1
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Bascom JT, Stephens SB, Lupo PJ, Canfield MA, Kirby RS, Nestoridi E, Salemi JL, Mai CT, Nembhard WN, Forestieri NE, Romitti PA, St. Louis AM, Agopian AJ. Scientific impact of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network multistate collaborative publications. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2225. [PMID: 37492989 PMCID: PMC10910332 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the lack of a national, population-based birth defects surveillance program in the United States, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) has facilitated important studies on surveillance, research, and prevention of major birth defects. We sought to summarize NBDPN peer-reviewed publications and their impact. METHODS We obtained and reviewed a curated list of 49 NBDPN multistate collaborative publications during 2000-2022, as of December 31, 2022. Each publication was reviewed and classified by type (e.g., risk factor association analysis). Key characteristics of study populations and analytic approaches used, along with publication impact (e.g., number of citations), were tabulated. RESULTS NBDPN publications focused on prevalence estimates (N = 17), surveillance methods (N = 11), risk factor associations (N = 10), mortality and other outcomes among affected individuals (N = 6), and descriptive epidemiology of various birth defects (N = 5). The most cited publications were those that reported on prevalence estimates for a spectrum of defects and those that assessed changes in neural tube defects (NTD) prevalence following mandatory folic acid fortification in the United States. CONCLUSIONS Results from multistate NBDPN publications have provided critical information not available through other sources, including US prevalence estimates of major birth defects, folic acid fortification and NTD prevention, and improved understanding of defect trends and surveillance efforts. Until a national birth defects surveillance program is established in the United States, NBDPN collaborative publications remain an important resource for investigating birth defects and informing decisions related to health services planning of secondary disabilities prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline T. Bascom
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sara B. Stephens
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Philip J. Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark A. Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Russell S. Kirby
- Chiles Center, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Eirini Nestoridi
- Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason L. Salemi
- Chiles Center, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Cara T. Mai
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wendy N. Nembhard
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Nina E. Forestieri
- Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paul A. Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - Amanda M. St. Louis
- Birth Defects Registry, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, New York, USA
| | - A. J. Agopian
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Ledet Iii LF, Plaisance CJ, Daniel CP, Wagner MJ, Alvarez I, Burroughs CR, Rieger R, Siddaiah H, Ahmadzadeh S, Shekoohi S, Kaye AD, Varrassi G. Spina Bifida Prevention: A Narrative Review of Folic Acid Supplements for Childbearing Age Women. Cureus 2024; 16:e53008. [PMID: 38406082 PMCID: PMC10894015 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are malformations that occur during embryonic development, and they account for most central nervous system birth anomalies. Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to play a role in the etiology of NTDs. The different types of NTDs are classified according to anatomic location and severity of the defect, with most of the neural axis anomalies occurring in the caudal spinal or cranial areas. Spina bifida is a type of NTD that is characterized by an opening in the vertebral arch, and the level of severity is determined by the extent to which the neural tissue protrudes through the opened arch(es). Prevention of NTDs by administration of folic acid has been studied and described in the literature, yet there are approximately 300,000 cases of NTDs that occur annually, with 88,000 deaths occurring per year worldwide. A daily intake of at least 400 μg of folic acid is recommended especially for women of childbearing age. To provide the benefits of folic acid, prenatal vitamins are recommended in pregnancy, and many countries have been fortifying foods such as cereal grain products with folic acid; however, not all countries have instituted folic acid fortification programs. The present investigation includes a description of the pharmacology of folic acid, neural tube formation, defects such as spina bifida, and the relevance of folic acid to developing spina bifida. Women's knowledge and awareness of folic acid regarding its importance in the prevention of spina bifida is a major factor in reducing incidence worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd F Ledet Iii
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Connor J Plaisance
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Charles P Daniel
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Maxwell J Wagner
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Ivan Alvarez
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Caroline R Burroughs
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Ross Rieger
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Harish Siddaiah
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Shahab Ahmadzadeh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Sahar Shekoohi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
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3
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Thabet RH, Alessa REM, Al-Smadi ZKK, Alshatnawi BSG, Amayreh BMI, Al-Dwaaghreh RBA, Salah SKA. Folic acid: friend or foe in cancer therapy. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605231223064. [PMID: 38229460 PMCID: PMC10935767 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231223064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Folic acid plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes, notably cell maturation and proliferation. Here, we performed a literature review using articles listed in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. In this review article, we describe contradictory data regarding the role of folic acid in cancer development and progression. While some studies have confirmed its beneficial effects in diminishing the risk of various cancers, others have reported a potential carcinogenic effect. The current narrative review elucidates these conflicting data by highlighting the possible molecular mechanisms explaining each point of view. Further multicenter molecular and genetic studies, in addition to human randomized clinical trials, are necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between folic acid and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romany H. Thabet
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba, Jordan
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4
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Ornoy A, Echefu B, Becker M. Valproic Acid in Pregnancy Revisited: Neurobehavioral, Biochemical and Molecular Changes Affecting the Embryo and Fetus in Humans and in Animals: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:390. [PMID: 38203562 PMCID: PMC10779436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a very effective anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer with relatively few side effects. Being an epigenetic modulator, it undergoes clinical trials for the treatment of advanced prostatic and breast cancer. However, in pregnancy, it seems to be the most teratogenic antiepileptic drug. Among the proven effects are congenital malformations in about 10%. The more common congenital malformations are neural tube defects, cardiac anomalies, urogenital malformations including hypospadias, skeletal malformations and orofacial clefts. These effects are dose related; daily doses below 600 mg have a limited teratogenic potential. VPA, when added to other anti-seizure medications, increases the malformations rate. It induces malformations even when taken for indications other than epilepsy, adding to the data that epilepsy is not responsible for the teratogenic effects. VPA increases the rate of neurodevelopmental problems causing reduced cognitive abilities and language impairment. It also increases the prevalence of specific neurodevelopmental syndromes like autism (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). High doses of folic acid administered prior to and during pregnancy might alleviate some of the teratogenic effect of VPA and other AEDs. Several teratogenic mechanisms are proposed for VPA, but the most important mechanisms seem to be its effects on the metabolism of folate, SAMe and histones, thus affecting DNA methylation. VPA crosses the human placenta and was found at higher concentrations in fetal blood. Its concentrations in milk are low, therefore nursing is permitted. Animal studies generally recapitulate human data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Ornoy
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (B.E.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Boniface Echefu
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (B.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Maria Becker
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (B.E.); (M.B.)
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5
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Evans SP, Ailes EC, Kramer MR, Shumate CJ, Reefhuis J, Insaf TZ, Yazdy MM, Carmichael SL, Romitti PA, Feldkamp ML, Neo DT, Nembhard WN, Shaw GM, Palmi E, Gilboa SM. Neighborhood Deprivation and Neural Tube Defects. Epidemiology 2023; 34:774-785. [PMID: 37757869 PMCID: PMC10928547 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual measures of socioeconomic status (SES) have been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs); however, the association between neighborhood SES and NTD risk is unknown. Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) from 1997 to 2011, we investigated the association between measures of census tract SES and NTD risk. METHODS The study population included 10,028 controls and 1829 NTD cases. We linked maternal addresses to census tract SES measures and used these measures to calculate the neighborhood deprivation index. We used generalized estimating equations to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimating the impact of quartiles of census tract deprivation on NTDs adjusting for maternal race-ethnicity, maternal education, and maternal age at delivery. RESULTS Quartiles of higher neighborhood deprivation were associated with NTDs when compared with the least deprived quartile (Q2: aOR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.4; Q3: aOR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5; Q4 (highest): aOR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.4). Results for spina bifida were similar; however, estimates for anencephaly and encephalocele were attenuated. Associations differed by maternal race-ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that residing in a census tract with more socioeconomic deprivation is associated with an increased risk for NTDs, specifically spina bifida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Pruitt Evans
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
- Eagle Global Scientific LLC, San Antonio, TX
| | - Elizabeth C. Ailes
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael R. Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Charles J. Shumate
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
| | - Jennita Reefhuis
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Tabassum Z. Insaf
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY
- School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY
| | - Mahsa M. Yazdy
- Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Suzan L. Carmichael
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Paul A. Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Marcia L. Feldkamp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Dayna T. Neo
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Wendy N. Nembhard
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Gary M. Shaw
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Elizabeth Palmi
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
| | - Suzanne M. Gilboa
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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6
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Reconsidering Race Adjustment in Prenatal Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:438-444. [PMID: 36735409 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Black racial designation is the only race for which adjustment is recommended for maternal prenatal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening. The objective of this study is to reevaluate the relationship between maternal race and maternal serum AFP values in prenatal analyte screening. METHODS This was a single-center retrospective analysis of patients who underwent prenatal analyte screening between January 2007 and December 2020. Nomograms for raw maternal serum AFP values by gestational age were created and compared between patients identified as "Black" and "non-Black" on the laboratory requisition. Multivariable linear regression models were created to evaluate the relationship among gestational age, maternal weight, and maternal race on maternal serum AFP levels. The new models were compared with the laboratory-derived calculations, which used historically determined race adjustments. RESULTS A total of 43,997 patients underwent analyte screening, and 27,710 patients had complete data for analysis. Of these, 6% were identified as Black. Black patients had laboratory blood draws at a mean gestational age of 123 days, compared with 120 days in non-Black patients ( P <.001), and had higher maternal weight (mean 170 vs 161 lbs, P <.001). Nomograms for raw maternal serum AFP values did not differ between Black and non-Black patients ( P =.065). When adjusted for gestational age and maternal weight, no difference in maternal serum AFP values was identified between Black and non-Black individuals ( P =.81). CONCLUSION No difference in maternal serum AFP values was identified between Black and non-Black pregnant individuals when adjusted by maternal weight and gestational age at blood draw. These findings suggest that routine race-based adjustment of maternal serum AFP screening should be discontinued.
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7
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Folic acid fortification of flour to prevent neural tube defects in Europe – A position statement by the European Board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 279:109-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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8
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Mai CT, Evans J, Alverson CJ, Yue X, Flood T, Arnold K, Nestoridi E, Denson L, Adisa O, Moore CA, Nance A, Zielke K, Rice S, Shan X, Dean JH, Ethen M, Hansen B, Isenburg J, Kirby RS. Changes in Spina Bifida Lesion Level after Folic Acid Fortification in the US. J Pediatr 2022; 249:59-66.e1. [PMID: 35772508 PMCID: PMC10250025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether the severity of cases of spina bifida changed after the institution of mandatory folic acid fortification in the US. STUDY DESIGN Six active population-based birth defects programs provided data on cases of spina bifida for 1992-1996 (prefortification period) and 1999-2016 (postfortification period). The programs contributed varying years of data. Case information included both a medical record verbatim text description of the spina bifida diagnosis and spina bifida codes (International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification, or a modified birth defects surveillance coding system). Comparing the prefortification and postfortification periods, aORs for case severity (upper-level lesions [cervical, thoracic] vs lower-level lesions [lumbar, sacral]) and prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated. RESULTS A total of 2593 cases of spina bifida (out of 7 816 062 live births) met the inclusion criteria, including 573 cases from the prefortification period and 2020 cases from the postfortification period. Case severity decreased by 70% (aOR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.26-0.35) between the fortification periods. The decrease was most pronounced for non-Hispanic White mothers. Overall spina bifida prevalence declined by 23% (PR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.85), with similar reductions seen across the early, mid, and recent postfortification periods. A statistically significant decrease in upper-level lesions occurred in the postfortification period compared with the prefortification period (PR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.22-0.34), whereas the prevalence of lower-level lesions remained relatively similar (PR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84-1.05). CONCLUSIONS The severity of spina bifida cases decreased after mandatory folic acid fortification in the US. Further examination is warranted to better understand the potential effect of folic acid on spina bifida severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara T Mai
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Jane Evans
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Clinton J Alverson
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Xin Yue
- Eagle Global Scientific, Atlanta, GA
| | - Timothy Flood
- Bureau of Public Health Statistics, Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Kathryn Arnold
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Eirini Nestoridi
- Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Lindsay Denson
- Oklahoma Birth Defects Registry, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, OK
| | | | - Cynthia A Moore
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amy Nance
- Utah Birth Defect Network, Office of Children with Special Health Care Needs, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Katherine Zielke
- South Carolina Birth Defects Program, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, SC
| | | | - Xiaoyi Shan
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AK
| | | | - Mary Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
| | - Brenda Hansen
- California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, Genetic Disease Screening Program/Center for Family Health, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA
| | - Jennifer Isenburg
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Russell S Kirby
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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Alnabbat KI, Fardous AM, Shahab A, James AA, Bahry MR, Heydari AR. High Dietary Folic Acid Intake Is Associated with Genomic Instability in Peripheral Lymphocytes of Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2022; 14:3944. [PMID: 36235597 PMCID: PMC9571807 DOI: 10.3390/nu14193944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mandatory fortification of food with synthetic folic acid (FA) was instituted in 1998 to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Adequate folate status is correlated with numerous health benefits. However, elevated consumption of FA is controversially associated with deleterious effects on health. We previously reported that excess FA mimicked folate depletion in a lymphoblastoid cell line. To explore the impact of FA intake from fortified food, we conducted an observational human study on 33 healthy participants aged 18-40 not taking any supplements. Food intake, anthropomorphic measurements, and blood samples were collected and analyzed. Our results show that individuals belonging to the highest tertile of folic acid intake, as well as ones with the highest folic acid to total folate intake ratio (FAR), display a significantly greater incidence of lymphocyte genomic damage. A decrease in global DNA methylation is observed in the highest tertile of FAR compared to the lowest (p = 0.055). A downward trend in the overall gene expression of select DNA repair and one carbon cycle genes (MGMT, MLH1, UNG, MTHFR, MTR) is noted with increased folate status and FA intake. These results provide supporting evidence that high consumption of FA from fortified foods can precipitate genomic instability in peripheral lymphocyte in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijah I Alnabbat
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, King Faisal University, Al Hufūf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Fardous
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Aiman Shahab
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Andrew A James
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Manhel R Bahry
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ahmad R Heydari
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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10
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Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta: A Frequency Analysis of Secular Change. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.18778/1898-6773.85.2.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial relaxation of natural selection beginning around 1900 changed the mutation/selection balance of modern genetic material, producing an increase in variable anatomical structures. While multiple structures have been affected, the temporal increase in variations of the sacrum, specifically, ‘Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta,’ have been reliably demonstrated on a localised scale. Calculation of largescale frequency has been hindered by the localised nature of these publications, the morphological variability of this variation, and potential pathological associations, which have produced divergent classifications, and conflicting reported rates of occurrence. A systematic review of the reported literature was conducted to provide an objective analysis of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta frequency from 2500 BCE to the present. This review was designed to compensate for observed inconsistencies in reporting and to ascertain, for the first time, the temporal trajectory of this secular trend. A systematic review of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta literature was conducted through the strict use of clinical meta-analysis criteria. Publications were retrieved from four databases: PubMed, Embase, the Adelaide University Library database, and Google Scholar. Data were separated into three historical groups, (1 = <1900, 2 = 1900 to 1980 and 3 = >1980), and frequency outcomes compared, to determine temporal rates of occurrence.
A total of 39/409 publications were included in the final analysis, representing data for 16,167 sacra, spanning a period of 4,500 years. Statistically significant results were obtained, with total open S1 frequency increasing from 2.34%, (79 to 1900CE), to 4.80%, (1900 to 1980CE) and to 5.43% (>1980CE). These increases were significant at p<0.0001, with Chi-squared analysis. A clear secular increase in the global frequency of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta has been demonstrated from 1900 to the present. This research provides a novel and adaptable framework for the future assessment of variation distribution, with important implications for the fields of biological anthropology and bioarchaeology.
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11
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Jha S, Kant S. Folate supplementation as a strategy to reduce Neural Tube Defects. INDIAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.47203/ijch.2022.v34i02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Folic acid is a vitamin known to prevent neural tube defects, megaloblastic anaemia, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, etc. The main natural sources of folate are plant and vegetables e.g. green leafy vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, citrus fruits (orange, strawberry), beans, nuts, cauliflowers, beets, corn etc. and meat products like liver. The primary function of folate is its contribution in the synthesis and repair of the DNA. The bioavailability of food folate is approximately 50%. The bioavailability of folic acid taken with meal compared to with water on empty stomach is 85% and 100% respectively.(1) Hence, it is easier to achieve the recommended daily allowances with fortified food as compared to natural food due to higher stability and bioavailability of synthetic folate when compared to natural food.(2)
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12
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Spina Bifida: A Review of the Genetics, Pathophysiology and Emerging Cellular Therapies. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020022. [PMID: 35735913 PMCID: PMC9224552 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spina bifida is the most common congenital defect of the central nervous system which can portend lifelong disability to those afflicted. While the complete underpinnings of this disease are yet to be fully understood, there have been great advances in the genetic and molecular underpinnings of this disease. Moreover, the treatment for spina bifida has made great advancements, from surgical closure of the defect after birth to the now state-of-the-art intrauterine repair. This review will touch upon the genetics, embryology, and pathophysiology and conclude with a discussion on current therapy, as well as the first FDA-approved clinical trial utilizing stem cells as treatment for spina bifida.
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Excessive Folic Acid Mimics Folate Deficiency in Human Lymphocytes. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:1452-1462. [PMID: 35723355 PMCID: PMC9164024 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44040097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Food fortification with synthetic folic acid (FA), along with supplementation, results in a marked increase in the population total of serum folates and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA). Despite the success in reducing neural tube defects at birth in the intended target population (women of childbearing age), the potential deleterious effects of chronically high levels of UMFA in susceptible segments of the population require further investigation. In this study, we examine the effects of FA concentrations, ranging from depletion to supraphysiological levels, on markers of proliferation, DNA methylation, and DNA damage and repair in a human lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). We note that both low and high levels of FA similarly impact global DNA methylation, cytome biomarkers measured through the CBMN assay, DNA damage induced by oxidative stress, and DNA base excision repair gene expression.
