Sperm DNA methylation defects in a new mouse model of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T variant and correction with moderate dose folic acid supplementation.

5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme that plays a key role in providing methyl groups for DNA methylation, including during spermatogenesis. A common genetic variant in humans (MTHFR 677C>T) results in reduced enzyme activity and has been linked to various disorders, including male infertility. A new animal model has been created by reproducing the human equivalent of the polymorphism in mice using CRISPR/Cas9. Biochemical parameters in the Mthfr 677TT mice recapitulate alterations found in MTHFR 677TT men. Our aims were to characterize the sperm DNA methylome of the Mthfr 677CC and TT mice on a control diet (2 mg folic acid/kg diet) and assess the effects of folic acid supplementation (10 mg/kg diet) on the sperm DNA methylome. Body and reproductive organ weights, testicular sperm counts, and histology were examined. DNA methylation in sperm was assessed using bisulfite pyrosequencing and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Reproductive parameters and locus-specific imprinted gene methylation were unaffected by genotype or diet. Using WGBS, sperm from 677TT mice had 360 differentially methylated tiles as compared to 677CC mice, predominantly hypomethylation (60% of tiles). Folic acid supplementation mostly caused hypermethylation in sperm of males of both genotypes and was found to partially correct the DNA methylation alterations in sperm associated with the TT genotype. The new mouse model will be useful in understanding the role of MTHFR deficiency in male fertility and in designing folate supplementation regimens for the clinic.

Association between MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphisms and the Efficacy of Vitamin Therapy in lowering Homocysteine Levels among Stroke Patients with Hyperhomocysteinemia.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutation on the relationship between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and stroke has been extensively studied and documented in previous study. However, it remains unclear whether the MTHFR C677T mutation can affect the response to Hcy lowering treatment in stroke patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Understanding the impact of genetic factors on treatment response can help optimize personalized treatment strategies for stroke patients with HHcy. We aimed to investigate the potential association between the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms and the effectiveness of Hcy lowering treatment using vitamin therapy in stroke patients with HHcy. METHODS: The MTHFR C677T genotype polymorphisms were identified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and the distribution of three genotypes in the MTHFR C677T gene locus was compared. The treatment effects of Hcy lowering agents were compared among patients with different genotypes. RESULTS: Among the 320 stroke patients enrolled in the study, 258 (80.6%) were diagnosed with HHcy. Of these, 162 patients (Effective Group) responded well to the clinical Hcy lowering treatment, while 96 patients (Invalid Group) failed to achieve sufficient response even after taking combination supplements of folic acid, Vitamin B6, and methylcobalamin for one month. Significant differences were observed in terms of age (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.034), dyslipidemia (p = 0.022), hyperuricemia (p = 0.013) and genotype distribution of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism (p < 0.001) between the Invalid group and the Effective group. The multivariate regression analysis revealed that the T allele (odd rations [OR], 1.327; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.114-1.580; p = 0.0015) was independently associated with an insufficient Hcy lowering treatment effect. Additionally, the TT genotype was independently associated with insufficient response in both the codominant model (OR, 1.645; 95% CI, 1.093-2.476; p = 0.017) and the recessive model (TT versus CC + CT; OR, 1.529; 95% CI, 1.145-2.042; p = 0.004). However, no relationship was observed between CT + TT genotypes and poor treatment effect in the dominate model. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that the TT genotype and T allele of MTHFR C677T polymorphism were independently associated with an insufficient Hcy lowering treatment effect in stroke patients with HHcy.

Effects of gene polymorphisms on delayed MTX clearance, toxicity, and metabolomic changes after HD-MTX treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

This study aims to assess the role of methotrexate-related gene polymorphisms in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) therapy and to explore their effects on serum metabolites before and after HD-MTX treatment. The MTHFR 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C, ABCB1 3435C>T, and GSTP1 313A>G genotypes of 189 children with ALL who received chemotherapy with the CCCG-ALL-2020 regimen from January 2020 to April 2023 were analyzed, and toxic effects were reported according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 5.0). Fasting peripheral blood serum samples were collected from 27 children before and after HD-MTX treatment, and plasma metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results of univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MTHFR 677C>T and ABCB1 3435 C>T gene polymorphisms were associated with the delayed MTX clearance (P < 0.05) and lower platelet count after treatment in children with MTHFR 677 mutation compared with wild-type ones (P < 0.05), and pure mutations in ABCB1 3435 were associated with higher serum creatinine levels (P < 0.05). No significant association was identified between MTHFR 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C, ABCB1 3435 C>T, and GSTP1 313A>G genes and hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity (P > 0.05). However, the serum metabolomic analysis indicated that the presence of the MTHFR 677C > T gene polymorphism could potentially contribute to delayed MTX clearance by influencing L-phenylalanine metabolism, leading to the occurrence of related toxic side effects. CONCLUSION: MTHFR 677C>T and ABCB1 3435 C>T predicted the risk of delayed MTX clearance during HD-MTX treatment in children with ALL. Serum L-phenylalanine levels were significantly elevated after HD-MTX treatment in children with the MTHFR 677C>T mutation gene. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2000035264; registration: 2020/08/05; https://www.chictr.org.cn/ ). WHAT IS KNOWN: • MTX-related genes play an important role in MTX pharmacokinetics and toxicity, but results from different studies are inconsistent and the mechanisms involved are not clear. WHAT IS NEW: • Characteristics, prognosis, polymorphisms of MTX-related genes, and metabolite changes were comprehensively evaluated in children treated with HD-MTX chemotherapy. • Analysis revealed that both heterozygous and pure mutations in MTHFR 677C>T resulted in a significantly increased risk of delayed MTX clearance, and that L-phenylalanine has the potential to serve as a predictive marker for the metabolic effects of the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism.

Association of MTHFR polymorphism, folic acid and vitamin B12 with serum homocysteine levels in pregnant women.

Homocysteine is known to be associated with adverse vascular and metabolic effects, as well as pregnancy complications. Its serum levels are influenced by the function of the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and the dietary intake of folic acid, vitamin B12, and methionine. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the association of genetic polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene with vitamin status in pregnant women during mandatory folic acid supplementation. The study included 102 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation who were attending regular outpatient examinations at the maternity clinic. Homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12 levels, and MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) were analyzed. Significant associations were found between vitamin B12 and folic acid levels with homocysteine (P < 0.001), with lower serum levels of these vitamins being associated with higher homocysteine levels. Surprisingly, there was no significant association between MTHFR genetic polymorphisms and serum homocysteine levels, likely attributed to the supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 in vitamin supplements for pregnant women, which counteracts the effect of the mutation. Remarkably, a high prevalence of MTHFR gene mutations was found, with the C677T polymorphism present in 56.9% and the A1298C polymorphism in 87.2% of pregnant women. These findings emphasize the importance of adequate folic acid and vitamin B12 intake during pregnancy to regulate homocysteine levels. Although the MTHFR gene mutations were highly prevalent, their influence on homocysteine levels in this population appears to be mitigated by vitamin supplementation. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of these mutations on other aspects of pregnancy outcomes. The trial is registrated at Clinicaltrail.gov (NCT04952324).

Association between maternal diet, smoking, and the placenta MTHFR 677C/T genotype and global placental DNA methylation.

INTRODUCTION: The placenta provides nutrients to the fetus, and it has protective effects against harmful substances. Unhealthy maternal diets and toxic agents might increase free radical (FR) production. Elevated FR levels are associated with a high risk of oxidative stress, which may cause DNA damage. DNA might be oxidized in the placenta, occasionally affecting its methylation profile due to 8-hidroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine formation. METHODS: This study assessed 130 mothers and their children. The maternal's nutritional patterns were determined using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Information on smoking and alcohol consumption was collected during the medical examination. Data on placental DNA were obtained to determine the MTHFR 677C/T genotype and the proportion of placental DNA methylation (pDNAm). RESULTS: Consumption of vitamins and folic acid was above 85%. The pDNAm was found to be correlated with gestational age and coffee intake. Mothers with a smoking history had a low pDNAm. Placentas with the TT genotype had a higher but not significant pDNAm. In the placentas with the CC/CT genotype, the pDNAm was positively associated with carbohydrate and biotin intake. However, the TT genotype was negatively associated with folate and vegetable intake. DISCUSSION: The pDNAm was positively associated with coffee intake, but not with macro-, and micronutrient intake. However, it was negatively associated with cigarette smoking. The placentas with the CC/CT genotype had a lower pDNAm than those with the TT genotype. In the placentas with the CC/CT or TT genotype, methylation was positively, and negatively associated with micro- or macronutrients, respectively.

The effects of folinic acid and l-methylfolate supplementation on serum total homocysteine levels in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND - AIM: Hyperhomocysteinemia is recognized as a risk factor for several diseases and conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the efficacy of two total homocysteine (tHcy)-lowering treatments including folinic acid or l-methylfolate in healthy Greek adults. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-two healthy Greek adults (143 men, 129 women; mean age±SD: 43.0 ± 15.3 years), with serum tHcy levels ≥10 µmol/L received randomized folinic acid ("Folinic acid Group") or l-methylfolate ("l-methylfolate Group") orally for three months. All subjects with serum cobalamin (Cbl) levels <300 pg/mL additionally received 1 mg hydroxycobalamine intramuscularly twice a week for the first month only. Serum folate, Cbl and tHcy levels were determined using immunoassays methods at the beginning and the end of the study period. The MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization. RESULTS: At the end of the 3-month intervention period, the levels of serum folate and Cbl increased significantly, whereas the levels of serum tHcy decreased significantly in the two groups. The individuals with MTHFR 677TT genotype had a significantly higher reduction in serum tHcy levels than the individuals with the MTHFR 677CC or MTHFR 677CT genotypes. Although the "Folinic acid Group" had a considerably higher increase in their serum folate levels (but not Cbl) than the "l-methylfolate Group", the reduction of serum tHcy levels between the two groups was not substantially different. The individuals with MTHFR 677CT genotype had a statistically significant higher reduction in serum tHcy levels when supplemented with folinic acid rather than l-methylfolate. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of folinic acid compared to l-methylfolate caused a higher increase of serum folate levels but no difference in the reduction of serum tHcy levels. The reduction of serum tHcy levels was influenced by the existence of MTHFR C677T and not MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphisms. The individuals with MTHFR 677CT genotype appear to benefit more by folinic acid than l-methylfolate supplementation.

A study on the correlation between MTHFR and folic acid combined with trace elements for the prevention of fetal malformations in the first trimester of pregnancy.

This study aims to elucidate and examine the intricate interrelation between 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), combined folic acid (FA), and trace element supplementation as a preventive strategy against fetal malformations during the inaugural trimester of pregnancy. Eighty pregnant women selected from our hospital's early obstetrics department from May 2021 to August 2021. Pregnant women are divided into the MTHFR combined group, FA, and trace element group. Comparing the basic data of patients, analyzing adverse reactions in pregnant women, and total birth risk situation, detecting MTHFR gene polymorphisms, and analyzing the correlation between MTHFR and FA in the prevention of fetal malformations in early pregnancy. Compared with the north, the southern region is more prone to FA deficiency. MTHFR degree of the MTHFR combined group was positively correlated with fetal malformations. The deformity rate was negatively correlated with FA and trace elements. Pregnant women in the first trimester may have fetal malformations, and the malformation rate is negatively correlated with FA and positively correlated with MTHFR level. Importantly, the inverse relationship between FA supplementation and malformation incidence underscores its significance as a preventive measure.

Enhanced recovery in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and MTHFR 677 TT genotype after taking high-dose folic acid supplements during mid-late pregnancy: an open-label interventional study.

Objective: To explore the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the recovery rate of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) 677 TT genotypes in mid-late pregnancy. Methods: 9, 096 pregnant women were recruited with their MTHFR gene genotyped. 5,111 women underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and 2,097 were confirmed with GDM. The association between MTHFR genotypes and GDM risk was estimated using logistic and log-binomial regression, with age and parity set as the covariates to control their confounding effects. Further assessment of GDM risk on glucose levels was done using the ANCOVA model. As an open-label intervention study, 53 GDM patients with TT genotype were prescribed 800µg/day of folic acid as the high-dose group, while 201 GDM patients were given 400µg/day as the standard-dose group at their 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. A rate ratio (RR) of GDM recovery was estimated at each available time point for both groups. The time-to-GDM persistence events were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox-regression model. The trend of glucose levels over time was estimated using the linear model. Results: MTHFR 677 TT genotype has no significant association with the glucose levels and GDM risk, with an adjusted OR of 1.105 (95% CI 0.853, 1.431; p=0.452) and an adjusted PR of 1.050 (95% CI 0.906, 1.216; p=0.518) compared to the wildtype CC group. Patients in the high-dose group (n=38; 15 drop-outs; 40.69 days (95% CI 33.22, 48.15)) recovered from GDM approximately 27 days faster than those in the standard-dose group (n=133; 68 drop-outs; 68.09 days (95% CI 63.08, 73.11)). Concomitantly, the RR of GDM recovery rose and reached 1.247 (95% CI 1.026, 1.515) at 100 days of treatment with the standard-dose group as reference. Conclusion: High-dose folic acid supplement intake in mid-late pregnancy is associated with faster GDM relief in patients with MTHFR 677 TT genotype compared to the standard dose, which would be served as a novel and low-cost alternative therapy for the treatment of GDM.

Association of MTHFR Polymorphisms With Leukoencephalopathy Risk in Patients With Primary CNS Lymphoma Treated With Methotrexate-Based Regimens.

OBJECTIVES: The folate antagonist high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is integral to induction chemotherapy for primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL); however, it can be associated with leukoencephalopathy. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is involved in intracellular folate depletion. We assessed whether MTHFR polymorphisms affect the risk of leukoencephalopathy. METHODS: We retrospectively searched our database at the Massachusetts General Hospital for newly diagnosed PCNSL treated with HD-MTX (without radiotherapy nor intrathecal chemotherapy). RESULTS: Among 68 patients with PCNSL, MTHFR polymorphisms were found in 60 individuals (88.2%) including a 677C→T genotype, a 1298A→C genotype, or a combined 677C→T/1298A→C genotype. Neither MTX clearance nor response to induction therapy was affected by specific genotypes, and complete response was achieved in 72.1% of patients by HD-MTX-based induction. However, the 1298A→C genotype was associated with increased frequency and severity of leukoencephalopathy over time (odds ratio 4.0, CI 1.5-11.4). Such genotype predicted treatment-induced leukoencephalopathy with a sensitivity of 71.0% and a specificity of 62.2% (area under the curve 0.67, CI 0.5-0.8; p = 0.019). While progression-free survival did not differ in genotype-based subgroups, overall survival was lower for the 1298A→C genotype. DISCUSSION: The MTHFR 1298A→C genotype may serve to identify patients with PCNSL at elevated risk of HD-MTX-induced leukoencephalopathy. This seems to translate into reduced survival, potentially due to decreased functional status.

Effects of folic acid supplementation on chronic atrophic gastritis based on MTHFR C677T polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677TT (rs 1801133) genotype predicts histopathological alterations in the incisura of patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). MTHFR is a crucial enzyme in fatty acid (FA) metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of FA supplementation in CAG patients without Helicobacter pylori infection and the MTHFR C677T (rs 1801133) genotype as a potential CAG predictor. METHODS: A total of 96 CAG patients, aged 21 to 72 years old, were enrolled in this study. After 6 months of treatment, histopathological outcomes were compared among patients treated with weifuchun (WFC) (1.44 g 3 times per os per day), those treated with WFC and FA (5 mg once daily), and those treated with WFC, FA, and vitamin B12 (VB12) (0.5 mg 3 times per day) based on the Operative Link on Gastritis/Intestinal Metaplasia assessment staging systems. RESULTS: Atrophic lesions in patients treated with WFC and FA improved more than in patients treated only with WFC therapy (78.1% vs 53.3%, P = .04). Atrophic or intestinal metaplasia (IM) lesions in the incisura of patients with the TT genotype were better than those in patients with the CC/CT genotype (P = .02). CONCLUSION: The treatment of CAG patients with 5 mg of FA supplements daily for 6 months improved their gastric atrophy status, especially for the Operative Link on Gastritis/Intestinal Metaplasia assessment stages I/II. Moreover, our study is the first to reveal that patients with the MTHFR 677TT genotype require more timely and effective FA treatment than those with the CC/CT genotype.

Association of maternal methionine synthase reductase gene polymorphisms with the risk of congenital heart disease in offspring: a hospital-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that periconceptional folic acid supplementation may prevent congenital heart disease (CHD). Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is one of the key regulatory enzymes in the folate metabolic pathway. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the maternal MTRR gene with CHD risk in offspring. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study involving 740 mothers of CHD cases and 683 health controls was conducted. RESULTS: The study showed that maternal MTRR gene polymorphisms at rs1532268 (C/T vs. C/C: aOR = 1.524; T/T vs. C/C: aOR = 3.178), rs1802059 (G/A vs. G/G: aOR = 1.410; A/A vs. G/G: aOR = 3.953), rs2287779 (G/A vs. G/G: aOR = 0.540), rs16879334 (C/G vs. C/C: aOR = 0.454), and rs2303080 (T/A vs. T/T: aOR = 0.546) were associated with the risk of CHD. And seven haplotypes were observed to be associated with the risk of CHD, T-G-A haplotype (OR = 1.298), C-A-C-C (OR = 4.824) and A-G haplotype (OR = 1.751) were associated with increased risk of CHD in offspring; A-A-A (OR = 0.773), T-A-A (OR = 0.557), G-A-C-C (OR = 0.598) and G-C (OR = 0.740) were associated with decreased risk of CHD in offspring. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal MTRR gene polymorphisms were associated with CHD in offspring, and its haplotypes have affected the occurrence of CHD. Furthermore, given the complexity and heterogeneity of CHD, the mechanisms by which these factors influence offspring cardiac development remain unknown, and studies in larger samples in an ethnically diverse population are needed.

Cerebral venous thrombosis with hyperhomocysteinemia due to loss of heterozygosity at methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) locus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) locus has been reported in tumor tissue. But the mutation was never reported in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) before. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old girl was admitted with an intermittent headache and nausea for 2 months. The plasma homocysteine level was 77.2 µmol/L. Lumbar puncture revealed an intracranial pressure > 330 mmH2O. Cerebral MRI and MRV revealed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. Whole-exome sequencing revealed LOH at Chr1:11836597-11,867,232 affects exons 10-21 of C1orf167, the entire MTHFR, and exons 1-2 of the CLCN6 gene. The normal allele was the c.665 C > T/677 C > T variant in MTHFR. The patient was treated with nadroparin for 2 weeks, followed by oral rivaroxaban. Supplemental folate and vitamins B12 and B6 were prescribed. One month later, she had no headache and the intracranial pressure had decreased to 215 mmH2O. MRI showed shrinkage of the thrombosis in the superior sagittal sinus, the degree of stenosis had significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Rare LOH at the MTHFR locus should be analyzed in CVT with HHcy. With anticoagulation treatment, the prognosis was good.

Ischaemic stroke with multi-focal venous and arterial thrombosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia: anabolic androgenic steroid use and MTHFR c.667 C > T variant - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severely elevated serum homocysteine is a rare cause of ischaemic stroke and extra-cranial arterial and venous thrombosis. Several factors can lead to mild elevation of homocysteine including dietary folate and B12 deficiency, and genetic variants of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme. The use of Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is under-reported, but increasingly linked to ischaemic stroke and can raise homocysteine levels. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a man in his 40s with a large left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory ischaemic stroke and combined multifocal, extracranial venous, and arterial thrombosis. His past medical history was significant for Crohn's disease and covert use of AAS. A young stroke screen was negative except for a severely elevated total homocysteine concentration, folate and B12 deficiencies. Further tests revealed he was homozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme thermolabile variant (MTHFR c.667 C > T). The etiology of this stroke was a hypercoagulable state induced by raised plasma homocysteine. Raised homocysteine in this case was likely multifactorial and related to chronic AAS use in combination with the homozygous MTHFR c.677 C > T thermolabile variant, folate deficiency and, vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSION: In summary, hyperhomocysteinemia is an important potential cause of ischaemic stroke and may result from genetic, dietary, and social factors. Anabolic androgenic steroid use is an important risk factor for clinicians to consider, particularly in cases of young stroke with elevated serum homocysteine. Testing for MFTHR variants in stroke patients with raised homocysteine may be useful to guide secondary stroke prevention through adequate vitamin supplementation. Further studies looking into primary and secondary stroke prevention in the high-risk MTHFR variant cohort are necessary.

Serum folate mediates the associations of MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism with blood glucose levels and gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese Han pregnant women.

This study aimed to explore the mediation effects of one-carbon metabolism (OCM) related nutrients on the association between MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) were measured in the serum of 1254 pregnant women. Linear and logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations of OCM nutrients and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism with blood glucose levels and GDM risk. Mediation analysis was applied to test the mediation effects of folate, vitamin B12 and Hcy on the association of MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism with blood glucose concentrations and GDM. Pregnant women with MTHFR rs1801133 CC genotype had higher serum folate (10·75 v. 8·90 and 9·40 ng/ml) and lower serum Hcy (4·84 v. 4·93 and 5·20 µmol/l) than those with CT and TT genotypes. Folate concentrations were positively associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 1-h plasma glucose (1-h PG), 2-h plasma glucose (2-h PG) and GDM risk. Vitamin B12 levels were negatively correlated with FPG and GDM. Although no direct association was found between MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes and GDM, there were significant indirect effects of MTHFR rs1801133 CC genotype on FPG (ß: 0·005; 95 % CI: 0·001, 0·013), 1-h PG (ß: 0·006; 95 % CI: 0·001, 0·014), 2-h PG (ß: 0·007; 95 % CI: 0·001, 0·015) and GDM (ß: 0·006; 95 % CI: 0·001, 0·014) via folate. In conclusion, serum folate mediates the effect of MTHFR rs1801133 on blood glucose levels and GDM. Our findings potentially provide a feasible GDM prevention strategy via individualised folate supplementation according to the MTHFR genotypes.

Yoga: A Natural Solution to Decrease Disease Burden in Children of MTHFR Deficient Parents.

