Oral Supplementation Of Vitamin Research Articles

Intracranial hemorrhage in infants as a serious, and preventable consequence of late form of vitamin K deficiency: a selfie picture of Turkey, strategies for tomorrow.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is one of the most common causes of acquired hemostatic disorder in early infancy. Although vitamin K is practiced routinely after every birth in Turkey, children with type of vitamin K deficiency bleedings (L-VKDB) can be encountered. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features of the children with L-VKDB reported from Turkey. Between 1995 and 2013, 48 studies reporting 534 children with L-VKDB were evaluated in this study. Of the 534 reported children (178 girls, 356 boys), 486 (91 %) were extremely breastfed. The most common bleeding sites were intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal, and umbilical in 414 (77.4 %), 33 (6.2 %), and 33 (6.2 %) children, respectively, and 35 (6.6 %) children had been diagnosed incidentally without any bleeding. The etiology of 399 (74.7 %) children were classified as idiopathic, whereas 135 (25.3 %) were secondary. Intramuscular vitamin K was administered in 248 (46.4 %), not administered in 228 (42.7 %), and the administration of vitamin K were not determined in 58 (10.9 %) children. The outcomes of Turkish cohort showed that 111 (20.8) children died, 257 (48.1 %) cases developed neurologic deficit (mainly epilepsy and psychomotor retardation), and only 166 (31.1 %) patients recovered without squeal. The compliance of prophylactic measures in Turkey does not seem to be satisfactory. As a further measure of tomorrow, we vigorously emphasize that a national surveillance program may be initiated. An additional intramuscular dose or oral supplementation of vitamin K especially for exclusively breast-fed infants may reduce this catastrophic problem in our country.

Medical Management of Peyronie’s Disease: a 2014 Update

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by the development of dense fibrous collagen plaque deposits in the tunica albuginea of the penis, resulting in curvature of the erection and sexual dysfunction. It is both a physically and psychologically devastating disorder that remains a considerable therapeutic dilemma due to incomplete characterization of its pathophysiology and the paucity of randomized controlled trials. Along with an underlying genetic predisposition, numerous studies have implicated pro-inflammatory cascades and oxidative stress in the development of PD. Medical therapies targeting these pathways can be partially effective at decreasing or inhibiting plaque formation and symptoms of PD. Such therapies include the broad categories of oral medication and vitamin supplements, intralesional injections, and penile traction. The recent FDA approval for intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum provides a significant advancement in the medical treatment of PD. In addition to highlighting the latest data supporting intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum, this update aims to review the most current literature on all of the available options for medical treatment of PD and to provide a practical approach to the clinical management of PD in the office setting.

Serum homocysteine levels are decreased in levothyroxine-treated women with autoimmune thyroiditis

BackgroundHyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor and its elevation is established in overt hypothyroidism. Since some authors suggest that chronic autoimmune thyroiditis per se may be considered as a novel risk factor of atherosclerosis independent of thyroid function, the analysis of classical cardiovascular risk factors might be helpful in evaluation the causative relationship. Data concerning the impact of thyroid autoimmunity in euthyroid state on homocysteine (Hcy) level is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate Hcy level in context of anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) in euthyroidism.MethodsIt is a case–control study. 31 euthyroid women treated with levothyroxine (L-T4) due to Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and 26 females in euthyroidism without L-T4 replacement therapy were enrolled in the study. All women with HT had positive TPOAbs. Forty healthy females negative for TPOAbs comparable for age and body mass index (BMI) participated in the study as controls. Exclusion criteria were a history of any acute or chronic disease, use of any medications (including oral contraceptives and vitamin supplements), smoking, alcoholism.ResultsTPOAbs titers were higher in both groups of HT patients versus the healthy controls. Hcy levels were found to be significantly lower in treated HT patients (Me 11 μmol; IQR 4.2 μmol) as compared with healthy controls (Me 13.35 μmol; IQR 6.34 μmol; p = 0.0179). In contrast, no significant difference was found between non treated HT and control group in Hcy level. The study groups and the controls did not differ in age and BMI. Furthermore, levels of TSH, FT4, TC, LDL, HDL and TAG did not differ between the study group and the control group.ConclusionThe main finding of the study is a decrease in Hcy level in treated HT as compared with healthy controls. Based on our observations one can also assume that correct L-T4 replacement was associated here with a decrease of Hcy. Furthermore, it seems that non treated HT in euthyroidism is not associated with Hcy increase, in contrast to overt hypothyroidism. This may be just another argument against the concepts about the role of “euthyroid HT” in the development of atherosclerosis.

