Reduction In Serum Vitamin Research Articles

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the linkage between low vitamin D and the risk as well as the prognosis of stroke.

The research intended to probe the connection between the risk of stroke and serum vitamin D levels. Three electronic databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed) were searched according to the subject terms from inception until July 29, 2022, and retrieved researches were screened on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two investigators conducted the quality assessment and data extraction. Using Stata 16.0 software, a meta-analysis was conducted on the extracted data. In total, 27 studies with 45,302 participants were included. Among these studies, 20 focused on stroke risk, while 7 examined stroke prognosis. According to the meta-analysis findings, it was observed that a higher stroke risk is connected to reduced levels of serum vitamin D. This association was reflected in a combined relative risk (RR) of 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.42) and a worse prognosis after stroke (RR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.90-4.60). Additional analysis indicated that no apparent relationship between a decrease in vitamin D and the probability of experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke was found. The RR found was 1.93 (95% CI: 0.95-3.95). On the other hand, it was observed that a reduction in serum vitamin D levels was linked to an elevated likelihood of developing an ischemic stroke. The RR identified was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.78-2.03). Moreover, a lower level of vitamin D in the bloodstream was associated with a more unfavorable prognosis for individuals who suffered from a stroke. The RR for this correlation was 2.95 (95% CI: 1.90-4.60). However, further research is required to confirm the above-mentioned findings. In conclusion, lower concentration vitamin D was found to be related to an increased risk of stroke, which could mainly be reflected in ischemic stroke patients but not in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. A lower serum vitamin D level was correlative with the poor prognosis of stroke.

A Study of Biochemical Markers in Uterine Cancer Diagnosis with Radiotherpay Treatment In Iraq

Background: Uterine cancer is a prevalent gynecological malignancy, with rising incidence rates globally. Early detection and effective treatment are essential for improving patient outcomes. Biochemical markers play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring uterine cancer, yet their comprehensive evaluation remains limited. Methods: This study aimed to assess various biochemical markers in the serum of uterine cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. Serum samples from 30 uterine cancer patients and 40 healthy females were analyzed for urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E), peroxynitrite, and trace elements (calcium and zinc). Results: The study revealed a significant decrease in urea and creatinine levels in serum of uterine cancer patients compared to healthy individuals (p≤0.05). During radiotherapy, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) exceeded the normal range (7-20 mg/dl), averaging 25.44 ± 9.87 mg/dl before treatment initiation, with no significant decrease during therapy. Serum creatinine levels remained within the normal range. Additionally, a significant reduction in serum vitamin C and vitamin E levels was observed in uterine cancer patients compared to healthy individuals (p≤0.05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in peroxynitrite and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, along with a rise in serum calcium levels, and a significant decrease in serum zinc levels among uterine cancer patients (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the significance of assessing multiple biochemical markers in uterine cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Elevated LDH, peroxynitrite, and calcium levels, along with reduced vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc levels, may serve as valuable diagnostic markers for uterine cancer.

Correlation between Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels in Missed Miscarriage.

Pregnancy is considered physiological stress, during which a woman's normal static metabolism becomes dynamic anabolism and significant changes are observed in biochemical factors. This study aimed to assess the relationship of serum vitamin D and calcium levels in a pregnant woman with a missed miscarriage. A comparison was performed among 160 women, including 80 females with missed miscarriage (as the study group) and 80 pregnant women (as the control group) in the first and second trimester of pregnancy (before the end of the 24th week of the pregnancy). The results of the comparison showed that there was an insignificant change in serum calcium, while there was a significant reduction in serum vitamin D (P≤0.05). It was also revealed that, in comparison to normal controls, there was a significant increase in the ratio of serum calcium/vitamin D ratio in cases of missed miscarriage (P≤0.05). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the estimations of serum vitamin D and calcium/vitamin D ratio in certain pregnancies can be considered valuable parameters in predicting missed miscarriage.

A170 VITAMIN D IN IBD PATIENTS – A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW

Abstract Background Vitamin D is a critical factor in bone remodelling, calcium absorption and may promote anti-inflammatory cytokines in the gut. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a reduction in serum Vitamin D levels and a chronic inflammatory state, both of which are strong risk factors for bone density loss affecting IBD patients. Despite European and North American IBD maintenance guidelines for Vitamin D monitoring and bone density scans, there are limited North American investigations into factors influencing serum Vitamin D levels in the IBD patient population specifically. Aims We investigated whether patient demographics, disease severity indexes and/or inflammatory markers were linked to low serum Vitamin D levels in our IBD patients. We also established the extent of Vitamin D serum deficiencies and supplementation rates in our IBD patients. Methods A retrospective chart review of a single clinician’s practice at London Health Science Centre, Victoria Hospital, over the past 20 months, was performed to: 1) assess the frequency of low serum 25-OH Vitamin D (25-OH D) in the IBD patient population and 2) determine whether patient disease severity was linked to lower 25-OH D levels. A multivariate regression analysis was performed assessing Crohn’s Disease (CD) or Ulcerative Colitis (UC) patient factors: age, sex, disease duration, seasonality, current pharmacologic treatments, past surgeries, CD Activity Index, UC Mayo score, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin (Fcal) level. Results 175 IBD patients had at least one 25-OH D measurement with 71 patients actively on Vitamin D therapy. Of UC and CD patients who were not on Vitamin D therapy, 63% (17/27) and 79% (61/77) were 25-OH D deficient, respectively. 25-OH D levels in the CD population was associated with Vitamin D supplementation (regression coefficient [RC] 23.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.54 to 33.45), summer season ([RC] 9.90, [CI] 0.56 to 19.24), and past bowel resection ([RC] -10.61, [CI] -20.48 to -0.76). 25-OH D levels in the UC population was associated with Vitamin D supplementation (regression coefficient [RC] 47.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 27.62 to 66.83), and Mayo severity scores ([RC] -23.01, [CI] -41.82 to -4.20). Fcal (78 patients) was inversely associated with 25-OH D levels but the trend was not significant. Conclusions Overall, 25-OH D levels were lower in both the UC and CD patient populations relative to the already deficient Canadian population. However, IBD patients are responsive to Vitamin D supplementation. Tools with more objective evidence of disease severity such as UC Mayo score and fcal should be prioritized for identifying the IBD population requiring supplementation. Funding Agencies None

Vitamin D Status in Infants during the First 9 Months of Age and its Effect on Growth and Other Biochemical Markers: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background:Despite food fortification policies in many countries and recommendations for Vitamin D supplementation of at-risk groups, Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and infantile rickets remain major public health challenges in many developed and developing countries.Materials and Methods:Ninety-six participants at birth were enrolled and followed up until 9 months of age. Serum 25OHD was estimated in cord blood at birth and at 14 ± 1 weeks of life. Seventy-seven participants were followed up at 9 months for estimation of serum 25OHD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus. VDD was defined as serum 25OHD <15 ng/mL as per USIOM guidelines.Results:Serum 25OHD levels at 9 months of age (15.78 ± 8.97 ng/mL) were significantly increased in comparison to the level of 3 months of age (14.04 ± 7.10 ng/mL) and at birth (8.94 ± 2.24 ng/mL). At birth, all the participants (77) were deficient in 25OHD levels. It was found that 16/94 (17%) and 19/77 (24.7%) participants at 3 and 9 months of age, respectively, became Vitamin D sufficient without any Vitamin D supplementation. There was a significant inverse correlation between serum 25OHD and PTH concentration (r = −0.522, P < 0.001), serum 25OHD and ALP (r = −0.501, P < 0.001). It was found that reduction in serum Vitamin D level to <10.25 ng/mL results in a surge of serum PTH.Conclusion:VDD is common from birth to 9 months of age but incidence decreases spontaneously even without supplementation. Furthermore, a large number of babies may be falsely labeled as Vitamin D deficient with currently followed cutoffs. Hence a new cutoff for VDD needs to be established for neonates and infants.

Five salmon dinners per week were not sufficient to prevent the reduction in serum vitamin D in autumn at 60° north latitude: a randomised trial.

Low serum concentrations of several vitamins have been linked to increased risk of diseases including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Fish is a good source of several vitamins, and the prevalence of T2D is low in populations with high fish intake. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of high fish intake on vitamins in serum from adults in autumn in South-Western Norway at 60° north latitude. In this randomised clinical trial, sixty-three healthy participants with overweight/obesity consumed 750 g/week of either cod (n 22) or salmon (n 22) as five weekly dinners or were instructed to continue their normal eating habits but avoid fish intake (Control group, n 19) for 8 weeks. The estimated vitamin D intake was significantly increased in the Salmon group when compared with the Cod group (P = 6·3 × 10-4) and with the Control group (P = 3·5 × 10-6), with no differences between groups for estimated intake of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C and E. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration was decreased in all groups after 8 weeks; however, the reduction in the Salmon group was significantly smaller compared with the Cod group (P = 0·013) and the Control group (P = 0·0060). Cod and salmon intake did not affect serum concentrations of the other measured vitamins. The findings suggest that 750 g/week of salmon was not sufficient to prevent a decrease in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in autumn in South-Western Norway in adults with overweight/obesity.

Effects of Obesity on Serum Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone in Zucker Rat Model (P08-032-19)

ObjectivesObesity has been epidemic in the United States and world for more than two decades. Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Primary Hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is also more commonly seen in western societies and is also increasing. Previously, we have reported that obesity caused a significant reduction in serum Vitamin D using obese rat model. The role of obesity on serum Ca and PTH is less known. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity on serum calcium (Ca) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) using obese Zucker rat model. Perhaps this could serve as an animal model for pHPT. MethodsFive-week-old female lean and obese Zucker rats were used. After one week of acclimation, lean and obese rats were maintained on AIN-93 G diet for 155 days. Rats were weighed twice per week. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and serum were collected to measure serum protein, Ca and PTH levels. Serum protein was measured by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry, serum calcium was measured by using with Arsenazo III method and serum PTH by a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a commercially available rat intact PTH ELISA kit. ResultsOur results shows that 1) obese rats gained significantly (P < 0.001) more weight than lean rats; 2) obesity caused a significant increase in serum protein (P < 0.05); 3) obesity increased significantly serum Ca (P < 0.05) and 4) increased a significant decrease PTH levels (P < 0.05). ConclusionsOur results show that obesity increased serum Ca and decreased PTH levels. This is a physiologic negative feedback relationship expected in a normal parathyroid system. If this had been a model for pHPT, the calcium and PTH levels would have been simultaneously elevated. It seems this animal model may not be model for pHPT. Funding SourcesArkansas Bioscience Institute.

Vitamin D supplementation for bone health in adults with epilepsy: A systematic review.

Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with a detrimental effect on bone health through a reduction in serum vitamin D. Subsequently, several studies have investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation in persons with epilepsy being treated with AEDs. The present systematic review of published literature was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin D intervention on bone health in adults with epilepsy. The following databases were searched using keywords including but not limited to epilepsy, bone, and vitamin D: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Clinical Trials, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Health Canada Clinical Trials Database, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials, and Google. Studies were eligible if there was an epilepsy diagnosis, participants were adults (18+ years old), and vitamin D treatment and bone outcome were provided. Articles were screened independently by 2 reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and a modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies. Nine studies were found to be eligible for this review. After vitamin D treatment, there appeared to be positive changes in bone turnover markers; 3 of 8 studies found the increase in serum calcium to be significant, 6 of 8 studies found the decrease in alkaline phosphatase to be significant, and 2 of 4 studies found the decrease in parathyroid hormone to be significant. All 6 studies that investigated bone mineralization had significant findings; however, due to varying methodologies, the impact of vitamin D on bone mineralization was inconclusive. Vitamin D does appear to have some benefit to bone health in adults with epilepsy, and therefore supplementation could potentially be a requisite to using some AEDs. To clarify the role of vitamin D supplementation to manage the adverse effect of AEDs on bone health in adults with epilepsy, long-term trials that use higher doses (>1800IU) and measure bone mineral density are necessary.

Serum vitamin D concentrations in young Turkish women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled study

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the possible role of vitamin D deficiency in primary dysmenorrhea by assessing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in a cohort which includes young Turkish women with primary dysmenorrhea and healthy controls. Materials and methodsA total of 683 women who were aged between 18 and 25 years and who were consecutively admitted to the study center were eligible. After the exclusion of 55 women, 184 women with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned into the dysmenorrhea group and 184 women without dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated into the control group. ResultsThe dysmenorrhea group had significantly less consumption of dairy products (p = 0.001), lower serum calcium (p = 0.001), lower serum vitamin D (p = 0.001) and higher serum parathyroid hormone (p = 0.001) than those of the control group. Hyperparathyroidism was significantly less frequent whereas vitamin D deficiency was significantly more frequent in the dysmenorrhea group (p = 0.001 for each). The dysmenorrhea patients with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (p = 0.001). Depression, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, headache and breast tenderness were significantly more frequent in the vitamin D deficiency group (p < 0.05 for all). The VAS scores of the dysmenorrhea patients correlated positively and significantly with serum parathyroid hormone levels (r = 0.666, p = 0.001) whereas these VAS scores correlated negatively and significantly with serum vitamin D levels (r = −0.713, p = 0.001). DiscussionThe significant and positive correlation between vitamin D levels and VAS scores and the significant reduction in serum vitamin D levels of the dysmenorrhea patients designate the possible role of vitamin D deficiency in the primary dysmenorrhea.

Assessing alpha-tocopherol levels in patients with keratocystic odontogenic tumor: A cross-sectional study.

A keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a benign uni- or multicystic, intraosseous tumour of odontogenic origin, with a characteristic lining of parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium and potential for aggressive, infiltrative behaviour. Various studies in hamsters showed that, alpha-Tocopherol, which is an active biological form of Vitamin E, is a potent antioxidant known to inhibit tumour formation and also regression of established tumours. So, the aim of the present pilot study was to assess the levels of Alpha-Tocopherol(Vitamin E) in Patients with KCOT and compare them with Vitamin E levels in normal healthy individuals. A sample of 20 individuals were taken and Alpha Tocopherol levels in serum were assessed. Independent sample t test was used to analyse the data. Serum Vitamin-E levels were found to be decreased in KCOT cases. Mean Vitamin-E level was found to be decreased (mean + S.D. = 10,549.34 +/- 2494.21 ng/mL) as compared to healthy controls (mean + S.D. = 13,982.42 +/- 2178.02 ng/mL). The reduction in serum vitamin E level was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The reduction in Vitamin E levels in KCOT patients might be suggestive of the possible interrelation between Vitamin E and KCOT invivo. Also, increase in intake of Vitamin E might help in reducing the risk of recurrence in KCOT by reducing the dysregulation of Cyclin D1 and Down-Regulation of mutant p53.

Vitamin D status in infants during the first 9 months of age and its effect on growth and other biochemical markers: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background and aim. We planned this prospective cohort study in term newborn babies, with the objective to determine the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in infancy and to determine the level of vitamin D which triggers the physiological PTH axis of the body so as to differentiate truly deficient from sufficient vitamin D status.Methods. 96 participants at birth were enrolled and followed up till 9 months of age. Serum25OHD was estimated in cord blood at birth and at 14 ± 1 weeks of life. 77 participants were followed up at 9 months for estimation of serum 25OHD, PTH, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25OHD &lt;15 ng/mL as per USIOM guidelines.Results. Serum 25OHD levels at 9 months of age (15.78±8.97ng/mL) were significantly increased in comparison to the level of 3 months of age (14.04±7.10ng/mL) and at birth (8.94±2.24ng/mL).At birth all the participants (77) were deficient in 25OHD levels. It was found that 16/94 (17%)and 19/77 (24.7%) participants at 3 and 9 months of age respectively became vitamin D sufficient without any vitamin D supplementation. There was a significant inverse correlation between serum 25OHD and PTH concentration (r=-0.522, p&lt;0.001), serum 25OHD and ALP(r=-.501, p&lt;0.001). It was found that reduction in serum vitamin D level to below 10.25 ng/mL results in surge of serum PTH.Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common from birth to 9 months of age but incidence decreases spontaneously even without supplementation. Also large number of babies may be falsely labelled as vitamin D deficient with currently followed cutoffs. So a new cutoff for vitamin D deficiency needs to be established for neonates and infants.

Role of antioxidants as a stress factor for potentially malignant, malignant disorders and healthy individuals: A correlative study

