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Dickinson Y, Boehni R, Obeid R, Knapp JP, Moser R, Lewandowski AJ, Douglas G, Leeson P, Channon KM, Chuaiphichai S. Novel Role of 5-Methyl-(6S)-Tetrahydrofolate in Mediating Endothelial Cell Tetrahydrobiopterin in Pregnancy and Implications for Gestational Hypertension. Hypertension 2024; 81:1910-1923. [PMID: 39041246 PMCID: PMC11319083 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.124.22838] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folate intake during pregnancy is essential for fetal development and maternal health. However, the specific effects of folic acid (FA) and 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) on the prevention and treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain unclear. We investigated whether FA and 5-MTHF have different effects on endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) metabolism in pregnancy and the possible consequences for endothelial NO generation, maternal blood pressure, and fetal growth. METHODS We analyzed the maternal blood pressure in pregnant wild-type (Gch1fl/fl) and Gch1fl/fl Tie2cre mice treated with either FA or 5-MTHF starting before pregnancy, mid-pregnancy or late pregnancy. BH4, superoxide, and NO bioavailability were determined in mouse and human models of endothelial cell BH4 deficiency by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS In vitro studies in mouse and human endothelial cells showed that treatment with 5-MTHF, but not FA, elevated BH4 levels, reduced superoxide production, and increased NO synthase activity. In primary endothelial cells isolated from women with hypertensive pregnancies, exposure to 5-MTHF, but not FA, restored the reduction in BH4 levels and NO synthase activity. In vivo studies in mice revealed that oral treatment with 5-MTHF, but not FA, prevented and treated hypertension in pregnancy when administered either before or during pregnancy, respectively, and normalized placental and fetal growth restriction if administered from mid-gestation onward. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these studies identify a critical role for 5-MTHF in endothelial cell function in pregnancy, related to endothelial cell BH4 availability and NO synthase activity. Thus, 5-MTHF represents a novel therapeutic agent that may potentially improve endothelial function in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by targeting endothelial cell BH4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Dickinson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (Y.D., G.D., K.M.C., S.C.)
| | - Ruth Boehni
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Merck & Cie KmG Schaffhausen, Switzerland (R.B., J.-P.K., R.M.)
| | - Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Saarland University Hospital Homburg, Saar, Germany (R.O.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Knapp
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Merck & Cie KmG Schaffhausen, Switzerland (R.B., J.-P.K., R.M.)
| | - Rudolf Moser
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Merck & Cie KmG Schaffhausen, Switzerland (R.B., J.-P.K., R.M.)
| | | | - Gillian Douglas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (Y.D., G.D., K.M.C., S.C.)
| | - Paul Leeson
- Oxford Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (P.L.)
| | - Keith M. Channon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (Y.D., G.D., K.M.C., S.C.)
| | - Surawee Chuaiphichai
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (Y.D., G.D., K.M.C., S.C.)
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Martinez-Morata I, Wu H, Galvez-Fernandez M, Ilievski V, Bottiglieri T, Niedzwiecki MM, Goldsmith J, Jones DP, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Pierce B, Walker DI, Gamble MV. Metabolomic Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation in Adults: Evidence from the FACT Trial. J Nutr 2024; 154:670-679. [PMID: 38092151 PMCID: PMC10900167 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.12.010] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folic acid (FA) is the oxidized form of folate found in supplements and FA-fortified foods. Most FA is reduced by dihydrofolate reductase to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5mTHF); the latter is the form of folate naturally found in foods. Ingestion of FA increases the plasma levels of both 5mTHF and unmetabolized FA (UMFA). Limited information is available on the downstream metabolic effects of FA supplementation, including potential effects associated with UMFA. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the metabolic effects of FA-supplementation, and the associations of plasma 5mTHF and UMFA with the metabolome in FA-naïve Bangladeshi adults. METHODS Sixty participants were selected from the Folic Acid and Creatine Trial; half received 800 μg FA/day for 12 weeks and half placebo. Plasma metabolome profiles were measured by high-resolution mass spectrometry, including 170 identified metabolites and 26,541 metabolic features. Penalized regression methods were used to assess the associations of targeted metabolites with FA-supplementation, plasma 5mTHF, and plasma UMFA. Pathway analyses were conducted using Mummichog. RESULTS In penalized models of identified metabolites, FA-supplementation was associated with higher choline. Changes in 5mTHF concentrations were positively associated with metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, acetylmethionine, creatinine, guanidinoacetate, hydroxyproline/n-acetylalanine) and 2 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid and linoleic acid). Changes in 5mTHF concentrations were negatively associated with acetylglutamate, acetyllysine, carnitine, propionyl carnitine, cinnamic acid, homogentisate, arachidonic acid, and nicotine. UMFA concentrations were associated with lower levels of arachidonic acid. Together, metabolites selected across all models were related to lipids, aromatic amino acid metabolism, and the urea cycle. Analyses of nontargeted metabolic features identified additional pathways associated with FA supplementation. CONCLUSION In addition to the recapitulation of several expected metabolic changes associated with 5mTHF, we observed additional metabolites/pathways associated with FA-supplementation and UMFA. Further studies are needed to confirm these associations and assess their potential implications for human health. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01050556.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martinez-Morata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marta Galvez-Fernandez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Vesna Ilievski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Megan M Niedzwiecki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jeff Goldsmith
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dean P Jones
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brandon Pierce
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Douglas I Walker
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mary V Gamble
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
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Folate Related Pathway Gene Analysis Reveals a Novel Metabolic Variant Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease with a Change in Metabolic Profile. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060475. [PMID: 35736408 PMCID: PMC9230919 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060475] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders may be important potential causative pathways to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) decreasing output, raised intracranial pressure, and ventricular enlargement have all been linked to AD. Cerebral folate metabolism may be a key player since this is significantly affected by such changes in CSF, and genetic susceptibilities may exist in this pathway. In the current study, we aimed to identify whether any single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) affecting folate and the associated metabolic pathways were significantly associated with AD. We took a functional nutrigenomics approach to look for SNPs in genes for the linked folate, methylation, and biogenic amine neurotransmitter pathways. Changes in metabolism were found with the SNPs identified. An abnormal SNP in methylene tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) was significantly predictive of AD and associated with an increase in tissue glutathione. Individuals without these SNPs had normal levels of glutathione but significantly raised MTHFD1. Both changes would serve to decrease potentially neurotoxic levels of homocysteine. Seven additional genes were associated with Alzheimer’s and five with normal ageing. MTHFD1 presents a strong prediction of susceptibility and disease among the SNPs associated with AD. Associated physiological changes present potential biomarkers for identifying at-risk individuals.
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Jeitner TM, Babich JW, Kelly JM. Advances in PSMA theranostics. Transl Oncol 2022; 22:101450. [PMID: 35597190 PMCID: PMC9123266 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PSMA is an appealing target for theranostic because it is a transmembrane protein with a known substrate that is overexpessed on prostate cancer cells and internalizes upon ligand binding. There are a number of PSMA theranostic ligands in clinical evaluation, clinical trial, or clinically approved. PSMA theranostic ligands increase progression-free survival, overall survival, and pain in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. A major obstacle to PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy is off-target toxicity in salivary glands.
The validation of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a molecular target in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has stimulated the development of multiple classes of theranostic ligands that specifically target PSMA. Theranostic ligands are used to image disease or selectively deliver cytotoxic radioactivity to cells expressing PSMA according to the radioisotope conjugated to the ligand. PSMA theranostics is a rapidly advancing field that is now integrating into clinical management of prostate cancer patients. In this review we summarize published research describing the biological role(s) and activity of PSMA, highlight the most clinically advanced PSMA targeting molecules and biomacromolecules, and identify next generation PSMA ligands that aim to further improve treatment efficacy. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state-of-play and a roadmap to achieving further advances in PSMA theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Jeitner
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Belfer Research Building, 413 East 69th Street, Room BB-1604, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - John W Babich
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Belfer Research Building, 413 East 69th Street, Room BB-1604, New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - James M Kelly
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Belfer Research Building, 413 East 69th Street, Room BB-1604, New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Menezo Y, Clement P, Elder K. Are UMFA (un-metabolized folic acid) and endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) co-responsible for sperm degradation? An epigenetic/methylation perspective. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14400. [PMID: 35274767 PMCID: PMC9541233 DOI: 10.1111/and.14400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Folic Acid, Folinic Acid, 5 Methyl TetraHydroFolate Supplementation for Mutations That Affect Epigenesis through the Folate and One-Carbon Cycles. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020197. [PMID: 35204698 PMCID: PMC8961567 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylation is an essential biochemical mechanism that is central to the transmission of life, and crucially responsible for regulating gametogenesis and continued embryo development. The methylation of DNA and histones drives cell division and regulation of gene expression through epigenesis and imprinting. Brain development and its maturation also depend on correct lipid methylation, and continued neuronal function depends on biogenic amines that require methylation for their synthesis. All methylation processes are carried out via a methyltransferase enzyme and its unique co-factor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM); the transfer of a methyl group to a target molecule results in the release of SAH (SA homocysteine), and then homocysteine (Hcy). Both of these molecules are toxic, inhibiting methylation in a variety of ways, and Hcy recycling to methionine is imperative; this is achieved via the one carbon cycle, supported by the folates cycle. Folate deficiency causes hyperhomocysteinaemia, with several associated diseases; during early pregnancy, deficiency interferes with closure of the neural tube at the fourth week of gestation, and nutraceutical supplementation has been routinely prescribed to prevent neural tube defects, mainly involving B vitamins, Zn and folates. The two metabolic pathways are subject to single nucleotide polymorphisms that alter their activity/capacity, often severely, impairing specific physiological functions including fertility, brain and cardiac function. The impact of three types of nutraceutical supplements, folic acid (FA), folinic acid (FLA) and 5 Methyl THF (MTHF), will be discussed here, with their positive effects alongside potentially hazardous secondary effects. The issue surrounding FA and its association with UMFA (unmetabolized folic acid) syndrome is now a matter of concern, as UMFA is currently found in the umbilical cord of the fetus, and even in infants’ blood. We will discuss its putative role in influencing the acquisition of epigenetic marks in the germline, acquired during embryogenesis, as well as the role of FA in the management of cancerous disease.
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Wu Y, Smith AD, Bastani NE, Refsum H, Kwok T. The dihydrofolate reductase 19-bp deletion modifies the beneficial effect of B-vitamin therapy in mild cognitive impairment: Pooled study of two randomized placebo-controlled trials. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:1151-1158. [PMID: 34788822 PMCID: PMC8976423 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher serum homocysteine is associated with cognitive decline in older people. But homocysteine-lowering trials including folic acid (FA) show inconsistent results on cognitive decline. The reduction of FA to dihydrofolate by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is slow in humans. OBJECTIVE We examined the effects of the DHFR 19-bp deletion/insertion (del/ins) polymorphism on FA-containing treatment on cognitive decline and brain atrophy in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS This study used pooled data from two randomized B-vitamin trials on 545 MCI subjects who received either FA-containing B vitamins or placebo for 24 months. Subjects were typed for the DHFR genotype. Primary outcome was the Clinical Dementia Rating scale-global score (CDR-global). Secondary outcomes were CDR-sum of boxes score (CDR-SOB), memory and executive Z-scores, and whole brain atrophy rate by serial MRI. RESULTS The proportion of subjects with del/del, del/ins and ins/ins genotype were 29.5%, 44.3% and 26.1%, respectively. DHFR genotypes modified the effects of B vitamins on CDR-global, CDR-SOB and executive function Z-score (Pinteraction = 0.017, 0.014 and 0.052, respectively), with significant benefits being observed only in those with ins/ins genotype (Beta = -1.367, -0.614 and 0.315, P = 0.004, 0.014 and 0.012, respectively). The interaction was not significant for memory Z-score and whole brain atrophy rate. Notably, the supplements only slowed brain atrophy in members of the 'ins/ins' group who were not using aspirin. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the beneficial effects of B vitamins including FA on cognitive function are only apparent in those with ins/ins genotype, i.e. relatively better preserved DHFR activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A David Smith
- Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nasser E Bastani
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helga Refsum
- Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Timothy Kwok
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Regulation of the one carbon folate cycle as a shared metabolic signature of longevity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3486. [PMID: 34108489 PMCID: PMC8190293 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23856-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolome represents a complex network of biological events that reflects the physiologic state of the organism in health and disease. Additionally, specific metabolites and metabolic signaling pathways have been shown to modulate animal ageing, but whether there are convergent mechanisms uniting these processes remains elusive. Here, we used high resolution mass spectrometry to obtain the metabolomic profiles of canonical longevity pathways in C. elegans to identify metabolites regulating life span. By leveraging the metabolomic profiles across pathways, we found that one carbon metabolism and the folate cycle are pervasively regulated in common. We observed similar changes in long-lived mouse models of reduced insulin/IGF signaling. Genetic manipulation of pathway enzymes and supplementation with one carbon metabolites in C. elegans reveal that regulation of the folate cycle represents a shared causal mechanism of longevity and proteoprotection. Such interventions impact the methionine cycle, and reveal methionine restriction as an underlying mechanism. This comparative approach reveals key metabolic nodes to enhance healthy ageing.
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[6 S]-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid and Folic Acid Pregnancy Diets Differentially Program Metabolic Phenotype and Hypothalamic Gene Expression of Wistar Rat Dams Post-Birth. Nutrients 2020; 13:nu13010048. [PMID: 33375730 PMCID: PMC7823556 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
[6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (MTHF) is a proposed replacement for folic acid (FA) in diets and prenatal supplements. This study compared the effects of these two forms on maternal metabolism and hypothalamic gene expression. Pregnant Wistar rats received an AIN-93G diet with recommended FA (1X, 2 mg/kg, control), 5X-FA or equimolar levels of MTHF. During lactation they received the control diet and then a high fat diet for 19-weeks post-weaning. Body weight, adiposity, food intake, energy expenditure, plasma hormones, folate, and 1-carbon metabolites were measured. RNA-sequencing of the hypothalamus was conducted at parturition. Weight-loss from weaning to 1-week post-weaning was less in dams fed either form of the 5X vs. 1X folate diets, but final weight-gain was higher in 5X-MTHF vs. 5X-FA dams. Both doses of the MTHF diets led to 8% higher food intake and associated with lower plasma leptin at parturition, but higher leptin at 19-weeks and insulin resistance at 1-week post-weaning. RNA-sequencing revealed 279 differentially expressed genes in the hypothalamus in 5X-MTHF vs. 5X-FA dams. These findings indicate that MTHF and FA differ in their programing effects on maternal phenotype, and a potential adverse role of either form when given at the higher doses.
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Pharmacokinetics of Sodium and Calcium Salts of (6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid Compared to Folic Acid and Indirect Comparison of the Two Salts. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123623. [PMID: 33255787 PMCID: PMC7760477 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
(6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid ((6S)-5-Methyl-THF) salts and folic acid may differ in their abilities to raise plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF levels. We compared the area under the curve (AUC), Cmax, and Tmax of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF after intakes of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na salt (Arcofolin®) and folic acid. Moreover, we compared the AUCs after intakes of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na and the calcium salt, (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Ca, that were tested against folic acid in two independent studies. The study was randomized, double blind, and cross over. Twenty-four adults (12 men and 12 women) received a single oral dose of 436 µg (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na and an equimolar dose of folic acid (400 µg) on two kinetic days with two weeks washout period in between. The plasma concentrations of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF were measured at 9 time points between 0 and 8 h. We found that the AUC0–8 h of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF (mean (SD) = 126.0 (33.6) vs. 56.0 (25.3) nmol/L*h) and Cmax (36.8 (10.8) vs. 11.1 (4.1) nmol/L) were higher after administration of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na than after the administration of folic acid (p < 0.001 for both). These differences were present in men and women. Only administration of folic acid resulted in a transient increase in plasma unmetabolized folic acid (2.5 (2.0) nmol/L after 0.5 h and 4.7 (2.9) nmol/L after 1 h). Intake of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na was safe. The ratios of the AUC0–8 h for (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na and (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Ca to the corresponding folic acid reference group and the delta of these AUC0–8 h did not differ between the studies. In conclusion, a single oral dose of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na caused higher AUC0–8 h and Cmax of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF compared to folic acid. The Na- and Ca- salts of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF are not likely to differ in their pharmacokinetics. Further studies may investigate whether supplementation of the compounds for a longer time will lead to differences in circulating or intracellular/tissue folate concentrations.
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Simultaneous quantification of intracellular concentrations of clinically important metabolites of folate-homocysteine cycle by LC-MS/MS. Anal Biochem 2020; 605:113830. [PMID: 32717185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Inadequate folate status is detrimental to human development. Deficiency has been implicated in congenital birth defects and cancer, whereas excess has been linked to various negative neurocognitive development outcomes. We developed a method for translational studies involving lymphoblastoid cell models for studying role of folates in vital cell processes. We describe a simple, sensitive, and fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of intracellular concentrations of clinically important metabolites of folate-homocysteine cycle; namely, folic acid (FA), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-Me-THF), and homocysteine (Hcy). The method was validated for specificity, linearity, limits of quantification, repeatability, reproducibility, matrix effects, and stability. Method had a wide linear range between 0.341 and 71.053 ng Hcy/mg protein for Hcy, 0.004-0.526 ng FA/mg protein for FA and 0.003-0.526 ng 5-Me-THF/mg protein for 5-Me-THF. The method overcomes challenges associated with the quantification of endogenous molecules, poor stability, and extremely small amounts of the analytes. The method was successfully applied to evaluate the effects of FA and 5-Me-THF treatment of cells in vitro mimicking supplement therapy with various metabolically active species, and showed that 5-Me-THF is more effective than FA in increasing intracellular levels of the biologically active form of folate.
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Folic acid content of diet during pregnancy determines post-birth re-set of metabolism in Wistar rat dams. J Nutr Biochem 2020; 83:108414. [PMID: 32544644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Maternal metabolism begins to return to homeostasis (re-set) following birth and is accelerated by lactation. Delay in metabolic re-set may contribute to postpartum weight retention and later-life metabolic consequences. Folic acid (FA) is essential during pregnancy but inadequate intakes may alter 1-carbon metabolism, consequently affecting energy homeostatic systems. Our objectives were to examine the effects of FA content 1)below and 2)above requirements during pregnancy on the re-set of body weight, markers of hepatic 1-carbon metabolism and central and peripheral energy metabolic pathways in Wistar rat mothers early post-weaning (PW) compared to pregnant controls. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed an AIN-93G diet with FA at 0X, 1X (control, 2 mg FA/kg) or a range above requirements at 2.5X, 5X or 10X recommended levels then the control diet during lactation up to 1 week PW. Dams fed below (0X) or above (5X and 10X) FA requirements had delayed weight-loss from weaning up to 1 week PW, higher plasma insulin and HOMA-IR and changes in glucose and lipid metabolism-regulating genes in muscle, but not liver or adipose tissue compared to controls. Expression of folate-related genes in liver were lower in high FA fed dams. Central food intake neurons were not affected by FA diets. In conclusion, intakes of FA below (0X) or above (5X, 10X) requirements during pregnancy delayed weight-loss, dysregulated 1-carbon pathways in the liver and peripheral energy metabolic pathways in the Wistar rat mother up to 4 weeks after dietary exposure; potentially programming long-term negative metabolic effects and that of her future offspring.