Introduction: MTHFR being a key regulatory enzyme of 1-carbon metabolism pathway serves critical function of generation of SAM, replenishment of glutathione and nucleotide synthesis and finally methylation of the bio molecules. MTHFR gene mutation is a rare au-tosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism and presents with severe hyperhomocysteinemia. MTHFR polymorphisms on the other hand are commonly encountered of which two 677 C>T and 1298 A>C have been most widely studied and reported to increase the vulnerability to neural tube defects, congenital heart disease, various neuropsychiatric disorders like autism spectrum diseases and attention deficit hyperactiv-ity disease, cleft lip/ palate, acute leukaemia, cardiovascular diseases, occlusive vascular disease in children. Methods: We conducted this prospective clinical trial to examine whether yoga practice can up regulate MTHFR gene expression. Considering the prevalence of MTHFR polymorphism, varied spectrum of its implications in disease causation including male infertility, we conducted the trial involving 30 infertile men who underwent 3 weeks of supervised YBLI. Pre and post intervention assessment of the blood and semen sample was done to see the effects. Results: We have found more than fivefold up-regulation in the expression of MTHFR gene with significant reduction of seminal free radical levels after 3 weeks of yoga practice. Interestingly we noticed significantly higher MTHFR polymorphic variants in infertile male patients compared to healthy fertile controls. Conclusion: MTHFR polymorphisms are also independently associated with many paediatric diseases. Diagnosing MTHFR deficiency in children is a challenging job and requires high index of suspicion and continuous vigilance. Yoga based lifestyle may be adopted both by parents planning conception and also by adolescent children who are sufferers of this condition to halt the consequences of mild to moderate MTHFR deficiency.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency and high-dose FA supplementation disrupt embryonic development of energy balance and metabolic homeostasis in zebrafish.

Folic acid (synthetic folate, FA) is consumed in excess in North America and may interact with common pathogenic variants in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR); the most prevalent inborn error of folate metabolism with wide-ranging obesity-related comorbidities. While preclinical murine models have been valuable to inform on diet-gene interactions, a recent Folate Expert panel has encouraged validation of new animal models. In this study, we characterized a novel zebrafish model of mthfr deficiency and evaluated the effects of genetic loss of mthfr function and FA supplementation during embryonic development on energy homeostasis and metabolism. mthfr-deficient zebrafish were generated using CRISPR mutagenesis and supplemented with no FA (control, 0FA) or 100 µm FA (100FA) throughout embryonic development (0-5 days postfertilization). We show that the genetic loss of mthfr function in zebrafish recapitulates key biochemical hallmarks reported in MTHFR deficiency in humans and leads to greater lipid accumulation and aberrant cholesterol metabolism as reported in the Mthfr murine model. In mthfr-deficient zebrafish, energy homeostasis was also impaired as indicated by altered food intake, reduced metabolic rate and lower expression of central energy-regulatory genes. Microglia abundance, involved in healthy neuronal development, was also reduced. FA supplementation to control zebrafish mimicked many of the adverse effects of mthfr deficiency, some of which were also exacerbated in mthfr-deficient zebrafish. Together, these findings support the translatability of the mthfr-deficient zebrafish as a preclinical model in folate research.

MTHFR epigenetic derepression protects against diabetes cardiac fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes cardiac fibrosis is associated with altered DNA methylation of fibrogenic genes; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigate the critical role of DNA methylation aberration-associated suppression of MTHFR in diabetes cardiac fibrosis, and the protective effects of folate on diabetes cardiac fibrosis, using cultured cells, animal models, and clinical samples. METHODS AND RESULTS: Herein, we report that DNA methylation repression of MTHFR, critically involved in diabetes cardiac fibrosis, mediates the significant protective effects of folate in a mouse model of diabetes cardiac fibrosis induced by STZ. Heart MTHFR expression was markedly suppressed in diabetes cardiac fibrosis patients and mice, accompanied by increased DNMT3A and MTHFR promoter methylation. Knockdown of DNMT3A demethylated MTHFR promoter, recovered the MTHFR loss, and alleviated the diabetes cardiac fibrosis pathology and cardiac fibroblasts pyroptosis. Mechanistically, DNMT3A epigenetically repressed MTHFR expression via methylation of the promoter. Interestingly, folate supplementation can rescue the effect of MTHFR loss in diabetes cardiac fibrosis, suggesting that inactivation of MTHFR through epigenetics is a critical mediator of diabetes cardiac fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The current study identifies that MTHFR repression due to aberrant DNMT3A elevation and subsequent MTHFR promoter hypermethylation is likely an important epigenetic feature of diabetes cardiac fibrosis, and folate supplementation protects against diabetes cardiac fibrosis.

Vitamin B-6 and riboflavin, their metabolic interaction, and relationship with MTHFR genotype in adults aged 18-102 years.

BACKGROUND: The generation of the active form of vitamin B-6, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), in tissues is dependent upon riboflavin as flavin mononucleotide, but whether this interaction is important for maintaining vitamin B-6 status is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate vitamin B-6 and riboflavin status, their metabolic interaction, and relationship with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype in adulthood. METHODS: Data from 5612 adults aged 18-102 y were drawn from the Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS; population-based sample) and the Trinity-Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) and Genovit cohorts (volunteer samples). Plasma PLP and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac), as a functional indicator of riboflavin, were determined. RESULTS: Older (≥65 y) compared with younger (<65 y) adults had significantly lower PLP concentrations (P < 0.001). A stepwise decrease in plasma PLP was observed across riboflavin categories, from optimal (EGRac ≤1.26), to suboptimal (EGRac: 1.27-1.39), to deficient (EGRac ≥1.40) status, an effect most pronounced in older adults (mean ± SEM: 76.4 ± 0.9 vs 65.0 ± 1.1 vs 55.4 ± 1.2 nmol/L; P < 0.001). In individuals with the variant MTHFR 677TT genotype combined with riboflavin deficiency, compared with non-TT (CC/CT) genotype participants with sufficient riboflavin, we observed PLP concentrations of 52.1 ± 2.9 compared with 76.8 ±0.7 nmol/L (P < 0.001). In participants with available dietary data (i.e., NANS cohort, n = 936), PLP was associated with vitamin B-6 intake (nonstandardized regression coefficient ß: 2.49; 95% CI 1.75, 3.24; P < 0.001), supplement use (ß: 81.72; 95% CI: 66.01, 97.43; P < 0.001), fortified food (ß: 12.49; 95% CI: 2.08, 22.91; P = 0.019), and EGRac (ß: -65.81; 95% CI: -99.08, -32.54; P < 0.001), along with BMI (ß: -1.81; 95% CI: -3.31, -0.30; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the known metabolic dependency of PLP on flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and suggest that riboflavin may be the limiting nutrient for maintaining vitamin B-6 status, particularly in individuals with the MTHFR 677TT genotype. Randomized trials are necessary to investigate the PLP response to riboflavin intervention within the dietary range. The TUDA study and the NANS are registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02664584 (27 January 2016) and NCT03374748 (15 December 2017), respectively.Clinical Trial Registry details: Trinity-Ulster-Department of Agriculture (TUDA) study, ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT02664584 (January 27th 2016); National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS), ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT03374748 (December 15th 2017).

High Folate, Perturbed One-Carbon Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

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 ß-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.

Vitamin D3 supplementation may attenuate morphological and molecular abnormalities of the olfactory bulb in a mouse model of Down syndrome.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit impaired olfactory function and are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Olfactory dysfunction may be an early clinical symptom of AD. Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D3 (VD3) exerts neuroprotective effects in mouse models of AD. In this study, we investigated the effects of VD3 on the morphology, immunolocalization, and markers involved in neuropathogenic processes, apoptosis, proliferation, cell survival, and clearance of amyloid peptides, along with neuronal markers in the olfactory bulb (OB) of an adult female mouse model of DS. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that trisomic mice exhibited a volume reduction in the external plexiform layer, a decrease in the number of mitral and granule cells, and an increase in the expression of amyloid-ß 42, caspase-3 p12, and P-glycoprotein. VD3 reversed certain morphological abnormalities in the OB of control trisomic mice (Ts(CO)) and decreased the levels of caspase-3 p12 and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in the treated groups. The results demonstrated that trisomy factor causes morphofunctional abnormalities in the OB of Ts(CO) mice. Moreover, VD3 could represent a therapeutic target to attenuate morphological and molecular alterations in OB.