Serum Retinol Concentrations Research Articles

The relationship between serum retinol concentrations and subclinical infection in rural Brazilian children

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the relationship between serum retinol concentrations and subclinical infection in children from rural settlements. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in nine rural settlements in the northeastern region of Brazil, involving 118 children aged 6 to 59 months. The relationship between serum retinol and C-Reactive Protein levels, an important marker of infectious and inflammatory processes, was investigated by multiple linear regression, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic and nutritional variables. Serum retinol and C-Reactive Protein were measured, respectively, by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and immunoturbidimetric assay in automated equipment. Results Vitamin A deficiency (retinol <0.70μmol/L) was identified in 9.3% of the children. C-Reactive Protein was the only predictor of retinol concentrations in the final regression model, causing a 0.728μmol/L reduction in retinol concentrations in the studied children (p=0.008). Conclusion Vitamin A deficiency is a problem of mild/moderate severity and measures to control infectious diseases in this population are fundamental to prevent and/or combat this problem.

RETINOL CONTENT AND REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS IN RESIDENTS OF EASTERN SIBERIA (LITERATURE REVIEW)

The article presents a literature review on the role of retinol as a component of the systemic metabolism affecting the reproductive system functioning and the consequences of its deficit. The paper presents the analysis of research works of FSBSI "Scientific Center of Family Health Problems and Human Reproduction" on studying reproductive health of the citizens of Eastern Siberia for the last 20 years as well as present knowledge on the relationship of low retinol level and reproductive disorders. Diagnostic results of 2 600 patients, including 2 200 with infertility and more than 400 teenagers from Russian and Buryat ethnic groups from rural areas and cities of Eastern Siberia, as well as the small peoples of the North: the Evenks and the Tofalars were analyzed. The authors found a decrease in the retinol concentration in blood serum of women and men with infertility as well as the growth of combined hormone-dependent diseases associated with a low content of this vitamin in women. The relationship between the content of retinol, а-tocopherol, thyroid hormones and some blood bioelements in women with infertility was detected. The article also presents data on the ethnic features of the metabolic status typical for the indigenous population - the Buryats and Tofalars. Retinol decrease in boys - Caucasians with hormonal disorders, residing in the industrial city was stated.

Vitamin A nutritional status in high‐ and low‐income postpartum women and its effect on colostrum and the requirements of the term newborn

ObjectiveTo evaluate the vitamin A status in serum and colostrum of postpartum women with different socioeconomic status, comparing the colostrum retinol supply with the vitamin A requirement of the newborn. MethodsCross-sectional study conducted with 424 postpartum women. Vitamin A maternal dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Colostrum and serum retinol levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum retinol concentrations <20 μg/dL were indicative of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Vitamin A levels provided by colostrum <400 μgRAE/day were considered as insufficient for term newborns. ResultsThe mean maternal vitamin A intake during pregnancy was 872.2 ± 639.2 μgRAE/day in low-income women and 1169.2 ± 695.2 μgRAE/day for high-income women (p < 0.005). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 6.9% (n = 18) in the low-income group and 3.7% (n = 6) in the high-income group. The estimated mean retinol intake by infants of the high- and low-income mothers were 343.3 μgRAE/day (85.8% AI) and 427.2 μgRAE/day (106.8% AI), respectively. ConclusionsSerum vitamin A deficiency was considered a mild public health problem in both populations; however, newborns of low‐income women were more likely to receive lower retinol levels through colostrum when compared with newborns of high‐income mothers.

Vitamin A Deficiency Induces Autistic-Like Behaviors in Rats by Regulating the RARβ-CD38-Oxytocin Axis in the Hypothalamus.

Vitamin A (VA) is an essential nutrient for the development of the brain. We previously found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a significant rate of VA deficiency (VAD). In the current study, we aim to determine whether VAD is a risk factor for the generation of autistic-like behaviors via the transcription factor retinoic acid receptor beta (RARβ)-regulated cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38)-oxytocin (OXT) axis. Gestational VAD or VA supplementation (VAS) rat models are established, and the autistic-like behaviors in the offspring rats are investigated. The different expression levels of RARβ and CD38 in hypothalamic tissue and serum retinol and OXT concentration are tested. Primary cultured rat hypothalamic neurons are treated with all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), and recombinant adenoviruses carrying the rat RARβ (AdRARβ) or RNA interference virus RARβ-siRNA (siRARβ) are used to infect neurons to change RARβ signal. Western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and intracellular Ca2+ detections are used to investigate the primary regulatory mechanism of RARβ in the CD38-OXT signaling pathway. We found that gestational VAD increases autistic-like behaviors and decreases the expression levels of hypothalamic RARβ and CD38 and serum OXT levels in the offspring. VAS ameliorates these autistic-like behaviors and increases the expression levels of RARβ, CD38, and OXT in the gestational VAD pups. In vitro, atRA increases the Ca2+ excitability of neurons, which might further promote the release of OXT. Different CD38 levels are induced in the neurons by infection with different RARβ adenoviruses. Furthermore, atRA enhances the binding of RARβ to the proximal promoter of CD38, indicating a potential upregulation of CD38 transcriptional activity by RARβ. Gestational VAD might be a risk factor for autistic-like behaviors due to the RARβ signal suppression of CD38 expression in the hypothalamus of the offspring, which improves with VAS during the early-life period. The nutritional status during pregnancy and the early-life period is important in rats.

Vitamin A intake of Brazilian mothers and retinol concentrations in maternal blood, human milk, and the umbilical cord.

ObjectivesTo analyse intake of vitamin A (VA) and retinol concentrations in maternal blood, breast milk (BM), and the umbilical cord (UC) of newborns, and to determine the associations among these variables.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 180 mother–newborn dyads. Maternal and UC blood samples and BM were collected. VA intake by the mother over 30 days was assessed using a questionnaire.ResultsMean retinol concentrations in maternal serum, the UC, and BM were 0.65 ± 0.27, 0.36 ± 0.18, and 2.95 ± 2.70 µmol/L, respectively. Retinol concentrations <0.70 µmol/L were found in 57.2% of maternal blood samples and in 94.9% of UC samples. A total of 27.9% of BM samples showed retinol concentrations <1.05 µmol/L. Mean VA intake by the mothers was 1041.33 ± 1187.86 µg retinol activity equivalents/day and was inadequate (<550 µg retinol activity equivalents/day) in 44.7%.ConclusionsHigh proportions of insufficient retinol concentrations were observed in the UC, maternal blood, and BM. A high percentage of pregnant women had inadequate VA intake. Mothers with insufficient serum retinol concentrations had newborns with lower retinol concentrations in the UC. Higher retinol concentrations were observed in maternal blood and the UC with a higher VA intake.

Vitamin A status in healthy women eating traditionally prepared spirulina (Dihé) in the Chad Lake area.

BackgroundChad Lake is a central place in a region with a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. Spirulina, a natural source of β-carotene, is traditionally produced and eaten as “Dihé” around Chad Lake. β-carotene spirulina has been found to have a high conversion factor to retinol. The aim of the study was to assess if the retinol status between healthy women eating spirulina Dihé daily (SPI+) and not (SPI-) in the Chad Lake area was different.MethodsThis study was observational: 88 healthy women were recruited and selected according to clinical criteria and their willingness to participate. They were divided in two groups according to their Dihé daily consumption: those who eat Dihé (SPI+; n = 35) and those who do not (SPI-; n = 35). After anthropometric and dietary assessments, blood retinol, β-carotene, retinol binding, and inflammatory/nutritional proteins were measured.ResultsThe diet between groups was identical, except for β-carotene consumption, which was higher in SPI+ than in SPI- (10.8 vs. 1.8 mg/day). The serum retinol and β-carotene concentrations were significantly higher in SPI+ than in SPI- at 1.26 ± 0.36 μmol/l versus 1.03 ± 0.31 μmol/l (p = 0.008) and 0.59 ±0.37 μmol/l versus 0.46± 0.31 μmol/l (p = 0.04), respectively. Seventy-seven percent of SPI+ versus 29% of SPI- had an adequate blood retinol value (p = 0.01).ConclusionThe results confirm that β-carotene in spirulina is an effective positive modulator of blood retinol status. Dihé is a potential natural source of β-carotene to achieve a proper vitamin A status in healthy women living near Chad Lake.

Impact of biofortified maize consumption on serum carotenoid concentrations in Zambian children.

Biofortified maize, designed as an intervention strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency, can provide upwards of 15 μg β-carotene per g dry weight. Some varieties also have elevated concentrations of other carotenoids. We conducted a cluster randomized, controlled feeding trial in rural Zambia to test the impact of daily consumption of biofortified maize over a 6-month period on vitamin A status. Serum concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data on circulating carotenoids by intervention group in 679 children are reported here. As previously shown, consumption of this β-carotene-rich maize significantly improved serum β-carotene concentrations (0.273 vs. 0.147 μmol/L, p < 0.001, in this subset of children). Here we show significant increases in α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin (p < 0.001). There was no impact on lutein or lycopene concentrations. Consumption of biofortified maize can have broader implications beyond the control of vitamin A deficiency (Trial registration: NCT01695148).

High Serum Retinol as a Relevant Contributor to Low Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women.

There is controversial information about the impact of vitamin A on bone. Some epidemiological studies show that excessive intake of vitamin A, or an excess of serum vitamin A, has related with adverse impact on bone mass; however, other studies did not find these links, and some authors have proposed that this vitamin might promote a better bone health. The present work aims to contribute to clarify the real role of vitamin A in bone tissue. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study of 154 osteoporotic non-treated postmenopausal women (> 65years old) was carried out. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We assessed concentrations of serum retinol, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus. We also studied demographic and anthropometric parameters. Spearman's correlations between retinol levels and other variables found negative correlations with BMD in both lumbar spine (R=- 0.162, P < 0.01) and femoral neck (R=- 0.182, P < 0.01), as well as alkaline phosphatase (R=- 0.110; P < 0.05) and phosphorus (R=- 0.110; P < 0.05). A positive correlation between retinol and fertile window was observed (R = 0.158; P < 0.01). After multivariable adjustment, we still found a negative correlation between serum retinol and BMD, both at the lumbar spine (R=- 0.210; P < 0.01) and at the femoral neck (R=- 0.324, P < 0.001). It is concluded that elevated serum-retinol levels are associated with an increased risk of low bone mass and thus with osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, osteoporosis-risk assessment should include quantification of serum metabolite of vitamin A.

Effect of Moringa Leaves Powder Consumption on Young Children Nutritional and Serum Retinol Status in Burkina Faso Rural Area

The promotion of the consumption of indigenous plant species with high nutritional value is an important nutrition intervention in Africa rural areas. The current student was a randomized control trial of two groups (ᶲG₥ and ᶲGm) with a baseline and an endline evaluation after 12 weeks. A total of 119 pre-school children received Moringa leaf powder and changes in vitamin A and anthropometric indicators of children were assessed against changes for control group children. After 12 weeks, the mean WHZ reflecting acute malnutrition declined in both groups. The mean WHZ decreased from -2.31 z-score to -1.86 z-score in group 1 (ᶲG₥) and -2.20 z-score to -1.88 z-score in group 2 (ᶲGm) receiving Moringa as a dietary supplement with a statistically significant decrease in groups (p <0.001). The mean serum retinol concentration in children was below the cut-off defining VA deficiency (<0.7 μmol.L-1). The baseline prevalence of VA deficiency was 56.8% in group 1 and 53.8% in group 2. Mean retinol concentrations increased significantly from 0.64 μmol.L-1 to 0.73 μmol.L-1 (p <0.001) in Group 1 (ᶲG₥ (Control) and from 0.64 μmol.L-1 to 0.74 ± 0.05 μmol.L-1 (p <0.001) in group 2 (ᶲGm). Significant increase was observed regardless of gender in both groups. The change between groups was not statistically significant (p=0.838). Our findings showed that the intervention was not effective enough in the change in serum retinol status in children (p = 0.379). The change in serum retinol was significantly influenced by serum retinol concentration at baseline. Therefore, the promotion of Moringa leaf consumption should be complemented by additional approaches to increase VA intake, as well as through public health measures such as deworming programs, to enhance its effectiveness in the fight against VA deficiencies and many other micronutrients.

The role of serum retinol in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background Retinol has been involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have emerged as the most common chronic liver diseases. A minority of affected patients develop subsequently hepatic fibrosis, whereas most of them exhibit simple steatosis. Indeed, the relation between retinol and NAFLD and NASH is still incomplete and unknown. Objective This study aimed to identify the clinical relevance of retinol in patients with NAFLD and NASH. Patients and methods This study enrolled 90 individuals who were selected from the outpatient clinic of Al Zahraa University Hospital, Egypt, which comprised 30 patients with NAFLD, 30 with NASH and 30 healthy persons as a control group. Serum glucose, lipid profiles, markers of liver damage, serum retinol, and abdominal ultrasound were studied. Results Serum retinol concentrations were significantly lower in NAFLD and NASH than in control, where the mean serum retinol concentration in patients with NAFLD was 23.02±2.9 and NASH was 11.7±2.3, and it was significantly lower than those in controls, with 36.1±2.7 (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion Circulating retinol concentrations were lower in patients with NAFLD and were associated with hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin resistance.

Red palm oil bean-stew improved serum vitamin A and haemoglobin concentrations and anthropometric indicators of school children with low vitamin A concentrations in a malaria-endemic setting

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), anaemia, and parasitic infections are among the major nutritional and health problems confronting Ghanaian school children. This study assessed the impact of red palm oil bean-stew consumption on serum retinol and haemoglobin concentrations of Ghanaian school children in a malaria-endemic setting. The design was a pre-post nutrition intervention study. It involved 142 6-12 year-old children. Participants were selected by simple random sampling. After baseline sample and data collection, the participants consumed red palm oil bean-stew with gari (made from fermented, grated cassava flour), three times a week for a period of six months. Final biological samples and data were collected as at baseline. Dietary data were collected using Food Frequency Questionnaires and the 24-hour recall procedure. Serum retinol was measured with High Performance Liquid Chromatography and haemoglobin by Haemocue Haemoglobinometer. Malaria parasitaemia and hookworms were examined by microscopy from blood films and stool samples using the Giemsastaining and Kato-Katz techniques, respectively. Data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version-23. Mean values for outcome variables were compared between baseline and final using paired t-tests. Results indicated that majority of the participants (82.4%) consumed cereals. Many of them also (98.6%) never consumed dairy or dairy products. Mean serum retinol concentration was 12.1 ± 6.6μg/dl during baseline and 16.2 ± 6.4μg/dl at final, the difference significant at p<0.05. The mean haemoglobin concentration at baseline was 119.4 ± 10.6 g/l and 126.0 ± 9.34g/l at final, with a significant difference at p<0.05. The prevalence of VAD defined as serum retinol concentration <20μg/dl was 76.2% at the end of the study being significantly different from that at baseline (93.6%), p<0.05. Prevalence of anaemia was 30.3% and 11.3% at baseline and final, respectively with a significant difference at p<0.05. Malaria parasitaemia was prevalent: 67.6 % at baseline and 62.7% at the end of the study. Only one participant (0.01%) was found with hookworm infestation. For participants with VAD, 48.3% and 36.2% improved to moderate and normal vitamin A status, respectively at the end of the study. The prevalence of anaemia among VAD participants was 36.2 % at baseline and 12.1 % at final. In conclusion, red palm oil beanstew consumption increased the haemoglobin concentration and minimized prevalence of anaemia among the study participants. It also increased serum retinol concentrations and minimized the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (especially severe vitamin A deficiency) among the study participants. Keywords: Red palm oil, Vitamin A, Haemoglobin, School children, Malaria, Parasitaemia

The Effect of Red Palm Oil on Vitamin A Deficiency: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Red palm oil (RPO) has been investigated for preventing or alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Previous data has offered inconclusive and inconsistent results about the effects of RPO in patients with VAD. Our objective was to undertake a meta-analysis to assess the effects of RPO in preventing VAD in the population. After conducting a comprehensive literature search, nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Overall, when trial results were pooled, the results indicated that RPO reduced the risk of VAD (relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.55 (0.37, 0.82), p = 0.003), increasedserum retinol levels in both children (p < 0.00001) and adults (p = 0.002), and increased β-carotene levels (p = 0.01). However, RPO supplementation did not have a significant overall effect on serum α-carotene levels (p = 0.06), body weight (p = 0.45), and haemoglobin levels (p = 0.72). The results also showed that low level of PRO intake (≤8 g RPO) could increase serum retinol concentrations whereas PRO intake above 8 g did not lead to further increase of serum retinol concentrations. This meta-analysis demonstrated that RPO might be effective for preventing or alleviating VAD.

Neoadjuvant combination therapy with trastuzumab in a breast cancer patient with synchronous rectal carcinoma: a case report and biomarker study

Abstract We report a patient who presented with synchronous second primary human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2-positive breast cancer and rectal cancer that both required simultaneous neoadjuvant therapy. A modified regimen combining anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab with chemotherapy and external beam radiation was selected. An organ-preserving surgical procedure was possible both in the breast and the rectum. Citrulline decreased rapidly after the start of the treatment, and then gradually returned to pre-treatment levels after the completion of chemoradiation. Urinary neopterin concentrations exhibited a fluctuating course. Both serum neopterin and C-reactive protein concentrations were more or less stable during the initial administration of trastuzumab, paclitaxel and carboplatin and then increased steeply during chemoradiation and subsequently declined to pre-treatment levels during the weekly trastuzumab administration. Changes were observed in the serum retinol concentrations. A decline in lymphocyte counts was accompanied by marked changes in peripheral blood cell count-derived ratios. The present case report demonstrates a successful combination of two neoadjuvant regimens in a patient with two synchronous different second primary tumors. Data from this case also illustrate the use of biomarkers for monitoring of intensive therapeutic regimens in medical and radiation oncology.

Vitamin A improves the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and decreases 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): A pilot study

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complicated neurodevelopmental disorders. Many studies have demonstrated that children with autism have multiple nutritional deficiencies and increased serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels. In our previous study, 77.9% of autistic children were found to have vitamin A deficiency, and the concentration of vitamin A was negatively associated with the CARS score. In the present study, we sought to test whether vitamin A supplementation could improve autistic symptoms and decrease serum 5-HT levels. The DSM-V criteria and CARS score were used for symptom description and symptom assessment of the patients, respectively, before and after vitamin A supplementation (VAS). Serum retinol and 5-HT levels, mRNA levels of RAR α, β, and γ and TpH 1 expression were detected in autistic children before and after VAS and in normal children. Serum retinol levels in children with ASD were significantly lower than in control children. Serum 5-HT levels in children with ASD were higher than in control children, which were correlated with symptom severity of children with autism. After VA supplementation, the children with ASD exhibited significant improvement in autism symptoms. Serum retinol concentrations of children with ASD were significantly increased, and serum 5-HT levels were decreased. Moreover, statistically significant changes were observed in mRNA expression levels of RAR α, RAR γ and TpH 1 after VAS compared to baseline. This study suggested that VA supplementation may improve symptoms and reduce 5-HT levels in children with ASD, indicating that VA supplementation is a reasonable therapy at least for a subset of children with autism.

Status of Vitamin A and Related Compounds and Clinical Outcomes in Maternal-Infant Pairs in the Midwestern United States

Background: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for pregnant women, and other vitamin A-related compounds, including lutein and lycopene, have been associated with maternal-infant outcomes. The objective of this study was to quantify the status of vitamin A and related compounds in maternal-infant pairs at the time of delivery, and to determine its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: Maternal and cord blood samples were collected in 189 mother-infant pairs. Concentrations of lutein + zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, carotenes, and retinol were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Descriptive statistics was calculated and Spearman coefficients were used to assess correlations between maternal and cord measurements. Kruskal-Wallis and independent samples t test were used to compare measures between retinol groups. Linear and logistic regression models were used to adjust for relevant confounders. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Ten percent of mothers had serum retinol concentrations ≤0.70 µmol/L; 80% of infants had serum retinol concentrations ≤0.70 µmol/L. Low maternal retinol concentrations were associated with maternal anemia (p = 0.04) and a trend toward low birth weight (p = 0.06). Maternal and infant concentrations of vitamin A compounds were highly correlated. After adjustment for confounders, maternal lutein was associated with a C-section (p = 0.03) and a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome in the infant (p = 0.02). Maternal lycopene was associated with growth parameters in the infant. Conclusions: As vitamin A-related compounds are modifiable by diet, future research determining the clinical impact of these compounds is warranted.

Vitamin A nutritional status in high- and low-income postpartum women and its effect on colostrum and the requirements of the term newborn

ObjectiveTo evaluate the vitamin A status in serum and colostrum of postpartum women with different socioeconomic status, comparing the colostrum retinol supply with the vitamin A requirement of the newborn. MethodsCross-sectional study conducted with 424 postpartum women. Vitamin A maternal dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Colostrum and serum retinol levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum retinol concentrations <20μg/dL were indicative of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Vitamin A levels provided by colostrum <400μgRAE/day were considered as insufficient for term newborns. ResultsThe mean maternal vitamin A intake during pregnancy was 872.2±639.2μgRAE/day in low-income women and 1169.2±695.2μgRAE/day for high-income women (p<0.005). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 6.9% (n=18) in the low-income group and 3.7% (n=6) in the high-income group. The estimated mean retinol intake by infants of the high- and low-income mothers were 343.3μgRAE/day (85.8% AI) and 427.2μgRAE/day (106.8% AI), respectively. ConclusionsSerum vitamin A deficiency was considered a mild public health problem in both populations; however, newborns of low-income women were more likely to receive lower retinol levels through colostrum when compared with newborns of high-income mothers.

Relationship between the Nutritional Status of Vitamin A per Trimester of Pregnancy with Maternal Anthropometry and Anemia after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional status of vitamin A per trimester of pregnancy, as well as to assess its influence on pre-pregnancy BMI, total gestational weight gain (TGWG) and presence of anemia in women who had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). An analytical, longitudinal and retrospective study comprising 30 pregnant women who had previously undergone RYGB was undertaken. In all trimesters of pregnancy, the serum concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, stages of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), night blindness (NB), anemia and anthropometric variables were assessed. VAD in pregnancy affected 90% of women, 86.7% developed NB and 82.8% had mild VAD. TGWG above/below the recommended range was related to the low serum concentrations of β-carotene (p = 0.045) in the second trimester and women with TGWG above the recommended range showed 100% of inadequacy of this nutrient in the third trimester. Among the pregnant women with anemia, 90.9% had VAD and 86.4% had NB. This study highlights the importance of monitoring the nutritional status of vitamin A in prenatal care, due to its relationship with TGWG and the high percentage of VAD and NB found since the beginning of pregnancy. It also reaffirms the use of the cut-off <1.05 μmol/L for determining VAD.

Metabolomic Profiling of Serum Retinol in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study

The role of retinol in the prevention of multifactorial chronic diseases remains uncertain, and there is sparse evidence regarding biological actions and pathways implicated in its effects on various outcomes. The aim is to investigate whether serum retinol in an un-supplemented state is associated with low molecular weight circulating metabolites. We performed a metabolomic analysis of 1,282 male smoker participants based on pre-supplementation fasting serum in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. We examined the association between 947 metabolites measured by ultra-high performance LC-MS/GC-MS and retinol concentration (from HPLC) using linear regression that estimated the difference in metabolite concentrations per unit difference in retinol concentration as standardized β-coefficients and standard errors (SE). We identified 63 metabolites associated with serum retinol below the Bonferroni-corrected P-value (p < 5.3 × 10–5). The strongest signals were for N-acetyltryptophan (β = 0.27; SE = 0.032; p = 9.8 × 10−17), myo-inositol (β = 0.23; SE = 0.032; p = 9.8 × 10−13), and 1-palmitoylglycerophosphoethanolamine (β = 0.22; SE = 0.032; p = 3.2 × 10−12). Several chemical class pathways were strongly associated with retinol, including amino acids (p = 1.6 × 10−10), lipids (p = 3.3 × 10–7), and cofactor/vitamin metabolites (3.3 × 10−7). The strongest sub-pathway association was for inositol metabolism (p = 2.0 × 10–14). Serum retinol concentration is associated with circulating metabolites in various metabolic pathways, particularly lipids, amino acids, and cofactors/vitamins. These interrelationships may have relevance to the biological actions of retinol, including its role in carcinogenesis.

The relation between household exposure to passive smoking and serum concentration of micronutrient

Twenty female their husband are heavy smokers were involved in this study in addition to another twenty women have no household exposure to cigarette smoking. All women have no serious health problem and they never smoke. The object of our study was to assess the presence of any relation between household exposure to passive smoking and serum concentration of retinol, tocopherols and carotenoids. Persons who smoke cigarettes are known to differ from persons who never smoked with respect to several life style behaviors, including eating less healthful diet and drinking more alcohol. The same could be true, to a lesser degree for comparison of non-smokers exposed to passive smoking with non-smoker who is not exposed to passive smoking. Serum samples were taken from the two groups and analyzed to reveal the concentration of retinol, tocopherols and carotenoids. Comparison between the two groups shows that those non-smokers who were exposed to passive smoking at home had serum concentration of carotenoids lower than in females not exposed to passive smoking at home (P&lt;0.05). For serum retinol concentration. it was significantly higher in female with no household exposure than in female with household exposure (P&lt;0.05), the same for serum tocopherols concentration. The results suggest that passive smoke exposure lowered circulating micronutrient concentration by directly depleting antioxidant micronutrient.

Burden of disease attributable to vitamin A deficiency in Iranian population aged less than five years: findings from the global burden of disease study 2010

BackgroundVitamin A deficiency (VAD) is considered as one of the most serious public health concerns in developing countriesand the leading cause of mortality in under-five-year-old children.A large number of young children and pregnant women especially in low-income, non-industrialized communities are more susceptible to VAD. This study aims to report the burden of disease (BOD) attributable to VAD in Iranian population aged less than 5 years by using data of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2010.MethodsThe GBD 2010 study calculated the proportion of deaths, years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to VAD by using the comparative risk assessment (CRA). VAD defined as low serum retinol concentrations (plasma retinol concentration < 0.70 umole/L) among children aged less than five. The VAD outcomes consisted of mortality due to diarrhea, measles, malaria, neglected infectious diseases, morbidity due to malaria (children < 5 years), low birth weight and other perinatal conditions. Uncertainty in the estimates is presented as 95% uncertainty interval (UI).ResultsIn 1990, there were 371 (95% UI: 166,665) DALYs due to VAD per 100,000 under five-year-old Iranian children in both sexes. The DALYs rate had a downward trend throughout the following years and reached to 76 (95% UI: 33–139)in 2010.The DALYs in children aged under 5 years was 378 (95% UI: 153–747) years for boys and 363 (95% UI: 148–692) years for girls in 1990 which fell to 79 (95% UI: 32–149) and 73 (95% UI: 29–138) in boys and girls in 2010, respectively. The rates of YLDs attributable to VAD changed in both sexes from 87(95% UI: 34–162) in 1990 to 46 (95% UI: 17–69) in 2010. The highest rate of YLDs attributed to VAD was observed in children aged 1–4. On the other hand, the YLLs were mostly in the 0–1-year-oldchildren in all years except 2010.ConclusionIt was found that DALYs attributable to VAD in 1990, followed by a considerable reduction rate after a period of two decades, in 2010. Additional studies on the burden of diseases particularly at sub-national level with more accurate data are recommended.