Nutrigenomics and Detox - Methylation Flashcards
Q: What is methylation?
A: Methylation involves the addition of a methyl group (CH₃) to a substrate and is crucial for gene regulation, DNA/RNA synthesis, detoxification, energy production, myelination, neurotransmitter production, and immune function.
Q: What are some key functions of methylation?
A: Methylation is vital for gene regulation, DNA/RNA synthesis, detoxification (e.g., hormones like estrogen), energy production (CoQ10), myelination, neurotransmitter production (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, melatonin), and immune function.
Which dietary co-factors are essential for proper methylation?
Essential co-factors for proper methylation include folate, B12, B6, B2, choline, betaine (TMG), and zinc.
What role does SAMe play in methylation?
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplies the methyl group (CH₃) needed for methylation processes, formed from methionine and relies on methylfolate, the active form of folate.
What are some disruptors of methylation?
Disruptors of methylation include insufficient substrates (folate, methionine), lack of co-factors (B2, B6, B12, zinc), SNPs affecting enzymes, nutrient depleting factors (e.g., niacin), certain drugs (e.g., contraceptives, metformin), stress, imbalanced hormones, inflammation, and various toxins.
What health issues can impaired methylation contribute to?
Impaired methylation can contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer (e.g., breast), infertility, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, and neurological diseases (e.g., MS, Alzheimer’s).
How can methylation be assessed?
Methylation can be assessed through genetic testing for methylation SNPs, homocysteine testing (elevated levels indicate poor methylation), and SAMe/SAH ratios.
What are the key cycles involved in methylation?
The folate cycle and methionine cycle are key pathways in methylation, linked to transsulphuration, the biopterin cycle, and the urea cycle.
What is the function of the urea cycle?
The urea cycle converts ammonia to urea and arginine to the vasodilator nitric oxide (NOS), supporting cardiovascular health.
What is the key output of the biopterin cycle?
The biopterin cycle’s key output is tetrahydrobiopterin, which is essential for converting amino acids (e.g., tryptophan) to neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin.
How does the folate cycle contribute to methylation?
The folate cycle provides methyl groups to the methionine cycle, which helps convert homocysteine to methionine.
What is the role of the MTHFR gene?
The MTHFR gene codes for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, converting folate into its active methylated form. The C677T SNP (rs1801133) is associated with reduced MTHFR activity.
What recommendations can improve MTHFR activity?
Recommendations include optimizing dietary folate, taking methylated folate supplements, and providing B2 (riboflavin) support.
What is the function of the MTR and MTRR genes?
The MTR and MTRR genes code for methionine synthase, which increases the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
How do SNPs in MTR and MTRR genes affect methylation?
SNPs in MTR (e.g., rs1805087 A allele) decrease methionine synthase activity, while SNPs in MTRR (e.g., rs1801394 A66G) reduce the conversion of vitamin B12 to its methylated form.
