Articles tagged with Neural Tube Defects
A new study found that folic acid works with the enzyme ALDH1L1 to produce retinoic acid, a critical developmental signal for the nervous system. Folic acid's protective effect is lost when ALDH1L1 is disrupted, supporting its role in preventing neural tube defects.
Georgia Tech researchers used computer models to reveal how cells physically pull the neural tube closed during early development. The study found that forces generated by cells create a 'purse string' mechanism made of actin, which tightens and draws the tube closed through a synchronized pattern of cell movement.
Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.
Folate and biopterin cofactors modulate disease mechanisms through shared enzymatic pathways and structural similarities. Key interactions include BH₄ salvage, enzyme substitution, and CNS folate-biopterin axis, highlighting the importance of their crosstalk in diseases such as depression, autism, and vascular disease.
The USPSTF recommends a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid for all persons planning to or who could become pregnant to prevent neural tube defects, which affect approximately 3,000 pregnancies annually. This recommendation reaffirms the 2017 statement and aims to reduce congenital malformations.
Researchers developed a self-organizing system that models key cellular processes involved in embryogenesis, shedding light on the self-organization of ectodermal cells during neurulation. The study could inform ways to prevent or counteract central nervous system birth defects by optimizing human ectodermal development.
A case-control study found that pregnant women with higher folate levels are at a lower risk of having children with congenital heart disease. The researchers measured red blood cell folate levels and found that those with CHD had significantly lower median levels than those without CHD.
Researchers found that fortified tea with folate and vitamin B12 can increase serum levels of these essential nutrients in Indian women. The study showed significant average increases in serum folate and vitamin B12 levels, as well as improved haemoglobin levels, after 2 months of daily consumption.
Researchers discovered that folic acid supplementation can mitigate the risk of dolutegravir triggering neural tube defects in an animal model. Folate receptor interactions with folate and dolutegravir also disrupt normal neural tube development.
Researchers found a 0.2% increased risk of neural tube defects among children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing dolutegravir since conception compared to those on other regimens. The study tracked birth outcomes in Botswana and suggested that starting dolutegravir around conception may pose a risk.
In a phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that B-cell depletion using rituximab over 12 months was not associated with clinical improvement in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, contradicts previous phas...
Researchers have discovered that formate supplementation can prevent most neural tube defects in mice that are resistant to folic acid treatment. The study found that disrupting formate synthesis was linked to the development of these defects, and that providing pregnant mice with extra formate could prevent them. These findings offer ...
Research in The FASEB Journal reveals a key role for cilia structure in determining susceptibility to neural tube defects. Genetically modified mice studies found that methylation of the Septin2 protein affects neural tube closure, leading to an increased risk of birth defects.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly advises all women of childbearing age to take a daily folic acid supplement containing 400-800 μg to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in their developing fetus. This recommendation is based on high certainty that the net benefit is substantial.
The article reviews national and international guidelines for folic acid supplementation, analyzing its potential risks and benefits on maternal and fetal outcomes. Folic acid is known to prevent neural tube defects, but its effects on other pregnancy outcomes are controversial.
Fortifying grain foods with folic acid has saved about 1,300 babies each year from being born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Despite this progress, many women still do not get enough folic acid, highlighting the need for continued education and supplement use.
A recent study published in Neural Regeneration Research identified cell cycle-related genes as crucial factors in the development of neural tube defects. The research found that retinoic acid treatment differentially expressed three cell cycle-related genes: p57kip2, Cdk5, and Spin.
A study found that pregnant women with better maternal diet quality had a lower risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts. The research used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to examine whether better maternal diet quality was associated with reduced risk for selected birth defects.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate have developed a diagnostic test to measure the risk of folate receptor autoantibodies, associated with neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental diseases. The test aims to identify women and children at risk for these conditions, potentially preventing neural tube defect...
Researchers found less than 1% of Canadians had folate deficiencies, while 22% of women of childbearing age were below safe levels for preventing neural tube defects. The study suggests that high folic acid consumption may not be as effective in reducing birth defects as previously thought.
Despite global recommendations, many women are not following daily folic acid guidelines to reduce neural tube defects. Countries should intensify national campaigns to increase knowledge and use of supplements among women.
A study found that folic acid fortification of grain foods in Ontario, Canada reduced the risk of neural tube defects from 1.13 to 0.58 per 1000 births. The researchers recommend adopting a programme of folic-acid food fortification and increased use of periconceptional folic acid tablets.
Government-mandated folic acid fortification has improved red blood cell folate levels by more than expected, benefiting women of childbearing age and other populations. This increase is also linked to reduced homocysteine levels, a risk factor for vascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers.