Neural Tube Defects
| Role of Folic Acid in Neural Tube Defects | A genetic, environmental, and nutritional approach to better understanding of abnormal conditions | | Darshak Joshi | July 6th, 2013 |
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Introduction Human birth defects, today, continues to be a highly investigated research. There remain many convoluted combination of genetic and environmental factors that can cause birth defects.
While some conditions are easily repaired through surgery, neural tube defects (NTDs) present problems even after surgery. Many steps can be taken for the pregnant mother to prevent any chances of birth defects. There are two major ways of preventing NTD. First, a daily dose of folic acid is known to prevent NTD and other birth defects during pregnancy. Second, surgical in utero, or “in the uterus”, repair of NTD improves the chances of patient mortality (Finnel et.al, 2013). Despite of medical and technological advances, we know very little about how folic acid acts on NTDs. And as previously mentioned, even after surgical repair, the chances of a successful or normal birth are unknown. This research paper investigates the role of folic acid and its role in neural tube defects. We discuss recent research to find our answers.
Overview of embryology and NTDs Neural tube defects are often developed during early embryonic development. During embryogenesis, the defects arise when the flat sheet of cells that rolls up but does not close shut to form a hollow central nervous system. There are two common conditions: NTDs that are restricted to the cranial region are referred to as anencephaly. It is characterized by failure of the rostral (head) portion of the neural tube to close. This result in an absence of thee brain, skull, and scalp. Defects that occur along the caudal, or tail end, of the neural tube are called spinal bifida. More commonly occurring than anencephaly, spinal bifida affects structures through which the minenges and the spinal cord protrude.
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Introduction Human birth defects, today, continues to be a highly investigated research. There remain many convoluted combination of genetic and environmental factors that can cause birth defects.
While some conditions are easily repaired through surgery, neural tube defects (NTDs) present problems even after surgery. Many steps can be taken for the pregnant mother to prevent any chances of birth defects. There are two major ways of preventing NTD. First, a daily dose of folic acid is known to prevent NTD and other birth defects during pregnancy. Second, surgical in utero, or “in the uterus”, repair of NTD improves the chances of patient mortality (Finnel et.al, 2013). Despite of medical and technological advances, we know very little about how folic acid acts on NTDs. And as previously mentioned, even after surgical repair, the chances of a successful or normal birth are unknown. This research paper investigates the role of folic acid and its role in neural tube defects. We discuss recent research to find our answers.
Overview of embryology and NTDs Neural tube defects are often developed during early embryonic development. During embryogenesis, the defects arise when the flat sheet of cells that rolls up but does not close shut to form a hollow central nervous system. There are two common conditions: NTDs that are restricted to the cranial region are referred to as anencephaly. It is characterized by failure of the rostral (head) portion of the neural tube to close. This result in an absence of thee brain, skull, and scalp. Defects that occur along the caudal, or tail end, of the neural tube are called spinal bifida. More commonly occurring than anencephaly, spinal bifida affects structures through which the minenges and the spinal cord protrude.
Bibliography: 1) Aldoori, W., & Ryan-Harshman, M. (2008). Folic acid and prevention of neural tube defects. Canadian Family Physician, 54, 36-38. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2329900/pdf/0540036.pdf. 2) Chalouhi, G. E., Joyeux, L., & Safi, J. (2012). Periconceptional folic acid deficiency and implications in neural tube defects. Journal of Pregnancy, 2012, doi: 10.1155/2012/295083. 3) Finnel, R. H., Nishwander, L. A., Shaw, G. M., & Wallingford, J. B. (2013). The continuing challenge of understanding and preventing neural tube defects. Science, 339(6123), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3677196/pdf/nihms471802.pdf. 4) Folic acid. (2012, September 11). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html. 5) Folic acid fact sheet. (2010, May 18). Retrieved from http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/folic-acid.cfm. 6) NINDS anencephaly information page. (2010, May 06). Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/anencephaly/anencephaly.htm. 7) Spinal bifida fact sheet. (2013, July 02). Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/spina_bifida/detail_spina_bifida.htm.