Oral Administration Of Vitamin Research Articles

Guardians of Liver Health: Unveiling the Resilient Shield of Antioxidant Vitamins (C, E) Against Glyphosate-Induced Havoc in Experimental Rats

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has gained popularity due to its broad-spectrum effects and use in genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops. Recent data, however, points to possible adverse effects of glyphosate and herbicides based on glyphosate, such as genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, elevated stress levels, disturbance of the hormones such as estrogen pathway and possible associations with specific cancer types. This has raised concerns about the widespread use of glyphosate and its impact on human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to determine whether antioxidants vitamin C and E could shield experimental rats' livers from the damaging effects of glyphosate. Animals were grouped as Group I-control, 30 days of oral glyphosate-treated rats as Group II, and Rats that received simultaneous glyphosate treatment and oral administration of vitamins C and E were for 30 days as Group III. We used the user's manual to figure out the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, the histomorphology of liver tissue using H&E staining, and the liver and kidney function tests using Diatek Greiner kits. The study revealed that prolonged exposure to glyphosate can alter the SREBPI and HNF1 pathways, leading to diabetes. As an herbicide, glyphosate can cause harmful changes in vital organs, leading to diabetes and other disorders.

Consensus Statement on Vitamin D Status Assessment and Supplementation: Whys, Whens, and Hows.

The 6th International Conference, "Controversies in Vitamin D," was convened to discuss controversial topics, such as vitamin D metabolism, assessment, actions, and supplementation. Novel insights into vitamin D mechanisms of action suggest links with conditions that do not depend only on reduced solar exposure or diet intake and that can be detected with distinctive noncanonical vitamin D metabolites. Optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels remain debated. Varying recommendations from different societies arise from evaluating different clinical or public health approaches. The lack of assay standardization also poses challenges in interpreting data from available studies, hindering rational data pooling and meta-analyses. Beyond the well-known skeletal features, interest in vitamin D's extraskeletal effects has led to clinical trials on cancer, cardiovascular risk, respiratory effects, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and mortality. The initial negative results are likely due to enrollment of vitamin D-replete individuals. Subsequent post hoc analyses have suggested, nevertheless, potential benefits in reducing cancer incidence, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular events, and diabetes. Oral administration of vitamin D is the preferred route. Parenteral administration is reserved for specific clinical situations. Cholecalciferol is favored due to safety and minimal monitoring requirements. Calcifediol may be used in certain conditions, while calcitriol should be limited to specific disorders in which the active metabolite is not readily produced in vivo. Further studies are needed to investigate vitamin D effects in relation to the different recommended 25(OH)D levels and the efficacy of the different supplementary formulations in achieving biochemical and clinical outcomes within the multifaced skeletal and extraskeletal potential effects of vitamin D.

Ameliorative Effect of Vitamin D on Articular Cartilage Thickness in Arthritic Rat Model

Objective: To determine the protective effect of vitamin D on the articular cartilage of formalin-induced arthritis in rats.Study Design: Lab–based Experimental study.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College from September 2020 to September 2021.Methods: We randomly split thirty adult male albino rats weighing between 250 and 300 grams into three groups. (10 in total). On days 1 and 3 of the experiment, formaldehyde was subcutaneously injected into the right paw of every animal, with the exception of those in group A. The usual rat food was given to the rats in Groups A and B. Throughout the trial, Rats in group C were given vitamin D 4000IU/kg orally by adding cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) injection in a standard diet for 28 days. All of the animals were dissected after the experiment, and the right hind leg was taken out, processed, and stained with H&E for a microscopic assessment of the thickness of the unclarified cartilage. Version 21 of SPSS was used to analyze the results.Results: The oral administration of vitamin D exhibited a significant increase in unclarified cartilage thickness on intergroup comparison.Conclusion: Vitamin D is an effective antiarthritic agent in ameliorating the thickness of articular cartilage thickness in arthritic rat models.
 How to cite this: Shahid A, Beenish H, Khurshid T, Rashid A, Shahid U, Khan M. Ameliorative Effect of Vitamin D on Articular Cartilage Thickness in Arthritic Rat Model. Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 107-112. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.570

