Α-tocopherol Levels Research Articles

Blood concentrations of 50 elements in Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) at different contamination scenarios and related effects on plasma vitamin levels

Some metals and metalloids (e.g. Pb, Hg, Cd and As) are well-known for their bioaccumulation capacity and their toxic effects on birds, but concerns on other minor elements and rare earth elements (ME and REE) are growing due to their intensive use in modern technology and potential toxicity. Vitamins and carotenoids play essential roles in nestling growth and proper development, and are known to be affected by the metals classically considered as toxic. However, we are unaware of any attempts to evaluate the exposure to 50 elements and related effects in plasma vitamins and carotenoids in raptor species. The main goals of this study are: (i) to assess the exposure to 50 elements (i.e. classic toxic elements, trace elements, REE and ME) in nestling Eagle owls (Bubo bubo) inhabiting three differently polluted environments (mining, industrial and control areas) in southeastern Spain, and (ii) to evaluate how element exposure affects plasma vitamin and carotenoid levels, hematocrit and body measurements (mass and wing length) of the individuals. Our results show that local contamination in the mining area contributes to increased blood concentrations of Pb, As and Tl in nestlings, while diet differences between control and mining/industrial areas may account for the different levels of Mn, Zn, and Sr in blood, and lutein in plasma. Plasma tocopherol levels were increased in the mining-impacted environment, which may be a mechanism of protection to prevent toxic element-related oxidative stress. Plasma α-tocopherol was enhanced by 20% at blood Pb concentrations ≥8 ng/ml, and nestlings exhibited up to 56% increase in α-tocopherol levels when blood Pb concentrations reached 170 ng/ml. Tocopherol seems to be a sensitive biomarker under an exposure to certain toxic elements (e.g. Pb, As, Tl).

Association Between Serum Retinol and α-Tocopherol Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean General Population: Analysis of Population-based Nationally Representative Data.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum retinol and α-tocopherol levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Of the 24,269 individuals, 5885 adults (2672 men and 3213 women) were included. The prevalence of MetS and its components according to quartiles of serum retinol and α-tocopherol levels was calculated. Multivariate linear regression model was used to calculate the number of metabolic components according to serum vitamin levels. The association between serum vitamin levels and MetS with its components was assessed using multivariate logistic regression model. The prevalence of MetS was highest in Q4 and lowest in Q1 for both vitamins, regardless of sex. A dose-dependent association between serum retinol and α-tocopherol levels and MetS was observed. After adjustment for covariates, the odds ratio (OR) for MetS in Q4 compared to Q1 was 2.351 (95% CI: 1.748–3.163, Ptrend < 0.001) in the retinol group and 2.559 (95% CI: 1.953–3.353, Ptrend < 0.001) in α-tocopherol group. Among metabolic components, hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting glucose, and high blood pressure was positively associated with serum retinol and α-tocopherol levels. In conclusion, high serum retinol and α-tocopherol levels were associated with increased risk of MetS.

Assessment of the Biochemical Status of Workers Manufacturing Ethylbenzene and Styrene

Introduction: Production of ethylbenzene and styrene (EBS) is one of the most important stages in organic synthesis. The products have general toxic, hepatotoxic, irritating and narcotic effects on the human body. Severe exposures to EВS can induce pronounced disorders of the central nervous system such as styrene sickness and encephalopathy and of peripheral blood such as leukopenia and lymphocytosis. Materials and methods: We studied homeostasis indices in 376 workers of the main professional groups engaged in the production of EBS including equipment operators, repairmen, and instrumentation and automation fitters. Results: We established an increase in lipid peroxidation by the level of malondialdehyde amid an increase in catalase activity and a decrease in blood retinol and α-tocopherol levels. We also noted an increased activity of indicator enzymes including ALT, AST, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase. Significant changes in lipid metabolism in the form of cholesterolemia, triglyceridemia, a higher atherogenic index, and lower cholesterol of non-atherogenic blood serum lipids demonstrating atherogenic changes in the body were revealed. Conclusions: The earliest prenosological disorders in the body of the examined workers included an impaired hepatic protein synthesis, the development of cytolysis processes and a change in the integrity and functional activity of the liver cell in individuals, an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system, one of the reasons of which was the adverse occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals. An increase in catalase activity is a protective compensatory reaction during the activation of free radical oxidation processes.

Metabolism and biological activity of α-tocopherol derived from vitamin E-enriched transgenic maize in broilers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of α-tocopherol derived from vitamin E-enriched transgenic maize (VER) and its effects on antioxidant and immune functions in broilers aged 1-42 days. A total of 360 1-day-old male broilers were randomly divided into three groups containing six replicates with 20 broilers per replicate. The negative control (NC) group and the positive control (PC) group were given non-GM maize and non-GM maize plus exogenous vitamin E (VE), respectively, and the VER group was given VER, replacing the non-GM maize given to the NC group. Between days 1 and 21 and days 22 and 42, VE levels were 4.38 and 4.63 mg kg-1 in the NC group, and 14.11 and 14.91 mg kg-1 in the PC and VER group, respectively. The results showed that α-tocopherol from both VER and additives increased α-tocopherol transfer protein and cytochrome P450 concentrations. Serum α-tocopherol and α-tocopherylquinone levels of broilers in the PC and VER groups were also significantly higher than those in the NC group (P < 0.05). Compared with the NC group, broilers in both groups that received α-tocopherol had reduced NF-κB p65 concentrations, significantly decreased serum prostaglandin E2 , interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide levels (P < 0.05), and significantly increased glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). In summary, both VER and non-GM maize fortified with exogenous VE showed similar effects on broilers, indicating that the α-tocopherol in VER has sufficient biological activity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Changes in Serum Antioxidant Vitamin Levels After Consumption of Korean Diet and American Diet Among Korean Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate changes in serum antioxidant vitamin levels after consumption of balanced Korean diet (BKD), recommended American diet (RAD), and typical American diet (TAD) among Korean adults from a randomized controlled trial. Methods Among 54 adults aged 25–65 years with body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 and blood LDL-cholesterol ≥120 mg/dL who finished a crossover feeding study conducted between 2015–2017, 16 subjects were selected for analyses of serum β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol levels at baseline and after consumption of each diet for 4 weeks. Serum antioxidant vitamin levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Mean levels of serum β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol at baseline were 0.37, 0.34, and 7.19 mg/L, respectively. After consumption of BKD, increase in serum β-carotene and retinol levels was observed compared to the baseline, whereas α-tocopherol level was decreased. After consumption of RAD, serum β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol levels were increased. However, retinol level was reduced after consumption of TAD. Conclusions This study may provide evidences about effects of diets on antioxidant vitamin levels in human body. Funding Sources This work was carried out with the support of ‘Research Program for Agricultural Science and Technology Development’, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea (Project No. PJ013475022018).

Dietary Folic Acid and Fat Alter Metabolism of Multiple Vitamins in Mice

Abstract Objectives To determine how low and high folic acid (FA) intake, combined with either low or high-fat diets, affects other vitamins in mouse liver and plasma. Methods C57BL/6NHsd mice were placed on one of six diets at weaning and maintained for 16 weeks. The diets varied in their fat content and FA levels: low fat (14% kcal from fat) vs high fat (58% kcal from fat) with 3 different FA levels- 0 ppm FA (FD), 2 ppm FA (Ctrl), 12 ppm (FS). Diets were matched for all other vitamins and minerals. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of plasma and snap-frozen liver samples was conducted at Metabolon®. Results In liver, excess dietary folic acid on a low-fat diet resulted in significantly increased levels of pantothenate, α-tocopherol, FA and several folate metabolites. When FA was over-supplemented in combination with a high fat (HF) diet, α-tocopherol was increased along with several nicotinate and pantothenate metabolites. Interestingly, the HF-FD and -FS diets demonstrated similar effects. These diets resulted in significantly decreased levels of riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, and vitamin B6 metabolites while increasing levels of pantetheine metabolites. In plasma, fewer changes with significant differences were observed when mice were fed HF diets. Several nicotinate metabolites were significantly elevated due to the FD diet with no change due to FS. Additionally, there were no changes in pantothenate or riboflavin in the plasma. Interestingly, the HF- FD and -FS diets induced similar responses but in opposite directions in plasma vs liver. The plasma levels of thiamine, vitamin A, and vitamin B6 metabolites were all significantly increased due to both low and high FA, whereas in the liver they were decreased. Additionally, no changes in α-tocopherol were seen in plasma, but the HF-FD diet raised γ/β-tocopherol levels over 2-fold despite equal amounts of vitamin E among all diets. Conclusions Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that diets with too high or too low folate affect other vitamins both in liver and plasma. These effects were further modulated by dietary fat levels. The HF-FD and -FS diets had significant impact on vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and E, along with their related derivatives, which may have serious implications for multiple metabolic pathways. Funding Sources NIH.

Associations Between Maternal Tocopherol Levels and Pregnancy-Induced Blood Pressure Changes

Abstract Objectives Vitamin E plays different roles in health based on its three isoforms: alpha (α)-tocopherol is anti-inflammatory, gamma (γ)-tocopherol is pro-inflammatory, delta (δ)-tocopherol remains unknown. As inflammation may promote hypertension, the objective of this study is to examine relationships between maternal serum tocopherol levels at time of delivery and pregnancy-related blood pressure (BP) changes. Hypothesis is that increased level of α-tocopherol has favorable effects and γ-tocopherol has adverse effects on maternal BP. Methods An IRB-approved cross-sectional study enrolled mother-infant dyads (n = 342) at time of delivery (Omaha, NE, USA) for collection of electronic health data and maternal blood. High-performance liquid chromatography analyzed serum tocopherol levels. Maternal BP values were collected from 1st and 3rd trimester clinic/hospital visits with changes calculated in systolic BP and mean arterial pressure (MAP = diastolic BP + 1/3(systolic BP – diastolic BP). Mothers were classified as hypertensive if: systolic BP ≥140, diastolic BP ≥ 90, or diagnosis of preeclampsia. Two-sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficients compared relationships between serum tocopherol levels and BP data. P-value &amp;lt; 0.05 was significant. Results Mean maternal age was 28.5 years, majority (61.4%) Caucasian, 10.4% (n = 29) with hypertension. Mean serum levels: α-tocopherol 15,229 + 5849 mcg/L, γ-tocopherol 1642 + 868 mcg/L, δ-tocopherol 226 + 164 mcg/L, with α: γ ratio 11.5 + 8.7. Mean serum α-tocopherol level was higher in normotensive vs. hypertensive mothers (15,751 vs. 13,819 mcg/L; P = 0.06). Ratio of α: γ demonstrated an inverse correlation with change in maternal systolic BP (r = −0.128; P = 0.03). No other relationships were significant. Conclusions Increasing maternal α-tocopherol and α: γ ratio has favorable association with maintaining normal BP during pregnancy. More research is needed to specifically identify serum thresholds and tocopherol isoform ratios for favorably reducing risk of pregnancy-related hypertension. Funding Sources Department of Pediatrics and the Child Health Research Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children's Hospital &amp; Medical Center (Omaha, NE).

Effect of vitamin C and E on oxidative stress and antioxidant system in the salivary glands of STZ-induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveWe examined the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation in the prevention of oxidative stress in the salivary glands of STZ-induced diabetic rats. DesignForty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 8 in each): control (C), control supplemented with vitamin C (Cvc) and E (Cve), diabetic (D), and diabetic supplemented with vitamin C (Dvc) and E (Dve). Vitamin C (150 mg/kg) and E (300 mg/kg) were daily administered for 21 days. Serum ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol levels were quantified. Glandular levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2−), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated. ResultsVitamin C and E levels were reduced in D group. Vitamin C decreased the levels of O2− in the salivary gland of diabetic rats. Vitamin E increased the concentration of O2− in PA gland of diabetic animals. In the SM gland of the diabetic group, MDA, SOD, GPx and TAS increased. Dve presented reduced SOD activity and increased GR, GPx, and MDA. Dve increased GPx, Gr and TAS levels. In the PA gland, MDA, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and TAS were similar in C and D. TAS, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR increased in Dvc. Vitamin E supplementation resulted in increased MDA and CAT levels and reduced SOD activity. ConclusionIn the SM glands of the diabetic rats, vitamin C supplementation improved the antioxidant system, while vitamin E acted as pro-oxidant.

