Marginal Deficiency Research Articles

Dietary recommendations of magnesium for cardiovascular prevention and treatment. A position paper of the Israel Heart Society and the Israel Dietetic Association.

Modern life and the Western industrial diet has enhanced the reduction of magnesium in our food, which may contribute to a marginal or absolute magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency is evident in, among others, the elderly population, those after myocardial infarction and/or chronic heart failure, and diabetics. In Israel, over 60% of the drinking water originates from desalinated seawater lacking magnesium, which may cause hypomagnesemia. Magnesium deficiency can easily be treated by magnesium supplementation if we are aware of the situation. This paper summarizes the magnesium chapter in a position paper published in April 2021 by the Israeli Cardiology Society together with the Israeli Dietetic Association. It summarizes evidence-based nutritional recommendations for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, with emphasis on the level of evidence and practical recommendations according to the European Society of Cardiology definitions. The best recommendation is to increase consumption of magnesium-rich food, such as leafy green vegetables (mainly spinach), nuts, avocado, whole grains, legumes (e.g., beans, peas and soy beans), chocolate and certain seafood. However, for people who do not get sufficient magnesium from their diet completing the daily amount, as needed, with supplements of up to 600 mg/day should be considered. In addition, serum magnesium levels should be checked at least every six months in patients with heart failure, people taking diuretic therapy, and people taking proton-pump inhibitors. In addition, it may be beneficial to add magnesium following myocardial infarction in people with hypertension and in heart failure patients in order to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (class of recommendation IIa, level of evidence B).

Zinc deficiency: its prevalence and relationship to renal function in Japan.

Although zinc deficiency is common among dialyzed patients, its prevalence among non-dialyzed subjects and its relationship to renal function remain unclear. We selected 816 non-dialyzed subjects (495 males; mean age, 56 ± 18years) who underwent measurement of serum zinc at Jikei University Hospital between April 2018 and March 2019 using the Standardized Structured Medical Information eXchange2 (SS-MIX2) system, a global standard in Japan that enables collection of structured medical records with automatic data transfer to a registry database system. A serum zinc level of 60-80μg/dL was defined as marginal zinc deficiency and a level of < 60μg/dL as absolute zinc deficiency. We investigated factors associated with serum zinc using multiple regression analysis. Marginal and absolute zinc deficiency were present in 52.3% and 30.6% of subjects, respectively. Serum zinc levels tended to decrease with increasing stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (P = 0.051). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was not independently associated with serum zinc levels. Instead, serum albumin (t = 4.69, P < 0.01), hemoglobin (t = 2.54, P = 0.01) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (t = -2.20, P = 0.03) were independently associated with serum zinc. In sensitivity analyses, serum zinc was not associated with either serum copper- or iron-related parameters. This large-scale study clarified the prevalence of zinc deficiency among non-dialyzed Japanese subjects. In addition, eGFR was not independently associated with serum zinc, probably due to confounding factors, such as nutritional status and degree of anemia. Further investigations are needed to clarify the epidemiology of zinc deficiency and its associations with CKD.

GROWTH AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF BROILERS FED DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL PREMIXES AT TWO DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

Three different brands of commercial premixes were fed to a total of 270 Brown Hypeco breeds of broilers at starter and finisher stages of development. At the starter phase the broiler chickens were divided into three experimental groups. Each group was fed one type of premix in duplicates and designated A, B and C. At the finisher phase, each of the 3 groups was divided into 3 experimental group to obtain a total of mine premix combinations. Data on growth rate, feed and energy intake were recorded from which weight gain and energy efficiency were calculated. The results showed that broilers fed premix B at both development stages had better body weight and gain (20.59g/day), comsumed more DM (56g/day), energy (168 kcal / day) with better energy efficiency than broilers in other groups. Energy efficiency of broilers fed premix A was better than that of C – fed broilers at finisher phase. Energy efficiency was improved when broilers were finished with premix B irrespective of the starter premix. The poor energy efficiency of broilers fed premix A or C was attributed to deficiency of thiamine and marginal deficiency of other energy related micro-nutrients leading to nutrients imbalance.

