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Fardous AM, Heydari AR. Uncovering the Hidden Dangers and Molecular Mechanisms of Excess Folate: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4699. [PMID: 37960352 PMCID: PMC10648405 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate relationship between excess folate (vitamin B9) intake, especially its synthetic form, namely, folic acid, and its implications on health and disease. While folate plays a pivotal role in the one-carbon cycle, which is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, concerns arise about its excessive intake. The literature underscores potential deleterious effects, such as an increased risk of carcinogenesis; disruption in DNA methylation; and impacts on embryogenesis, pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment, and disease risk. Notably, these consequences stretch beyond the immediate effects, potentially influencing future generations through epigenetic reprogramming. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were examined, including altered one-carbon metabolism, the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, vitamin-B12-dependent mechanisms, altered methylation patterns, and interactions with critical receptors and signaling pathways. Furthermore, differences in the effects and mechanisms mediated by folic acid compared with natural folate are highlighted. Given the widespread folic acid supplementation, it is imperative to further research its optimal intake levels and the molecular pathways impacted by its excessive intake, ensuring the health and well-being of the global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Fardous
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Ahmad R. Heydari
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Vitamin–Microbiota Crosstalk in Intestinal Inflammation and Carcinogenesis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163383. [PMID: 36014889 PMCID: PMC9414212 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) are common diseases of the digestive system. Vitamin deficiencies and gut microbiota dysbiosis have a close relationship with the risk, development, and progression of IBD and CAC. There is a strong link between vitamins and the gut microbiome. Vitamins are extremely crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, promoting growth and development, metabolism, and innate immunity. Gut microbiota can not only influence the transport process of vitamins, but also produce vitamins to compensate for insufficient food intake. Emerging evidence suggests that oral vitamin supplementation can reduce inflammation levels and improve disease prognosis. In addition, improving the diet structure and consuming foods rich in vitamins not only help to improve the vitamin deficiency, but also help to reduce the risk of IBD. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the application of vitamin-producing probiotics can better assist in the treatment of intestinal diseases. In this review, we discuss the interaction and therapeutic roles of vitamins and gut microbiota in IBD and CAC. We also summarize the methods of treating IBD and CAC by modulating vitamins. This may highlight strategies to target gut-microbiota-dependent alterations in vitamin metabolism in the context of IBD and CAC therapy.
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Yang HJ, Kang Y, Li YZ, Liu FH, Yan S, Gao S, Huo YL, Gong TT, Wu QJ. Relationship between different forms of dietary choline and ovarian cancer survival: findings from the ovarian cancer follow-up study, a prospective cohort study. Food Funct 2022; 13:12342-12352. [DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02594a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Higher levels of pre-diagnosis fat-soluble choline intake was associated with better overall survival of ovarian cancer, and this association was more attributed to phosphatidylcholine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Yang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ye Kang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi-Zi Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fang-Hua Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun-Long Huo
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ting-Ting Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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The Timing and Duration of Folate Restriction Differentially Impacts Colon Carcinogenesis. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010016. [PMID: 35010891 PMCID: PMC8746403 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Of particular importance, folate, present in foods and supplements, is a crucial modulator of CRC risk. The role of folate, and, specifically, the synthetic variant, folic acid, in the primary prevention of CRC has not been fully elucidated. Animal studies varied considerably in the timing, duration, and supplementation of folates, leading to equivocal results. Our work attempts to isolate these variables to ascertain the role of folic acid in CRC initiation, as we previously demonstrated that folate restriction conferred protection against CRC initiation in a β-pol haploinsufficient mouse model. Here we demonstrated that prior adaptation to folate restriction altered the response to carcinogen exposure in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Mice adapted to folate restriction for 8 weeks were protected from CRC initiation compared to mice placed on folate restriction for 1 week, irrespective of antibiotic supplementation. Through analyses of mTOR signaling, DNA methyltransferase, and DNA repair, we have identified factors that may play a critical role in the differential responses to folate restriction. Furthermore, the timing and duration of folate restriction altered these pathways differently in the absence of carcinogenic insult. These results represent novel findings, as we were able to show that, in the same model and under controlled conditions, folate restriction produced contrasting results depending on the timing and duration of the intervention.
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Aladelokun O, Hanley M, Mu J, Giardina JC, Rosenberg DW, Giardina C. Fatty acid metabolism and colon cancer protection by dietary methyl donor restriction. Metabolomics 2021; 17:80. [PMID: 34480220 PMCID: PMC8416812 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-021-01831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A methyl donor depleted (MDD) diet dramatically suppresses intestinal tumor development in Apc-mutant mice, but the mechanism of this prevention is not entirely clear. OBJECTIVES We sought to gain insight into the mechanisms of cancer suppression by the MDD diet and to identify biomarkers of cancer risk reduction. METHODS A plasma metabolomic analysis was performed on ApcΔ14/+ mice maintained on either a methyl donor sufficient (MDS) diet or the protective MDD diet. A group of MDS animals was also pair-fed with the MDD mice to normalize caloric intake, and another group was shifted from an MDD to MDS diet to determine the durability of the metabolic changes. RESULTS In addition to the anticipated changes in folate one-carbon metabolites, plasma metabolites related to fatty acid metabolism were generally decreased by the MDD diet, including carnitine, acylcarnitines, and fatty acids. Some fatty acid selectivity was observed; the levels of cancer-promoting arachidonic acid and 2-hydroxyglutarate were decreased by the MDD diet, whereas eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels were increased. Machine-learning elastic net analysis revealed a positive association between the fatty acid-related compounds azelate and 7-hydroxycholesterol and tumor development, and a negative correlation with succinate and β-sitosterol. CONCLUSION Methyl donor restriction causes dramatic changes in systemic fatty acid metabolism. Regulating fatty acid metabolism through methyl donor restriction favorably effects fatty acid profiles to achieve cancer protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladimeji Aladelokun
- Center for Molecular Oncology, University of Connecticut Health Center, The University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, 06030-3101, USA.
| | - Matthew Hanley
- Center for Molecular Oncology, University of Connecticut Health Center, The University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, 06030-3101, USA
| | - Jinjian Mu
- Statistical Consulting Services, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - John C Giardina
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel W Rosenberg
- Center for Molecular Oncology, University of Connecticut Health Center, The University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, 06030-3101, USA
| | - Charles Giardina
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Rodriguez FD, Coveñas R. Biochemical Mechanisms Associating Alcohol Use Disorders with Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143548. [PMID: 34298760 PMCID: PMC8306032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Of all yearly deaths attributable to alcohol consumption globally, approximately 12% are due to cancers, representing approximately 0.4 million deceased individuals. Ethanol metabolism disturbs cell biochemistry by targeting the structure and function of essential biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids) and by provoking alterations in cell programming that lead to cancer development and cancer malignancy. A better understanding of the metabolic and cell signaling realm affected by ethanol is paramount to designing effective treatments and preventive actions tailored to specific neoplasias. Abstract The World Health Organization identifies alcohol as a cause of several neoplasias of the oropharynx cavity, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, larynx, liver, or female breast. We review ethanol’s nonoxidative and oxidative metabolism and one-carbon metabolism that encompasses both redox and transfer reactions that influence crucial cell proliferation machinery. Ethanol favors the uncontrolled production and action of free radicals, which interfere with the maintenance of essential cellular functions. We focus on the generation of protein, DNA, and lipid adducts that interfere with the cellular processes related to growth and differentiation. Ethanol’s effects on stem cells, which are responsible for building and repairing tissues, are reviewed. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) of different origins suffer disturbances related to the expression of cell surface markers, enzymes, and transcription factors after ethanol exposure with the consequent dysregulation of mechanisms related to cancer metastasis or resistance to treatments. Our analysis aims to underline and discuss potential targets that show more sensitivity to ethanol’s action and identify specific metabolic routes and metabolic realms that may be corrected to recover metabolic homeostasis after pharmacological intervention. Specifically, research should pay attention to re-establishing metabolic fluxes by fine-tuning the functioning of specific pathways related to one-carbon metabolism and antioxidant processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco D. Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Group GIR USAL: BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-677-510-030
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Group GIR USAL: BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Shulpekova Y, Nechaev V, Kardasheva S, Sedova A, Kurbatova A, Bueverova E, Kopylov A, Malsagova K, Dlamini JC, Ivashkin V. The Concept of Folic Acid in Health and Disease. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123731. [PMID: 34207319 PMCID: PMC8235569 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Folates have a pterine core structure and high metabolic activity due to their ability to accept electrons and react with O-, S-, N-, C-bounds. Folates play a role as cofactors in essential one-carbon pathways donating methyl-groups to choline phospholipids, creatine, epinephrine, DNA. Compounds similar to folates are ubiquitous and have been found in different animals, plants, and microorganisms. Folates enter the body from the diet and are also synthesized by intestinal bacteria with consequent adsorption from the colon. Three types of folate and antifolate cellular transporters have been found, differing in tissue localization, substrate affinity, type of transferring, and optimal pH for function. Laboratory criteria of folate deficiency are accepted by WHO. Severe folate deficiencies, manifesting in early life, are seen in hereditary folate malabsorption and cerebral folate deficiency. Acquired folate deficiency is quite common and is associated with poor diet and malabsorption, alcohol consumption, obesity, and kidney failure. Given the observational data that folates have a protective effect against neural tube defects, ischemic events, and cancer, food folic acid fortification was introduced in many countries. However, high physiological folate concentrations and folate overload may increase the risk of impaired brain development in embryogenesis and possess a growth advantage for precancerous altered cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Shulpekova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Vladimir Nechaev
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Svetlana Kardasheva
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Alla Sedova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Anastasia Kurbatova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Elena Bueverova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Arthur Kopylov
- Biobanking Group, Branch of Institute of Biomedical Chemistry “Scientific and Education Center”, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Kristina Malsagova
- Biobanking Group, Branch of Institute of Biomedical Chemistry “Scientific and Education Center”, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-499-764-9878
| | | | - Vladimir Ivashkin
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
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