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14
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Wolujewicz P, Steele JW, Kaltschmidt JA, Finnell RH, Ross ME. Unraveling the complex genetics of neural tube defects: From biological models to human genomics and back. Genesis 2021; 59:e23459. [PMID: 34713546 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a classic example of preventable birth defects for which there is a proven-effective intervention, folic acid (FA); however, further methods of prevention remain unrealized. In the decades following implementation of FA nutritional fortification programs throughout at least 87 nations, it has become apparent that not all NTDs can be prevented by FA. In the United States, FA fortification only reduced NTD rates by 28-35% (Williams et al., 2015). As such, it is imperative that further work is performed to understand the risk factors associated with NTDs and their underlying mechanisms so that alternative prevention strategies can be developed. However, this is complicated by the sheer number of genes associated with neural tube development, the heterogeneity of observable phenotypes in human cases, the rareness of the disease, and the myriad of environmental factors associated with NTD risk. Given the complex genetic architecture underlying NTD pathology and the way in which that architecture interacts dynamically with environmental factors, further prevention initiatives will undoubtedly require precision medicine strategies that utilize the power of human genomics and modern tools for assessing genetic risk factors. Herein, we review recent advances in genomic strategies for discovering genetic variants associated with these defects, and new ways in which biological models, such as mice and cell culture-derived organoids, are leveraged to assess mechanistic functionality, the way these variants interact with other genetic or environmental factors, and their ultimate contribution to human NTD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wolujewicz
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - John W Steele
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Julia A Kaltschmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Margaret Elizabeth Ross
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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15
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Martinez H, Pachón H, Kancherla V, Oakley GP. Food Fortification With Folic Acid for Prevention of Spina Bifida and Anencephaly: The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Evidence Evaluation for Policy-Making. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:1972-1976. [PMID: 33728445 PMCID: PMC8485149 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Context-specific evidence evaluation is advocated in modern epidemiology to support public health policy decisions, avoiding excessive reliance on experimental study designs. Here we present the rationale for a paradigm shift in evaluation of the evidence derived from independent studies, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies, applying Hill's criteria (including coherence, plausibility, temporality, consistency, magnitude of effect, and dose-response) to evaluate food fortification as an effective public health intervention against folic acid-preventable (FAP) spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA). A critical appraisal of evidence published between 1983 and 2020 supports the conclusion that food fortification with folic acid prevents FAP SBA. Policy-makers should be confident that with mandatory legislation, effective implementation, and periodic evaluation, food fortification assures that women of reproductive age will safely receive daily folic acid to significantly reduce the risk of FAP SBA. Current evidence should suffice to generate the political will to implement programs that will save thousands of lives each year in over 100 countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homero Martinez
- Correspondence to Dr. Homero Martinez, Global Technical Services Unit, Nutrition International, 180 Elgin Street, Suite 1000, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3, Canada (e-mail: )
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16
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Finnell RH, Caiaffa CD, Kim SE, Lei Y, Steele J, Cao X, Tukeman G, Lin YL, Cabrera RM, Wlodarczyk BJ. Gene Environment Interactions in the Etiology of Neural Tube Defects. Front Genet 2021; 12:659612. [PMID: 34040637 PMCID: PMC8143787 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.659612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human structural congenital malformations are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. Estimates from the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determine that close to 3% of all United States newborns present with birth defects; the worldwide estimate approaches 6% of infants presenting with congenital anomalies. The scientific community has recognized for decades that the majority of birth defects have undetermined etiologies, although we propose that environmental agents interacting with inherited susceptibility genes are the major contributing factors. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most prevalent human birth defects and as such, these malformations will be the primary focus of this review. NTDs result from failures in embryonic central nervous system development and are classified by their anatomical locations. Defects in the posterior portion of the neural tube are referred to as meningomyeloceles (spina bifida), while the more anterior defects are differentiated as anencephaly, encephalocele, or iniencephaly. Craniorachischisis involves a failure of the neural folds to elevate and thus disrupt the entire length of the neural tube. Worldwide NTDs have a prevalence of approximately 18.6 per 10,000 live births. It is widely believed that genetic factors are responsible for some 70% of NTDs, while the intrauterine environment tips the balance toward neurulation failure in at risk individuals. Despite aggressive educational campaigns to inform the public about folic acid supplementation and the benefits of providing mandatory folic acid food fortification in the United States, NTDs still affect up to 2,300 United States births annually and some 166,000 spina bifida patients currently live in the United States, more than half of whom are now adults. Within the context of this review, we will consider the role of maternal nutritional status (deficiency states involving B vitamins and one carbon analytes) and the potential modifiers of NTD risk beyond folic acid. There are several well-established human teratogens that contribute to the population burden of NTDs, including: industrial waste and pollutants [e.g., arsenic, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)], pharmaceuticals (e.g., anti-epileptic medications), and maternal hyperthermia during the first trimester. Animal models for these teratogens are described with attention focused on valproic acid (VPA; Depakote). Genetic interrogation of model systems involving VPA will be used as a model approach to discerning susceptibility factors that define the gene-environment interactions contributing to the etiology of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H. Finnell
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Carlo Donato Caiaffa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Yunping Lei
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John Steele
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xuanye Cao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gabriel Tukeman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ying Linda Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert M. Cabrera
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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17
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A scoping review of research on policies to address child undernutrition in the Millennium Development Goals era. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4346-4357. [PMID: 33926609 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021001890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The breadth of research on the impact of nutrition-specific policies to address child undernutrition is not well documented. This review maps the evidence base and identifies gaps on such policies. DESIGN We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PAIS Index for public policy, Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify eligible studies. Key study characteristics, including research design, type of policy, time span of policy before impact assessment, child age at outcome assessment and types of outcomes assessed, were abstracted in duplicate. SETTING Low-, middle- and high-income countries. PARTICIPANTS Studies were eligible for inclusion if they aimed to assess the impact of population-level nutrition-specific policies on undernutrition among children under 10 years of age. RESULTS Of the 5646 abstracts screened, eighty-three studies were included. A range of policies to address child undernutrition were evaluated; the majority were related to micronutrient fortification. Most studies were observational, reported on mandatory regional or sub-national polices, were conducted in high-income countries and evaluated policies within 1 year of implementation. A narrow set of health outcomes were evaluated, most commonly iodine deficiency disorders and neural tube defects. CONCLUSIONS Nutrition policies were commonly associated with improved child nutritional status and health. However, this evidence is primarily based on limited settings and on a limited number of outcomes. Further research is needed to assess the longer-term impact of a broader range of nutrition policies on child health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
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18
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Maggio L. Medications for Pregnant Women With Obesity: Special Considerations. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 64:214-225. [PMID: 33306496 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women with obesity are at increased risk of a multitude of complications of pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes. The risk of some of these complications, such as neural tube defects or preeclampsia, may be mitigated by some medications. Other complications, such as diabetes, venous thromboembolism, and infections, require treatment with medications. Given the changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics during pregnancy, which is further enhanced by obesity, the optimal medication and its dose is often researched. This chapter further explores the different complications and common medications that women with obesity are likely to require.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Maggio
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, Florida
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19
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Venkatratnam A, Marable CA, Keshava AM, Fry RC. Relationships among Inorganic Arsenic, Nutritional Status CpG Methylation and microRNAs: A Review of the Literature. Epigenet Insights 2021; 14:2516865721989719. [PMID: 33615137 PMCID: PMC7868494 DOI: 10.1177/2516865721989719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic is a naturally occurring toxicant that poses a significant and persistent challenge to public health. The World Health Organization has identified many geographical regions where inorganic arsenic levels exceed safe limits in drinking water. Numerous epidemiological studies have associated exposure to inorganic arsenic with increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Randomized clinical trials have shown that nutritional supplementation can mitigate or reduce exacerbation of exposure-related effects. Although a growing body of evidence suggests that epigenetic status influences toxicity, the relationships among environmental exposure to arsenic, nutrition, and the epigenome are not well detailed. This review provides a comprehensive summary of findings from human, rodent, and in vitro studies highlighting these interactive relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Venkatratnam
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carmen A Marable
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Curriculum in Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arjun M Keshava
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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20
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Kancherla V, Chadha M, Rowe L, Thompson A, Jain S, Walters D, Martinez H. Reducing the Burden of Anemia and Neural Tube Defects in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Analysis to Identify Countries with an Immediate Potential to Benefit from Large-Scale Mandatory Fortification of Wheat Flour and Rice. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13010244. [PMID: 33467050 PMCID: PMC7830675 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a predetermined set of criteria, including burden of anemia and neural tube defects (NTDs) and an enabling environment for large-scale fortification, this paper identifies 18 low- and middle-income countries with the highest and most immediate potential for large-scale wheat flour and/or rice fortification in terms of health impact and economic benefit. Adequately fortified staples, delivered at estimated coverage rates in these countries, have the potential to avert 72.1 million cases of anemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age; 51,636 live births associated with folic acid-preventable NTDs (i.e., spina bifida, anencephaly); and 46,378 child deaths associated with NTDs annually. This equates to a 34% reduction in the number of cases of anemia and 38% reduction in the number of NTDs in the 18 countries identified. An estimated 5.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) could be averted annually, and an economic value of 31.8 billion United States dollars (USD) generated from 1 year of fortification at scale in women and children beneficiaries. This paper presents a missed opportunity and warrants an urgent call to action for the countries identified to potentially avert a significant number of preventable birth defects, anemia, and under-five child mortality and move closer to achieving health equity by 2030 for the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Kancherla
- Center for Spina Bifida Prevention, Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Manpreet Chadha
- Nutrition International, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3, Canada; (A.T.); (S.J.); (D.W.); (H.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-859-1452
| | - Laura Rowe
- Food Fortification Initiative, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Nutrition International, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3, Canada; (A.T.); (S.J.); (D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Sakshi Jain
- Nutrition International, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3, Canada; (A.T.); (S.J.); (D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Dylan Walters
- Nutrition International, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3, Canada; (A.T.); (S.J.); (D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Homero Martinez
- Nutrition International, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3, Canada; (A.T.); (S.J.); (D.W.); (H.M.)
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21
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Morris JK, Addor MC, Ballardini E, Barisic I, Barrachina-Bonet L, Braz P, Cavero-Carbonell C, Den Hond E, Garne E, Gatt M, Haeusler M, Khoshnood B, Lelong N, Kinsner-Ovaskainen A, Kiuru-Kuhlefelt S, Klungsoyr K, Latos-Bielenska A, Limb E, O'Mahony MT, Perthus I, Pierini A, Rankin J, Rissmann A, Rouget F, Sayers G, Sipek A, Stevens S, Tucker D, Verellen-Dumoulin C, de Walle HEK, Wellesley D, Wertelecki W, Bermejo-Sanchez E. Prevention of Neural Tube Defects in Europe: A Public Health Failure. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:647038. [PMID: 34249803 PMCID: PMC8264257 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.647038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Thirty years ago it was demonstrated that folic acid taken before pregnancy and in early pregnancy reduced the risk of a neural tube defect (NTD). Despite Public Health Initiatives across Europe recommending that women take 0.4 mg folic acid before becoming pregnant and during the first trimester, the prevalence of NTD pregnancies has not materially decreased in the EU since 1998, in contrast to the dramatic fall observed in the USA. This study aimed to estimate the number of NTD pregnancies that would have been prevented if flour had been fortified with folic acid in Europe from 1998 as it had been in the USA. Design and Setting: The number of NTD pregnancies from 1998 to 2017 that would have been prevented if folic acid fortification had been implemented in the 28 countries who were members of the European Union in 2019 was predicted was predicted using data on NTD prevalence from 35 EUROCAT congenital anomaly registries and literature searches for population serum folate levels and folic acid supplementation. Results: From 1998 to 2017 an estimated 95,213 NTD pregnancies occurred amongst 104 million births in the 28 countries in the EU, a prevalence of 0.92 per 1,000 births. The median serum folate level in Europe over this time period was estimated to be 14.1 μg/L. There is a lack of information about women taking folic acid supplements before becoming pregnant and during the first trimester of pregnancy, with one meta-analysis indicating that around 25% of women did so. An estimated 14,600 NTD pregnancies may have been prevented if the European countries had implemented fortification at the level adopted by the USA in 1998 and 25% of women took folic acid supplements. An estimated 19,500 NTD pregnancies would have been prevented if no women took folic acid supplements. Conclusions: This study suggests that failure to implement mandatory folic acid fortification in the 28 European countries has caused, and continues to cause, neural tube defects to occur in almost 1,000 pregnancies every year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan K Morris
- Population Health Research Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Claude Addor
- Department of Woman-Mother-Child, University Hospital Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Ballardini
- Indagine Sulle Malformazioni Congenite in Emilia-Romagna (IMER) Registry (Emilia Romagna Registry of Birth Defects) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Section Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ingeborg Barisic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Medical School University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Laia Barrachina-Bonet
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paula Braz
- Epidemiology Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Clara Cavero-Carbonell
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Health Department, Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ester Garne
- Paediatric Department, Hospital Lillebaelt Kolding, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Miriam Gatt
- Directorate for Health Information and Research, Pietà, Malta
| | - Martin Haeusler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Babak Khoshnood
- Université de Paris, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS/CRESS/Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Lelong
- Université de Paris, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS/CRESS/Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | | | - Sonja Kiuru-Kuhlefelt
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare Terveyden Ja Hyvinvoinnin Laitos (THL), Register of Congenital Malformations, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Klungsoyr
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Latos-Bielenska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Elizabeth Limb
- Population Health Research Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary T O'Mahony
- Health Service Executive-South, Department of Public Health, St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Isabelle Perthus
- Auvergne Registry of Congenital Anomalies (CEMC-Auvergne), Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anna Pierini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Judith Rankin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Rissmann
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Florence Rouget
- Brittany Registry of Congenital Anomalies, CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Gerardine Sayers
- Health Intelligence R&D Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antonin Sipek
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - David Tucker
- Congenital Anomaly Register and Information Service for Wales, Public Health Wales Knowledge Directorate, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hermien E K de Walle
- Department of Genetics, Eurocat Northern Netherlands, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Diana Wellesley
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Eva Bermejo-Sanchez
- Spanish Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECEMC), Unidad de Investigación sobre Anomalías Congénitas, Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Shlobin NA, LoPresti MA, Du RY, Lam S. Folate fortification and supplementation in prevention of folate-sensitive neural tube defects: a systematic review of policy. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2020; 27:294-310. [PMID: 33338998 DOI: 10.3171/2020.7.peds20442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common congenital neurological defects, resulting in mortality, morbidity, and impaired quality of life for patients and caregivers. While public health interventions that increase folate consumption among women who are or plan to become pregnant are shown to reduce folate-sensitive NTDs, public health policy reflecting the scientific evidence lags behind. The authors aimed to identify the types of policies applied, associated outcomes, and impact of folate fortification and supplementation on NTDs worldwide. By identifying effective legislation, the authors aim to focus advocacy efforts to more broadly effect change, reducing the burden of NTDs in neurosurgery. METHODS A systematic review was conducted exploring folate fortification and supplementation policies using the PubMed and Scopus databases. Titles and abstracts from articles identified were read and selected for full-text review. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed in full and analyzed for study design, aim, population, interventions, and outcomes. RESULTS Of 1637 resultant articles, 54 were included. Mandatory folate fortification was effective at reducing folate-sensitive NTDs. Mandatory fortification also decreased hospitalization rates and deaths after discharge and increased 1st-year survival for infants with NTDs. Recommended folate supplementation also resulted in decreased NTDs; however, issues with compliance and adherence were a concern and impacted effectiveness. Folate fortification and/or supplementation resulted in decreased NTD prevalence, although more change was attributed to fortification. Dual policies may hold the most promise. Furthermore, reductions in NTDs were associated with significant cost savings over time. CONCLUSIONS Both mandatory folate fortification and recommended supplementation policies were found to effectively decrease folate-sensitive NTD rates when applied. A comprehensive approach incorporating mandatory folate fortification, appropriate folate supplementation, and improved infrastructure and access to prenatal care may lead to decreased NTDs worldwide. This approach should be context-specific, emphasize education, and account for regional access to healthcare and social determinants of health. With wide implications for NTDs, associated health outcomes, quality of life of patients and caregivers, and economic impacts, policy changes can drastically improve global NTD outcomes. As caretakers of children with NTDs, the authors as neurosurgeons advocate for a comprehensive policy, the engagement of stakeholders, and a broader global impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | | | - Rebecca Y Du
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Sandi Lam
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; and
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23
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Okon UA, Ibrahim BS, Usman R, Adedire E, Balogun MS, Olayinka A. Awareness and use of folic acid among women of childbearing age in Benue State, Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 37:60. [PMID: 33209187 PMCID: PMC7648467 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.60.22848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction every year in Nigeria 12,695 babies are born with neural tube defects. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defect by about 50% among peri-conceptional users. We conducted this study to determine the awareness and use of folic acid among women of childbearing age in Benue State, Nigeria. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional study among women attending selected among six secondary health facilities in Benue State using a multi-stage sampling technique. We interviewed 586 women aged 15-49 years using structured questionnaires to obtain information on awareness and use of folic acid. We performed univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis at 5% significance. Results interviewed 586 women with the mean age 27 ± 6.9 years; 281(48%) were aware of folic acid as a supplement, 178 (30.4%) knew the dietary source of folic acid while 152 (26%) knew the benefit of folic acid. The commonest source of information was health professionals [195 (51%)]. Only 221 (37.7%) used folic acid, 14 (1.7%) of them using it within the first trimester. The commonest reason why women did not take folic acid as supplement was unpleasant smell [124 (21%)]. Awareness of folic acid benefit (OR: 6, 95%CI = 3.9-8.8), level of education (OR: 2.0, 95%CI = 1.2-3.3) and employment status (OR: 1.6, 95%CI= 1.1-22) were significantly associated with folic acid use. Awareness of folic acid use was an independent predictor of folic acid use (AOR: 7.9 95%Cl: 5.3-11.7). Conclusion awareness and use of folic acid among women of childbearing age was low. Awareness is a predictor of folic acid use. We recommend the promotion of awareness and use of folic acid in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubong Akpan Okon
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Abuja, Nigeria.,Africa Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Baffa Sule Ibrahim
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Abuja, Nigeria.,University of Maryland Baltimore, Nigeria Program, Nigeria
| | - Rabi Usman
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth Adedire
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Abuja, Nigeria
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Garland MA, Sun B, Zhang S, Reynolds K, Ji Y, Zhou CJ. Role of epigenetics and miRNAs in orofacial clefts. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1635-1659. [PMID: 32926553 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Orofacial clefts (OFCs) have multiple etiologies and likely result from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Within the last decade, studies have implicated specific epigenetic modifications and noncoding RNAs as additional facets of OFC etiology. Altered gene expression through DNA methylation and histone modification offer novel insights into how specific genes contribute to distinct OFC subtypes. Epigenetics research has also provided further evidence that cleft lip only (CLO) is a cleft subtype with distinct etiology. Polymorphisms or misexpression of genes encoding microRNAs, as well as their targets, contribute to OFC risk. The ability to experimentally manipulate epigenetic changes and noncoding RNAs in animal models, such as zebrafish, Xenopus, mice, and rats, has offered novel insights into the mechanisms of various OFC subtypes. Although much remains to be understood, recent advancements in our understanding of OFC etiology may advise future strategies of research and preventive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Garland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kurt Reynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Yu Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Chengji J Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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25
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Miszewski SG, Trott JF, Berryhill GE, Tat L, Green R, Borowsky AD, Miller JW, Hovey RC. Folate Deficiency Inhibits Development of the Mammary Gland and its Associated Lymphatics in FVB Mice. J Nutr 2020; 150:2120-2130. [PMID: 32510141 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, DNA repair, cell proliferation, development, and morphogenesis. Folic acid (FA) is a nutritional supplement used to fortify human diets. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of dietary FA on early mammary gland (MG) development and hyperplasia. METHODS Study 1: nulliparous female FVB wild-type (WT) mice were fed control (Con; 2 mg FA/kg), deficient (Def; 0 mg FA/kg), excess (Ex; 5 mg FA/kg), or super excess (S-Ex; 20 mg FA/kg) diets for 8 wk before mating to WT or heterozygous FVB/N-Tg[mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat (MMTV)-polyomavirus middle T antigen (PyVT)]634Mul/J (MMTV-PyMT+/-) transgenic males. Dams were fed these diets until they weaned WT or MMTV-PyMT+/- pups, which were fed the dam's diet from postnatal day (PND) 21 to 42. Tissues were collected from female progeny at PNDs 1, 21, and 42. Study 2: Con or Def diets were fed to WT intact females and males from PND 21 to 56, or to ovariectomized females from PND 21 to 77; tissues were collected at PND 56 or 77. Growth of all offspring, development of MGs, MG hyperplasia, supramammary lymph nodes, thymus and spleen, cell proliferation, and expression of MG growth factors were measured. RESULTS Study 1: Ex or S-Ex did not affect postnatal MG development or hyperplasia. The rate of isometric MG growth (PND 1-21) was reduced by 69% in Def female progeny (P < 0.0001). Similarly, hyperplastic growth in MGs of Def MMTV-PyMT+/- offspring was 18% of Con (P < 0.05). The Def diet reduced supramammary lymph node size by 20% (P < 0.0001) and increased MG insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA by 200% (P < 0.05) and protein by 130%-150% (P < 0.05). Study 2: the Def diet did not affect MG growth, but it did reduce supramammary lymph node size (P < 0.05), spleen weight (P < 0.001), and thymic medulla area (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In utero and postnatal folate deficiency reduced the isometric development of the MGs and early MG hyperplasia. Postnatal folate deficiency reduced the development of lymphatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan G Miszewski
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Josephine F Trott
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Grace E Berryhill
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lyvin Tat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Alexander D Borowsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Joshua W Miller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Russell C Hovey
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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26
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Taiwo TE, Cao X, Cabrera RM, Lei Y, Finnell RH. Approaches to studying the genomic architecture of complex birth defects. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:1047-1055. [PMID: 32468575 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Every year nearly 6 percent of children worldwide are born with a serious congenital malformation, resulting in death or lifelong disability. In the United States, birth defects remain one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Among the common structural congenital defects are conditions known as neural tube defects (NTDs). These are a class of malformation of the brain and spinal cord where the neural tube fails to close during the neurulation. Although NTDs remain among the most pervasive and debilitating of all human developmental anomalies, there is insufficient understanding of their etiology. Previous studies have proposed that complex birth defects like NTDs are likely omnigenic, involving interconnected gene regulatory networks with associated signals throughout the genome. Advances in technologies have allowed researchers to more critically investigate regulatory gene networks in ever increasing detail, informing our understanding of the genetic basis of NTDs. Employing a systematic analysis of these complex birth defects using massively parallel DNA sequencing with stringent bioinformatic algorithms, it is possible to approach a greater level of understanding of the genomic architecture underlying NTDs. Herein, we present a brief overview of different approaches undertaken in our laboratory to dissect out the genetics of susceptibility to NTDs. This involves the use of mouse models to identify candidate genes, as well as large scale whole genome/whole exome (WGS/WES) studies to interrogate the genomic landscape of NTDs. The goal of this research is to elucidate the gene-environment interactions contributing to NTDs, thus encouraging global research efforts in their prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toluwani E Taiwo
- Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xuanye Cao
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert M Cabrera
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yunping Lei
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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27
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Murphy ME, Westmark CJ. Folic Acid Fortification and Neural Tube Defect Risk: Analysis of the Food Fortification Initiative Dataset. Nutrients 2020; 12:E247. [PMID: 31963665 PMCID: PMC7019961 DOI: 10.3390/nu12010247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The United States implemented mandatory fortification of cereal grains with folic acid in 1998 to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) during pregnancy. The health benefits of folate (vitamin B9) are well documented; however, there are potential risks of exceeding the upper tolerable limit, particularly in vulnerable populations. We conducted a population-based analysis of the Food Fortification Initiative dataset to determine the strength of the evidence regarding reports of decreased NTDs at the national level in response to mandatory folic acid fortification of cereal grains. We found a very weak correlation between NTD prevalence and the level of folic acid fortification, irrespective of the cereal grain fortified (wheat, maize or rice). Stratification of the data based on socioeconomic status (SES) indicated a strong linear relationship between reduced NTDs and better SES. We conclude that national fortification with folic acid is not associated with a significant decrease in the prevalence of NTDs at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela E. Murphy
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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28
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Jessel RH, Rosario FJ, Chen YY, Erickson K, Teal SB, Kramer A, Cotton E, Ryan S, Jansson T, Powell TL. Decreased placental folate transporter expression and activity in first and second trimester in obese mothers. J Nutr Biochem 2019; 77:108305. [PMID: 31926453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.108305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Obese women have an approximately twofold higher risk to deliver an infant with neural tube defects (NTDs) despite folate supplementation. Placental transfer of folate is mediated by folate receptor alpha (FR-α), proton coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and reduced folate carrier (RFC). Decreased placental transport may contribute to NTDs in obese women. Serum folate levels were measured and placental tissue was collected from 13 women with normal BMI (21.9±1.9) and 11 obese women (BMI 33.1±2.8) undergoing elective termination at 8-22 weeks of gestation. The syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membranes (MVM) were isolated using homogenization, magnesium precipitation, and differential centrifugation. MVM expression of FR-α, PCFT and RFC was determined by western blot. Folate transport capacity was assessed using radiolabeled methyl-tetrahydrofolate and rapid filtration techniques. Differences in expression and transport capacity were adjusted for gestational age and maternal age in multivariable regression models. P<.05 was considered statistically significant. Serum folate levels were not significantly different between groups. Placental MVM folate transporter expression did not change with gestational age. MVM RFC (-19%) and FR-α (-17%) expression was significantly reduced in placentas from obese women (P<.05). MVM folate transporter activity was reduced by-52% (P<.05) in obese women. These differences remained after adjustment for gestational age. There was no difference in mTOR signaling between groups. In conclusion, RFC and FR alpha expression and transporter activity in the placental MVM are significantly reduced in obese women in early pregnancy. These results may explain the higher incidence of NTDs in infants of obese women with adequate serum folate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H Jessel
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO; Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
| | - Fredrick J Rosario
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Yi-Yung Chen
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO; Division of High-risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kathryn Erickson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Stephanie B Teal
- Division of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Anita Kramer
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Eleanor Cotton
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Sarah Ryan
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO; Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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29
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Obrycki JF, Lee JJ, Kapur K, Paul L, Hasan MOSI, Mia S, Quamruzzaman Q, Christiani DC, Mazumdar M. A case-control analysis of maternal diet and risk of neural tube defects in Bangladesh. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:967-981. [PMID: 30989821 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mothers need a nutrient-rich diet for healthy neural tube development. Neural tube defect risk can be reduced through fortifying grain products with folic acid and taking folic acid supplements. Fortification is not required in Bangladesh. Maternal supplement use rates are low, similar to other countries. This study evaluates maternal dietary intake during pregnancy to identify possible interventions. METHODS A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessed maternal diet. The primary aim compared dietary intake (calories, fat, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) between mothers of infants with myelomeningocele (cases) and mothers of controls. Secondary aims included (i) comparing foods consumed and (ii) evaluating if rice intake correlated with arsenic exposure. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, McNemar's chi-squared test, and linear regression were used. RESULTS This study included 110 matched mother-infant pairs (55 cases/55 controls). Mothers of cases and mothers of controls had similar caloric intake [median 2406 kcal/day vs. 2196 kcal/day (p = 0.071)]. Mothers in both groups consumed less than half the daily recommended 600 μg of folate. Diets were potentially deficient in vitamins A, D, E, potassium, sodium, and iron. Steamed rice was the primary food consumed for both groups, and this rice intake was not associated with toenail arsenic. CONCLUSIONS Dietary interventions should increase folate, vitamins A, D, E, potassium, sodium, and iron intake in Bangladeshi mothers. Folic acid fortification of grain products maybe the only viable strategy to achieve adequate folate intake for mothers. Given the central role of rice to the Bangladeshi diet, fortifying rice may be a viable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Obrycki
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jane J Lee
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kush Kapur
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ligi Paul
- Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Selim Mia
- Dhaka Community Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - David C Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maitreyi Mazumdar
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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30
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AbdRabou MA. Awareness of Folic Acid Intake for Prevention of Neural Tube Defects among Women in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. INT J PHARMACOL 2019. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2019.274.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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31
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Kirby RS. Are Data on Multivitamin Use Among Women Important Enough for Public Health Surveillance? J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2019; 28:5-6. [PMID: 30596543 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Russell S Kirby
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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32