Vitamin A nutrition status and influencing factors of Chinese rural elderly in 2015

To analyze the level of vitamin A and its influencing factors of Chinese rural elderly. The serum samples of the rural elderly were selected by random sampling method from the biological sample bank of Chinese Adults Nutrition and Chronic Diseases Surveillance in 2015(CANCDS2015). The basic information of the subjects was collected by questionnaire survey. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) method was used to determine the vitamin A nutritional status of the population according to the standard recommended by WHO. Multiple logistic regression analysis was explored the relationship between vitamin A status with the potential relevant factors. A total of 3134 elderly from Chinese rural were included in this study. The serum vitamin A concentration(M(P25, P75))was 1. 92(1. 50, 2. 45)μmoL/L. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 0. 99%(95%CI 0. 64%-1. 34%), and the prevalence of vitamin A marginal deficiency was 4. 38%(95%CI 3. 65%-5. 10%). The prevalence of vitamin A marginal deficiency was significantly higher in elderly lived in western region than that lived in eastern and central regions of China. The serum vitamin A adequacy rate of rural elderly who were 80 years old and above or thin was relatively low(P&lt;0. 05). Married elderly had significant lower vitamin A deficiency rate. The result from multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that gender, age and body mass index had significant effects on vitamin A nutritional status of Chinese urban elderly(P&lt;0. 05). The nutritional status of vitamin A in rural elderly in China was better, and the deficiency rate was lower.

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

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

Mini-gastric Bypass—One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass in the Armamentarium of Bariatric Surgeon: a Narrative Review of Complications

Obesity continues to be a major cause of significant mortality and morbidity across the world. Multiple comorbidities like hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and diabetes mellitus have been associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery has emerged as a most effective tool for sustainable weight loss in obese individuals. Mini-gastric bypass (MGB) has an advantage of being technically simple and having a shorter learning curve. The objective of the present article is to review the results of mini-gastric bypass based on the available literature. Electronic database search including EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE First Search, OVID, Google Scholar, EBSCO host, Science Direct, and PubMed was performed from inception till October 2020. Mini-gastric Bypass had a short learning curve, took less operative time, and had shorter hospital stay when compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Mini-gastric bypass had comparable results with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and better results than sleeve gastrectomy in terms of weight loss and comorbidity resolution. In terms of complications, both had similar marginal ulcer rates, malabsorption rates, and nutritional deficiency rates. Mini-gastric bypass-one anastomosis gastric bypass is documented to be better than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in terms of internal herniation rates, dumping syndrome, and reactive hypoglycaemia rates. Mini-gastric bypass-one anastomosis gastric bypass is comparable to established bariatric procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass both in terms of efficacy and safety and should be considered a mainstream procedure.

Effects of zinc status on age-related T cell dysfunction and chronic inflammation

Age-related T cell dysfunction contributes to immunosenescence and chronic inflammation. Aging is also associated with a progressive decline in zinc status. Zinc is an essential micronutrient critical for immune function. A significant portion of the older populations are at risk for marginal zinc deficiency. The combined impact of dietary zinc deficiency and age on immune dysfunction has not been well explored despite the common occurrence together in the elderly population. We hypothesize that age-related zinc loss contributes to T cell dysfunction and chronic inflammation in the elderly and is exacerbated by inadequate dietary intake and improved with zinc supplementation. Using an aging mouse model, the effects of marginal zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation on Th1/Th17/proinflammatory cytokine profiles and CD4+ T cell naïve/memory phenotypes were examined. In the first study, young (2 months) and old (24 months) C57BL/6 mice were fed a zinc adequate (ZA) or marginally zinc deficient (MZD) diets for 6 weeks. In the second study, mice were fed a ZA or zinc supplemented (ZS) diet for 6 weeks. MZD old mice had significant increase in LPS-induced IL6 compared to ZA old mice. In contrast, ZS old mice had significantly reduced plasma MCP1 levels, reduced T cell activation-induced IFNγ, IL17, and TNFα response, as well as increased naïve CD4+ T-cell subset compared to ZA old mice. Our data suggest that zinc deficiency is an important contributing factor in immune aging, and improving zinc status can in part reverse immune dysfunction and reduce chronic inflammation associated with aging.

Effect of Maternal Marginal Zinc Deficiency on Development, Redox Status, and Gene Expression Related to Oxidation and Apoptosis in an Avian Embryo Model.

Maternal severe zinc (Zn) deficiency resulted in growth retardation and high mortality during embryonic development in human. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the effect of maternal marginal Zn deficiency on the development and redox status to avoid severe Zn deficiency using an avian model. A total of 324 laying duck breeders at 214 days old were randomly allotted into 3 dietary Zn levels with 6 replicates of 18 ducks per replicate. The birds were fed experimental diets including 3 dietary supplemental Zn levels of 0 mg/kg (maternal Zn-deficient group, 29.2 mg Zn/kg diet), 60 mg/kg (maternal Zn-adequate group), and 120 mg/kg (maternal Zn-high group) for 6 weeks. Dietary Zn levels had on effect on egg production and fertility (P > 0.05), whereas dietary Zn deficiency decreased breeder plasma Zn concentration and erythrocytic alkaline phosphatase activity at week 6 and inhibited erythrocytic 5′-nucleotidase (5′-NT) activity at weeks 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.05), indicating that marginal Zn-deficient status occurred after Zn depletion. Maternal marginal Zn deficiency increased embryonic mortality and contents of superoxide anion radical, MDA, and PPC and reduced MT content and CuZnSOD activity in duck embryonic livers on E29. The MDA content was positively correlated with embryonic mortality. Maternal marginal Zn deficiency increased BCL2-associated X protein and Caspase-9 mRNA expressions as well as decreased B-cell lymphoma-2 and MT1 mRNA and signal AKT1 and ERK1 protein expressions (P < 0.05). Breeder plasma Zn concentration and erythrocytic 5′-NT activities at week 6 were positively correlated with GSH-Px activity and GPx, MT1, and BCL2 mRNA expressions in embryonic livers on E29. In conclusion, erythrocytic 5′-NT activity could be more rapid and reliable to monitor marginal Zn-deficient status. Marginal Zn deficiency impaired hatchability and antioxidant defense system and then induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in the embryonic liver, contributing to the greater loss of duck embryonic death.

Serum Vitamin A Nutritional Status of Children and Adolescents Aged 6-17 Years - China, 2016-2017.

Summary What is already known on this topic? Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children is still a global public health problem, which needs continuous monitoring and timely intervention. What is added by this report? Using surveillance data from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016−2017, the prevalence of VAD and marginal deficiency was 0.96% and 14.71%, respectively. The vitamin A nutritional status of children and adolescents from urban areas and those aged 12−17 years were better than those from rural areas and aged 6−11 years. What are the implications for public health practice? Marginal VAD was a major form of VAD in Chinese children. The monitoring of vitamin A status in key populations should be continuously strengthened, and the public should be encouraged to consume foods rich in vitamin A or vitamin A supplements.

Nutritional status of vitamin B_(12) and its influence factors in Chinese lactating women in 2013

To examine the vitamin B_(12) status of lactating women in China and to analyze the factors affecting the level of serum vitamin B_(12) in these subjects. Participants were from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. By multi-stage stratified cluster randomly sampling method, 10 331 lactating women were selected from 55 counties of 30 provinces in China. Questionnaire was conducted to collect the basic information of lactating women and the dietary intake of them in the past one month was collected by food frequency questionnaire. A total of 20% of the total number of lactating women(a total of 1976) were randomly selected to analyze serum vitamin B_(12) by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Serum vitamin B_(12) deficiency was defined as a serum vitamin B_(12) level&lt;200 pg/mL. The distribution of serum vitamin B_(12 )was lognormal, a generalized linear model was used to analyze the factors affecting the serum vitamin B_(12) level after logarithm transformation of it. The median of serum vitamin B_(12)(P25, P75) in lactating women was 469. 0(349. 0, 633. 5)pg/mL, the prevalence of vitaminB_(12) deficiency was 2. 7%(53/1976)and marginal deficiency rate was 12. 8%. With the increase of the education level of the lactating women the rate of vitamin B_(12) deficiency decreased gradually. The rate of vitamin B_(12 )deficiency of the lactating women presented regional differences and varied significantly among different regionals, education levels and the mothers who were breastfeeding or not. The value of serum vitamin B_(12 )was analyzed by generalized linear regression model showed that the levels of serum vitamin B_(12) in general rural counties and medium-sized or small cities were 1. 07 and 1. 13 times higher than those in poor rural areas, respectively. The serum vitamin B_(12) level of non-lactating women was 1. 08 times higher than that of lactating women. The serum vitamin B_(12 )level of the lactating women with junior high school level or below was significantly lower than that of the lactating women with college education and university education level, 88. 3% and 85. 0% of the lactating women with college education and university education, respectively. Serum vitamin B_(12) levels were positively correlated with intake of livestock meat, fish and seafood. The status of vitamin B_(12) in lactating women in China is good. Our findings suggest that some regionals, education levels, breastfeeding or not and livestock meat, fish meat and seafood supplement may be associated with serum vitamin B_(12 )in lactating women.

