Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in folate uptake and metabolizing genes with blood folate, homocysteine, and DNA uracil concentrations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Folate is an essential nutrient that supports nucleotide synthesis and biological methylation reactions. Diminished folate status results in chromosome breakage and is associated with several diseases, including colorectal cancer. Folate status is also inversely related to plasma homocysteine concentrations -- a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Objective

We sought to gain further understanding of the genetic determinants of plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations. Because folate is required for the synthesis of thymidine from uracil, the latter accumulating and being misincorporated into DNA during folate depletion, the DNA uracil content was also measured.

Design

Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in folate uptak

SUBMITTER: DeVos L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2728423 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature