Folate affects apoptosis in human trophoblastic cells

Effects of folate deficiency on the rate of apoptosis in human cytotrophobl astic cells has been investigated. Apoptosis was determined in cytotrophobl astic cells after culture in 1. control medium, 2. folate-free medium and 3 . folate-free medium plus 10% fetal calf serum. Apoptosis rates in cells cu ltured in mediums 2 and 3 were significantly higher than those cultured in the control medium (P < 0.02 and P < 0.03, respectively). In conclusion, hu man cytotrophoblastic cells show a significantly increased rate of apoptosi s in vitro after culture in a folate-free medium. Possible explanations for the association between folate deficiency and pregnancy complications are suggested.