Serum Folate Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of withholding food on serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, trypsin-like immunoreactivity, and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in healthy dogs.

To evaluate the effects of withholding food on the results for measurements of serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI), and canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) in healthy dogs. 11 healthy employee- or student-owned dogs. Food was withheld from the dogs for 12 hours, baseline blood samples were collected, then dogs were fed. Postprandial blood samples collected 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours later were assessed. A mixed-effects ANOVA model with fasting duration (time) as a fixed factor and dog as a random effect was fit for each analyte variable. Additionally, a mixed-effects ANOVA model controlling for the variable of time was fit to assess whether lipemia affected serum concentrations of the analytes. The median serum cobalamin concentration was lower at 4 hours (428 ng/L) and 8 hours (429 ng/L) postprandially, compared with baseline (479 ng/L), but this difference was not clinically meaningful. Although there were no substantial differences in serum concentrations of folate, cPLI, or cTLI, postprandial changes in serum concentrations of cTLI or folate could potentially affect diagnoses in some dogs. Although results indicated that feedings rarely resulted in clinically important differences in the median serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, cPLI, or cTLI in healthy dogs, given the further processing required for lipemic samples, withholding food for at least 8 hours is an appropriate recommendation when measuring these analytes. Similar research is needed in dogs with gastrointestinal disease to determine whether the withholding of food is necessary when measuring these analytes in affected dogs.

High Serum Folate Concentrations Are Associated with Decreased Risk of Mortality among Japanese Adults

BackgroundFolate and vitamin B-12 are essential nutrients for normal cell growth and replication, but the association of serum folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations with mortality risk remains uncertain. ObjectivesThis study was performed to investigate the associations of serum folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations with mortality risk and test whether the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism modifies these associations. MethodsA total of 3050 Japanese community residents aged ≥40 y were prospectively followed-up for mortality between 2002 and 2012. Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines were used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs of mortality. ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 10.2 y, 336 participants died. Higher serum folate concentrations were associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality [multivariable-adjusted HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.96 for the second tertile (8.8–12.2 nmol/L; median 10.4 nmol/L) and HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.80 for the third tertile (≥12.5 nmol/L; median 15.6 nmol/L) serum folate concentrations compared with the first tertile (≤8.6 nmol/L; median 7.0 nmol/L)]. This association remained significant in all sensitivity analyses. Spline analyses showed a steady decline in all-cause mortality risk with increasing serum folate concentrations up to 20–25 nmol/L. This association persisted regardless of the MTHFR C677T genotypes. For serum vitamin B-12, the multivariable-adjusted HR of 1.32 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.79) of all-cause mortality was marginally significantly greater in the first tertile compared with the second tertile. This association was attenuated and nonsignificant after the exclusion of participants with a history of cardiovascular disease or cancer, or participants aged ≥85 y at baseline, or deaths in the first 3 y of follow-up. ConclusionsSerum folate concentrations were inversely associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in Japanese adults. Serum vitamin B-12 concentrations were not consistently associated with all-cause mortality risk after accounting for reverse-causation bias.

The association between folic acid supplementation, maternal folate during pregnancy and intelligence development in infants: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the association between folic acid supplementation, maternal nutritional levels during pregnancy and intelligence development of infants. MethodThis was a prospective cohort study, mothers and their offspring in Jurong Maternal and Child Health Hospital were followed up through pregnancy up to 1 year. The basic information of pregnant women was obtained through questionnaire survey, including pregnancy lifestyle, marital status, vitamin and mineral supplements during pregnancy. Blood samples of pregnant women were collected on admission, serum folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations were determined. Maternal postpartum colostrum was collected and the concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 in colostrum were determined. Pregnant women (n=478) and their corresponding infants were followed up and the Developmental Screen Test scores were recorded at 1,3,6,8 and 12 months of age. ResultsCompared with the normal group, infants in the low serum folate group had a score of 0.12 points lower in the intellectual energy zone (95% CI: -0.23 – -0.01, P=0.04), and infants with the high homocysteine level scored 1.30 points lower than the lower-level group (95% CI: -2.52 – -0.08, P=0.04). In the colostrum low-vitamin B12 level group, infants scored 0.10 points lower (95% CI: -1.84 – -0.02, P=0.02) in the social adaptation zone compared to the normal group. ConclusionIn conclusion, folic acid supplementation in the pre-pregnancy supplementation group and the post-pregnancy supplementation group may be not associated with infant mental development. In addition, maternal folate and homocysteine may be related to the intellectual development of infants. The level of vitamin B12 in colostrum may be associated with infants’ social adaptive capacity. This result may be caused by individual differences in folate and homocysteine metabolism in pregnant women.

EVALUATION OF SERUM VITAMIN B12 AND FOLIC ACID IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AMONG SUDANESE’S PATIENT’S

The Sudanese population has high rate of coronary artery disease (CAD). The potential association between deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid, in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), where investigated previously with conflicted results. A case-control study was carried out involving 60 AMI patients (age 39–87 years; 40 men and 20 women) and 40 normal healthy individuals (age 39–84 years; 20 men and 20 women). Fasting venous blood samples were obtained from patients and controls. Serum was analyzed for vitamin B12 and folic acid using radio assays. The mean concentration of serum B12 and folate in AMI patients were found to be significantly lower than in controls. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency may be considered as a risk factor for CAD development.

Unexpected interactions between dolutegravir and folate: randomized trial evidence from South Africa.

Objective:Dolutegravir exposure at conception was associated with a preliminary signal of increased infant neural tube defect risk. As low maternal folate levels are linked with neural tube defects, we aimed to assess serum folate concentrations in women starting dolutegravir.Design:We analysed serum folate concentrations from stored plasma among women enrolled in the South African ADVANCE trial.Methods:We compared changes in mean serum folate and occurrence of low serum folate (<14.0 nmol/l) at weeks 0, 12 and 24 across study arms. In ADVANCE, 1053 treatment-naïve participants were randomized to initiate tenofovir–alafenamide/emtricitabine + dolutegravir (TAF/FTC + DTG), tenofovir–disoproxil–fumarate (TDF)/FTC + DTG or TDF/FTC/efavirenz (EFV).Results:Analysis includes 406 females, mean age 31.5 years and baseline CD4+ cell count 356 cells/μl. At baseline, folate concentrations were similar across treatment arms. However, serum folate increased over 12 weeks in the TAF/FTC + DTG arm (+4.0 ± 8.1 nmol/l), while folate concentrations decreased slightly in the TDF/FTC + DTG arm (−1.8 ± 8.9 nmol/l) and decreased in the TDF/FTC/EFV arm (−5.9 ± 8.1 nmol/l). Women taking TDF/FTC/EFV had low folate concentrations at both 12 and 24 weeks compared with the other arms (P < 0.001). Of 26 women who became pregnant on study before week 24, folate concentrations increased between baseline and 12 weeks by a mean 2.4 ± 7.1 nmol/l in the TAF/FTC + DTG arm and 2.3 ± 8.4 nmol/l in the TDF/FTC + DTG arm, but decreased by −3.3 ± 8.1 with TDF/FTC/EFV arm.Conclusion:Unexpectedly, no declines were noted in the dolutegravir-containing arms, and concentrations were considerably higher than in the EFV arm. The possibility that dolutegravir may block cellular uptake of folate warrants investigation.

Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels in cutaneous melanoma.

Vitamin B12 and folate are the major micronutrients that play significant roles in DNA synthesis. Epidemiological studies and clinical evidences displayed alterations in serum concentrations folate and of vitamin B12 in various human malignancies, yet their roles in patients with melanoma have yet to be understood. To assess circulating vitamin B12 and folate concentrations of patients with melanoma and compare them with other malignant tumors and healthy subjects. A total of 98 skin melanoma cases from university clinic were enrolled into the study. Serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence binding assay. Circulating levels of vitamin B12 in patients with melanoma were similar compared with other malignancies and healthy controls (P>.05). However, melanoma cases had significantly lower serum folate concentrations than healthy control group (P=.04). Melanoma patients with metastatic disease (P=.001) and with short history of disease (P=.05), and those who had active diseases in course of the study (P=.04) had low serum folate concentrations. Serum levels of folate were found significantly lower in melanoma cases, and this association was stronger for patients with metastatic melanoma; however, no such association was found between melanoma and serum vitamin B12 levels.

The effect of folate on ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat adnexal torsion model.

The ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of ovaries in adnexal torsion may have inadvertent consequences. Many agents have been studied in terms of their ability to prevent reperfusion damage to ovaries in suspected cases. In this study, folic acid, known to have antioxidative properties, was investigated to determine whether it played a role in the prevention of I/R damage in a rat ovarian torsion model. In this experimental study, 40 female adult Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into five groups as control, ischemia, I/R, Fol2 (2mg/kg folic acid), and Fol4 (4mg/kg folic acid). In the Fol2 and Fol4 groups, folic acid was intraperitonelly administered 30min before reperfusion. Blood samples were obtained from the tails of each rat at the second hour of reperfusion. The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status, cystatin C and folic acid levels of the five groups were investigated. Folic acid in 2mg/kg dose could moderately increase the serum folic acid concentration (15.75-19.95ng/ml, p < 0.05), reduce the level of cystatin C (0.18-0.12μg/L, p < 0.05), and had a tendency to improve the oxidative stress injury (OSI: 76.05-33.06, p > 0.05), although there was no statistical difference in TOS levels (p = 0.07). Folic acid in 4mg/kg dose, could significantly increase the serum folic acid concentration (15.75-37.65ng/ml). However, it did not significantly reduce the level of cystatin C (0.18-0.19μg/L, p > 0.05), and did not improve oxidative stress injury (76.05-130.58, p > 0.05). Folic acid in 2mg/kg dose might improve the ovarian I/R injury though this was not statistically significant. Further studies are required to reach a definitive conclusion about the protective effect of folic acid in I/R injury.

Folic Acid Status and Associated Factors for Pregnant Chinese Women - China, 2015.

What is already known on this topic?Low folate status in pregnancy has been associated with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes, including neural tube defects, congenital heart defects, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. Low folate status is common in China, especially in northern areas.What is added by this report?Folate status remains suboptimal among pregnant Chinese women in 2015. Folate concentration was in the widespread in rural area (9.88ng/mL) and especially in the northern of China (9.10ng/mL). Pregnant women in the last trimester had the lowest folic acid concentration (9.18 ng/mL). Taking folic acid supplements every day would achieve adequate serum folate concentrations (10.87 ng/mL vs. 10.11 ng/mL vs. 9.38 ng/mL, P<0.001). What are the implications for public health practice?Folic acid interventions should be strengthened, especially for pregnant women in rural areas and in northern China, those with junior school or below education, those pregnant during spring and winter, or those with late pregnancy.

Effects of varying dietary folic acid during weaning stress of piglets.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary folic acid on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal epithelial cells renewal in post-weaning piglets. Twenty-eight piglets (weaned at day 21, initial body weight of 6.73 ± 0.62 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 7 pens per diet and 1 piglet per pen. The piglets were fed the same antibiotic-free and zinc oxide-free basal diets supplemented with folic acid at 0, 3, 9, and 18 mg/kg for 14 days. The results showed that dietary supplementation with folic acid increased villus height (VH) (P = 0.003; linear, P = 0.001), VH-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio (P = 0.002; linear, P = 0.001), villus surface area (VSA) (P = 0.026; linear, P = 0.010). The analyzed parameters ADG, serum urea nitrogen (BUN) content, VH, VSA, and serum folate (SF) concentration responded linearly to the dietary folic acid concentration when the dietary folic acid concentration was below 4.42, 5.26, 4.79, 3.47, and 3.53 mg/kg respectively (R2 = 0.995, 0.995, 0.999, 0.999, 0.872, P = 0.09, 0.07, 0.09, 0.09, 0.36, respectively), as assessed by a two-linear broken-line regression. Above these breakpoints, the response of ADG, VH, VSA, and SF plateaued in response to changes in dietary folic acid concentration. Moreover, dietary supplementation with folic acid significantly increased the lactase (P = 0.001; linear, P = 0.001) and sucrase activities (P = 0.021; linear, P = 0.010) in the jejunal mucosa of weaned piglets. The mRNA expression of solute carrier family 6 member 19 (SLC6a19), solute carrier family 1 member 1 (SLC7a1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), the number of Ki67 positive cells, and cell shedding rate had a significant linear contrast (P = 0.023, 0.021, 0.038, 0.049, and 0.008, respectively) in dietary folic acid groups. In conclusion, our results indicate that folic acid supplementation can improve the growth performance and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets by maintaining the balance of epithelial cell renewal.

Anemia, iron deficiency, and cobalamin deficiency in cats with chronic gastrointestinal disease.

BackgroundIron deficiency and cobalamin deficiency, as sequelae to chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease, could result in anemia and increased morbidity in cats with chronic enteropathies.ObjectiveTo evaluate iron deficiency in cats with chronic GI disease and its relationship with hypocobalaminemia, anemia, and disease severity.AnimalsTwenty client‐owned cats with primary GI disease.MethodsProspective, cross‐sectional study. Cats were enrolled at the time of evaluation for chronic GI disease, after exclusion of comorbidities. CBC with reticulocyte indices, iron metabolism (serum iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron binding capacity [TIBC]), serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), cobalamin, and folate concentrations, pancreatic lipase and trypsin‐like immunoreactivity, and disease severity were evaluated.ResultsAnemia (hematocrit <30%), iron deficiency, and cobalamin deficiency were diagnosed in 4/20, 7/20, and 8/20 cats, respectively. Hematocrit (r s = −.45; P < .05) and body condition score (r s = −.60; P < .01) negatively correlated with MMA. Median TIBC was lower in cats with increased vs normal MMA (218 μg/mL; range, 120‐466 μg/mL vs 288 μg/mL; range, 195‐369 μg/mL; P = .02). Hematocrit (r s = .51; P = .02), reticulocyte MCV (r s = .52; P = .02), reticulocyte hemoglobin content (r s = .71; P < .001), and percent transferrin saturation (r s = .79; P < .0001) positively correlated with serum iron concentration.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFunctional iron deficiency was common in cats with chronic GI disease. Associations between hypocobalaminemia, iron parameters, and hematologic parameters warrant further investigation on the impact of iron deficiency on chronic GI disease morbidity in cats.

Folate and the association between maternal arsenic exposure and birth outcomes in the Biomarkers of Exposure to ARsenic (BEAR) cohort

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a ubiquitous metalloid, carcinogen, and reproductive toxicant commonly found in drinking water at levels exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 10 ppb. Upon ingestion, iAs is biotransformed to monomethylated (MMA) and dimethylated (DMA) arsenic through the addition of methyl groups. As a methyl-donor nutrient, folate contributes to the methylation process, and folic acid supplementation among adults exposed to iAs has been shown to improve methylation efficiency. Since maternal iAs exposure has been linked to adverse birth outcomes, we sought to evaluate whether serum folate concentrations modified the relationship between maternal iAs exposure and various birth outcomes in a cross-sectional cohort of 193 women residing in Gómez Palacio, State of Durango, Mexico between 2011 and 2012. Folate intake was measured in maternal serum, and indicators of arsenic exposure were evaluated in drinking water and maternal urine samples. In evaluating effect modification by folate, likelihood ratio tests were implemented to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of interaction models as compared to main effects models. The prevalence of folate deficiency, defined as &lt; 9 nM, was minimal, still effect modification by folate was significant (p &lt; 0.1) on the additive scale for associations between several indicators of maternal iAs exposures and birth outcomes, namely birth weight and head circumference. In many cases, increased serum folate concentrations attenuated or changed the direction of associations. This cross-sectional study suggests that higher serum folate concentrations attenuate the negative association between maternal iAs exposure and anthropometric measures at birth.

Probiotics May Improve Serum Folate Availability in Pregnant Women: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are living microorganisms that confer a health benefit when administered in adequate amounts. There is evidence in the current literature about the importance of probiotic use in pregnancy. The early supplementation of probiotics in the perinatal and postnatal periods seems to have a positive impact on the overall mother’s health and future health of infants.&#x0D; AIM: Our pilot study aimed to test the ability of specific probiotics strains in combination with the kiwi-unique enzyme actinidin to improve the availability of folic acid in 20 pregnant women.&#x0D; METHODS: We investigate 20 pregnant women in early (4–10 weeks) (6 patients), intermedium (11–20 weeks) (6 patients), and late (21–30 weeks) (8 patients) pregnancy.&#x0D; RESULTS: Our findings show that the tested formula promotes increased concentration of serum folate in women’s blood and contributes to the control of blood sugar and body weight, regardless of the gestational period (early, intermediate or late).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the main results reported in the scientific literature about the importance of probiotics intake in pregnancy.

Feline comorbidities: What do we really know about feline triaditis?

Feline triaditis describes concurrent pancreatitis, cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The reported prevalence is 17-39% in ill referral patients. While the aetiology is poorly understood, it is known to include infectious, autoimmune and physical components. What is not known is whether different organs are affected by different diseases, or the same process; indeed, triaditis may be part of a multiorgan inflammatory disease. Feline gastrointestinal tract anatomy plays its role too. Specifically, the short small intestine, high bacterial load and anatomic feature whereby the pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct before entering the duodenal papilla all increase the risk of bacterial reflux and parenchymal inflammation. Inflammation may also be a sequela of bowel bacterial translocation and systemic bacteraemia. Cholangitis, pancreatitis and IBD manifest with overlapping, vague and non-specific clinical signs. Cholangitis may be accompanied by increased serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin and bile acid concentrations, and variable ultrasonographic changes. A presumptive diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on increased serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity or feline pancreas-specific lipase, and/or abnormal pancreatic changes on ultrasonography, though these tests have low sensitivity. Diagnosis of IBD is challenging without histopathology; ultrasound findings vary from normal to mucosal thickening or loss of layering. Triaditis may cause decreased serum folate or cobalamin (B12) concentrations due to intestinal disease and/or pancreatitis. Triaditis can only be confirmed with histopathology; hence, it remains a presumptive diagnosis in most cases. The literature on feline triaditis, pancreatitis, cholangitis and IBD is reviewed, focusing on histopathology, clinical significance and diagnostic challenges. Current management recommendations are provided. Further studies are needed to understand the complex pathophysiology, and in turn improve diagnosis and treatment.

Micronutrient deficiencies in pediatric short bowel syndrome: a 10-year review from an intestinal rehabilitation center in China.

Vitamins and trace elements are essential nutrients for growth and intestinal adaptation in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). This study aimed to assess micronutrients' status during and after weaning off PN in pediatric SBS. This retrospective study evaluated the follow-up of 31 children with SBS between Jan 2010 and Sep 2019. Clinical data were reviewed from the patients' electric medical record. Serum electrolytes, trace elements, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate concentrations were collected before and after enteral autonomy. Thirty-one SBS cases were reviewed (median onset age 11days after birth, 51.6% boys, mean PN duration 4months, and mean residual small intestine length 58.2cm). Median duration of follow-up was 10months (interquartilerange [IQR]: 4, 19). The common micronutrient deficiencies were zinc (51.6%), copper (38.7%), vitamin D (32.3%), and phosphorus (25.8%) after the transition to EN. The proportion of patients deficient in vitamin D decreased dramatically from 93.5% to 32.3% (P < 0.001), and serum concentrations of vitamin D increased significantly (27.4 ± 12.3 vs. 60.3 ± 32.9nmol/l, P = 0.03) after achieving full enteral feeding more than 1month. Additionally, serum magnesium levels significantly increased (0.76 ± 0.17 vs. 0.88 ± 0.14mmol/l, P = 0.03). Hemoglobin levels elevated significantly after weaning off PN (104.3 ± 10.7 vs. 117.8 ± 13.7g/l, P = 0.03). Micronutrient deficiencies remain a common problem in pediatric SBS through intestinal rehabilitation. Therefore, we strongly recommend supplementation of more vitamin D and trace elements (zinc, copper, and phosphorus) under regular monitoring during long-term intestinal rehabilitation.

Nutritional Status and Symptoms in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Two-Center Comparative Study in Chongqing and Hainan Province, China.