Urinary 3-hydroxyisovaleryl carnitine excretion, protein energy malnutrition and risk of all-cause mortality in kidney transplant recipients: Results from the TransplantLines cohort studies

Leucine is an essential amino acid and a potent stimulator of muscle protein synthesis. Since muscle wasting is a major risk factor for mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), dietary leucine intake might be linked to long-term mortality. Urinary 3-hydroxyisovaleryl carnitine (3-HIC) excretion, a functional marker of marginal biotin deficiency, may also serve as a marker for dietary leucine intake. In this study we aimed to investigate the cross-sectional determinants of urinary 3-HIC excretion and to prospectively investigate the association of urinary 3-HIC excretion with all-cause mortality in KTR. Urinary 3-HIC excretion and plasma biotin were measured in a longitudinal cohort of 694 stable KTR. Cross-sectional and prospective analyses were performed using ordinary least squares linear regression analyses and Cox regression analyses, respectively. In KTR (57% male, 53±13 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 45±19mL/min/1.73m2), urinary 3-HIC excretion (0.80 [0.57-1.16] μmol/24 h) was significantly associated with plasma biotin (std. β=-0.17; P<0.001). Subsequent adjustment for potential covariates revealed urinary creatinine excretion (std. β=0.24; P<0.001) and urinary urea excretion (std. β=0.53; P<0.001) as the primary determinant of urinary 3-HIC excretion. Whereas plasma biotin explained only 1% of the variance in urinary 3-HIC excretion, urinary urea excretion explained >45%. During median follow-up for 5.4 [4.8-6.1] years, 150 (22%) patients died. Log2-transformed urinary 3-HIC excretion was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 0.52 [0.43-0.63]; P<0.001). This association was independent of potential confounders. Urinary 3-HIC excretion more strongly serves as a marker of leucine intake than of biotin status. A higher urinary 3-HIC excretion is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Future studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanism. NCT02811835. TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02811835.

Serum zinc concentrations and characteristics of zinc deficiency/marginal deficiency among Japanese subjects.

BackgroundStudies that have examined serum zinc deficiency/marginal deficiency in developed countries, including Japan, are still limited. The aim of this study was to assess serum zinc concentrations and associated characteristics among Japanese subjects.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study, conducted from September 2016 to December 2018, included 2056 eligible subjects who participated in a voluntary health checkup. Serum zinc concentration categories were defined as deficiency (<60 μg/dL), marginal deficiency (≥60 to <80 μg/dL), and normal (≥80 μg/dL). Serum zinc concentrations were compared between the first age category (<40 years) and other age categories with Dunnett's method. Trends in P‐values were estimated using the Jonckheere‐Terpstra test for continuous variables.ResultsThe proportions of subjects with deficiency and marginal deficiency were 0.4% and 46.0% in men, and 0.6% and 38.4% in women, respectively. The deficiency/marginal deficiency group had significantly lower lipid profiles and nutritional status, and a significantly lower proportion were non–daily drinkers in both genders. Older age was significantly associated with lower serum zinc concentration only in men.ConclusionsOur findings clarified a high proportion of serum zinc deficiency/marginal deficiency, especially in men, and suggest a possible association between serum zinc levels and nutritional status and alcohol consumption. It may be necessary to manage nutritional status, including zinc intake.

The Response of Broiler Chickens to Dietary Soybean Meal Reduction with Glycine and Cysteine Inclusion at Marginal Sulfur Amino Acids (SAA) Deficiency.

Simple SummaryClimate change, resource shrinkage, and greenhouse gasses emission are becoming a major issue that could be confronted by using reducing protein levels in poultry diet. Reduced protein with amino acids supplementation improved the overall performance of broiler chickens. Reduced protein diets with glycine supplementation could be the potential solution to maintain the growth performance of the chicken, thus reducing feed cost and nitrogen excretion.The responses of broiler chickens to dietary protein reduction were investigated in the presence of glycine and cysteine inclusion at the marginal deficiency of sulfur-containing amino acids. A total of 432 broiler chickens were allotted to six dietary treatments; SP1 is standard protein diet with 100% total sulfur amino acids (TSAA), SP2 is standard protein diet with 85% TSAA, RP is reduced protein diet without glycine and cysteine supplementation, RPC is reduced protein diet with cysteine supplementation at 0.1%, and RPG is reduced protein diet with 1% glycine supplementation, while RPGC is reduced protein diet with 0.1% cysteine and 1% glycine supplementation. In this study, 4.5% protein is reduced in diets—thus, 17.5% CP (crude protein) for starter phase and 15.5% CP for the grower phase. Reduced protein diets contained 85% TSAA. Broiler chickens fed standard protein diet SP2 had superior bodyweight (BW) (p ≤ 0.05) in the starter and grower phase, average daily gain (ADG) (p ≤ 0.05) in the starter and entire feeding period, average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p ≤ 0.05) in the starter phase, and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p ≤ 0.05) in the starter, grower and entire feeding period; however, RPGC showed higher ADG (p ≤ 0.05) in the grower phase, and ADFI (p ≤ 0.05) in the grower and entire feeding period. RPC and RPG diet improved BW (p ≤ 0.05), ADG (p ≤ 0.05), ADFI (p ≤ 0.05), and better FCR (p ≤ 0.05) in starter, grower, entire feeding period compared to RP. The RPGC group had higher BW (p ≤ 0.05), ADG (p ≤ 0.05), ADFI (p ≤ 0.05) and better FCR (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the RPC group. Blood biochemical parameters showed that Broiler chickens fed on the SP2 diet had higher levels of total protein (TP) (p ≤ 0.05), albumin (ALB) (p ≤ 0.05), creatinine (CRE) (p ≤ 0.05), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p ≤ 0.05) and, lower level of uric acid (UA) (p ≤ 0.05), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p ≤ 0.05), glucose (GLU) (p ≤ 0.05), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p ≤ 0.05) in the starter phase; however, higher level of TP (p ≤ 0.05), GLU (p ≤ 0.05), CRE (p ≤ 0.05), and AST (p ≤ 0.05), and lower level of ALB (p ≤ 0.05), UA (p ≤ 0.05), and ALT (p ≤ 0.05) in the grower phase; RPGC had higher level of TP (p ≤ 0.05), UA (p ≤ 0.05), GLU (p ≤ 0.05), ALT (p ≤ 0.05) and AST (p ≤ 0.05), and lower level of ALB (p ≤ 0.05), BUN (p ≤ 0.05), and CRE (p ≤ 0.05) in the starter phase; however, in grower phase, RPGC had higher level of TP (p ≤ 0.05), and ALB (p ≤ 0.05), and lower level of UA (p ≤ 0.05), CRE (p ≤ 0.05), ALT (p ≤ 0.05), and AST (p ≤ 0.05). Free amino acids profile showed that broiler fed on standard protein diet SP2 had reduced the methionine (p ≤ 0.05) concentration; RPC increased the concentrations of taurine (p ≤ 0.05), phosphoethanolamine (p ≤ 0.05), threonine (p ≤ 0.05), valine (p ≤ 0.05), isoleucine (p ≤ 0.05), phenylalanine (p ≤ 0.05), ornithine (p ≤ 0.05), and lysine (p ≤ 0.05) and reduced the citrulline (p ≤ 0.05) concentration; RPG increased the concentration of glutamate (p ≤ 0.05), glycine (p ≤ 0.05), cysteine (p ≤ 0.05), and arginine (p ≤ 0.05), and decreased the concentration of tyrosine (p ≤ 0.05); and RPGC increased the concentration of serine (p ≤ 0.05) and reduced the concentration of hydroxyproline (p ≤ 0.05). Serum metabolites analysis showed that reduced protein downregulated the 54 metabolites; however, glycine fortification up-regulated the Benzamide, Pro-Ser, N-Carbamylglutamate, D-gluconate, and Gamma-Glutamylcysteine. Carcass quality showed that SP2 decreased the abdominal fat percentage (p ≤ 0.05). Nitrogen digestibility was higher by the diet RP (p ≤ 0.05). This study demonstrated that protein content could be reduced up to 4.5% with 1% glycine and 0.1% cysteine fortification in diet, which has the potential to inhibit the adverse effect of reduced protein and attain the standard growth performance.

Severe Zinc Deficiency Causes the Loss and Apoptosis of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs) and Olfactory Deficit.

Dietary zinc deficiency may lead to olfactory deficits, whose mechanism remains largely elusive. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a type of glial cells that support the function and neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb (OB), may play a pivotal role in the maintenance of the olfactory system. In the present study, we established a rat model of dietary zinc deficiency and found that severe zinc deficiency, but not marginal zinc deficiency, caused significantly reduced food intake, growth retardation, and apparent olfactory deficit in growing rats. We showed that severe zinc deficiency resulted in the loss of OECs in the olfactory nerve layer (ONL) of the olfactory bulb. In addition, we revealed that the number of TUNEL-positive cells increased markedly in the region, suggesting an involvement of apoptotic cell death in zinc deficiency-induced loss of OECs. Moreover, we found that treatment with zinc chelator N,N,N'N',-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) triggered the apoptosis of in vitro-cultured primary OECs. The apoptosis of OECs was correlated with significantly elevated expression of p53. Importantly, TUNEL and CCK-8 assays both demonstrated that treatment with p53 antagonist pifithrin-α (PFT-α) markedly attenuated TPEN-induced OEC apoptosis. These findings implicated that p53-triggered apoptosis of OECs might play an integral role in zinc deficiency-induced olfactory malfunction.

The Relevance of Thiamine Evaluation in a Practical Setting.

Thiamine is a crucial cofactor involved in the maintenance of carbohydrate metabolism and participates in multiple cellular metabolic processes. Although thiamine can be obtained from various food sources, some common food groups are deficient in thiamine, and it can be denatured by high temperature and pH. Additionally, different drugs can alter thiamine metabolism. In addition, the half-life of thiamine in the body is between 1 and 3 weeks. All these factors could provide an explanation for the relatively short period needed to develop thiamine deficiency and observe the consequent clinical symptoms. Thiamine deficiency could lead to neurological and cardiological problems. These clinical conditions could be severe or even fatal. Marginal deficiency too may promote weaker symptoms that might be overlooked. Patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal or pancreatic surgery could have or develop thiamine deficiency for many different reasons. To achieve the best outcome for these patients, we strongly recommend the execution of both an adequate preoperative nutritional assessment, which includes thiamine evaluation, and a close nutritional follow up to avoid a nutrient deficit in the postoperative period.

Sociodemographic disparity in the nutritional status among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province.

To explore the sociodemographic disparity in the nutritional status including BMI, vitamin D and vitamin A status among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province. Weight, height serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and serum retinol were assessed in 2818 children and adolescents (6-17 years of age), using ten investigation sites in Zhejiang Province including urban and rural areas data from the China National Nutritional Study 2016-2017, which is a nationally representative cross-sectional study, to form provincial representative sample of Zhejiang Province. Sociodemographic disparity was explored. The prevalence of low weight, eutrophic, overweight and obese were 6.7%, 70.4%, 11.6%, and 11.2%, respectively. Significant difference was observed on BMI between males and females (P < 0.05), and between urban and rural areas (P < 0.05). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, inadequacy, normal and appropriate were 1.8%, 34.9%, 46.4% and 16.9%, respectively. Significant difference was observed on the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) both between genders and between living areas (P < 0.05). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, marginal deficiency and appropriate were 4.5%, 24.7%, and 70.9%, respectively. Significant difference was observed on the concentration of retinol between living area (P < 0.05). Overweight and obesity, deficiency and inadequacy of vitamin D, deficiency and marginal deficiency of vitamin A were prevalent among children and adolescents. There were disparities between genders and between living areas on the nutritional status. Regional and sex-specific guidelines and public health policies for children and adolescent nutrition are needed.

Relationship of plasma vitamin A levels between neonates and pregnant women in third trimester

To study the correlation of plasma vitamin A (VitA) levels between neonates and pregnant women in third trimester. A total of 688 pregnant women were recruited in Yuanshi and Laoting counties of Hebei Province, from May to June 2009. Venous blood samples of women before delivery and cord blood samples of newborns were collected and measured for retinol (retinol concentration was used to reflect VitA level) using high performance liquid chromatography assay. According to venous blood plasma retinol concentration, maternal VitA nutritional status was divided into deficiency (<0.70 μmol/L), marginal deficiency (0.70-<1.05 μmol/L), and sufficiency (≥1.05 μmol/L). According to cord blood plasma retinol concentration, neonatal VitA nutritional status was divided into deficiency (<0.35 μmol/L), marginal deficiency (0.35-<0.70 μmol/L), and sufficiency (≥0.70 μmol/L); neonatal VitA relative deficiency was further defined as cord blood plasma retinol concentration lower than the 10th percentile. VitA placental transport ratio was defined as retinol concentration in the neonates divided by that in pregnant women. Multivariable fractional polynomials (MFP) model and Pearson correlation were used to study the dose-response relationship between maternal and neonatal plasma VitA levels, Logistic regression model to estimate the effect of maternal VitA nutritional status on neonatal VitA deficiency, and MFP model and Spearman correlation to describe the relationship between maternal VitA level and VitA placental transport ratio. The average retinol concentration of the pregnant women was (1.15±0.30) μmol/L, and the prevalence of VitA deficiency and marginal deficiency were 4.5% and 37.8%, respectively. Average retinol concentration of the neonates was (0.78±0.13) μmol/L, and no neonates were VitA deficiency, 28.2% of the neonates were marginal deficiency. After multivariable adjustment, the VitA level of the neonates was positively and linearly related to maternal VitA level (pm=1, P<0.05), with the corresponding Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.13 (P<0.01). As compared with the women with sufficient VitA, those with VitA deficiency (crude OR=2.20, 95%CI:1.04-4.66) and marginal deficiency (crude OR=1.43, 95%CI:1.01-2.02) had higher risks to deliver neonates with VitA marginal deficiency; while the risks turned to be non-significant after multivariable adjustment. The pregnant women with VitA deficiency had higher risk to deliver neonates with relative VitA deficiency before and after multivariable adjustment (crude OR=3.02, 95%CI:1.21-7.50; adjusted OR=2.76, 95%CI:1.05-7.22). The maternal VitA level was negatively and non-linearly correlated with placental transport ratio (pm= -0.5, P<0.05), with corresponding adjusted Spearman correlation coefficient of -0.82 (P<0.001). There was a positive linear dose-response relationship between VitA levels of newborns and pregnant women in third trimester, indicating that neonatal VitA storing levels at birth was affected by maternal VitA nutritional status.

Effects of Zinc Status and Aging on Age-Related Immune Dysfunction and Chronic Inflammation

Abstract Objectives Aging is associated with progressive immune dysfunction, including impaired adaptive response, increased susceptibility to infection, and reduced vaccination efficacy. Aging is also associated with chronic inflammation that correlated with the promotion of many age-related diseases. Zinc is an essential micronutrient critical for immune function. In US, 12% of the population do not consume the estimated average requirement for zinc. The prevalence of inadequate zinc intake is even higher among older populations, and are at increased risk for marginal zinc deficiency. Effects of zinc deficiency share similarities to age-related immune dysfunction, including impaired adaptive immunity and increased in proinflammatory response. The goal of this study is to understand the effects of zinc status and aging on age-related immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. We hypothesize that age-related decline in zinc status contributes to immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation in the elderly. Methods We studied the effects of dietary zinc supplementation and marginal zinc deficiency on changes in mucosal immunity and inflammatory response in young and old mice. Young (2 mo) and old (24 mo) C57Bl/6 mice were fed a zinc adequate (ZA, 30 ppm Zn), zinc supplemented (ZS, 300 ppm Zn), or marginal zinc deficient (MZD, 6 ppm Zn) diets for 6 wks. Serum zinc status, cytokines, and naïve/memory T-cell phenotypes, were determined at the end of the study. Results Old mice had reduced zinc and increased proinflammatory cytokines MCP1 and IL6 in the serum, increased Th1/Th17/inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL17, TNFα, respectively) and decreased naïve CD4 T-cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). ZS significantly increased serum zinc levels, decreased TNFα, IFNγ, IL17 in MLN, and increased naïve T-cell populations in aged mice. MZD further reduced serum zinc and increased serum IL6 levels in aged mice. Conclusions ZS improved the immune function of aged mice and reduced inflammatory response, and MZD further increased age-related inflammation. Our data suggest that zinc status is an important contributing factor in age-related immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Funding Sources NIFA, USDA.

