Stability of the human sperm DNA methylome to folic acid fortification and short-term supplementation.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

Do short-term and long-term exposures to low-dose folic acid supplementation alter DNA methylation in sperm?

Summary answer

No alterations in sperm DNA methylation patterns were found following the administration of low-dose folic acid supplements of 400 μg/day for 90 days (short-term exposure) or when pre-fortification of food with folic acid and post-fortification sperm samples (long-term exposure) were compared.

What is known already

Excess dietary folate may be detrimental to health and DNA methylation profiles due to folate's role in one-carbon metabolism and the formation of S-adenosyl methionine, the universal methyl donor. DNA methylation patterns are established in developing male germ cells and have been suggested to be affected by high-dose (

SUBMITTER: Chan D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5260859 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature