NONSYNDROMIC CLEFT LIP AND/OR PALATE. THE ROLE OF FOLIC ACID 30

Abstract

The nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is a common congenital orofacial defect of multifactorial origin with involvement of genetic and nutritional factors. The presence of genetic polymorphisms in enzymes that metabolize folic acid and vitamin supplements used to prevent these anomalies have not yet been well established in the literature. The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the literature about the role of folate and gene polymorphisms in the metabolic pathway of folic acid as regards the occurrence of NSCL/P. We reviewed theoretical material that addressed data on these topics. According to the studies analyzed in the literature, there was no consensus with regard to the protective effect of supplemental folic acid taken in the periconceptional period in the prevention of NSCL/P. The studies that evaluated defects in genes involved in folate metabolism, found an association of some polymorphisms with NSCL/P in different populations.