Folic acid ameliorates placental structure and function in fetal growth restriction via epigenetic modifications.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with perinatal complications and potential neurodevelopmental risks, yet mechanistic understanding of metabolic dysregulation remains incomplete. We investigated amniotic fluid metabolites as potential functional biomarkers of fetal-placental dysfunction and explored the possibility of folic acid-mediated epigenetic remediation of metabolic imbalances in FGR.

Results

In FGR amniotic fluid, hypoxanthine was significantly upregulated, valproic acid (VPA) was significantly downregulated, and arginine/proline metabolism pathways were markedly enriched. Folic acid intervention significantly improved fetal growth parameters (crown-rump length, body weight, and placental weight; all P < 0.001). Compensatory labyrinth zone (Lb)

SUBMITTER: Gao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729199 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature