of Reproductive Age: NHANES 1999-2018. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081891. [PMID: 37111110 PMCID: PMC10144164 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081891] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prescription opioid use among pregnant women has increased in recent years. Prenatal exposure to opioids and poor nutrition can both negatively impact maternal-fetal outcomes. The objective of this study was to characterize the nutrition and health status of reproductive-age women taking prescription opioids, compared to women not taking opioids. Using NHANES 1999-2018 data, non-pregnant women aged 20-44 years were classified as taking a prescription opioid in the last 30 days (n = 404) or unexposed controls (n = 7234). Differences in anthropometric, cardiovascular, hematologic, and micronutrient status indicators between opioid-exposed and unexposed women were examined. Opioid-exposed women were older, had lower income and education, and were more likely to be non-Hispanic White, to smoke, and to have chronic health conditions compared to unexposed women. In unadjusted analyses, several nutrition and health markers were significantly different between opioid exposure groups. After controlling for covariates, women taking opioids had higher odds of Class II (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.3) or III obesity (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.5), and lower levels of serum folate, iron, and transferrin saturation. Reproductive-age women taking prescription opioids may be at risk for poorer nutritional and cardiometabolic health. Future research is needed to explore whether nutritional status impacts maternal-fetal outcomes for women exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Hohman
- Center for Childhood Obesity Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Tammy E Corr
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sarah Kawasaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jennifer S Savage
- Center for Childhood Obesity Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Danielle Symons Downs
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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22
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Adelo ES, Ergena AE, Emiru YK, Ayele S, Muche HA. Dietary Supplements Intake During Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:559-569. [PMID: 37069962 PMCID: PMC10105568 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s388656] [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: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pregnant women are expected to take one or more dietary supplements (DS) like iron, folic acid, zinc, calcium, magnesium, prenatal vitamins, etc. for maternal and child health during pregnancy. Despite its growing use in Ethiopia, data concerning currently marketed maternal DS products have not been intensively investigated so far. Taking into consideration the existing problem, this study was set out to assess the prevalence and commonly used DS during pregnancy in a referral hospital in Ethiopia. Methods A facility based cross-sectional study was employed to conduct this study from November 2020 to January 2021. The sample size was obtained by using the single population proportion formula and participants were selected and approached by using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to describe continuous and categorical variables and multivariate logistic regression was used to observe the association of the independent variables to the dependent variable. Results The overall prevalence of DS use was 84.2% and the most used product was Fefol (iron and folate supplement) (62.4%). A majority (87.8%) of DS products were obtained by prescription. In multivariate regression analysis, DS use during pregnancy was significant among nulliparous women and women who went to college and above [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 8.142, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.298-51.070)] and [AOR: 9.259, 95% CI (1.998-42.906)], respectively. Conclusion Even though the prevalence of DS practice showed improvement among the study participants, the duration of the DS intake is less than that recommended by the WHO. Pregnant women who did not have birth before and who went to college or above showed significant association with the use of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyerusalem Shello Adelo
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Elias Ergena
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Kelifa Emiru
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sileshi Ayele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Haymanot Alem Muche
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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23
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Tanigawa K, Ikehara S, Cui M, Kawanishi Y, Kimura T, Ueda K, Yamagishi K, Iso H. Association Between Interpregnancy Interval and Risk of Preterm Birth and Its Modification by Folate Intake: The Japan Environment and Children's Study. J Epidemiol 2023; 33:113-119. [PMID: 34024875 PMCID: PMC9909173 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20210031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) have been associated with risk of preterm birth, but the evidence is limited in Asians. It is also uncertain whether the association is modified by dietary folate intake or folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Thus, we examined associations between IPI and risk of preterm birth and effect modification of those associations by dietary intake of folate and supplementation with folic acid on the basis of a nationwide birth cohort study. METHODS Among 103,062 pregnancies registered in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, 55,203 singleton live-birth pregnancies were included in the analysis. We calculated IPI using birth date, gestational age at birth of offspring, and birth data of the latest offspring. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk of preterm birth were estimated according to IPI categories. RESULTS Both <6-month and ≥120-month IPIs were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, compared with an 18-23-month IPI. The multivariable ORs were 1.63 (95% CI, 1.30-2.04) for <6-month and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.11-1.79) for ≥120-month IPIs. These associations were confined to women with inadequate intake of dietary folate and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Multivariable ORs were 1.76 (95% CI, 1.35-2.29) for <6-month IPI and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.24-2.19) for ≥120-month IPI. CONCLUSION Both <6-month and ≥120-month IPIs were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. These higher risks were confined to women with inadequate intake of dietary folate and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanami Tanigawa
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Satoyo Ikehara
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Meishan Cui
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Yoko Kawanishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Kimiko Ueda
- Osaka Maternal and Child Health Information Center, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital
| | - Kazumasa Yamagishi
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba
| | - Hiroyasu Iso
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.,Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba
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24
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Zhu L, Zhou Y, Fu Y, Sun W, Chen J, Yu N, Zhao M. Association of Folic Acid Supplementation, Dietary Folate Intake and Serum Folate Levels with Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Matched Case-Control Study. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2023; 69:28-37. [PMID: 36858538 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.69.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Periconceptional folate supplementation is prevalent, raising concerns about possible side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of folic acid supplementation, dietary folate, serum folate with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. In this matched case-control study, 81 pregnant women with GDM (cases) and 81 pregnant women with non-GDM (controls) were identified through age difference (≤3 y) and parity (Both primipara or multipara women) matching, and serum folate levels were measured during the GDM screening (24-28 gestational wk). Folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake from three months prepregnancy through midpregnancy were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between folate and GDM. After adjusting for confounding factors, we observed that compared with folic acid supplementation dose ≤400 μg/d, pregnancies without folic acid supplementation and supplemental dose >800 μg/d were associated with GDM risk (adjusted odds ratio=7.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.34-39.36; adjusted odds ratio=4.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-17.22), while no significant association with a 400-800 μg/d dose of folic acid supplementation and GDM. Compared with folic acid supplementation dose ≤24 wk, pregnancies without folic acid supplementation were associated with GDM risk (adjusted odds ratio=6.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.22-36.77), while no significant association with folic acid supplementation dose >24 wk and GDM. No significant association of dietary folate and serum folate with GDM was found. No or a higher dose of folic acid supplementation would increase GDM risk and a dose of <800 μg/d is the safe dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University
| | - Ya Zhou
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology
| | - Yueqi Fu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University
| | | | - Jing Chen
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University
| | | | - Mei Zhao
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University
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25
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Gaml‐Sørensen A, Brix N, Høyer BB, Tøttenborg SS, Hougaard KS, Bonde JPE, Clemmensen PJ, Ernst A, Arendt LH, Olsen SF, Granström C, Henriksen TB, Toft G, Ramlau‐Hansen CH. Maternal intake of folate and folic acid during pregnancy and markers of male fecundity: A population-based cohort study. Andrology 2023; 11:537-550. [PMID: 36524586 PMCID: PMC10947439 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor male fecundity is of concern, and a prenatal origin has been proposed. Folate, a methyl donor involved in DNA methylation, is essential for normal fetal development by regulating gene expression during different periods of fetal development. Thus, prenatal exposure to low maternal folate intake might have a programing function of the developing reproductive organs. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between maternal intake of folate from diet and folic acid from supplements during pregnancy and markers of fecundity in young men. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a follow-up study using a Danish mother-son cohort of 787 young men born 1998-2000. Percentage differences in semen characteristics, testes volume, and reproductive hormone levels were analyzed according to total folate calculated as dietary folate equivalents from diet and supplements in midpregnancy, using multivariable negative binomial regression models. Total folate was analyzed in quintiles, continuous per standard deviation decrease (SD: 318 μg/day) and as restricted cubic splines. RESULTS Low maternal intake of total folate was associated with lower total sperm count (-5% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: -11%; 2%)), a lower proportion of non-progressive and immotile spermatozoa (-5% [95% CI: -8%; -3%]), and lower testes volume (-4% [95% CI: -6%; -2%]) per SD decrease in total folate intake. Spline plots supported these findings. DISCUSSION The finding of a lower proportion of non-progressive and immotile spermatozoa, and hence a higher proportion of motile spermatozoa, in men of mothers with a lower intake of total folate in midpregnancy was surprising and may be a chance finding. CONCLUSION Lower maternal intake of total folate in midpregnancy was associated with lower sperm count and lower testes volume, however, also with a lower proportion of non-progressive and immotile spermatozoa in adult men. Whether this actually affects the ability to obtain a pregnancy warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gaml‐Sørensen
- Department of Public HealthResearch Unit for EpidemiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public HealthResearch Unit for EpidemiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
- Department of Clinical GeneticsAarhus University HospitalAarhus NDenmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineBispebjerg and Frederiksberg HospitalUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NVDenmark
- Open Patient data Explorative NetworkOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineBispebjerg and Frederiksberg HospitalUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NVDenmark
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
- National Research Centre for the Working EnvironmentCopenhagen OestDenmark
| | - Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineBispebjerg and Frederiksberg HospitalUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen NVDenmark
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
| | | | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public HealthResearch Unit for EpidemiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
- Department of UrologyAarhus University HospitalAarhus NDenmark
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public HealthResearch Unit for EpidemiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAarhus University HospitalAarhus NDenmark
| | - Sjurdur Frodi Olsen
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
- Department of Epidemiology ResearchStatens Serum InstitutCopenhagen SDenmark
| | - Charlotta Granström
- Department of Epidemiology ResearchStatens Serum InstitutCopenhagen SDenmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
- Department of PaediatricsAarhus University HospitalAarhus NDenmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center AarhusAarhus University HospitalAarhus NDenmark
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26
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Yao YL, Ma XY, Wang TY, Yan JY, Chen NF, Hong JS, Liu BQ, Xu ZQ, Zhang N, Lv C, Sun X, Luan JB. A bacteriocyte symbiont determines whitefly sex ratio by regulating mitochondrial function. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112102. [PMID: 36774548 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional symbionts influence host reproduction, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unclear. We previously found that the bacteriocyte symbiont Hamiltonella impacts the sex ratio of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Hamiltonella synthesizes folate by cooperation with the whitefly. Folate deficiency by Hamiltonella elimination or whitefly gene silencing distorted whitefly sex ratio, and folate supplementation restored the sex ratio. Hamiltonella deficiency or gene silencing altered histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) level, which was restored by folate supplementation. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq analysis of H3K9me3 indicated mitochondrial dysfunction in symbiont-deficient whiteflies. Hamiltonella deficiency compromised mitochondrial quality of whitefly ovaries. Repressing ovary mitochondrial function led to distorted whitefly sex ratio. These findings indicate that the symbiont-derived folate regulates host histone methylation modifications, which thereby impacts ovary mitochondrial function, and finally determines host sex ratio. Our study suggests that a nutritional symbiont can regulate animal reproduction in a way that differs from reproductive manipulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Lin Yao
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xin-Yu Ma
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Tian-Yu Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Jin-Yang Yan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Nai-Fei Chen
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ji-Sheng Hong
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Bing-Qi Liu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Zi-Qi Xu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Nuo Zhang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Jun-Bo Luan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
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Lucock MD. The evolution of human skin pigmentation: A changing medley of vitamins, genetic variability, and UV radiation during human expansion. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 180:252-271. [PMID: 36790744 PMCID: PMC10083917 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
This review examines putative, yet likely critical evolutionary pressures contributing to human skin pigmentation and subsequently, depigmentation phenotypes. To achieve this, it provides a synthesis of ideas that frame contemporary thinking, without limiting the narrative to pigmentation genes alone. It examines how geography and hence the quality and quantity of UV exposure, pigmentation genes, diet-related genes, vitamins, anti-oxidant nutrients, and cultural practices intersect and interact to facilitate the evolution of human skin color. The article has a strong focus on the vitamin D-folate evolutionary model, with updates on the latest biophysical research findings to support this paradigm. This model is examined within a broad canvas that takes human expansion out of Africa and genetic architecture into account. A thorough discourse on the biology of melanization is provided (includes relationship to BH4 and DNA damage repair), with the relevance of this to the UV sensitivity of folate and UV photosynthesis of vitamin D explained in detail, including the relevance of these vitamins to reproductive success. It explores whether we might be able to predict vitamin-related gene polymorphisms that pivot metabolism to the prevailing UVR exposome within the vitamin D-folate evolutionary hypothesis context. This is discussed in terms of a primary adaptive phenotype (pigmentation/depigmentation), a secondary adaptive phenotype (flexible metabolic phenotype based on vitamin-related gene polymorphism profile), and a tertiary adaptive strategy (dietary anti-oxidants to support the secondary adaptive phenotype). Finally, alternative evolutionary models for pigmentation are discussed, as are challenges to future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleOurimbahNew South WalesAustralia
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Sapehia D, Mahajan A, Srinivasan R, Kaur J. Pre-natal dietary imbalance of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency adversely impacts placental development and fetal growth. Placenta 2023; 132:44-54. [PMID: 36657272 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The common practice of supplementing folic acid during pregnancy and the absence of such guidelines for vitamin B12 lead to an imbalance of these vitamins, especially in developing countries like India, where many women are vitamin B12 deficient. METHODS The present study was designed to explore the effect of low vitamin B12 in combination with different levels of folic acid in the parental diet on fetal growth parameters and maternal reproductive performance in a transgenerational manner. The reversibility of these effects was studied by shifting the mice to a regular diet in the F1 generation in the case of transient groups and continued on the same diet in the sustained groups after the dietary exposure in the F0 generation. RESULTS Vitamin B12 deficiency and different levels of folic acid resulted in the decreased placental and fetal weight of the F1 generation. Surprisingly, a decreased placental weight, low fetal weight, and reduced crown-rump length and head circumference were observed in F2 fetuses of vitamin B12 deficient with folate over-supplemented (BDFO) transient group, i.e. when F1 mice were shifted to normal diet conditions. Reduced follicles in ovaries and alteration in placental pathology in all the F0 groups and BDFO of the F1 transient group were also seen. DISCUSSION Overall, the study revealed that dietary imbalance of vitamin B12 and folic acid, particularly B12 deficiency with over-supplemented folic acid, negatively affects placental and fetal development and maternal reproductive performance. Such effects are passed on to the next generation too.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Radhika Srinivasan
- Department Cytology & Gynaecological Pathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Jyotdeep Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
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Castaño-Moreno E, Ronco AM, Casanello P. Metabolic Interaction Between Folate, Vitamin B12, and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Pregnancy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:83-98. [PMID: 37466770 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth and development are influenced by maternal nutrition and gestational weight gain. Adequate intake of nutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for healthy fetal and placental development. Many countries have a national flour fortification program with folic acid (FA), together with pre-pregnancy supplementation of FA (400 μg/day) during the first trimester of pregnancy. The latter has been recommended by the WHO and adapted to local requirements by perinatal guidelines. On the other hand, in population studies, many women of childbearing age have vitamin B12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L), which can be additionally masked by high FA intake and maternal pregestational obesity. Under these conditions, these patients could be having pregnancies in a folate/vitamin B12 imbalance, which is associated with higher adiposity, insulin resistance, altered lipid metabolism, and low DHA levels in their offspring. However, if these neonatal consequences of maternal pregestational obesity and folate/vitamin B12 imbalance can be reverted by DHA supplementation during pregnancy has not been addressed. This chapter reviews the literature and exposes the current gaps in knowledge and challenges in maternal nutrition with a life-course perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Castaño-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Nutrición y Regulación Metabólica, Unidad de Nutrición Humana - Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA) - Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Ana María Ronco
- Laboratorio de Nutrición y Regulación Metabólica, Unidad de Nutrición Humana - Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA) - Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Casanello
- Department of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Liu ASLW, Neves FJ, Pinto J, Amorim PMS, Bonilha AC, Mapurunga M, Moscardi AVS, Demarzo M, Guerra-Shinohara EM, D Almeida V, Ramos LR, Andreoni S, Tomita LY. Reduced circulating folate among older adults caused by continuous work: nested cross-sectional study conducted in a country with folic acid fortification program. Nutr Res 2022; 108:43-52. [PMID: 36399976 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2022.10.008] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Population aging is 1 of the biggest challenges facing public health today, and cognitive dysfunction is an important concern. Cognitive impairment may be associated with high folate concentrations and low vitamin B12 concentrations; the latter is a common problem among elderly people. Therefore, we hypothesized there was a high circulating folate concentration among older people living in a country with a mandatory folic acid fortification program. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate nutritional status of folate and vitamin B12 among aged people. Three dietary recalls, serum folate (sfolate), erythrocyte (red blood cell) folate (RBC folate), and serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine were collected. Linear regression models were used to investigate factors associated with circulating vitamins. We interviewed 169 participants. Half reported inadequate consumption of folate. However, RBC folate deficiency was observed in 27%, 13% in the serum, and a 10% excess of sfolate. One-quarter reported inadequate consumption of B12, but only 5% had deficiency. Factors negatively associated with circulating folate were continuous work and smoking, and positively associated with polyunsaturated fatty acid. Factor negatively associated with the circulating B12 were use of a dental prosthesis and intake of saturated fatty acid. Permanent investigation of excess of sfolate and B12 deficiency, especially among older adults living in countries exposed to a mandatory folic acid fortification program, is important because of the possible relation to the cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela S L W Liu
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felix Jesus Neves
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Center of Biological and Health Science, Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, BA, Brazil
| | - Juliana Pinto
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia M S Amorim
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Bonilha
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Mapurunga
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alcione V S Moscardi
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Center for the Study of Aging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Demarzo
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Vânia D Almeida
- Department of Psychobiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Ramos
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Center for the Study of Aging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Solange Andreoni
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Y Tomita
- Departament of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Fan G, Song L, Liu Q, Wu M, Bi J, Xu L, Xiong C, Cao Z, Xu S, Wang Y. Association of maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy with newborn telomere length. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 114:52-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Wang N, Zhou T, Ma X, Lin Y, Ding Y. The Association between Maternal B Vitamins in Early Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235016. [PMID: 36501046 PMCID: PMC9736031 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the association between maternal B vitamins in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. Methods: A cohort of 1265 pregnant women was recruited at 8−15 weeks of gestation in 2021−2022 (Shanghai, China). Pregnancies with both serum B vitamin measurements at recruitment and glucose measurements at 24−28 weeks of gestation were included in the final analysis. Results: Of the 1065 pregnancies, in the final analysis, GDM occurred in 121 women (11.36%). In multivariate logistic models, an increased risk trend across serum vitamin B1 quartiles with GDM was observed (p-Trend = 0.001). Compared with women in the lowest quartile of serum vitamin B6, those in the upper two quartiles had approximately twofold higher odds of GDM. Moreover, compared with women with vitamin B12 levels < 150 pmol/L, those with vitamin B12 levels > 150 pmol/L had lower odds of GDM (p = 0.005). The restricted cubic spline regression models also revealed that serum vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 were associated with an increased risk of GDM in a nonlinear fashion. Conclusions: Our study shows that higher maternal serum vitamin B1 and B6 levels in early pregnancy are associated with increased GDM risk, while sufficient vitamin B12 status is associated with lower GDM risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Nursing Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Tianchun Zhou
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxia Ma
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuping Lin
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Nursing Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200090, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+86-137-9535-7887
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Fujita M, Wander K, Tran T, Brindle E. Characterizing the extent human milk folate is buffered against maternal malnutrition and infection in drought‐stricken northern Kenya. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2022; 179:171-183. [PMCID: PMC9805107 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Folate is an essential nutrient fundamental to human growth and development. Human milk maintains high folate content across the maternal folate status range, suggesting buffering of milk folate with prioritized delivery to milk at the expense of maternal depletion. We investigated whether and how the extent of this buffering may diminish under prolonged nutritional and/or disease stress, while taking into consideration infants' varying vulnerability to malnutrition‐related morbidity/mortality. Methods A cross‐sectional study analyzed milk specimens from northern Kenyan mothers (n = 203), surveyed during a historic drought and ensuing food shortage. Multiple regression models for folate receptor‐α (FOLR1) in milk were constructed. Predictors included maternal underweight (BMI < 18.5), iron‐deficiency anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dl and dried‐blood‐spot transferrin receptor >5 mg/L), folate deficiency (hyperhomocysteinemia, homocysteine >12 or 14 μmol/L), inflammation (serum C‐reactive protein >5 mg/L), infant age and sex, and mother‐infant interactions. Results In adjusted models, milk FOLR1 was unassociated with maternal underweight, iron‐deficiency anemia and inflammation. FOLR1 was positively associated with maternal folate deficiency, and inversely associated with infant age. There was interaction between infant age and maternal underweight, and between infant sex and maternal folate deficiency, predicting complex changes in FOLR1. Conclusions Our results suggest that mothers buffer milk folate against their own nutritional stress even during a prolonged drought; however, the extent of this buffering may vary with infant age, and, among folate‐deficient mothers, with infant sex. Future research is needed to better understand this variability in maternal buffering of milk folate and how it relates to folate status in nursing infants. Human mothers might have the capacity to buffer milk nutrient content against undue fluctuations under nutritional or disease stress. In the case of the micronutrient folate, this buffering is most apparent for younger infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Fujita
- Department of AnthropologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Biomarker Laboratory for Anthropological ResearchMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Katherine Wander
- Department of AnthropologyBinghamton University (SUNY)BinghamtonNew YorkUSA
- Laboratory for Anthropometry and BiomarkersBinghamton UniversityBinghamtonNew YorkUSA
| | - Tin Tran
- Biomarker Laboratory for Anthropological ResearchMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- College of PharmacyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Eleanor Brindle
- Maternal, Newborn and Child Health & NutritionPATHSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Tabebordbar M, Moradi Sarabi M, Vakili S, Zare R, Zal F. Effect of folic acid and vitamin E on promoter DNA methylation and expression of TGF-β1, ESR-1 and CDH-1 in the uterus of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:1339-1345. [PMID: 32469605 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1770798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study is the first attempt made to investigate the effects of diabetes on expression and promoter DNA methylation of TGF-β1, ESR-1, and CDH-1 genes and also the effects of folic acid (FA) and vitamin E (Vit E) supplementations on improving diabetes mellitus. STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated with Vit E (200 mg/kg/day) and FA (25 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks and expression and DNA methylation of TGF-β1, ESR-1, and CDH-1 genes in uterus were analysed. Data indicated that diabetes increases the expression of TGFβ-1 and ESR-1 and decreases CDH-1 expression and TGFβ-1 promoter methylation in the uterus of rats. Vit E and FA improved the negative effects of diabetes by decreasing the expression of TGFβ-1 and ESR-1 and increasing that of CDH-1 in diabetic rats. In conclusion, these findings emphasise that Vit E and FA supplementations could improve negative effects caused by diabetes on uterus function and fertility in diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Tabebordbar
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Moradi Sarabi
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetic, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Sina Vakili
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Zare
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zal
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Mruts KB, Gebremedhin AT, Tessema GA, Scott JA, Pereira G. Interbirth interval and maternal anaemia in 21 sub-Saharan African countries: A fractional-polynomial analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275155. [PMID: 36149878 PMCID: PMC9506648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal anaemia is a global public health problem contributing to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In addition to other risk factors, interbirth interval has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor of maternal anaemia. However, the current evidence for the association between interbirth interval and maternal anaemia remains inconclusive. Hence, this study examined the association between the interbirth interval and maternal anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We conducted a multinational cross-sectional study of interbirth interval (time between two singleton live births) and maternal anaemia (haemoglobin levels < 12 g/dl for non-pregnant women, < 11 g/dl for pregnant women) for 21 sub-Saharan African countries using the most recent nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys, 2010–2017. A weighted multivariable fractional polynomial function was used to estimate the non-linear relationship between interbirth interval and maternal anaemia, considering interbirth interval as a continuous variable and adjusting for potential confounders. Analyses were stratified by reproductive classification (non-pregnant and pregnant women). Results There were 81,693 women included in the study (89.2% non-pregnant, 10.8% pregnant). Of all women, 32.2% were in their postpartum period. Overall, 36.9% of women had anaemia (36.0% of non-pregnant and 44.3% of pregnant women). Of the participants, 15% had a short interbirth interval (<24 months), and 16% had a long interbirth interval (≥ 60 months). We found that both short and longer interbirth intervals were associated with an increased risk of maternal anaemia in a dose-response fashion. Relatively a lower risk of maternal anaemia was observed between 24 and 40 months of interbirth intervals. Conclusions Our findings suggest that both short and longer interbirth intervals were associated with an increased risk of maternal anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gizachew A. Tessema
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jane A. Scott
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Gavin Pereira
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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High Folate, Perturbed One-Carbon Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14193930. [PMID: 36235580 PMCID: PMC9573299 DOI: 10.3390/nu14193930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate is a dietary micronutrient essential to one-carbon metabolism. The World Health Organisation recommends folic acid (FA) supplementation pre-conception and in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects (NTDs). Subsequently, many countries (~92) have mandatory FA fortification policies, as well as recommendations for periconceptional FA supplementation. Mandatory fortification initiatives have been largely successful in reducing the incidence of NTDs. However, humans have limited capacity to incorporate FA into the one-carbon metabolic pathway, resulting in the increasingly ubiquitous presence of circulating unmetabolised folic acid (uFA). Excess FA intake has emerged as a risk factor in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Several other one-carbon metabolism components (vitamin B12, homocysteine and choline-derived betaine) are also closely entwined with GDM risk, suggesting a role for one-carbon metabolism in GDM pathogenesis. There is growing evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggesting a role for excess FA in dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism. Specifically, high levels of FA reduce methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) activity, dysregulate the balance of thymidylate synthase (TS) and methionine synthase (MTR) activity, and elevate homocysteine. High homocysteine is associated with increased oxidative stress and trophoblast apoptosis and reduced human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. While the relationship between high FA, perturbed one-carbon metabolism and GDM pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, here we summarise the current state of knowledge. Given rising rates of GDM, now estimated to be 14% globally, and widespread FA food fortification, further research is urgently needed to elucidate the mechanisms which underpin GDM pathogenesis.
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Tefera AA, Seifu D, Menon M, Talargia F, Belete AM. Red blood cell folate level and associated factors of folate insufficiency among pregnant women attending antenatal care during their first trimester of pregnancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221118987. [PMID: 36051782 PMCID: PMC9424885 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221118987] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Folate is an essential vitamin for de novo DNA synthesis and cell
proliferation. Folate insufficiency at the time of conception and during the
first trimester of pregnancy is associated with unintended pregnancy and
birth outcomes, particularly neural tube defects. Hence, this study aimed to
assess folate status and associated factors of folate insufficiency among
pregnant women attending antenatal care during their first trimester of
pregnancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 8 August 2017 to 3 January 2018 in
Addis Ababa. In this study, 160 participants were enrolled via the
convenience sampling method. Red blood cell folate was measured by the
electrochemiluminescence binding assay method. Data were entered into
Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive
statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and to
determine the magnitude of folate deficiency. Logistic regression was used
to identify the risk factors for folate deficiency. A
p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically
significant. Results: In this study, 44/160 (27%) participants had red blood cell folate level
<400 ng/mL, insufficient to prevent neural tube defect. Multivariate
regression showed that regular vegetable consumption was an independent
determinant factor for red blood cell folate level (adjusted odds ratio:
0.41, confidence interval: 0.18–0.93). Conclusion: This study shows that a large magnitude of the first-trimester pregnant women
had red blood cell folate concentrations below levels that are maximally
protective against neural tube defects. Folic acid supplementation and
supplemental nutrition containing green leafy vegetables should be promoted
during the periconceptional period. In addition, the policymakers should set
rules for mandatory folic acid fortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemu Adela Tefera
- Department of Biomedical Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Seifu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Menakath Menon
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Feredegn Talargia
- Department of Biomedical Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Muche Belete
- Department of Biomedical Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
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Crider KS, Qi YP, Yeung LF, Mai CT, Head Zauche L, Wang A, Daniels K, Williams JL. Folic Acid and the Prevention of Birth Defects: 30 Years of Opportunity and Controversies. Annu Rev Nutr 2022; 42:423-452. [PMID: 35995050 PMCID: PMC9875360 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-043020-091647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
For three decades, the US Public Health Service has recommended that all persons capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 μg/day of folic acid (FA) to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). The neural tube forms by 28 days after conception. Fortification can be an effective NTD prevention strategy in populations with limited access to folic acid foods and/or supplements. This review describes the status of mandatory FA fortification among countries that fortify (n = 71) and the research describing the impact of those programs on NTD rates (up to 78% reduction), blood folate concentrations [red blood cell folate concentrations increased ∼1.47-fold (95% CI, 1.27, 1.70) following fortification], and other health outcomes. Across settings, high-quality studies such as those with randomized exposures (e.g., randomized controlled trials, Mendelian randomization studies) are needed to elucidate interactions of FA with vitamin B12 as well as expanded biomarker testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista S Crider
- Neural Tube Defects Surveillance and Prevention Team, Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research, and Prevention Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
| | - Yan Ping Qi
- Neural Tube Defects Surveillance and Prevention Team, Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research, and Prevention Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
| | - Lorraine F Yeung
- Neural Tube Defects Surveillance and Prevention Team, Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research, and Prevention Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
| | - Cara T Mai
- Neural Tube Defects Surveillance and Prevention Team, Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research, and Prevention Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
| | - Lauren Head Zauche
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Arick Wang
- Neural Tube Defects Surveillance and Prevention Team, Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research, and Prevention Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
| | | | - Jennifer L Williams
- Neural Tube Defects Surveillance and Prevention Team, Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research, and Prevention Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
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Di Martino DD, Avagliano L, Ferrazzi E, Fusè F, Sterpi V, Parasiliti M, Stampalija T, Zullino S, Farina A, Bulfamante GP, Di Maso M, D’Ambrosi F. Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Fetal Growth Restriction: Clinical Characteristics and Placental Lesions and Possible Preventive Nutritional Targets. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163276. [PMID: 36014782 PMCID: PMC9414322 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the placental lesions in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders (HDP) and/or fetal growth restriction (FGR) and in uneventful control pregnancies. Methods: This is a case control study that included singleton pregnancies with HDP and normally grown fetus (HDP-AGA fetus), with HDP and FGR, early FGR, late FGR, and uneventful pregnancies. Feto-placental Doppler velocimetry and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were performed. Placental histology was evaluated blinded according to the Amsterdam Consensus criteria. Results: Placental lesions with maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) were significantly more frequent in HDP-FGR and early FGR (92% and 83%). MVM were significantly associated with abnormal feto-placental Doppler parameters, especially in early FGR. Delayed villous maturation (DVM) was associated with late FGR (83%). HDP-AGA fetus cases presented a heterogeneous pattern of placental lesions, including 60% of cases with MVM, but were not associated with abnormal Doppler feto-placental velocimetry. Conclusions: We found a prevalence of placental maternal vascular malperfusion in HDP-FGR and early FGR groups. These lesions were also associated with abnormal, anti-, and angiogenic markers. Conversely HDP-AGA fetus and late FGR presented more heterogeneous placental lesions not severe enough to cause feto-placental Doppler anomalies. These conditions are likely associated with different etiologies, such as maternal pre-pregnancy risk factors for metabolic syndrome. These findings suggest a possible preventive nutritional approach in addition to low-dose aspirin in pregnant women with predisposing factors for HDP-AGA fetuses and late FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Denis Di Martino
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Avagliano
- Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Ferrazzi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Community Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Federica Fusè
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Sterpi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parasiliti
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Zullino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pisan University Hospital, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pietro Bulfamante
- Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milano, Italy
- Unit of Human Pathology, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Maso
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco D’Ambrosi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Yang L, Wang W, Mao B, Qiu J, Guo H, Yi B, He X, Lin X, Lv L, Xu X, Liu Q, Cao Y, Chen Y. Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation, Dietary Folate Intake, and Low Birth Weight: A Birth Cohort Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:844150. [PMID: 35757618 PMCID: PMC9218084 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.844150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the independent and collective effects of maternal folic acid supplementation or dietary folate intake on the risk of low birth weight (LBW), and to further comprehensively examine the joint associations of folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake with LBW by various clinical subtypes. Design Participants were recruited from Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital. A standardized and structured questionnaire was distributed to collect demographic factors, reproductive and medical history, occupational and residential history, physical activity, and diet. Data on pregnancy-related complications and birth outcomes were extracted from medical records. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for single and joint associations of folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake with LBW. Setting A birth cohort data analysis using the 2010–2012 Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Lanzhou, China. Participants In total, 9,231 pregnant women and their children were enrolled in the study. Results Compared with non-users, folic acid supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of LBW (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66–0.97), and the reduced risk was mainly seen for term-LBW (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.41–0.85), and multiparous-LBW (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54–0.94). There were no significant associations between dietary folate intake and LBW, and there was no interaction between folic acid supplement and dietary folate intake on LBW. Conclusions Our study results indicated that folic acid supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of LBW, and there was no interaction between folic acid supplements and dietary folate intake on LBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yang
- Department of Public Health and Infection Management, Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Baohong Mao
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huaqi Guo
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Yi
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun He
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Lin
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Lv
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Information Administration, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Cao
- Department of Operation Management, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Department of Human Resource, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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Early Life Stage Folic Acid Deficiency Delays the Neurobehavioral Development and Cognitive Function of Rat Offspring by Hindering De Novo Telomere Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136948. [PMID: 35805953 PMCID: PMC9266327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stage folate status may influence neurodevelopment in offspring. The developmental origin of health and disease highlights the importance of the period of the first 1000 days (from conception to 2 years) of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early life stage folic acid deficiency on de novo telomere synthesis, neurobehavioral development, and the cognitive function of offspring rats. The rats were divided into three diet treatment groups: folate-deficient, folate-normal, and folate-supplemented. They were fed the corresponding diet from 5 weeks of age to the end of the lactation period. After weaning, the offspring rats were still fed with the corresponding diet for up to 100 days. Neurobehavioral tests, folic acid and homocysteine (Hcy) levels, relative telomere length in brain tissue, and uracil incorporation in telomere in offspring were measured at different time points. The results showed that folic acid deficiency decreased the level of folic acid, increased the level of Hcy of brain tissue in offspring, increased the wrong incorporation of uracil into telomeres, and hindered de novo telomere synthesis. However, folic acid supplementation increased the level of folic acid, reduced the level of Hcy of brain tissue in offspring, reduced the wrong incorporation of uracil into telomeres, and protected de novo telomere synthesis of offspring, which was beneficial to the development of early sensory-motor function, spatial learning, and memory in adolescence and adulthood. In conclusion, early life stage folic acid deficiency had long-term inhibiting effects on neurodevelopment and cognitive function in offspring.
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Epigenetic Effect of Maternal Methyl-Group Donor Intake on Offspring’s Health and Disease. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050609. [PMID: 35629277 PMCID: PMC9145757 DOI: 10.3390/life12050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to some dietary and environmental factors during embryonic development can affect offspring’s phenotype and, furthermore, the risk of developing diseases later in life. One potential mechanism responsible for this early programming may be the modification of the epigenome, such as DNA methylation. Methyl-group donors are essential for DNA methylation and are shown to have an important role in fetal development and later health. The main goal of the present review is to summarize the available literature data on the epigenetic effect (DNA methylation) of maternal methyl-group donor availability on reproductivity, perinatal outcome, and later health of the offspring. In our literature search, we found evidence for the association between alterations in DNA methylation patterns caused by different maternal methyl-group donor (folate, choline, methionine, betaine) intake and reproductivity, birth weight, neural tube defect, congenital heart defect, cleft lip and palate, brain development, and the development of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases in later life. We can conclude that maternal methyl-group donor availability could affect offspring’s health via alterations in DNA methylation and may be a major link between early environmental exposure and the development of diseases in the offspring. However, still, further studies are necessary to confirm the associations and causal relationships.
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Jin X, Cheng Z, Yu X, Tao Q, Huang R, Wang S. Continuous supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy and the risk of perinatal depression-A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2022; 302:258-272. [PMID: 35066009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood folic acid1(FA) level of depressed patients seems to be lower than that of normal, and pregnant women are at greater risk of FA deficiency. The relationship between FA and perinatal depression has not been well described. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of the evidence for the association between the two, using current FA supplementation behavior during pregnancy and blood FA levels as exposures, and the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms and mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale2 (EPDS) scores as outcomes. The present study was recorded in PROSPERO (2019 CRD: 42,020,211,509). RESULTS Fifteen studies were identified, covering a total of 26,275 women from eleven observational studies and four randomized controlled trials. For the primary outcome of folic acid supplementation behavior and risk of perinatal depression, the overall odds ratio was 0.742 (95% CI: (0.647-0.852)), with a combined effect value of 0.84 (95% CI: (0.76, 0.93)) for studies in which an OR could be extracted. A negative association was observed between blood folate levels and depressive symptoms (Standardized mean difference (SMD) =-0.127, 95% CI:(-0.183,-0.071)). No association was observed between folic acid intervention and EPDS score. Continuous supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms (R = 0.017, (95 CI%:(0.014, 0.021)). LIMITATIONS Lack of rigorous randomized controlled trials due to ethical issues, and the research is heterogeneous and does not consider the influence of genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS Continuous use of FA during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Jin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zi Cheng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xuemin Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qi Tao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China.
