Potential role of folate in pre-eclampsia

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Genomics
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Dietary folate and B vitamin deficiencies impact one-carbon metabolism.
• These deficiencies, alongside genetic factors, are linked to elevated homocysteine, reduced DNA methylation, and genome instability.
• These biomarkers are also associated with pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the role of folate at the genomic level in pre-eclampsia.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding folate's involvement in the causes or prevention of pre-eclampsia.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search using keywords related to folic acid supplementation, folate, genome stability, DNA methylation, and pre-eclampsia.
• Selection of 43 articles based on predefined criteria.
• Qualitative synthesis of findings due to study heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• The review identified associations between folate deficiency and biomarkers in women at risk of pre-eclampsia.
• Studies showed links between folate metabolism, DNA methylation, and genome stability.
• Heterogeneity in study designs complicated pooled data analysis.

Conclusions:

• Folate deficiency is associated with key biomarkers implicated in pre-eclampsia.
• The precise role of folate in pre-eclampsia's genomic etiology and prevention remains unclear.
• Further research is essential to elucidate folate's impact on pre-eclampsia.