Hi Rich, and all,
I stumbled across this paper while googling a few weeks ago, right before you went to Sweden, but was wondering if you'd have time to comment or help interpret for those of us who are scientifically challenged?
http://search.engrant.com/project/A67Gck/reversed_methyl_folate_trap_in_zinc_deficiency
"In preliminary studies we have observed that the activity of methionine
synthetase as significantly increased in zinc-deficient rats (ZD) compared
to restricted-fed (RF) or ad-libitum-fed controls. Concomitantly, there
was: 1) a decreased proportion of methyltetrahydrofolate (methylTHF) in the
liver; 2) a reduction in plasma folate levels, and 3) an increased rate of
in vivo histidine oxidation. These phenomena represent a complete reversal
of what is observed in vitamin B12 deficiency and is currently known as the
"methyl trap" theory. In this condition, methionine synthetase activity is
inhibited and, as a result, there is increased methyl THF, elevated plasma
folate levels, and impaired histidine oxidation.
We are calling the
altered folate metabolism due to zinc deficiency a "reverse methyl trap"
and hypothesize that the activity of methionine synthetase is, as in the
"classical "methyl trap", the factor primarily responsible for establishing
the steady-state distribution of the various folate coenzymes and for
increasing the rate of methyltetrahydrofolate turnover in tissues. We
postulate, furthermore, that the increased methionine synthetase activity
in zinc deficiency is due either to decreased levels of methionine (or
S-adenosylmethionine), or to changes in endocrine function secondary to
zinc deficiency."
I also wonder anyone knows if the proposed study was ever completed?
The reason I ask is that it's possible that I may have a copper toxicity issue (on top of the mercury problem), but that's in the process of being confirmed. However, I DO know that I have a distinct zinc deficiency, and am trying to increase levels, but experience worsening symptoms (more anemic, more tingling, neuropathy) whenever I take even small amounts. The last week or so I'm trying to eat more high-zinc foods, even managed to eat some - smoked oysters - without gagging too much. The low zinc does help to explain the weight loss, which continues, (and of course it could also be due to the b12/folate deficiency).
Any comments and interpretation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Dan
I stumbled across this paper while googling a few weeks ago, right before you went to Sweden, but was wondering if you'd have time to comment or help interpret for those of us who are scientifically challenged?
http://search.engrant.com/project/A67Gck/reversed_methyl_folate_trap_in_zinc_deficiency
"In preliminary studies we have observed that the activity of methionine
synthetase as significantly increased in zinc-deficient rats (ZD) compared
to restricted-fed (RF) or ad-libitum-fed controls. Concomitantly, there
was: 1) a decreased proportion of methyltetrahydrofolate (methylTHF) in the
liver; 2) a reduction in plasma folate levels, and 3) an increased rate of
in vivo histidine oxidation. These phenomena represent a complete reversal
of what is observed in vitamin B12 deficiency and is currently known as the
"methyl trap" theory. In this condition, methionine synthetase activity is
inhibited and, as a result, there is increased methyl THF, elevated plasma
folate levels, and impaired histidine oxidation.
We are calling the
altered folate metabolism due to zinc deficiency a "reverse methyl trap"
and hypothesize that the activity of methionine synthetase is, as in the
"classical "methyl trap", the factor primarily responsible for establishing
the steady-state distribution of the various folate coenzymes and for
increasing the rate of methyltetrahydrofolate turnover in tissues. We
postulate, furthermore, that the increased methionine synthetase activity
in zinc deficiency is due either to decreased levels of methionine (or
S-adenosylmethionine), or to changes in endocrine function secondary to
zinc deficiency."
I also wonder anyone knows if the proposed study was ever completed?
The reason I ask is that it's possible that I may have a copper toxicity issue (on top of the mercury problem), but that's in the process of being confirmed. However, I DO know that I have a distinct zinc deficiency, and am trying to increase levels, but experience worsening symptoms (more anemic, more tingling, neuropathy) whenever I take even small amounts. The last week or so I'm trying to eat more high-zinc foods, even managed to eat some - smoked oysters - without gagging too much. The low zinc does help to explain the weight loss, which continues, (and of course it could also be due to the b12/folate deficiency).
Any comments and interpretation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Dan