Serum Concentrations Of Vitamin Research Articles

Serum vitamins and trace elements in vitiligo patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies

AbstractVitiligo is one of the most common pigmentary skin disorders, which significantly impacts the quality of life. The aetiology and pathophysiology of vitiligo are still unclear, but one of the proposed mechanisms is oxidative damage interrupting melanogenesis. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the serum levels of trace elements and vitamins and to systematically review the evidence comparing vitiligo patients with a healthy group. We comprehensively retrieved all studies related to vitiligo and the serum levels of vitamins and minerals from databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, SID and ISC up to December 2022. Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Pooled standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using random‐effects models. Our meta‐analysis revealed no significant differences in serum levels of Vitamin B12 and copper. It was concluded that serum concentrations of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and zinc were lower in vitiligo patients. Conversely, these patients exhibited higher levels of selenium and folic acid compared with healthy individuals. These results might affect the potential use of vitamin and mineral supplementation in vitiligo treatment.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on morphometric measurements of the neonatal calf, vitamin and trace mineral status, blood metabolite and endocrine profiles, and calf organ characteristics at 30h after birth.

To examine the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to beef heifers throughout gestation on mineral status and hormone/endocrine profiles in the dam and calf, and morphometric characteristics and organ mass of the calf at 30h after birth, Angus-based heifers (n = 72, 14 to 15 months of age, initial body weight [BW] = 380.4 ± 50.56kg) were estrus synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) with female-sexed semen. Heifers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 36) or a basal diet plus a vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 36) via an individual feeding system beginning at breeding, with both diets targeting BW gains of 0.45kg heifer-1•d-1. Heifers not pregnant after first AI (CON, n = 19; VTM, n = 18) were re-bred via AI 60 d after treatment initiation, and heifers gestating female fetuses (CON, n = 7; VTM, n = 7) received treatments throughout gestation and were experimental units for this study. Calves were separated from their dams and fed colostrum replacer within 2h of birth and euthanized 30h after the first feeding. Calf morphometrics were recorded, and tissues were weighed and sampled. Serum from the dam at calving and serum, liver, and muscle from the calf at 30h were analyzed for concentrations of minerals. Serum from the dam and calf were analyzed for concentrations of leptin, vitamins A, D, and E, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1. All response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Calf body morphometrics and BW of the dam at calving (P ≥ 0.32), calf organ weights (P ≥ 0.21), and calf ovarian follicle counts (P ≥ 0.13) were not affected by maternal treatment. Concentrations of Se and Co in calf serum and Se in calf liver were increased (P ≤ 0.02) in VTM. Serum concentrations of Co and vitamin A in the dam were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in supplemented compared with non-supplemented dams, and serum concentrations of vitamin D were greater (P ≤ 0.0003) in supplemented dams and calves compared with the non-supplemented cohort. Maternal supplementation supported vitamin and mineral status in the neonate, yet had no discernable impact on BW, organ mass, or circulating hormones/metabolites in the calf. Evaluating offspring at later postnatal time points is warranted to determine if prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation affects performance, health, metabolism, and efficiency of energy utilization in key metabolic tissues in the calf.

Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year.

Domestic dogs can maintain health on complete and well-balanced canine plant-based nutrition (K9PBN). Novel insight on health outcomes in dogs consuming K9PBN is of relevance to veterinary professionals and consumers given a growing interest in non-traditional dog foods with perceived health benefits, while considering potential safety concerns. We aimed to investigate nutritional equivalence by measuring clinical health outcomes in adult dogs fed K9PBN over twelve months compared to a meat-based diet at baseline. We enrolled fifteen clinically healthy adult dogs living in households in Los Angeles County, California in a prospective cohort study and evaluated clinical, hematological, and nutritional parameters in dogs at 0, 6, and 12 months, including complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, cardiac biomarkers, plasma amino acids, and serum vitamin concentrations. The study found that clinically healthy, client-owned, adult dogs maintain health, based on physical exams, complete blood count, serum chemistry, plasma amino acids, serum vitamins, and cardiac biomarkers combined with client-reported observations, when fed commercial K9PBN over a twelve-month period. This study is the most comprehensive and longest known K9PBN investigation to date and provides clinically relevant evidence-based nutrition data and new knowledge on outcomes in clinically healthy dogs who thrive without consumption of animal-derived ingredients. These results also provide a valuable foundation for the future study of K9PBN as a potential nutritional intervention for clinically relevant pathologies in canine medicine. Lastly, it is of major relevance to One Health paradigms since ingredients produced independent of industrial food animal production are both more sustainable and help to circumvent ethical dilemmas for maintenance of health in domestic dogs.