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McGowan EC, Hong X, Selhub J, Paul L, Wood RA, Matsui EC, Keet CA, Wang X. Association Between Folate Metabolites and the Development of Food Allergy in Children. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2020; 8:132-140.e5. [PMID: 31252026 PMCID: PMC6930362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the association between folate/folic acid exposure and the development of allergic disease have yielded inconsistent results, which may be due, in part, to lack of data distinguishing folate from folic acid exposure. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between total folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) concentrations at birth and in early childhood and the development of food sensitization (FS) and food allergy (FA). METHODS A nested case control study was performed in the Boston Birth Cohort (BBC). Total folate, 5-MTHF, and UMFA were measured at birth and in early childhood. Based on food-specific IgE (sIgE) levels, diet, and clinical history, children were classified as FS (sIgE ≥0.35 kU/L), FA, or non-FS/FA (controls). Folate concentrations were divided into quartiles, and multiple logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Of a total of 1394 children, 507 children with FS and 78 with FA were identified. Although mean total folate concentrations at birth were lower among those who developed FA (30.2 vs 35.3 nmol/L; P = .02), mean concentrations of the synthetic folic acid derivative, UMFA, were higher (1.7 vs 1.3 nmol/L, P = .001). Higher quartiles of UMFA at birth were associated more strongly with FA (OR 8.50; 95% CI 1.7-42.8; test for trend P = .001). Neither early childhood concentrations of 5-MTHF nor UMFA were associated with the development of FS or FA. CONCLUSION Among children in the BBC, higher concentrations of UMFA at birth were associated with the development of FA, which may be due to increased exposure to synthetic folic acid in utero or underlying genetic differences in synthetic folic acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C McGowan
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va; Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md
| | - Jacob Selhub
- Tufts University, JM USDA HNRCA at Tufts University, Boston, Mass
| | - Ligi Paul
- Tufts University, JM USDA HNRCA at Tufts University, Boston, Mass
| | - Robert A Wood
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Corinne A Keet
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md
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Troesch B, Demmelmair J, Gimpfl M, Hecht C, Lakovic G, Roehle R, Sipka L, Trisic B, Vusurovic M, Schoop R, Zdjelar S, Koletzko B. Suitability and safety of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate as a folate source in infant formula: A randomized-controlled trial. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216790. [PMID: 31425504 PMCID: PMC6699731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the predominant folate form in human milk but is currently not approved as a folate source for infant and follow-on formula. We aimed to assess the suitability of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate as a folate source for infants. Growth and tolerance in healthy term infants fed formulae containing equimolar doses of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (10.4 μg/ 100 ml, n = 120, intervention group) or folic acid (10.0 μg/ 100 ml, n = 120, control group) was assessed in a randomized, double-blind, parallel, controlled trial. A reference group of breastfed infants was followed. Both formulae were well accepted without differences in tolerance or occurrence of adverse events. The most common adverse events were common cold, poor weight gain or growth, rash, eczema, or dry skin and respiratory tract infection. Weight gain (the primary outcome) was equivalent in the two groups (95% CI -2.11; 1.68 g/d). In line with this, there was only a small difference in absolute body weight adjusted for birth weight and sex at visit 4 (95% CI -235; 135 g). Equivalence was also shown for gain in head circumference but not for recumbent length gain and increase in calorie intake. Given the nature of the test, this does not indicate an actual difference, and adjusted means at visit 4 were not significantly different for any of these parameters. Infants receiving formula containing L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate had lower mean plasma levels of unmetabolized folic acid (intervention: 0.73 nmol/L, control: 1.15 nmol/L, p<0.0001) and higher levels of red cell folate (intervention: 907.0 ±192.8 nmol/L, control: 839.4 ±142.4 nmol/L, p = 0.0095). We conclude that L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is suitable for use in infant and follow-on formula, and there are no indications of untoward effects. Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02437721).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johann Demmelmair
- LMU -Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Dr von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Goran Lakovic
- Clinical Hospital Center "Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Robert Roehle
- Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, KKS Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ljilja Sipka
- Clinical Hospital Center "Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje", Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Milica Vusurovic
- Clinical Hospital Center "Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje", Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Sznezana Zdjelar
- Clinical Hospital Center "Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- LMU -Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Dr von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Munich, Germany
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