Abstract
Neural tube defects can be prevented by folic acid, although the mechanism of this action is unclear. Studies of a series of folate-related enzymes have so far failed to pin-point the nature of the metabolic defect in the neurulation-stage embryo that is corrected by folic acid. Approximately 30% of neural tube defects appear resistant to folic acid and recent work in a mouse genetic model system suggests that administration of myo-inositol may be a complementary therapeutic option. The large number of mouse genes known to cause neural tube defects provide a starting point for identifying the genetic basis of the human defects.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase / metabolism
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Animals
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Cystathionine beta-Synthase / metabolism
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Female
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Folic Acid / metabolism
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Folic Acid / therapeutic use*
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Homocysteine / metabolism
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Humans
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Inositol / therapeutic use
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Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
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Mice
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Mice, Neurologic Mutants
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Neural Tube Defects / enzymology
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Neural Tube Defects / genetics*
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Neural Tube Defects / prevention & control*
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Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors / metabolism
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Pregnancy
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Vitamins / therapeutic use*
Substances
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Vitamins
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Homocysteine
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Inositol
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Folic Acid
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Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors
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Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
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5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase
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Cystathionine beta-Synthase