High Vitamin Research Articles

Effects of LED treatments on the growth and nutritional content of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a hydroponic vertical farming system

Introduction: LED-integrated hydroponic vertical farming system (HVFS) may address food security challenges arising from urbanisation, while antioxidants in vegetables may prevent cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the LED effects on yield, antioxidant properties, and vitamin C content in Butterhead lettuce (BL) and Italian lettuce (IL). Methods: Three LED combinations were used: 77% red, 14% green, and 9% blue lights (77R:14G:9B); 7% red, 41% green, and 52% blue lights (7R:41G:52B); and 25% red, 67% green, and 8% blue lights (25R:67G:8B). The concentration and pH of nutrient solution in HVFS ranged from 0.878-2.061ppm and 6.0-6.6, respectively, with a 12:12 light-dark cycle. Chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents were measured using chlorophyll and anthocyanin meters, respectively. Total phenolic and vitamin C content were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. Total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were determined through aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) colorimetric assay, respectively. Completely randomised design was adapted with three replications. Results: BL exhibited greater yield, anthocyanin and chlorophyll contents, while IL had higher vitamin C content. Significantly (p<0.001) higher yields were produced under 77R:14G:9B and 25R:67G:8B. Significantly higher phenolic (p<0.001) and flavonoid (p=0.003) contents were produced under 25R:67G:8B. Vitamin C was significantly (p=0.037) higher under 25R:67G:8B than 7R:41G:52B. Conclusion: LED treatment with higher proportion of red light generated greater yield, whereas higher proportion of green light gave higher phenolic, flavonoids, and vitamin C accumulation. This study provided preliminary data on boosting crop yield and phytochemical contents, which may improve food self-production and population health.

Physicochemical analysis of trigona honey produced by Tetragonula biroi in Soppeng Regency, Indonesia

Indonesia is a country with a tropical climate that is rich in biodiversity. Various types of bees are discovered in the country, including the trigona bees, whose honey offers numerous health benefits. This study aimed to analyze the nutritional and phytochemical content of trigona honey produced by Tetragonula biroi in Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The honey samples are extracted directly from the hives, filtered and examined through laboratory tests. The results of this study showed that trigona honey from Soppeng has a low pH (4.5) and a high vitamin C content compared to other vitamins. The calcium content is higher than magnesium and zinc, while its high polyphenols contain flavonoids and antioxidants. The water content of 26.67% is indicated in trigona honey, which is within the acceptable range of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). The sugar content of trigone honey indicates 6.99% w/w glucose, 12.96% w/w fructose and a fructose/glucose ratio of 1.85.

Exploring the Relationships between Lifestyle Patterns and Epigenetic Biological Age Measures in Men.

DNA methylation, validated as a surrogate for biological age, is a potential tool for predicting future morbidity and mortality outcomes. This study aims to explore how lifestyle patterns are associated with epigenetic changes in British men. Five biological age clocks were utilised to investigate the relationship between these epigenetic markers and lifestyle-related factors in a prospective study involving 221 participants. Spearman's correlation test, Pearson's correlation test, and univariate linear regression were employed for analysis. The results indicate that higher consumption of saturated fat and total daily calories, and a higher body mass index (BMI) are associated with accelerated biological aging. Conversely, higher vitamin D intake and a higher healthy lifestyle index (HLI) are linked to decelerated biological aging. These findings highlight the potential impact of specific lifestyle-related factors on biological aging and can serve as a reference for applying healthy lifestyle improvements in future disease prevention studies.

To Study the Correlation of Maternal Serum Vitamin D Levels and Infant Serum Vitamin D Levels With Infant Birth Weight: A Single-Centre Experience From the Bundelkhand Region, India.

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can have severe effects on both the mother and the newborn child. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of maternal vitamin D levels on the birth weight of the newborn by analysing the vitamin D levels in pregnant women at full term and their newborn. The cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted with 150 consecutive women in labour presenting with a singleton term pregnancy at a large tertiary centre in the Bundelkhand region, India. Maternal and infant blood samples were obtained at the time of delivery. Umbilical cord blood was collected from infants, while maternal venous blood was drawn simultaneously. All relevant data were gathered, including the assessment of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels in both mother and infant. The birth weight of the infant was measured, and statistical analysis was performed to find an association between maternal vitamin D level to birth weight and vitamin D level of the infant. Most pregnant women had low vitamin D levels in this study. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between maternal serum vitamin D levels and infant birth weight (p < 0.001), suggesting that lower maternal vitamin D levels were associated with low birth weight in infants. Additionally, infant serum vitamin D levels showed a positive correlation with maternal vitamin D levels (p < 0.001), indicating that higher maternal vitamin D levels tend to have infants with higher vitamin D levels at birth. These findings suggest a potential correlation of maternal vitamin D status to birth weight and vitamin D level of newborns, and further research is needed to confirm and better understand this relationship. Additionally, other factors such as maternal nutrition, genetics, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences may contribute to birth weight outcomes.

Physicochemical properties and volatile compounds of Rosa roxburghii fruit using different drying methods

To enhance the drying quality of Rosa roxburghii fruit, this study examined the effects of four methods: Natural Drying (ND), Hot Air Drying (AD), Heat Pump Drying (PD), and Vacuum Freezing Drying (FD). Fresh R. roxburghii fruit was used to assess drying characteristics, color, microstructure, active ingredient content, antioxidant activity, and volatile substances. Drying times for ND, AD, PD, and FD were 28, 7, 6, and 21 h, respectively, with the rate order PD > AD > FD > ND. AD samples showed superior water-binding capacity, solubility, and highest levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, enhancing antioxidant activity. FD samples had the best color performance and retained more intact cell structures and higher Vitamin C and polysaccharide levels. Volatile compounds were analyzed, revealing 45, 60, 61, and 50 compounds for ND, AD, PD, and FD, respectively. AD proved to be the most efficient method, providing optimal drying time, color, active ingredient content, antioxidant activity, and volatile components. This finding offers valuable guidance for selecting a drying method that preserves the quality of dried R. roxburghii fruit and suits industrial production.

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN SENSORI PERMEN JELLY KULIT BUAH NAGA (Hylocereus polyrhizus) DENGAN PENAMBAHAN SARI BUAH BELIMBING WULUH (Avverhoa bilimbi L.)

ABSTRACT Jelly candy is candy made from filtered fruit juice with gelling additions, has a clear color and soft texture with a certain level of chewiness. Dragon fruit skin contains anthocyanins and is a source of natural antioxidants and contains pectin. Belimbing wuluh contains oxalic acid and citric acid, so it can replace the use of citric acid in making jelly cady. The purpose of this study is the utilization of red dragon fruit peel as pectin and natural coroling in teh manufacture of jelly. This study used a one factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD), namely the concentration ratio of dragon fruit peel extract with star fruit (70:40), (80:30), and (90:20). Product analysis includes sensory test and water content test as a determinant of the selected product. Data analysis used was ANOVA with Duncan’s further test. The selected jelly candy was obtained in the treatment (90:20). The results of the sensory test on jelly candy are bright red to intense red, slightly scented with dragon fruit peel, sweet and slightly sour taste, soft and sticky texture and overall favored by panelists. The selected jelly candy has a moisture content of 34.79%, reducing sugar content of 25.75% and saccharose content of 83.20%. In addition, the selected jelly candy has a high vitamin C content of 1027.14 mg/100g.

CHARACTERISTICS OF JUWET FRUIT YOGHURT WITH THE ADDITION OF SKIM MILK AND LACTIC ACID BACTERIA STARTER

In this study, the manufacture of juwet fruit yoghurt was studied with different treatments of adding skim milk and lactic acid bacteria starter. Yogurt is a processed milk product made through bacterial fermentation. Yogurt is known as a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can support digestive health and the immune system. Juwet fruit has a high antioxidant and vitamin C content so that juwet fruit has interesting potential to be made into yoghurt. Skim milk is used to utilize high lactose and protein so that the growth of lactic acid bacteria can grow optimally. Lactic acid bacteria are used for preservation, providing texture, and adding flavor to yoghurt drinks. The purpose of this study was to determine the addition of skim milk and lactic acid bacteria starter on the physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics of juwet yoghurt. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) factorial pattern consisting of two factors. Factor 1 addition of skim milk (5%, 7%, 9%). Factor 2 addition of starter (5%, 7%, 9%). Each treatment was repeated three times. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). If there is a significant difference between treatments, it is continued with the Duncan test (DMRT) and organoleptic test using the Scoring test with 25 trained panelists. The treatment of adding 9% skim milk and 9% starter was the best treatment that produced juwet yoghurt with a protein content of 2.1% ± 0.036, total titratable acid 2.1% ± 0.1, total soluble solids 22.7ºBrix ± 1.53, total lactic acid bacteria 10.5 log CFU/ml ± 0.023, pH 3.7 ± 0.058, antioxidants 34.0% ± 0.117, viscosity 6.8% ± 0.058, Vitamin C 5.8 ± 0.3, and organoleptic tests of color 2.88 (rather like), taste 3.24 (rather like), aroma 2.68 (rather like), texture 3.76 (like).

