Effects of folate deficiency with HPV16 infection on cervix cancerization / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between folate in serum,red blood cell (RBC),cervix cancerization,as well as the interaction between folate deficiency and HPV16 infection in cervix cancerization.Methods 254 samples were selected from the patients who were newly pathologically diagnosed of having cervix inflammation (CI),low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN Ⅰ),high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN Ⅱ/Ⅲ) and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).PCR and microbiological assay were adopted to detect HPV infection and folate concentration.Results Rates of HPV16 infection increased with the severity of cervix cancerization (tend:x2=34.96,P＜0.001),while decreased with concentrations of serum and RBC folate (tend:x2=42.17,P＜0.001; tend:x2=31.39,P＜0.001).There was a positive correlation between serum and RBC folate (r=0.405,P＜0.001).Data from grouping analysis showed that OR and aOR of serum and RBC folate appeared a rising trend,with statistical significance in CIN Ⅱ/Ⅲand SCC,but did not show the same trend in CIN Ⅰ.Results from interaction analysis showed that serum folate deficiency had an additive interaction with HPV16 infection in CIN Ⅱ/Ⅲ and SCC,while RBC folate having an additive interaction with HPV16 infection in the whole process of cervix cancerization.Conclusion Both serum and RBC folate deficiency could increase the risk of cervix cancerization,and folate deficiency might have a synergic action with HPV 16 in this procession.

Intake and blood concentrations of folate and their association with health-related behaviors in Korean college students

The purpose of this study is to assess folate intake, and serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations, and investigate the association between folate status and health-related behaviors among Korean college students. A total of 169 students, aged between 18 and 27 years, participated in this study. Dietary intake data were collected by trained interviewers using a 24-hour recall method for three non-consecutive days in 2009. Information on health-related behaviors was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Serum and RBC folate concentrations were measured by microbiological assay. The average intakes of folate were 456 microgDFE and 347 microgDFE in male and female students, respectively. While the average serum folate concentration was significantly lower in male students (8.9 ng/mL) compared to female students (12.5 ng/mL), RBC concentrations were not significantly different between male (398.6 ng/mL) and female students (405.3 ng/mL). In male students, low serum folate concentrations were associated with total folate intake less than the Estimated Average Requirement, non-use of folic acid supplements, smoking, alcohol drinking at least once a week and low physical activity. In female students, low serum folate concentrations were associated with smoking and alcohol drinking at least two drinks at a time and BMI > or = 25. Alcohol drinking and low physical activity were also associated with low RBC folate concentrations in both male and female students. In order to improve folate nutritional status of college students, the practice of desirable health-related behaviors, such as non-smoking, moderate alcohol drinking, regular physical activity, and maintenance of healthy BMI should be encouraged along with consumption of folate-rich foods and supplements.

Evaluation of C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetra hydrofolate reductase gene and its association with levels of serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 as maternal risk factors for Down syndrome.

Aims and Objective: Evaluation of C677T polymorphisms of the methylenetetra hydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and its association with level of serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 as possible maternal risk factors for Down syndrome. Design: This was a case-control study. Material and Methods : Fifty-two mothers (mean age 27.6 years) with babies having free trisomy 21 of North Indian ethnicity and 52 control nonlactating mothers (mean age 24.9 years) of same ethnicity attending services of genetic lab for bloodletting for other causes were enrolled after informed written consent. Fasting blood was collected and was used for determination of plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate (serum and RBC), and for PCR amplification of the MTHFR gene. Results: The prevalence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in north Indian mothers of babies with trisomy 21 Down syndrome was 15.38% compared to 5.88 % in controls. The difference between two groups was not statistically significant ( P = 0.124). Low serum folate was demonstrated in 34.62% of cases vs. 11.54% in controls, which was significant ( P = 0.005). Low RBC folate was found in 30.7% of cases versus 11.53% in controls, which was not significant ( P = 0.059), when analyzed independently. But on multiple regression analysis the difference was statistically significant. Low serum vitamin B12 was found in 42.31% of cases versus 34.62% in controls, which was not significant ( P = 0.118). The mean serum homocysteine in cases was 10.35 ± 0.68 while controls were 9.02 ± 0.535. Conclusion: Serum levels of folate were low in cases. The RBC folate levels were comparable in both groups. However the combined serum folate and RBC folate were low in cases compared to control groups. Homocysteine levels in our study were higher in Down syndrome mothers compared to controls; however high-serum level of Homocysteine had no association with MTHFR polymorphism. No association of serum vitamin B12 with MTHFR polymorphism in occurrence of Down syndrome births was found. Peri- or preconceptional folate supplementation may therefore lead to a decline in DS births, if supported by larger studies.