Form of Vitamin E Supplementation Affects Oxidative and Inflammatory Response in Exercising Horses

Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that may benefit athletes by reducing oxidative stress and influencing cytokine expression. Supplements can be derived from natural or manufactured synthetic sources. This study aimed to determine (1) if supplemental vitamin E is beneficial to exercising horses and (2) if there is a benefit of natural versus synthetic vitamin E. After 2 weeks on the control diet (vitamin E–deficient grain and hay), 18 horses were divided into three groups and fed the control diet plus (1) 1000 IU/d synthetic α-tocopherol (SYN-L), (2) 4000 IU/d synthetic α-tocopherol (SYN-H), or (3) 4000 IU/d RRR-α-tocopherol (natural source [NAT]). On day 7, horses began a 6-week training protocol, with standard exercise tests (SETs) performed before and after the 6-week protocol. Venous blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 29, and 49. Horses fed NAT had higher α-tocopherol (P < .05) at post-SET1 through post-SET2. Plasma thiobarbituric acid–reactive substance levels were lower in NAT versus SYN-L horses after SET2 (P = .02). Serum aspartate aminotransferase was lower after exercise in NAT horses versus SYN-L and SYN-H (P = .02), and less reduction in stride duration was seen after exercise in NAT as compared with SYN-L and SYN-H (P = .02). Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor α was lower in NAT compared with SYN-H (P = .01) but not SYN-L. In conclusion, feeding higher levels of natural vitamin E source resulted in higher serum α-tocopherol levels as well as some improvement in oxidative and inflammatory response and improved functional outcomes in response to an exercise test.

Associations of α- and γ-tocopherol during early life with lung function in childhood

Tocopherol isoforms may regulate child lung growth and spirometric measures. Our aim was to determine the extent to which plasma α-tocopherol (α-T) or γ-tocopherol (γ-T) isoform levels in early childhood or in utero are associated with childhood lung function. We included 622 participants in the Project Viva cohort who had lung function at a mid-childhood visit (age 6-10 years). Maternal and child tocopherol isoform levels were measured by HPLC at the second trimester and 3 years of age, respectively. Multivariable linear regression models (adjusted for mid-childhood body mass index z scores, maternal education, smoking in pregnancy, and prenatal particulate matter with diameter of <2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) particulate exposure) stratified by tertiles of child γ-T level were used to assess the association of α-T levels with FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) percent predicted. Similarly, models stratified by child α-T tertile evaluated associations of γ-T levels with lung function. We performed similar analyses with maternal second trimester tocopherol isoform levels. The median maternal second trimester α-T level was 63 μM (interquartile range= 47-82). The median early-childhood level was 25 μM (interquartile range= 20-33 μM). In the lowest tertile of early-childhood γ-T, children with a higher α-T level (per 10 μM) had a higher mid-childhood FEV1 percent predicted (β= 3.09; 95% CI= 0.58-5.59 and a higher FVC percent predicted (β= 2.77; 95% CI= 0.47-5.06). This protective association of α-T was lost at higher γ-T levels. We did not see any consistent associations of second trimester levels of either α-T or γ-T with mid-childhood FEV1 or FVC. When γ-T levels were in the lowest tertile, a higher early-childhood α-T level was associated with better lung function at mid-childhood. Second trimester maternal plasma α-T concentration was 3-fold higher than in the adult nonpregnant female population.

Chemical composition and in vitro biological activities of cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis DC.) seeds as influenced by viability

Cardoon is a multi-purpose crop for several industries. In this study, cardoon seeds were separated according to the viability and characterized for their chemical composition and bioactivities. Viable seeds contained higher levels of α-tocopherol (6.7 mg/100 g), lipids (23.11 g/100 g, manly oleic and linoleic acids), and free sugars (5.4 g/100 g) than the unviable ones. The hydroethanolic extract of viable seeds presented a higher concentration of phenolic compounds, namely 5-O-caffeoylquinic (8.0 mg/g) and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic (43.9 mg/g) acids, and greater in vitro antioxidant activity. Both extracts showed antibacterial properties, but the best results were achieved with unviable seeds. The extracts had similar antifungal activity but did not reveal anti-inflammatory capacity or cytotoxicity to the tested cell lines. Therefore, while viable seeds contained antioxidant phytochemicals and an energy and carbon source for germination, unavailable seeds stood out for their potential to be used in the development of bio-based antibacterial ingredients.

Characterization of whey protein-based films incorporated with natamycin and nanoemulsion of α-tocopherol

Food packaging materials are commonly derived from petroleum that increases global contamination; this raises the interest to evaluate raw material from renewable sources such as whey protein for the development of packaging materials, especially to produce active films. This research aimed to evaluate whey protein-based film properties when natamycin, nanoemulsioned α-tocopherol, or both were added. An oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion of antioxidant (α-tocopherol) was prepared by microfluidization technique. Four films were prepared with different levels of natamycin and nanoemulsified α-tocopherol and were characterized in terms of physicochemical, mechanical, optical-properties, water vapor barrier, FTIR, microstructure, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The natamycin, nanoemulsified α-tocopherol, or both did not modify the moisture content of the films. Moreover lead to a significant reduction of tensile strength and elastic modulus, while presenting growth in the elongation at break. Film opacity, the total color difference, the UV-Vis light barrier, and the water vapor permeability values increased when compounds were incorporated into the film. The microstructure studies showed uniformly distributed porosity throughout the films. The addition of nanoemulsioned α-tocopherol into whey protein-based films provoked antioxidant activity and the addition of natamycin produced films with effectivity against C. albicans, P. chrysogenum, and S. cerevisiae, allowing develop a material appropriate for use as active food packaging.

The modifying effect of nutritional factors on the association between IL1-β single nucleotide polymorphism and serum CXCL10 levels in young Canadian adults

Genetic and nutritional factors play an important role in inflammatory response and diseases. CXCL10 is a critical biomarker that is involved in multiple inflammatory diseases, and elevated levels of CXCL10 have been associated with the development of several chronic and infectious diseases. In contrast, micronutrients can attenuate inflammatory responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes such as IL-1β at rs16944 contributed to a number of inflammatory disorders and may substantiate the convergance between chronic and infectious diseases. This study aims to identify the modifying effect of nutritional factors on the association between IL-1β genotypes and CXCL10 levels. Participants (N = 386) were healthy males and females from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health study recruited from the University of Toronto. Levels of micronutrients and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma. IL-1β genotypes were extracted from the Affymetrix 6.0 SNP chip. CXCL10 levels were not different across different IL-1β genotypes. Among those with the GA genotype, elevated CXCL10 levels were observed with higher than median ascorbic acid (β = 0.004 ± 0.002, P = 0.047) or higher than median vitamin D status (β = 0.003 ± 0.002, P = 0.044). Among participants with the AA genotype, subjects with low α-tocopherol status had elevated levels of CXCL10 (β = -0.016 ± 0.007, P = 0.012). The association between IL-1β rs16944 genotype and CXCL10 levels was modified by the levels of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and vitamin D. These findings may aid in understanding the combined effect of genetic and dietary factors in the development of various infectious and chronic diseases in which IL-1β and CXCL10 may play an etiological role.

Cryptogenic Intracranial Hemorrhagic Strokes Associated with Hypervitaminosis E and Acutely Elevated α-Tocopherol Levels

Objectives: Up to 41% of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) are considered cryptogenic despite a thorough investigation to determine etiology. Certain over-the-counter supplements may increase proclivity to bleeding, and we hypothesize that specifically vitamin E may have an association with ICH and acutely elevated serum levels of α-tocopherol. Our aim is to report 3 cases of recently admitted patients with hypervitaminosis E and otherwise cryptogenic ICH. Methods: At our institution between January and December 2018, 179 patients were admitted with ICH with 73 imputed to be “cryptogenic” (without clear etiology as per Structural vascular lesions, Medication, Amyloid angiopathy, Systemic disease, Hypertension, or Undetermined and Hypertension, Amyloid angiopathy, Tumor, Oral anticoagulants, vascular Malformation, Infrequent causes, and Cryptogenic criteria). Of these, we found 3 (4.1%) clearly admitted to consistent use of vitamin E supplementation for which α-tocopherol levels were checked. We describe the clinical presentation and course of these patients and their etiologic and diagnostic evaluations including neuroimaging and α-tocopherol laboratory data. Results: All patients in this series were consistently consuming higher than recommended doses of vitamin E and developed acute ICH. The first 2 patients both had subcortical (thalamic) intraparenchymal hemorrhages while the third had an intraventricular hemorrhage. Serum α-tocopherol levels in patient A, B, and C were elevated at 30.8, 46.7, and 23.3 mg/L, respectively (normal range 5.7-19.9 mg/L) with a mean of 33.6 mg/L. No clear alternate etiologies to their ICH could be conclusively determined despite thorough workups. Conclusions: In patients with cryptogenic ICH, clinicians should consider hypervitaminosis E and check serum α-tocopherol level during admission. Reviewing the patient's pharmacologic history, including over-the-counter supplements such as vitamin E, may help identify its association, and its avoidance in the future may mitigate risk. With its known vitamin K antagonism, hypo-prothrombinemic effect, cytochrome p-450 interaction, and antiplatelet activity, vitamin E may not be as benign as presumed. Its consumption in nonrecommended doses may increase ICH risk, which may be underestimated and under-reported.

Alleles to Enhance Antioxidant Content in Maize-A Genome-Wide Association Approach.

The interest in antioxidant compound breeding in maize (Zea mays L.), a major food crop, has increased in recent years. However, breeding of antioxidant compounds in maize can be hampered, given the complex genetic nature of these compounds. In this work, we followed a genome-wide association approach, using a unique germplasm collection (containing Portuguese germplasm), to study the genetic basis of several antioxidants in maize. Sixty-seven genomic regions associated with seven antioxidant compounds and two color-related traits were identified. Several significant associations were located within or near genes involved in the carotenoid (Zm00001d036345) and tocopherol biosynthetic pathways (Zm00001d017746). Some indications of a negative selection against α-tocopherol levels were detected in the Portuguese maize germplasm. The strongest single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-trait associations and the SNP alleles with larger effect sizes were pinpointed and set as priority for future validation studies; these associations detected now constitute a benchmark for developing molecular selection tools for antioxidant compound selection in maize.

Retinol and α-tocopherol in pregnancy: Establishment of reference intervals and associations with CBC.

Profound physiological changes during pregnancy may affect the requirement of retinol and tocopherol, which are essential micronutrients for the maintenance of maternal health and foetal development. However, the current reference intervals (RIs) of retinol and tocopherol are based on non‐pregnant population. In the present study, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry quantitation method for serum retinol and α‐tocopherol was established and validated. In addition, we established trimester‐specific RIs of retinol and α‐tocopherol using the data from paired screening test for 31,301 outpatients who participated in the prenatal vitamins A/E evaluation program at our hospital using the Hoffmann method, which is a simple indirect RI estimation method that does not require the recruitment of healthy subjects. Further, to explore the associations between the levels of retinol and α‐tocopherol and the parameters of complete blood count (CBC), the results of retinol, α‐tocopherol, and CBC of 1,977 pregnant outpatients in the third trimester were analysed. The testing interval between the levels of vitamins and CBC was no more than 7 days. Although no significant changes were noticed in the levels of retinol, the α‐tocopherol levels continuously increased with normal physiological changes throughout pregnancy. Lower retinol levels were associated with the higher incidence of anaemia, whereas higher levels of retinol and lower levels of α‐tocopherol were associated with higher platelet count.

Use of Lipids in Neonates Requiring Parenteral Nutrition.

Neonates have limited antioxidative capacity and are at increased risk of infection and inflammation-a situation that is exacerbated in preterm neonates. Together, oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in many serious conditions affecting neonates, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and periventricular leukomalacia. Neonates requiring parenteral nutrition have certain nutritional requirements. For example, very long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are regarded as conditionally essential with critical roles during early retinal and brain development, and may also have other benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects. Because of these factors, the choice of lipid emulsion used as part of parenteral nutrition support may influence clinical outcomes in neonates. There are concerns that lipid emulsions based purely on soybean oil may increase lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and inflammation because of their high ω-6 PUFA and low ω-3 PUFA concentrations. Composite fish-oil containing lipid emulsions may provide advantages for neonates owing to their high DHA and EPA content and high antioxidant (α-tocopherol) levels. Here, we discuss clinical trials of lipid emulsions in preterm and term neonatal populations, with a particular emphasis on markers of oxidative stress and DHA and EPA levels. Olive oil/soybean oil lipid emulsions have shown few advantages in neonates over other lipid emulsions. However, compared with either pure soybean or soybean/olive-oil based emulsions, composite fish-oil containing lipid emulsions reduce oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation and also increase DHA and EPA levels. These advantages may translate into clinical benefits for neonates requiring parenteral nutrition.

Lipid Emulsion Use in Pediatric Patients Requiring Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition.

The ability to deliver nutrients via parenteral nutrition (PN) has markedly improved the prognosis of infants and children with intestinal failure. Technical refinements and advances in knowledge have led to the development of highly sophisticated PN solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of pediatric patients. However, children who require long-term PN have an increased risk of complications such as catheter-related sepsis, liver disease, and bone disease. Although the pathogenesis of intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD) is multifactorial, studies have identified a possible link between the dose of lipid emulsions based on soybean oil and cholestasis, shown to occur with a significantly higher frequency in patients receiving >1 g lipids/kg/d. Potential contributing factors include oxidative stress, high ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and phytosterol content, and relatively low α-tocopherol levels. Lipid emulsions containing fish oil offer potential advantages compared with traditional emulsions with a high soybean oil content, such as decreased ω-6 and increased ω-3 PUFA concentrations, high concentrations of α-tocopherol, and reduced phytosterol content. Studies in PN-dependent children at risk for IFALD have shown that lipid emulsions containing fish oil reduce the risk of cholestasis and improve biochemical measures of hepatobiliary function compared with pure soybean oil emulsions. This review summarizes evidence regarding the role of lipid emulsions in the management of pediatric patients with intestinal failure requiring long-term PN, with a particular focus on the prevention and treatment of IFALD.

Paraoxonase-1 and other factors related to oxidative stress in psoriasis.

IntroductionPsoriasis is considered as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and contributes to myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease and brain stroke.AimTo estimate the atherogenic potential of psoriasis by analysing antioxidative and prooxidative factors (paraoxonase-1, α-tocopherol, uric acid, homocysteine), compare levels of these parameters between groups of psoriatic patients and healthy individuals as well as to analyse the impact of psoriasis severity and duration on the factors under the study and to define correlation between the marked factors and patients’ lifestyles, body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference.Material and methodsThe investigated group consisted of 66 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, while the control group comprised 30 persons. Both groups were comparable as regards their age, sex and BMI as well as abdominal circumference.ResultsA significantly lower activity of paraoxonase-1 (p < 0.001), level of tocopherol (p < 0.05) and significantly higher concentration of homocysteine (p < 0.01), uric acid (p < 0.05) were found in patients with psoriasis as compared to the reference group. A higher homocysteine level occurs in patients with a negative family history of psoriasis (p < 0.05). In the group of patients with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome, the uric acid level was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Concentration of uric acid correlated negatively with the abdominal circumference value (p < 0.001).ConclusionsPsoriasis promotes arteriosclerosis development by decreasing the levels of antiatherogenic and increasing the levels of proatherogenic agents. Adverse changes in psoriatic patients involve activity of paraoxonase-1, levels of α-tocopherol, uric acid, homocysteine as compared to healthy individuals selected by their age, BMI and abdominal circumference value.

СОДЕРЖАНИЕ РЕТИНОЛА И α-ТОКОФЕРОЛА ПРИ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОМ ФИБРОЗЕ ПЕЧЕНИ У КРЫС

Background. The content of retinol and α-tocopherol in the human body affects the development and progression of chronic liver diseases and is associated with the functioning of perisinusoidal lipocytes (HSC) and the state of biological membranes. Objective – to evaluate the content of retinol and α-tocopherol in blood plasma and liver tissue in the dynamics of experimental liver fbrosis in rats. Material and methods. Modeling of liver fbrosis / cirrhosis was carried out on sexually mature male rats by intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA) solution at a dose of 200 mg / kg every other day for 4 and 12 weeks. The control group of animals received an equal volume of saline. The concentration of α-tocopherol and retinol was determined by S.L. Taylor’s method. Results. In rat liver preparations, 4 weeks after administration of TAA solution to animals, signs of FII-III stage of fbrosis were observed. According to electron microscopy, HSCs were in a transitional state and acquired a more elongated shape; the number of lipid inclusions in their cytoplasm decreased. The administration of TAA for 12 weeks led to the formation of liver cirrhosis in rats, with characteristic macro- and microscopic changes. On light microscopy, the number of HSCs decreased in rat liver preparations 3 months after administration of TAA; activated HSCs were encountered, which acquired an elongated shape and lost lipid inclusions. The content of retinol in the 2nd group of animals (with liver fbrosis stage II-III) was 2.2 times higher than in the control group, and 1.8 times higher than in the 3rd group with liver cirrhosis (p &lt; 0.05). The content of retinol in the liver tissue after 4 weeks of TAA administration decreased by 11.7%, after 12 weeks - by 1.5 times. The level of α-tocopherol in the liver at the stage of fbrosis FII-III decreased by 21% compared with the control group, at the stage of cirrhosis - by 2 times. Conclusion. The use of thioacetamide in rats for 1 and 3 months leads to the development of liver fbrosis and cirrhosis. A decrease in the content of retinol and α-tocopherol in the liver occurs with the progression of liver fbrosis /cirrhosis. The high content of retinol and α-tocopherol in plasma at the stage of liver fbrosis FII-III is due to degranulation (activation) of HSC.