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Cai X, Li X, Jin Y, Zhang M, Xu Y, Liang C, Weng Y, Yu W, Li X. Vitamins and Helicobacter pylori: An Updated Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Front Nutr 2022; 8:781333. [PMID: 35118105 PMCID: PMC8805086 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.781333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over recent decades, epidemiological studies have shown relationships between vitamins and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and eradication, but the results are controversial. Methods A comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted to clarify the relationships between common types of vitamins and H. pylori. We applied meta-regression, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis to obtain available evidence. Articles published from January 1991 to June 2021 in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Results In total, we identified 48 studies. The results indicate that H. pylori -positive patients had lower serum vitamin B12 [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.53 – −0.08], folate (SMD = −0.69; 95% CI: −1.34 – −0.04), vitamin C (SMD = −0.37; 95%CI: −0.57 – −0.18) and vitamin D (SMD = −0.34; 95% CI: −0.49 – −0.18) levels than H. pylori-negative patients. Patients in which H. pylori had been successfully eradicated had higher serum vitamin D levels (SMD = 1.37; 95% CI: 0.37–2.38) than in patients in which eradication had been unsuccessful. The serum vitamin B12 levels of H. pylori-positive patients improved after successful H. pylori eradication therapy (SMD = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.81–2.90), and antioxidant vitamin supplementation to an H. pylori eradication regimen improved the eradication rate (risk ratio = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02–1.44 for per-protocol analysis; risk ratio = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06–1.47 for intention-to-treat analysis). Conclusions H. pylori infections decrease the serum levels of several types of vitamins, eradication of H. pylori could rescue its adverse effects, and antioxidant vitamin supplementation may improve the H. pylori eradication rate. Systematic Review Registration identifier: CRD42021268127.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianlei Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Lihuili Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xueying Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yangli Jin
- Department of Ultrasound, Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Miaozun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Lihuili Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Lihuili Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Lihuili Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yihui Weng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Lihuili Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Weiming Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Lihuili Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Weiming Yu
| | - Xiuyang Li
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Center for Clinical Big Data and Statistics, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuyang Li
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Melfald Tveten K, Miodini Nilsen R, Dragesund T. Maternal Folic Acid-Containing Supplement Use in Relation to Offspring Motor Function. A Prospective Study of 503 Mother-Child Dyads. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:789158. [PMID: 35450102 PMCID: PMC9016160 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.789158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The preventive effect of maternal folic acid use on offspring neural tube defects is well-established. However, a putative link between supplement use and other neurodevelopmental outcome is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the association of folic acid-containing supplement use before and during pregnancy with motor function in children aged 3-18 months. METHOD The study has a prospective cohort design including 503 mother-infant dyads. Motor function was measured by the Infant Motor Profile (IMP) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire Second Edition (ASQ-2). Associations between exposure and outcome were examined using linear regression analysis with robust standard error estimation. RESULTS Offspring total IMP score was not associated with any maternal folic acid-containing supplement use when they were used during pregnancy only (adjusted β = 0.11 95% CI = -1.19, 1.40; p = 0.87) or when they were used both before and during pregnancy (adjusted β = 0.22 95% CI = -0.95, 1.40; p = 0.70). When examining the five domain scores separately, only the IMP domain adaptability showed some association with supplement use during pregnancy (adjusted β = 2.87; 95% CI = 0.08, 5.68; p = 0.04), but the strength of the association was weak. Further, supplement use was not associated with any of the two motor domains of ASQ-2. CONCLUSION Although no association between folic acid-containing supplement use and offspring motor function was found, the complexity of this topic and its potential mechanisms, requires further investigation. This research should include robust and accurate measures on maternal nutritional status along with thorough endpoint assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kine Melfald Tveten
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Roy Miodini Nilsen
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tove Dragesund
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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Gilmore JC, Hoque MT, Dai W, Mohan H, Dunk C, Serghides L, Bendayan R. Interaction between dolutegravir and folate transporters and receptor in human and rodent placenta. EBioMedicine 2021; 75:103771. [PMID: 34954655 PMCID: PMC8715299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the critical role of folates in neurodevelopment, it is important to understand potential interactions between anti-HIV drugs used during pregnancy, and folate delivery pathways in the placenta. This study investigates the effect of dolutegravir (DTG) exposure on the functional expression of the reduced folate carrier (RFC), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and folate receptor-α (FRα) in the placenta. Methods Human placental cell lines, human placental explants, and a pregnant mouse model treated with clinically relevant concentrations of DTG were used. Gene and protein expression were assessed by qPCR, immunoblot and immunohistochemical assays. Folate transport function was measured by applying radioisotope-based transport assays. Findings In placental cells, clinically relevant DTG exposure for 3h or 6h was associated with a modest but significant reduction in the expression of RFC and PCFT both at the mRNA and protein levels, as well as decreased uptake of RFC and PCFT substrates [3H]-methotrexate and [3H]-folic acid, respectively. In pregnant mice, DTG administration was associated with an increase in both placental RFC and PCFT mRNA expression, accompanied by a decrease in placental FRα mRNA under folate-deficient dietary conditions. Interpretation These findings demonstrate a potential interaction between DTG and folate transport pathways in the placenta, particularly in vivo, under folate deficient conditions, potentially impacting folate delivery to the foetus in the context of DTG-based ART during pregnancy. Funding Funded by Ontario HIV Treatment Network, grant #506657; and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health, award #R01HD104553.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C Gilmore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Md Tozammel Hoque
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wanying Dai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Haneesha Mohan
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto Canada
| | - Caroline Dunk
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto Canada
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto Canada; Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Tian Z, Pei X, Liu L, Li Y. Folic acid oversupplementation during pregnancy disorders lipid metabolism in male offspring via regulating arginase 1-associated NOS3-AMPKα pathway. Clin Nutr 2021; 41:21-32. [PMID: 34864452 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Folic acid supplementation is widely accepted during pregnancy, as it exerts a protective effect on neural tube defects. However, the long-term underlying effects of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy (FASDP) on offspring remain unclear. METHODS Thirty pregnant female rats were randomly divided into normal control group, folic acid appropriate supplementation group (2.5 × FA group) and folic acid oversupplementation group (5 × FA group) and fed with corresponding folic acid concentration AIN93G diet. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, UPLC-TQ-MS and GC-MS were performed to detect the serum metabolites profiles in adult male offspring and explore the effects of FASDP. Moreover, molecular biology technologies were used to clarify the underlying mechanism. RESULTS We demonstrate that 2.5-folds folic acid leads to dyslipidemic-diabetic slightly in male offspring, while 5-folds folic acid aggravates the disorder and prominent hepatic lipid accumulations. Using untargeted and targeted metabolomics, total 63 differential metabolites and 12 significantly differential KEGG pathways are identified. Of note, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism are the two most significant pathways. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the increased levels of arginase-1 (Arg1) causes the lipid metabolism disorder by regulating nitric oxide synthase-3 (NOS3)-adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα) pathway, resulting in lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that maternal folic acid oversupplementation during pregnancy contributes to lipid metabolism disorder in male offspring by regulating Arg1-NOS3-AMPKα pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Liu