The Effect of Oral Supplementation of Vitamin D3 on Serum Levels of Vitamin D: A Review

Due to the strong interest in the role of vitamin D in health, we tried to find data to illustrate the relationship between oral supplementation and change in serum levels of vitamin D. We reviewed the literature of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of oral supplementation and serum levels of vitamin D through 2014. We found 25 informative studies which showed a significant dose-response between oral supplementation and serum levels of vitamin D with an r2 of 0.61.These data are consistent with single studies and meta-analyses.In conclusion, the data show a consistent relationship that appears to be independent of multiple confounders.

Drug-induced diffuse hair loss in females: An observational study

Introduction: A large number of drugs may interfere with hair cycle and produce diffuse hair loss (DHL). This needs to be identified, as it may lead to poor compliance with the drug regimen. Material and Methods: History of drug intake in the recent past was taken from 255 females presenting with DHL. Sixty-seven patients (26.2%) revealed a history of drug intake. Out of these, a detailed history about nature and duration of drugs was taken from 57 patients (22.3%) who had a history of drug intake preceding the onset of DHL or had a history of aggravation in preexisting hair loss following drug intake. Results: Duration of DHL ranged from 1 month to 5 years with a mean duration of 9.8±13.1 months. The mean duration of drug intake was 49.1±80.8 months. History of intake of 100 suspected drugs was available, most common group being antihypertensives (23%), followed by hormones (12%), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (11%), antidiabetic (8%), oral contraceptive pills (6%), antitubercular treatment (5%), tricyclic antidepressants (4%), and vitamin supplements (4%). Among individual drugs, thyroxine (10%) was the most commonly implicated agent followed by amlodipine (5%), Amitriptyline (4%), atorvastatin, aspirin, metformin, ibuprofen, and vitamin B complex (3% each). Conclusions: Drugs should be suspected as a cause of DHL in females and a detailed history about the nature and duration of drug intake should be taken in such patients.

Comparing the effect of oral supplementation of vitamin E, injective vitamin E and selenium or both during late pregnancy on production and reproductive performance and immune function of dairy cows and calves.

The object of this study was to determine the effect of prepartum supplementation of vitamin E with or without injective vitamin E and selenium (Se) on productive and reproductive performances and immune function in dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided randomly into three groups at the end of gestation. Cows in each group received one of three treatments: (1) a single intramuscular (im) injection of vit. E + selenium 3 weeks prepartum; (2) daily supplementation of oral vit. E given from 3 weeks prepartum to parturition; (3) injective vit. E + Se with daily supplementation of oral vit. E. Blood samples were collected from cows at calving and from calves at 0 and 7 days of age. Concentration of IgG in serum of cows and calves as well as in colostrum was determined. No significant differences among treatments occurred in the concentrations of IgG, animal, and calf production and reproduction performance. Due to the lack of significant difference between injection and oral supplementation, it is recommended to replace the injection with oral supplementation.

Effect of Oral Supplementation of Vitamin C and Exercise on Plasma Vitamin C Status in Marwari Horses

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the oral supplementation with ascorbic acid on plasma levels in Marwari horses. The experiment was planned to supplement ascorbic acid @ 5 mg/kg. Body weight orally for 4 days on plasma ascorbic acid levels in horses. There was no significant difference in plasma ascorbic acid levels between day 1st and day 5th in supplemented group and control group. After that, a second trial was undertaken with supplementation of sodium ascorbate @ 20 mg/Kg body weight for 30 days in exercising horses. Exercising horses were under gallop + canter exercise of 5 km per day in sandy track. Blood samples were taken on each 10th day of the study period. There was no significant difference found in plasma ascorbic acid levels between supplemented and non-supplemented group of exercising horses. It was also found that plasma ascorbic acid levels were also significantly low in exercising non-supplemented horses than the horses which were under rest. So it was concluded that continuous 5 km gallop+ canter exercise in sandy track for a month reduces plasma ascorbic acid levels in horses but it cannot be replenished by oral supplementation of ascorbic acid because bioavailability of ascorbic acid on oral supplementation in Marwari horses is very poor.