Toxicological assessment of crude oil vapour and the modulating effect of vitamin E on the heart of albino rats

This study investigates the effect of vapour of various concentrations of crude oil and oral co-administration of vitamin E on the heart of albino rats. Thirty (30) albino rats were randomly grouped into six (6) of five (5) rats each and designated A to E. Rats neither exposed to crude oil vapour nor oral administration of vitamin E, rats exposed to oral administration of 15 mg/kg bw vitamin E but not exposed to vapour of crude oil were designated groups A and B. Rats exposed to oral co-administration of vitamin E and vapour of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% crude oil were designated groups C, D, E and F respectively. Rats’ treatment was over a period of 28 days, after which the rats were euthanized for biochemical analyses. Serum total protein (TP), total cholesterol (CHOL) and triglycerides (TRIG) levels were determined. Standard enzyme assay was conducted for alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the heart. Generally, the concentration of TP of serum of other groups of rats, except group B, was significantly higher relative to the Control (p≤0.05). Serum CHOL and TRIG levels increased as the concentration of crude oil increased. Heart AST activities of rats in groups A, B and C were not significantly different (p≤0.05), similarly the AST activities of heart of rats in groups D, E and F were not significantly different (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity of Control rats not exposed to crude oil vapour and not given oral administration of vitamin E (A) and the Control in Group B (given oral administration of vitamin E but not exposed to crude oil vapour). The specific activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of heart of both control rats and those of rats exposed to the vapour of various concentrations of crude oil were not significantly different (p>0.05). Experimental evidence from this study revealed that vapour of crude oil can induce biochemical changes in the heart of rats while oral co-administration of vitamin E could reduce the risk posed by exposure to vapour of crude oil by 50%.

Vitamin E Increases Leydig Cells and Testosterone in Rats with Excessive Exercise

Background. Excessive exercise increases oxidative stress, which affects cell damage, including Leydig cells. Damage to Leydig cells leads to a drop in testosterone levels. Vitamin E is known to protect spermatogenesis by inhibiting Leydig cell apoptosis and lipid peroxidation. This study investigates vitamin E efficacy in increasing Leydig cells count and testosterone levels in male Wistar rats exposed to excessive physical exercise. Methods. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into the control and treatment groups in this posttest-only control group experimental study. The control group was a group that received excessive exercise and 1 ml/day of distilled water once daily. The treatment group was a group that received excessive exercise and vitamin E (20 mg/day) dissolved in distilled water up to 1 ml once daily. Excessive exercise in this study was swimming ≥ 60 minutes a day in an 80 cm x 50 cm pool with 60 cm deep. After 40 days; Leydig cells number and testosterone levels were examined and compared between groups. Results. Leydig cells' mean value in the treatment group was 2.6 times higher than the control (10.23±0.73 vs. 3.83±0.67; p<0.001). For testosterone levels, the mean value was 2.3 times higher in the treatment group compared to control (11.42±0.27 ng/mL vs. 4.94±0.21 ng/mL; p<0.001). Conclusions. Oral administration of vitamin E (20 mg/day) for 40 days increased Leydig cell number and testosterone levels in Wistar rats with excessive physical exercise compared to controls. Vitamin E might be considered a treatment for male Keywords: antioxidant; exercise; testosterone; vitamin E

Vitamin C protects retinal ganglion cells via SPP1 in glaucoma and after optic nerve damage.

Glaucoma is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by retinal ganglion cell death, astrocyte reactivity in the optic nerve, and vision loss. Currently, lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) is the first-line treatment, but adjuvant neuroprotective approaches would be welcome. Vitamin C possesses neuroprotective activities that are thought to be related to its properties as a co-factor of enzymes and its antioxidant effects. Here, we show that vitamin C promotes a neuroprotective phenotype and increases gene expression related to neurotropic factors, phagocytosis, and mitochondrial ATP production. This effect is dependent on the up-regulation of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) in reactive astrocytes via the transcription factor E2F1. SPP1+ astrocytes in turn promote retinal ganglion cell survival in a mouse model of glaucoma. In addition, oral administration of vitamin C lowers the IOP in mice. This study identifies an additional neuroprotective pathway for vitamin C and suggests a potential therapeutic role of vitamin C in neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma.

Effectiveness of Vitamin C Administration on Outcome in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Numerous studies on the effectiveness of vitamin C against the COVID-19 infection have been widely carried out recently. However, the differences in dosage ranges and therapeutic efficacy in previous studies have prompted a systematic literature review on the effectiveness of vitamin C on outcomes in COVID-19 patients. In addition, this study aimed to determine the appropriate therapeutic dose of vitamin C for COVID-19 patients, either alone or in combination with other supplements, and to determine the side effects.Methods: Gleaned from the search on Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases up to April 25, 2022, fourteen studies were relevant, namely five studies using vitamin C orally and nine studies administered intravenously. We assessed multiple outcomes, including mortality, hospitalization, and symptoms. The quality and risk of bias analyses were performed using JBI critical appraisal tools.Results: The oral administration of vitamin C resulted in a significant difference in the mortality of COVID-19 patients (OR=0.66; 95% CI=0.45–0.97; P=0.04; I2=0%) and a non-significant difference in the outcome. Duration of hospitalization (OR = -0.21; 95% CI = -2.70-2.28; P=0.87; I2=94%). Regarding the cost-effectiveness and side effects manifested in digestive disorders such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, vitamin C with a dose of 500-1000 mg could be given orally.Conclusion: Oral administration of vitamin C showed a reduction in the mortality of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms.

Alterations in Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress Markers Following Heat Stress on Wistar Rats: Ameliorating Role of Vitamin C

Global warming and the increased frequency of heat waves have generated more interest in the effect of heat stress on human physiology. The present study evaluated the effect of 30 days of controlled heat exposure (38.1±1°C) on the lipid profile and oxidative stress markers of male Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats (3 - 4 months old, 200-250g) were used for the study and grouped into five (5) groups of five (5) rats per group. Group 1 served as the control, while groups 2 – 4 were allowed exposed to controlled heat for two (2), four (4) and eight (8) hours respectively while group 5 were allowed an 8-hour heat exposure plus oral administration of vitamin C. The result of the study indicates that heat stress caused a significant increase in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) among the heat-exposed group compared to the control (p<0.05) while the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GPH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) significantly reduced compared to the non-exposed control (P<0.05). The result also indicates that supplementation with vitamin C positively modulated the effects of heat stress on lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. The current evidence suggests that heat stress can cause an increase in oxidative stress leading to increased lipid peroxidation and cellular damage with a possible ameliorative role by vitamin C supplementation.

Comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin E and vitamin D on a rat model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis.

The present study aimed to compare the clinical effects of vitamin E and vitamin D on a rat model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC), and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms associated with changes in the levels of cytokines. After successful establishment of the rat model of DSS-induced UC, prednisolone (1 mg/kg), vitamin D (50 ng) and vitamin E (6, 30 and 150 IU/kg) were orally administered for 1 week. The pharmacodynamics were evaluated by a daily combination of clinical observation (CO) scores, histopathological evaluations and assessment of molecular markers of inflammation. Administration of vitamin D, vitamin E (30 and 150 IU/kg), prednisolone, and the combination of vitamin D and vitamin E resulted in a decrease in CO scores. The severity of inflammation of the colon was markedly alleviated in the treatment groups compared with that in the untreated DSS group according to the results of histopathological examination; however, they showed different inhibitory effects on the levels of some cytokines. In conclusion, the present results indicated that oral administration of vitamin E could promote recovery of DSS-induced UC by the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines, and that its underlying mechanism may differ from that of vitamin D and glucocorticoid drugs.

Halka Boyunlu Sülünlerde (Phasianus colchicus) Nakil Kaynaklı Stresin Önlenmesinde C Vitamininin Etkinliğinin Araştırılması

Objective: In this study, the efficiency of vitamin C on the prevention or reduction of transport induced stress in ring-necked pheasants was investigated.&#x0D; Material and Method: Two experimental and a control group were formed in the study. Vitamin C was given to the experimental groups in the drinking water for one week at the levels of 200 (AA1) and 400 (AA2) mg/kg BW daily. After one week, the pheasants were transported and the plasma corticosterone levels and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio were determined before and after transport. &#x0D; Results: When the values obtained before and after transplantation were compared, a significant increase was found after transplantation for both parameters in the control group, while a significant increase was found only in plasma CS levels in the AA1 and AA2 groups. All parameters before and after transport were similar in all three groups. After transport, level of plasma corticosterone and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio were similar in the experimental groups, but these parameters were lower than the control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Administration of oral vitamin C for one week before transportation decreases transport induced stress response.

Timeline of the Development of Skin-Lightening Active Ingredients in Japan.

Japanese pharmaceutical cosmetics, often referred to as quasi-drugs, contain skin-lightening active ingredients formulated to prevent sun-induced pigment spots and freckles. Their mechanisms of action include suppressing melanin production in melanocytes and promoting epidermal growth to eliminate melanin more rapidly. For example, arbutin and rucinol are representative skin-lightening active ingredients that inhibit melanin production, and disodium adenosine monophosphate and dexpanthenol are skin-lightening active ingredients that inhibit melanin accumulation in the epidermis. In contrast, oral administration of vitamin C and tranexamic acid in pharmaceutical products can lighten freckles and melasma, and these products are more effective than quasi-drugs. On the basis of their clinical effectiveness, skin-lightening active ingredients can be divided into four categories according to their effectiveness and adverse effects. This review discusses academic research and development regarding skin-lightening ingredients in Japan.

The effect of vitamin E on the histological structure of kidney in rats treated with cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytotoxic alkylating drug that is commonly used to treat autoimmune disorders and cancer. CP causes nephrotoxicity by producing highly reactive radicals devoid of oxygen. A fat-soluble vitamin E that interacts as a free radical scavenger, inhibiting nitrosamine production and blocking lipid peroxidation from polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this research was to see if vitamin E may help combating CP induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty-two adult albino female Westar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=8) and received daily treatment for thirty days. Group A considered as control group, receiving normal saline IP at dose of 0.3 ml, group B given 15 mg/kg b.w. of cyclophosphamide IP, while group C received cyclophosphamide with vitamin E at dose 200 mg/kg, oral administration of vitamin E one hour before injection of cyclophosphamide, in group D they received vitamin E orally at dose of 200 mg kg body weight mixed with olive oil daily by oral gavage. In group B the cyclophosphamide causes highly significant reduction in body weight and histologically showed atrophy of most glomeruli, distention in bowman’s space, tubular degeneration and luminal hyaline cast material, while in group C showed most of the glomeruli normal except atrophy of few number of glomeruli and focal epithelial degeneration of renal tubules. Our study found that one of the primary mechanisms induced by cyclophosphamide may be nephrotoxicity due to oxidative stress, and pretreatment with vitamin E reduces cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity.

Possible Roles of Vitamin D in Bone Grafting.

Bone grafting is one of the most commonly used options to treat large bone defects. Evidence has shown that vitamin D may affect osseointegration, a major component for successful bone grafting. In vitro studies have proved that implants coated with activated vitamin D stimulate bone production and reduce bone resorption around implants. Animal studies have noticed that oral administration of vitamin D may stimulate bone formation as well as strengthen and support the interaction between bone and implants. Vitamin D insufficiency may affect negatively the cortical peri-implant bone formation, suggesting a negative effect in graft incorporation. Few clinical studies have observed that vitamin D administration enhanced graft incorporation and bone formation, while severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with failed implant osseointegration. Even though there are encouraging results of vitamin D supplementation on graft incorporation in animal studies, the use of vitamin D as an adjuvant in bone grafting procedures cannot be fully supported at the moment. However, there is theoretical support in the use of vitamin D after surgery and the use of bone grafts to support the bone structure, relieve pain and increase graft absorption. Further experimental and clinical studies are required to support the administration of vitamin D and its analogues in such cases.

Assessment of Oral Bioavailability of Vitamin D 3 and Its Metabolite, 25-hydroxy (OH) Vitamin D 3 in Male Sprague Dawley Rats Following a Single Oral Dose of Biofield Energy Treated Vitamin D 3

The present study was performed to determine the effects of The Trivedi Effect ® -Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment on vitamin D 3 and rats through the pharmacokinetic parameters measurement of both plasma level of vitamin D 3 and 25-hydroxy (OH)-vitamin D 3 after the oral administration of vitamin D 3 in rats. The test item, vitamin D 3 was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control (without Biofield Energy Healing Treatment), while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. Additionally, one group of animals also received Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment per se by the Healer under similar conditions. Vitamin D 3 oral formulations were administrated by oral gavage at a dose of 500 μg per kg in groups viz. G1 (untreated Vitamin D 3 ), G2 (Biofield Energy Treated Vitamin D 3 ) and G3 (Biofield Energy Treated animals received untreated Vitamin D 3 ) group. The results showed that the relative oral exposure (AUC 0 –t) of vitamin D 3 was significantly increased by 155.62% and 111.73% in G2 and G3 groups, respectively as compared to the control group. Biofield Energy Treatment also significantly improved the plasma peak concentration (C max ) of vitamin D 3 by 223.84% and 187.5% in G2 and G3 groups, respectively as compared to the control group. This study results also showed that the relative oral exposure (AUC 0 –t) of 25-hydroxy (OH)-vitamin D 3 (metabolite) was significantly increased by 161.28% and 113.96% in G2 and G3 groups, respectively as compared to the control group (G1). Biofield Energy Treatment also significantly improved the plasma peak concentration (C max ) of 25-hydroxy (OH)-vitamin D 3 by 174.25% and 111.77% in G2 and G3 groups, respectively as compared to the control group. After oral administration, plasma concentrations of active metabolite, 25-hydroxy (OH)-vitamin D 3 in all three groups were declined slowly. The mean residence time (MRT last ) and elimination rate constant (K el ) for this metabolite were unaltered in all three groups. These data suggest that Biofield Energy Treated vitamin D 3 might be influenced in vivo biological activity of vitamin D 3 due to increased plasma exposure (AUC) of both vitamin D 3 and metabolite level, 25-hydroxy (OH)-vitamin D 3 in rats. There was significant improvement (&gt;100%) of relative oral bioavailability of both vitamin D 3 and 25-hydroxy (OH)-vitamin D 3 that might be due to the alteration of physicochemical properties and thermal properties of vitamin D 3 by the Biofield Energy Treatment. Biofield Energy Healing Treatment could be an innovative strategy that opens new avenues to overcome poorly absorbed pharmaceuticals/nutraceuticals/herbal extracts and can also improve the therapeutic performance of orally active molecules.

Chemopreventive and anticancer activities of indomethacin and vitamin D combination on colorectal cancer induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats.

Several studies have revealed that the combination of indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and vitamin D reduces the risk of common types of cancers. Nonetheless, research on the deal concentrations used to test the impact of vitamin D on colon cancer is deficient. Along these lines, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible role of indomethacin and vitamin D as a preventative as well as a therapeutic operator for colon cancer growth induced by dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in male Albino rats. Fifty male albino rats were utilized in this examination; five groups were assigned from the animals (10 animals each): i) control group considered healthy animals; ii) carcinogen group that received DMH only; iii) prophylactic group; iv) vitamin D and indomethacin-treated group; and v) 5-flurouracil (5-FU) group. Western blot technique was used to determine the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Overexpression of CEA and PDGF was noted in the carcinogenic group, while expression of CEA and PDGF in the prophylactic, vitamin D and indomethacin and 5-FU groups were markedly reduced. There was a likewise decline in tissue caspase-3 activity and antioxidant parameters in the carcinogenic group, while, there was an increase in these markers in the 5-FU group as well as the prophylactic and vitamin D and indomethacin groups. The combination of vitamin D and indomethacin markedly reduced the incidence and severity of colon cancer. The molecular, biochemical and histopathological analysis related with the oral administration of vitamin D and indomethacin display its capacity to limit the frequency of colorectal cancer.