Geriatric patients with acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit: the effect of vitamin B12 and albumin levels on survival

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and critically important clinical entity in geriatric age group. In addition, higher mortality rates are seen in cases requiring intensive care treatment. We have aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin B12 and albumin levels on mortality in critically ill geriatric patients with AKI. Methods: Geriatric patients hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of AKI between 07.01.2014-07.01.2015 were retrospectively screened and included in the study. Two groups were formed from discharged and exited patients. General characteristics and laboratory values of the patients were scanned from the hospital archives and recorded. Statistically significant intergroup differences in terms of demographic characteristics, and biochemical values were determined by statistical analysis. Results: A total of 103 patients, including 53 females were enrolled in the study, while 72.2% of the patients had prerenal AKI. The mortality rate was 47.57% in all patients. There was no difference between groups in terms of mortality rates, etiologic factors and KDIGO staging. Vitamin B12 was high and albümin was low the group who succumbed to death. In addition, mortality rates increased by 10% for every 100 units increase in vitamin B12 value and decreased by 22% for every 10 units increase in albumin value. Conclusions: We have determined that an increase in albumin levels during clinical follow-up decreased mortality rates and an increase in vitamin B12 levels directly increased mortality rates. Hypoalbuminemia and high vitamin B12 levels were found to be independent predictive factors for mortality in AKI.

Heterologous Expression of Sunflower HaHPT and HaTMT Genes Enhances Rice-Grain Vitamin E Content.

Insufficient dietary vitamin intake can lead to severe health conditions in humans. Improving the vitamin E (VE) content of food crops such as rice through breeding is an economical and effective means to alleviate this problem. In this study, Homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT) and γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (γ-TMT), two genes derived from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., a high VE species), were introduced into an elite rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar "Ningjing 7" for biofortification. We verified the successful expression of the two genes in multiple transformation events. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that transgenic plants expressing either HaHPT alone or HaHPT and HaTMT accumulate more VE compared with the wild type. We also revealed that the level of α-tocopherol, the form of VE with the highest biological activity, had increased to 2.33 times in transgenic HaTMT plants compared with the wild type. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression levels of some chlorophyll synthesis pathway genes related to VE precursor synthesis significantly increased during grain filling in transgenic rice grains. No difference in agronomic traits was observed between the transgenic plants and their wild type except for a slightly reduced plant height associated with the transgenic plants. These data demonstrate that the heterologous expression of HaHPT gene is effective in increasing the total VE content, while HaTMT plays an important role in the relative abundance of α-tocopherol in rice grains. This study demonstrates a promising strategy for breeding rice with elevated VE content via metabolic engineering.

Unraveling the Relationship Between Vitamin D and Oxidative Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vitamin D, beyond bone metabolism, has played a significant role in various physiological processes, including modulation of oxidative stress and maintenance of vascular architecture. Oxidative stress, a state of altered balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases. Our study aims to explore the intricate relationship between serum vitamin D levels and markers of oxidative stress in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. A total of 108 age-matched participants (35 to 50 years) of both genders (54 males and 54 females) were included in this cross-sectional study according to the study design and assessed for their serum vitamin D level by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level by using a spectrophotometer at 540 nm after measurement of the blood pressure. The data were entered in a Microsoft Excel sheet and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 20. Our findings demonstrate a significant inverse correlation between serum vitamin D levels and MDA (r = -0.71, p < 0.001), indicating lower lipid peroxidation with higher vitamin D levels. Our study concludes by evident higher serum vitamin D levels associated with reduced oxidative stress, reflected by lower MDA. These findings suggest a potential protective role of vitamin D against oxidative damage, which could have implications for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Osmodehydrofreezing of Tomatoes: Optimization of Osmotic Dehydration and Shelf Life Modeling.

The objective was to review, using an integrated approach, all parameters related to osmotic dehydration, freezing, and frozen storage when assessing the advantages of the osmodehydrofreezing-ODF process. Peeled cherry tomatoes were treated at (T) 25, 35, and 45 °C (t) up to 180 min in glycerol-based OD-solution (50, 60, 70% w/w). OD was studied and optimized by applying the Response Surface Methodology, combined with selected desirability criteria to define the optimum process parameters. Water loss-WL, solid gain-SG, water activity reduction-aw, texture and color changes were monitored during the process. Untreated and OD-treated at optimal OD conditions (C = 61.5%, T = 36 °C; t = 72 min) samples were frozen and stored at isothermal (T, -5, -8, -14, -23 °C) and non-isothermal temperature conditions (Teff, -7.3 °C). OD samples presented acceptable color, increased firmness, low drip loss and high vitamin C/lycopene retention during frozen storage. OD increased the shelf life of frozen cherry tomato (up to 3.5 times based on sensory quality loss). The kinetic models obtained for vitamin and lycopene degradation and sensory quality loss were validated at non-isothermal conditions.

Association Between Vitamin Intake and Colorectal Cancer: Evidence from NHANES Data.

This study aims to investigate the associations between vitamins and colorectal cancer (CRC) based on a national sample of US adults. A total of 6200 samples were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the relationship between vitamins (specifically, A, C, and D) and CRC. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the associations between dietary vitamin intake and CRC. Our findings indicate a negative association between vitamin C intake and CRC. However, the associations of vitamin A and vitamin D with CRC were not statistically significant. For vitamin C, compared to the first tertile, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 0.91 (0.76-0.97) for the second tertile and 0.81 (0.64-0.95) for the third tertile (P < 0.01). Conversely, for vitamin A, compared to the first tertile, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.02 (0.82-1.22) for the second tertile and 1.04 (0.75-1.25) for the third tertile (P < 0.01). For vitamin D, compared to the first tertile, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 0.96 (0.84-1.06) for the second tertile and 1.01 (0.83-1.15) for the third tertile (P < 0.01). Additionally, the negative association between vitamin C and CRC was more pronounced among females (0.76, 0.67-0.92), individuals aged 60 and above (0.75, 0.69-0.95), and those with a BMI > 30 (0.78, 0.67-0.93). Our findings suggest that higher vitamin C intake is associated with a reduced prevalence of CRC. However, further large-scale prospective cohort studies are warranted to validate our results.

Response of postharvest treatments on shelf life, biochemical and microbial quality of banana variety Red Banana.

The popular Red Banana variety faces transportation challenges and has a limited postharvest shelf life due to its ripe fruits being less resistant and being a climacteric fruit. This study aims to prolong the shelf life of Red Banana fruits through different postharvest treatments. Fruit bunches of Red Banana were harvested at the mature green stage, separated into hands, precooled, subjected to 12 treatments and stored in corrugated fibre board boxes till the end of shelf life under ambient conditions. Fruits coated with 10% bee wax + 0.5% clove oil (T4), fruits subjected to coating with 10% bee wax and packaging with potassium permanganate (T9) and fruits dipped in hot water at 50 °C for 10 min. and packaging with potassium permanganate (T11) registered highest shelf life of 18.67 days. The highest TSS of 26.33°Brix was noticed in fruits stored with potassium permanganate (T8) after 12.67 days of storage and lowest titratable acidity of 0.19% and the highest sugar-acid ratio of 79.76 was noticed in control (T12) after 11.33 days of storage. Moreover, the highest vitamin C content (7.74 mg 100 g?¹), total sugar content (18.47%), reducing sugar content (15.49%), total carotenoid content (24.13 µg 100 g-1) was noticed in treatment T7 (hot water dipping at 50 °C for 10 min.) after 17.67 days, T10 (coating with 40% aloe vera extract and packaged with potassium permanganate) after 13.33 days, T4 (coating with 10% bee wax + 0.5% clove oil) after 18.67 days and T9 (coating with 10% bee wax + potassium permanganate) after 18.67 days of storage respectively. Furthermore, the lowest fungal and bacterial count was observed in treatments T2 (dipping in 30ppm sodium hypochlorite solution), T7 (hot water dipping at 50 °C for 10 min.), T9 (coating with 10% bee wax + potassium permanganate) and T10 (coating with 40% aloe vera extract + potassium permanganate) .