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Liu J, Li Z, Ye R, Liu J, Ren A. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation and sex difference in prevention of neural tube defects and their subtypes in China: results from a large prospective cohort study. Nutr J 2018; 17:115. [PMID: 30541549 PMCID: PMC6291989 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-018-0421-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folic acid (FA) supplementation is known to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). We examined whether this preventive effect differs by the sex of the infant. METHODS Data were gathered from a large population-based cohort study in China that evaluated the effects of FA supplementation on NTDs. All births at 20 complete gestational weeks, including live births, stillbirths, and pregnancy terminations, and all NTDs, regardless of gestational age, were recorded. In a northern China province, a total of 30,801 singleton live births to women whose use of FA supplements during the first trimester was known at the time were included in the study. The birth prevalence of NTDs was classified by sex, subtype, and maternal FA supplementation. Male to female rate ratios [RR] and their 95% confidence intervals [CI] were calculated. RESULTS A total of 106 NTDs cases were recorded. The overall prevalence of NTDs was 2.5‰ among males and 4.4‰ among females; NTDs were less prevalent among males than among females (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.54-0.63). There was a higher prevalence of anencephaly (RR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27-0.43) and spina bifida (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.63-0.84) among females. However, FA supplementation led to significantly greater decreases in the rates of anencephaly (4.8‰) and total NTDs (7.6‰) in females than in males (1.6‰ and 2.8‰, respectively). CONCLUSIONS FA supplementation successfully reduces the prevalence of NTDs in both male and female infants, although we found a significantly greater decrease in anencephaly and total NTDs in females than in males. How the protective effects of FA supplementation affect the sexes differently needs to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jufen Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health / Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health / Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongwei Ye
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health / Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianmeng Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health / Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health / Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 People’s Republic of China
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Shade DC, Park HJ, Hausman DB, Hohos N, Meagher RB, Kauwell GPA, Kilaru V, Lewis RD, Smith AK, Bailey LB. DNA Methylation Changes in Whole Blood and CD16+ Neutrophils in Response to Chronic Folic Acid Supplementation in Women of Childbearing Age. INT J VITAM NUTR RES 2018; 87:271-278. [PMID: 30499755 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, is a key source of one-carbon groups for DNA methylation, but studies of the DNA methylation response to supplemental folic acid yield inconsistent results. These studies are commonly conducted using whole blood, which contains a mixed population of white blood cells that have been shown to confound results. The objective of this study was to determine if CD16+ neutrophils may provide more specific data than whole blood for identifying DNA methylation response to chronic folic acid supplementation. The study was performed in normal weight (BMI 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2) women (18 - 35 y; n = 12), with blood samples taken before and after 8 weeks of folic acid supplementation at 800 μg/day. DNA methylation patterns from whole blood and isolated CD16+ neutrophils were measured across >485,000 CpG sites throughout the genome using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Over the course of the 8-week supplementation, 6746 and 7513 CpG sites changed (p < 0.05) in whole blood and CD16+ neutrophils, respectively. DNA methylation decreased in 68.4% (whole blood) and 71.8% (CD16+ neutrophils) of these sites. There were only 182 CpG sites that changed in both the whole blood and CD16+ neutrophils, 139 of which changed in the same direction. These results suggest that the genome-wide DNA methylation response to chronic folic acid supplementation is different between whole blood and CD16+ neutrophils and that a single white blood cell type may function as a more specific epigenetic reporter of folate status than whole blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna C Shade
- a Co-first authors; these authors contributed equally.,1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Hea Jin Park
- a Co-first authors; these authors contributed equally.,1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Dorothy B Hausman
- 1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Natalie Hohos
- 1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Gail P A Kauwell
- 3 Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Varun Kilaru
- 4 Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard D Lewis
- 1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- 4 Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lynn B Bailey
- 1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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34
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van Gool JD, Hirche H, Lax H, De Schaepdrijver L. Folic acid and primary prevention of neural tube defects: A review. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 80:73-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Yi L, Wan C, Deng C, Li X, Deng K, Mu Y, Zhu J, Li Q, Wang Y, Dai L. Changes in prevalence and perinatal outcomes of congenital hydrocephalus among Chinese newborns: a retrospective analysis based on the hospital-based birth defects surveillance system. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:406. [PMID: 29202729 PMCID: PMC5715536 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the epidemiology of congenital hydrocephalus (CH) in China. This study aimed to depict recent changes in CH prevalence and perinatal outcomes of the affected newborns. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network (CBDMN), which collects demographic information on all newborns above 28 weeks of gestation, and clinical information on neonates with congenital anomalies. CH cases delivered during 2005–2012 were analyzed. Poisson regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals, and linear chi-square test was used to examine time trend of CH prevalence. Results Five thousand two hundred forty-five isolated and 1245 associated CH cases were identified among 10,574,061 newborns, yielding the prevalence of 4.96, 1.18 and 6.14 per 10,000 births for the isolated, associated and overall hydrocephalus, respectively. The annual prevalence of CH presented a decreasing trend (from 7.52 to 5.98 per 10,000 births, P < 0.001). Higher prevalence was found in both younger (<20 years, PR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.56–2.10) and older (≥35 years, PR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.36–1.61) maternal-age groups in comparison with the maternal-age group of 20 to 24 years. Higher prevalence was also found in infants born to mothers resided in rural areas, male infants, and multiple births. Of non-aborted infants with congenital hydrocephalus, 38.11% were born with low birth weight, 37.53% were preterm birth, and 20.69% died within 7 days after birth. Conclusions Our findings present a relatively high prevalence and poor perinatal outcomes of CH in China, which can serve as a baseline for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yi
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Chaomin Wan
- Pediatric Department, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Changfei Deng
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kui Deng
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yi Mu
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Qi Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Li Dai
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sec.3 No.17, South RenMin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Bailey LB, Hausman DB. Folate status in women of reproductive age as basis of neural tube defect risk assessment. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1414:82-95. [PMID: 29139138 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Reliable folate status data for women of reproductive age (WRA) to assess global risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) are needed. We focus on a recent recommendation by the World Health Organization that a specific "optimal" red blood cell (RBC) folate concentration be used as the sole indicator of NTD risk within a population and discuss how to best apply this guidance to reach the goal of assessing NTD risk globally. We also emphasize the importance of using the microbiologic assay (MBA) as the most reliable assay for obtaining comparable results for RBC folate concentration across time and countries, the need for harmonization of the MBA through use of consistent key reagents and procedures within laboratories, and the requirement to apply assay-matched cutoffs for folate deficiency and insufficiency. To estimate NTD risk globally, the ideal scenario would be to have country-specific population-based surveys of RBC folate in WRA determined utilizing a harmonized MBA, as was done in recent studies in Guatemala and Belize. We conclude with guidance on next steps to best navigate the road map toward the goal of generating reliable folate status data on which to assess NTD risk in WRA in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn B Bailey
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Dorothy B Hausman
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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Niemann B, Nemitz A, Werner J, Mai HD, Steinberg P, Lampen A, Ehlers A. Folic acid modulates cancer-associated micro RNAs and inflammatory mediators in neoplastic and non-neoplastic colonic cells in a different way. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 61. [PMID: 28752528 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Scientific evidence suggests that folic acid (FA) supplementation protects the healthy colonic mucosa from neoplastic transformation but may promote the progression of precancerous lesions. The underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, we explored, if high physiological FA doses provoke changes in (i) promoter-specific DNA methylation (ii) expression of cancer-associated micro RNAs (miRNAs) and (iii) inflammatory mediators in human neoplastic and non-neoplastic colonic cell lines. METHODS AND RESULTS The malignant and the non-malignant colonic cell lines HT29 and HCEC were adapted to different near-physiological FA concentrations. Using DNA methylation and pathway specific PCR arrays, high-physiological FA concentrations revealed no relevant impact on promoter methylation but a number of differences between the cell lines in the expression of miRNAs and inflammatory mediators. In the HCEC cell line pro-inflammatory genes were repressed and the miRNA expression remained nearly unaffected. In contrast, in the HT29 cell line tumour-suppressive miRNAs were predominantly down-regulated and the expression of genes involved in chemotaxis and immunity were modulated. CONCLUSION The different effects of high-physiological FA concentrations in malignant and non-malignant colonic cell lines regarding cancer-associated miRNAs and inflammatory mediators may contribute to the different effects of FA supplementation on colonic carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Niemann
- Department of Food Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anke Nemitz
- Department of Food Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Werner
- Department of Food Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ha Dong Mai
- Department of Food Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pablo Steinberg
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Analytical Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alfonso Lampen
- Department of Food Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anke Ehlers
- Department of Food Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Although collectively they are fairly common, birth defects receive limited attention as a group of outcomes either clinically or from a public health perspective. This article provides an overview of the prevalence, trends and selected socio-demographic risk factors for several major birth defects, including neural tube defects, cranio-facial anomalies, congenital heart defects, trisomies 13, 18, and 21, and gastroschisis and omphalocele. Attention should focus on strengthening existing registries, creating birth defects surveillance programs in states that do not have them, and standardizing registry methods so that broadly national data to monitor these trends are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell S Kirby
- Department of Community and Family Health, Birth Defects Surveillance Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC56, Tampa, FL 33612-3805.
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Chen VS, Morrison JP, Southwell MF, Foley JF, Bolon B, Elmore SA. Histology Atlas of the Developing Prenatal and Postnatal Mouse Central Nervous System, with Emphasis on Prenatal Days E7.5 to E18.5. Toxicol Pathol 2017; 45:705-744. [PMID: 28891434 DOI: 10.1177/0192623317728134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of the central nervous system (CNS) in the developing mouse presents unique challenges, given the complexity of ontogenesis, marked structural reorganization over very short distances in 3 dimensions each hour, and numerous developmental events susceptible to genetic and environmental influences. Developmental defects affecting the brain and spinal cord arise frequently both in utero and perinatally as spontaneous events, following teratogen exposure, and as sequelae to induced mutations and thus are a common factor in embryonic and perinatal lethality in many mouse models. Knowledge of normal organ and cellular architecture and differentiation throughout the mouse's life span is crucial to identify and characterize neurodevelopmental lesions. By providing a well-illustrated overview summarizing major events of normal in utero and perinatal mouse CNS development with examples of common developmental abnormalities, this annotated, color atlas can be used to identify normal structure and histology when phenotyping genetically engineered mice and will enhance efforts to describe and interpret brain and spinal cord malformations as causes of mouse embryonic and perinatal lethal phenotypes. The schematics and images in this atlas illustrate major developmental events during gestation from embryonic day (E)7.5 to E18.5 and after birth from postnatal day (P)1 to P21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian S Chen
- 1 Charles River Laboratories Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Authors contributed equally
| | - James P Morrison
- 2 Charles River Laboratories Inc., Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, USA.,Authors contributed equally
| | - Myra F Southwell
- 3 Cellular Molecular Pathology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julie F Foley
- 4 Bio-Molecular Screening Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Susan A Elmore
- 3 Cellular Molecular Pathology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Hiraoka M, Kagawa Y. Genetic polymorphisms and folate status. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2017; 57:142-149. [PMID: 28598562 PMCID: PMC5601299 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia-induced low folate status is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depression. Folate is an essential cofactor in the one-carbon metabolism pathway and is necessary in amino acid metabolism, purine and thymidylate synthesis, and DNA methylation. In the folate cycle and homocysteine metabolism, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and vitamin B2 are important cofactors. Many enzymes are involved in folate transport and uptake, the folate pathway, and homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism, and various polymorphisms have been documented in these enzymes. Serum folate and total Hcy (tHcy) levels are influenced by folate intake and genetic polymorphisms in 5,10-methylenetertahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) such as C677T. The prevalence of the MTHFR 677TT genotype varies across ethnic groups and regions, with a frequency of approximately 15% in Japanese populations. Individuals with the TT genotype have significantly higher tHcy levels and lower folate levels in serum than those with the CT and TT genotypes. However, administration of folic acid has been shown to eliminate these differences. Moreover, data have suggested that interventions based on genotype may be effective for motivating individuals to change their lifestyle and improve their nutrition status. Accordingly, in this review, we discuss the effects of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms on serum tHcy and folate levels with folic acid intervention and evaluate approaches for overcoming folic acid deficiency and related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Hiraoka
- College of Nursing and Nutrition, School of NutritionShukutoku UniversityChiba CityChibaJapan
| | - Yasuo Kagawa
- Department of Medical ChemistryKagawa Nutrition UniversitySakado CitySaitamaJapan
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Dary O. Establishing Safe and Potentially Efficacious Fortification Contents for Folic Acid and Vitamin B12. Food Nutr Bull 2016; 29:S214-24. [DOI: 10.1177/15648265080292s126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Determining the micronutrient contents in fortified foods depends not only on the health goal (additional intake to complement the diet), but also on ensuring that fortification does not raise micronutrient intakes beyond the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), i.e., the safe limit. Technological incompatibility and cost may also restrict the fortification contents. For folic acid, the limiting factor is safety, while for vitamin B12, it is cost. However, adequate fortification contents that are both safe and efficacious can be estimated for both nutrients. In order to obtain the maximum benefit from the fortification programs, three different formulas responding to three categories of consumption, as specified by the median and 95th percentile of consumption, are proposed. The model presented is based on the estimation of a Feasible Fortification Level (FFL), which then is used to determine the average, minimum, and maximum contents of the nutrients during production, taking into consideration the acceptable variation of the fortification process. Finally, the regulatory parameters, which support standards and enforcement, are calculated by reducing the proportion of the nutrient that is degraded during the usual marketing process of the fortified food. It is expected that this model will establish a common standard for food fortification, and improve the reliability and enforcement procedures of these programs. The model was applied to flours as vehicles for folic acid in the United States, Guatemala, and Chile. Analysis of the data revealed that, with the exception of Chile, where wheat flour consumption is very high and probably within a narrow range, supplementation with folic acid is still needed to cover individuals at the low end of consumption. This is especially true when the difference in flour consumption is too wide, as in the case of Guatemala, where the proportional difference between consumption at the 95th percentile of the nonpoor group is as high as 100 times the consumption at the 5th percentile of the extremely poor group. Adoption of fortification content for staple foods near the safe limit brings together the need of restricting the voluntary addition of the specific nutrient to other foods and to dietary supplements.
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Kirby RS. Letter to the editor interpreting trends in the context of previous evidence. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART A, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY 2016; 106:1042. [PMID: 27731923 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Russell S Kirby
- Birth Defects Surveillance Program, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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Abramsky L, Busby A, Dolk H. Promotion of periconceptional folic acid has had limited success. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 125:206-9. [PMID: 16220729 DOI: 10.1177/146642400512500507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Attenello FJ, Tuchman A, Christian EA, Wen T, Chang KE, Nallapa S, Cen SY, Mack WJ, Krieger MD, McComb JG. Infection rate correlated with time to repair of open neural tube defects (myelomeningoceles): an institutional and national study. Childs Nerv Syst 2016; 32:1675-81. [PMID: 27444296 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-016-3165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal time to closure of a newborn with an open neural tube defect (NTD-myelomeningocele) has been the subject of a number of investigations. One aspect of timing that has received attention is its relationship to repair site and central nervous system (CNS) infection that can lead to irreversible deficits and prolonged hospital stays. No studies have evaluated infection as a function of surgical timing at a national level. We hypothesized an increase in wound infection in those patients with delays in myelomeningocele repair when evaluated in both a single-center and national database. METHODS Treatment outcomes following documented times to transfer and closure were evaluated at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) for the years 2004 to 2014. Data of newborns with a myelomeningocele with varying time to repair were also obtained from non-overlapping abstracts of the 2000-2010 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Poisson multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the effect of time to repair on infection and time to discharge. RESULTS At CHLA, 95 neonates who underwent myelomeningocele repair were identified, with a median time from birth to treatment of 1 day. Six (6 %) patients were noted to have postrepair complications. CHLA data was not sufficiently powered to detect a difference in infection following delay in closure. In the NIS, we identified 3775 neonates with repaired myelomeningocele of whom infection was reported in 681 (18 %) patients. There was no significant difference in rates of infection between same-day and 1-day wait times (p = 0.22). Wait times of two (RR = 1.65 [1.23, 2.22], p < 0.01) or more days (RR = 1.88 [1.39, 2.54], p < 0.01), respectively, experienced a 65 % and 88 increase in rates of infection compared to same-day procedures. Prolonged wait time was 32 % less likely at facilities with increased myelomeningocele repair volume (RR = 0.68 [0.56 0.83], p < 0.01). The presence of infection was associated with a 54 % (RR = 1.54 [1.36, 1.74], p < 0.01) increase in the length of stay when compared to neonates without infection. CONCLUSION Myelomeningocele closure, when delayed more than 1 day after birth, is associated with an increased rate of infection and length of stay in the national cohort. High-volume centers are associated with fewer delays to repair. Though constrained by limitations of a national coded database, these results suggest that early myelomeningocele repair decreases the rate of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Attenello
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Alexander Tuchman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Eisha A Christian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Timothy Wen
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ki-Eun Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | | | - Steven Y Cen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William J Mack
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Mark D Krieger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J Gordon McComb
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Reichard A, McDermott S, Ruttenber M, Mann J, Smith MG, Royer J, Valdez R. Testing the Feasibility of a Passive and Active Case Ascertainment System for Multiple Rare Conditions Simultaneously: The Experience in Three US States. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2016; 2:e151. [PMID: 27574026 PMCID: PMC5020310 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.5516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Owing to their low prevalence, single rare conditions are difficult to monitor through current state passive and active case ascertainment systems. However, such monitoring is important because, as a group, rare conditions have great impact on the health of affected individuals and the well-being of their caregivers. A viable approach could be to conduct passive and active case ascertainment of several rare conditions simultaneously. This is a report about the feasibility of such an approach. Objective To test the feasibility of a case ascertainment system with passive and active components aimed at monitoring 3 rare conditions simultaneously in 3 states of the United States (Colorado, Kansas, and South Carolina). The 3 conditions are spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and fragile X syndrome. Methods Teams from each state evaluated the possibility of using current or modified versions of their local passive and active case ascertainment systems and datasets to monitor the 3 conditions. Together, these teams established the case definitions and selected the variables and the abstraction tools for the active case ascertainment approach. After testing the ability of their local passive and active case ascertainment system to capture all 3 conditions, the next steps were to report the number of cases detected actively and passively for each condition, to list the local barriers against the combined passive and active case ascertainment system, and to describe the experiences in trying to overcome these barriers. Results During the test period, the team from South Carolina was able to collect data on all 3 conditions simultaneously for all ages. The Colorado team was also able to collect data on all 3 conditions but, because of age restrictions in its passive and active case ascertainment system, it was able to report few cases of fragile X syndrome. The team from Kansas was able to collect data only on spina bifida. For all states, the implementation of an active component of the ascertainment system was problematic. The passive component appears viable with minor modifications. Conclusions Despite evident barriers, the joint passive and active case ascertainment of rare disorders using modified existing surveillance systems and datasets seems feasible, especially for systems that rely on passive case ascertainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Reichard
- Institute on DisabilityUniversity of New HampshireDurham, NHUnited States
| | - Suzanne McDermott
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of South CarolinaColumbia, SCUnited States
| | - Margaret Ruttenber
- Special Health Care NeedsColorado Department of Public Health and EnvironmentDenver, COUnited States
| | - Joshua Mann
- Department of Preventive MedicineUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJackson, MSUnited States
| | - Michael G Smith
- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental ControlColumbia, SCUnited States
| | - Julie Royer
- Revenue and Fiscal Affairs OfficeSouth Carolina Budget and ControlColumbia, SCUnited States
| | - Rodolfo Valdez
- National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental DisabilitiesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GAUnited States
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Daltveit AK, Vollset SE, Lande B, Øien H. Changes in knowledge and attitudes of folate, and use of dietary supplements among women of reproductive age in Norway 1998 - 2000. Scand J Public Health 2016; 32:264-71. [PMID: 15370766 DOI: 10.1080/14034940310019515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aims: From March 1998, Norwegian nutrition authorities have recommended that women consume a folic acid supplement before and early in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. The authors wished to establish Norwegian data on knowledge of, use of, and attitudes to folic acid supplement and dietary supplements before and after implementing national information campaigns on folate and pregnancy. Methods: Telephone surveys were carried out in late 1998 and in late 2000 among, respectively, 1,146 and 1,218 Norwegian women of reproductive age. Results: Overall, 50% of the women in 1998 and 60% of the women in 2000 had heard about folate, 33% and 46% knew about its role in pregnancy, and 9.5% and 21% knew that it may prevent a congenital malformation. Only 4.0% and 8.5% of the women, respectively, knew that the critical period for folic acid supplement to reduce the risk of neural tube defect is before and early in pregnancy. Knowledge and increase in knowledge between the two surveys were highest among women close to pregnancy (woman planning pregnancy, pregnant women, or women who had given birth within the last 12 months), and among women with high education. Among the 54 women in 1998 and the 55 women in 2000 whose last birth was within the previous year, use of a folic acid supplement before or early in the last pregnancy was reported by 10% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5 - 21%) and by 47% (95% CI 35 - 60%), respectively. Among women close to pregnancy, 76% in 1998 and 87% in 2000 stated that they would use a folic acid supplement in a future pregnancy. Conclusions: Knowledge and use of folate among Norwegian women increased from 1998 to 2000. Future information strategies on folate and pregnancy should in particular aim at increasing women's knowledge on the critical period for folic acid supplementation, as well as reducing socio-demographic differences in use and knowledge of folate.
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Agha MM, Glazier RH, Moineddin R, Booth G. Congenital abnormalities in newborns of women with pregestational diabetes: A time-trend analysis, 1994 to 2009. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 106:831-839. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M. Agha
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; Canada
- Paediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
| | - Richard H. Glazier
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
| | - Rahim Moineddin
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
| | - Gillian Booth
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; Canada
- University of Toronto, Department of endocrinology; Toronto Canada
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Morris JK, Rankin J, Draper ES, Kurinczuk JJ, Springett A, Tucker D, Wellesley D, Wreyford B, Wald NJ. Prevention of neural tube defects in the UK: a missed opportunity. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101:604-7. [PMID: 26681697 PMCID: PMC4941168 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-309226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 1991, the Medical Research Council (MRC) Vitamin Study demonstrated that folic acid taken before pregnancy and in early pregnancy reduced the risk of a neural tube defect (NTD). We aimed to estimate the number of NTD pregnancies that would have been prevented if flour had been fortified with folic acid in the UK from 1998 as it had been in the USA. DESIGN Estimates of NTD prevalence, the preventive effect of folic acid and the proportion of women taking folic acid supplements before pregnancy were used to predict the number of NTD pregnancies that would have been prevented if folic acid fortification had been implemented. SETTING Eight congenital anomaly registers in England and Wales. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The prevalence of pregnancies with an NTD in the UK and the number of these pregnancies that would have been prevented if folic acid fortification had been implemented. RESULTS From 1991 to 2012, the prevalence of NTD pregnancies was 1.28 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.31) per 1000 total births (19% live births, 81% terminations and 0.5% stillbirths and fetal deaths ≥20 weeks' gestation). If the USA levels of folic acid fortification from 1998 onwards had been adopted in the UK, an estimated 2014 fewer NTD pregnancies would have occurred. CONCLUSIONS Failure to implement folic acid fortification in the UK has caused, and continues to cause, avoidable terminations of pregnancy, stillbirths, neonatal deaths and permanent serious disability in surviving children.
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Affiliation(s)
- JK Morris
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, QueenMary University of London, London, UK
| | - J Rankin
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - ES Draper
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - JJ Kurinczuk
- National PerinatalEpidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Public Health England, London, UK
| | - A Springett
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, QueenMary University of London, London, UK,Public Health England, London, UK
| | - D Tucker
- Congenital Anomaly Register and Information Service for Wales, Public Health Wales, Swansea, UK
| | - D Wellesley
- University of Southampton and Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Southampton, UK
| | - B Wreyford
- Public Health England, London, UK,School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - NJ Wald
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, QueenMary University of London, London, UK
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Lewis J, Frimberger D, Haddad E, Slobodov G. A framework for transitioning patients from pediatric to adult health settings for patients with neurogenic bladder. Neurourol Urodyn 2016; 36:973-978. [DOI: 10.1002/nau.23053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lewis
- Adult Urology; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma
| | - Dominic Frimberger
- Pediatric Urology; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma
| | - Emily Haddad
- Pediatric Urology; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma
| | - Gennady Slobodov
- Adult Urology; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma
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50
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Yang W, Carmichael SL, Shaw GM. Folic acid fortification and prevalences of neural tube defects, orofacial clefts, and gastroschisis in California, 1989 to 2010. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 106:1032-1041. [PMID: 27191125 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined whether prevalences of neural tube defects (NTDs), orofacial clefts, and gastroschisis changed more rapidly after than before folic acid fortification in California. METHODS This population-based study used vital statistics and birth defects registry data. The study population included all live births and stillbirths delivered in central California counties from 1989 to 2010. Cases included deliveries with NTDs, orofacial clefts, and gastroschisis. Weighted least squares regression was used to estimate slopes during prefortification (before 1997) and postfortification (after 1998), respectively. The difference of the two slopes with the 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. RESULTS For all NTDs combined, slopes indicated that NTD prevalence was decreasing by 8.7 (slope: -8.7; 95% CI, -13.5--3.9) cases per 100,000 deliveries per year before fortification and by 1.7 (slope: -1.7; 95% CI, -3.7-0.3) after fortification; thus the decline had slowed by 7.0 (95% CI, 2.7-11.3) cases per 100,000 deliveries per year. For orofacial clefts, slopes for cleft lip with/without palate as well as for cleft palate alone indicated that the postfortification slope was lower than the prefortification slope suggesting a more accelerated decrease in the postfortification time period. For gastroschisis, the slope after fortification was lower compared with prefortification, indicating a less accelerated prevalence increase in the postfortification time period. Stratification by race/ethnicity did not substantially alter results. CONCLUSION We observed a slower decline in prevalence of NTDs, an emergence of a decline in orofacial clefts, and a slower increase in gastroschisis, during the postfortification period in central California, relative to the prefortification period. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:1032-1041, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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