Vitamin D and folate: A reciprocal environmental association based on seasonality and genetic disposition

Lucock, M.; Thota, R.; Garg, M.; Martin, C.; Jones, P.; Furst, J.; Yates, Z.; Jablonski, N.G.; Chaplin, G.; Veysey, M.; Sutherland, J.M.; Beckett, E.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was (1) to elucidate any reciprocal seasonal relationship that might exist between red cell folate (RCF) and serum vitamin D3 Levels; (2) to explore whether folate-related gene variants that influence/alter DNA-thymidylate and methyl group biosynthesis modify any associations detected in objective 1; and (3) to consider whether these processes might influence reproductive success consistent with the “folate-vitamin D-UV hypothesis of skin pigmentation” evolutionary model. Methods: A large (n = 649) Australian cross-sectional study population was examined. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to genotype C677T-MTHFR, C1420T-SHMT, T401C-MTHFD and 2R > 3R-TS. RCF was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay and vitamin D2 and D3 by HPLC. Results: RCF and photosynthesized vitamin D3, but not RCF and dietary vitamin D2, exhibit a significant reciprocal association in spring and summer. Three folate genes (C677T-MTHFR, C1420T-SHMT, and 2R > 3R-TS) strengthen this effect in spring, and another (T401C-MTHFD) in summer. Effects are seasonal, and do not occur over the whole year. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with what might be required for the “folate-vitamin D-UV hypothesis of skin pigmentation” model. It suggests genetic influence in provision of one-carbon units by 5,10-methylene-H4folate, may be an important factor in what appears to be a clear seasonal relationship between vitamin D3 and folate status.

Citation

Lucock, M., Thota, R., Garg, M., Martin, C., Jones, P., Furst, J., …Beckett, E. (2018). Vitamin D and folate: A reciprocal environmental association based on seasonality and genetic disposition. American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council, 30(5), Article e23166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.23166

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 28, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Sep 9, 2018
• Publication Date: Oct 17, 2018
• Deposit Date: Aug 13, 2019
• Print ISSN: 1042-0533
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 5
• Article Number: e23166
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.23166
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1932396
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajhb.23166