Retinyl Acetate Research Articles

628 Intralesional electrosurgery of eyelid xanthelasma: a case report

Xanthelasma is the most common type of xanthoma in the periorbital region with clinical diagnosis. About 50% of patients have hypercholesterolemia in laboratory tests - inferring clinical importance to this condition. We aim to report a case of a 55-year-old female patient presenting yellowish papules on the upper eyelids diagnosed as Xanthelasma. She had hypercholesterolemia and type II diabetes in use of rosuvastatin 10mg and metformin 1000mg. She complaint of significant aesthetic discomfort that affected her interpersonal activities. It was performed intralesional electrosurgery with good outcome. The procedure starts with asepsis and antisepsis followed by local anesthetic button with 2% lidocaine and adrenaline. Next the xanthelasma is punctured with the same anesthesia needle leaving a small portion exposed so that there is contact with the electrocautery. The radiofrequency is applied to the needle that works as an intralesional conductor of energy, always using the lowest frequency capable of generating whitening of the xanthelasma - which denotes denaturation of lipids. Finally, the needle is removed and the procedure is concluded with the patient being instructed to use ointment with retinol acetate 10,000 IU, amino acids 25mg, methionine 5mg and chloramphenicol 5mg in vehicle: methylparaben, propylparaben, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, solid petroleum jelly and microcrystalline wax (trade name Epitezan or Regencel) twice daily for 14 days. The proposed treatment had good aesthetic results, low cost and complexity, good pain tolerance and short recovery time. The disease has few treatment options available and among them the intralesional electrosurgery does not require technologies, has low cost and good aesthetic results.

Simultaneous determination of six vitamin A substances by multi-wavelength HPLC and application to different marine shellfishes

An HPLC-DAD method was developed for the simultaneous analytical determination of six vitamin A substances (retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, retinal and β-carotene) and applied to the analysis of vitamin A substances in five marine shellfishes. The chromatographic column was a YMC-β carotene C30 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 3 µm), and the mobile phases were selected as A (methanol), B (ultrapure water) and C (methyl tert-butyl ether). The initial ratio of the mobile phase was A:B:C= 90:1:9, which was maintained for 8 min, while the ratio of the three was changed to A:B:C= 35:0:65 and continued for 8 min, and finally returned to the initial ratio within 0.1 min. Ultrasound-assisted direct extraction was investigated, and the optimal extraction conditions were determined by exploring different sample-to-liquid ratios, extractants, extraction times and extraction temperatures. The method was validated and the established assay showed good linearity in the range of 0.5–50 μg/mL with good precision and accuracy. The experimental results showed that retinol, retinyl palmitate and β-carotene were present in the shellfish and there were seasonal variations of vitamin A substances in different marine economic shellfish.

11 Evaluating Relationships Between Plasma and Liver Retinol Concentrations in the Beef Cow and Calf

Abstract In the young calf, vitamin A is particularly important for immune system maturation, and calves rely on colostrum at birth to supply vitamin A. Cow vitamin A status may influence colostral vitamin A concentrations, which can impact vitamin A status of their calves. Very little is understood about this relationship between beef cow and calf vitamin A status. Furthermore, limited data is available on how plasma and liver retinol concentrations in cattle are related to one another. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between liver and plasma retinol concentrations in the cow, calf, and within cow-calf pairs. Multiparous MARC II beef cows (n = 120; 6.4 ± 1.2 SD years of age; 592 ± 58 SD kg BW) in mid-gestation were provided supplemental vitamin A as retinyl acetate in a supplemental pellet at a rate of 21,125 ± 8,560 SD IU/d (current NASEM recommendation = 33,000 IU/d). Cows were individually fed using Calan gates a diet consisting of alfalfa hay, corn silage, and supplemental pellet for 144 d (111 d pre-calving and 32 d post-calving). Basal diet vitamin A concentration was 490 IU/kg of DM. Mean initial liver concentration of cows was 830 µg retinol/g of DM. To assess vitamin A status, liver biopsies and plasma samples were collected on cows and calves at the end of the supplemental period when calves averaged 32 ± 7 days of age (DOA). Pearson correlations were used to test for linear relationships between cow liver and plasma retinol concentrations, calf liver and plasma retinol concentrations, and liver and plasma retinol concentrations between the cow and her calf. No linear relationship (P = 0.10; r=0.16) was observed between liver and plasma retinol in cows. In the present study, mean cow liver retinol concentration (482 ± 182 SD µg/g of DM) fell within the current adequacy reference range of 300–700 µg/g of DM. Cow plasma retinol (272 ± 40 SD ng/mL) was slightly below the reference range of 300–800 ng/mL. A positive correlation (P < 0.01; r=0.37) was detected between calf liver (51 ± 27 SD µg/g of DM) and plasma (190 ± 47 ng/mL) retinol concentrations. Both were below what would be considered adequate (100–350 µg/g of DM in liver; 225–325 ng/mL in plasma) for calves at 32 DOA. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.01; r=0.31) between cow and calf liver retinol, suggesting that as cow retinol liver concentrations increased, calf liver retinol concentrations increased. It appears that despite cows having adequate liver retinol concentrations when 21,125 IU vitamin A/d was fed, it did not result in calf liver retinol stores that would be considered adequate given current reference ranges. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

The use of Microvit A in the Form of a Synthetic supplement for Metabolic Processes and Localization of Protein Substances

The purpose of this research is to study the present data on the effect of different dosages of vitamin A (retinol acetate) on the metabolism and localization of protein substances (protein) in the body of experimental animals (fattening bull calves). The authors use the concept of conversion of protein substances (protein) from the diet feed into the main nutrients of the edible part of the carcass (cuts) of bull calves fed on diets with pulp granules. The authors evaluate the morphological parameters of the animal after slaughter. For the experiment, 45 heads of black-and-white bull calves at the age of 12-13 months with a live weight of 270-290kg were selected. They were distributed according to the principle of similarity into three experimental groups of 15 heads each. The groups differed in diet, namely, an increase in the dosage of vitamin A in the second and third groups by 25 and 30% relative to the first group. According to the slaughter data and the study of the morphological composition of carcasses, the authors found that it was necessary to introduce vitamin A preparation into such diets. In this experiment, the authors used retinol acetate with the biological activity of 1 mln international units in 1 g, so that their content in the diets was 23-24 thousand international units per 100kg of live weight (optimally derived dose, depending on the live weight of the animal during the experiment). This contributed to an increase in the average daily weight gain of bull calves by 11.7% and an increase in carcass weight by 9.2%, including flesh weight by 11.1%. In the carcass flesh, the protein content increased by 15.4%, fat by 15.2%, and energy by 8.2%. The conversion rate of protein substances (protein) of the feed into the edible protein of the flesh of the carcass increased by 1.33% and the energy of the feed by 1.2%.

Gastro-Resistant Microparticles Produced by Spray-Drying as Controlled Release Systems for Liposoluble Vitamins.

In the present study, gastro-resistant microparticles (MPs) were produced using the spray-drying technique as controlled-release systems for some model liposoluble vitamins, including retinyl-palmitate, retinyl-acetate, β-carotene, cholecalciferol and α-tocopherol. The gastroprotective action of three different gastro-resistant excipients, the anionic methacrylic copolymer (Eudraguard®® Biotic, E1207), the cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and whey proteins (WPs), was compared. The latter was used to produce a novel delivery system manufactured with only food-derived components, such as milk, and showed several improvements over the two synthetic gastro-resistant agents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a quite homogeneous spherical shape of all microparticle batches, with an average diameter between 7 and 15 μm. FTIR analysis was used to evaluate the effective incorporation of vitamins within the microparticles and the absence of any degradation to the components of the formulation. The comparison graphs of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed that the spray drying technique generates a solid in which the physical interactions between the excipients and the vitamins are very strong. Release studies showed a prominent pH-controlled release and partially a delayed-release profile. Ex vivo permeation studies of retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and α-tocopherol revealed greater transmucosal permeation capacity for microparticles produced with the WPs and milk.

New Kid on the Block: The Efficacy of Phytomedicine Extracts Urox® in Reducing Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Rats.

The aim of the current study was to determine if phytomedicine (Urox®) would reverse retinyl acetate (RA)–induced changes characteristic of bladder overactivity. There were 60 rats divided into the following 4 groups: I—control, II—received RA to induce detrusor overactivity (DO), III—received Urox (840 mg daily for 14 days), and IV—received combination of RA and Urox®. The cystometry was performed 2 days after the last dose of Urox®. Next, urothelium thickness and biochemical parameter measurements were performed. In group IV, a decrease in basal pressure and detrusor overactivity index was noted when compared to group II. Furthermore, in group IV the following parameters were increased: threshold pressure, voided volume, intercontraction interval, and bladder compliance in comparison with group II. There were significant elevations in c-Fos expression in the neuronal voiding centers in group II, while the expression of c-Fos in group IV was normalized. No significant changes in the values of the analyzed biomarkers in group III were found, while in group II, an elevation in BDNF, NGF, CGRP, ATP, Rho kinase, malondialdehyde, 3-nitrotyrosine, TRPV1, OCT-3, and VAChT and then a decrease in E-cadherin and Z01 were found. A successful restoration of all the abovementioned biomarkers’ levels was observed in group IV. Phytomedicine extracts (Urox®) were found to be potent in reversing RA-induced changes in several cystometric and biochemical parameters that are determinants of overactive bladder (OAB). The actions of Urox® were proved to be dependent on several factors, such as growth factors and several OAB biomarkers but not pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Biomarkers of Tretinoin Precursors and Tretinoin Efficacy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Facial Photodamage

Topical formulations of tretinoin precursors (retinol and its ester derivatives) are widely available over the counter and may offer similar clinical benefits to those of tretinoin for treatment of photoaging. However, which of the many purported molecular effects of retinoids most strongly drives clinical improvements in tretinoin-treated skin remains unclear. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical tretinoin precursors (TTP) vs tretinoin (RA) in treating moderate to severe facial photodamage and to identify potential biomarkers that correlate with clinical efficacy. This randomized, double-blind, single-center, parallel-arm study of 24 patients with moderate to severe facial photodamage was conducted at an academic referral center from November 2010 to December 2011, with data analysis performed from January 2012 to December 2021. Daily topical application of 0.02% RA or 1.1% TTP formulation containing retinol, retinyl acetate, and retinyl palmitate for 24 weeks. Photoaging and tolerability were assessed by dermatologist evaluations and patient-reported outcomes. Target gene expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of biopsied tissue from treated areas. A total of 20 White women were ultimately analyzed (9 randomized to TTP, 11 randomized to RA). At week 24, there was no significant difference in Griffiths photoaging scores among patients receiving TTP vs RA (median, 4 vs 5) (TTP - RA difference: -1; 95% CI, -2 to 1; P = .27). Treatment with TTP was associated with erythema 6 times less frequently than RA (11% vs 64%) (TTP - RA difference: -0.53; 95% CI, -0.88 to -0.17; P = .01). Target gene analysis showed significant CRABP2 messenger RNA (mRNA) induction (confirming retinoic acid receptor signaling) but no significant changes in procollagen I or MMP1/3/9 mRNA in TTP-treated samples. Instead, MMP2 mRNA, which encodes a type IV collagenase, was significantly reduced in TTP-treated samples (week 24 - baseline mRNA difference: -5; 96% CI, -33 to 1.6; P = .02), and changes in MMP2 were strongly correlated with changes in fine wrinkles (r = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.80; P = .01). Interestingly, patients with severe baseline wrinkles exhibited greater improvements (r = -0.74; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.43; P < .001). This trend was mirrored in MMP2 mRNA, with initial expression strongly predicting subsequent changes (r = -0.78; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.43; P < .001). In this randomized clinical trial, there was no significant difference in efficacy between this particular formulation of TTP and tretinoin 0.02%. However, the results of these mechanistic studies highlight MMP2 as a possible mediator of retinoid efficacy in photoaging. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01283464.

Simultaneous Quantification of Vitamin A and Derivatives in Cosmetic Products by Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection

Vitamin A (retinol) and some of its derivatives are a group of fat-soluble compounds used in cosmetic products as bioactive ingredients. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the quality control of final product to ensure their efficacy and safety. A simple and rapid method to determine retinol, retinal, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate and retinyl palmitate in cosmetics is presented here. The method is based on vortex and/or ultrasound-assisted leaching of the analytes in ethanol followed by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The analytical performance of the method was evaluated. It has shown high levels of linearity, at least up to 100 µg mL−1; high precision with RSD values below 14% and high sensitivity with low MLODs ranging between 0.3 × 10−4 and 5.9 × 10−4 % w/w, which are enough to monitor these compounds in cosmetic products. The proposed method was successfully applied to seven commercial cosmetic samples to detect and quantify the target analytes, showing the method is suitable for its employment for quality control in cosmetic industries. Cosmetic samples were spiked at two levels of concentration and recovery values around 100% were obtained, showing no significant matrix effects and, therefore, external calibration was adequate for this determination.

ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY OF THE DEHYDROGENASE AND OXIDASE FORMS OF XANTHINOXIDASE IN THE LIVER OF RATS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF ω-3 POLYNUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS AND RETINOIDS

The effect of retinoid different doses in a complex with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the enzyme activity of dehydrogenase (D-form – xanthine:NAD+-oxidoreductase, EC 1.17.1.4)) and oxidase (O-form – xanthine: oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.17.3.2) isoforms of xanthine oxidase and the generation of superoxide radical (O2•-) in the liver cytosolic fraction of rat are studied. Animals were divided into four groups: I – intact animals (control); II – rats injected with ω-3 PUFA at a dose of 120 mg/kg of animal weight; III, IV, V – animals administered retinol acetate at a dose of 60 IU/kg, 600 IU/kg, 1800 IU/kg, respectively; VI, VII, VIII – rats that were injected with a complex of ω-3 PUFAs and retinol acetate in doses of 60 IU/kg, 600 IU/kg, and 1800 IU/kg, respectively. Euthanasia of animals was performed under light ether anesthesia on the 14th day after the start of drug administration. It was established in-crease in total xanthine oxidase activity by 2.5 and 2.7 times compared to the values of the group of intact animals under the administering of a therapeutic dose of 600 IU/kg of retinol acetate and a maximum daily dose of 1800 IU/kg, respectively. The combined use of ω-3 PUFA and retinol acetate in doses of 600 IU/kg and 1800 IU/kg led to a decrease in the total xanthine oxidase activity in comparison with the values of animals that were administered the retinol acetate preparation separately in the corresponding doses. It is shown that the increase in the total activity of xanthine oxidase occurs due to the increase in the activity level of its O-form with a simultaneous decrease in the activity of the D-form. An increase of O-form xanthine oxidase activity in the liver cytosolic fraction the occurs in parallel with an increase in the rate of O2•- formation. This indicates the participation of this isoform in the induction of redox imbalance in the cytosol of liver cells under the influence of high doses of retinol acetate. The use of ω-3 PUFA along with retinol acetate contributes to the studied indicators normalization.

Effects of hydrogenated fat-spray-coated β-carotene supplement on plasma β-carotene concentration and conception rate after embryo transfer in Hanwoo beef cows

We hypothesised that hydrogenated fat (HF)-spray-coated β-carotene (βC) supplement could be used to increase plasma βC concentration and conception rates after embryo transfer (ET) in Hanwoo beef cows. In Experiment 1, 12 multiparous Hanwoo cows were fed one of four experimental diets in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design for a 28-day period. Treatments included no βC addition (control), HF-uncoated βC (HFuβC), HF-spray-coated βC (HFβC), and HF-spray-coated βC and vitamin A (HFβCA). The cows under βC-supplemented treatments were fed 400 mg/day of βC, and a daily intake for vitamin A of HFβCA treatment was 30 000 IU/day as retinyl acetate. Blood was collected on days 0, 26, 27, and 28 to analyse βC and other metabolite concentrations. In Experiment 2, 199 Hanwoo cows with low fertility were randomly assigned to either control (n = 99) or HFβC treatments (n = 100) based on the results of Experiment 1. The oestrus of the cows was synchronised for ET. The HFβC group was fed from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after ET with a daily intake of 400 mg βC. Pregnancy for conception rates was diagnosed on day 60 after ET, and blood was collected for βC concentrations on the day before ET. Supplementing βC resulted in a high plasma βC concentration (P < 0.001). Supplementing HFβC or HFβCA resulted in higher βC concentrations than HFuβC (P < 0.001); however, there was no difference between HFβC and HFβCA groups. Plasma retinol concentration was lower in the HFβCA treatment than in the control and HFβC groups (P < 0.05). Blood metabolites were unaffected by the treatments. The retinol:βC ratio was lower in the βC-supplemented treatments than in the controls, and was lower in HFβC and HFβCA than in HFuβC groups (P < 0.001). Plasma βC concentration was positively correlated with plasma high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol (P < 0.05). Plasma retinol concentration was negatively associated with plasma protein (P < 0.01), but positively associated with plasma creatinine (P < 0.001) and urea (P < 0.01). Supplementing HFβC to low-fertility cows resulted in higher plasma βC concentration (P < 0.001) and conception rates (P = 0.024) than those in the controls. In conclusion, HFβC had a better bioavailability than HFuβC, and an increase in conception rates by supplementing HFβC may be beneficial for producing more calves given the low pregnancy rates of bovine ET in Korea.

Analysis of Vitamin A in Multivitamin Products

Vitamin A is present in multivitamin products mainly in the form of retinol esters: retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, and beta carotene—retinol precursor (dimer) found in plants, which is capable of converting into retinol in liver cells. Retinol is determined in medicinal products primarily by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with preliminary purification and vitamin isolation by liquid-liquid extraction. However, scientific literature also describes other methods of sample preparation and analysis of such compounds. An important issue is differentiation of vitamin A from other fat-soluble vitamins often included as components in multivitamin products. The aim of the study was to analyse and summarise data on current methods used for determination of vitamin A and its derivatives in medicinal products. The authors analysed the range of vitamin A products authorised in the Russian Federation, and the test methods described in their product specification files. The study demonstrated that the test method most often used for determination of retinol esters was HPLC with isocratic elution mode using octadecylsilyl packing in the reverse-phase mode, and, less frequently, aminopropylsilyl packing in the normal phase mode. Determination of beta carotene in medicinal products is most often performed using spectrophotometry.

Theoretical Study of the Photoisomerization Mechanism of All-Trans-Retinyl Acetate.

The compound 9-cis-retinyl acetate (9-cis-RAc) is a precursor to 9-cis-retinal, which has potential application in the treatment of some hereditary diseases of the retina. An attractive synthetic route to 9-cis-RAc is based on the photoisomerization reaction of the readily available all-trans-RAc. In the present study, we examine the mechanism of the photoisomerization reaction with the use of state-of-the-art electronic structure calculations for two polyenic model compounds: tEtEt-octatetraene and tEtEtEc-2,6-dimethyl-1,3,5,7,9-decapentaene. The occurrence of photoisomerization is attributed to a chain-kinking mechanism, whereby a series of S1/S0 conical intersections associated with kinking deformations at different positions along the polyenic chain mediate internal conversion to the S0 state, and subsequent isomerization around one of the double bonds. Two other possible photoisomerization mechanisms are taken into account, but they are rejected as incompatible with simulation results and/or the available spectroscopic data.

Transfer Investigations of Lipophilic Drugs from Lipid Nanoemulsions to Lipophilic Acceptors: Contributing Effects of Cholesteryl Esters and Albumin as Acceptor Structures.

When studying the release of poorly water-soluble drugs from colloidal drug delivery systems designed for intravenous administration, the release media should preferentially contain lipophilic components that represent the physiological acceptors present in vivo. In this study, the effect of different acceptor structures was investigated by comparing the transfer of fenofibrate, retinyl acetate, and orlistat from trimyristin nanoemulsion droplets into lipid-containing hydrogel particles, as well as to bovine serum albumin (BSA). A nanodispersion based on trimyristin and cholesteryl nonanoate was incorporated into the hydrogel particles (mean diameter ~40 µm) in order to mimic the composition of lipoproteins. The course of transfer observed utilizing the lipid-containing hydrogel particles as an acceptor was in relation to the lipophilicity of the drugs: the higher the logP value, the slower the transfer. There was no detectable amount of the drugs transferred to BSA in liquid solution, demonstrating clearly that albumin alone does not contribute substantially as acceptor for the lipophilic drugs under investigation in this study. In contrast, cholesteryl nonanoate contributes to a much greater extent. However, in all cases, the partition equilibrium of the drugs under investigation was in favor of the trimyristin emulsion droplets.

ZMIANY MORFOLOGICZNE W TKANKACH STAWU KOLANOWEGO KRÓLIKA SPOWODOWANE CHOROBĄ ZWYRODNIENIOWĄ STAWÓW PO ZASTOSOWANIU EKSPERYMENTALNEJ METODY WYKORZYSTUJĄCEJ MEZENCHYMALNE KOMÓRKI MACIERZYSTE

The purpose of the study was to investigate the regenerative processes in the knee joint of rabbits with experimental osteoarthritis after using of allogeneic bone marrow stem cells and a traditional treatment with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Meloxicam. For the experiment were used 27 male California rabbits (males). Three groups of animals were formed: a control group; the first experimental group treated by the traditional method; the second experimental group treated with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Animals in the three groups were subjected to osteoarthritis of the knee joint by double injection of 3.44% retinol acetate into the joint cavity at a dose of 1 ml at intervals of 7 days. Tissue from the affected site was sampled for histological examination at 7, 14 and 28 days. The histological sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and examined under a microscope. It has been established that intra-articular administration of 3.5 × 106 cells of allogeneic MSCs in experimental osteoarthritis contributes to the restoration of the superficial layer of cartilage, as evidenced by the formation of columns of chondrocytes in the middle layer of articular cartilage and the appearance of isogenic groups of cartilage cells with basophilic cytoplasm in the matrix, uniform articular surface. The use of the traditional method of treating rabbits using the drug Meloxicam is accompanied by incomplete chondrogenesis: part of the chondrocytes is localized in typical chambers, in some cases chondrocyte chambers did not differentiate; articular cartilage had unequal thickness, cell placement was uneven.

Effect of the administration of copper, vitamins A and D and bovine colostrum on performances, antioxidant and micronutrients status and microbiome in lactating piglets on a commercial farm

Placental and colostral transfer of copper and vitamins A and D from sows to piglets is limited. This study aimed to determine, in commercial conditions, the effect of supplemental provision of copper, vitamins A and D and bovine colostrum (BC) to suckling piglets on their growth performance, antioxidant status and gut microbiota. One group of sows (n = 50) was fed a conventional diet, while another group (n = 52) was fed conventional diet supplemented with vitamin D (25-OH-D3), β-carotene and copper-yeast from one week before parturition to weaning. During lactation, each litter was assigned to the one of the following treatments: (CON) control; (VIT) exposure to UVB lights and administration of oral retinol acetate, 25-OH-D3 and copper-yeast at 2 and 5 days of age; (COLOS) supplementation of BC from 5 to 10 days of age and (CC) VIT+COLOS. Blood samples were collected from one low-weight (LW) and one high-weight (HW) piglet per litter at 21 days of age (weaning). Piglet weights were measured at birth and at 1, 21 and 56 days of age. Fecal microbiome was analyzed at weaning on one LW and one HW piglet per litter. Sow supplementation increased piglet weight at birth and at 1 day of age, decreased the number of LW piglets (<1.1 kg) at 1 day of age, but the effect faded over time. Colostrum supplementation (COLOS, CC) increased piglet weight at 21 and 56 days of age by 230 and 700 g, respectively. Dietary supplements to sows and piglets had no impact on serum retinol (vitamin A indicator), marginal effects on serum copper whereas it increased (P<0.05) serum 25‑hydroxy-calciferol (vitamin D indicator) in piglets at weaning. Concerning antioxidant activities, no clear effect due to treatments to sow or piglets was observed. Analysis of fecal microbiome showed that supplementation to sows and piglets did not have a marked impact on piglet microbiota excepted for BC supplementation to piglets (COLOS, CC) which decreased Enterobacteriaceae whereas supplementation in micronutrients to sow increased Christensenellaceae in piglet's microbiota at weaning. This study reveals that BC can affect microbiota and improve growth performances before and after weaning. Administrations of vitamin D via UVB light exposure and oral supplementation was an efficient way to increase postnatal status of vitamin D in piglets up to weaning while supplementation to sows may improve only piglet weight at birth and modulate microbiota at weaning.

Vitamin A supplementation ameliorates ulcerative colitis in gut microbiota–dependent manner

Ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic relapsing inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal track. The purpose of this study is to explore whether Vitamin A (VA) can treat UC and its mechanisms. A mouse model of UC was established using 3.0% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). VA was used to treat UC by intragastric administration of 5000 international unit (IU) retinyl acetate. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was also used to treat the UC model mice to verify the effect of influenced gut microbiota. The content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecal contents was quantitatively detected by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. VA supplementation significantly ameliorated UC. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that VA-treated mice exhibited much more abundant gut microbial diversity and flora composition. Targeted metabolomics analysis manifested the increased production of SCFAs in VA-treated mice. Gut microbiota depletion and FMT results confirmed the gut microbiota–dependent mechanism as that VA relieved UC via regulating gut microbiota: increase in SCFA-producing genera and decrease in UC-related genera. The restore of intestinal barrier and the inhibition of inflammation were also found to contribute to the amelioration of UC by VA. It was concluded that a VA supplement was enough to cause a significant change in gut microbiota and amelioration of UC.

The effect of trace minerals on the stability of retinol acetate, cholecalciferol and selenomethionine stability within premixes

This study compared the effect of an organic proteinate mineral source and an inorganic sulphate mineral source in relation to their effect on the stability of retinol acetate and cholecalciferol within simulated premixes, while comparing the stability of two different selenomethionine (SeMet) sources (selenium enriched yeast (SeYeast) and the chemically synthesised L-SeMet) in the presence of inorganic sulphate mineral sources within simulated premixes. Four vitamin-trace mineral premixes, two containing organic trace mineral sources in the form of proteinates and two containing inorganic trace mineral sources in the form of sulphates, were formulated so that, when added to a complete broiler feed at the appropriate inclusion rates, they contained the same amount of retinol acetate and cholecalciferol and varying levels of trace minerals (National Research Council recommended level, commonly used industry level or a reduced inclusion level). The two SeMet-trace mineral premixes were formulated to contain commonly used industry levels of vitamins and trace minerals. The two SeMet-trace mineral premixes differed in the source of SeMet. One premix contained chemically synthesised L-SeMet while the other contained SeYeast. The vitamin content of the four vitamin-trace mineral premixes was analysed after 14 and 84 days in storage by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and the amount present within each of the premixes was compared to the quantity determined prior to storage. In general, the premixes formulated with the sulphate trace mineral source were found to have higher losses of retinol acetate and cholecalciferol than those formulated with the proteinate trace mineral source. The inclusion of the proteinate minerals at both National Research Council and reduced inclusion levels significantly (P≤0.05) increased the stability of both the vitamins when compared to the inorganic sulphate mineral sources included at commonly used industry levels. The SeMet content of the two SeMet-trace mineral premixes was analysed after 49 days in storage by high performance liquid chromatography – inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and the amount of SeMet present within each of the samples was compared to the quantity determined prior to storage. SeMet present within the SeYeast was found to be significantly more stable (P≤0.05) than the chemically synthesised L-SeMet.

Determination of Vitamin A Total Body Stores in Children from Dried Serum Spots: Application in a Low- and Middle-Income Country Community Setting

BackgroundThe retinol isotope dilution (RID) method has been used to evaluate vitamin A (VA) status in healthy adults and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and to assess the efficacy of various VA interventions. ObjectiveThe study was designed to examine whether dried serum spots (DSS) can be applied to RID when conducting VA total body store (TBS) assessments in community settings. MethodsFour days after an oral dose of 0.4 mg [13C10]retinyl acetate was administered to Filipino children (12–18 mo), a single blood draw was divided to isolate both serum and plasma. Serum (40 μL) was spotted and dried on Whatman 903 cards and shipped at ambient temperature whereas liquid plasma (LP) was frozen at –80°C and shipped on dry ice. The VA tracer to tracee ratio from DSS and LP was quantified by LC-MS/MS. Comparisons between DSS and LP paired samples (n = 72) were made for [13C10]retinol specific activity (SAp) by Pearson’s correlation and for VA TBS by Bland–Altman analysis. ResultsThe sum of 3 coextracted DSS were required to consistently detect [13C10]retinol above the LC-MS/MS limit of quantitation (LOQ). [13C10]retinol SAp from DSS was highly correlated with SAp from LP (r = 0.945; P < 0.01). A comparison of methods for TBS determination using Bland–Altman analysis indicated agreement with an intraindividual difference of 24.7 μmol (4.6%). Mean total liver reserve (TLR) values from DSS and LP were 1.7 μmol/g (± 0.6 SD) and 1.6 μmol/g (± 0.6 SD), respectively. ConclusionsVA TBS can be determined from DSS thereby reducing the logistics and cost of maintaining a cold chain by shipping samples at ambient temperature and, thus, making the RID technique more feasible in LMIC community settings. This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03030339.

The Complex Effect Of Retinyl Acetate And Zeolite On The Resistance Of Rabbits With Aflatoxicosis

The article presents the results of studying the effect of a combination of zeolite from the Tatar-Shatrashansky deposit of the Republic of Tatarstan and retinyl acetate in rabbit aflatoxicosis on the indicators of natural resistance of animals. The duration of the experiment was 55 days. Animals of the first group received the main diet, of the second group received a toxic diet, animals of the third group were additionally injected retinyl acetate with a toxic diet at a dose of 1500 IU per individual, the rabbits of the fourth group, in addition to the toxic diet, received retinyl acetate at a dose of 1500 IU per individual and zeolite at a dose of 2% of the diet. Studies showed, that the complex use of retinyl acetate and zeolite is highly effective in case of aflatoxicosis, contributing to the normalization of clinical, biochemical indicators and non-specific resistance factors.

A Compartmental Model Describing the Kinetics of β-Carotene and β-Carotene-Derived Retinol in Healthy Older Adults

Descriptive and quantitative information on β-carotene whole-body kinetics in humans is limited. Our objective was to advance the development of a physiologically based, working hypothesis compartmental model describing the metabolism of β-carotene and β-carotene-derived retinol. We used model-based compartmental analysis (Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software) to analyze previously published data on plasma kinetics of [2H8]β-carotene, [2H4]β-carotene-derived retinol, and [2H8]retinyl acetate-derived retinol in healthy, older US adults (3 female, 2 male; 50-68 y); subjects were studied for 56 d after consuming doses of 11μmol [2H8]β-carotene and, 3 d later, 9μmol [2H8]retinyl acetate in oil. We developed a complex model for labeled β-carotene and β-carotene-derived retinol, as well as preformed vitamin A, using simulations to augment observed data during model calibration. The model predicts that mean (range) β-carotene absorption (bioavailability) was 9.5% (5.2-14%) and bioefficacy was 7.3% (3.6-14%). Of the absorbed β-carotene, 41% (25-58%) was packaged intact in chylomicrons and the balance was converted to retinol, with 58% (42-75%) transported as retinyl esters in chylomicrons and 0-2% by retinol-binding protein. Most (95%) chylomicron β-carotene was cleared by the liver. Later data revealed differences in the metabolism of retinyl acetate- versus β-carotene-derived retinol; data required that both β-carotene and derived retinol be recycled from extrahepatic tissues (e.g. adipose) in HDL. Of total bioconversion [73% (47-99%)], 82% occurred in the intestine, 17% in the liver, and 0.83% in other tissues. Our model advances knowledge about whole-body β-carotene metabolism in healthy adults, including the kinetics of transport in all lipoprotein species, and suggests hypotheses to be tested in future studies, such as the possibility that retinol derived from hepatic conversion over a long period of time might contribute to plasma retinol homeostasis and total body vitamin A stores.