Nutritional Influences on One-Carbon Metabolism: Effects on Arsenic Methylation and Toxicity.

ABSTRACT: Exposure to inorganic arsenic (InAs) via drinking water and/or food is a considerable worldwide problem. Methylation of InAs generates monomethyl (MMAs^III+V)- and dimethyl (DMAs^III+V)-arsenical species in a process that facilitates urinary As elimination; however, MMAs is considerably more toxic than either InAs or DMAs. Emerging evidence suggests that incomplete methylation of As to DMAs, resulting in increased MMAs, is associated with increased risk for a host of As-related health outcomes. The biochemical pathway that provides methyl groups for As methylation, one-carbon metabolism (OCM), is influenced by folate and other micronutrients, including choline and betaine. Individuals and species differ widely in their ability to methylate As. A growing body of research

SUBMITTER: Bozack AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6441546 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature