Folic acid is widely recognised for its role in the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital malformations (Reference Czeizel and Dudas1). There is also evidence, although not confirmed, that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is associated with better cognitive performance and behaviour of the child (Reference Villamor, Rifas-Shiman and Gillman2). The underpinning molecular mechanisms for these effects of folate on neurodevelopment are unknown. As folate is an important cofactor in one-carbon metabolism, it is indirectly involved in DNA methylation which in turn is considered to be one of the epigenetic mechanisms controlling gene expression. Observational studies have suggested that folate-rich maternal diets are associated with changes in DNA methylation of the child (Reference Haggarty, Hoad and Campbell3). The current study aims to investigate the effect of folic acid supplementation taken throughout pregnancy on offspring DNA methylation of genes related to brain function.
Samples for the current study were obtained from women participating in a randomised controlled trial which investigated the effect of folic acid supplementation (400 µg/d) during the second and third trimester of pregnancy (FASSTT study). Cord blood samples (n = 86) taken at the time of delivery were assessed for DNA methylation of the following genes associated with brain function: paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (GRB10), RNA binding motif protein 46 (RBM46) and the retrotransposon long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1).
Data are expressed as mean (95 % CI). Differences between groups were analysed by ANCOVA adjusting for birth weight, mother's age and smoking throughout pregnancy.
The results showed significantly lower DNA methylation of LINE-1 and BDNF genes in the cord blood of mothers receiving folic acid compared to those on placebo treatment (Table). Furthermore, significant gender-specific differences between the treatment groups were observed in the DNA methylation of LINE-1, IGF2 and BDNF (data not shown).
These preliminary results indicate that folic acid supplementation (400μg/d) throughout pregnancy may exert significant effects on cord blood DNA methylation of specific genes related to brain function. Further DNA methylation studies should be conducted to examine other relevant genes and to confirm these results in other populations.
