Folic acid alleviates gastric hypersensitivityDNMT1 involved in the analgesic effect of folic acid on gastric hypersensitivity through downregulating ASIC1 in adult offspring rats with prenatal maternal stress.
Promising mechanism in prenatal stress.
We investigated how folic acid (FA) impacts gastric hypersensitivity caused by prenatal stress. Through a series of experiments involving nerve recordings and molecular analysis, we found that FA significantly alleviated symptoms related to gastric hypersensitivity.
It worked by boosting the expression of DNMT1, which in turn reduced the activity of ASIC1, a key molecule involved in pain sensation. While promising, further research is essential as this study primarily focuses on rats. The findings may pave the way for potential treatments in humans.
Read More
Methyl donors may increase allergy riskLate-gestation maternal dietary methyl donor and cofactor supplementation in sheep partially reverses protection against allergic sensitization by IUGR.
Moderate relevance to allergy research
We examined how late-gestation maternal supplementation with methyl donors impacts allergic sensitivity in offspring from pregnancies with restricted growth (IUGR).
Our study compared allergic responses in three groups of sheep: those from normal pregnancies, those from PR pregnancies without supplementation, and those whose mothers received the supplementation.
Interestingly, while the IUGR pregnancies showed protection against allergies, the methyl donor supplementation did not change this advantage. In fact, it resulted in more upper dermal mast cells but did not alter overall allergic reactions or birth size.
These findings indicate that while IUGR may limit allergy risk, adding methyl donors might potentially increase it instead.
Read More
We explored a group of 29 patients who were referred to three allergy centers in the UK due to suspected vitamin B12 hypersensitivity (VB12H). Over the period from 2014 to 2022, these patients underwent various tests, including skin prick tests and drug provocation tests. The aim was to understand how vitamin B12 treatment relates to allergies and to develop a reliable method for assessing hypersensitivity.
Among the patients, 62% displayed immediate hypersensitivity reactions, with some experiencing severe anaphylaxis to vitamin B12 forms. Interestingly, we found that some patients who were sensitized to a specific type of vitamin B12 could tolerate another form. This indicates that not all vitamin B12 treatments may cause problems for everyone. However, confirmed cases of VB12H are considered to be quite rare.
Overall, while we identified individual cases where vitamin B12 treatment provoked allergic responses, the evidence suggests that vitamin B12 hypersensitivity is uncommon. This nuances the discussions around vitamin B12 treatment face since adverse reactions are not widespread. Our proposed evaluation protocol includes skin testing and considerations for allergies to related substances, such as polyethylene glycol.
Therefore, while there is an observable connection between vitamin B12 and allergic reactions in a small subset of individuals, the study indicates that treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency remains generally safe for most individuals.
Read More