High levels of iron supplementation prevents neural tube defects in the Fpn1^ffe mouse model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Periconception maternal nutrition and folate in particular are important factors influencing the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Many but not all NTDs are prevented by folic acid supplementation and there is a pressing need for additional strategies to prevent these birth defects. Other micronutrients such as iron are potential candidates, yet a clear role for iron deficiency in contributing to NTDs is lacking. Our previous studies with the flatiron (ffe) mouse model of Ferroportin1 (Fpn1) deficiency suggest that iron is required for neural tube closure and forebrain development raising the possibility that iron supplementation could prevent NTDs.

Methods

We determined the effect of periconception iron and/or folic acid supplementation on the penetrance o

SUBMITTER: Stokes BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5388561 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature