Serum Folate Concentrations Research Articles

Folate, homocysteine and the ovarian cycle among healthy regularly menstruating women.

How are concentrations of plasma homocysteine and serum folate associated with reproductive hormones and anovulation in regularly menstruating women? Higher homocysteine was associated with sporadic anovulation and hormonal changes that may be indicative of impaired ovulatory function, but higher serum folate was associated only with higher luteal phase progesterone. Higher folate levels as well as some variants in genes relevant to one-carbon metabolism, are associated with improved reproductive outcomes and responses to fertility treatment, but only a few small studies have explored the relationship between markers of one-carbon metabolism and menstrual cycle characteristics. The BioCycle Study (2005-2007) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort of 259 regularly menstruating women not using hormonal contraceptives or dietary supplements who were followed for up to two menstrual cycles. Serum folate and reproductive hormones were measured up to eight times per cycle and plasma homocysteine up to three times. Linear mixed models were used to estimate associations between serum folate or plasma homocysteine and log-transformed reproductive hormone levels while accounting for multiple observations and cycles per woman. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine risk of sporadic anovulation. All models were adjusted for age, race, body mass index, cigarette and alcohol use, and energy and fiber intake. Higher plasma homocysteine concentrations were associated with lower total estradiol across the cycle (adjusted percent change per unit increase in homocysteine [aPC] -2.3%, 95% CI: -4.2, -0.03), higher follicle stimulating hormone around the time of expected ovulation (aPC 2.4%, 95% CI: 0.2, 4.7) and lower luteal phase progesterone (aPC -6.5%, 95% CI: -11.1, -1.8). Higher serum folate concentrations were associated with higher luteal phase progesterone (aPC per unit increase in folate 1.0%, 95% CI: 0.4, 1.6). Higher homocysteine concentrations at expected ovulation were associated with a 33% increased risk of sporadic anovulation. We observed no risk associated with decreased folate concentrations, but a higher ratio of folate to homocysteine at ovulation was associated with a 10% decreased risk of anovulation. Our results are generalizable to healthy women with adequate serum folate levels. The independent influence of homocysteine should be confirmed in larger cohorts and among women with folate deficiency or increased risks of anovulation. If these findings are confirmed, it is possible that lowering homocysteine with B-vitamins through diet or supplementation could improve ovulatory function in some women. This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (Contract numbers: HHSN275200403394C, HHSN275201100002I and Task one HHSN27500001). None of the authors has any conflicts of interest to disclose.

Folic acid attenuates homocysteine and enhances antioxidative capacity in atherosclerotic rats.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that can seriously endanger human life. Folic acid supplementation modulates several disorders, including atherosclerosis, via its antiapoptotic and antioxidative properties. This study investigated whether folic acid alleviates atherogenesis by restoring homocysteine levels and antioxidative capacity in atherosclerosis Wistar rats. To this end, 28 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (7 rats/group) as follows: (i) wild-type group, fed only the AIN-93 semi-purified rodent diet (folic acid: 2.1 mg/kg); (ii) high-fat + folic acid-deficient group (HF+DEF) (folic acid: 0.2 mg/kg); (iii) high-fat + normal folic acid group (folic acid: 2.1 mg/kg); and (iv) high-fat + folic acid-supplemented group (folic acid: 4.2 mg/kg). After 12 weeks, histopathological changes in the atherosclerotic lesions of the aortic arch were determined. In addition, serum folate levels, plasma homocysteine levels, plasma S-adenosyl-homocysteine levels, antioxidant status, oxidant status, and lipid profiles were evaluated. The results show aggravated atherosclerotic lesions in the HF+DEF group. Folic acid supplementation increased concentrations of serum folate. Further, folic acid supplementation increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, decreased plasma homocysteine levels, and improved antioxidant capacity in atherogenic rats. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that folic acid alleviates atherogenesis by reducing plasma homocysteine levels and improving antioxidant capacity in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Folate Deficiency Is Prevalent in Women of Childbearing Age in Belize and Is Negatively Affected by Coexisting Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Belize National Micronutrient Survey 2011

Background: Folate deficiency, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and anemia can have adverse effects on birth outcomes. Also, low vitamin B-12 reduces the formation of metabolically active folate.Objectives: We sought to establish the baseline prevalence of and factors associated with folate deficiency and insufficiency, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and anemia among women of childbearing age (WCBA) in Belize.Methods: In 2011, a national probability-based survey was completed among Belizean nonpregnant WCBA aged 15-49 y. Blood samples for determination of hemoglobin, folate (RBC and serum), and vitamin B-12 (plasma) and sociodemographic and health information were collected from 937 women. RBC and serum folate concentrations were measured by microbiologic assay (MBA). Folate status was defined based on both the WHO-recommended radioproteinbinding assay and the assay adjusted for the MBA.Results: The national prevalence estimates for folate deficiency in WCBA, based on serum and RBC folate concentrations by using the assay-matched cutoffs, were 11.0% (95% CI: 8.6%, 14.0%) and 35.1% (95% CI: 31.3%, 39.2%), respectively. By using the assay-matched compared with the WHO-recommended cutoffs, a substantially higher prevalence of folate deficiency was observed based on serum (6.9% absolute difference) and RBC folate (28.9% absolute difference) concentrations. The prevalence for RBC folate insufficiency was 48.9% (95% CI: 44.8%, 53.1%). Prevalence estimates for vitamin B-12 deficiency and marginal deficiency and anemia were 17.2% (95% CI: 14.2%, 20.6%), 33.2% (95% CI: 29.6%, 37.1%), and 22.7% (95% CI: 19.5%, 26.2%), respectively. The adjusted geometric means of the RBC folate concentration increased significantly (P-trend < 0.001) in WCBA who had normal vitamin B-12 status relative to WCBA who were vitamin B-12 deficient.Conclusions: In Belize, the prevalence of folate and vitamin B-12 deficiencies continues to be a public health concern among WCBA. Furthermore, low folate status co-occurred with low vitamin B-12 status, underlining the importance of providing adequate vitamin B-12 and folic acid intake through approaches such as mandatory food fortification.

Serum folate concentration and the incidence of lung cancer.

BackgroundLung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Folate helps to maintain DNA integrity and to regulate gene expression. Serum folate levels may affect the risk of several cancers, including lung cancer. In this study we evaluated the association between serum folate concentration and variations in genes involved in folate metabolism with lung cancer incidence in Poland.MethodsThe study included 366 lung cancer patients and 366 control subjects. We measured serum folate concentration and genotyped six variants in MTHFR, MTR and MTRR genes. The odds ratios of being diagnosed with lung cancer were calculated using conditional univariable and multivariable logistic regression with respect to folate level and genotypes.ResultsThe mean serum folate level was lower in lung cancer cases than in control group (20.07 nmol/l vs. 22.52 nmol/l, p = 0.002). The odds ratio for lung cancer declined with increasing serum content of the folate. The folate concentration of >25.71 nmol/l (IVth quartile) in comparison to <15.92 nmol/l (Ist quartile) was associated with an odds ratio of 0.61 (95%CI 0.40–0.95, p = 0.03). The analysis of variations in MTHFR, MTR and MTRR genes did not reveal any significant difference between lung cancer cases and controls in univariable and multivariable analyses.ConclusionIn this case-control study, lower serum folate concentrations were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer diagnosis. Although previous findings have been somewhat mixed, our results add to the evidence that circulating folate levels may be an indicator of lung cancer risk.

Serum Folate Concentrations, Asthma, Atopy, and Asthma Control in Peruvian Children and Adolescents

Serum Folate Concentrations, Asthma, Atopy, and Asthma Control in Peruvian Children and Adolescents

Effect of age, sex and body weight on the serum concentrations of cobalamin and folate in cats consuming a consistent diet.

Objectives Multiple feline diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver and biliary tract are known to cause abnormal serum cobalamin and folate concentrations. Measuring the serum concentration of these vitamins can therefore be a helpful diagnostic tool. However, factors other than disease, in particular age, have also been suggested to have an effect on the serum concentration of cobalamin and folate. In previous studies, the dietary intake was not standardised, or even known, despite diet being the prinicpal source of both vitamins. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of age, sex and body weight on the serum concentration of folate and cobalamin in cats fed the same diet. Methods The serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were measured in 65 apparently healthy cats in a nutrition colony that had been fed an identical diet. A linear model was used to test the relationship between the serum concentration of cobalamin and folate with the variables age, sex and body weight. Results There was a large variation in the serum concentration of both folate and cobalamin, despite identical intake. Serum cobalamin was inversely associated with age ( P = 0.002), and males had higher concentrations than females ( P = 0.039). Serum folate was positively associated with age ( P = 0.01). Conclusions and relevance Independent of diet, serum cobalamin concentration decreases with age. Changes in gastrointestinal function, microflora or metabolism may be responsible. Older cats may be more susceptible to cobalamin deficiency secondary to inappetence or gastrointestinal disease.

Effects of Folic Acid-Fortified Milk Consumption on Serum Folate Levels in Japanese Female Students: a Randomized Controlled Trial Stratified by Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Genetic Polymorphism

Objective: We studied effects of fermented milk fortified with 200 μg of folic acid (FF milk) on serum folate levels in Japanese women university students. Methods: Adopting FF milk as intervention factor, a randomized controlled trial stratified by MTHFR genetic polymorphism C677T was conducted in 143 university women students. Experimental group subjects were requested to consume FF milk for 4 weeks; control group subjects to consume usual meals. Dietary surveys were conducted using an FFQ, and serum folate concentrations were analyzed utilizing chemiluminescence immunoassay. Using oral mucous membranes, MTHFR genotypes were determined employing PCR-RFLP. Paired ttest, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact probability test was adequately applied. Results: MTHFR genotype frequencies were CC type 36 (25%), CT type 75 (52.4%) and TT type 32 (22.4%) as a whole. The subjects were randomly stratified into 73 experimental group (CC type 16, CT type 41, TT type 16) and, 70 control group (CC type 20, CT type 34, TT type 16). Average of folate consumption was 246 μg/day. Average serum folate level was 9.8 ng/mL with statistically significant difference by MTHFR genotype (CC type>CT type>TT type). Serum folate concentrations in the experimental group increased by 1.5 on average after intervention. At baseline, there were 19 subjects having serum folate levels lower than the reference value of NTDs (7 ng/mL): CC type 1/36, CT type 10/75 and TT type 8/32 with statistical difference by MTHFR genotype. In the experimental group those subjects decreased from 10 to 2 (CT type 1 and TT type 1) after intervention. Conclusions: Serum folate levels increased in the experimental group subjects after intervention, suggesting consumption of the FF milk sufficiently elevated serum folate concentrations for prevention of NTDs, irrespectively of MTHFR genotypes.

FOLATE AND SYNTHETIC FOLIC ACID INTAKE, SERUM B VITAMIN AND HOMOCYSTEINE CONCENTRATIONS, AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN ELDERLY BRAZILIANS

Background: An increased risk of cognitive decline in the elderly with B12 deficiency has been associated with excessive synthetic folic acid in food fortification and supplements. Objectives: To assess the dietary folate and folic acid intake from food fortification, as well as serum vitamin B12, folate, iron, and homocysteine concentrations among the elderly and their relationships with cognitive changes. Design: Cross-sectional, observational study. Setting and Participants: Community-dwelling elderly (N = 40), predominantly female (90%), with an average age of 69 years. Measurements: Dietary intake information was collected using four 24-hour dietary recalls, adjusted for iron and folic acid in fortified flour and supplements. Serum vitamin B12, B6, folate, iron, and homocysteine concentrations were determined. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, adjusted for educational level. Results: Possible serum vitamin B12 deficiency (&lt;258 pmol/L) was present in 5% of the elderly participants, while 27.5% had possible functional deficiency (&lt;400 pmol/L). No serum folate deficiency (&lt;6.8 nmol/L) was observed; however, 15% had possible deficiency (&lt;13.6 nmol/L), and 7.5% had supraphysiological levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia (≥15 µmol/L) was present in 65% of the sample. Almost half of the participants (47.5%) showed cognitive impairment. There were no significant relationships between the Mini-Mental State Examination results and the B12, folate, iron, and homocysteine concentrations. However, the participants with serum vitamin B12 levels &lt;400 pmol/L tended to have poorer Mini-Mental State Examination scores, which were related to older age (P = 0.045) and changes in the oral cavity (P = 0.034). In addition, folic acid consumption was inversely related with serum vitamin B12 levels (P = 0.030). Macrocytosis was not observed. Conclusions: Although Mini-Mental State Examination-assessed cognitive impairment was not related with the investigated biochemical variables, increased folic acid consumption seems to have a negative impact on vitamin B12 metabolism; therefore, fortification may be contributing to functional disability and masking hematological signs in the elderly.

Folate and Vitamin B12-Related Biomarkers in Relation to Brain Volumes.

Aim: We investigated cross-sectional associations between circulating homocysteine, folate, biomarkers of vitamin B12 status and brain volumes. We furthermore compared brain volumes of participants who received daily folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation with participants who did not. Methods: Participants of the B-PROOF study (n = 2919) were assigned to 400 µg folic acid and 500 µg vitamin B12, or a placebo. After two years of intervention, T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were made in a random subsample (n = 218) to obtain grey and white matter volume, and total brain volume (TBV). Plasma homocysteine, serum folate, vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin, and methylmalonic acid concentrations were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses showed inverse associations between plasma homocysteine with TBV (β = −0.91, 95% CI −1.85–0.03; p = 0.06) and between serum folate and TBV (β = −0.20, 95% CI −0.38, −0.02; p = 0.03). No significant associations were observed for serum vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin. Fully adjusted ANCOVA models showed that the group that received B-vitamins had a lower TBV (adjusted mean 1064, 95% CI 1058–1069 mL) than the non-supplemented group (1072, 95% CI 1067–1078 mL, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Results were contradictory, with higher Hcy levels associated with lower TBV, but also with higher folate levels associated with lower TBV. In addition, the lack of a baseline measurement withholds us from giving recommendations on whether folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation will be beneficial above and beyond normal dietary intake for brain health.

Risk factors for prevalence of folic acid deficiency in Chinese lactating women in 2013

Objective: The study aimed to assess the folic acid status of lactating women in China and to analyze factors related to folic acid deficiency in these subjects. Methods: The data on lactating women were extracted from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. By a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, 10 331 lactating women were selected for the study. The lactating women, 0-24 months postpartum, were from 55 sites in 30 provinces of China, excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain general information and dietary intake during the previous one month period was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A total of 20% of the total number of lactating women were randomly selected to analyze serum folic acid. Finally, 1 894 lactating women, with questionnaire results and serum folic acid data, were included in the study. Serum folic acid concentrations were analyzed using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Folic acid deficiency was defined as a serum folic acid level <2 ng/ml. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with folic acid deficiency in these women. Results: After excluding abnormal values, 1 894 lactating women were included in the study. Based on our findings, the prevalence of folate deficiency was 3.0% (56/1 894) in lactating women in China. The prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 0.3% (1/388), 1.3% (7/550), 6.0% (38/639) and 3.2% (10/317) in larger, medium or small cities, general rural counties and poor rural counties, respectively. The prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 6.3% (17/269) and 2.4% (39/1 623) for minority and Han ethnic groups, respectively, and was 6.3% (52/823) and 0.4% (4/1 071) for subjects in northern and southern areas of China, respectively. Binary unconditionally logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with folic acid deficiency in the lactating women. The results showed that, compared with those living in the south and those in the Han ethnic group, those living in the north and belonging to the minority ethnic group had a greater risk of folic acid deficiency, with (OR=3.63, 95% CI: 1.64-8.05) and (OR=5.42, 95% CI: 1.75-16.74), respectively. With each month of age during childhood, the prevalence of folic acid deficiency decreased by 10% (OR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.85-0.96). Compared with low income subjects, those with middle incomes had OR (95%CI) of 0.25 (0.10-0.60) for folic acid deficiency. A lesser intake of cereal was associated with a greater risk of folic acid deficiency in lactating women (OR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.18-7.79). A lesser intake of tubers was a protective factor for folic acid deficiency in lactating women (OR=0.29, 95% CI:0.12-0.70). Conclusion: The folic acid status of Chinese lactating women has, in general, recently improved. However, living in northern areas, during early lactating periods, belonging to an ethnic minority, living in rural areas, having a low income, lower intake of cereal and excessive intake of tubers were risk factors for folic acid deficiency in lactating women. In these women, folic acid intervention should be considered a priority.

Serum concentration of folate, vitamin B&lt;sub&gt;12&lt;/sub&gt; and homocysteine in patients of cervical cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of cervical cancer in relation to serum concentration of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine. Fifty patients with invasive cervical cancer and 50 VIA negative cases (control) with age range of 30-65 years were included. Majority of the patients had significantly low level of serum folate and B12 than those in the control group. In contrast, serum homocysteine level was significantly high in cases than those in the control group. The Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a significant negative relationship between serum folate, vitamin B12 and serum homocyteine. However, there was no significant association between stage of cervical cancer and level of serum homocysteine. In conclusion, a significantly low level of serum folate, vitamin B12 and high level of serum homocysteine were observed in patients with invasive cervical cancer.

Folate status in Germany.

Folate is important for cell division and thus for growth and physical development. Serum folate concentrations can be used to assess a population's folate status. In Germany, the median serum folate level of adults aged 18 to 79 is 7.5 ng/ml (women: 7.9 ng/ml, and men: 7.2 ng/ml). Approximately 86% of the adult population in Germany has adequate folate levels. Higher folate concentrations are observed among older age groups and individuals with a higher socio-economic status. However, the World Health Organization recommends that women of reproductive age should, at the population level, have significantly higher folate levels in order to reduce the risk for neural tube defects. However, the majority of women in this age group do not achieve these concentrations.

Effect of tailored dietary guidance for pregnant women on nutritional status: A double-cohort study.

This double cohort study aimed to evaluate the effect of tailored dietary guidance for pregnant women on dietary intake, nutritional status, and infant birth weight. Healthy pregnant women were recruited at an antenatal clinic during two phases over 2years. The historical controls were analyzed a year prior to the intervention group. In both groups, data were collected at 19-26 gestational weeks (baseline) and at 34-37 gestational weeks (outcome measurement). The intervention included the following: (a) assessments of maternal dietary nutritional intake using the brief self-administered diet history questionnaire, (b) individual feedback based on the assessments of maternal nutritional status, (c) tailored guidance for a healthy diet, (d) original cooking recipes, and (e) goal sharing. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the outcome data between the groups. Of the 378 eligible women, 309 women had follow-up questionnaire data. Blood samples were obtained from 202 women. Despite a lack of improvement in reported dietary intake, plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (p=.002), docosahexaenoic acid (p<.001), arachidonic acid (p<.001), and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (p<.001) concentrations as well as maternal weight gain (p=.019) were significantly higher in the intervention group. However, serum folate (p=.031) concentration was significantly lower in the intervention group, and there were no significant differences between the groups in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, blood count, average birth weight, and rate of low birth weight infants. Assessment-based tailored guidance individualized to maternal dietary intake might partially contribute to improved nutrition in pregnant women.

Thromboembolism in Dogs with Protein-Losing Enteropathy with Non-Neoplastic Chronic Small Intestinal Disease.

Dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) are suggested to be at increased risk of developing thromboembolic events. However, with some exceptions, there are very few reports of thromboembolism in such dogs. This multicentre retrospective observational study describes a case series of thromboembolism (TE) in eight dogs with PLE secondary to non-neoplastic, chronic small intestinal disease. Seven dogs had poorly controlled PLE when the thromboembolic event occurred. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) occurred in six dogs, while one dog developed splenic vein thrombosis and another had concurrent splenic vein and aortic TE. Six dogs died, all with PTE. Antithrombin activity was decreased in one of two dogs in which it was measured. Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were measured in three dogs and cobalamin was subnormal in all three. Serum magnesium, measured in two dogs, was low in both. Dogs with uncontrolled chronic small intestinal disease and PLE are at risk for developing serious life-threatening TE, mostly PTE.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia in children receiving phenytoin and carbamazepine monotherapy: a cross-sectional observational study

ObjectiveLong-term therapy with phenytoin and carbamazepine is known to cause hyperhomocysteinaemia. We evaluated the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in North Indian children receiving phenytoin or carbamazepine monotherapy for >6 months duration...

Dose-Dependent Antiteratogenic Effects of Folic Acid on All-Trans Retinoic Acid-Induced Cleft Palate in Fetal Mice.

Although numerous studies have confirmed that consumption of folic acid (FA) during early pregnancy reduces the risk of oral facial clefts in newborn infants, the optimal dose of FA for reducing this risk remains unknown. We evaluated various doses of FA for their ability to reduce the incidence of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced cleft palate in mice. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to eight groups dosed with corn oil (control group), ATRA (80 mg/kg), FA (40 mg/kg), or ATRA (80 mg/kg) + FA (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg/kg body weight) on gestation day 11 (GD11), after which samples of maternal blood obtained on GD 11 were analyzed for serum folate levels. After receiving the doses, randomly selected mice in each dose group were sacrificed on GDs 13.5, 14.5, and 15.5, and the fetuses were removed for examination by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to detect the incidence of cleft palate. Among the pregnant mice dosed with ATRA+FA, those dosed with 5 mg/kg FA had fetuses with the lowest incidence of cleft palate. In addition, the eight groups of pregnant mice had significantly different serum folate concentrations (P < .001). When administered to pregnant mice at a specific dose and on the proper gestation day, FA showed an antiteratogenic effect by reducing the incidence of ATRA-induced cleft palate in fetal mice.

Feline Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: A Retrospective Study of 150 Cases.

BackgroundLittle information is available about the clinical presentation and response to treatment of cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).ObjectivesTo describe the signalment, clinical signs, concurrent diseases, and response to treatment of cats with EPI.AnimalsOne hundred and fifty cats with EPI.MethodsRetrospective case series.ResultsQuestionnaires were sent to 261 veterinarians, and 150 (57%) were returned with data suitable for statistical analysis. The median age of the cats with EPI was 7.7 years. The median body condition score was 3 of 9. Ninety‐two of 119 cats (77%) had hypocobalaminemia, and 56 of 119 cats (47%) had increased and 6 of 119 cats (5%) had decreased serum folate concentrations. Clinical signs included weight loss (91%), unformed feces (62%), poor hair coat (50%), anorexia (45%), increased appetite (42%), lethargy (40%), watery diarrhea (28%), and vomiting (19%). Eighty‐seven cats (58%) had concurrent diseases. Treatment response was reported to be good in 60%, partial in 27%, and poor in 13% of 121 cats. Trypsin‐like immunoreactivity <4 μg/L was associated with a positive response to treatment (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5–7.0; P = .004). Also, cobalamin supplementation improved the response to treatment (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.4–6.6; P = .006).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceExocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cats often has a different clinical presentation than in dogs. The age range for EPI in cats is wide, and many cats can be ≤5 years of age. Most cats respond well to appropriate treatment for EPI, and cobalamin supplementation appears to be necessary for a good response.

Serum Levels of Selected Vitamins and Trace Elements in Nigerian Consumers of Alcoholic Beverage: A Suggestion for DNA Hypomethylation.

Folic acid, vitamins and Zinc play essential role in DNA methylation but alcohol consumption is known to affectthe levels of these micronutrients leading to risk of developing various illnesses and certain cancers. This study determinedthe levels of DNA methylation dependent-micronutrients (folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, zinc and selenium) andhomocysteine as a suggestion for DNA methylation status in Nigerian alcohol consumers compared with non-consumers ofalcohol. Venous blood (5ml) was obtained from thirty-four males that consume alcoholic beverages for at least 10 years andthirty-two male controls that did not consume alcoholic beverages at least 10 years. Serum concentrations of folate, vitaminB12, vitamin B6, homocysteine (Hcy), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) were determined using High Performance LiquidChromatography (HPLC) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) as appropriate. Independent Student t-test wasused to compare the mean values between alcohol consumers and control. Mean differences were considered significant atp<0.05. The mean serum levels of Zn and Se were significantly raised in alcohol consumers when compared with nonalcohol consumers while the mean levels of Vitamin B6 and Hcy were significantly reduced in alcohol consumers whencompared with non-alcohol consumers. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean serum levels ofVitamin B12 and folate in alcohol consumers when compared with non-alcohol consumers. Since vitamin B6 and Hcy arerequired for DNA methylation, reduced vitamin B6 and Hcy levels in consumers of alcoholic beverages might suggest DNAhypomethylation in alcohol consumers.

High doses of oral folate and sublingual vitamin B12 in dialysis patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Introduction: Folic acid and vitamin B12, alone or in combination have been used to reduce homocysteine (Hcy) levels in dialysis patients. Objectives: We aimed to assess the efficacy of high doses of oral folate and vitamin B12 in reducing plasma Hcy levels after a 12-week treatment. Patients and Methods: Thirty-two dialysis patients aged 10-324 months screened for hyperhomocysteinuria. Then cases with hyperhomocysteinemia received oral folate 10 mg/day with sublingual methylcobalamin 1 mg/day for 12 weeks. In pre- and post-intervention phases plasma Hcy concentration, serum folate, and vitamin B12 levels were measured. Changes in plasma Hcy, serum folate, and vitamin B12 concentrations were analyzed by paired t tests, and P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Eighteen (56.2%) patients had hyperhomocysteinuria. Vitamin B12 and folate levels were normal or high in all cases. Two patients were lost due to transplant or irregular drugs consumption. Plasma Hcy levels were reduced in all, and reached normal values in 50%. A statistically significant differences between first Hcy levels with levels after intervention was found (95% CI, 5.1–8.9, P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Oral folate 10 mg/day in combination with sublingual vitamin B12, 1 mg/day can be considered as a favorable treatment for hyperhomocysteinemia in dialysis patients.

Does canine inflammatory bowel disease influence gut microbial profile and host metabolism?

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a diverse group of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and gut microbial dysbiosis has been proposed as a modulating factor in its pathogenesis. Several studies have investigated the gut microbial ecology of dogs with IBD but it is yet unclear if this microbial profile can alter the nutrient metabolism of the host. The aim of the present study was to characterize the faecal bacterial profile and functionality as well as to determine host metabolic changes in IBD dogs.Twenty-three dogs diagnosed with IBD and ten healthy control dogs were included. Dogs with IBD were given a clinical score using the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI). Faecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia concentrations were measured and quantitative PCR was performed. The concentration of plasma amino acids, acylcarnitines, serum folate, cobalamin, and indoxyl sulfate was determined.ResultsNo significant differences in the abundance of a selection of bacterial groups and fermentation metabolites were observed between the IBD and control groups. However, significant negative correlations were found between CCECAI and the faecal proportion of Lactobacillus as well as between CCECAI and total SCFA concentration. Serum folate and plasma citrulline were decreased and plasma valine was increased in IBD compared to control dogs. Increased plasma free carnitine and total acylcarnitines were observed in IBD compared with control dogs, whereas short-chain acylcarnitines (butyrylcarnitine + isobutyrylcarnitine and, methylmalonylcarnitine) to free carnitine ratios decreased. Dogs with IBD had a higher 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine + isovalerylcarnitine to leucine ratio compared to control dogs.ConclusionsCanine IBD induced a wide range of changes in metabolic profile, especially for the plasma concentrations of short-chain acylcarnitines and amino acids, which could have evolved from tissue damage and alteration in host metabolism. In addition, dogs with more severe IBD were characterised by a decrease in faecal proportion of Lactobacillus.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0736-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.