Effects of Maternal Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and DHA on Placental DNA Methylation in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Asmita Kulkarni, Kamini Kale, Anvita Sable, Pratiksha Chavan-Gautam, Preeti Joshi, Sadhana Joshi
Primary Institution: Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
Hypothesis
Omega 3 fatty acids play a key role in one carbon metabolism affecting global methylation levels.
Conclusion
Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency and excess folic acid supplementation reduce placental DHA and global DNA methylation levels, but DHA supplementation can restore these levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal folic acid supplementation without vitamin B12 lowers DHA levels.
- Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids increases placental DHA levels.
- Global DNA methylation levels were reduced in vitamin B12 deficient groups.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving too much folic acid to pregnant rats without enough vitamin B12 can lower important nutrients in the placenta, but adding omega-3 can help fix that.
Methodology
Wistar rats were divided into dietary groups to assess the effects of folic acid and vitamin B12 on placental DNA methylation.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a rat model, which may not fully represent human physiology.
Participant Demographics
Wistar albino rats (60 females, 20 males)
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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