Medical Researches
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Based on 6 Researches
Folate treatment aids liver fat reductionDNA hypermethylation-induced suppression of ALKBH5 is required for folic acid to alleviate hepatic lipid deposition by enhancing autophagy in an ATG12-dependent manner.
Direct focus on NAFLD treatment
We investigated the effects of folic acid treatment on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Our research revealed that giving folic acid to mice on a high-fat diet helped improve their glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, alongside reducing unhealthy fat levels in their liver cells.
By diving into the mechanisms, we discovered that folic acid works by changing the DNA methylation patterns that regulate the expression of a protein called ALKBH5. This reduction in ALKBH5 levels led to an increase in a specific type of RNA modification and subsequently boosted the production of a protein called ATG12, which is vital for autophagy – the process that cleans up and recycles cellular components.
When we inhibited ATG12 through overexpression of ALKBH5, autophagy was impeded, showcasing how crucial ATG12 is for allowing folic acid to effectively reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Overall, these findings indicate that folic acid could be a promising nutritional ally in fighting NAFLD, revealing a clear mechanism by which it protects liver health.
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Folate influences liver cancer survivalGenetic variants in folate metabolism-related genes, serum folate and hepatocellular carcinoma survival: the Guangdong Liver Cancer Cohort study.
Directly examines folate impact
We explored how genetic variations in folate metabolism might influence survival rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common form of liver cancer. Our study involved a large group of 970 HCC patients who provided genetic information on six specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We further looked at the relationship between these genetic factors and serum folate levels to understand their combined impact on overall survival and liver cancer-specific outcomes.
Interestingly, we found that a particular SNP known as rs1801394 showed a significant connection with better survival rates. In various models, including additive, co-dominant, and dominant types, carrying the G allele of this SNP was linked to improved overall survival. We also noticed that the more protective alleles a person carried, the better their liver cancer-specific survival and overall survival became.
Moreover, we observed that having higher levels of serum folate interacted positively with this genetic variant, enhancing the prognosis for those carrying the G allele. This suggests a promising link between folate metabolism and liver cancer outcomes, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in how folate may affect survival in liver disease patients.
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Folate's role in liver disease mortalityAssociations of serum folate and vitamin B levels with all-cause mortality among patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: a prospective cohort study.
High relevance to liver health
We set out to examine how levels of serum folate and vitamin B are associated with all-cause mortality in individuals suffering from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The data for our analysis came from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which allowed us to follow up on participants over a span of more than 20 years.
Our findings are quite revealing. We discovered that lower serum folate and vitamin B levels are linked to a higher risk of dying from any cause among patients with MASLD. Specifically, when serum folate concentrations fell below a certain threshold, the risk of all-cause mortality noticeably increased. Interestingly, there seemed to be an optimal level of these nutrients, where having more than this amount did not further decrease mortality risk.
In our more detailed analysis, we found that individuals with vitamin B levels in the third and fourth quartiles had a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in the lowest quartile. Similarly, higher folate levels also appeared to offer some degree of protection. These insights suggest that maintaining healthy levels of folate and vitamin B might be crucial for those dealing with liver disease.
Overall, this research highlights the importance of proper nutritional management in liver health, emphasizing the need for adequate folate and vitamin B intake as part of a comprehensive approach to care in MASLD patients.
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MDCs and protective role of folateImpact of metabolism-disrupting chemicals and folic acid supplementation on liver injury and steatosis in mother-child pairs.
Limited separation of folate effects
In our examination of the relationship between metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) and liver health, we aimed to understand how these chemicals during pregnancy could potentially affect liver conditions in mothers and their children. We studied around 200 mother-child pairs from the Mexican PROGRESS cohort, measuring levels of various MDCs and assessing liver enzyme activity in children about nine years after birth.
Our findings revealed that exposure to MDCs during pregnancy might raise the risk of liver injury and conditions like steatosis, particularly in children. However, we also discovered that adequate folic acid (FA) supplementation in mothers could reduce these negative effects. This suggests that folic acid might play a protective role against liver health issues tied to environmental pollutants.
By linking MDC exposure with liver health outcomes, particularly in children, we shed light on the importance of maternal health during pregnancy. This research could influence policies aimed at reducing environmental pollution and guide clinical strategies to address liver-related health problems stemming from chemical exposure.
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Folate intake and NAFLD mortalityDietary folate intake and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in American adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Data from NHANES 2003 to 2018.
Study evaluates folate's effects
We explored the impact of dietary folate intake on mortality rates among American adults suffering from Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Our research utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2003 to 2018, focusing specifically on the connection between folate consumption and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Our findings indicated that greater dietary folate intake is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in adults with NAFLD. However, it’s noteworthy that while higher folate levels appeared to help reduce the overall death rates, they did not show a significant link to reduced cardiovascular mortality.
These results suggest that increasing folate in the diet could potentially improve health outcomes for individuals with NAFLD, though further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between folate and various mortality causes in these patients.
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User Reviews
I take this vitamin for pregnancy preparation. Testing revealed that common folic acid is not absorbed by my body, leading to elevated homocysteine levels, which is detrimental to pregnancy and overall health, increasing the risk of heart diseases and liver disease. It’s fortunate that folate aids in absorption, and I have seen improvements in my hormone levels thanks to the vitamins I ordered. I recommend everyone check their vitamin levels and address deficiencies, as this is crucial for preventing illnesses like liver disease.
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Solgar is a reputable brand, particularly beneficial for those with MTHFR genetics affecting folate conversion, linked to liver disease and other issues. If MTHFR is prevalent in your family history, consider exploring these genetics further.