Association between inhibited binding of folic acid to folate receptor α in maternal serum and folate-related birth defects in Norway

摘要

BACKGROUNDFolic acid intake during pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and perhaps also oral facial clefts. Maternal autoantibodies to folate receptors can impair folic acid binding. We explored the relationship of these birth defects to inhibition of folic acid binding to folate receptor α (FRα), as well as possible effects of parental demographics or prenatal exposures.