Antifolate Substances

Introduction, section No. 1

Antifolate compounds are chemical compounds that have the ability to inhibit the folate-dependent transfer reaction of one-carbon fragments (for example, a methyl group). In biochemistry, the transfer of folic acid (or tetrahydrofolate) is highly specific and occurs between the paired helix of DNA and the hydrated mononucleotide transporter molecule (5,10-mtgPA). In this case, the transfer occurs through the coenzyme of folic acid synthetase, namely through its mononucleophilic radical, the thymindinol ring, or the RNA base, the isopurine ring. The absence of such a radical blocks the implementation of folate transport. In this regard, hypobiosis [1] causes Fanconi syndrome. Folic acid is a naturally occurring folate. It is synthesized by the bacterial microflora of the human intestine [2] and is easily absorbed only when ingested simultaneously with foods containing a carbohydrate component.