Folate trap : What is folate trap ? Folate trap Biochemistry

This video is about folate trap ?
Folic Acid is trapped in the deficiency of Cobalamin (B12).
The active form of Folic acid is Tetrahydrofolate (THF)
Because B12 is required for the conversion of the Methyl THF to THF.
This leads to trapping of Folic acid in the form of methyl THF.
So.B12 Deficiency leads to functional folate deficiency.

folate trap biochemistry
process of folate trap
what happens in folate trap
what causes folate trap
Vitamin B9
Folic acid
Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)
Methotrexate (MTX)
Antifolate
Folate antagonist
Folate metabolism
Folate dependent enzymes
Folate transport
Intracellular folate levels
Folate receptor
Folate uptake
Folate trapping mechanism
Cancer chemotherapy
Immune system suppression

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#folatetrap
#folicaciddeficiency
#spinabifida
#vitaminb9
#dihydrofolatereductase
#thfc
#folatemetabolism
#folatetransport
#folicacid

The term "folate trap" refers to a metabolic condition in which there is an accumulation of folate derivatives (forms of vitamin B9) in the cells due to the deficiency or malfunction of certain enzymes involved in folate metabolism. This condition can occur in the presence of a deficiency or inhibition of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which is responsible for converting dihydrofolate (DHF) into tetrahydrofolate (THF), the active form of folate.

When DHFR is deficient or inhibited, DHF cannot be efficiently converted to THF, leading to the trapping of folate in the form of DHF. This results in reduced availability of THF, which is essential for various biological processes involving one-carbon transfer reactions. THF is required for the synthesis of nucleotides (building blocks of DNA and RNA), amino acids, and other important molecules in the body.

The folate trap can have several consequences:

1. Impaired DNA synthesis: Since THF is necessary for the synthesis of nucleotides, the trapping of folate can lead to reduced DNA synthesis. This can affect cell division and growth, particularly in rapidly dividing cells such as those found in bone marrow and the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Increased homocysteine levels: Folate is involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, a process that requires THF as a coenzyme. In the absence of sufficient THF, homocysteine levels can increase, leading to hyperhomocysteinemia, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Megaloblastic anemia: Folate deficiency, often associated with the folate trap, can result in the production of abnormally large and immature red blood cells (megaloblasts). This condition is known as megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by decreased red blood cell production and impaired oxygen-carrying capacity.

The folate trap can be caused by various factors, including genetic defects, certain medications (such as methotrexate, a DHFR inhibitor used in cancer treatment), or deficiencies in other enzymes involved in folate metabolism. The condition can be alleviated by providing the active form of folate, THF, bypassing the need for DHFR activity.

It's important to address the underlying cause of the folate trap and ensure an adequate supply of folate in the diet or through supplementation to prevent the associated health consequences.

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