Mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for folic acid in cardiovascular disease

Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2008 May;294(5):H1971-7. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.91503.2007. Epub 2008 Mar 28.

Abstract

Folic acid (FA) is a member of the B-vitamin family with cardiovascular roles in homocysteine regulation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Its interaction with eNOS is thought to be due to the enhancement of tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability, helping maintain eNOS in its coupled state to favor the generation of nitric oxide rather than oxygen free radicals. FA also plays a role in the prevention of several cardiac and noncardiac malformations, has potent direct antioxidant and antithrombotic effects, and can interfere with the production of the endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor. These multiple mechanisms of action have led to studies regarding the therapeutic potential of FA in cardiovascular disease. To date, studies have demonstrated that FA ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and nitrate tolerance and can improve pathological features of atherosclerosis. These effects appear to be homocysteine independent but rather related to their role in eNOS function. Given the growing evidence that nitric oxide synthase uncoupling plays a major role in many cardiovascular disorders, the potential of exogenous FA as an inexpensive and safe oral therapy is intriguing and is stimulating ongoing investigations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Agents / pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Folic Acid / pharmacology
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / drug therapy
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Homocysteine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / metabolism

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Homocysteine
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Folic Acid
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III