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Folate status, regulatory T cells and MTHFR C677T polymorphism study in allergic children

Anna Socha-Banasiak1, Barbara Kamer1, Agnieszka Gach2

  • 1Gastroenterology, Allergology and Pediatric Department, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland.

Advances in Medical Sciences
|May 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Early-life folate levels may influence regulatory T cell activity, potentially impacting allergy development in children. Lower folate was seen in children with food allergies and specific MTHFR gene variants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Nutritional Immunology
  • Genetics and Immunology

Background:

  • Allergies are a growing concern in childhood.
  • Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a crucial role in immune tolerance.
  • Folate metabolism, influenced by MTHFR genotypes, is vital for immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum folate concentrations in allergic children.
  • To analyze the relationship between folate levels, Treg cell FoxP3 expression, and MTHFR genotypes.
  • To explore the potential role of folate status in childhood allergy development.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 83 allergic and 49 healthy children (2-72 months).
  • Measured serum folic acid, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, and Treg cell percentage.
  • Analyzed medical history and laboratory data.

Main Results:

  • Children with food allergy had higher serum folate than those with inhalant allergy (P=0.037).
  • TT homozygotes (MTHFR) showed lower folate levels than CC homozygotes (P=0.045).
  • A negative correlation between serum folate and Treg cell FoxP3 expression was observed (r=-0.339, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Folate status may influence Treg cell function.
  • This suggests a potential role for folate in the development and progression of childhood allergies.
  • Further research into folate supplementation and allergy management is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
AllergyChildrenFolatesMTHFR C677T polymorphismRegulatory T cells

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