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Imprint
Effect of folate oversupplementation on the methylation status of tumour suppressor genes in immortalized human colon epithelial cells.
Project
Project code: BfR-LMS-08-1322-546
Contract period: 01.03.2013
- 31.12.2013
Purpose of research: Applied research
Recent publications indicate that mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid, which was introduced in the USA and Canada in 1998, led to a significant decrease of neural tube de-fects among newborns. Concurrently, both countries experienced a temporary increase in the incidence of colon carcinomas (Mason et al., 2007). Additionally, Cole et al. found in a secondary prevention study of colon carcinomas an increase of adenomas in the group supplemented with folic acid after 5 years (Cole et al., 2007). In the context of the increas-ing number of folic acid-fortified food items these findings are intensely discussed in Germany. There are controversial scientific data regarding the correlation between folic acid intake and carcinogenesis, so that further research is required. Therefore, we want to analyse the influence of physiologically high (corresponding to folate serum concentrations of people consuming folic acid enriched food and supplements) and supraphysiological doses of folic acid for a longer time on the methylation status of tumour suppressor genes. In general methylation in the promoter region of genes leads to their inactivation and could thereby lead to carcinogenesis.
Section overview
Subjects
- Physiology of Nutrition
- Toxicology
