Role of folic acid in nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular endothelial function

Anna E Stanhewicz; W Larry Kenney

doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuw053

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Role of folic acid in nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular endothelial function

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Role of folic acid in nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular endothelial function

Anna E Stanhewicz and W Larry Kenney

Nutrition reviews, Vol.75(1), pp.61-70

01/2017

DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuw053

PMCID: PMC5155615

PMID: 27974600

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https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuw053View

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Abstract

Folic acid is a member of the B-vitamin family and is essential for amino acid metabolism. Adequate intake of folic acid is vital for metabolism, cellular homeostasis, and DNA synthesis. Since the initial discovery of folic acid in the 1940s, folate deficiency has been implicated in numerous disease states, primarily those associated with neural tube defects in utero and neurological degeneration later in life. However, in the past decade, epidemiological studies have identified an inverse relation between both folic acid intake and blood folate concentration and cardiovascular health. This association inspired a number of clinical studies that suggested that folic acid supplementation could reverse endothelial dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, in vitro and in vivo studies have begun to elucidate the mechanism(s) through which folic acid improves vascular endothelial function. These studies, which are the focus of this review, suggest that folic acid and its active metabolite 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate improve nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability by increasing endothelial NO synthase coupling and NO production as well as by directly scavenging superoxide radicals. By improving NO bioavailability, folic acid may protect or improve endothelial function, thereby preventing or reversing the progression of CVD in those with overt disease or elevated CVD risk.

Antioxidants - administration & dosage

Antioxidants - pharmacokinetics

Biological Availability

Biopterin - administration & dosage

Biopterin - analogs & derivatives

Biopterin - pharmacokinetics

Cardiovascular Diseases - complications

Cardiovascular Diseases - drug therapy

Dietary Supplements

Endothelium, Vascular - drug effects

Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism

Folic Acid - administration & dosage

Folic Acid - pharmacokinetics

Folic Acid Deficiency

Humans

Nitric Oxide - metabolism

Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III - metabolism

Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Vascular Diseases - complications

Vascular Diseases - drug therapy

Vascular Diseases - prevention & control

Details

Title: Subtitle: Role of folic acid in nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular endothelial function
Creators: Anna E Stanhewicz - Pennsylvania State University
W Larry Kenney - Pennsylvania State University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Nutrition reviews, Vol.75(1), pp.61-70
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuw053
PMID: 27974600
PMCID: PMC5155615
ISSN: 0029-6643
eISSN: 1753-4887
Grant note: F32 HL129677 / NHLBI NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 01/2017
Academic Unit: Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Health and Human Physiology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984259659702771

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