Background: The possible role of free radicals in pathogenesis of a disease and its prevention by antioxidants is well-known. Literature reveals an independent correlation between the risk factors and these disorders. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the values of vitamin A, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in normal individuals and patients with potentially malignant and malignant disorders. Materials and Methods: In this study, serum vitamin A, E, SOD, and MDA levels were assessed in 80 patients divided into four groups marked as a group I normal individuals, group IIa individuals with habits but without any lesions, group IIb with potentially malignant disorders, and group III with malignant disorders. Results: The mean vitamin A level in the group I was 3.07 ± 0.27, group IIa was 1.48 ± 0.37, group IIb was 0.89 ± 0.21, and group III was 0.67 ± 0.17. The mean vitamin E level in group I was 9.89 ± 0.75, group IIa was 8.85 ± 0.42, group IIb was 7.63 ± 0.39, and group III was 6.43 ± 0.34. The mean MDA level in group I was 2.92 ± 0.36, group IIa was 6.05 ± 0.78, group IIb was 10.13 ± 0.75, and group III was 14.15 ± 0.47. The mean SOD activity level among group I was 189.45 ± 14.17, group IIa was 169.05 ± 4.98, group IIb was 115.65 ± 19.60, and group III was 52.63 ± 4.02. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in serum Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and SOD levels whereas there was a significant increase in serum MDA levels in patients with potentially malignant and malignant disorders as compared to normal individuals.

Homocysteine, antioxidant vitamins and lipids as biomarkers of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease versus non-Alzheimer's dementia.

Evidence for the benefit of antioxidants' based therapeutic intervention in dementia are inconsistent. Parallel studies in disease forms of dementia different than Alzheimer's are even less conclusive. In this study, the role of serum levels of homocysteine (tHcy), lipids and antioxidants in predicting the risk of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) versus non-Alzheimer's dementias (n-AD). The objective was to add to the ongoing cumulative research to establish the biochemical baseline for potential nutri-therapeutic intervention in different forms of dementia. 65 participants with dementia (DP-s) were divided into two groups: ADP--patients with Alzheimer's disease and n-ADP--patients with dementia of a different etiology than primary neurodegenerative dementia in the course of Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and related to plasma levels of tHcy, folate, vitamins B-6, B-12, lipids and vitamins A and E for both groups. Also examined were associations between cognitive impairment and several variables (age, education, duration of dementia) that might confound nutrition-cognition associations. A significant reduction in serum vitamin A levels and elevation of total cholesterol levels were shown for the DP-s group compared to those in the control group. Moreover, significant differences were found in MMSE data and serum vitamin E and tHcy levels between patients with ADP and n-ADP. The scores for MMSE showed a correlation with the vitamin E levels and duration of dementia in the ADP group and/or correlation with tHcy, levels of vitamins A and/or E, and duration of dementia in the n-ADP group. The results obtained suggest that elevated serum tHcy and decreased levels of vitamins A and E are associated with an increased risk of non-Alzheimer's dementias, although further studies involving a larger cohort are now needed to verify these results.

Effect of yoga on oxidative stress in elderly with grade-I hypertension: a randomized controlled study.

Hypertension, especially in elderly is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the underlying cause of hypertension. Yoga has been found to control hypertension in the elderly, but the underlying benefits of mechanism in relation to oxidative stress regulation remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of yoga on oxidative stress in elderly with Grade-I hypertension. An open parallel-arm randomised controlled study was conducted at BLDE University's Shri B.M.Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, India on elderly male individuals with Grade-I hypertension (n=57, age 60-80 years). Study (Yoga) group was assigned for yoga intervention and control group for walking for one hour in the morning for six days in a week for three months under the supervision of yoga instructor and physical training instructor respectively. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidative stress and antioxidants such as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C levels were estimated. Yoga practice for three months has significantly reduced serum MDA level (p<0.001), and enhanced antioxidants level such as SOD activity (p=0.007), serum GSH (p=0.002) and vitamin C (p=0.002). In the control group, we observed a significant increase in serum MDA level (p=0.04) and reduction in serum vitamin C level (p=0.015) with no significant difference in the SOD activity and GSH level. These findings suggest that yoga is an effective means to reduce oxidative stress and to improve antioxidant defense in elderly hypertensive individuals.

Influence of Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Vitamin C, Myeloperoxidase, and Oral Clinical Manifestations

Bariatric surgery influences the intake and absorption of nutrients, which, when associated with vomiting, can damage the oral cavity. The serum concentrations of vitamin C and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and oral clinical manifestations were examined in patients 2 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Clinical prospective study with control group (CG; n = 26), assessed only once, and the bariatric group (BG; n = 26), assessed in the basal period and at 12 and 24 months after surgery. The mean ages in the CG and BG were 37.8 ± 1.51 and 39.6 ± 1.93 years, respectively, and their body mass indices were 22.07 ± 0.29 and 45.62 ± 1.46 kg/m(2), respectively. At 12 months after surgery, increased episodes of vomiting (P < .001) and dental hypersensitivity (P = .012) were observed, with a reduction in the saliva-buffering capacity of 21.3% ± 2.9% (P = .004). At 24 months after RYGB, a significant reduction in serum vitamin C was detected (32.9% ± 5.3%, P < .001), and MPO values were higher than in the basal period (P = .032). With regard to oral hygiene habits, 92.3% of patients reported frequent tooth brushing and 96.1% used fluoride, which were similar across the 2 years. However, dental hypersensitivity (P = .048) was significantly increased than baseline. The results demonstrated that vitamin C deficiency and increased vomiting after gastric bypass for morbid obesity may contribute to increased periodontal disease. The fact that it is impossible to determine which factor or factors (diet, poor compliance with supplementation, vomiting, poor oral hygiene) contributed to the dental problems in these patients is a shortcoming of the report.

Comparative studies on the effect of some antioxidants on renal dysfunction in rats

The present study is carrying out for investigating the effect of supplementation with some vitamins (A, E&C) as natural antioxidant extracts in renal dysfunction in rates. Material& Methods: 40 adult male Sprague – Dawley rats (150 – 200 g) divided to two groups. First group: 8 rats were fed on standard diet (S.D.), as a control group. Second group: 32 rats were injected intraperitonial with a single dose of Cis-diammine dichloride Platinum II (CDDP) for inducing renal dysfunction (2.5 mg/Kg) then it was divided to six subgroups each one contained 8 rats. (1): fed on (S.D.) nephrotoxic group. (2): fed on (S.D.) + Vitamin A (15 mg/Kg body weight/day). (3): fed on (S.D.) + Vitamin E (317 I.U. /kg body weight/day). (4): fed on (S.D.) + Vitamin C (280 I.U. /kg body weight/day). The experimental period was four weeks, results were statistically analyzed. Results: The results proved that groups of nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin A,E and C showed significant increase in food intakes, body weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER) (28.9%, 29.4% and 19.2%), (870.5%, 1615.6% and 409.8%) and (652.5%, 122502% and 327.3%) respectively, compared with nephrotoxic group. The nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin A and showed significant reduction in serum vitamin E &kidney glutathione content (9.3% & 47.9%), while nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin E&C showed significant increase in serum vitamin E &kidney glutathione content (27.9% & 116.6%), (13.7%&55.8%)respectively. The results showed that nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin A,E and C showed significant reduction in serum urea nitrogen and creatinine (48.01% and 55.2%), (52.6% and 60.3%) and (57.0% and 63.04%) respectively. Best results in histopathological examination of kidney were in vitamin A and vitamin C groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that natural antioxidants could be beneficial as additional therapy in renal dysfunction.

Comparative studies on the effect of some antioxidants on renal dysfunction in rats

The present study is carrying out for investigating the effect of supplementation with some vitamins (A, E&C) as natural antioxidant extracts in renal dysfunction in rates. Material& Methods: 40 adult male Sprague – Dawley rats (150 – 200 g) divided to two groups. First group: 8 rats were fed on standard diet (S.D.), as a control group. Second group: 32 rats were injected intraperitonial with a single dose of Cis-diammine dichloride Platinum II (CDDP) for inducing renal dysfunction (2.5 mg/Kg) then it was divided to six subgroups each one contained 8 rats. (1): fed on (S.D.) nephrotoxic group. (2): fed on (S.D.) + Vitamin A (15 mg/Kg body weight/day). (3): fed on (S.D.) + Vitamin E (317 I.U. /kg body weight/day). (4): fed on (S.D.) + Vitamin C (280 I.U. /kg body weight/day). The experimental period was four weeks, results were statistically analyzed. Results: The results proved that groups of nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin A,E and C showed significant increase in food intakes, body weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER) (28.9%, 29.4% and 19.2%), (870.5%, 1615.6% and 409.8%) and (652.5%, 122502% and 327.3%) respectively, compared with nephrotoxic group. The nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin A and showed significant reduction in serum vitamin E &kidney glutathione content (9.3% & 47.9%), while nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin E&C showed significant increase in serum vitamin E &kidney glutathione content (27.9% & 116.6%), (13.7%&55.8%)respectively. The results showed that nephrotoxicity rats supplemented with Vitamin A,E and C showed significant reduction in serum urea nitrogen and creatinine (48.01% and 55.2%), (52.6% and 60.3%) and (57.0% and 63.04%) respectively. Best results in histopathological examination of kidney were in vitamin A and vitamin C groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that natural antioxidants could be beneficial as additional therapy in renal dysfunction.

