Importance Of FRAT®
FRAT® measures the presence of autoantibodies that interact (either block or bind) with the activity of the Folate Receptor A (FRA). FRA is responsible for the transport of folate - and its active component 5-MTHF which helps metabolize folate - into certain tissues, most notably the brain, placenta and ovary. These autoantibodies were detected in the blood of numerous individuals with disorders ranging from Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Autism Spectrum Disorders, sub-fertility in women, and pregnant women carrying fetuses with neural tube defects (NTD). Additionally, autoantibodies have been found in the parents of some children with ASD.
Current evidence suggests that these autoantibodies may be responsible for reducing the transport of folate and its active metabolites (most notably 5-MTHF) across barriers to the brain, placenta and ovaries. Data show that folate is critical for the proper function of many tissues, including brain, placenta and ovaries.
FRAT® is not indicated for the diagnosis of any medical condition and thus has not been approved by the FDA. FRAT® can be useful as a research tool in the above disorders, as well as assessing the health of folate transport to the brain, placenta and ovary. The levels of autoantibodies tend to fluctuate over time and diet (e.g. milk intake) can affect the levels.
In several cases with CFD related disorders and ASD, the administration of metabolites of folate, such as 5-MTHF and Folinic acid, has resulted in clinical improvements. This is because these metabolites can enter the brain through carriers other than FRA, most notably the RFC (Reduced Folate Carrier).As always, please check with your physician.
For more information and supporting data please review our Publications page.
Why FRAT® Testing Is Important
A substantial number of children with ASD generate autoantibodies to the receptor responsible for allowing folate to enter the brain. These autoantibodies can block the entry of folate to the brain resulting in cerebral folate deficiency (CFD). The presence of such autoantibodies, which FRAT® measures, is an indication that folate needs to be delivered in different ways (bypassing the blocked receptor) to enter the brain. One such substance, called Folinic acid, when administered to children with ASD, increases the levels of active folate metabolites and leads to clinical improvements in these patients.
“The association of FRA Autoantibodies with pregnancy-related complications, CFD syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders and response to folate therapy is highly suggestive of the involvement of these Autoantibodies in the disruption of brain development and function via folate pathways.
Because these Autoantibodies are associated with various pathologies during fetal and neonatal development, early detection and intervention could prevent or reverse the consequences of exposure to these Autoantibodies.”
— Jeffrey M. Sequeira et al., The diagnostic utility of folate receptor autoantibodies in blood Clin Chem Lab Med 2013; 51(3): 545-554
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