The
folate transport across the epithelial of the intestine, colon, kidney, and liver is essential for
folate homeostasis. The relative localization of transporters in membranes is an important determinant for the vectorial flow of substrates across the epithelia.
Folate deficiency is a highly prevalent
vitamin deficiency in the world, and alcohol ingestion has been the major contributor. It can develop because of
folate malabsorption in tissues, increased renal excretion dietary inadequacy, and altered hepatobiliary metabolism. Additionally,
folate-mediated one-
carbon metabolism is important for various cellular processes, including
DNA synthesis and methylation. In this regard, the contribution of alcohol-associated and dietary
folate deficiency to methylation patterns is under intense investigation, especially in
cancer. The epigenetic events have increasing relevance in the development of strategies for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
cancer.