Folate derivatives, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate, protect BEAS-2B cells from high glucose-induced oxidative stress and inflammation

Metabolomics based early warning model for acute kidney injury risk in patients exposed to diquat

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most important indications of severe clinical symptoms in patients with diquat poisoning and is closely related to poor prognosis. However, current studies have rarely focused on early warnings of diquat-related AKI, which is not conducive to the treatment of patients with early clinical diquat poisoning. In this study, untargeted plasma metabolomics was employed to reveal the differences between diquat-poisoned patients with and without AKI, as well as between patients and healthy volunteers. The results showed that 48 metabolites were significantly changed in the patients, among which 3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine, SAICAR, dodecanoic acid, and tetrahydrofolyl-[Glu](2) could be used to effectively differentiate the above three groups. Based on the ratios of the first two metabolites and the ratios of the last two metabolites, a decision tree model for the early warning of diquat-induced AKI was established with an accuracy rate of 88.7 %. This model provides great support for accurate clinical diagnosis and intervention regarding the AKI risk of diquat-exposed patients.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and aqueous extract of Spirulina (Arthrospira) ameliorate diabetes and associated complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats

The present study evaluated the effects of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and Spirulina aqueous extract on diabetes. An in silico docking study with select Spirulina bioactive compounds showed strong binding affinities of folates with glucose metabolism-related proteins. In vitro assay showed 5-MTHF's superior inhibitory activity on alpha-amylase compared to folic acid. The protective effect of Spirulina aqueous extract and 5-MTHF were validated in vivo using an STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Supplementation with Spirulina extract through diet, and a higher dose of 5-MTHF through gavage effectively lowered fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance and amylase content. Supplementation also countered hyperlipidemia, improved the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the inflammatory markers. Weight loss prevention, mitigation of kidney enlargement, and normalisation of the histology of the pancreas, kidney, and liver were also observed. The ameliorative effect of a higher dose of 5-MTHF was comparatively superior to Spirulina aqueous extract and a corresponding higher dose of folic acid. An increase in serum folate levels on supplementation with Spirulina aqueous extract suggests Spirulina to be a source of bioavailable folate. The positive effect of Spirulina aqueous extract suggests a potential synergistic role for folate along with its other bioactive phytochemicals. The study highlights the potential ameliorative effects of Spirulina aqueous extract and 5-MTHF as a dietary supplement on diabetes and associated complications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04170-9.

Betaine and B12 Intake, Glutathione Concentration, and MTHFR, PEMT, and MTHFD1 Genotypes Are Associated with Diabetes-Related Parameters in Polish Adults

BACKGROUND

There is a growing body of evidence on associations between one-carbon metabolism (OCM) and diabetes-related parameters.

OBJECTIVES

For this reason, we aimed to examine the associations of plasma choline, betaine, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), glutathione (GSH), serum folate, vitamin B12, dihydrofolate reductase (rs70991108) genotype, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (rs180113) genotype, methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD1) (rs2236225) genotype, and phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (rs7946 and rs12325817) genotype with fasting glucose level, insulin level, and diabetes-related indices.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 421 Polish adults aged 20-40 y. Food intake was assessed using a 3-d food diary. Plasma concentrations of choline, betaine, and TMAO were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The total plasma GSH level was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Insulin, folate, and vitamin B12 concentrations were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Genotyping was performed with TaqMan probes.

RESULTS

GSH level was negatively associated with insulin (β = -0.11, P < 0.05) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGTP) (β = -0.12, P < 0.05), and positively associated with fasting glucose (β = 0.11, P < 0.05). Betaine intake was negatively associated with serum insulin concentration (β = -0.13, P < 0.05) and HOMA-IR (β = -0.12, P < 0.05). Choline intake was negatively associated with insulin (β = -0.17, P < 0.01). Serum folate level was negatively associated with GGTP (β = -0.11; P < 0.05). The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) CC genotype was associated with higher serum insulin levels (β = 0.15; P < 0.01) and higher HOMA-IR (β = 0.15, P < 0.01), whereas the MTHFD1 AA genotype was negatively associated with Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (β = -0.11, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that higher GSH level and higher intake of betaine, B12, and choline, as well as the TT genotype of MTHFR and the AA genotype of MTHFD1, are associated with lower diabetes-related parameters among adults.

