Folate and homocysteine metabolism in neural plasticity and neurodegenerative disorders.

摘要: Folate is a cofactor in one-carbon metabolism, during which it promotes the remethylation of homocysteine -- cytotoxic sulfur-containing amino acid that can induce DNA strand breakage, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Dietary folate required for normal development nervous system, playing important roles regulating neurogenesis programmed cell death. Recent epidemiological experimental studies have linked deficiency resultant increased levels with several neurodegenerative conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease. Moreover, genetic clinical data suggest pathogenesis psychiatric disorders. A better understanding neuronal homeostasis throughout life revealing novel approaches preventing treating neurological