Serum Antioxidant Vitamins Research Articles

Associations between antioxidant vitamins and the risk of invasive cervical cancer in Chinese women: A case-control study.

Previous studies on the associations between dietary antioxidant vitamins and the risk of cervical cancer remain inconsistent, and little evidence is available for serum antioxidant vitamins, which provide more accurate measurements of these nutrients. We conducted a case-control study of 458 incident cases with invasive cervical cancer and 742 controls to assess the effects of diet or serum antioxidant vitamins. Higher serum antioxidant vitamins were associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer after adjusting for potential confounders. The odds ratios (ORs) for the highest (vs. lowest) quartile were 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46–0.93; P = 0.024) for α-carotene, 0.63 (95% CI = 0.45–0.90; P = 0.006) for β-carotene, 0.53 (95% CI = 0.37–0.74; P < 0.001) for vitamin E, and 0.48 (95% CI = 0.33–0.69; P < 0.001) for vitamin C. Dietary intakes of vitamins E and C were inversely associated with the risk of cervical cancer. Risk of cervical cancer from serum antioxidant vitamins was more evident in passive smokers than non-passive smokers. These findings indicated that antioxidant vitamins (mainly α-carotene, β-carotene, and vitamins E and C) might be beneficial in reducing the risk of invasive cervical cancer in Chinese women, especially in passive smokers.

The investigation of pro-oxidant: Effect of a new Schiff base and its metal complexes (Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, Mn)

Background: Multifarious biological activities of Schiff base (SB) derivatives are well-known. Aim: In this study aimed that investigation of pro-oxidant effect of ([(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-3methylurea]) derivative SB and its metal complexes. Material and Methods: Pro-oxidant effect was determined by antioxidant vitamins levels effect against malonyldialdehyde (MDA), which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation in the serum of rats. To this end; 4-6 weekly Wistar albino rats were injected 25 mg/L 2 weeks subcutaneously for 3 days apart by 1 ml injection of a new compound and were then sacrificed 16 days later. Effect of these compounds serum MDA concentration, which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation, serum antioxidant vitamins A, E, C levels were measured with high-performance liquid chromatograph. In the comparison done among a group. Result: It was observed that although other serum parameters were altered, groups in comparison with each other in the MDA, vitamins A, E and C concentrations were not statistically changed. Conclusion: It may conclude that the compounds tested the administered dose does not cause oxidative stress.

Relationship between stress levels and the status of serum antioxidant vitamins

Background : Alternative methods for stress monitoring and evaluation prove very useful in proper dealing with it. Thus, establishing a link between stress exposure and serum antioxidant vitamins’ levels would certainly provide a clue towards stress management. Aim : The study aimed at evaluating the status of serum antioxidant vitamins in stress conditions. Methods : The study was carried out on a total of fifteen Bayero University Kano students of comparable age. Data on their general lifestyle, nutritional habit and study/reading pattern, their blood samples were collected. Serum levels of vitamins A and vitamin C were also assayed. Results : The serum vitamins’ mean values were compared before, during and after the commencement of examination for statistical significant difference. When compared on before versus after commencement of examination, mean serum vitamin A levels was found to be significantly lower before than after the commencement of examination while no significant difference existed between the corresponding serum vitamin C levels. Moreover when compared during versus after and before versus during the commencement of examination, both the mean serum vitamins’ levels were found to be significantly lower during than before and after the commencement of examination. Conclusion : Findings from this study showed that serum vitamins A and C levels declined most during the commencement of examination. This might be an indicator of highest stress level attained by the study subjects at the period. This study confirms that the higher the stress level, the lower the status of serum antioxidant vitamins. Key Words : Stress; oxidative stress; antioxidant; vitamin A; Vitamin C

