Retinol Concentrations Research Articles

Vitamin A–fortified rice increases total body vitamin A stores in lactating Thai women measured by retinol isotope dilution: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

Lactating women are at increased risk for vitamin A (VA) deficiency due to demands for breast milk content and limited hepatic stores for women in some countries. Previously, consumption of triple-fortified rice, which included VA, iron, and zinc, successfully improved the VA status of Thai children in whom their total body VA stores (TBSs) were doubled in 2 mo. This study assessed the efficacy of consuming VA-fortified rice, which delivered 500 µg retinol activity equivalents (RAEs)/d, on TBSs and estimated total liver VA reserves (TLRs) in Thai lactating women using the retinol isotope dilution (RID) test. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 lactating women (n=35/group) who received either VA-fortified rice (500 µg RAEs/d) or unfortified rice for 14 wk on weekdays only. Serum retinol concentrations (SRs), C-reactive protein, and TBSs were assessed before and after the intervention. The paired 13C-RID test was used to measure TBSs. After a baseline blood sample, 2.0 µmol [14,15]-13C2-retinyl acetate was administered orally. A follow-up blood sample was drawn 14 d later. The RID test was repeated after the intervention. TBSs increased significantly (P<0.05) in the intervention group from 240 (182, 316) to 331 (251, 447) [geometric means (95% CIs)] µmol retinol, and this change in TBSs was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in the control group [+52.9 (-74, 453) compared with -4.3 (-106, 275) µmol retinol]. Estimated TLRs indicated a high prevalence of VA deficiency among these lactating women. Initial and final SRs did not differ by group and did not change over the course of the intervention. VA-fortified rice improved the VA status of lactating women by increasing TBSs. A targeted approach to disseminate VA interventions among vulnerable groups should be considered in some contexts. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03056625.

Percentile values for serum levels of vitamins A and D in Iranian children and adolescents: The CASPIAN-V study

ObjectivesThe reference values to determine vitamin A and D deficiency may vary based on ethnicity, age, and region of residence. The aim of this study was to determine the reference interval of circulating vitamin A and D levels among Iranian children and adolescents based on sex, age, and region of residence. MethodsThis nationwide cross-sectional study was performed with 2596 students 7 to 18 y of age from the CASPIAN-V (Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non- communicable disease) study. A parametric method was used to define the age-specific reference values by obtaining smooth centile curves and explicit formulae for the centile estimates and SD scores for both sexes and regions of residence. ResultsSignificant differences were found between the residents of rural and urban regions in terms of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and retinol concentration (P < 0.05). Boys (27 ± 8 versus 26.04 ± 10, P = 0.009). Children ages 7 to 12 y had higher serum 25(OH)D concentration than 13- to 18-y-old adolescents (26.96 ± 8 versus 26.04 ± 10, P = 0.007). The estimated reference interval for circulating 25(OH)D levels corresponding to the range between the 5th and 95th percentiles were 11.45 to 48.40 ng/mL in boys and 9.51 to 47.69 ng/mL in girls. Estimated reference intervals for serum retinol concentration among boys and girls corresponding to the 5th and 95th percentiles were 0.58 to 3.38 and 0.58 to 4.52, respectively. There were significant variations in both retinol and 25(OH)D concentrations across different age groups. ConclusionThis study established the reference intervals for circulating 25(OH)D and retinol levels in Iranian adolescents and children in different age groups based on sex and region.

Integral assessment of lipoperoxidation processes in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism

Aim. To assess the state of the ‘lipid peroxidation – antioxidant defense’ system using an integral indicator (coefficient of oxidative stress) in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism in various periods of reproductive age. Materials and methods . During an annual preventive medical examination at the Scientific Сentre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, 92 women of reproductive age (18–45 years old) were divided into a group of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ( n = 47) and a control group of healthy women ( n = 45). The group of women with PCOS was further divided into subgroups according to age characteristics: the 1st subgroup consisted of women with PCOS of early reproductive age (18–35 years old), and the 2nd group had women with PCOS of late reproductive age (35–45 years old). Practically healthy women of the corresponding ages made up the 3rd and 4th control subgroups. Standard methods were used to study the LPO–antioxidant defense system. The oxidative stress severity was assessed by an integral indicator: the coefficient of oxidative stress. Results . An increase in ketodiens and coupled trienes serum levels, a decrease in reduced glutathione, α-tocopherol and retinol levels, and an increase in SOD activity in PCOS women of reproductive age (18–45 years old) were detected in comparison with the control group. Early reproductive age PCOS women also demonstrated an increase in oxidized glutathione and retinol concentration decrease. In the late reproductive age group of PCOS women, an increased superoxide dismutase activity was registered. The integral indicator of oxidative stress in the main group of women with PCOS was 2.5, which shows the enhancement of oxidative processes, and imbalance in the LPO–antioxidant defense system. This indicator was the most pronounced (2.8) in early reproductive age women. In women of late reproductive age, this indicator was equal to 1.9. Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the development of oxidative stress in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism, which is mоre pronounced in the group of late reproductive age women.

Different content of cholesterol, retinol, and tocopherols in human milk according to its fat content

This study aimed at investigating the different content of the selected macro- and micronutrients in human milk (HM) according to its fat content. We collected 34 HM samples from Korean mothers, and classified them into 3 groups according to their fat content. Then, their protein, lactose, cholesterol, retinol, tocopherol, and mineral contents were compared. When their contents were presented as per 100 g of HM, cholesterol, retinol, and tocopherol contents increased significantly from group A–C (p 0.05), whereas cholesterol content was significantly lower in group C compared to A and B (p 0.05). In addition, strong correlations among cholesterol, retinol, and tocopherol contents were observed, whereas these components were negatively correlated with lactose content to a small extent, and unrelated to protein content.

Consumption of vitamin A-deficient diet elevates endoplasmic reticulum stress marker and suppresses high fructose-induced orexigenic gene expression in the brain of male Wistar rats

ABSTRACT Vitamin A deficiency and excessive fructose consumption are known to cause functional impairment of various vital organs including the brain in the mammalian system. However, the underlying pathways and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Objective Here, we assessed the impact of vitamin A deficiency (both alone and in combination with fructose) on the retinol status, phospholipids fatty acid composition and pathways associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and energy homeostasis of the brain. For this purpose, weanling male Wistar rats were divided into four groups consisting of 8 rats each, except 16 for the second group and they received one of the following diets; control, vitamin A-deficient (VAD), high fructose (HFr) and HFr with VAD for 16 weeks, except half of the VAD diet-fed rats, were shifted to HFr diet, after 8 weeks period. Results The retinol content of the whole brain remained comparable across the groups, despite a significant reduction in the plasma at the end of VAD diet feeding. However, it suppressed the HFr-induced neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide, while rescuing the leptin receptor mRNA. Among ER stress markers, CCAAT/Enhancer-binding protein homologues protein levels were elevated significantly in the VAD diet-fed group. Further, the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels showed an increase in the brain phospholipids across the experimental groups, compared to that of the control. Conclusion Vitamin A deficiency causes ER stress in the brain, and retinol seems to play a regulatory role in the fructose-mediated transcriptional regulation of the genes involved in energy homeostasis.

Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements Do Not Affect Plasma or Milk Retinol Concentrations Among Malawian Mothers, or Plasma Retinol Concentrations among Young Malawian or Ghanaian Children in Two Randomized Trials