Effects of indirect exposure of mice pups to endosulfan via their dams during gestation and lactation periods and the ameliorative effect of vitamin E

During gestation and lactation, the experimental mice dams received one of the following treatments: (a) diet free of pesticide; (b) diet enriched with endosulfan (END); 30.0 µg kg(-1); (c) diet free of pesticide + oral vitamin E (α-tocopherol; 200 mg kg(-1) per mouse); and (d) diet enriched with END (30.0 µg kg(-1)) + oral vitamin E (200 mg kg(-1) per mouse). At weaning, pups and dams were killed, and selected organs as well as blood samples were collected for analyses. Compared with the control results, END induced alteration in a number of biochemical and histopathological parameters either in the dams or their offspring. The ameliorative effect of vitamin E to superoxide dismutase based on the "ameliorative index (AI)" for mothers and pups was 0.84 and 0.72, respectively. The AI for malondialdehyde reached a maximum value of nearly equal to 1.0 for dams or pups. For butyryl cholinesterase, the AI was 0.90 and 0.94 for dams and pups, respectively. In conclusion, a dietary exposure during gestation and lactation to low dose of END caused significant changes in the mother but also in the weaned animals that had not been directly exposed to this pesticide. These biological and histological alterations could be reversed to a great extent by oral supplementation of vitamin E.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Response to Oral Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients on long term Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) and assess efficacy of oral vitamin D supplementation. Methods: We performed retrospective chart review of eligible adult HPN patients managed by Cleveland Clinic Home Nutrition Support Services for a minimum of 6 months. Patients were categorized by vitamin D status into sufficient: mean 25OHD≥ 30ng/ml, insufficient: mean 25OHD= 20-30ng/ml and deficient: mean 25OHD < 20ng/ml. Results: A total of 79 patients were retrospectively assessed for sufficiency of vitamin D levels while on HPN. Seventy nine patients were further categorized into deficient: 64 (81%), insufficient: 9 (11%), and sufficient: 6 (8%) groups based on the degree of vitamin D deficiency. The mean age of patients studied was 52 ± 13 years and 33% were male. Median HPN duration was 39 months and the most common indication was inflammatory bowel disease (37%). Patients had between 1 and 29 measurements of vitamin D levels done during their HPN therapy with a median of 4 labs per patient. The average levels were 24.5 ± 12.7 with an average lowest level of 15.5 ± 9.7. Majority (82%) of patients had at least 1 prescription for Vitamin D supplements during this time. On univariable analysis, lack of high dose vitamin D supplementation (50,000IU) was associated with a higher likelihood of having vitamin D deficiency. Patients who had taken supplements during the previous 3 and 6 months had a 59% (p=0.001) and 45% (0.032) lower likelihood of having deficiency, respectively. In the multivariate model (Table), oral supplementation of vitamin D anytime in the previous 3 months (odd's ratio [OR]=0.70, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.52,0.93; p=0.016) also showed significance, suggesting 30% lower odds of deficiency with oral supplementation.Table: Table. Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency: multivariable analysisConclusion: Minority (8%) of the HPN patient population had sufficient vitamin D levels. The likelihood of deficiency decreased with high dose vitamin D supplementation (>50,000IU). Further prospective studies are required to define the adequate amount of oral supplementation to attain sufficient vitamin D levels (>30ng/ml) in this complex population. More studies are needed to assess if lower levels of vitamin D in such patients translate into adverse clinical outcomes.

Megaloblastic anemia as a differential diagnosis in pancytopenia

Introduction: Pancytopenia is considered a reduction of all lineages of blood cells. Megaloblastic anemia is one of its several causes, which is a group of disorders characterized by the presence of different morphological aspects of the maturing cells in the bone marrow associated with ineffective erythropoiesis. Objectives: Description of a clinical case. Case: We present a case of a 39 years old male, ex-drug addict (cocaine and heroin), with severe drinking habits, that was brought to the emergency room for extreme fatigue and palpitations at rest with three months of evolution. He complained about anorexia and frequent epistaxis in the last week too. At physical examination, the patient was awake and oriented; his vital signs were temperature 37 °C, blood pressure 85/44 mm Hg, heart rate 115 bpm, and respiratory rate 24/min, without signs of respiratory distress. The patient was extremely pale and dehydrated, with no rash, absence of petechiae, purpura or hemorrhagic manifestations; no palpable lymphadenopathy; cardiopulmonary auscultation had no significant alterations; painless abdomen with hepatosplenomegaly without palpable masses; and severe generalized edema. From his laboratory tests we highlight a severe pancytopenia: macrocytic anemia (Hb 2.8 g/dL), thrombocytopenia (16,000 platelets/μL) and leukopenia (2650 leukocytes/μL) with decreases in all lineages of leukocytes. Allied to these changes, we found liver cytolysis and a very high LDH (5341). Abdominal CT showed liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly related with portal hypertension. In the study of anemia, a severe deficiency of folic acid was discovered. A peripheral blood smear and bone marrow were done, consistent with megaloblastic anemia. Therefore, we were before a chronic alcoholic liver disease associated with a severe nutritional deficiency. The patient initiated oral supplementation of folate and B12 vitamin, with good response: normalization of all cell lines with three months of treatment. Conclusions: This case reinforces the importance of the exclusion of nutritional deficits in the differential diagnosis of anemia and pancytopenia, even in developed countries.

Acquired proximal renal tubulopathy in dogs exposed to a common dried chicken treat: retrospective study of 108 cases (2007–2009)

Proximal renal tubulopathy was reported in Australian dogs with markedly increased frequency from September 2007. Two veterinarian-completed surveys were launched in response to an increased incidence of acquired proximal renal tubulopathy in dogs. The selection criterion for inclusion was glucosuria with blood glucose < 10 mmol/L. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, history of feeding treats, results of urinalysis and blood tests, treatment and time to resolution of clinical signs. A total of 108 affected dogs were studied. All had been fed the same brand of dried chicken treats, made in China, for a median of 12 weeks (range, 0.3-78 weeks). Small breeds (< 10 kg) accounted for 88% of cases. Common presenting signs included polyuria/polydipsia (76%), lethargy (73%), inappetence (65%) and vomiting (54%). Common biochemical findings included euglycaemia (74%; 71/96), hypoglycaemia (23%; 22/96), acidosis (77%; 20/26), hypokalaemia (45%; 38/84), hypophosphataemia (37%; 28/75) and azotaemia (27%; 23/85). In addition to discontinuation of treats, 64 dogs received medical treatment, including intravenous fluids (52%) and oral electrolyte, amino acid or vitamin supplements. Six dogs died or were euthanased. Two dogs were necropsied. Histopathological findings consisted of proximal tubular necrosis accompanied by regeneration. Time to resolution of clinical signs in 35 survivors available for follow-up was < 2 weeks (n = 8), 2-4 weeks (n = 2), 5-7 weeks (n = 5) and 2-6 months (n = 10). Of the 108 dogs with acquired proximal renal tubulopathy contemporaneous with chicken treat consumption, most survived but many required aggressive supportive care. The treats likely contained a toxin targeting the proximal renal tubules. Diet history and urinalysis were vital for diagnosis.

Clinical results on the anti‐oxidative effect of oral vitamin and mineral supplementation (on impaired retinal vascular reactivity)

AbstractAbstract not provided

Vitamin D in the Healthy European Paediatric Population

In recent years, reports suggesting a resurgence of vitamin D deficiency in the Western world, combined with various proposed health benefits for vitamin D supplementation, have resulted in increased interest from health care professionals, the media, and the public. The aim of this position paper is to summarise the published data on vitamin D intake and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the healthy European paediatric population, to discuss the health benefits of vitamin D and to provide recommendations for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency in this population. Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium and phosphate metabolism and is essential for bone health. There is insufficient evidence from interventional studies to support vitamin D supplementation for other health benefits in infants, children, and adolescents. The pragmatic use of a serum concentration >50 nmol/L to indicate sufficiency and a serum concentration <25 nmol/L to indicate severe deficiency is recommended. Vitamin D deficiency occurs commonly among healthy European infants, children, and adolescents, especially in certain risk groups, including breast-fed infants, not adhering to the present recommendation for vitamin D supplementation, children and adolescents with dark skin living in northern countries, children and adolescents without adequate sun exposure, and obese children. Infants should receive an oral supplementation of 400 IU/day of vitamin D. The implementation should be promoted and supervised by paediatricians and other health care professionals. Healthy children and adolescents should be encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle associated with a normal body mass index, including a varied diet with vitamin D-containing foods (fish, eggs, dairy products) and adequate outdoor activities with associated sun exposure. For children in risk groups identified above, an oral supplementation of vitamin D must be considered beyond 1 year of age. National authorities should adopt policies aimed at improving vitamin D status using measures such as dietary recommendations, food fortification, vitamin D supplementation, and judicious sun exposure, depending on local circumstances.

Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplement on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundSuboptimal vitamin D status is associated with endothelial dysfunction and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases but it is unclear whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial. The aim was to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MethodsIn a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomized 100 type 2 DM patients to vitamin D supplement (5000 IU/day, n = 50) or placebo (controls, n = 50) for 12 weeks. Assessment of vascular function with brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and metabolic parameter, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and oxidative stress markers were performed before and after the supplementation. ResultsAfter 12 weeks, vitamin D treated patients had significant increases in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration (treatment effect 34.7 ng/mL, 95% CI 26.4–42.9, P < 0.001) and serum ionized calcium (treatment effect 0.037 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.007–0.067, P = 0.018); decreased serum parathyroid hormone concentration (treatment effect −0.55 pmol/L, 95% CI −1.08 to −0.02, P = 0.042) compared to patients who received placebo. Nevertheless, vitamin D supplementation did not improve vascular function as determined by FMD, circulating EPC count or baPWV (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, hsCRP, oxidative stress markers, low- and high-density lipoprotein and glycated hemoglobin were also similar between two groups (all P > 0.05). ConclusionIn patients with type 2 DM, 12 weeks oral supplementation of vitamin D did not significantly affect vascular function or serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Clinical trial numberHKCTR-867, www.hkclinicaltrials.com.

Oxidative stress in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and the significant role of vitamin C and E supplementation

Chronic renal failure patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) are characterized by increased oxidative stress (OS), which is associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk. Moreover, oxidative stress also contributes to peritoneal membrane changes and ultrafiltration failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate OS in PD patients and the effect of treatment with ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. Plasma, erythrocyte, urine, and peritoneal effluent samples from 20 patients on PD were evaluated for glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as protein carbonyl formation, before and after administration of vitamin C, alone or in combination with vitamin E, in comparison with 10 apparently healthy control individuals. All studied markers showed enhanced OS in the PD group, compared to controls. The supplementation of vitamin C and E resulted in improvements of all the OS markers, as indicated by increased erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activity and TAC levels, as well as decreased MDA concentration and carbonyl compound formation. The oral supplementation of antioxidant vitamins C and E, in combination, can lead to decreased OS, thus providing a useful and cost-effective therapeutic option in PD patients.

Effect of High-Dose vs Standard-Dose Multivitamin Supplementation at the Initiation of HAART on HIV Disease Progression and Mortality in Tanzania

Large randomized trials have previously shown that high-dose micronutrient supplementation can increase CD4 counts and reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression and mortality among individuals not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); however, the safety and efficacy of such supplementation has not been established in the context of HAART. To test the hypothesis that high-dose multivitamin supplementation vs standard-dose multivitamin supplementation decreases the risk of HIV disease progression or death and improves immunological, virological, and nutritional parameters in patients with HIV initiating HAART. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of high-dose vs standard-dose multivitamin supplementation for 24 months in 3418 patients with HIV initiating HAART between November 2006 and November 2008 in 7 clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. INTERVENTION The provision of daily oral supplements of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E at high levels or standard levels of the recommended dietary allowance. The composite of HIV disease progression or death from any cause. The study was stopped early in March 2009 because of evidence of increased levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) in patients receiving the high-dose multivitamin supplement. At the time of stopping, 3418 patients were enrolled (median follow-up, 15 months), and there were 2374 HIV disease progression events and 453 observed deaths (2460 total combined events). Compared with standard-dose multivitamin supplementation, high-dose supplementation did not reduce the risk of HIV disease progression or death. The absolute risk of HIV progression or death was 72% in the high-dose group vs 72% in the standard-dose group (risk ratio [RR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96-1.04). High-dose supplementation had no effect on CD4 count, plasma viral load, body mass index, or hemoglobin level concentration, but increased the risk of ALT elevations (1239 events per 1215 person-years vs 879 events per 1236 person-years; RR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11-1.87) vs standard-dose supplementation. CONCLUSION In adults receiving HAART, use of high-dose multivitamin supplements compared with standard-dose multivitamin supplements did not result in a decrease in HIV disease progression or death but may have resulted in an increase in ALT levels. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00383669.

Vitamin Serum Level Variations Between Cycles of Intermittent Parenteral Nutrition in Adult Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome

An alternative form of nutrition therapy for patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who do not have home parenteral nutrition (PN) available is the administration of the PN cycle during regular hospital admissions and oral vitamin supplement at home. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of folic acid and vitamins A, B(12), C, and E before and after the PN cycle in patients with SBS. This research was conducted with 10 patients with SBS (less than 15 minutes of total barium transit time) who were receiving the PN cycle and oral vitamin supplement at home. Patients were evaluated regarding total food ingestion and oral vitamin supplement intake. Serum levels of vitamins were evaluated immediately after the end of each PN cycle (phase 1) and before the beginning of the next PN cycle (phase 2). Patients' nutrient ingestion was in accordance with recommendations for healthy individuals. Regarding the oral vitamin supplement intake, 20% of the patients presented low adherence. Although all patients had a normal serum level of folic acid and vitamin B(12), PN vitamin infusion during hospitalization and home oral vitamin supplement were not enough to make the serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E achieve normal values. This study documented that patients did not receive an adequate administration of oral vitamin supplements of vitamins A, C, and E through PN. More studies need to be conducted investigating higher doses of vitamin administration (oral or intravenous administration), assessing differences between water and liposoluble supplements.

Effects of Palm Vitamin E on Bone-Formation-Related Gene Expression in Nicotine-Treated Rats

The study determines the effects of palm vitamin E on the gene expression of bone-formation-related genes in nicotine-treated rats. Male rats were divided into three groups: normal saline olive oil (NSO), nicotine olive oil (NO), and nicotine palm vitamin E (NE). The treatment was carried out in 2 phases. During the first 2 months, the NSO group received normal saline while the NO and NE groups received nicotine 7 mg/kg, 6 days a week, intraperitoneally. The following 2 months, normal saline and nicotine administration was stopped and was replaced with oral supplementation of olive oil for the NSO and NO groups and oral supplementation of palm vitamin E (60 mg/kg) for the NE group. Both femurs were harvested to determine the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), Osterix (OSX), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Nicotine significantly downregulated the gene expression. This effect was reversed by palm vitamin E treatment. In conclusion, palm vitamin E may play a role in osteoblast differentiation and can be considered as an anabolic agent to treat nicotine-induced osteoporosis.

Progress on vitamin A for newborn respiratory distress

Chronic lung disease (CLD) of prematurity is the major cause of long-term disability of extremely low birth weight ( ELBW ) premature infants, and it is the most cost consumptive disease in neonatal intensive care unit graduates. Vitamin A plays an important role in the development of premature lung. Nevertheless, premature infants are prone to vitamin A deficiency. Oral supplementation of vitamin A does not alter the incidence of CLD in ELBW infants. Intramuscular administration of vitamin A reduced the incidence of CLD. The treatment is considered painful and this way is not routinely practiced. Vitamin A is systemically bioavailable after intratracheal administration with surfactant in an animal model of newborn respiratory distress. Key words: Newborn ; Chronic lung disease; Vitamin A; lntratracheal administration

Effects of Oral Supplements Regimes of Vitamins C and E on Sperm Count of Wistar Rats

Background: Infertility is a huge social problem with a worldwide and African prevalence of 10-15% and 10-20% respectively. Contributory to infertility are female, male and unknown factors. The emerging role of oxidants as a causal factor in disease conditions in general and poor fertility, particularly in the male, necessitated investigation of the effects of oral supplements of vitamins C and E on sperm count in Wistar rats.Methodology: Twenty (20) male fully matured Wistar rats aged twelve (12) weeks with mean weight of 214±9.8g were employed in the study. They were randomly grouped into 4 experimental blocks A, B, C and D with 5 rats each by balloting. All twenty rats were equally exposed to ambient room temperature of 30±3 0C, twelve-hour dark/light cycle, liberal diet ofgrowers mash (UAC vital feed®) and water ad libitium. Block A/ vitamins C and E group had oral administration of 0.3ml of vitamin C and 0.03ml of vitamin E, Block B/Control group had oral administration of 0.33ml 0.9% saline, Block C/ vitamin C group had oral administration of 0.3ml of vitamin C while Block D/vitamin E group had oral administration of 0.03ml of vitamin E. Both the experimental and control treatments wereorally administered for twenty eight (28) days.Results: The mean sperm count of rats administered compounded oral supplements of combined vitamins C and E regime was significantly higher (p