The association of metabolic profile of folate with diabetic kidney disease: evidence from 2011-2020 cycles of the NHANES

AIMS

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) develops in approximately 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The role of folate metabolites in the progression from T2DM to DKD has not been clearly articulated. Our aim was to assess the association of folate metabolites with DKD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study sourced from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2020. Several forms of folate were measured. DKD was defined as diabetes with albuminuria or impaired glomerular filtration rate. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 3,461 diabetes patients, 1,349 (38.98%) were diagnosed with DKD. Serum total folate and 5-Methyl-THF were negatively associated with DKD, the OR for comparing extreme quintile were both 0.73 (0.57-0.94). However, a positive association of RBC folate, UMFA, Non-5-Methyl-THF, and MeFox with DKD was observed with extreme quintile OR of 1.41 (1.10-1.82), 1.60 (1.24-2.07), 1.53 (1.20-1.96), and 3.45 (2.65-4.50). Furthermore, the ratio of UMFA to 5-Methyl-THF exhibited a positive association with DKD, with extreme quintile OR of 1.94 (1.50-2.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that guidelines and interventions highlighting the importance of promoting 5-Methyl-THF and reducing UMFA might have significant benefit for the management of patients with diabetes.

Nanoparticles mediated folic acid enrichment

Folate is an essential component of many metabolic processes, and folate deficiency is known to cause various disorders. Folate and folic acid, a synthetic and chemically stable form of folate, enriched diet are typically used to overcome this deficiency. Folic acid and folate however, are susceptible to harsh environment and folates enrichment using nanoparticles is an intensively studied strategy in food industry. This review highlights the current methods and types of matrices utilized to develop folic acid/folate carrying nanoparticles. The folic acid/folate loaded nanoparticles prevent cargo degradation during gut absorption and under harsh food processing conditions including, high temperatures, UV light, and autoclaving. The data demonstrates that nanofortifcation of folates using proteins and biopolymers effectively enhances the bioavailability of the cargo. The encapsulation of folic acid in biopolymers by emulsion, spray drying and ionic gelation represent simplistic methods that can be easily scaled up with applications in food industry.

Novel Role of 5-Methyl-(6S)-Tetrahydrofolate in Mediating Endothelial Cell Tetrahydrobiopterin in Pregnancy and Implications for Gestational Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Folate intake during pregnancy is essential for fetal development and maternal health. However, the specific effects of folic acid (FA) and 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) on the prevention and treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain unclear. We investigated whether FA and 5-MTHF have different effects on endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) metabolism in pregnancy and the possible consequences for endothelial NO generation, maternal blood pressure, and fetal growth.

METHODS

We analyzed the maternal blood pressure in pregnant wild-type (Gch1fl/fl) and Gch1fl/fl Tie2cre mice treated with either FA or 5-MTHF starting before pregnancy, mid-pregnancy or late pregnancy. BH4, superoxide, and NO bioavailability were determined in mouse and human models of endothelial cell BH4 deficiency by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

In vitro studies in mouse and human endothelial cells showed that treatment with 5-MTHF, but not FA, elevated BH4 levels, reduced superoxide production, and increased NO synthase activity. In primary endothelial cells isolated from women with hypertensive pregnancies, exposure to 5-MTHF, but not FA, restored the reduction in BH4 levels and NO synthase activity. In vivo studies in mice revealed that oral treatment with 5-MTHF, but not FA, prevented and treated hypertension in pregnancy when administered either before or during pregnancy, respectively, and normalized placental and fetal growth restriction if administered from mid-gestation onward.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these studies identify a critical role for 5-MTHF in endothelial cell function in pregnancy, related to endothelial cell BH4 availability and NO synthase activity. Thus, 5-MTHF represents a novel therapeutic agent that may potentially improve endothelial function in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by targeting endothelial cell BH4.

Tetrahydrofolate Attenuates Cognitive Impairment after Hemorrhagic Stroke by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis via PTEN Signaling

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the most common subtype of hemorrhagic stroke, leads to cognitive impairment and imposes significant psychological burdens on patients. Hippocampal neurogenesis has been shown to play an essential role in cognitive function. Our previous study has shown that tetrahydrofolate (THF) promotes the proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the effect of THF on cognition after ICH and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that administration of THF could restore cognition after ICH. Using Nestin-GFP mice, we further revealed that THF enhanced the proliferation of hippocampal NSCs and neurogenesis after ICH. Mechanistically, we found that THF could prevent ICH-induced elevated level of PTEN and decreased expressions of phosphorylated AKT and mTOR. Furthermore, conditional deletion of PTEN in NSCs of the hippocampus attenuated the inhibitory effect of ICH on the proliferation of NSCs and abnormal neurogenesis. Taken together, these results provide molecular insights into ICH-induced cognitive impairment and suggest translational clinical therapeutic strategy for hemorrhagic stroke.

Exploring the causal associations of micronutrients on urate levels and the risk of gout: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Growing evidence has indicated a potential association between micronutrient levels, urate levels, and the risk of gout. However, the causal association underlying these associations still remains uncertain. Previous observational studies and randomized controlled trials investigating the association between micronutrients, urate levels, and the risk of gout have been limited in their scope and depth. The aim of this study was to utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal associations between genetically predicted micronutrient levels, urate levels, and the risk of gout.

METHODS

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of 10 specific micronutrients (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium) as potential exposures. Two-sample MR analyses were performed to explore their causal associations with urate levels and the risk of gout. In these analyses, gout data were collected from the Global Biobank Meta-Analysis Initiative (N = 1,069,839, N cases = 30,549) and urate levels data from CKDGen Consortium (N = 288,649) by utilizing publicly available summary statistics from independent cohorts of European ancestry. We performed inverse-variance weighted MR analyses as main analyses, along with a range of sensitivity analyses, such as MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, Steiger filtering, MR-PRESSO, and Radial MR analysis, to ensure the robustness of our findings.

RESULTS

The results of our study indicate that there were negative associations between serum vitamin B12 and urate levels, as well as serum folate and the risk of gout. Specifically, we found a negative association between vitamin B12 levels and urate levels, with a β coefficient of -0.324 (95% CI -0.0581 to -0.0066, P = 0.0137) per one standard deviation (SD) increase. Similarly, a negative association was observed between folate levels and gout risk, with an odds ratio of 0.8044 (95% CI 0.6637 to 0.9750, P = 0.0265) per one SD increase. On the other hand, we identified positive associations between serum calcium levels and both urate levels and the risk of gout. Specifically, there was a positive association between serum calcium levels and urate levels (β coefficient: 0.0994, 95% CI 0.0519 to 0.1468, P = 4.11E-05) per one SD increase. Furthermore, a positive association was found between serum calcium levels and the risk of gout, with an odds ratio of 1.1479 (95% CI 1.0460 to 1.2598, P = 0.0036) per one SD increase. These findings were robust in extensive sensitivity analyses. By employing MR-PRESSO and Radial MR to eliminate outliers, the observed associations have been reinforced. No clear associations were found between the other micronutrients and the urate levels, as well as the risk of gout.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provided evidence that there were negative associations between serum vitamin B12 and urate levels, as well as serum folate and the risk of gout, while positive associations existed between the serum calcium levels and urate levels, as well as the risk of gout.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Obesity, Gestational Diabetes, and Preeclampsia in Pregnancy: Role of High-Density Lipoproteins as Vectors for Bioactive Compounds

Inflammation and oxidative stress are essential components in a myriad of pathogenic entities that lead to metabolic and chronic diseases. Moreover, inflammation in its different phases is necessary for the initiation and maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Therefore, an equilibrium between a necessary/pathologic level of inflammation and oxidative stress during pregnancy is needed to avoid disease development. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are important for a healthy pregnancy and a good neonatal outcome. Their role in fetal development during challenging situations is vital for maintaining the equilibrium. However, in certain conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases, it has been observed that HDL loses its protective properties, becoming dysfunctional. Bioactive compounds have been widely studied as mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress in different diseases, but their mechanisms of action are still unknown. Nonetheless, these agents, which are obtained from functional foods, increase the concentration of HDL, TRC, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this review first summarizes several mechanisms of HDL participation in the equilibrium between inflammation and oxidative stress. Second, it gives an insight into how HDL may act as a vector for bioactive compounds. Third, it describes the relationships between the inflammation process in pregnancy and HDL activity. Consequently, different databases were used, including MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus, where scientific articles published in the English language up to 2023 were identified.

Pan-cancer and single-cell analysis reveal the prognostic value and immune response of NQO1

Background: Overexpression of the NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQOI) gene has been linked with tumor progression, aggressiveness, drug resistance, and poor patient prognosis. Most research has described the biological function of the NQO1 in certain types and limited samples, but a comprehensive understanding of the NQO1's function and clinical importance at the pan-cancer level is scarce. More research is needed to understand the role of NQO1 in tumor infiltration, and immune checkpoint inhibitors in various cancers are needed. Methods: The NQO1 expression data for 33 types of pan-cancer and their association with the prognosis, pathologic stage, gender, immune cell infiltration, the tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, immune checkpoints, enrichment pathways, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) were downloaded from public databases. Results: Our findings indicate that the NQO1 gene was significantly upregulated in most cancer types. The Cox regression analysis showed that overexpression of the NQO1 gene was related to poor OS in Glioma, uveal melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. NQO1 mRNA expression positively correlated with infiltrating immune cells and checkpoint molecule levels. The single-cell analysis revealed a potential relationship between the NQO1 mRNA expression levels and the infiltration of immune cells and stromal cells in bladder urothelial carcinoma, invasive breast carcinoma, and colorectal cancer. Conversely, a negative association was noted between various drugs (17-AAG, Lapatinib, Trametinib, PD-0325901) and the NQO1 mRNA expression levels. Conclusion: NQO1 expression was significantly associated with prognosis, immune infiltrates, and drug resistance in multiple cancer types. The inhibition of the NQO1-dependent signaling pathways may provide a promising strategy for developing new cancer-targeted therapies.