Development of novel functional thickened drinks enriched with vitamin D3 for the older adult population – behaviour under dynamic in vitro digestion

The older adult population is greatly affected by malnutrition. This condition can arise from inappropriate micro and micronutrient intake, as well as due to experienced age-related changes. For instance, a significant number of older adults suffer from dysphagia. Thus, the development of foods with adequate consistency/viscosity are vital for overcome this condition. Within this framework, novel functional thickened drinks were developed and tailored for the older adult population, by using chia seed gum as the thickening agent enriched with vitamin D3-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). Rheological properties of different thickened drinks formulated with water, semi-skimmed milk or orange juice were optimized using a central composite rotational design. Results showed that SLN delivered high vitamin D3 encapsulation efficiency with high concentration (i.e., 32 IU/mg). The different drink matrices attained distinct rheological properties, being observed that the viscosity and consistency attained with the same thickening agent concentration was higher in more complex matrices. An optimized formulation containing the tolerable upper intake level (ca. 4000 IU) was selected to study the vitamin D3 release and bioaccessibility on older adults’ population using a dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal digestion system. Once more, strong matrix effects were observed and significantly affected vitamin D3 release profile, bioaccessibility and recovery during the in vitro digestion. Additionally, the drinks enrichment with SLN-VitD3 did not display a negative effect on cells viability. The development of novel functional thickened drinks tailored for older adults could provide a safer swallowing and improved vitamin D3 intake.

The independent association between 25 (OH) vitamin D deficiency, HOMA-IR, and lipid profile with APOE genotyping in obese cases with and without T2DM

IntroductionVitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and APOE genotyping are implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We wanted to find out if there was a link between a lack of 25(OH) vitamin D, HOMA-IR, and lipids and APOE genotyping in obese people with and without T2DM.MethodsWe divided 300 Egyptians of both sexes into three groups in a case-control study: 100 obese cases with a body mass index of more than 30, 100 obese cases diagnosed with T2DM, and 100 controls with a body mass index of less than 30. Levels of 25 (OH) vitamin D, fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1C, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and lipid profile parameters were measured, and APOE genotypes were assessed using Applied BiosystemsTM TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays.ResultsHigher levels of FBS, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and dyslipidemia were found in obese people with and without T2DM compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Lower levels of 25(OH) vitamin D were also found. Insulin resistance and lipid profile parameters, particularly in obese cases with T2DM, inversely correlate with vitamin D deficiency. The APOE genotyping analysis revealed strong links between vitamin D levels and certain APOE genotypes. Independent of metabolic parameters, higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower odds of E3/E4 and E4/E4 genotypes among obese cases with T2DM.ConclusionThis study highlights the independent role of vitamin D deficiency in modulating APOE genotypes in obese T2DM individuals. The findings suggest potential implications for personalized interventions targeting vitamin D status to mitigate genetic predispositions to metabolic disorders such as obesity and T2DM.

The effectiveness of interventions to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory infections in care homes: a systematic review.

Care home residents are at high risk from outbreaks of respiratory infections, such as influenza and COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, to determine which interventions (apart from vaccines) are effective at reducing transmission of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) in care homes. We searched CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to prevent transmission of ARIs in care homes (excluding vaccines), to April 2023. A total of 21 articles met inclusion criteria. Two infection control interventions significantly reduced respiratory infections. Oseltamivir significantly reduced risk of symptomatic laboratory-confirmed influenza (OR 0.39, 95%CI 0.16-0.94, three trials), and influenza-like illness (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.36-0.69), even in a vaccinated population. High dose vitamin D supplementation reduced incidence of ARIs (incidence rate ratio 0.60; 95%CI 0.38-0.94, one trial). Nine other RCTs of vitamin, mineral, probiotic and herbal supplements showed no significant effect. Transmission of respiratory infections in care homes can be reduced by educational interventions to improve infection control procedures and compliance by staff, by antiviral prophylaxis soon after a case of influenza has been detected, and by supplementation with high-dose Vitamin D3. Further research is needed to confirm the effect of high-dose Vitamin D3.

Association of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and dietary intake with overweight and obesity among U.S. children: findings from NHANES

Childhood overweight/obesity is a serious problem that has not been adequately addressed. As a key factor affecting weight gain, the association between dietary intake with childhood overweight and obesity is still unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between sociodemographic, lifestyle factors and dietary intake with overweight or obesity. We used data from a large cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The U.S. children aged 6–15 years with both weight data and dietary data were included. For univariate analysis of sociodemographic data, t tests was performed for continuous variables and chi-square tests was performed for discrete variables. Dietary intakes were described by median and quartile, and differences in dietary intake between children with normal weight and children with overweight or obesity were compared by rank sum tests. A modern statistical shrinkage technique, LASSO regression was used to examine the association between dietary intake and childhood obesity. Our study confirms that Hispanic ethnicity, increasing age, passive exposure to smoking, higher protein intake, and higher caffeine intake were positively associated with child overweight or obesity. Additionally, non-Hispanic White race, higher physical activity levels, higher household income, and higher vitamin A intake were negatively associated with child overweight or obesity.

Association between serum vitamin D status and severity of liver cirrhosis: implications for therapeutic targeting in Nigerian patients

BackgroundLiver cirrhosis is a chronic and progressive liver disease with significant global health implications. Recent evidence suggests an association between serum vitamin D levels and the severity of liver cirrhosis, potentially serving as a therapeutic target. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D status and the severity of liver cirrhosis in a population of Nigerian patients.MethodsThis analytical, cross-sectional study involved 201 participants, including 103 with liver cirrhosis and 98 age- and sex-matched controls. Serum vitamin D was measured using ELISA, with deficiency defined as < 20 ng/ml. Cirrhosis severity was assessed using Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the relationship between vitamin D and severity of liver cirrhosis while ordinal regression analysis assessed its performance as an indicator of the disease severity.ResultAmong cirrhotic patients, 36.9% were deficient, 31.1% insufficient, and 32.0% had sufficient vitamin D levels. Serum vitamin D showed strong negative correlations with Child-Pugh and MELD scores (r = -0.696, p < 0.001; r = -0.734, p < 0.001, respectively). Ordinal regression showed that higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower severity scores (Child-Pugh: OR = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.815–0.900, p < 0.001; MELD: OR = 0.875, 95% CI: 0.837–0.915, p < 0.001).ConclusionLower serum vitamin D levels correlated with increased liver cirrhosis severity, suggesting its potential as both a prognostic marker and therapeutic target. Further studies should investigate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in improving cirrhosis outcomes.

Intratumoral vitamin D signaling and lethal prostate cancer.

High circulating vitamin D levels and supplementation may lower prostate cancer mortality. To probe for direct effects of vitamin D signaling in the primary tumor, we assessed how activation of intratumoral vitamin D signaling in prostate cancer is associated with lethal prostate cancer during long-term follow-up. Among 404 participants with primary prostate cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Physicians' Health Study, we defined a gene score of expected activated intratumoral vitamin D signaling consisting of transcriptionally upregulated (CYP27A1, CYP2R1, RXRA, RXRB, and VDR) and downregulated genes (CYP24A1 and DHCR7). We contrasted vitamin D signaling in tumors that progressed to lethal disease (metastases/prostate cancer-specific death, n = 119) over up to three decades of follow-up with indolent tumors that remained nonmetastatic for >8 years post-diagnosis (n = 285). The gene score was downregulated in tumor tissue compared with tumor-adjacent histologically normal tissue of the same men. Higher vitamin D gene scores were inversely associated with lethal prostate cancer (odds ratio for highest versus lowest quartile: 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.99) in a dose-response fashion and after adjusting for clinical and pathologic factors. This association appeared strongest among men with high predicted plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and men with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Findings were replicated with broader gene sets. These data support the hypothesis that active intratumoral vitamin D signaling is associated with better prostate cancer outcomes and provide further rationale for testing how vitamin D-related interventions after diagnosis could improve prostate cancer survival through effects on the tumor.

Cadmium in Market Pork Kidneys: A Study on Cadmium Bioavailability and the Health Effects Based on Mouse Models.

Edible offal of farmed animals can accumulate cadmium (Cd). However, no studies have investigated Cd bioavailability and its health effects. Here, based on mouse models, market pork kidney samples exhibited high Cd relative bioavailability of 74.5 ± 11.2% (n = 26), close to 83.8 ± 7.80% in Cd-rice (n = 5). This was mainly due to high vitamin D3 content in pork kidney, causing 1.7-2.3-fold up-regulated expression of duodenal Ca transporter genes in mice fed pork kidney compared to mice fed Cd-rice, favoring Cd intestinal absorption via Ca transporters. However, although pork kidney was high in Cd bioavailability, subchronic low-dose (5% in diet) consumption of two pork kidney samples having 0.48 and 0.97 μg Cd g-1 dw over 35 d did not lead to significant Cd accumulation in the tissue of mice fed Cd-free rice but instead remarkably decreased Cd accumulation in the tissue of mice fed Cd-rice (0.48 μg Cd g-1) by ∼50% and increased abundance of gut probiotics (Faecalibaculum and Lactobacillus). Overall, this study contributed to our understanding of the bioavailability and health effects associated with Cd in edible offal, providing mechanistic insights into pork kidney consumption safety based on Cd bioavailability.