High Concentrations Of Vitamin Research Articles

Variation of Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) in a Three-Year Study

The quality of fruit as a source of bioactive ingredients is related to the genetic characteristics of plants, but it can also be modified by growing conditions. Therefore, long-term research can be extremely valuable in evaluating various crop plants, especially novel ones. The aim of the research was to test four popular European kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) cultivars ('Geneva', 'Bingo', 'Weiki', 'Anna') in terms of selected morphological features, yield, and chemical composition as well as their variability over 3 years. It can be concluded that the studied genotypes were very diverse in terms of the biochemical compounds' concentration in individual seasons. The cultivars 'Anna' and 'Weiki' were the most similar ones with respect to each other in terms of morphology and chemical composition. The cultivars 'Bingo' and 'Geneva' were definitely different. 'Bingo' was characterized by the largest and most uniform fruits in each season and had the highest concentration of vitamin C but the lowest carotenoid concentration. In turn, 'Geneva' produced the smallest fruit in each season with the highest concentration of polyphenols and a high concentration of carotenoids and displayed the highest antioxidant capacity regardless of the determination method. The research was performed with the application of computer-supported statistical analysis.

Correlation between the Serum Concentration of Vitamin A and Disease Severity in Patients Carrying p.G90D in RHO, the Most Frequent Gene Associated with Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa: Implications for Therapy with Vitamin A.

The pathogenic variant p.G90D in RHO is believed to be responsible for a spectrum of phenotypes, including congenital stationary blindness (for the purpose of this study termed night blindness without degeneration; NBWD), Sector RP, Pericentral RP, and Classic RP. We present a correlation between the serum concentration of vitamin A and disease severity in patients with this variant. This prospective study involved 30 patients from 7 families (17 male; median age 46 years, range 8−73). Full ophthalmological examination including visual acuity, Goldmann perimetry, slit-lamp exam, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and electrophysiology was performed to determine the presenting phenotype. The serum concentration of vitamin A was determined from a fasting blood sample taken on the day of the exam, where it was found that 23.3% (7/30) of patients had NBWD, 13.3% (4/30) had Sector RP, 3.3% (1/30) had Pericentral RP, and 60% (18/30) had Classic RP. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significantly higher probability of having a milder phenotype (NBWD or Sector RP) in association with younger age (p < 0.05) and a higher concentration of vitamin A (p < 0.05). We hypothesize that vitamin A in its 11-cis-retinal form plays a role in stabilizing the constitutively active p.G90D rhodopsin and its supplementation could be a potential treatment strategy for p.G90D RHO patients.

Role of bioactive substances in sheep's milk and its products in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases

Aging is a major risk factor for cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sheep’s milk may play a role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases because of its high content of functional peptides, such as lactoferrin. Lactoferrin can be used in AD both as an active therapeutic compound and as a drug nanocarrier. Compared to cow’s and goat’s milks, sheep’s milk contains the highest content of isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The c-9, t-11-CLA isomers reduce the pathological changes occurring in AD mainly by reducing the amount of amyloid-β aggregates in brain tissues. Sheep’s milk also contains higher concentrations of vitamin D and B-group vitamins, which have neuroprotective effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge on sheep’s milk and its products, with a special focus on its role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Oxidative Drug Combination for Suppressing KRAS G12D Inducible Tumour Growth.

Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) protein is an essential contributor to the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). KRAS G12D and G12V mutant tumours are significant challenges in cancer therapy due to high resistance to the treatment. To determine how effective is the ATO/D-VC combination in suppression of PDAC the mouse transgenic model. This study investigated the antitumour effect of a novel combination of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and D-ascorbic acid isomer (D-VC). Such a combination can be used to treat KRAS mutant cancer by inducing catastrophic oxidative stress. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of ATO and D-VC on xenograft models-AK192 cells transplanted into mice. Previously, it has been shown that a high concentration of Vitamin C (VC) selectively can kill the cells expressing KRAS. The results of this study demonstrated that the combination of VC with a low dose of the oxidizing drug ATO led to the enhancement of the therapeutic effect. These findings suggest that the combined treatment using ATO and D-VC is a promising approach to overcome the limitation of drug selectivity and efficacy.

Physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of three puçá (Mouriri pusa Gardner) varieties, an underexploited fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado

Puçá fruits are native to the Cerrado biome yet little explored, presenting different varieties with distinct fruit peel colors. Although puçá fruits have been known to exhibit a good source of bioactive compounds, the phenolic profile of some varieties remains unknown. Based on this context, our research aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and bioactive compounds and characterize for the first time the phenolic profile in yellow puçá, brown puçá, and black puçá by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD). The three puçá varieties contained considerable quantities of important food constituents, such as high concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds. These fruits are mostly composed of phenolic acids, with p-coumaric acid being the major compound in all varieties, while ellagic acid was detected only in the brown puçá. Moreover, (−)-epicatechin was found only in the yellow puçá. This study is the first to report the identification of the phenolic profile in puçá. Moreover, our data indicate that the three fruit varieties present a promising chemical composition, suggesting that they may serve as potential sources of natural antioxidants. In addition, these findings can contribute to the establishment of puçá as a novel ingredient for formulations with functional claims.

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) Pulp Juice Production and Quality Evaluation via Proximate and Mineral Composition Analyses

Shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) are common in African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Sudan, and others. When fully ripe, the Shea tree's green fruit turns yellow. The tree is well-known and valued for its versatility. Its entire composition is useful in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Among its applications is the production of butter from the nuts, while the rest of the fruit is left to rot or discarded. This study focuses on using other parts of the fruit to create a new product, reduce waste, and expand the Shea value chain. Three formulations of Shea fruit juice were created. The juice were evaluated for nutritional, physicochemical, and mineral compositions. The nutritional composition revealed a high moisture content that ranged from 84.39 to 93.01%, high carbohydrate and caloric values, ranging from 5.84 to 8.96% and 33.51 to 67.31%, respectively. It also had a high concentration of vitamin C (16.45 - 38.99 percent). The mineral composition was observed to increase as the Shea pulp percentage increased. Magnesium was observed to be higher in sample C (36.71±0.24) while sample A recorded a lower magnesium content (18.04±0.06). Calcium was also found to be present in high concentrations (30.07 - 50.64 %). The juice's potassium content ranged from 58.6 - 50.54% in sample C to 24.6 - 60.16% in sample A. The physicochemical analysis revealed a close range of p H values (5.37 - 6.06 %) between the samples and the control, making the juice less susceptible to spoilage. Overall, the results presented a high-quality juice that could compete favorably in the market with other fruit juices.

Vitamin D and uterine fibroid growth, incidence, and loss: a prospective ultrasound study

Fibroid treatments that have few side-effects and can preserve fertility are a clinical priority. We studied the association between serum vitamin D and uterine fibroid growth, incidence, and loss. A prospective community cohort study (enrollment 2010-2012) with 4 study visits over 5 years to conduct standardized ultrasounds, measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and update covariates. Detroit, Michigan area. Self-identified African American or Black women aged 23-35 at enrollment without previous clinical diagnosis of fibroids. Serum 25(OH)D measured using immunoassay or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The primary outcomes were fibroid growth, as measured by change in log volume per 18 months, and fibroid incidence (first detection of fibroid in previously fibroid-free uterus). Adjusted growth estimates from linear mixed models were converted to estimated difference in volume for high vs. low 25(OH)D. Incidence differences were estimated as hazard ratios from age-specific Cox regression. A secondary outcome fibroid loss (reduction in fibroid number between visits), was modeled using Poisson regression. Covariates (reproductive and hormonal variables, demographics, body mass index, current smoking) and 25(OH)D were modeled as time-varying factors. At enrollment among 1,610 participants with ≥1 follow-up ultrasound, mean age was 29.2 years, 73% had deficient vitamin D (<20ng/mL), and only 7% had sufficient vitamin D (≥30ng/mL). Serum 25(OH)D ≥20ng/mL compared with <20ng/mL was associated with an estimated 9.7% reduction in fibroid growth (95% confidence interval [CI]: -17.3%, -1.3%), similar to the minimally adjusted estimate -8.4% (95% CI: -16.4, 0.3). Serum 25(OH)D ≥30ng/mL compared with <30ng/mL was associated with an imprecise 22% reduction in incidence (adjusted hazard ratio=0.78; 95% CI: 0.47, 1.30), similar to the unadjusted estimate of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.51, 1.39). The >30ng/mL group also had a 32% increase in fibroid loss (adjusted risk ratio=1.32; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.83). Our data support the hypothesis that high concentrations of vitamin D decrease fibroid development but are limited by the few participants with serum 25(OH)D ≥30ng/mL. Interventional trials that raise and maintain 25(OH)D concentrations >30ng/mL and then prospectively monitor fibroid development are needed to further assess supplemental vitamin D efficacy and determine optimal treatment protocols.

Associations between vitamin D, bone mineral density, and the course of inflammatory bowel disease in Polish patients.

There are various factors contributing to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including steroid therapy, malnutrition, and vitamin D deficiency. The study aimed to assess the vitamin D level among IBD patients and to investigate the relationship between vitamin D concentration and bone mineral density (BMD). The study participants included 239 adult patients with IBD and a control group of 45 healthy adults. Densitometric measurements of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck (FN) were conducted using dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry. All patients completed a questionnaire referring to vitamin D supplementation. Significant differences were observed with regard to the body mass, body mass index, BMD, the Z‑score, and the T‑score of the FN and L1-L4. Only approximately 25% of all participants presented optimal or high concentrations of vitamin D. The research revealed no differences in vitamin D levels with regard to the disease extent and severity among the patients with ulcerative colitis. No differences were observed in terms of the disease localization, behavior, and the patient age at the time of diagnosis in the patients with Crohn disease. Furthermore, no differences were found in BMD, T‑score, and Z‑score of the FN and L1-L4 between the group of patients who supplemented and did not supplement vitamin D. Vitamin D may not be the only factor affecting BMD. Patients with IBD should supplement a higher dose of vitamin D than healthy adults.

A longitudinal examination of perinatal testosterone, estradiol and vitamin D as predictors of handedness outcomes in childhood and adolescence

ABSTRACT The developmental origins of handedness remain elusive, though very early emergence suggests individual differences manifesting in utero could play an important role. Prenatal testosterone and Vitamin D exposure are considered, yet findings and interpretations remain equivocal. We examined n = 767 offspring from a population-based pregnancy cohort (The Raine Study) for whom early biological data and childhood/adolescent handedness data were available. We tested whether 18-week maternal circulatory Vitamin D (25[OH]D), and testosterone and estradiol from umbilical cord blood sampled at birth predicted variance in direction of hand preference (right/left), along with right- and left-hand speed, and the strength and direction of relative hand skill as measured by a finger-tapping task completed at 10 (Y10) and/or 16 (Y16) years. Although higher concentrations of Vitamin D predicted more leftward and less lateralized (regardless of direction) relative hand skill profiles, taken as a whole, statistically significant findings typically did not replicate across time-point (Y10/Y16) or sex (male/female) and were rarely detected across different (bivariate/multivariate) levels of analysis. Considering the number of statistical tests and generally inconsistent findings, our results suggest that perinatal testosterone and estradiol contribute minimally, if at all, to subsequent variance in handedness. Vitamin D, however, may be of interest in future studies.

Biologically active substances in the aboveground part of three Stellaria speciesx

The phytochemical screening of potentially efficient medicinal herbs is one of the current focus areas of modern pharmacochemistry. This work aims to analyze the phytochemical composition of the aboveground parts in three Stellaria species (S. bungeana, S. graminea, S. holostea). The study was conducted between May and July 2020 in the Moscow region of the Russian Federation. Yield values for raw herbal materials and density of stitchwort samples per 1 m2 (154 sites in total) were recorded, followed by a phytochemical analysis of the dry mass by chromatography. The maximum yield of S. bungeana was established to be 1.5 times higher than in two other species (p ≤ 0.05). In S. graminea, the maximum pectin concentration was 12 times higher than in S. holostea (p ≤ 0.001) and 0.5 times higher than in S. bungeana (p ≤ 0.05). The number of polysaccharides in S. bungeana was 14 times higher than in S. graminea (p ≤ 0.001) and two higher than in S. holostea (p ≤ 0.05). Hemicellulose content of S. bungeana extract was twice as high as that of other species (p ≤ 0.05). Tannins in S. graminea were found two times more often than in S. holostea (p ≤ 0.05) and eight times more often in S. bungeana (p ≤ 0.01). Vitamin C content in S. graminea was two times greater than in the other two stitchwort species (p ≤ 0.05). Stitchwort is a common, widespread plant that makes it easy to collect without harming plant communities. Biologically active substances (polysaccharides, vitamin C, tannins, and pectins) were found in the composition of all stitchwort species with a preventive and therapeutic effect on the human body. The concentration of tannins and vitamin C is maximal in S. graminea extract, amounting to 2.6% and 45.9%, accordingly. The extract from S. bungeana contains a lot of hemicellulose (13.2%) and polysaccharides (7.2%). No high concentration of these substances was recorded in S. holostea, which makes this species the least pharmaceutically valuable. S. graminea and S. bungeana plants can be recommended for pharmaceutical processing due to the high concentrations of vitamin C, pectins, tannins, polysaccharides, and hemicellulose.

