Effects of folic acid supplementation in pregnant mice on glucose metabolism disorders in male offspring induced by lipopolysaccharide exposure during pregnancy

Effect of folic acid diet on the behavior of female mice and ultrasonic vocalization of their F1 offspring

Folic acid (FA) is an essential B vitamin that plays a pivotal in various physiological processes, including neural tube defects, brain functions, neurotransmitter synthesis, and cognition. Earlier studies have suggested FA's role during pregnancy and the development of newborns; however, the broader impact of FA diet on maternal and offspring health remains unclear. Herein, the effects of FA on the behavior of female mice and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) of their F1 offspring were evaluated. Briefly, mice were placed into control, 2.3 mg FA, and 8 mg FA. Folic acid was supplemented in female mice at concentrations of 2.3 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Afterward, female mice behavior was assessed via open field test, novel object recognition test, and gait analysis as well as acetylcholinesterase activity were performed. Further, USVs of their F1 offspring on postnatal days (PND) 7, 9, 11, and 13 were measured. Results showed that the FA supplementation in female mice reduced locomotor activity, impaired memory, increased anxiety-like behavior, and altered gait (walking pattern). Meanwhile, alterations were also observed in the level of acetylcholinesterase activity, while the change did not attain statistical significance. On the other hand, F1 offspring born from FA 8 mg supplemented mice showed substantial changes in USVs like extended call durations, increased frequencies, and higher amplitudes compared to FA 2.3 mg supplemented female mice offspring. Also, F1 offspring of FA 2.3 mg supplemented mice showed higher vocalizations pattern compared to control F1 offspring. Such study is useful to understand the impact of FA during pregnancy and its potential transgenerational effects, and helpful to understand maternal and offspring health.

Folate from probiotic bacteria and its therapeutic applications

Folate, an essential water soluble vitamin B9 that cannot be synthesized naturally by the bodily function. Dietary sources or probiotic-folates are the two biological modes for acquiring the target vitamin which aids DNA synthesis and repair. Probiotics are known for their divergent health benefits and have garnered significant interest. Particularly in microbial strains that produce folate offers a promising way to enhance the level of folate. Notably, folate-producing probiotic strain includes Lactiplantibacillus, Lactococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. As an emerging source of health benefits, folate producing probiotics helps in improving the gut microbiota for overall well-being of human body. On the other side, chemically synthesized folic acid were not highly advantageous as they lacks absorption, conversion and excretion. Hence, usage of microbial-folate are safer as it can easily undergo absorption and reduces severe side effects. The present review mainly focus on folate one-carbon metabolism, its significance in human health, folate deficiency and malabsorption, adverse effects and folate synthesis from probiotic bacterial strains, and also toxicological impacts. In particular, the beneficiary role of these probiotic strains were found to be associated with therapeutic applications in several diseases such as autoimmune disorder, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), wound healing, drug delivery and cancer.

Deciphering DNA Methylation in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Epigenetic Regulation and Potential Clinical Applications

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a prevalent complication during pregnancy, exerting both short-term and long-term impacts on maternal and offspring health. This review offers a comprehensive outline of DNA methylation modifications observed in various maternal and offspring tissues affected by GDM, emphasizing the intricate interplay between DNA methylation dynamics, gene expression, and the pathogenesis of GDM. Furthermore, it explores the influence of environmental pollutants, maternal nutritional supplementation, and prenatal gut microbiota on GDM development through alterations in DNA methylation profiles. Additionally, this review summarizes recent advancements in DNA methylation-based diagnostics and predictive models in early GDM detection and risk assessment for subsequent type 2 diabetes. These insights contribute significantly to our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying GDM development, thereby enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes and advocating further efforts in this field.

Advances in DNA methylation of imprinted genes and folic acid regulation of growth and development

DNA methylation is closely related to folate levels and acts as a mechanism linking developmental disorders to chronic diseases. Folic acid supplementation can impact DNA methylation levels of imprinted genes crucial for neonatal development. Imprinted genes are vital for regulating embryonic and postnatal fetal growth. This review summarizes imprinted genes, DNA methylation, folic acid's influence on growth and development and their correlation. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of research advancements on imprinted genes, DNA methylation and folic acid regulation concerning growth and development.

Risk of Excess Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation in Offspring

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, facilitates the transfer of methyl groups among molecules, which is crucial for amino acid metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. Adequate maternal folate supplementation has been widely acknowledged for its pivotal role in promoting cell proliferation and preventing neural tube defects. However, in the post-fortification era, there has been a rising concern regarding an excess maternal intake of folic acid (FA), the synthetic form of folate. In this review, we focused on recent advancements in understanding the influence of excess maternal FA intake on offspring. For human studies, we summarized findings from clinical trials investigating the effects of periconceptional FA intake on neurodevelopment and molecular-level changes in offspring. For studies using mouse models, we compiled the impact of high maternal FA supplementation on gene expression and behavioral changes in offspring. In summary, excessive maternal folate intake could potentially have adverse effects on offspring. Overall, we highlighted concerns regarding elevated maternal folate status in the population, providing a comprehensive perspective on the potential adverse effects of excessive maternal FA supplementation on offspring.