title: Neural tube defects and folate: case far from closed.
abstract: Neural tube closure takes place during early embryogenesis and requires interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Failure of neural tube closure is a common congenital malformation that results in morbidity and mortality. A major clinical achievement has been the use of periconceptional folic acid supplements, which prevents approximately 50-75% of cases of neural tube defects. However, the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of folic acid is far from clear. Biochemical, genetic and epidemiological observations have led to the development of the methylation hypothesis, which suggests that folic acid prevents neural tube defects by stimulating cellular methylation reactions. Exploring the methylation hypothesis could direct us towards additional strategies to prevent neural tube defects.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pediatrics and Neurology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Post Office Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. H.Blom@cukz.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Henk J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Blom
authors.forename: Gary M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: den Heijer
authors.forename: Richard H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Finnell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008715:Methionine / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008745:Methylation / Q000187:drug effects; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D008715:Methionine; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)