B Complex Research Articles

Detrimental impact of solar and geomagnetic activity on plasma B-complex vitamins in the VA normative aging study cohort

It has been hypothesized that ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to depletion of plasma folate and B12 vitamin, but few studies have investigated effects of other parameters of solar and geomagnetic activity (SGA). We investigated the association between four SGA parameters—interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), sunspot number (SSN), Kp index, and ground shortwave solar radiation (SWR)—and three plasma B-complex vitamins—folate, B6, and B12—in 910 participants from the Normative Aging Study (NAS) between 1998 and 2017. Mixed-effects regression models were used for 1- to 28-moving day averages of SGA exposure, adjusted for covariates. We compared the impact of SGA in individuals under higher and lower B-complex supplementation (> or < 50th quartile). Our findings show that increases in solar activity variables IMF and SSN were found to be significantly associated with decreases in B12 vitamin. IMF and SSN were associated with decrease in folate levels, especially in individuals under higher levels of B-complex supplementation. No associations were found for SWR and Kp index. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrated the detrimental impact of solar activity on plasma B12 and folate in a large cohort. These findings have clinical implications during periods of high solar activity.

Frequency of cutaneous drug reactions in the outpatient dermatology clinic at the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez over a ten-year period

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions, or pharmacodermias, are the most common form of adverse drug reactions (ADR). It was our interest to know their epidemiological behavior in a tertiary hospital level in Mexico. We stablished the frequency of ADR in 61 infants and adults hospitalized patients and those seen in the outpatient Dermatology Clinic at the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez in Mexico City (INCICh) over a period of 10 years. The most frequently diagnosed pharmacodermias were acneiform dermatitis, cutaneous hyperpigmentation and maculopapular exanthema mainly associated to prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, cephalothin, amiodarone and vitamin B-complex, although we registered less frequently more severe and hazardous reactions. These results were consistent with other reports in our country. Multiple drugs administered at a time was an important causative factor for the ADR. It is necessary for every practitioner to develop skills that permit the identification of these dermatoses in order to correctly manage each case and diminish the morbimortality associated.

Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin B Complex in Peripheral Nerve Injury Recovery: An Experimental Rat Model Study.

Objectives: Vitamin B complexes are frequently used in clinical practice for peripheral nerve trauma. However, there is a lack of scientific data on their effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the impact of the vitamin B complex on nerve recovery in a rat model of peripheral nerve paralysis. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into six groups. Models of nerve injury, including blunt trauma, nerve incision, and autograft, were performed on all rats approximately 1 cm distal to the sciatic notch. B-complex vitamins were injected intraperitoneally at 0.2 mL/day to the treatment groups. The control groups were given 0.2 mL/day saline. After 1 month, the study was terminated, electromyography (EMG) was performed to measure the conduction velocity, and nerve tissue was taken from the repair line. The sciatic function indexes (SFIs) were calculated and analyzed. The histopathological samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Toluidine blue and examined with a light microscope. Pathologically, myelination, fibrosis, edema, and mast cell densities in the nervous tissue were evaluated. Results: The vitamin B treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in SFI compared to the control groups, indicating functional improvement in nerve damage (p < 0.05). In the nerve graft group, the vitamin B group showed a shorter latency, higher velocity, and larger peak-to-peak compared to the controls (p < 0.05). In the nerve transection group, the vitamin B group had better latency, velocity, and peak-to-peak values than the controls (p < 0.05). In the crush injury group, the vitamin B group exhibited an improved latency, velocity, and peak-to-peak compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Better myelination, less fibrosis, edema, and mast cells were also in the vitamin B group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin B treatment significantly improves nerve healing and function in peripheral nerve injuries. It enhances nerve conduction, reduces fibrosis, and promotes myelination, indicating its therapeutic potential in nerve regeneration.

Do vitamins change the morphophysiological characteristics of sweet pepper grown under irrigation with saline water?

The exogenous application of vitamins in plants has been highlighted by the increase in plant vigor, increase in reproductive rates, and greater resistance to edaphoclimatic adversities. Based on the hypothesis that the application of B-complex vitamins can change the morphophysiological characteristics of vegetables and mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the application of B-complex vitamins on pepper crops submitted to irrigation. with saline water. Five treatments were performed, with the control, as follows: irrigation with water and without application of vitamins; irrigation with saline solution and without application of vitamins; irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin thiamine (NaCl+B1); irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin niacin (NaCl+B3); and, irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin pyridoxine (NaCl+B6). The use of saline water during irrigation had significant effects on net photosynthesis, water use efficiency and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, when compared to the control treatment, irrigated with water, with no differences in transpiration characteristics and relative content. of chlorophyll. It was observed that the exogenous application of vitamins mitigates the effects caused by irrigation with saline water in pepper seedlings, attenuating the loss of dry weight and reducing the stress on photosynthetic mechanisms, increasing photosynthetic activity and decreasing the deleterious effects of salinity on the accumulation of dry weight.

The impact of energy releasing B-vitamin intake on indices of obesity and cardiac function: a cross-sectional study

Background B vitamins play a crucial role in the balance and metabolism of energy. Energy metabolism mainly benefits from the B-complex vitamins. Specifically, decarboxylation, transamination, acylation, oxidation, and reduction of substrates that are ultimately employed in energy intake require thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. Vitamin deficiency could lead to chronic disease occurrence. Objectives To assess the impact of energy-releasing B-vitamins intake (B1, B2, B3, and B6) on selected indices of obesity and cardiac function. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on 491 apparently healthy adults (18-64 years old) between January and May 2019 at Hashemite University, Jordan. Anthropometric measurements were taken, lipid profiles were analyzed, and indices of obesity and cardiac function were calculated. The typical dietary intake of B1, B2, B3, and B6 vitamins was calculated. Results Conicity index (CI) and abdominal volume index (AVI) scores significantly decreased with the increased adjusted vitamin B1 and B6 intake. Also, body roundness index (BRI), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) scores were decreased with the increase of adjusted B6 intake (p&lt;0.05). The total sample showed a significant inverse weak correlation between energy-adjusted intake of B1 and AVI (r= -0.156, p=0.001) and BRI (r= 0.111, p=0.014). Similar correlations were detected among male participants between energy-adjusted B1 intake and BAI, AVI, and BRI. Female participants had a significant weak inverse correlation between BAI and energy-adjusted B2 (r= -0.180, p=0.029) and B6 intake (r= -0.212, p=0.010). Only B1, the vitamin, significantly explained 2.43 and 1.24% of changes observed in the AVI and BRI scores, respectively (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions Increasing the consumption of B1, B2, and B6 may significantly lower values of indices of obesity and cardiac function regardless of sex differences. Thus reducing the occurrence of obesity and related coronary heart diseases.

Effects of Yeast-Enriched Functionalized Canola Meal Supplementation on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility and Fecal Characteristics, Fecal Microbiota, and Immune Function of Healthy Adult Dogs.

Brewer's dried yeast has a high nutritional value and has long been utilized by the animal feed industry as a source of protein, B-complex vitamins, and minerals. Brewer's dried yeast is also rich in bioactive compounds and may thereby be used as a functional ingredient, providing benefits beyond that of its nutrient content. Canola meal is a high-fiber ingredient that also has unique properties, especially when it is wetted and dried using a proprietary drying system that creates a "functionalized" canola meal. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a yeast-enriched functionalized canola meal (FCM) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and the fecal quality, metabolite concentrations, and microbiota populations, and immune function of healthy adult dogs. Twelve adult female beagles [body weight (BW) = 7.6 ± 0.7kg; age = 5.8 ± 1.3] were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Each experimental period consisted of a 22-d adaptation phase, 5 days of total and fresh fecal collection, and blood collection on the last day. To start, all dogs were fed a basal diet to maintain BW for 14 d. Following fecal and blood collections at baseline (-1 d) to confirm health status, experimental periods began testing the following dietary treatments using a Latin square design experiment: 1) FCM only (no yeast inclusion), 2) FCM + low yeast dose, 3) FCM + medium yeast dose, and 4) FCM + high yeast dose. All treatments were top-dressed onto the basal diet at a rate estimated to be 1% of daily intake (as-is basis). Statistical analysis was performed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with the main effect of treatment and the random effect of dog. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05, and trends reported if 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Supplementation with yeast-enriched FCM had no significant effect on the ATTD of macronutrients or energy or the fecal characteristics, metabolite concentrations, and microbiota populations of dogs. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in circulating immune cell counts or response to Toll-like receptor agonists among treatments. Our results suggest that the yeast-enriched FCM could be included in canine diets without negatively affecting stool quality, fecal metabolite concentrations, or ATTD. Further research is necessary to determine the effective dose of yeast-enriched FCM, potential mechanisms of action, and other potential implications it has on canine health.

Molecular Mechanisms of Biotin in Modulating Inflammatory Diseases.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin and serves as an essential co-enzyme for five specific carboxylases. Holocarboxylase synthase (HCS) activates biotin and facilitates its covalent attachment to these enzymes, while biotinidase releases free biotin in the biotin cycle. The transport of biotin, primarily from the intestine, is mediated by the sodium-dependent multi-vitamin transporter (SMVT). Severe biotin deficiency leads to multiple carboxylase deficiency. Moreover, biotin is crucial to glucose and lipid utilization in cellular energy production because it modulates the expression of metabolic enzymes via various signaling pathways and transcription factors. Biotin also modulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the immune system through similar molecular mechanisms. These regulatory roles in metabolic and immune homeostasis connect biotin to conditions such as diabetes, dermatologic manifestations, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, deficiencies in biotin and SMVT are implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, affecting intestinal inflammation, permeability, and flora. Notably, HCS and probably biotin directly influence gene expression through histone modification. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular aspects of biotin and associated molecules in diseases related to both acute inflammatory responses and chronic inflammation, and discuss the potential therapeutic applications of biotin.

Development of Highly Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Glucose Sensors Based on the Modification of the Surface, Structural, and Morphological Properties of ZnO Using Vitamin-B Complexes

Non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors are particularly advantageous because of their simplicity, low cost, efficiency, and long storage life. ZnO structures were modified with water-soluble vitamin B12, B9, and B6 complexes in alkaline 0.1 M NaOH solutions to enhance glucose sensing. ZnO samples were hydrothermally synthesized using 5 mg fixed masses of B12, B9, and B6 complexes. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to determine crystalline properties, morphology, and optical band gap. Zinc oxide obtained from vitamin B complexes had a hexagonal structure similar to wurtzite, modified nanorods on its surface, and a reduced optical band gap. The molecular weight, size, and number of functional groups vitamins also influenced surface and structural characteristics of ZnO. Zinc oxide from the B12 complex proved excellent for non-enzymatic glucose sensing in alkaline conditions. B12-derived ZnO glucose sensors have a linear range of 0.1 to 10 mM with a detection limit of 0.005 mM. In the glucose sensing process, a satisfactory level of stability, reproducibility, and selectivity was observed. Furthermore, it was found that ZnO derived from B12 had a high electrical conductivity, which facilitated electron transfer during glucose oxidation.

Pork Meat Composition and Health: A Review of the Evidence.

Meat has been part of the human diet for centuries and it is a recognizable source of high-biologic-value protein and several micronutrients; however, its consumption has been associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, cancer). These concerns are mostly related to red meat. However, meat composition is quite variable within species and meat cuts. The present study explores the composition of pork meat, and the differences among different pork meat cuts and it reviews the evidence on the influence of its consumption on health outcomes. Pork meat contributes to 30% of all meat consumed worldwide and it offers a distinct nutrient profile; it is rich in high-quality protein, B-complex vitamins, and essential minerals such as zinc and iron, though it contains moderate levels of saturated fat compared to beef. Additionally, research on sustainability points out advantages from pork meat consumption considering that it is a non-ruminant animal and is included in one of the five more sustainable dietary patterns. In what concerns the data on the influence of pork meat consumption on health outcomes, a few clinical studies have shown no harmful effects on cardiovascular risk factors, specifically blood lipids. Several arguments can justify that pork meat can be an option in a healthy and sustainable diet.

Vitamin C Alleviates the Negative Effects of Heat Stress on Reproductive Processes by Regulating Amino Acid Metabolism in Granulosa Cells.

Heat stress-induced biochemical alterations in ovarian follicles compromise the function of granulosa cells (GCs) and the developmental competence of oocytes. Summer heat stress can have a far-reaching negative impact on overall fertility and reproductive success. Together with the heat stress, the rise of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), potential confounding hazards of in vitro handling and the absence of systemic body support in ART makes it imperative to study the heat stress ameliorative effects of vitamin C under in vitro conditions. Using in vitro heat stress treatment of 43 °C for two hours in bovine GCs, we studied the effects of vitamin C on cell growth, oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell cycle progression together with a comprehensive metabolomics profiling. This study investigates the molecular milieu underlying the vitamin C (VC)-led alleviation of heat-related disruptions to metabolic processes in bovine GCs. The supplementation of VC ameliorated the detrimental effects of heat stress by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis while restoring cell proliferation. Normal cell function restoration in treated GCs was demonstrated through the finding of significantly high levels of progesterone. We observed a shift in the metabolome from biosynthesis to catabolism, mostly dominated by the metabolism of amino acids (decreased tryptophan, methionine and tyrosine) and the active TCA cycle through increased Succinic acid. The Glutathione and tryptophan metabolism were important in ameliorating the inflammation and metabolism nexus under heat stress. Two significant enzymes were identified, namely tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) and mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (FARS2). Furthermore, our findings provide insight into the significance of B-complex vitamins in the context of heat stress during VC supplementation. This study underscores the importance of VC supplementation in heat stress and designates multiple metabolic intervention faucets in the context of ameliorating heat stress and enhancing reproductive efficiency.

Economical factitious diet for mass rearing of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: pyralidae), a promising host for entomopathogenic nematodes

BackgroundGreater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is most commonly used for mass multiplication of entomopathogenic nematodes. An investigation on economical modification and comparative analysis of factitious diets of G. mellonella was carried out under laboratory conditions. Different diets were assessed in comparison with standard diet.ResultsModifications based on quantity change of dietary components (wheat flour, maize flour, dry milk, dry yeast, honey and glycerin), addition of vitamin E and vitamin-B complexes, elimination of dry milk and replacement of glycerin with sorbitol showed reduction in the cost of production and increase in food conversion efficiency in G. mellonella. The weight of larva in diet III (303.40 mg) was highest as compared to the larval weight in control diet (280.00mg). The conversion of ingested and digested food into biomass of G. mellonella was the highest for factitious diet III. Also, the highest number of Steinernema abbasi was produced from G. mellonella larvae reared on diet III (25418.43IJs) followed by diet I (21805.31IJs). The economics of the diets also showed that the percent cost reduction in factitious diet III and diet I was 48.86 and 28.85%, respectively. Overall, the results suggested that factitious diet III was superior to diet I followed by diet II.ConclusionAddition of supplements of vitamin E and B-complexes enhances the biological activity of the insect, thereby increasing its food conversion efficiencies. Factitious diet III can be successfully used for mass multiplication of the G. mellonella.

Cattle Health Management through Vitamin B-Complex Injection Program in Konda District, South Konawe Regency

Community service activities carried out by the Postgraduate Lecturer Team and Faculty of Animal Husbandry in collaboration with the Livestock and Animal Health Service Office and UPTD livestock breeding focusing on Lawoila Village, Konda Subdistrict, South Konawe District. The aim is to introduce livestock health management to improve cattle productivity, livestock health, and ensure livestock products have the desired quality standards. The methods applied included observation, counseling, and evaluation. Results showed that the livestock health service was well received by farmers in Lawoila Village. The local community showed high enthusiasm in understanding livestock health management with the hope of improving overall livestock productivity. This effort reflects an effective collaboration between academia, local government, and the community in improving the welfare of farmers and strengthening the livestock sector.

Abstract PO3-12-11: A phase-3 randomized controlled study to evaluate the role of hydroxyprogesterone in prevention of chemotherapy induced neurotoxicity in women with breast cancer

Abstract Introduction Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is seen in 60% breast cancer patients who receive paclitaxel-based chemotherapy with no conclusively known pathophysiology. Hydroxyprogesterone is known to have neuroprotective and neuro-regenerative potential. We conducted a randomized controlled trial assessing the role of hydroxyprogesterone in reducing the incidence and severity of CIPN. Methodology Histologically proven, post-menopausal, non-metastatic breast cancer patients without pre-existing neuropathy, planned to receive paclitaxel (with or without trastuzumab) in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting were screened and consented. They were randomized to receive depot hydroxyprogesterone injection 500 mg followed by 250 mg injection every 2 weekly (trial arm) versus 1 ampoule (2 ml) of vitamin-B complex (B1-100mg, B6-100mg and B12-1000µg) injection every 2 weekly (control arm) during the entire course of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. The primary end point was cumulative incidence of grade II-IV CIPN, at the last cycle of chemotherapy as assessed by CTCAE-V4. Secondary end point was EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20 assessment 8 weeks after last cycle of chemotherapy. Patients were stratified for stage, diabetes mellitus, and frequency of paclitaxel administration. Sample size was calculated for a 20% reduction in CIPN from 60% with α-0.05 and power of 80%, for 2-sided significance of p-0.05, with a drop-out rate of 10%. Results A total of 240 patients were randomized between November 2015 and February 2023- 120 each on the trial and control arm. The median age was 54 (43-73) and 55 (43-74) years; 35% and 31.7% patients were early breast cancer (cT1-2, N0-1) in the trial and control arms respectively. The median pT size was 2.6 cm and 65% patients were node positive overall. The incidence of grade II-IV CIPN (motor and/or sensory) at the end of chemotherapy was 55.9% and 56.8% in the trial and control arms respectively (p=0.90, 95%CI-0.12-0.13). Overall, chemotherapy related adverse events (CTCAE-V4) were seen in 41.39 and 39.9% in trial and control arms respectively. The average EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20 score at 8 weeks after last cycle of chemotherapy for motor neuropathy was 11.18 (0-70) and 13.53 (0-74), for sensory neuropathy was 8.51 (0-76) and 9.27 (0-81) and that for autonomic neuropathy was 4.94 (0-67) and 4.65 (0-67) in the trial and control arms respectively (p=NS). Conclusion Hydroxyprogesterone did not reduce the incidence of paclitaxel related CIPN when assessed immediately post-chemotherapy. The absolute incidence of CIPN (any grade) was 61% in our study which is like that reported in literature. Long term follow-up of these patients will assess the recovery of CIPN and long-term impact of the study interventions on CIPN. The study was approved by Institutional Review Board and Drug Controller General of India (CTRI/2015/11/006381). Citation Format: Rajendra Badwe, Shalaka Joshi, Rohini Hawaldar, Tejal Panhale, Nita Nair, Sandesh Sawant, Vaibhav Vanmali, Mitchelle Engineer, Anuradha Daptardar, Vani Parmar, Seema Gulia, Sudeep Gupta. A phase-3 randomized controlled study to evaluate the role of hydroxyprogesterone in prevention of chemotherapy induced neurotoxicity in women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-12-11.

Pseudocereals: Development of functional foods, their properties, challenges, and opportunities in food processing industry

In recent decades, global consumer food preferences have shifted toward healthier and more sustainable options to combat lifestyle diseases. Pseudocereals like amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, and chia seeds have gained prominence due to their adaptability to different climates and rich nutritional profiles. They provide balanced amino acids, prebiotic starches, fibres, unsaturated fats, B-complex vitamins, vital minerals, and valuable phytochemicals known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties. However, pseudocereals contain antinutritional factors. These can be mitigated through processing techniques such as dehulling, soaking, and thermal treatment, which also influence their physicochemical properties, and enhance their antioxidant capacity. This makes pseudocereals excellent ingredients for functional foods. Historically, pseudocereals were integral to various diets but were super-exploited by processed foods like wheat, rice, and maize in the early 20th century. Presently, there is a growing interest in synbiotic functional foods rich in dietary fibre and fermented by probiotics to support gut health. Fermentation of pseudocereals enhances their probiotic and prebiotic properties, reducing antinutritional factors, and increasing nutrient bioavailability. Pseudocereals are also valued for their high-quality protein content (10 - 20%), often extracted through wet and dry methods, with alkaline extraction for gluten-free, plant-based products. The rise of non-dairy, gluten-free, and plant protein-based products reflects the associated health benefits, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. This article reviews the existing literature on potential pseudocereals health benefits, nutritional importance, processing aspects, and scaling up opportunities in the food processing industry.

Enhancing nerve regeneration in infraorbital nerve injury rat model: effects of vitamin B complex and photobiomodulation.

Orofacial nerve injuries may result in temporary or long-term loss of sensory function and decreased quality of life in patients. B vitamins are required for DNA synthesis and the repair and maintenance of phospholipids. In particular, vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are essential for neuronal function. Deficiency in vitamin B complex (VBC) has been linked to increased oxidative stress, inflammation and demyelination. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has antioxidant activity and is neuroprotective. In addition, a growing literature attests to the positive effects of PBM on nerve repair. To assess the effect of PBM and VBC on regenerative process we evaluated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), myelin basic protein (MBP), laminin and neurofilaments (NFs) using Western blotting to identify regenerative pattern after chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI IoN) treated by PBM, VBC or its combination. After CCI IoN, the rats were divided into six groups naive, sham, injured (CCI IoN), treated with photobiomodulation (904nm, 6.23J/cm2, CCI IoN + PBM), treated with VBC (containing B1, B6 and B12) 5 times, CCI IoN + VBC) and treated with PBM and VBC (CCI IoN + VBC + PBM). The treatments could revert low expression of BDNF, MBP and laminin. Also reverted the higher expression of neurofilaments and enhanced expression of NGF. PBM and VBC could accelerate injured infraorbital nerve repair in rats through reducing the expression of neurofilaments, increasing the expression of BDNF, laminin and MBP and overexpressing NGF. These data support the notion that the use of PBM and VBC may help in the treatment of nerve injuries. This finding has potential clinical applications.

Characterization of the active components and bioaccessibility of phenolics in differently colored foxtail millets

Differently colored foxtail millet (Setaria italica) cultivars were compared regarding their amylose, B-complex vitamin, vitamin E, and phenolic compositions, as well as the bioaccessibility of their phenolics in simulated in vitro digestion. Dark-colored foxtail millets contained more thiamine, pyridoxine, and tocopherols, but less riboflavin, than light-colored ones. Phenolics were more abundant in dark-colored cultivars. Insoluble bound fractions accounted for 75%–83% of the total phenolics, with ferulic acid detected as the most plentiful compound. The major bioaccessible phenolic was free ferulic acid, with 100%–120% bioaccessibility, depending on cultivar, followed by p-coumaric acid and isoferulic acid (50%–80%). These relatively high bioaccessibilities were likely due to the release of soluble conjugated or insoluble bound phenolics during digestion. However, the contents of other free phenolics were largely decreased following in vitro digestion, resulting in low bioaccessibility, which also means that the release from the conjugated and bound fractions was poor.

Blocking proteinase-activated receptor 2 signaling relieves pain, suppresses nerve sprouting, improves tissue repair, and enhances analgesic effect of B vitamins in rats with Achilles tendon injury.

Tendon injury produces intractable pain and disability in movement, but the medications for analgesia and restoring functional integrity of tendon are still limited. In this study, we report that proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) activation in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons contributes to chronic pain and tendon histopathological changes produced by Achilles tendon partial transection injury (TTI). Tendon partial transection injury increases the expression of PAR2 protein in both somata of DRG neurons and their peripheral terminals within the injured Achilles tendon. Activation of PAR2 promotes the primary sensory neuron plasticity by activating downstream cAMP-PKA pathway, phosphorylation of PKC, CaMKII, and CREB. Blocking PAR2 signaling by PAR2 small-interference RNA or antagonistic peptide PIP delays the onset of TTI-induced pain, reverses the ongoing pain, as well as inhibits sensory nerve sprouting, and promotes structural remodeling of the injured tendon. Vitamin B complex (VBC), containing thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), and cyanocobalamin (B12), is effective to ameliorate TTI-induced pain, inhibit ectopic nerve sprouting, and accelerate tendon repair, through suppressing PAR2 activation. These findings reveal a critical role of PAR2 signaling in the development of chronic pain and histopathological alterations of injured tendon following Achilles tendon injury. This study suggests that the pharmaceuticals targeting PAR2, such as VBC, may be an effective approach for the treatment of tendon injury-induced pain and promoting tendon repair.

Knowledge, awareness, and use of folic acid among women of childbearing age living in a peri-urban community in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey.

Folic acid, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and maintenance, making it particularly significant during reproduction. Its well-known ability to reduce the risk of congenital anomalies during the periconceptional period underscores its importance. The increased requirement for folate during pregnancy and lactation is essential to support the physiological changes of the mother and ensure optimal growth and development of the foetus and offspring. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and use of folic acid among pregnant and lactating women of reproductive age residing in Dodowa in the Shai Osu-Doku District, Accra, Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional design that involved 388 randomly selected participants (97 pregnant and 291 lactating women). Structured questionnaires were administered to gather information on the socioeconomic demographic characteristics, knowledge, awareness, and use of folic acid of the participants. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square analysis tests and are presented as frequencies and percentages, means, standard deviations, bar graphs, and pie charts. The significance of the results was determined at a 95% confidence interval. The mean age of the participants was 31 ± 5.0 years. Among the study participants, 46.1% demonstrated knowledge of folic acid deficiency, while approximately 68.3% had a high awareness of folic acid supplementation. Approximately 75% of the participants indicated that they had not used folic acid supplements within the week, and 15.5% reported consuming folic acid-fortified food per week. The women exhibited high awareness but poor knowledge regarding the usage of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. Consequently, this lack of knowledge influenced the low use of folic acid supplements and low intake of folate-rich foods among pregnant and lactating mothers.

Modulating the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Wound Healing: The Potential of L-Carnosine, Zinc Sulfate, and B-Complex Vitamins Cocktail

Background: The process of wound healing is a dynamic event that starts with inflammation, proliferation, and migration of various types of fibroblast cells and aims to restore the integrity and functionality of damaged tissue. One crucial signaling pathway involved in wound healing is the Wnt signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a cocktail consisting of L-carnosine, zinc sulfate, and B-complex vitamins on the modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway during wound healing. Methods: The optimal dosages of L-carnosine, zinc sulfate, and B-complex were used to prepare the cocktail. Then, the cocktail-mediated wound healing was measured through scratch assay on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Finally, the effects of the cocktail on the expression of SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4, MMP7, and RSPO2 genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway were measured during the wound closure phenomenon by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: The scratch assay demonstrated the wound-healing effects of the prepared cocktail on HDF cells. Additionally, the RT-qPCR results showed that the cocktail can activate the Wnt signaling pathway by down-regulating the expression of SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4, and MMP7 and up-regulating the expression of RSPO2. Conclusions: The data suggest that the L-carnosine, zinc sulfate, and B-complex vitamin cocktail exhibits wound healing properties by increasing fibroblast proliferation via the activation of the Wnt pathway.

The role of methionine in tuberculosis and its potential clinical significance

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) holds a substantial health risk, and only a limited number of patients receive treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Various studies have been conducted to address this condition, including through metabolic approaches to further understand the mechanisms of tuberculosis infection, one of which is methionine. There are various enzymes in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) methionine biosynthesis pathway, the key enzymes such as MetX, MetC, MetE/MetH, MetK, MTHFR, and BCAT are essential in the biosynthesis of methionine, and hindering these enzyme activities may hold potential for new antitubercular drug development. Deletion of the metA gene weakens MTB, making it more prone to host immune responses. There is also the role of cobalamin, where cobalamin availability regulates the choice between metE and metH in methionine biosynthesis. Methionine plays a crucial role in bacterial protein translation and antioxidant activities. In bacteria including MTB, the initial methionine is formulated; this process involves several enzymes such as FMT, MetRS, PDF, and MetAP. Some compounds targeting MetAP have been identified to have significant inhibitory action against MTB, such as transitmycin and bengamides, and this also includes the drug resistant strain. Methionine supplementation alongside vitamin B-complex have shown to improve drug-induced toxicity in tuberculosis patients, this due to methionine serves as precursor to antioxidant glutathione. Metabolomics studies have shown that altered methionine levels in tuberculosis infection, with samples taken from human blood or urine show significantly lower levels in patients with active TB or failed treatment groups. This review aims to discuss the role of methionine in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the progress of research targeting methionine metabolism and function.