David G McLone1. 1. Division of Neurological Surgery, The Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. dmclone@nwu.edu
Abstract
DISCUSSION: While the cause of neural tube defects in humans is considered to be multifactorial, it is apparent that folic acid can prevent 70% of open neural tube defects. Even in laboratory animals with known genetic defects, folic acid can prevent the genetic expression. CONCLUSION: While some of the metabolic pathways for folic acid are known, the true effects of folic acid on closure of the neural tube have yet to be discovered.
DISCUSSION: While the cause of neural tube defects in humans is considered to be multifactorial, it is apparent that folic acid can prevent 70% of open neural tube defects. Even in laboratory animals with known genetic defects, folic acid can prevent the genetic expression. CONCLUSION: While some of the metabolic pathways for folic acid are known, the true effects of folic acid on closure of the neural tube have yet to be discovered.