Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:352

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX352

Authors:
Berrocal Zaragoza, Maria Isabel

Abstract:
Folate receptor blocking autoantibodies (FR-AuAb), that impede transmembranal folate transport by this route, have been associated with neuronal developmental anomalies.The prevalences of FR-AuAb in the population and in pregnant women, their association with folate status, the cause of their production and effect on female subfertility were investigated.7.2% of the population and 6.3% of pregnant women were carriers, but folate status was not impaired. However higher cord folate status indicated the presence of a compensatory mechanism. Birth weight of carriers' offspring was 4.6 times more likely to be below the 25th percentile. The presence of FR-AuAb in the cord (7.5%) was not associated with maternal presence, cord folate status, or birth weight. High milk consumers had 2.4 times more risk of having FR-AuAb than the rest of consumers.FR-AuAb carriers at preconception were 12 times more likely to have subfertility than non-carriers.