Objective: The study aimed to compare the nutritional status and symptoms of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from two regions of China, and to analyze the association between nutritional status and symptoms of ASD.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 738 ASD children and 302 typically developing children (TD) were recruited from Chongqing and Hainan of China. Symptoms of ASD children were evaluated with the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Neurodevelopment of ASD children was assessed with the Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS). Nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometric measures, biochemical detection of micronutrients, and providing questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to caregivers.Results: Comparing ASD children with local TD children, ASD children consumed fewer whole grains, milk and dairy products, beans and soy products, vegetables, and fruits than local TD children in both regions. The serum concentrations of folate, vitamin B12 (VB12), and vitamin D (VD) were consistently lower in ASD children in both regions. Comparing the ASD children between the two regions, the ASD children in Chongqing had significantly higher mean scores of CARS, SRS, and ABC than those in Hainan. The ASD children in Chongqing consumed fewer whole grains, seafood, and fruits than those in Hainan. The serum concentrations of ferritin, vitamin A (VA), VB12, and VD were reduced in the ASD children of Chongqing than those in Hainan, and the ASD children in Chongqing had higher deficiency rates of zinc, ferritin, VA, and VD than those in Hainan. The serum levels of VA, VD, and folate showed a negative association with symptom scores of ASD children. VD and zinc levels had a positive association with the GDS scores of ASD children.Conclusions: ASD children exhibit a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies than neurotypical children, and there are regional differences in the nutritional status of ASD children. Micronutrients VA, VD, folate, and zinc levels were correlated with symptoms and development of ASD children. Therefore, it is essential to provide detailed nutrition evaluation and individualized nutrition interventions for ASD children from different backgrounds.

Maternal folate, one-carbon metabolism and pregnancy outcomes.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and pre‐ and peri‐conception folic acid (FA) supplementation and dietary data were used to identify one‐carbon metabolic factors associated with pregnancy outcomes in 3196 nulliparous women. In 325 participants, we also measured circulating folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine. Pregnancy outcomes included preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GHT), small for gestational age (SGA), spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study findings show that maternal genotype MTHFR A1298C(CC) was associated with increased risk for PE, whereas TCN2 C766G(GG) had a reduced risk for sPTB. Paternal MTHFR A1298C(CC) and MTHFD1 G1958A(AA) genotypes were associated with reduced risk for sPTB, whereas MTHFR C677T(CT) genotype had an increased risk for GHT. FA supplementation was associated with higher serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations, reduced uterine artery resistance index and increased birth weight. Women who supplemented with <800 μg daily FA at 15‐week gestation had a higher incidence of PE (10.3%) compared with women who did not supplement (6.1%) or who supplemented with ≥800 μg (5.4%) (P < .0001). Higher serum folate levels were found in women who later developed GDM compared with women with uncomplicated pregnancies (Mean ± SD: 37.6 ± 8 nmol L−1 vs. 31.9 ± 11.2, P = .007). Fast food consumption was associated with increased risk for developing GDM, whereas low consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruit were independent risk factors for SGA and GDM and sPTB and SGA, respectively. In conclusion, maternal and paternal genotypes, together with maternal circulating folate and homocysteine concentrations, and pre‐ and early‐pregnancy dietary factors, are independent risk factors for pregnancy complications.

High Serum Folate Concentration Is Associated with Better Lung Function in Male Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Who Are Current Smokers: Analysis of Nationwide Population-Based Survey.

Folate, folic acid, has a role in mitigating inflammatory reactions in the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the association of serum folate levels with lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Of the 8149 participants of the 2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 311 subjects (192 males and 119 females) having COPD defined by the lower fifth percentile of the reference population were selected. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between serum folate level and lung function measurements. The association between the serum folate level and lung function in patients with COPD was evaluated using multivariable linear regression analysis after adjustment for age, sex, height, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, total calorie intake, residence, smoking status and smoking pack–years, education, and household income. The serum folate level showed a positive correlation with the predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%). In males, a trend for a positive correlation with serum folate level was observed in predicted FEV1%, FEV1 value, predicted percentage of forced vital capacity (FVC%), FVC value, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). No significant correlation between the serum folate level and lung function in females was observed. In the multivariable linear regression model, the serum folate level was associated with an increase in predicted FEV1%, FEV1 value, predicted FVC%, FVC value, and PEF; however, the significance was only observed in males, especially among current smokers. High serum folate level was positively associated with lung function measurements in male COPD patients who were current smokers. Further longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Gut Microbiome of Healthy and Arthritic Dogs.