Serum Antioxidant Vitamins Levels in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Sickle cell anaemia is associated with elevated oxidative stress via increase generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decline in antioxidant defences. Increased oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the development of sickle cell anaemic complications. In the current study, vitamins A, C, and E levels were estimated in 35 sickle cell anaemics attending the Paediatric medical clinic of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria and the results compared with those of apparently healthy non-sickle cell anaemic volunteers of comparable age and social status. Serum levels of vitamin A, C, and E were 31.06 ± 2.97 μg/dl, 0.27 ± 0.05 mg/dl, 0.20 ± 0.01 mg/dl and 69.51 ± 4.54 μg/dl, 0.77 ± 0.10 mg/dl and 0.49 ± 0.02 mg/dl in sickle cell anaemics and non- sickle cell anaemic subjects respectively. There was significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased levels of antioxidant vitamins in sickle cell anaemic subjects. Age and gender did not have significant (P&gt;0.05) difference. The results suggest that sickle cell anaemics in the study area have low serum levels of antioxidant vitamins, an indication that the sickle cell anaemics are predisposed to increased oxidative onslaught.Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia, serum vitamins A, C, and E.

Correlations between Serum Trace Elements (Selenium, Copper and Zinc) and Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin A, E and C) in Clinically Healthy Dromedary Camels

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out in November 2010 on 30 male clinically healthy dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) from several farms in Yazd province, the central part of Iran. Camels were examined prior to sampling and proved to be clinically healthy. Animals were assigned into 5 equal (n=6) groups, including under 1, 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and above 10 years old. Blood samples were taken and sera were analyzed to determine the concentrations of selenium, copper, zinc and vitamin A, E and C. Selenium was significantly correlated with zinc in 4-6 years old group (r=0.855; P=0.03). A significant negative correlation between copper and vitamin A in 7-9 years old dromedary camel was seen (r=-0.911; P=0.01). Vitamin C was negatively correlated (r=-0.802; P=0.04) with zinc in under 1 year old dromedary calves. Vitamin A positively correlated with vitamin C in 1-3 years old (r=0.802, P=0.04) and above 10 years old (r=0.883; P=0.02) groups. It was concluded that correlations, either positive or negative, exist between certain trace elements and measured vitamins with respect to the specific age groups which shows that these finding should be considered in providing optimal and proper feeding in camel. Key Words: Trace elements, anti-oxidant vitamins, correlation, Camelus dromedarius OZET KLINIK OLARAK SAĞLIKLI TEK HORGUCLU DEVELERDE SERUM IZ ELEMENTLERI (SELENYUM, BAKIR VE CINKO) ILE ANTIOKSIDAN VITAMINLER (VITAMIN A, E VE C) ARASINDAKI KORELASYONLAR Bu calisma Kasim 2010 tarihinde, Iran'in orta kesimlerindeki Yazd ilinin farkli ciftliklerinde bulunan, 30 adet klinik olarak saglikli tek horguclu develer ( Camelus dromedarius ) uzerinde gerceklestirilmistir. Develerin ornekleme oncesi yapilan muayenesinde klinik olarak saglikli olduklari belirlenmistir. Hayvanlar 1 yas alti, 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 ve 10 yas olmak uzere 5 esit gruba (n: 6) ayrilmistir. Kan ornekleri alinmis ve serumlar selenyum, bakir, cinko ve vitamin A, E ve C konsantrasyonu belirlemek icin analiz edilmistir. 4-6 yas grubunda selenyum ile cinko arasindaki korelasyon onemli bulunmustur (r=0,855; P=0,03). 7-9 yasli tek horguclu develerde bakir ile vitamin A arasindaki negatif korelasyon istatistiki acidan onemli bulunmustur (r=-0,911; P=0,01). 1 yasin altindaki deve yavrularinda, vitamin C ile cinko arasinda negatif bir korelasyon (r=-0,802; P=0,04) mevcuttur.1-3 yasinda (r=0,802, P=0,04) ve 10 yasin ustundeki (r=0,883; P=0,02) gruplarda vitamin A ile C arasinda pozitif korelasyon bulunmustur. Bu bulgular develer icin en iyi ve en uygun beslenmenin saglanmasinda, belirli yas gruplarina gore, bazi iz elementler ve tespit edilen vitaminler arasindaki mevcut olan pozitif ve negatif korelasyonlarin dusunulmesi gerektigini gostermektedir. Anahtar Kelimeler: I z elementler, antioksidan vitaminler, korelasyon, Camelus dromedaries

Serum Antioxidant Nutrients, Vitamin A, and Mortality in U.S. Adults

Observational studies have suggested that antioxidant nutrients may reduce cancer and overall mortality risks. However, most randomized trials have failed to show survival benefits. Examining nonlinear associations between antioxidant levels and health outcomes may help to explain these discrepant findings. We evaluated all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality risks associated with quintiles (Q1-Q5) of serum antioxidant (vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and selenium) and vitamin A levels, in 16,008 adult participants of The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III; 1988-1994). Over a median follow-up period of 14.2 years, there were 4,225 deaths, including 891 from cancer and 1,891 from cardiovascular disease. We observed a dose-response decrease in cancer and overall mortality risks with higher vitamin C levels. In contrast, for vitamin A, risk of cancer death decreased from Q1-Q2, with no further decline in risk at higher levels. For vitamin E, having levels in Q4 was associated with the lowest cancer mortality risk. Both vitamin A and E had U-shaped associations with all-cause mortality. Cancer mortality risks decreased from Q1-Q2 for β-carotene and from Q1-Q4 for selenium. However, for β-carotene and selenium, overall mortality risks decreased from Q1-Q2 but then did not change significantly with higher levels. Antioxidant supplement use should be studied in the context of overall mortality and other competing mortality risks. These data suggest the need for novel intervention studies where doses of these agents are individualized based on their serum levels, and possibly, markers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory response.

Oral cancer: The Nigerian experience

Oral cancer is one of the ten most common cancers worldwide and the five years survival rate is still disappointingly low. The incidence of oral cancer varies from different regions of the world with highest rates reported in the South-east Asia especially in India where oral cancer accounts for 15 - 40% of cancers and is the most common cancer in men. Although, tobacco and alcohol use are the most important risk factors in the development of oral cancer, some reports from Nigeria suggests otherwise. Tobacco and chronic alcohol use have been found to be low in cancer patients in various studies from Nigeria, whereas most of these patients are from the lower income, poorly educated class in the society. More so, oral cancer patients from a study in Nigeria were found to consume less fruits than controls and had statistically significant lower serum antioxidant vitamins levels when compared with a non-cancer group. We suggest that poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and possibly a yet to be determined chronic infection may be more important risk factors than the well-established risk factors (tobacco and alcohol use) in the development of oral cancer in Nigerian cases. Key words: Oral cancer, tobacco, alcohol, risk factors.

Comparison with serum anti-oxidant vitamins and the health related QOL survey (SF-36 v2) using principal component analysis ―A case for locally elderly people who performed middle or high strength muscular exercise routinely―

Comparison with serum anti-oxidant vitamins and the health related QOL survey (SF-36 v2) using principal component analysis ―A case for locally elderly people who performed middle or high strength muscular exercise routinely―

Oxidative stress in streptozocin-diabetic rats: Amelioration by mulberry (Morus Indica L.) leaves.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate amelioration of oxidative stress by mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves in streptozocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, as the leaves of mulberry (Morus indica L.) of Moraceae, are reported to be rich in a number of bioactive principles, i.e. antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids and moracins that can fight against oxidative stress in diabetes. METHOD: Normal wistar albino rats and STZ-diabetic rats were treated with dried mulberry leaf powder at 25% in the diet for a period of 8 weeks. The antioxidant role of mulberry was assessed by determining the effect of the leaves on hepatic lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress and the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and serum antioxidant vitamins in comparison with untreated normal and diabetic rats. RESULTS: Increased oxidative stress as shown by increased lipid peroxidation and increased activity of catalase (CAT) in hepatic tissue, decreased serum ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) in diabetic rats were countered by mulberry leaves. In addition, decreased activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, i.e. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathinone-S-tranferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly increased by 34%, 61%, 19% and 53% respectively in mulberry leaves-treated diabetic rats as compared with diabetic control rats. CONCLUSION: Treatment with mulberry leaves protected STZ-diabetic rats from lipid peroxidation and elevated the activities of defense enzymes. This study reveals ameliorating effect of mulberry leaves on oxidative stress in diabetic rats by the synergistic action of a number of bioactive compounds present in mulberry leaves.

Dose-dependent LDL-cholesterol lowering effect by plant stanol ester consumption: clinical evidence

Elevated serum lipids are linked to cardiovascular diseases calling for effective therapeutic means to reduce particularly LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Plant stanols reduce levels of LDL-C by partly blocking cholesterol absorption. Accordingly the consumption of foods with added plant stanols, typically esterified with vegetable oil fatty acids in commercial food products, are recommended for lowering serum cholesterol levels. A daily intake of 1.5 to 2.4 g of plant stanols has been scientifically evaluated to lower LDL-C by 7 to 10% in different populations, ages and with different diseases. Based on earlier studies, a general understanding is that no further reduction may be achieved in intakes in excess of approximately 2.5 g/day. Recent studies however suggest that plant stanols show a continuous dose–response effect in serum LDL-C lowering. This review discusses the evidence for a dose-effect relationship between plant stanol ester consumption and reduction of LDL-C concentrations with daily intakes of plant stanols of 4 g/day or more. We identified five such studies and the overall data demonstrate a linear dose-effect relationship with the most pertinent LDL-Cholesterol lowering outcome, 18%, achieved by a daily intake of 9 to 10 g of plant stanols. Along with reduction in LDL-C, the studies demonstrated a decrease in cholesterol absorption markers, the serum plant sterol to cholesterol ratios, by increasing the dose of plant stanol intake. None of the studies with daily intakes up to 10 g of plant stanols reported adverse clinical or biochemical effects from plant stanols. In a like manner, the magnitude of decrease in serum antioxidant vitamins was not related to the dose of plant stanols consumed and the differences between plant stanol ester consumers and controls were minor and insignificant or nonexisting. Consumption of plant stanols in high doses is feasible as a range of food products are commercially available for consumption including spreads and yoghurt type drinks. In conclusion, a dose-effect relationship of plant stanols in higher doses than currently recommended has been demonstrated by recent clinical studies and a meta-analysis. Further studies are called for to provide confirmatory evidence amenable for new health claim applications and dietary recommendations.

Serum antioxidant vitamins and the risk of oral cancer in patients seen at a tertiary institution in Nigeria

Tobacco and alcohol are major risk factors of oral cancer, but nutritional deficiency may also contribute to development of oral cancer. This study compared serum antioxidant vitamin levels in oral cancer patients and controls in order to validate the role of vitamin deficiencies in the etiology of oral cancer. Serum vitamin A, C, and E levels of 33 oral cancer patients and 30 controls at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, were determined using standard methods. The data obtained were analyzed using the Student t-test, odds ratio, and logistic regression. Mean vitamin A, C, and E levels were significantly lower in oral cancer patients (P=0.022, P=0.000, and P=0.013 respectively). Risk of oral cancer was 10.89, 11.35, and 5.6 times more in patients with low serum vitamins A, C, and E, respectively. However, on logistic regression analysis, only low serum vitamin E independently predicted occurrence of oral cancer. The lower serum vitamin A, C, and E levels in oral cancer patients could be either a cause or an effect of the oral cancer. Further studies using a larger sample size and cohort studies with long-term follow-up of subjects are desirable.

English

Free radicals have important roles in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. It has been well documented that there is a link between oxidative stress and secondary complications of diabetes mellitus. However, humans are well endowed with antioxidant defences, primarily by free radical scavengers, such as Vitamins A, C, E and some trace elements. Deficiencies of these micronutrients may increase susceptibility to this disease and the associated complications. In this study, serum antioxidant vitamins (Vitamins A, C and E) were estimated in 50 Type 2 diabetic patients using standard procedures, and the results obtained were compared with those of apparently healthy, non-diabetic subjects of comparable age and social status. Serum glucose level of the diabetic subjects (11.47 &plusmn; 1.67 mmol/L) was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than the value obtained for the non-diabetic subjects (4.16 &plusmn; 0.46 mmol/L). Vitamin A (14.38 &plusmn; 7.59 &micro;g/L), C (0.66 &plusmn; 0.17 mg/dl) and E (0.51 &plusmn;&nbsp;0.19 mg/dl) concentrations were significantly&nbsp;lower (P &lt; 0.05) in diabetic patients relative to the levels of Vitamin A (44.12 &plusmn; 11.79 &micro;g/L), C (0.97 &plusmn; 0.23 mg/dl) and&nbsp;E (0.68 &plusmn; 0.13 mg/dl) in control subjects. About 30, 36 and 12% of the diabetic subjects had severe Vitamins A, C and E deficiencies, respectively. These deficiencies may be contributing factor to the complications of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The outcome of the inclusion of vitamin A, C and E supplements in the therapeutic regimen for Type 2 diabetics in Nigeria should be studied so that health care providers could be advised. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Nigerians, antioxidants, vitamins, diabetics.

Serum Antioxidant Vitamin Levels in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate anthropometric measurements, body composition, and serum antioxidant vitamin levels in men with coronary heart disease (CHD). Thirty-five men with CHD and 31 men without CHD, aged 40 - 65 years, were included this study. Dietary records and anthropometric measurements of each participant were recorded by researchers and serum antioxidant vitamin levels and lipid profiles were analyzed. Fat mass (FM) and the percentage of fat mass (FM%) in men with CHD was higher than in men without CHD (p < 0.05). Lipid profiles were found to be similar in both groups, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Men with CHD had lower HDL-C levels than men without CHD (p < 0.05). When the antioxidant vitamin intake of participants was investigated, vitamin E intake in men without CHD was found to be less than in men with CHD (p < 0.05). However, serum vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C levels in men with CHD were found to be lower than in men without CHD (p < 0.05). Based on the results of this study, we propose that high FM, low HDL-C, and low serum antioxidant vitamin levels could be important risk factors for CHD.

Pro-oxidant and antiproliferative effects of the 1,3,4-thiadiazole–based Schiff base and its metal complexes

Adverse biological activities of Schiff base (SB) derivatives are well known. In this study, the ligand and its metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR spectra, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, UV-Vis spectra, and thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. From the elemental analyses data, the complexes were proposed to have the general formula [Mn(L)2(H2O)2], [Co(L)2(H2O)2], and [Ni2(L)(H2O)4(Cl)3]. From the magnetic moment and UV-Vis spectra data, it was found that the geometrical structures of these complexes are octahedral. In the in vivo experiment, adult male rats were injected subcutaneously with a new SB (L) and its [Mn(L)2(H2O)2], [Co(L)2(H2O)2], and [Ni2(L)(H2O)4(Cl)3] complexes (25 mg/kg body weight) and were then sacrificed 16 days later. Effects of these compounds on serum antioxidant vitamins (i.e., vitamins A, E, and C) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in blood serum, liver, and kidney tissues. In an in vitro experiment, antiproliferative effects of these compounds were assessed on the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 and murine leukemia L1210 cell lines. Serum MDA and vitamins A, E, and C levels did not change by the treatments. However, in the kidney and liver tissues, MDA levels were higher, whereas vitamin levels were lower in treatment groups, compared to the control group. All compounds inhibited cell proliferation of MCF-7 and L1210 cancer cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, SB derivatives tested in the current study induced oxidative stress in vivo and exhibited anti-proliferative effects in an in vitro culture system.

