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Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis: Is there a role for folate?
Natassia Robinson1, Peter Grabowski2, Ishtiaq Rehman3
1Institute of Health & Society, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|October 18, 2017
Summary
Dietary folate influences DNA methylation, a key epigenetic process. This review explores folate's role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, focusing on its impact on DNA methylation and AD progression.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Neuroscience
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Epigenetic modifications, like DNA methylation, are linked to neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Dietary folate is crucial for DNA methylation, but its role in AD etiology remains unclear due to complex epidemiological data.
- Late-onset AD, the most common dementia, has largely undetermined causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential role of dietary folate in Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
- To focus on the molecular mechanisms linking folate, DNA methylation, and AD pathology, initiation, and progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms.
- Analysis of studies examining folate, DNA methylation, and Alzheimer's disease.
Main Results:
- Contradictory evidence exists regarding dietary folate's impact on AD from epidemiological studies.
- Molecular-level examination of epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, is needed to clarify folate's role.
Conclusions:
- Folate's influence on DNA methylation represents a potential key to understanding AD neuropathology.
- Further research into folate's epigenetic effects is essential for elucidating AD etiology and progression.