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UV-associated decline in systemic folate: implications for human nutrigenetics, health, and evolutionary processes
Mark Lucock1, Emma Beckett1, Charlotte Martin1
1School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia.
Summary
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure significantly lowers red cell folate (RCF) levels, particularly in individuals with the 677TT methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype. This UV-induced folate reduction has implications for human health and skin pigmentation evolution.
Area of Science:
- Human genetics
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Environmental health
Background:
- Folate status is crucial for human health.
- The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene variant influences folate metabolism.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a significant environmental factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of UV exposure on folate status.
- To determine if this effect is modulated by the MTHFR C677T genotype.
- To explore the implications for human health and skin pigmentation evolution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) satellite data for UV-irradiance.
- Employed PCR/RFLP analysis for MTHFR C677T genotyping.
- Analyzed data from a large Australian cross-sectional study (n=649).
Main Results:
- Surface UV-irradiance showed a significant negative correlation with red cell folate (RCF) levels.
- This UV-RCF relationship was significant only in individuals carrying the T allele of the MTHFR C677T gene.
- Genotype significantly modified the effect of UV-irradiance on RCF, with the greatest impact observed in 677TT individuals.
Conclusions:
- UV-irradiance reduces systemic folate levels in a manner influenced by MTHFR C677T genotype.
- The 677TT MTHFR genotype may be associated with a more UV-labile folate form.
- Findings suggest implications for human health and the evolutionary basis of skin pigmentation.
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