High Levels Of Vitamin Research Articles

Green banana biomass (Musa sp.) as an ingredient in the development of pasta

Green banana biomass (GBB) can be used as a functional and technological ingredient in various food preparations, making them healthier and more nutritious. The aim of the present study was to determine the physicochemical compositions as well as color parameters of different GBB samples, and applying them to gnocchi pasta to determine the resulting technological and cooking properties. The bananas (‘BRS Platina, ‘Fhia 01,’ and ‘Fhia 18’) were grown in an area of the Agroecological Production Integrated System, in Seropédica-RJ, Brazil; the bananas were harvested unripe and pressured cooked to obtain their biomass. The pH values, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, reducing sugars, moisture, ash, proteins, lipids, total starch, total energetic value (TEV), vitamin C, total phenolic compounds (TPC), minerals, and color were significantly different among the different GBB samples used. Each GBB showed different values of certain analyzed parameters; for instance, ‘BRS Platina’ presented low contents of total starch, lipids, TEV and high levels of vitamin C and TPC. The GBB ‘Fhia 01’presented the highest levels of moisture, proteins, and potassium. All GBBs provided good technological attributes (cooking time, weight increase, cooking loss, and volume increase) for the prepared gnocchi dough. Overall, the application of GBB as an ingredient in gnocchi formulation provided good technological quality and increased nutritional value, thus meeting the growing demand of the consumer market for products with greater health benefits.

Bioactive minor components of Italian and Extra-European hemp seed oils

Nowadays, hempseed oil is well known for its nutritional and health benefits. In this work, a study of unsaponifiable fraction of hemp seed oils (HSO) paying particular attention to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of sterols, aliphatic alcohols, and tocopherols, as well as to carotenoid, and chlorophyll contents. Samples were of Italian (IT) and Extra-European (EE) origin. β-sitosterol was the predominant phytosterol, followed by campesterol, as obtained by high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC). Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with fluorescence detection method was carried out to analyze tocopherol fraction. The results showed high levels of vitamin E vitamers, with prevalence of γ-isomer of tocopherols. Some significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected between IT and EE samples for some bioactive compounds as α- and γ-tocopherols, and chlorophyll contents. Principal component analysis, applied to unsaponifiable fraction data, in particular sterols and tocopherols, has highlighted the ability to discriminate the HSO samples from EE samples. These results are promising and suggest that HSO minor components might be used as geographical markers, after the investigation of a large number of samples.

Associations of Serum Vitamin D Level with Sarcopenia, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Sarcopenia in NAFLD Among People Aged 50 Years and Older: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV-V.

Background: The role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in the development of sarcopenia in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains controversial. We investigated the association between vitamin D levels, occurrence of sarcopenia, NAFLD, and sarcopenia in NAFLD in adults aged >50 years. Methods: This study used data pertaining to 5396 adults aged >50 years (1870 men and 3526 women) from the 2008-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted by weight (ASM/Wt) was used to diagnose sarcopenia, and NAFLD was diagnosed using the NAFLD fat score. Results: The lowest quintile of serum 25(OH)D level (4.85-15.26 ng/mL) was associated with an increased occurrence of sarcopenia [odds ratio (OR) 2.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64-4.27], NAFLD (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.19-2.96), and sarcopenia in NAFLD (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.26-4.03) in men. In women, sarcopenia (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.29-2.51) was also significantly associated with serum vitamin D levels, whereas high levels of vitamin D were not significantly related to NAFLD. Conclusions: Serum vitamin D levels are associated with sarcopenia, NAFLD, and sarcopenia in NAFLD. Vitamin D level can be a useful marker of sarcopenia and NAFLD, especially in men.

Tipping the Balance: Vitamin D Inadequacy in Children Impacts the Major Gut Bacterial Phyla.

Vitamin D inadequacy appears to be on the rise globally, and it has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, as well as metabolic, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D concentrations are partially determined by genetic factors. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in vitamin D transport, metabolism, or binding have been found to be associated with its serum concentration, and these SNPs differ among ethnicities. Vitamin D has also been suggested to be a regulator of the gut microbiota and vitamin D deficiency as the possible cause of gut microbial dysbiosis and inflammation. This pilot study aims to fill the gap in our understanding of the prevalence, cause, and implications of vitamin D inadequacy in a pediatric population residing in Qatar. Blood and fecal samples were collected from healthy subjects aged 4–14 years. Blood was used to measure serum metabolite of vitamin D, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol 25(OH)D. To evaluate the composition of the gut microbiota, fecal samples were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. High levels of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency were observed in our cohort with 97% of the subjects falling into the inadequate category (with serum 25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L). The CT genotype in rs12512631, an SNP in the GC gene, was associated with low serum levels of vitamin D (ANOVA, p = 0.0356) and was abundant in deficient compared to non-deficient subjects. Overall gut microbial community structure was significantly different between the deficient (D) and non-deficient (ND) groups (Bray Curtis dissimilarity p = 0.049), with deficient subjects also displaying reduced gut microbial diversity. Significant differences were observed among the two major gut phyla, Firmicutes (F) and Bacteroidetes (B), where deficient subjects displayed a higher B/F ratio (p = 0.0097) compared to ND. Vitamin D deficient children also demonstrated gut enterotypes dominated by the genus Prevotella as opposed to Bacteroides. Our findings suggest that pediatric vitamin D inadequacy significantly impacts the gut microbiota. We also highlight the importance of considering host genetics and baseline gut microbiome composition in interpreting the clinical outcomes related to vitamin D deficiency as well as designing better personalized strategies for therapeutic interventions.

PENETAPAN KADAR PROTEIN JAMUR TIRAM PUTIH (Pleurotus ostreatus) DAN JAMUR MERANG (Volvariella volvaceae) DENGAN METODE KJELDAHL

Mushrooms are plants that contain high levels of vitamin B complex and are the only non- animal foods with vitamin D content that are used for bone health.White oyster mushrooms and straw mushrooms have a lot of nutritional content, one of which is protein. Proteins are complex organic compounds of high molecular weight. Quantitative testing with the Kjedahl method has three stages, namely destruction, distillation, and titration. The results of the quantitative test using the Kjedahl method showed that oyster mushrooms had a protein content of 2.39% and straw mushrooms were 1.46%.

PTEN: A novel target for vitamin D in melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, with poor prognosis in advanced stages. Vitamin D, also produced by ultraviolet radiation, is known for its anti-proliferative properties in some cancers including melanoma. While vitamin D deficiency has been associated with advanced melanoma stage and higher levels of vitamin D have been associated with better outcomes, the role for vitamin D in melanoma remains unclear. Vitamin D synthesis is initiated upon UVB exposure of skin cells and results in formation of the active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D). We have previously demonstrated that 1,25D plays a role in protection against ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA damage, immune suppression, and skin carcinogenesis. In this study 1,25D significantly reduced cell viability and increased caspase levels in human melanoma cell lines. This effect was not present in cells that lacked both phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a well-known tumour suppressor, and the vitamin D receptor (VDR). PTEN is frequently lost or mutated in melanoma. Incubation of selected melanoma cell lines with 1,25D resulted in significant increases in PTEN levels and downregulation of the AKT pathway and its downstream effectors. This suggests that 1,25D may act to reduce melanoma cell viability by targeting PTEN.

The Effect of Concentration of Beeswax Emulsion on Shelf Life and Quality of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) during Room Temperature Storage

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is one of the horticultural products that have the potential for development in Indonesia. beetroot contains a high level of betalain and vitamin C, so it can be an antioxidant for cancer. But nowadays, post-harvest handling is not specially noticed by people yet. The aims of this research were to determine the effect of beeswax coating on shelf life and quality of the beetroot and determine the best wax emulsion concentration as beetroot coating. This research was conducted at the Posharvesting Handling Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture and Business, Satya Wacana Christian University, Salatiga. The method used Randomized Block Design with 4 treatments and 6 replications. The concentration of beeswax emulsions used in this research is about 4%, 8%, and 12%. The observed parameter was weight loss, respiration, total dissolved solids, water content, and vitamin C. The results show that the treatment with a concentration of 12% of beeswax emulsion is the best result when compared with other treatments. The result also shows the concentration of 12% beeswax emulsion can maintain the storage time and quality of the beetroot.

Hypovitaminosis D, oral potentially malignant disorders, and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and potentially malignant oral disorders (OPMDs) could be associated with low levels of vitamin D. This systematic review aimed to determine the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D with OPMDs and OSCC.Material and Methods This review was conducted according to Cochrane guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42020207382) on literature retrieved from the PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The antecedents extracted were study design, methodology, sample (country, number of patients, age, and sex), oral manifestations (type of lesion, location, prevalence, and follow-up), serum vitamin D levels or use of vitamin D supplements, results, and conclusions.Results Twelve articles were selected. Some of the most relevant findings were alterations in vitamin D could favor the progress of OPMDs to OSCC. Higher levels of vitamin D can increase levels of anti-inflammatory mediators, CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD3+ T lymphocytes in intratumoral tissue. The normalization of vitamin D levels in patients with OSCC can increased cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, favoring antitumor immune response. Vitamin D supplemented can lower adverse effects associated with chemotherapy like mucositis and pain. Tobacco can increase risk of developing OSCC altering vitamin D levels.Conclusions Hypovitaminosis D could increase risk of developing OSCC from OPMDs, thus altering the immune response and it is associated with a lower survival rate in patients with OSCC, a greater recurrence of tumors in patients who underwent surgical treatment, and an increase in adverse reactions to chemotherapy. The use of vitamin D supplements can be a complement to primary therapy to prevent the recurrence of lesions and reduce adverse events associated with treatment. Key words:Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), Vitamin D, Oral cancer.

Component analysis and anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects of Rosa sterilis juice.

Rosa sterilis is a new variety of Rosa roxburghii Tratt, and is rich in bioactive substances, but its role in pulmonary fibrosis has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential components of Rosa sterili juice (RSJ) and its anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects. We employed HPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS, HPLC, and ICP-MS to analyze the composition of RSJ, and carried out free radical scavenging assays to determine its antioxidant activity. Then, the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of RSJ was evaluated using the bleomycin-induced mice model and the TGF-β1-induced cell model. A total of 49 components were identified in RSJ, and the vitamin C content was 11.29 ± 0.05 mg mL-1. Catechin was the most abundant phenol, and potassium was the highest mineral element in RSJ. Attractively, we found that RSJ alleviated bleomycin-induced inflammation infiltration and tissue injury, and inhibited TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast differentiation through the Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, we discovered a new health-protective activity of Rosa sterilis, and the high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C may be the basic anti-fibrosis substances.

Serum Vitamin D, Zinc Levels and the Relationship between them in Children and Adolescents.

Along with vitamin D deficiency, a common global health problem in developed and developing countries, zinc deficiency also remains one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies-related public health problems in some parts of the world. Determination of vitamin D and Zn status is important for the growth, development, and health of school-age children, as well as their intellectual achievement and academic performance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum 25(OH)D and Zn levels and the relationship between them in a nationally representative sample of Turkish children and adolescents. A total of 541 children and adolescents aged 1 - 16 years were included in our study whose vitamin D and zinc test levels were measured and who applied to the Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital Pediatric Outpatient Clinic. Cases were examined by dividing them into subgroups according to their vitamin D levels (≤ 15 ng/mL deficiency; 15 - 20 ng/mL insufficiency; ≥ 20 ng/mL sufficiency) and age (< 5 years preschool; 5 - 10 years middle childhood; 11 - 16 years adolescence). The levels of 25(OH)D were lower than 20 ng/mL in 33% of the children. There was deficiency in 80 (15%) and insufficiency in 99 (18%) cases. A statistically significant difference was found in 25(OH)D and Zn levels in groups separated by 25(OH)D level and age (p < 0.001). A positive significant correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D and Zn levels (r = 0.468; p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between 25(OH) D levels and age (r = -0.261; p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.308; p < 0.001). In our study, we found high levels of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and a significant positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D and Zn levels in the pediatric population. Based on this possible contribution, we think that providing vitamin D support to children of all ages, including adolescents, and thus improving zinc levels may be beneficial in protecting from diseases that lead to morbidity and mortality as a result of reducing the rate of growth and development retardation, regulating of bone development, and contributing to the development of the immune system.

Effect of hypervitaminosis A in regenerating planaria: A potential model for teratogenicity testing

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a child with birth defects is born approximately every 4.5 minutes. The currently accepted method to determine the potential of new medicines and chemicals to cause birth defects (teratogenicity) involves testing in pregnant animals. Millions of mammalian animals are sacrificed annually for research, and scientists are searching for alternative models to reduce mammal use in research. This unique research study evaluated the potential use of the flatworm, brown planaria (Dugesia tigrine), as an alternative model for teratogenicity testing. There are similarities between mammalian embryonic development and regeneration of planaria during the early stages of development of the nervous system, including the eyes. In this study, we exposed amputated planaria to varying concentrations of a known teratogen, vitamin A (retinol), for approximately 2 weeks, and evaluated multiple parameters including the formation of blastema and eyes. Retinol delayed the formation of blastema and eyes in regenerating planaria in a concentration-dependent manner. At high concentrations of retinol, regenerating planaria also developed cyclopia, a well-known birth defect in humans, which has been linked to high levels of vitamin A in mammalian studies. The results from this study demonstrated that high concentrations of retinol caused defects in head and eye formation in regenerating planaria, with similarities to vitamin A related teratogenicity findings in mammals. Based on these results, regenerating brown planaria are a promising alternative model for teratogenicity testing, which can potentially be paradigm shifting as it can reduce cost, time, and pregnant animal use in research.

DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 1 IN ADOLESCENTS: IMPACT OF VITAMIN D STATUS

The aim: To evaluate the effect of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency on the compensation of the disease in adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1. Materials and methods: 124 patients were examined, among them: 33 from the control group, 91 adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. All patients were between 10-18 years old and were residents of the Podillya region of Ukraine. Results: According to the results of the study Vitamin D levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus are significantly lower, comparing with healthy adolescents of the same age group. Vitamin D levels among boys with type 1 diabetes mellitus were significantly lower comparing to girls of the same group. The boys of the control group had significantly higher levels of vitamin D in the blood comparing to boys with type 1 diabetes mellitus, p &lt;0.001. Conclusions: The majority of adolescents aged 13-18 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency regardless of the state of glycemic control of the disease.

Human health benefits from buckwheat nutrients

Buckwheat contains a variety of nutrients in its grains. The main compounds are proteins, rutin, polysacchardes, dietary fibre, lipids, polyphenols and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins). The total content of these components depends on different factors, such as the species and the environment. The amino acid composition of buckwheat proteins is well balanced and of a high biological value, although the protein digestibility is relatively low. Buckwheat grains are an important source of microelements, such as: Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and macro elements: K, Na, Ca, and Mg. With 80% unsaturated fatty acids more than 40% are constituted by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The significant contents of rutin, catechins and other polyphenols as well as their potential antioxidant activity are also of significance to the dietary value. Moreover, buckwheat grains are a rich source of TDF (total dietary fibre), soluble dietary fibre (SDF), and are applied in the prevention of obesity and diabetes. An increasing incidence of allergy manifestations or symptoms is observed in people who consume buckwheat-containing food products often and in high quantities. The main reason for such immunological disorders is low molecular weight proteins, particularly those with molecular weights of 15, 22, or 26 kDa. These are concentrated in the peripheral parts of endosperm and embryo, hence the highest quantity of B vitamins is found in the bran. Tartary buckwheat bran contains about 6% of daily therapeutic doses of pyridoxine, effective in the reduction of blood plasma homocysteine levels. Protein extracts are more efficient in lowering the blood cholesterol level, particularly that of LDL and VLDL. Buckwheat proteins products (BWP) are acknowledged as preventive nutrients. They use advisable modifications, e.g. enzymatic modifications that consist in enzymatic separation of allergenic constituents or controlled fermentations performed by yeast or mould strains. Vitamins are a group of organic compounds that are essential in very small amounts for the normal functioning of the human body. They vary widely in their chemical and physiological functions and are broadly distributed in natural food sources. Buckwheat grains contain higher levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), E (tocopherol) and B3 (niacin and niacinamide) compared with most cereals. Generally, tartary buckwheat has more vitamin B1, B2 and B3, but less vitamin E than common buckwheat. In general, tartary buck wheat has higher levels of vitamin B than common buck-wheat. Thiamine-binding proteins can improve the stability of thiamine during storage and improve the bioavailability of thiamine. Levels of vitamin C and the sum of vitamin B1and B6 can be increased by germinating buckwheat. The level of vitamin C can be increased by up to 0·25mg/g in buckwheat sprouts. Wheat, barley, oat, rye and buckwheat groats exhibit the same maximum level of tocopherols, with γ-tocopherol being the main one.

Status of Vitamin D among Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Centre in Rupandehi, Nepal

Serum vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamin which has the role in maintenance of calcium and phosphorus levels and ultimately proper bone health and various physiological processes. Although many studies prevail hypovitaminosis D, we focused to find out the pattern of elevated or decreased serum vitamin D level as its deficiency and surplus have adverse effects to our health.. For this, a retrospective study was done from the records present in a hospital laboratory of Devdaha Medical College and Research Institute (DMCRI), Rupandehi, Nepal from January 2018 to December 2020 where 201 participants with 70.1% male and 29.9% female with different age groups were present. From total participants, 14.9% had deficient, 42.8% had insufficient, 35.3% had sufficient and 7% had high level of serum vitamin D. Male had 2.9% deficient and 14,9% insufficient vitamin D whereas female had 11.9% deficient, 27.8% insufficient and 7.0% surplus vitamin D. The greater prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the females than the males could be overcome by the necessary strategies in the form of further studies and judicious supplementation vitamin D in the target population by monitoring the level of serum vitamin D. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 9(4): 256-260.

