Folinic Acid Increases Protein Arginine Methylation in Human Endothelial Cells

Advances in the role of epigenetics in homocysteine-related diseases

Homocysteine has a wide range of biological effects. However, the specific molecular mechanism of its pathogenicity is still unclear. The diseases induced by hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are called homocysteine-related diseases. Clinical treatment of HHcy is mainly through folic acid and B-complex vitamins, which are not effective in reducing the associated end point events. Epigenetics is the alteration of heritable genes caused by DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs and chromatin remodeling without altering the DNA sequence. In recent years the role of epigenetics in homocysteine-associated diseases has been gradually discovered. This article summarizes the latest evidence on the role of epigenetics in HHcy, providing new directions for its prevention and treatment.

Novel treatments for autism spectrum disorder based on genomics and systems biology

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex underlying genetic architecture. There are currently no known pharmacologic treatments for the core ASD symptoms of social deficits and restricted/ repetitive behavior. However, there are dozens of clinical trials currently underway that are testing the impact of novel and existing agents on core and associated symptoms in ASD.

METHODS

We present a narrative synthesis of the historical and contemporary challenges to drug discovery in ASD. We then provide an overview of novel treatments currently under investigation from a genomics and systems biology perspective.

RESULTS

Data driven network and cluster analyses suggest alterations in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodelling, synaptic transmission, neuropeptide signalling, and/or immunological mechanisms may contribute to or underlie the development of ASD. Agents and upcoming trials targeting each of the above listed systems are reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Identifying effective pharmacologic treatments for the core and associated symptom domains in ASD will require further collaboration and innovation in the areas of outcome measurement, biomarker research, and genomics, as well as systematic efforts to identify and treat subgroups of individuals with ASD who may be differentially responsive to specific treatments.

Folate content and retention in wheat grains and wheat-based foods: Effects of storage, processing, and cooking methods

Folates are essential micronutrients for human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage, processing and cooking methods on folate content and identify factors with great influence on folate retention in wheat grains and wheat-based foods. For this, the folate levels of wheat grains after 2-8 months of storage, wheat flours, noodles, fermented dough, steamed bun, and bread were sequentially analyzed. An average of 26% folate loss was observed after eight-month storage in wheat grains. The milling process, with an extraction rate of 70%, led to a severe (71%) folate loss. The folate retention rate in noodles was 78%. Fermentation by yeast production enabled a 1.5-4-fold enhancement of folate levels in steamed bun and bread. Boiling, steaming and baking led to a folate loss of 13%, 16%, and 11%, respectively. These results help to guide industrial/household preparation of wheat-based foods for folate nutrition.