Several studies have underlined the interplay among host-microbiome and pathophysiological conditions of animals. Research has also focused specifically on whether and how changes in the gut microbiome have provoked the occurrence of pathological phenomena affecting cartilage and joints in humans and in laboratory animals. Here, we tried to evaluate the relationship between the gut microbiome and the hip and elbow arthritis in owned dogs. The study included 14 dogs suffering from chronic arthritis (AD) and 13 healthy dogs (HD). After the first visit and during the period of the study, the dogs, under the supervision of the owner, were fed a semi-moist complete diet supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids. Feces and blood samples were collected in the clinic at the first visit (T0) and after days (T45). The plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) was higher, and the serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in the AD group in comparison to the HD group. Data of the fecal microbiome showed that the relative abundances of the genus Megamonas were higher in AD (p < 0.001), while the relative abundance of the families Paraprevotellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Mogibacteriaceae was significantly lower in comparison to HD. The results of the study identified several bacterial groups that differed significantly in the fecal microbiome between healthy and diseased dogs. If the observed differences in fecal bacterial composition predispose dogs to hip and elbow arthritis or if these differences reflect a correlation with these conditions deserves further investigation.

Concentration of folic acid (FA) in serum of Japanese pregnant women.

Objectives Exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a world-wide health concern. We reported that Japanese children and pregnant women are exposed to moderate levels of iAs through food. Reducing iAs contamination from foods of high iAs is an important issue unique in Japan. Integrated iAs is methylated to less toxic organic forms, and S-adenosyl-L-methyonine (SAM), a common methyl-donor of DNA and histones, is utilized in this process. Chronic consumption of SAM by iAs metabolism due to exposure to iAs might alter the epigenetic modification of genome. The SAM biosynthesis pathway is dependent on folate cycle, and it is possible that ingestion of sufficient folic acid (FA) is protective to iAs induced toxicity. Methods In the course of our cross-sectional body burden analyses of Pb and iAs in Japanese children and pregnant women, termed "PbAs study", FA concentration in serum of 104 pregnant women was measured. Results Mean (±SEM) of serum FA concentration was 15.8 ± 1.3 (ng/mL). There are significant number of people showing very high FA (>30 ng/ mL), and large fraction of them were taking supplements daily. Conclusions These results suggested that level of FA ingestion of Japanese pregnant women is high for supporting normal fetal development.

Functional vitamin B12 deficiency in phenylketonuria patients and healthy controls: An evaluation with combined indicator of vitamin B12 status as a biochemical index.

Vitamin B12 deficiency frequently appears in phenylketonuria patients having a diet poor in natural protein. The aims of this study were to evaluate vitamin B12 status in phenylketonuria patients by using combined indicator of vitamin B12 status (cB12) as well as methylmalonic acid and homocysteine, more specific and sensitive markers, in comparison with healthy controls. Fifty-three children and adolescents with phenylketonuria under dietary treatment and 30 healthy controls were assessed cross-sectionally. Serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were analysed by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Plasma methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, respectively. cB12 was calculated by using a formula involving blood parameters. Methylmalonic acid and folate concentrations in phenylketonuria group were higher compared with controls. Methylmalonic acid concentrations were high in 56.5% of the patients and 26.7% of the controls with normal vitamin B12 concentrations. Based on cB12, a significant difference within the normal values was detected between the groups. However, although 24.5% of phenylketonuria patients and 13.3% of controls had decreased vitamin B12 status according to cB12, there was no significant difference. Children and adolescents with phenylketonuria having a strict diet can be at risk of functional vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency can be accurately determined by measuring methylmalonic acid concentrations. Calculation of cB12 as a biochemical index did not provide additional information compared with the measurement of methylmalonic acid alone, but may be helpful for classification of some patients with increased methylmalonic acid as having adequate vitamin B12 status.