Folate Metabolism Biochemical Pathways Assessment Assessment

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METABOLISM OF FOLATE

Metabolism of Folate


Bailey and Gregory suggest that reactions that require folate occur as a one-carbon metabolism. Essentially, a polyglutamyl which happens to be in form of tetrahydrofolate (THF) is the central folate acceptor. In these processes, the main function of folate happens to be donation and acceptance of one carbon units in metabolic pathways.1 The first step in metabolism involves the conversion of tetrahydrofolate to 5, 10-methyltetrafolate. The said step is important in metabolism which uses the 3- carbons from serine as their source of carbon. 5, 10-methyltetrahydrofolate is then transferred to tetrahydrofolate from serine through the pyridoxal phosphate (PLP). PLP is a dependent serine hydromethyltransferase (SHMT) which forms glycine and 5, 10 methylene-TPF.1 Part of the 5, 10 methylenetetrahyhrofolate which was produced is then reduced by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) through an irreversible enzymatic reaction to 5-methyl-THF. MTHFR is only used in metabolism to methylation in synthesis of homocysteine. More than 50% of homocysteine which is generated is remethylated dependent upon the content of choline and methionine in the diet.1 In methionine synthesis, a methyl group from 5-methyl-THF is removed and transferred to vitamin B-12 prior homocysteine to form methionine. Methionine synthesis is also involved in regeneration of THF which is used in formation of 10-formyl-THF and 5, 10-methylene-THF which are used in purine and thymidylate synthesis.

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It is important to note that folate is involved in various biochemical processes and thus its metabolism is crucial for the said processes. The said biochemical processes are…

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…It is important to note that when folate is trapped as methyltetrahydrofolate, it results to impartment of methylation reactions which are required in the process of regulating gene expression. In addition, the said trapping leads to accumulation of toxic metabolites and impairment of cell division.3 Deficiency of folate may also lead to macrocytic anemia. Essentially, deficiency of folic acid in the blood leads to a decrease in hematocrit and hemoglobin leading to anemia. Moreover, deficiency of folate may lead to increased risk of some types of cancer. If left untreated, it is important to note that the said deficiency can result to psychosis, fatigue, cognitive decline, insomnia, irritability, depression, oral ulcers, angular stomatitis, glossitis, pancytopenia, and megaloblastic anemia.3 To a large extent, the knowledge we have at present about these processes described above could be….....

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