Formula Development of Red Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Fruit Extract Loaded with Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Creams and Its Anti-Aging Efficacy in Healthy Volunteers

Palm fruits (Elaeis guineensis) comprise antioxidants that can be used as skin care agents. This study developed a cosmeceutical cream containing E. guineensis extract, loaded with solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and assessed its efficacy on female volunteers. The E. guineensis extract exhibited a good antioxidant activity with high levels of vitamin E, β-carotene, and palmitic acid. Day and night creams containing E. guineensis fruit extract, loaded with SLNs, were formulated and exhibited acceptable physical characteristics and good stability. Subsequently, their clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated on female volunteers. Both creams were non-irritating and had good cutaneous compatibility. Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity, melanin index, and skin texture were measured before and 30 min after the first application, as well as after 7, 14, and 30 days of daily application. A satisfactory survey was implemented using a questionnaire, and volunteer satisfaction scores were high for the product’s performance. Overall, the results showed that skin hydration, TEWL, cutaneous elasticity, and melanin index were improved, compared to the baseline data, after 30 days. Thus, the formulated facial day and night creams made the skin moist, reduced wrinkles, increased elasticity, and cleared the skin to the consumers’ satisfaction.

To Impact of Vit-D in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Receiving DOTS

Introduction: Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis in humans. Vitamin D from the skin and right is passed on by the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D, which is used to assess a patient's vitamin D status. The enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1hydroxylase converts 25 (OH) D into 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25 (OH) 2 D) in the kidneys. Vitamin D is essential for good health. Turning the immune system to the host (MTB). Cathelicidin, an anti-bacterial peptide that prevents mycobacterium from replicating macrophages, shown to be stimulated by vitamin D. In cases of tuberculosis, high levels of serum vitamin D and hypocalcaemia. Enhanced macrophages may be blamed for high calcitriol levels in granulomas. Low levels of vitamin D, on the other hand, linked and tuberculosis (PTB) in several studies conducted worldwide.&#x0D; Aim: Study of Vit-D In Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Receiving treatment.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study included 40 newly diagnosed PTB patients of both sex with the age group of 18-60. The patients were comprised before and after the DOTS therapy. Time period of this study were from September 2020 to Арril 2021 а nоn-rаndоmised соntrоlled trial.&#x0D; Results: The weight of patients before DOTS was decreased as compare to the weight after DOTS. The level of vitamin D significantly raised in newly diagnosed PTB patients while the vitamin D level was decreased after DOTS therapy.&#x0D; Conclusion: Decreased level of vit-D in the blood can be linked to an increased risk of tuberculosis. As a result, serum Vit-D levels in TB patients can be necessary to control, as Vit-D deficiency may develop without symptoms and intensify once TB therapy starts.

Exploring the Pivotal Neurophysiologic and Therapeutic Potentials of Vitamin C in Glioma

Gliomas represent solely primary brain cancers of glial cell or neuroepithelial origin. Gliomas are still the most lethal human cancers despite modern innovations in both diagnostic techniques as well as therapeutic regimes. Gliomas have the lowest overall survival rate compared to other cancers 5 years after definitive diagnosis. The dietary intake of vitamin C has protective effect on glioma risk. Vitamin C is an essential compound that plays a vital role in the regulation of lysyl and prolyl hydroxylase activity. Neurons store high levels of vitamin C via sodium dependent-vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) to protect them from oxidative ischemia-reperfusion injury. Vitamin C is a water-soluble enzyme, typically seen as a powerful antioxidant in plants as well as animals. The key function of vitamin C is the inhibition of redox imbalance from reactive oxygen species produced via the stimulation of glutamate receptors. Gliomas absorb vitamin C primarily via its oxidized dehydroascorbate form by means of GLUT 1, 3, and 4 and its reduced form, ascorbate, by SVCT2. Vitamin C is able to preserve prosthetic metal ions like Fe2+ and Cu+ in their reduced forms in several enzymatic reactions as well as scavenge free radicals in order to safeguard tissues from oxidative damage. Therapeutic concentrations of vitamin C are able to trigger H2O2 generation in glioma. High-dose combination of vitamin C and radiation has a much more profound cytotoxic effect on primary glioblastoma multiforme cells compared to normal astrocytes. Control trials are needed to validate the use of vitamin C and standardization of the doses of vitamin C in the treatment of patients with glioma.

Influence of Tacrolimus on Serum Vitamin A Levels in Patients after Renal Transplantation.

Patients after renal transplantation exhibit high levels of vitamin A, which has been previously suspected to be related with immunosuppressive medication. However, this possibility has not yet been systematically studied. Altogether, 116 patients were included and divided into 2 groups based on serum creatinine levels. The mean values of vitamin A levels between the 2 groups were compared using the Student's t-test. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the association between vitamin A and tacrolimus. Elevated vitamin A levels were found in both groups, and patients with kidney dysfunction after transplantation showed higher levels of vitamin A than patients with recovered kidney function. Most important, we could not identify any significant correlations between vitamin A level and tacrolimus for both groups. After long-term and short-term monitoring for different patients, obvious individual differences emerged. Such results generally ruled out previous suspicions regarding causality between immunosuppressive medication (tacrolimus) and vitamin A elevation after renal transplantation. Patients after renal transplantation showed higher serum vitamin A levels than people with a normal medical exam, even if their graft function was restored. The cause of this abnormality did not seem to be related with tacrolimus.

Age and Dietary Vitamin C Intake Affect Brain Physiology in Genetically Modified Mice Expressing Human Lipoprotein(A) and Unable to Synthesize Vitamin C.

Lipoprotein (a) deposition in coronary vascular plaques and cerebral vessels is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and research supports its role as a "repair factor" in vascular walls weakened by vitamin C deficiency. Humans depend on dietary vitamin C as an important antioxidant and as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, yet are prone to vitamin C deficiency. The brain is the one with the highest vitamin C content, owing to its high oxygen consumption and oxidative stress. It has been shown that brain aging is accompanied by accumulated oxidative damage, which can lead to memory decline and neurological diseases. Our transgenic mouse, Gulo (-/-); Lp(a)+, presents a unique model for the study of key aspects of human metabolism with respect to a lack of internal vitamin C synthesis and the production of human lipoprotein(a). This mouse model was used in our study to investigate the effects of prolonged intake of low and high levels of vitamin C, at different ages, on oxidative damage, cholesterol levels and lipoprotein( a) deposition in the brain. The results show that a long-term high vitamin C intake is important in maintaining brain cholesterol homeostasis and preventing oxidative damage in Gulo(-/-);Lp(a)+ mice as they age. Moreover, we observed that the formation of brain lipoprotein(a) deposits was negatively correlated with brain level of vitamin C, thereby confirming its role as a stability factor for an impaired extracellular matrix. Our study emphasizes the critical role of vitamin C in protecting brain health as we age. Other: Our findings show that optimal vitamin C intake from early life to old age is important for brain health as it prevents oxidative stress damage and maintains cholesterol homeostasis in the brain. More importantly, the negative correlation between brain ascorbic levels and the formation of Lp(a) deposit on the choroid plexus further emphasizes the critical role of vitamin C in protecting brain health throughout the normal aging process.

Fine particulate matter, vitamin D, physical activity, and major depressive disorder in elderly adults: Results from UK Biobank

ObjectiveThe present study aims to investigate the association between PM2.5 exposure and major depressive disorder, and to examine whether vitamin D and physical activity could attenuate the impact of PM2.5 on major depressive disorder. Methods39168 elderly adults (age≥60 years) who had valid estimates on exposure of PM2.5 in 2010 and data on major depressive disorder were extracted from the UK Biobank. Major depressive disorder was assessed by lifetime experience of mild, moderate, and severe major depression with validated instruments. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between PM2.5 exposure and major depressive disorder. ResultsA total of 9079 participants had major depressive disorder, with a prevalence of 23.2%. The odds ratio (OR) of major depressive disorder was 1.096 (1.023, 1.175) for participants in the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile of PM2.5. The correlation of PM2.5 with major depressive disorder generally increased with the decreasing levels of vitamin D. For instance, in participants with the highest quartile of PM2.5, the corresponding ORs were 1.141 (0.951, 1.369), 1.232 (1.027, 1.478), 1.286 (1.072, 1.543), and 1.390 (1.159, 1.667) for those who had adequate, desirable, insufficient, and deficient levels of vitamin D, respectively. Additionally, significant modification effects of physical activity on the relationship between PM2.5 and major depressive disorder were also observed. ConclusionsOur study suggests that high levels of vitamin D and physical activity may attenuate the relationship between PM2.5 and major depressive disorder among elderly adults.