Zinc Status Elicits Age-Dependent Effects in the Gut Microbiome

Abstract Objectives Zinc is an essential micronutrient critical for a variety of cellular processes, including immune function. In US, 12% of the population do not consume the EAR for zinc. In older populations the prevalence of inadequate zinc intake increases to ∼40%. Moreover, zinc levels are also often depressed in aged individuals, even when consuming a zinc-adequate diet. Thus, older populations can be highly susceptible to zinc deficiency. Both zinc deficiency and aging are associated with progressive immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation that could be correlated with the promotion of many age-related diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that the interaction among gut microbiota, the immune system, and diet contributes to age-related inflammation. Objectives: The goal of this study is to determine the importance of zinc status and age with respect to composition of the gut microbiome. We hypothesize that age and zinc status are correlated with specific taxa in the gut microbiome. Further, we expect to see additional correlations, both positive and negative, between these significant taxa and markers of host inflammation. Methods We studied the effects of dietary zinc supplementation and marginal zinc deficiency on changes in microbial communities in young and old mice. Young (2 mo) and old (24 mo) C57Bl/6 mice were fed a zinc adequate (30ppm Zn), zinc supplemented (300ppm Zn), or marginal zinc deficient (6 ppm Zn) diet for six weeks. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed on fecal samples at study start and end; cecal and colon samples at study end. Results Age correlated with overall microbial composition in the gut, according to a PERMANOVA test and a permutation test, regardless of zinc status. Gut microbiome content of young mice had significant overall correlation with zinc status, while the gut microbiome of old mice was not significantly affected by zinc status. Conclusions Age effects on the microbiome are significant and must be considered when studying effects of diet on the host gut microbiome. Zinc status, especially deficiency, elicits a varied effect on the microbiome that is dependent upon host age. Sampling site (i.e., colon, cecum, feces) had a small but significant effect on specific microbial taxa. Funding Sources NIFA, USDA.

Secondary Zinc Deficiency via Exposure to the Environmental Toxicant Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate Affects Neurogenesis at Embryonic Day 19

Abstract Objectives Zinc deficiency can affect early brain development. We previously found that developmental marginal zinc deficiency affected neurogenesis leading to a lower number of neurons and altered neural specification in the adult rat brain. Zinc deficiency can occur as low dietary zinc intake and secondary to diseases, infections, and exposure to environmental toxicants such as phthalates. This work investigated if gestational exposure to toxicant Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) could decrease zinc availability to the fetus and altered neurogenesis. Methods Rats were fed an adequate (25 µg zinc/g diet) (C) or a marginal zinc deficient (MZD) (10 µg zinc/g diet), without or with DEHP (300 mg/kg BW) (C + DEHP, MZD + DEHP) from gestational day zero until embryonic day 19 (E19). Zinc concentration was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Neurogenesis was evaluated in the offspring at E19 measuring parameters of neural progenitor cells (NPC) proliferation and differentiation by Western blot and/or immunofluorescence. Results Fetal brain zinc concentration was significantly decreased in MZD, C + DEHP and MZD + DEHP than in C. Protein Markers of neurogenesis (NeuN, PAX6, SOX2, TBR2) were lower in MZD and C + DEHP than C, and lowest in MZD + DEHP. The excitatory neuron marker vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) was lower in C + DEHP, MZD and MZD + DEHP than in C, while the marker of inhibitory neurons glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) level were similar among groups. The ERK1/2 pathway, crucial to neurogenesis, was affected by MZD and DEHP. ERK1/2 activation was lower, and at a similar extent in C + DEHP and MZD groups than in C, while it was markedly lower in the MZD + DEHP group compared to all other groups. Lower ERK1/2 activation could be due to activation of the ERK1/2 phosphatase 2A (PP2A). We found that PP2A activation was higher, in MZD and DEHP than in C, being highest in the MZD + DEHP group. Conclusions Gestational exposure to DEHP in rats causes a secondary zinc deficiency in the fetal brain and altered neurogenesis. This can be due to the inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. DEHP exposure can adversely affect the offspring's brain development and result in irreversible consequences to adult brain structure and function. Funding Sources Supported by grants from NIFA CA-D-XXX-7244-H, Packer-Wentz foundation, NIEHS T 32 training grant (T32 ES 0,07059).