Investigation of the Effects of Statin Therapy on Serum Vitamin E Status in Patients with Dyslipidemia

There are limited data on the effects of statins on serum vitamin E status in dyslipidaemic patients, and no comparisons between statins have been published previously. We have investigated the effect of Atorvastatin and Simvastatin on serum vitamin E status in dyslipidaemic patients. A total of 20 dyslipidaemic patients (14 males, 6 females, mean age 49.15±3.28 years), previously not treated with a lipid lowering agent, were recruited into the study. These patients were randomized to treatment group and received either: Simvastatin 10mg/day (n = 11) or Atorvastatin 10mg/day (n = 9) for 4 months. The control group comprised 14 patients from the same clinic, who were given lifestyle advice, but whose drug treatment remained unchanged for the duration of the study. Serum concentrations of vitamin E, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and fasted lipid profiles preand post-treatment were measured in all subjects. There were the expected significant reductions in serum lipids in the patients treated with either statin (P<0.001). Overall statin treatment was also associated with a significant reduction in serum vitamin E (21%, P<0.001) and hsCRP (45%, P<0.05). There was no significant change in these parameters in the control patients. The serum vitamin E / total cholesterol ratio was not significantly altered in patients receiving Atorvastatin, or Simvastatin despite the significant reduction in serum vitamin E. No change in vitamin E status was observed in the controls.

Micronutrient supplementation in mild Alzheimer disease patients

Objective: To evaluate if nutritional supplementation with or without micronutrient enhancement prevent weight loss and the progression of the disease in mild Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients. Design: Mild AD patients were recruited from an Alzheimer Day Centre. Subjects received oral liquid supplements with (Study-group: S) or without (Control-group: C) micronutrient enhancement. Intake assessment, nutritional status, biochemical parameters, cognitive function, and eating behaviour disorders were determined at baseline and at 6 months of treatment. Results: At baseline both groups were not different in any variable measured. They were norm nourished, with normal biochemical parameters. Blandford scale demonstrated a mild alteration of feeding behaviour, the cognitive scale classified the patients as impaired and there was presence of memory complaints. After 6 months of nutritional supplements, a similar increase in energy consumption was observed in both groups of patients ( P<0.05). In the within-group analysis, we found a trend ( P=0.05) to increase body mass index; a significant increase in triceps skin fold thickness, mid-upper-arm circumference and serum magnesium, zinc and selenium, and a significant reduction in serum vitamin E ( P<0.001, each). Serum cholesterol decreased substantially only in the S-group ( P=0.025). No significant differences at baseline, within-group, neither between-group analysis in feeding behaviour nor in cognitive function were observed. Conclusions: According to our results no benefits in the progression of the disease was observed with micronutrient enhancement supplements. Effectiveness of nutritional supplements in preventing weight loss in mild AD patients showed a similar behaviour as observed in other populations. Due to the beneficial evolution of serum cholesterol in the S-group, this intervention deserves further investigation.

Further studies on the reduction of vitamin A content in the livers of rats given polychlorinated biphenyls.

Further investigations on the reduction of vitamin A content in the liver of rats fed a 0.1% PCB diet were conducted. The first experiment, in which rats were fed a 0.1% PCB diet for 8 weeks and vitamin A in the liver was determined at 2-week intervals, suggested that a significant decrease of vitamin A in the liver might occur within 2 weeks of PCB ingestion. In the second experiment a significant reduction of vitamin A content per gram of liver, but not per whole liver, in rats fed a 0.1% PCB diet was observed on the 3rd day of PCB ingestion, and then on the 6th day the difference between the control group and the PCB-fed group became much more remarkable. But thereafter no further reduction was seen, indicating a lower limit of vitamin A concentration in the liver of rats fed PCB. It was found that retinol binding protein in the serum of rats fed the 0.1% PCB diet decreased to one-half that of the control group on the 10th day of PCB ingestion, suggesting also a marked reduction in serum vitamin A level. Another experiment revealed that a decrease in hepatic vitamin A occurred even at low PCB levels, but serum phospholipid did not respond at all to any PCB level examined until 7 days after PCB ingestion began. The mechanisms of sensitive response of vitamin A in the animals fed PCB are briefly discussed.