ABSTRACTBackgroundVitamin A (VA) deficiency is prevalent in preschool-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa.ObjectivesWe assessed the effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) given to women during pregnancy and lactation and their children from 6 to 18 mo of age on women's plasma and milk retinol concentrations in Malawi, and children's plasma retinol concentration in Malawi and Ghana.MethodsPregnant women (≤20 wk of gestation) were randomized to receive daily: 1) iron and folic acid (IFA) during pregnancy only; 2) multiple micronutrients (MMN; 800 μg retinol equivalent (RE)/capsule), or 3) SQ-LNS (800 μg RE/20g) during pregnancy and the first 6 mo postpartum. Children of mothers in the SQ-LNS group received SQ-LNS (400 μg RE/20 g) from 6 to 18 mo of age; children of mothers in the IFA and MMN groups received no supplement. Plasma retinol was measured in mothers at ≤20 and 36 wk of gestation and 6 mo postpartum, and in children at 6 and 18 mo of age. Milk retinol was measured at 6 mo postpartum. VA status indicators were compared by group.ResultsAmong Malawian mothers, geometric mean (95% CI) plasma retinol concentrations at 36 wk of gestation and 6 mo postpartum were 0.97 μmol/L (0.94, 1.01 μmol/L) and 1.35 μmol/L (1.31, 1.39 μmol/L), respectively; geometric mean (95% CI) milk retinol concentration at 6 mo postpartum was 1.04 μmol/L (0.97, 1.13 μmol/L); results did not differ by intervention group. Geometric mean (95% CI) plasma retinol concentrations for Malawian children at 6 and 18 mo of age were 0.78 μmol/L (0.75, 0.81 μmol/L) and 0.81 μmol/L (0.78, 0.85 μmol/L), respectively, and for Ghanaian children they were 0.85 μmol/L (0.82, 0.88 μmol/L) and 0.88 μmol/L (0.85, 0.91 μmol/L), respectively; results did not differ by intervention group in either setting.ConclusionsSQ-LNS had no effect on VA status of mothers or children, possibly because of low responsiveness of the VA status indicators.

Biological evidence to define a vitamin A deficiency cutoff using total liver vitamin A reserves.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in essential functions including growth, immunity, reproduction, and vision. The vitamin A Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for North Americans suggested that a minimally acceptable total liver vitamin A reserve (TLR) is 0.07 µmol/g, which is not explicitly expressed as a vitamin A deficiency cutoff. The Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development panel set the TLR cutoff for vitamin A deficiency at 0.1 µmol/g based on changes in biological response of several physiological parameters at or above this cutoff. The criteria used to formulate the DRIs include clinical ophthalmic signs of vitamin A deficiency, circulating plasma retinol concentrations, excretion of vitamin A metabolites in the bile, and long-term storage of vitamin A as protection against vitamin A deficiency during times of low dietary intake. This review examines the biological responses that occur as TLRs are depleted. In consideration of all of the DRI criteria, the review concludes that induced biliary excretion and long-term vitamin A storage do not occur until TLRs are >0.10 µmol/g. If long-term storage is to continue to be part of the DRI criteria, vitamin A deficiency should be set at a minimum cutoff of 0.10 µmol/g and should be set higher during times of enhanced requirements where TLRs can be rapidly depleted, such as during lactation or in areas with high infection burden. In population-based surveys, cutoffs are important when using biomarkers of micronutrient status to define the prevalence of deficiency and sufficiency to inform public health interventions. Considering the increasing use of quantitative biomarkers of vitamin A status that indirectly assess TLRs, i.e. the modified-relative-dose response and retinol-isotope dilution tests, setting a TLR as a vitamin A deficiency cutoff is important for users of these techniques to estimate vitamin A deficiency prevalence. Future researchers and policymakers may suggest that DRIs should be set with regard to optimal health and not merely to prevent a micronutrient deficiency.

Synthesis of Retinol-Loaded Lipid Nanocarrier via Vacuum Emulsification to Improve Topical Skin Delivery.

Retinol has been widely used as an anti-wrinkle active ingredient in cosmetic fields. However, the oxidation of retinol by air was one of the critical problems for application in the skincare field. In this study, Retinol-loaded lipid nanocarriers were prepared via the vacuum emulsification method to increase the stability of retinol vulnerable to air and optimized encapsulation conditions and to increase the penetration efficiency into skin. Optimizing the components of lipid nanocarriers, gradients of carbon chain C8-22 using various lipid species which made the amorphous structure and enough spaces to load retinol inside the capsules were estimated from the lower enthalpy change and peak shift in DSC analysis. The vacuum-assisted lipid nanocarriers (VLN) could help suppress oxidation, which could have advantages to increase the thermal stability of retinol. The retinol-loaded VLN (VLN-ROL) had narrow size distribution under 0.3 PDI value, under 200 nm scaled particle size, and fully negative surface charge of about -50 mV for the electrostatic repulsion to avoid aggregation phenomenon among the lipid nanoparticles. It maintained 90% or more retinol concentration after 4 weeks of storage at 25, 40 and 50 °C and kept stable. The VLN-ROL-containing cream showed improved penetration efficiency applied to porcine skins compared to the commercial retinol 10S from BASF. The total amount of retinol into the skin of VLN-ROL (0.1% of retinol) was enhanced by about 2.2-fold (2.86 ± 0.23 μg) higher than that in 0.1% of bare retinol (about 1.29 ± 0.09 μg). In addition, applied on a 3D Human skin model, the epidermal thickness and the relative percentage of dermal collagen area effectively increased compared to the control and retinol, respectively. Additionally, the level of secreted IL-1α was lower and epidermal damage was weaker than commercial product A. This retinol-loaded lipid nanocarrier could be a potentially superior material for cosmetics and biomedical research.

Development of a Compartmental Model to Investigate the Influence of Inflammation on Predictions of Vitamin A Total Body Stores by Retinol Isotope Dilution in Theoretical Humans

BackgroundInflammation, both acute and chronic, is associated with reductions in the synthesis of retinol-binding protein (RBP) and the concentration of retinol in plasma. Consequently, it is currently recommended that the retinol isotope dilution (RID) method not be used to estimate vitamin A total body stores (TBS) in subjects with inflammation. ObjectivesTo apply compartmental analysis to study the effects of inflammation on hepatic apo-RBP input, plasma retinol pool size, and RID-predicted TBS in theoretical subjects with known steady state values for these parameters. MethodsWe selected 6 previously generated hypothetical subjects who ingested a dose of stable isotope–labeled vitamin A (day 0). Starting with each subject’s published steady state model for retinol tracer kinetics, we developed a parallel model for unlabeled retinol and RBP that incorporated links between these entities and tied liver retinol secretion to RBP availability. Then we perturbed the steady state model by initiating chronic or acute inflammation on day 0 or acute inflammation on day 3 or 9 and simulating results for RBP, plasma retinol, and TBS. ResultsChronic inflammation led to substantial reductions in RID-predicted TBS for at least 2 weeks after tracer administration. In contrast, acute inflammation induced on day 0 or 3 resulted in less dramatic impacts on TBS (37% or 20% reduction, respectively, from steady state levels, with levels rebounding by 14 days). When inflammation was induced 9 days after administration of the tracer, the effects on predicted TBS were minimal. Overall, for acute inflammation initiated at 0, 3, or 9 days, accurate predictions of TBS were obtained by 2 weeks. ConclusionsCompartmental analysis can be applied in the novel way described here to study the influence of perturbations such as inflammation on predictions of vitamin A status using RID. Such an approach has potential value for studying other perturbations and different nutrients.

Vitamin A nutrition status among pregnant women in rural China in 2015

To evaluate the nutrition status of vitamin A in Chinese rural pregnant women from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey 2015(CNNHS 2015). A total of 3273 Chinese rural pregnant women were recruited in this study. The concentrations of serum retinol were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. The C-reactive protein and α-acid glycoprotein were determined by immunoturbidimetric method. The distribution of serum retinol status in pregnant women was further described for different regions, age groups, nationalities, body mass index(BMI), education levels, gestational weeks, family income per capita and inflammation levels. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and the percentage of marginal vitamin A deficiency in pregnant women were compared in different subgroups. The median concentration of serum retinol(M(P25, P75)) was 0. 47(0. 36, 0. 61) mg/L. There were significant differences among different regions, age groups, education levels, gestational age and per capita household income(P&lt;0. 01). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 1. 2% for deficiency and 10. 5% for marginal deficiency, respectively. Significant differences were observed in age groups, gestational weeks and inflammation levels(P&lt;0. 01). In addition, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was relatively serious, 2. 1% for deficiency and 14. 2% for marginal deficiency in the third trimester, 2. 0% for deficiency and 12. 2% for marginal in the 30-44 years. It should be pay more attention on the vitamin A nutrition status in the third trimester and the 30-44 years old pregnant women, although the vitamin A status had been greatly improved in Chinese rural pregnant women.

Effect of dietary vitamin A supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters and liver histology of growing-furring male mink kits (Neovison vison)

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin A (VitA) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, and liver histology of growing-furring mink kits (Neovison vison). Ninety healthy male mink were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups, with 15 mink per group. Each mink was housed in an individual cage. Mink in the 6 groups were fed diets supplemented with vitamin A acetate at dosages of 0 kIU/kg (VitA 0), 5 kIU/kg (VitA5), 20 kIU/kg (VitA20), 80 kIU/kg (VitA80), 320 kIU/kg (VitA320) or 1280 kIU/kg (VitA1280) of the basal diet. A 7-day pretest period preceded a formal test period of 60 days. The results showed that the final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), weight gain (WG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and carbohydrate (CHO) exhibited a quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) to the dosage of dietary vitamin A; the highest values were observed in the VitA20 group. Metabolizable energy intake (ME intake) was significantly affected by increasing dietary vitamin A (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). The serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed a quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) with vitamin A intake; the lowest values were observed in the VitA20 group. The serum concentrations of triglycerides (TGs) were significantly affected by increasing dietary vitamin A (linear, P < 0.05; quadratic, P < 0.05). The serum concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were increased linearly (P < 0.05). Increasing vitamin A addition did not affect the concentration of retinol in serum but clearly affected the concentration of retinol in liver (P < 0.05). Prominent lipid vacuoles were observed in the liver tissue sections of mink in the VitA0 and VitA1280 groups. We concluded that the supplementation of diets with vitamin A at doses of 20–80 kIU/kg could improve growth and that a vitamin-A-supplemented diet could help reduce the severity of hepatic lipidosis in mink; however, excess vitamin A may negatively affect growth and lipid metabolism. Future research is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying the effects of vitamin A supplementation on the growth of mink.

Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in overall retinoid metabolism: Response comparisons to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure between wild-type and AHR knockout mice

Young adult wild-type and aryl hydrocarbon receptor knockout (AHRKO) mice of both sexes and the C57BL/6J background were exposed to 10 weekly oral doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; total dose of 200 μg/kg bw) to further characterize the observed impacts of AHR as well as TCDD on the retinoid system. Unexposed AHRKO mice harboured heavier kidneys, lighter livers and lower serum all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and retinol (REOH) concentrations than wild-type mice. Results from the present study also point to a role for the murine AHR in the control of circulating REOH and ATRA concentrations. In wild-type mice, TCDD elevated liver weight and reduced thymus weight, and drastically reduced the hepatic concentrations of 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-retinoic acid (CORA) and retinyl palmitate (REPA). In female wild-type mice, TCDD increased the hepatic concentration of ATRA as well as the renal and circulating REOH concentrations. Renal CORA concentrations were substantially diminished in wild-type male mice exclusively following TCDD-exposure, with a similar tendency in serum. In contrast, TCDD did not affect any of these toxicity or retinoid system parameters in AHRKO mice. Finally, a distinct sex difference occurred in kidney concentrations of all the analysed retinoid forms. Together, these results strengthen the evidence of a mandatory role of AHR in TCDD-induced retinoid disruption, and suggest that the previously reported accumulation of several retinoid forms in the liver of AHRKO mice is a line-specific phenomenon. Our data further support participation of AHR in the control of liver and kidney development in mice.

Effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune responses in Indonesian pre-schoolers.

Vitamin A and zinc are interrelated, but the effects of zinc on vitamin A supplementation on morbidity are inconsistent and not well understood. We investigated the effects of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune responses in Indonesian pre-schoolers. In a twostage study design, 826 children (2-5year old) were randomly assigned to receive daily zinc supplement (10 mg) or placebo for 4 months. At 2 months, both groups received a 200,000 IU vitamin A capsules through national vitamin A program. Data were collected at baseline, two and four months, resulting in 4 groups for comparisons: - no zinc no vitamin A (Placebo), zinc only, vitamin A only, and zinc plus vitamin A. Hair, blood and saliva samples were collected to measure hair zinc and serum retinol (vitamin A) concentration, ex-vivo IFN-γ, serum IgG and salivary IgA from 81 children selected randomly from each group. At baseline, there were no differences between treatment groups. Zinc supplementation increased ex-vivo IFN-γ production, greatest amongst boys, younger (<3.5 years), normal weight and children with low baseline retinol concentration. Vitamin A supplementation increased IFN-γ only in those with low baseline retinol, with no effect on serum IgG and salivary IgA. After vitamin A supplementation, zinc had an effect on salivary IgA among younger and underweight children. Zinc supplementation increased IFN-γ (cellular immune responses) and modified the effect of vitamin A supplementation on salivary IgA (mucosal innate immune response) in younger and underweight children.

Reduced plasma carotenoids in individuals suffering from metabolic diseases with disturbances in lipid metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

This review summarises the association between serum carotenoids, serum retinoids and dietary intake outcomes with obesity/overweight and individuals with metabolic diseases with disturbances in lipid metabolism. Observational studies reporting dietary intakes and serum concentrations of carotenoids and retinol were collected from Medline and Web of Science. Mean differences were calculated between “cases” (classified as obese, overweight or having a metabolic disease with disturbances in lipid metabolism; i.e. non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia or metabolic syndrome) and “comparator group” (classified as normal weight healthy individuals) and summarised in meta-analyses. Significant summary measures were observed for most serum provitamin A and non-provitamin A carotenoids. Studies reporting total serum carotenoids had shown the greatest decrease (–0.28 µmol/l [–0.33, −0.23], p<.001, I 2=62.5%, n = 7). There were no significant summary measures for dietary outcomes, suggesting a physiological role of low serum carotenoids in the development of obesity and associated diseases.

Mycobacterium leprae–helminth co-infections and vitamin D deficiency as potential risk factors for leprosy: A case–control study in south-eastern Brazil

BackgroundEvidence suggests that biological mechanisms involved in helminth infections and vitamin deficiencies increase susceptibility to other infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of helminth co-infection and select micronutrient deficiencies with leprosy using a case–control design. MethodsFrom 2016 to 2018, individuals aged ≥3 years were recruited at clinics in and around Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil in three groups: cases of leprosy, household contacts and community-matched (non-contact) controls. Helminths were diagnosed through stool Kato Katz examination and serum reactivity to anti-soluble adult worm antigen preparation IgG4. Serum ferritin, 25-OH vitamin D and retinol concentrations were measured. Multi-variate logistic regression was conducted to identify associations with active leprosy. ResultsSeventy-nine cases of leprosy, 96 household contacts and 81 non-contact controls were recruited; 48.1% of participants were male with a median age of 40 years. Helminths were found in 7.1% of participants on Kato Katz test, all but one of which were Schistosoma mansoni, and 32.3% of participants were positive for S. mansoni serology. On multi-variate analysis, cases were more likely to be infected with helminths (diagnosed by stool) than household contacts [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50–50.51]. Vitamin D deficiency was common, and was more likely in cases compared with non-contact controls (aOR 4.66, 95% CI 1.42,–15.33). Iron deficiency was not associated with leprosy, and vitamin A deficiency was not detected. ConclusionThese associations suggest that the immune consequences of schistosomiasis and vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of active leprosy. Comorbid conditions of poverty deserve further study as addressing co-infections and nutritional deficiencies could be incorporated into programmes to improve leprosy control.

Effect of high intake of cod or salmon on serum total neopterin concentration: a randomised clinical trial

PurposePrimarily, to investigate the effect of high intake of cod (lean fish) or salmon (fatty fish) on serum concentration of total neopterin, a marker of cellular immune activation that is associated with cardiovascular disease. Second, to investigate effects of high cod/salmon intake on antioxidant vitamins and elements essential for activity of antioxidant enzymes.MethodsIn this randomised clinical trial, 63 participants with overweight/obesity consumed 750 g/week of either Atlantic cod (N = 22) or Atlantic salmon (N = 22) or were instructed to continue their normal eating habits but avoid fish intake (Control group, N = 19) for 8 weeks. Food intake was recorded, and fasting serum were collected at baseline and endpoint.ResultsSerum total neopterin concentration was reduced in the Cod group (median change − 2.65 (25th, 75th percentiles − 3.68, − 0.45) nmol/l, P = 0.018) but not in the Salmon group (median change 0.00 (25th, 75th percentiles − 4.15, 3.05) nmol/l, P = 0.59) when compared with the Control group after 8 weeks. The estimated daily intake of selenium, iron, magnesium and zinc were similar between all groups. Increased serum concentration of selenium was observed only after cod intake when compared to the Control group (P = 0.017). Changes in serum concentrations of copper, iron, magnesium, all-trans retinol, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol were similar between the groups.ConclusionA high intake of cod, but not of salmon, lowered serum total neopterin concentration when compared to the Control group.Clinical trial registrationThis trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02350595

Altered vitamin A metabolism in human liver slices corresponds to fibrogenesis.

All‐trans‐retinoic acid (atRA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, has antifibrogenic properties in vitro and in animal models. Liver vitamin A homeostasis is maintained by cell‐specific enzymatic activities including storage in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), secretion into circulation from hepatocytes, and formation and clearance of atRA. During chronic liver injury, HSC activation is associated with a decrease in liver retinyl esters and retinol concentrations. atRA is synthesized through two enzymatic steps from retinol, but it is unknown if the loss of retinoid stores is associated with changes in atRA formation and which cell types contribute to the metabolic changes. The aim of this study was to determine if the vitamin A metabolic flux is perturbed in acute liver injury, and if changes in atRA concentrations are associated with HSC activation and collagen expression. At basal levels, HSC and Kupffer cells expressed key genes involved in vitamin A metabolism, whereas after acute liver injury, complex changes to the metabolic flux were observed in liver slices. These changes include a reproducible spike in atRA tissue concentrations, decreased retinyl ester and atRA formation rate, and time‐dependent changes to the expression of metabolizing enzymes. Kinetic simulations suggested that oxidoreductases are important in determining retinoid metabolic flux after liver injury. These early changes precede HSC activation and upregulation of profibrogenic gene expression, which were inversely correlated with atRA tissue concentrations, suggesting that HSC and Kupffer cells are key cells involved in changes to vitamin A metabolic flux and signaling after liver injury. Study Highlights WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC? Vitamin A is metabolized in the liver for storage as retinyl esters in hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) or to all‐trans‐retinoic acid (atRA), an active metabolite with antifibrogenic properties. Following chronic liver injury, vitamin A metabolic flux is perturbed, and HSC activation leads to diminished retinoid stores. WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Do changes in the expression of vitamin A metabolizing enzymes explain changes in atRA concentrations and the regulation of fibrosis following acute liver injury? WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE? In healthy liver, both HSC and Kupffer cells may mediate vitamin A homeostasis. Following acute liver injury, complex changes in metabolizing enzyme expression/activity alter the metabolic flux of retinoids, resulting in a transient peak in atRA concentrations. The atRA concentrations are inversely correlated with profibrogenic gene expression, HSC activation, and collagen deposition. HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE? Improved understanding of altered vitamin A metabolic flux in acute liver injury may provide insight into cell‐specific contributions to vitamin A loss and lead to novel interventions in liver fibrosis.

Features of the Functional State of the Hypophysis-Ovarian System and Processes of Lipid Peroxidation – Antioxidant Protection in Women with Hyperandrogenism of Ovary Genesis in the Early Reproductive Period

Background . Women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the early reproductive period have hormonal and metabolic dysfunction and an increased risk of long-term health consequences. The article presents the results of the study of hormonal indicators and the parameters of lipid peroxidation – antioxidant protection in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in early period of reproductive age (from 18 to 35 years old). Aim : evaluation of the functional state of the pituitary-ovarian-adrenal system and the lipid peroxidation – antioxidant protection system and the establishment of intersystemic relationships in women of the early reproductive period with polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and methods . Study included 33 women with ovarian hyperandrogenism and 17 healthy women of early reproductive age. A questionnaire survey, general medical and gynecological examinations, and ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs were conducted. Immunoenzyme method for detection the concentration of hormones, spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric (determination of the concentration of lipoperoxidation products, parameters of antioxidant protection), statistical methods were used. Results . Women of early reproductive age (from 18 to 35 years old) with polycystic ovary syndrome characterized by an increase of 17-OH-progesterone by 2.2 times (p = 0.0005), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate by 1.3 times (p = 0.0001). A decrease in the total antioxidant activity of the blood by 25 % (p = 0.0005), an increase in the content of oxidized glutathione by 14 % (p = 0.0001) and a decrease in the concentration of retinol by 26 % (p = 0.0012) compared to the control values were shown. The increase in the degree of oxidative stress was indicated by the value of the coefficient of oxidative stress equal to 2.8. Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the features of the functional state of the pituitary-ovarian-adrenal system and the processes of LPO–AOP, as well as the need for timely diagnosis and effective correction of hormonal and metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the early reproductive period.

Physicochemical Composition, Antioxidant Status, Fatty Acid Profile, and Volatile Compounds of Milk and Fresh and Ripened Ewes' Cheese from a Sustainable Part-Time Grazing System.

We conducted the first nutritional analysis of dairy products from the traditional Roja Mallorquina sheep breed. Samples of bulk raw milk were taken twice a month from December 2015 to March 2016 from sheep fed using a part-time grazing system, and fresh soft (FC, n = 8) and ripened (RC, n = 8) cheeses were made. The variability in vitamins, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and fatty acid (FA) content was influenced by the cheese-making process (differences between the cheese and the original milk) and by the type of cheese-making technology (mainly related to heating, the use of starter culture, and ripening). The most notable physicochemical characteristic of the cheeses was low fat content (24.1 and 29.6 g/100 g for FC and RC). Milk and RC were characterised by major concentrations of retinol (211.4 and 233.6 μg/100 g dry matter (DM), respectively) and TPC (18.7 and 54.6 μg/100 g DM, respectively), while FC was characterised by major concentrations of retinol (376.4 μg) and α-tocopherol (361.7 μg). The fat-soluble components of the FC generally exhibited better nutritional value for human health than those of the milk and RC, with a higher level of retinol and α-tocopherol; lower values for saturated FA, atherogenic, and thrombogenic indices; and higher levels of monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, n-3, and n-6. Acids, alcohols, and ketones comprised almost 95% of the volatile compounds detected. Acetoin and products of lactose and citrate metabolism played an important role in the development of the aromatic attributes of both kinds of cheese. This preliminary study can contribute to add value to these traditional products according to healthy nutritional criteria and supports the implementation of strategies to promote their commercialisation and obtain product labelling as “pasture-fed” or specific marks.

Daily consumption of pro-vitamin A biofortified (yellow) cassava improves serum retinol concentrations in preschool children in Nigeria: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundVitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Pro-vitamin A biofortified (yellow) cassava has the potential to contribute significantly to improve vitamin A status, especially in populations that are difficult to reach with other strategies.ObjectivesThe study aimed at determining the efficacy of biofortified cassava to improve vitamin A status of Nigerian preschool children.MethodsAn open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted in southwestern Nigeria. In total, 176 preschool children (aged 3–5 y) were randomized into 2 parallel arms comprising an experimental group (n = 88), fed foods prepared from biofortified (yellow) cassava, and a control group (n = 88), fed foods prepared from white cassava, twice a day, 6 d a week for 93 d.ResultsA total of 159 children completed the trial (yellow cassava group, n = 80; white cassava group, n = 79). Children consumed 221 and 74 µg/d retinol activity equivalents from intervention foods in the yellow and white cassava groups, respectively. The treatment effect on serum retinol concentrations at the end of the feeding trial was 0.06 µmol/L (95% CI: 0.004, 0.124 µmol/L), after adjustment for baseline retinol concentrations, inflammation, and asymptomatic malaria status. No significant treatment effects were detected for serum β-carotene (adjusted effect: 3.9%; 95% CI: −0.6%, 8.6%) and gut permeability (adjusted effect: 0.002; 95% CI: −0.089, 0.092), but a significant effect was detected for hemoglobin concentrations (adjusted effect: 3.08 g/L; 95% CI: 0.38, 5.78 g/L).ConclusionsDaily consumption of β-carotene from biofortified cassava improved serum retinol and hemoglobin concentrations modestly in Nigerian preschool children. This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02627222.