The relationship between serum antioxidant vitamins, magnesium levels, and clinical parameters in patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome

We proposed to assess serum antioxidant vitamins and magnesium (Mg) levels in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) in comparison to healthy controls. Additionally, the association between the serum antioxidant vitamins, magnesium levels, and clinical parameters in FM patients was also investigated. Forty female patients, aged between 30 and 50 years, were diagnosed with FM according to ACR-1990 criteria, and 40 healthy controls were included in the present study. Socio-demographic characteristics of participants, accompanying symptoms, and number of tender points (TP) of the patients were recorded. The intensity of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The functional status and depression levels were evaluated with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. Serum vitamins A, C, and E and Mg levels were measured. There were no significant differences in the levels of vitamins A, C, and E and Mg between control subjects and patients with fibromyalgia (p > 0.05). In addition, no statistically significant correlations were found between mean levels of serum vitamins A, C, and E, and Mg and number of TP, scores of VAS, FIQ, and BDI in patients with FM (p > 0.05). According to the results of this study, it was asserted that other complex mechanism may play an important role in the pathophysiology of FM without plasma antioxidant vitamins and Mg levels.

Effects of Body Mass Index (BMI), Dietary Intake and Serum Antioxidant Vitamin Concentration on Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and F&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;-isoprostane Excretions

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the optimal BMI and desirable dietary habits for reducing oxidative stress and thereby slowing aging and preventing chronic diseases. We examined the relationships between urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and F2-isoprostane excretions with BMI, dietary intakes and serum antioxidant vitamin concentrations. Method: The subjects were 15 people undergoing an Anti-Aging checkup (average age 64.9 [42-79], average BMI 23.2[16.0-31.6]).Exclusion criteria included a history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and current smoking. The serum parameters examined were α-carotene, β-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E, the urinary parameters were 8-OHdG and F2-isoprostane and the dietary intake parameters were energy, carbohydrate, fat, protein, α-carotene, β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and fruit and vegetable. Results: The relationships between urinary 8-OHdG and F2-isoprostane excretions and BMI both followed a quadratic curve with the lowest levels at BMI 23 (8-OHdG: R²= 0.749, F2-isoprostane: R² = 0.519). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that important variation factors for urinary 8-OHdG excretion were BMI and carbohydrate/energy ratio (R²= 0.826). Important variation factors for urinary F2-isoprostane excretion were BMI and serum vitamin E concentration (R²=0.613). Conclusion: The relationships between urinary 8-OHdG and F2-isoprostane excretions and BMI both followed a U-shaped curve with the lowest levels at BMI 23.

Serum Level of Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin A, C and E) in ,i&gt;Plasmodium falciparum&lt;/i&gt; Malaria Infected Children in Owerri, Eastern Nigeria

The levels of antioxidant vitamins were estimated in Plasmodium falciparum malaria infected children. Forty-three children with P.falciparum infection were selected based on the clinicalsymptoms. Twenty-two apparently healthy children with no malaria parasitaemia were included as the control subjects. P.falciparum parasitaemia and serum levels of the antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A,C and E) were determined using standard procedures. It was observed that all parameters measured were significantly lower in malaria infected children when compared with the respective control values. The relationship between malaria parasitaemia and serum concentration of vitamin E were positively correlated (r= 0.42), but vitamin A (r= -0.05) and C (-0.06) were negatively correlated. Children within 0-5 years of age had higher malarial parasitaemia (7379.82 ± 918 99/ìL) than thosebetween 6-12 years of age (5026.19 ± 1514.58/ìL), and these children had lower concentrations of vitamin A (21.27 ± 8.68 ìg/dL), C (0.45 ± 0.19 mg/dl) and E (0.69 ± 0.22 mg/dL) when comparedwith children between 6-12 years (vitamin A = 25.19 ± 8.12 ìg/dL, vitamin C = 0.53 ± 0.16 mg/ dL and vitamin E = 0.86 ± 0.41 mg/ dL). Results suggest that in Owerri, Eastern Nigeria, the degree ofmalaria parasitaemia in especially children between 0-5 years could comprise immunity (as judged by the correlation) and reduce serum antioxidant vitamin levels. Health care providers should recognizethese effects in planning malarial treatment and control programs. Changes in serum antioxidant levels during post-treatment periods should be investigated and documented.

Multivitamin and mineral supplementation modulates oxidative stress and antioxidant vitamin levels in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization

We investigated effects of multivitamin and mineral supplementation on lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E values in serum and follicular fluid of 56 women undergoing IVF and 13 age matched control. We concluded that multivitamin and mineral supplementation in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF may strengthen the antioxidant defense system by decreasing oxidative stress.

Functional polymorphism in manganese superoxide dismutase and antioxidant status: Their interactions on the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer

Objective Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the primary antioxidant enzyme in mitochondria, plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. Furthermore, the MnSOD rs4880 polymorphism is associated with enzyme activity. The authors evaluated the interaction between MnSOD genotypes and cervical carcinogenesis risk and the modulating effects of serum antioxidant nutrient status (β-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin/lutein, retinol, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol). Methods Cases and controls for this study were recruited between June 2006 and July 2007 (263 controls, 84 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 94 CIN 2/3, and 99 cases of cervical cancer). The MnSOD polymorphism at rs4880T/C was examined using SNaPshot assays. Serum antioxidant vitamin concentrations were measured by reverse-phase gradient high-pressure liquid chromatography. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated after adjusting for age, menopause, parity, oral contraceptive use, smoking and alcohol consumption. Results No association was found between the MnSOD rs4880 polymorphism and cervical cancer. However, genotypes significantly modified the risk of cervical cancer in association with the serum statuses of micronutrients ( P interaction < 0.05 for β-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin/lutein, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol). Decreased CIN1 risk in association with the MnSOD rs4880 variant genotype was also observed particularly for subjects with higher β-carotene and γ-tocopherol levels. Similar results were observed for lycopene and α-tocopherol in relation to the risk of CIN2/3. Conclusion Our findings suggest that a higher antioxidant micronutrients status may decrease the risk of CIN and cervical cancer and modify the effect of the MnSOD polymorphism on disease risk.

Effects of long-term antioxidant supplementation and association of serum antioxidant concentrations with risk of metabolic syndrome in adults

Background:Limited observational evidence suggests lower antioxidant concentrations in individuals with the metabolic syndrome (MetS); few randomized controlled trials have addressed the effect of multiple antioxidants on the risk of MetS. Objective:The objective was to examine the effect of antioxidant supplementation for 7.5 y on the incidence of MetS and the epidemiologic association between baseline serum antioxidant concentrations and the prospective risk of MetS. Design:Adults (n = 5220) participating in the SUpplementation en VItamines et Minéraux AntioXydants (SU.VI.MAX) primary prevention trial were randomly assigned to receive a supplement containing a combination of antioxidants (vitamins C and E,β-carotene, zinc, and selenium) at nutritional doses or a placebo. Subjects were free of MetS at baseline and were followed for 7.5 y. Results:Antioxidant supplementation for 7.5 y did not affect the risk of MetS. Baseline serum antioxidant concentrations ofβ-carotene and vitamin C, however, were negatively associated with the risk of MetS; the adjusted odds ratios (and 95% CIs) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile were 0.34 (0.21, 0.53;P for trend = 0.0002) and 0.53 (0.35, 0.80;P for trend = 0.01), respectively. Baseline serum zinc concentrations were positively associated with the risk of developing MetS; the adjusted odds ratio (and 95% CI) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile was 1.81 (1.20, 2.72;P for trend = 0.01). Conclusions:The experimental finding of no beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation in a generally well-nourished population is consistent with recent reports of a lack of efficacy of antioxidant supplements. However, the relations observed between the risk of MetS and baseline serum antioxidant concentrations, which probably reflect associations with overall dietary patterns, do support the current recommendations to consume antioxidant-rich foods. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00272428.