Cognitive Status and Nutritional Markers in a Sample of Institutionalized Elderly People.

BackgroundSince many of the risk factors for cognitive decline can be modified by diet, the study of nutrition and its relationships with cognitive status in aging has increased considerably in recent years. However, there are hardly any studies that have assessed cognitive status using a comprehensive set of neuropsychological tests along with measures of functional capacity and mood and that have related it to nutritional status measured from several nutritional parameters that have shown its relationships with cognitive function.ObjectiveTo test the differences in depressive symptomatology and in several measures of nutritional status between three groups classified according to their cognitive status (CS hereafter).MethodOne hundred thirteen participants from nursing homes in Galicia, Spain, underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological examination, including a general screening test (MMSE) and tests for different cognitive domains along with measures of activities of daily living (ADL) and assessment of depressive symptomatology (GDS-SF). According to established clinical criteria, participants were divided into three CS groups, Cognitively Intact (CI), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and All-Cause Dementia (ACD). Nutritional status was also examined using blood-derived measures, body mass index (BMI) and a nutritional screening test (MNA-SF). Differences between CS groups in all nutritional variables were studied by one-way ANOVAs with post-hoc Bonferroni correction or Kruskal-Wallis with Games-Howell post-hoc correction when appropriate. Multinomial logistic regression was also applied to test the association between nutritional variables and CS.ResultsDifferences between CS groups were statistically significant for depressive symptomatology, vitamin A and D, albumin, selenium (Se), uric acid (UA), and BMI. The results of multinomial logistic regression found positive associations between groups with better CS and higher concentrations of vitamins A and D, transthyretin (TTR), albumin, Se, and UA, while negative associations were found for BMI.ConclusionHigher serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, TTR, albumin, Se, and UA could act as protective factors against cognitive decline, whereas higher BMI could act as a risk factor.

Characterisation of Zamorano-Leonese Donkey Milk as an Alternative Sustainably Produced Protein Food.

The Zamorano-Leonese donkey is the local breed of the Castilla y León region of Spain and is a protected endangered species. The best way to preserve it is to explore viable alternatives such as milk production. Unlike other donkey breeds, this one has not been previously characterised. The aim of this work is the complete nutritional characterisation of its milk for human consumption, either directly or as an ingredient, to meet the new consumer expectations of sustainability and health concerns. This breed did not differ from others in terms of amino acid and protein profile. Its low concentration of β-lactoglobulin may be correlated to a low allergenicity. The presence of lactozyme and lactoferrin, which are potent antimicrobials, stand out among the proteins. This milk presented a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids, being oleic fatty acid the main one. Zamorano-Leonese donkey milk did have a higher content of vitamin C, riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin E than the other donkey breeds. It also had a high concentration of vitamin D despite its low-fat content. However, its mineral concentration was lower than other donkey breeds in line with its lower ash content. In terms of micronutrients, it had a high amount of zinc and selenium. Based on these results we can conclude that donkey milk is a food and/or ingredient with beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and the proper functioning of the immune system, as well as being a good source of protein. Therefore, donkey milk from this local species from Spain is a food and/or ingredient with beneficial nutritional properties and sustainable from an environmental point of view.

Vitamin D Status and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in China.

