Perspectives on folate with special reference to epigenetics and neural tube defects.

Krishna Rao Gurugubelli, Vishnu Bhat Ballambattu

Journal: Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) 2024;125():108576

PMID: 38479591

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Folate is a micronutrient essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, fetal growth and development. Folate deficiency leads to genomic instability. Inadequate intake of folate during conception may lead to neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring. Folate influences the DNA methylation, histone methylation and homocysteine mediated gene methylation. DNA methylation influences the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). Folate deficiency may be associated with miRNAs misregulation leading to NTDs. Mitochondrial epigenetics and folate metabolism has proved to be involved in embryogenesis and neural tube development. Folate related genetic variants also cause the occurrence of NTDs. Unmetabolized excessive folate may affect health adversely. Hence estimation of folate levels in the blood plays an important role in high-risk cases.

Address: Department of Biochemistry, Andhra Medical College (AMC), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.; Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital (AVMC & H), Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (DU), Kirumambakkam, Puducherry, India. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108576

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/folicacid.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0890...

MeSH Terms: Humans, Folic Acid, Neural Tube Defects, Folic Acid Deficiency, Epigenesis, Genetic, DNA Methylation, MicroRNAs, Neural Tube