Abstract IA14: Increasing viral mimicry with vitamin C

Abstract Responses of MDS patients to DNA methylation inhibitors (DNMTis) is due in part to the induction of expression of transposable elements, particularly endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Induction of these transcripts leads to an innate immune response which may be responsible for the clinical efficacy of the drugs and we have called this “viral mimicry”. We investigated whether physiological concentrations of vitamin C given simultaneously with treatment with DNMTis would increase the expression of ERVs. The rationale being that the TET enzymes require vitamin C for their maximum activities, and we hypothesized that the induction of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine would stimulate the expression of these retroviruses. Experiments in culture showed that addition of vitamin C, strongly increases the expression of ERVs and increases the formation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine during treatment. This is important since culture medium is mostly not supplemented with vitamin C. In more recent patient trials we have shown that responses to DNMTis may indeed be partially due to the induction of ERVs. Because we and others have shown that many patients in hematology clinics are severely vitamin C deficient, we are now exploring whether restoration of vitamin C levels to normal may potentiate the activities of the DNMTis. Preliminary data shows that oral administration of vitamin C increases the expression of ERVs and also the quantity of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the DNA of circulating cells. We have now designed a prospective clinical trial to test these hypothesis and preliminary data will be presented. Citation Format: Peter A. Jones. Increasing viral mimicry with vitamin C [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Virtual Conference on Epigenetics and Metabolism; October 15-16, 2020; 2020 Oct 15-16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(23 Suppl):Abstract nr IA14.

Reducing the Side-Effects of Cisplatin to Improve the Social Acceptance of Chemotherapy as CAM Adjunct in Cancer Treatment

Background: In sociology, the prevalence of cancer is interpreted as a broken social contract that requires behaviour change. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a vital social phenomenon, whose usage is socially patterned out. Perceptions of the limitations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy among cancer patients have contributed to the preference for CAM use, particularly plant-derived polysaccharides like HemoHIM, which contain cisplatin. This research was undertaken to show whether co-administration of vitamin C with cisplatin in chemotherapy can prevent or reduce the side-effects of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Objectives: The objective of this study was to overturn social perceptions of conventional therapy as associated with nephrotoxicity. It investigates the renoprotective effects of high-dose vitamin C by performing an animal experiment to determine body weight, organ weight, and biochemical blood parameters; as well as to measure inflammatory cytokines. Design: Mice were randomly divided into five groups (control; and 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg of vitamin C with cisplatin). All groups except for the control group were intraperitoneally injected with 5- mg/kg cisplatin for 10 days, and the mice in the respective groups were orally administered each 500-, 1000-, 2000- mg/kg vitamin C 2 h prior to cisplatin treatment. After 10 days, the mice were sacrificed, and their blood samples and kidney tissues were obtainedfor further analysis. Setting and location: Republic of Korea Methods: Blood samples from animal experiments and tissue preparation were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: The intraperitoneal injection of cisplatinreduced body weight, and elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and uric acid. It also triggered an inflammatory response in the mouse kidney by inducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β and increasing in the expression of iNOS, and IL-4. Renal injury was decreased by the administration of vitamin C; the oral administration of vitamin C (500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg) decreased or normalized the renal function through the attenuation of cisplatin-induced inflammatory cytokines and the modulation of biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and Uric acid) following the intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. Conclusion: The results of our present study suggest that the co-administration of vitamin C with cisplatin chemotherapy is a promising method to prevent or reduce the side effects of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. These findings can remodel how the Korean society thinks, approaches and fights cancer by showing how nephrotoxicity can be counteracted to ensure social acceptance of CAM as an adjunctive to cisplatin therapy. Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine, CAM, Vitamin C, Renoprotective therapy, Cisplatin, Nephrotoxicity, High-dose vitamin C DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/81-11 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

Adjuvant therapy of Wentong acupuncture for elderly patients of primary osteoporosis with intestinal dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effects of Wentong acupuncture on bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism and intestinal function in elderly patients of primary osteoporosis with intestinal dysfunction. A total of 128 elderly patients of primary osteoporosis with intestinal dysfunction were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 64 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of vitamin D calcium chewable tablets (0.6 g, once a day) and calcitriol capsules (0.25 μg, three times a day); the treatment was given for 6 months. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, patients in the observation group were additionally treated with Wentong acupuncture at Shenshu (BL 23), Mingmen (GV 4), Pishu (BL 20), Dachangshu (BL 25), Tianshu (ST 25) and Zusanli (ST 36), etc. for 30 min each time, once a day. After 1-week treatment, the patients took a rest for 2 days; the treatment was given for 6 months. Before and after treatment, the BMD of lumbar spine, femoral neck and femoral trochanter was detected by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (NBAP), osteocalcin (OC), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and calcitonin (CT) were detected by ELISA method. The primary symptom scores of intestinal function, serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid (D-Lac) levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated. The total effective rate was 85.9% (55/64) in the observation group, which was higher than 71.9% (46/64) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, BMD were increased (P<0.05), and serum bone metabolism indexes were improved in the two groups (P<0.05); the BMD and serum bone metabolism indexes in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the primary symptom scores of intestinal function, serum DAO and D-Lac levels in the observation group were decreased (P<0.05), and the indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The adjuvant therapy of Wentong acupuncture could increase BMD, improve bone metabolism and regulate intestinal function in elderly patients of primary osteoporosis with intestinal dysfunction.

Characterization of missense mutations in the signal peptide and propeptide of FIX in hemophilia B by a cell-based assay

AbstractMany mutations in the signal peptide and propeptide of factor IX (FIX) cause hemophilia B. A FIX variants database reports 28 unique missense mutations in these regions that lead to FIX deficiency, but the underlying mechanism is known only for the mutations on R43 that interfere with propeptide cleavage. It remains unclear how other mutations result in FIX deficiency and why patients carrying the same mutation have different bleeding tendencies. Here, we modify a cell-based reporter assay to characterize the missense mutations in the signal peptide and propeptide of FIX. The results show that the level of secreted conformation-specific reporter (SCSR), which has a functional γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla) domain of FIX, decreases significantly in most mutations. The decreased SCSR level is consistent with FIX deficiency in hemophilia B patients. Moreover, we find that the decrease in the SCSR level is caused by several distinct mechanisms, including interfering with cotranslational translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum, protein secretion, γ-carboxylation of the Gla domain, and cleavage of the signal peptide or propeptide. Importantly, our results also show that the SCSR levels of most signal peptide and propeptide mutations increase with vitamin K concentration, suggesting that the heterogeneity of bleeding tendencies may be related to vitamin K levels in the body. Thus, oral administration of vitamin K may alleviate the severity of bleeding tendencies in patients with missense mutations in the FIX signal peptide and propeptide regions.

Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review

Brief overviewCurrent evidence from published systematic reviews indicate that oral intake of vitamin C may assist with symptoms of acute viral respiratory infections (ARI) by reducing fever and chills, relieving chest pain and assist in reducing symptoms of common cold-induced asthma. Intravenous (IV) vitamin C administration may reduce the need for vasopressor support and the duration of mechanical ventilations in critically ill patients in hospital. COVID-19 has similar signs and symptoms of ARI. Further studies involving patients with COVID-19, either through administration of oral vitamin C in mild cases or IV vitamin C in critical cases, would be advantageous to examine if it is safe and efficacious. VerdictOral vitamin C may assist with the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARI) and common cold-induced asthma but no studies have been identified justifying oral vitamin C for the prevention or treatment of coronavirus infections including COVID-19. When taken at onset of ARI, oral vitamin C may reduce the duration of symptoms including fever, chest pain, chills and bodily aches and pains. It may also reduce the incidence of hospital admission and duration of hospital stays. For individuals admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia, vitamin C may improve respiratory function in more severe cases. No major adverse events nor interactions were reported by either method of administration. However, there is an absence of high quality, contemporary clinical research examining this topic. Current evidence suggests further studies are needed to better understand the value of both oral and IV vitamin C for ARI, including COVID-19.