- National Key Discipline Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yuntao Zhang
- National Key Discipline Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Zengjiao Liu
- National Key Discipline Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Zhen Tian
- National Key Discipline Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xinyi Pei
- National Key Discipline Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Liyan Liu
- National Key Discipline Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
| | - Ying Li
- National Key Discipline Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
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Cui Y, Liao M, Xu A, Chen G, Liu J, Yu X, Li S, Ke X, Tan S, Luo Z, Wang Q, Liu Y, Wang D, Zeng F. Association of maternal pre-pregnancy dietary intake with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021:1-22. [PMID: 34666569 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1989658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the effects of dietary intake before conception on pregnancy outcomes by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Electronic databases were searched from inception up to August 2021. Overall, 65 studies involving 831 798 participants were included and 38 studies were quantitatively pooled. With regard to maternal outcomes, pre-pregnancy intake of fried food, fast food, red and processed meat, heme iron and a low-carbohydrate dietary pattern was positively associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (all P < 0.05). However, a high dietary fiber intake and folic acid supplementation were negatively associated with GDM risk (both P < 0.05). With regard to neonatal outcomes, maternal caffeine intake before pregnancy significantly increased the risk of spontaneous abortion, while folic acid supplementation had protective effects on total adverse neonatal outcomes, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age (SGA, all P < 0.05). However, no significant associations were found between adverse pregnancy outcomes (i.e., GDM and SGA) and the pre-pregnancy dietary intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, potato, fish, and carbohydrates and the Healthy Eating Index. Our study suggests that maintaining a healthy diet before conception has significant beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1989658.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Cui
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minqi Liao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aihua Xu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Gengdong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Foshan Institute of Fetal Medicine, Affiliated Foshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Yu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuna Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingyao Ke
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sixian Tan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeyan Luo
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Nutrition, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Donghong Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Wong E, Molina-Cruz R, Rose C, Bailey L, Kauwell GPA, Rosenthal J. Prevalence and Disparities in Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Preschool Children in Guatemala. Matern Child Health J 2021; 26:156-167. [PMID: 34637065 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies can impair proper growth and brain development in children. Data on the folate and vitamin B12 status of children aged 6-59 months in Guatemala are scarce. Identification of factors associated with higher prevalence of these micronutrient deficiencies within the population is needed for national and regional policymakers. OBJECTIVE To describe national and regional post-fortification folate and vitamin B12 status of children aged 6-59 months in Guatemala. METHODS A multistage, cluster probability study was carried out with national and regional representation of children aged 6-59 months. Demographic and health information was collected for 1246 preschool children, but blood samples for red blood cell (RBC) folate and vitamin B12 were collected and analyzed for 1,245 and 1143 preschool children, respectively. We used the following deficiency criteria as cutoff points for the analyses: < 305 nmol/L for RBC folate, < 148 pmol/L for vitamin B12 deficiency, and 148-221 pmol/L for marginal vitamin B12 deficiency. Prevalence of RBC folate deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency were estimated. Prevalence risk ratios of RBC folate and vitamin B12 deficiency were estimated comparing subpopulations of interest. RESULTS The national prevalence estimates of RBC folate deficiency among children was 33.5% [95% CI 29.1, 38.3]. The prevalence of RBC folate deficiency showed wide variation by age (20.3-46.6%) and was significantly higher among children 6-11 months and 12-23 months (46.6 and 37.0%, respectively), compared to older children aged 48-59 months (20.3%). RBC folate deficiency also varied widely by household wealth index (22.6-42.0%) and geographic region (27.2-46.7%) though the differences were not statistically significant. The national geometric mean for RBC folate concentrations was 354.2 nmol/L. The national prevalences of vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency among children were 22.5% [95% CI 18.2, 27.5] and 27.5% [95% CI 23.7, 31.7], respectively. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher among indigenous children than among non-indigenous children (34.5% vs. 13.1%, aPRR 2.1 95% CI 1.4, 3.0). The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency also significantly varied between the highest and lowest household wealth index (34.3 and 6.0%, respectively). The national geometric mean for vitamin B12 concentrations was 235.1 pmol/L. The geometric means of folate and B12 concentrations were significantly lower among children who were younger, had a lower household wealth index, and were indigenous (for vitamin B12 only). Folate and vitamin B12 concentrations showed wide variation by region (not statistically significant), and the Petén and Norte regions showed the lowest RBC folate and vitamin B12 concentrations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this study, a third of all children had RBC folate deficiency and half were vitamin B12 deficient. Folate deficiency was more common in younger children and vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in indigenous children and those from the poorest families. These findings suggest gaps in the coverage of fortification and the need for additional implementation strategies to address these gaps in coverage to help safeguard the health of Guatemalan children.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Wong
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - C Rose
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-Chamblee 106-3, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - L Bailey
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - G P A Kauwell
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - J Rosenthal
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-Chamblee 106-3, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Trends and influencing factors of plasma folate levels in Chinese women at mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy and lactation periods. Br J Nutr 2021; 126:885-891. [PMID: 33256875 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520004821] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Folate status for women during early pregnancy has been investigated, but data for women during mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy or lactation are sparse or lacking. Between May and July 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 1211 pregnant and lactating women from three representative regions in China. Approximately 135 women were enrolled in each stratum by physiological periods (mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy or lactation) and regions (south, central or north). Plasma folate concentrations were measured by microbiological assay. The adjusted medians of folate concentration decreased from 28·8 (interquartile range (IQR) 19·9, 38·2) nmol/l in mid-pregnancy to 18·6 (IQR 13·2, 26·4) nmol/l in late pregnancy, and to 17·0 (IQR 12·3, 22·5) nmol/l in lactation (Pfor trend < 0·001). Overall, lower folate concentrations were more likely to be observed in women residing in the northern region, with younger age, higher pre-pregnancy BMI, lower education or multiparity, and in lactating women who had undergone a Caesarean delivery or who were breastfeeding exclusively. In total, 380 (31·4 %) women had a suboptimal folate status (folate concentration <13·5 nmol/l). Women in late pregnancy and lactating, residing in the northern region, having multiparity and low education level had a higher risk of suboptimal folate status, while those with older age had a lower risk. In conclusion, maternal plasma folate concentrations decreased as pregnancy progressed, and were influenced by geographic region and maternal socio-demographic characteristics. Future studies are warranted to assess the necessity of folic acid supplementation during later pregnancy and lactation especially for women at a higher risk of folate depletion.
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