ObjectiveTo assess the association between vitamin D status and all-cause mortality among type 2 diabetes patients.Research Design and MethodsWe prospectively followed 1,291 participants with type 2 diabetes aged 20–80 years during 2013–2018. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the association between different vitamin D status and all-cause mortality risk among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 4.15 years (5,365 person-years in total), 61 cases of death were identified. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality across the quartiles of baseline circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) were 2.70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–6.54], 1.00, 1.39 (95% CI 0.53–3.65), 2.31 (95% CI 0.96–5.54), respectively. Multivariable-adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality by different groups of baseline 25-OH vitamin D concentrations (<25, 25–49, 50–100, and ≥100 nmol/L) were 1.31 (95% CI 0.58–2.96), 0.94 (95% CI 0.47–1.87), 1.00, and 3.58 (95% CI 1.43–8.98), respectively.ConclusionsVery low or high concentrations of vitamin D may be associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Concentration of vitamin E in bovine plasma and erythrocytes

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the plasma and erythrocyte (RBCs) levels of vitamin E in cows of 3 different categories (2–3 weeks antepartum, 1–3 weeks and 2.5–3 months of lactation) and 1-month-old calves on dairy nutrition. We were interested in the degree of correlation of vitamin E in plasma and RBCs within the individual categories. Blood on EDTA was collected from 61 cows and 12 calves. As a part of the haematological examination, we determined haematocrit (HCT) immediately after the collection. We determined vitamin E from plasma and RBCs by a standard HPLC method. We compared the results of vitamin E in plasma and RBCs and correlated them. The concentration of vitamin E in the plasma and RBCs was 6.98 and 3.45 μmol/l, respectively, in cows 2–3 weeks antepartum; 1–3 weeks of lactation it was 4.98 and 3.34; 2.5–3 months of lactation 11.76 and 2.80 μmol/l; and in the case of calves 12.07 and 6.29 μmol/l. Weak correlations were observed between vitamin E in plasma and the RBC concentrations in the antepartum category R2 = 0.2076; 1–3 weeks of lactation R2 = 0.0369; 2.5–3 months of lactation R2 = 0.2403 and calves on dairy nutrition R2 = 0.4628. Vitamin E concentrations in RBCs were shown to be more stable than in plasma, where the concentrations varied. It is possible that vitamin E in RBCs could tell us more about the longer-term reserves of vitamin E in the organism. The highest concentration of vitamin E in plasma and RBCs, as well as a stronger correlation was found in calves.

Horticultural Study on Cucumber Cultivation; Pest and Disease Control from Traditional Approach

The aims of the study to know Horticultural Study on Cucumber Cultivation; Pest and Disease Control from Traditional Approach. Cucumber offers several health advantages, including a high concentration of Vitamin A, anti-cancer properties, the ability to absorb pollutants, and the ability to provide energy. cucumber is high in provitamin A, which helps to preserve eye health by acting as an antioxidant. It also helps to prevent damage to body cells that leads to premature aging by acting naturally. cucumber fruit has been shown to be effective in reducing the development of intestinal cancer.

Antioxidant properties, technological and physicochemical characteristics of milk ice cream with addition of camu-camu pulp

Camu-camu is an exotic fruit, known for having high concentrations of vitamin C and bioactive compounds. In order to diversify the consumption of this fruit, this study developed milk ice cream formulations and evaluated the effect of the addition of different concentrations of camu-camu pulp (20 to 26%), sugar (12 to 14%) and defatted dry extract (DDE) (12 to 16%) through a mixture design. Ice creams were evaluated by analyses of overrun, density, melting time, ratio, and cost. Three formulations were defined based on maximum melting time and ratio and minimum cost. The ice creams formulations defined by the experimental design consisted of the following proportions of pulp, sugar and DDE (%): 26:12:12, 20:14:16 and 24:14:12. These formulations were evaluated in relation to their physicochemical and technological characteristics, antioxidant and reducing capacity and sensory acceptance. The results showed that all formulations had high concentrations of antioxidant compounds and vitamin C and the formulation with the addition of camu-camu pulp lower than 24% had greater sensory acceptance. Therefore, it is concluded that the addition of camu-camu pulp in milk ice cream is interesting from a nutritional point of view, as it can increase the content of nutrients and minerals in the final blend.

Protective Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin C Against Iron Overload at the in vitro Blood-Brain Barrier

Brain iron accumulation increases with age and this is more common in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Also iron overload in addition to zinc accompanies with plaques containing β-amyloid (AP) of Alzheimer’s Disease. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface between the blood and the brain that plays an important role in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis.&#x0D; In our study, protective effects of vitamin C and folic acid against iron overload in the in vitro blood-brain barrier model were investigated. Four different groups were created for the experimental procedure: 1) Control, 2) FeSO4, 3) FeSO4 + Vit C, 4) FeSO4 + Folic acid for toxicity experiments. After iron overload, permeability differences of Vitamin C and folic acid in vitro BBB model were assayed using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Bradford protein assay. Both substances were found to have a protective effect against iron sulphate-induced damage. Also, vitamin C and folic acid significantly decrease the permeability after increasing caused by iron sulfate in BBB model. Considering the toxic effects of high concentrations of vitamin C, systemic effects of folic acid should also be investigated by in vivo studies to compare with vitamin C in ageing.

Meteorological influences on some melliferous plant species: nectar nutritional composition and honey yield in mangrove vegetation zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Meteorological influences on the nutritional composition of the nectar of selected melliferous plant species and impact on honey yield were studied for 36 months in the mangrove vegetation in Akwa Ibom state Nigeria. Nectar of selected melliferous plants was collected randomly for three years (2015-2017) and from the vegetation zone during dry and rainy seasons. Climatic factors such as Maximum Temperature, Minimum Temperature, Solar Radiation (mm), Mean Daily Evaporation (mm), Wind speed (ms-1) Rainfall (mm) and humidity) data of the study area were also recorded from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) station in Eket LGA. Samples were taken in the early and later stages of flowering and the plants selected for the study were Helicteres ixora, Musa paradisiaca, and Costus afer. Nectar was extracted from the flowers directly, using a 10 μl capillary tube from the floral cup of 200-3000 flowers of melliferous plants. Finding from this study showed higher concentrations of vitamins and sugar in the nectar of melliferous plant species in the dry season than in raining season suggesting a possible impact of high temperature and radiation on increased nectar production.

Prospects for studying the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics of vitamin C in patients with neurological diseases and mental disorders

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a vital nutrient that belongs to the group of antioxidants. Vitamin C plays an important role in the functioning of the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), including maturation and differentiation of neurons, formation of myelin, synthesis of catecholamines, modulation of neurotransmission and antioxidant protection. Neurological diseases and mental disorders are characterized by increased generation of free radicals. At the same time, the highest concentrations of vitamin C are found in the brain and neuroendocrine tissues. It is believed that vitamin C can affect the age of debut and the course of many neurological diseases and mental disorders. However, its potential therapeutic role continues to be studied. The efficacy and safety of vitamin C is likely influenced by the pharmacogenetic profile of the patient, including the carriage of single-nucleotide variants (SNVS), candidate genes associated with vitamin C metabolism in the human body in normal and neuropsychic disorders. The purpose of this thematic review is to update current knowledge about the role of vitamin C pharmacogenetics in the efficacy and safety of its use in neurological diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, etc.) and mental disorders (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc.). Special attention is paid to the possibility of translating the results of pharmacogenetic studies into real clinical practice in neurology and psychiatry.

Potential Role of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E in TB Treatment and Prevention: A Narrative Review.

(1) Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s top infectious killers, in fact every year 10 million people fall ill with TB and 1.5 million people die from TB. Vitamins have an important role in vital functions, due to their anti-oxidant, pro-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and to metabolic functions. The aim of this review is to discuss and summarize the evidence and still open questions regarding vitamin supplementation as a prophylactic measure in those who are at high risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and active TB; (2) Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and WHO websites starting from March 1950 to September 2021, in order to identify articles discussing the role of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E and Tuberculosis; (3) Results: Supplementation with multiple micronutrients (including zinc) rather than vitamin A alone may be more beneficial in TB. The WHO recommend Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) when high-dose isoniazid is administered. High concentrations of vitamin C sterilize drug-susceptible, MDR and extensively drug-resistant MTB cultures and prevent the emergence of drug persisters; Vitamin D suppresses the replication of mycobacterium in vitro while VE showed a promising role in TB management as a result of its connection with oxidative balance; (4) Conclusions: Our review suggests and encourages the use of vitamins in TB patients. In fact, their use may improve outcomes by helping both nutritionally and by interacting directly and/or indirectly with MTB. Several and more comprehensive trials are needed to reinforce these suggestions.