Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:1133

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX1133

Authors:
Fernández Roig, Sílvia

Abstract:
Choline is the main methyl group donor. Folate status might modify the role of choline. We investigated the contribution of the choline oxidation pathway to homocysteine metabolism during pregnancy and how folate status affects it. In the NUTCIR study six blood samples were collected from 497 pregnant women throughout pregnancy. Plasma choline increased from the second trimester, betaine decreased until mid pregnancy and dimethylglycine increased from 24-27 gestational weeks. Women with low folate status at 24-27 gestational weeks had lower betaine and higher dimethylglycine. These results suggest increasing activity of the choline oxidation pathway as pregnancy progresses and that it is further upregulated in response to low folate status. This shows that the choline oxidation pathway does contribute to homocysteine metabolism during pregnancy and more so when folate status is low.