Medical Researches
Possibly Effective
Based on 6 Researches
Folate's Role in Rheumatoid ArthritisFolic acid-modified ginger-derived extracellular vesicles for targeted treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by remodeling immune microenvironment via the PI3K-AKT pathway.
Folate-modified vesicles show promise
We explored the potential of folate-modified ginger-derived extracellular vesicles (FA-GDEVs) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This innovative approach aims to tackle the ongoing inflammation and joint damage that characterizes this autoimmune disorder. By using folate, which selectively targets specific receptors on inflammatory cells, we specifically directed these vesicles to M1 macrophages in inflamed joints.
Our findings show that FA-GDEVs can help encourage a shift from harmful M1 macrophages to a healing M2 phenotype. This shift is significant because M2 macrophages play a role in tissue repair and reducing inflammation. We also investigated how these vesicles activate the PI3K-AKT pathway, a crucial cellular pathway involved in regulating immune response.
In our in vivo studies, we noted that these folate-modified vesicles successfully concentrated in affected joints and led to a marked reduction in RA symptoms. Overall, it’s clear that FA-GDEVs present a promising therapeutic option for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, bringing together safety, affordability, and effectiveness in one approach.
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Innovative RA treatment method exploredTargeted Macrophage Re-Programming: Synergistic Therapy With Methotrexate and RELA siRNA Folate-Liposome in RAW264.7 Cells and Arthritic Rats.
Focus on folate-liposome synergy
We investigated the effects of a new treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that combines Methotrexate (MTX) with folate-liposomal delivery of RELA siRNA. This innovative method aims to target macrophages in the body, which play a critical role in inflammation, especially in autoimmune disorders.
In our study, we observed that using folate-liposomes to deliver both MTX and RELA siRNA leads to a notable reduction in synovial inflammation and improved mobility in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). This dual approach not only helps lower inflammatory markers in the body, like cytokines and C-reactive protein, but also appears to shift the behavior of macrophages from a pro-inflammatory state towards a more healing one.
Additionally, extensive tests showed that this therapy is stable and compatible with biological systems. It highlights the potential of using folate as a targeting agent in the treatment of RA, albeit we did not focus solely on folate’s effect on autoimmune disorders in isolation.
Overall, this research suggests a promising pathway for more effective RA treatments by tackling the root causes of inflammation and preventing further joint damage.
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Folic acid aids RA treatment safetyRisk Factors Associated with Adverse Events Leading to Methotrexate Withdrawal in Elderly Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Limited isolated impact of folate
We investigated the role of folic acid supplementation in helping elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are treated with methotrexate (MTX). This study focused on understanding the incidence of adverse events (AEs) that lead patients to stop using MTX over time. We reviewed clinical data from 198 elderly RA patients who were receiving MTX in an outpatient rheumatology setting.
Over a period of 15 years, we found that the likelihood of patients stopping MTX due to AEs increased significantly, with rates reaching as high as 51.7%. Notably, we observed that higher doses of MTX (15 mg/wk or more) substantially raised the risk of withdrawal. In contrast, patients who took folic acid alongside their MTX therapy were less likely to discontinue treatment, suggesting a protective effect of folic acid against some of the adverse reactions.
Overall, our findings indicate that while MTX is a common treatment for RA, utilizing lower doses along with folic acid supplementation can help manage the risks associated with this medication. This approach could lead to improved long-term treatment outcomes for elderly patients with RA, allowing them to better navigate the challenges of their condition.
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Folate and Vitamin B12 RisksVitamin B12 status and hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate and folic acid.
Mixed effects on vitamin levels
We explored the relationship between folate treatment and vitamin B12 status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were being treated with methotrexate. This study involved 50 RA patients on methotrexate and folic acid, compared against 49 patients receiving other treatments. The aim was to see how well these treatments supported vitamin B12 levels and affected homocysteine, a marker associated with cardiovascular risk.
Our findings revealed that while plasma vitamin B12 levels remained comparable between the two groups, those treated with methotrexate and folic acid exhibited higher plasma homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine can signal a potential vitamin B12 deficiency, which is a concern for those on methotrexate due to the medication's known side effects. This suggests that while folate is being administered, some patients might still be at risk of complications related to vitamin B12 levels.
In conclusion, the treatment regimen combining methotrexate with folic acid may not be enough to fully mitigate the risks associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in RA patients. Hence, additional research is essential to understand these interactions better and to assess the clinical signs that could arise from low B12 levels and hyperhomocysteinemia among this group.
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PANS/PANDAS and folate treatmentFolate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies in the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Population.
Significant association with treatment
We aimed to understand how folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs) relate to symptoms in children diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). We analyzed serum samples from 47 children, aged 6 to 18, who carried these diagnoses.
Our results showed that a significant number of these children—about 63.8%—had binding or blocking FRAAs. Additionally, certain symptoms, like severe tics, linked with higher FRAA binding titers. Notably, we observed that kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had lower binding titers of FRAAs.
A remarkable case highlighted how treatment with leucovorin, a form of folate, resulted in symptom improvements in a child with PANS/PANDAS who tested positive for FRAAs. These findings suggest that abnormalities in folate metabolism could play a role in the symptomatology of PANS/PANDAS, presenting the potential for folate-based therapies to be a viable treatment option.
Overall, this study sheds light on the connection between folate-related factors and pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders, calling for further research into leucovorin as a targeted treatment.
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User Reviews
After an illness, I ordered this for my father. He takes it alongside other medications and feels much better. The drug is effective and does not cause side effects.
I was recommended this drug by a hematologist. It effectively lowers homocysteine levels. I used to order from a different site, where it was almost twice as expensive.
I opted for this folate due to its good absorption. I took it during pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy child despite a folate metabolism abnormality.
I chose this high-dosage folate to restore my methylation cycle after experiencing stress-related depression. After taking it, I noticed my mood normalising. However, this dosage made me very sleepy, unlike the folic acid I'd tried before.
I tried this again, but unfortunately, nothing changed regarding my condition. I'm disappointed and will not reorder.