Folates serve as key enzyme cofactors in several biological processes. Folic acid supplementation is a cornerstone practice but may have a "dark side". Indeed, the accumulation of circulating unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) has been associated with various chronic inflammatory conditions, including cancer. Additionally, by engaging specific folate receptors, folates can directly stimulate cancer cells and modulate the expression of genes coding for pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines.This evidence could be extremely relevant for myelofibrosis (MF), a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm typified by the unique combination of clonal proliferation, chronic inflammation, and progressive bone marrow fibrosis. Folate supplementation is frequently associated with conventional or investigational drugs in the treatment of MF-related anemia to tackle ineffective erythropoiesis. In this review, we cover the different aspects of folate metabolism entailed in the behavior and function of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells and discuss the potential implications on the biology of myelofibrosis.
Folate metabolism in myelofibrosis: a missing key? / Cerreto, G. M.; Pozzi, G.; Cortellazzi, S.; Pasini, L. M.; Di Martino, O.; Mirandola, P.; Carubbi, C.; Vitale, M.; Masselli, E.. - In: ANNALS OF HEMATOLOGY. - ISSN 0939-5555. - 104:1(2025), pp. 35-46. [10.1007/s00277-024-06176-y]
Folate metabolism in myelofibrosis: a missing key?
Cerreto G. M.;Pozzi G.;Cortellazzi S.;Di Martino O.;Mirandola P.;Carubbi C.;Masselli E.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Folates serve as key enzyme cofactors in several biological processes. Folic acid supplementation is a cornerstone practice but may have a "dark side". Indeed, the accumulation of circulating unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) has been associated with various chronic inflammatory conditions, including cancer. Additionally, by engaging specific folate receptors, folates can directly stimulate cancer cells and modulate the expression of genes coding for pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines.This evidence could be extremely relevant for myelofibrosis (MF), a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm typified by the unique combination of clonal proliferation, chronic inflammation, and progressive bone marrow fibrosis. Folate supplementation is frequently associated with conventional or investigational drugs in the treatment of MF-related anemia to tackle ineffective erythropoiesis. In this review, we cover the different aspects of folate metabolism entailed in the behavior and function of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells and discuss the potential implications on the biology of myelofibrosis.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