Vitamin D nutritional status in early pregnancy and its relationship with periconceptional multiple micronutrients supplementation.

To assess the vitamin D nutritional status (VDN) of pregnant women in early pregnancy and investigate the effects of periconceptional supplementation with multiple micronutrients (MMs) on this status. Data were taken from the Pregnancy Health Care System and Hospital Information System in 2018 in Beijing. Vitamin D nutritional status in early pregnancy was evaluated among 4,978 pregnant women, and 4,540 women who took folic acid only (FA) or multiple mi-cronutrients supplements (MM) during the periconceptional period, were include to estimate the associations between periconceptional supplementation with MM and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency with logistic regression model. The mean early-pregnancy vitamin D concentration was 18.6 (±7.5) ng/mL, and the rates of deficiency and insufficiency were 31.6% and 60.5%, respectively. Compared to the FA group, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR, 95%confidence interval, CI) for insufficiency or deficiency of the MM group were 0.25(0.18-0.34), and the aOR (95%CI) for deficiency of the MM group were 0.17 (0.12-0.23). Women who took MMs for a longer period of time, at higher frequencies, and with higher compliance scores had lower rates of deficiency and insufficiency. In winter, spring, and autumn, taking MMs could reduce deficiency by about 70%; in summer, there was little effect. Among women in Beijing, serum concentrations of vitamin D in early pregnancy are relatively low, and the rates of deficiency and insufficiency are high. Taking MMs during the periconceptional period could improve this situation.

Vitamin D Status, VDR, and TLR Polymorphisms and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Epidemiology in Kazakhstan.

Tuberculosis (TB) and vitamin D deficiency remain major public health problems in Kazakhstan. Due to the high incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in the country and based on the importance of vitamin D in the modulation of the immune response and the association of its deficiency with many health conditions, the aim of our research was to study the vitamin D status, VDR and TLR gene polymorphisms, and pulmonary tuberculosis epidemiology in Kazakhstan. A case-control study included 411 individuals diagnosed with pulmonary TB and 686 controls with no family history of pulmonary tuberculosis. Concentrations of serum vitamin D (25-(OH)D) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The gene polymorphisms were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allelic discrimination assay using TaqMan probes. The association between the risk of pulmonary TB and polymorphisms was evaluated using multimodal logistic regression and assessed with the ORs, corresponding to 95% Cis, and the significance level was determined as p < 0.05. 1097 individuals were recruited from 3 different regions of Kazakhstan. Biochemical data showed vitamin D deficiency (25-(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was present in both groups, with the case group accounting for almost 95% and 43.7% in controls. Epidemiological data revealed that socioeconomic factors such as BMI < 25 kg/m2 (p < 0.001), employment (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), and vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001) were statistically different between case and control groups. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted by sex, age, BMI, residence, employment, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes, showed that T/T polymorphism of the VDR gene (rs1544410, OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.04-3.72, p = 0.03) and A/A polymorphism of the TLR8 gene (rs3764880, OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.20-4.98, p = 0.01) were associated with a high risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis. Vitamin D deficiency remains prevalent in our study cohort and is associated with TB progression. Socioeconomic determinants such as unemployment, BMI under 25 kg/m2, and diabetes are the main risk factors for the development of pulmonary TB in our study. A/A polymorphism of TLR8 (rs3764880) and T/T polymorphism (BsmI, rs1544410) of VDR genes may act as biomarkers for pulmonary tuberculosis in the Kazakh population.

To Evaluate the Association Between Serum Concentration of Vitamin D and Chronic Periodontitis in Non-menopausal Females: A Clinico Biochemical Study.

Periodontal disease's initiation and propagation is through a dysbiosis of the commensal oral microbiota. But recently, through the extraordinary progress, the interrelationship that exists between periodontal disease and systemic health has been unveiled. Through various studies, it has been revealed that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a greater risk of developing chronic periodontitis and vitamin D supplementation may help to preserve periodontal health. To find a co-relation between 25-hydroxy vitamin D status and the severity of periodontal diseases. To evaluate and compare the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy alone and in combination with vitamin D supplementation in reducing the severity of periodontal diseases. The present study was conducted on 90 non-menopausal female subjects who divided into 3 groups. Group I comprised of healthy controls. Group II comprised of patients with moderate chronic periodontitis who were assigned to receive only Scaling and root planing (SRP). While group III included patients with moderate chronic periodontitis who were assigned to receive SRP along with Vitamin D supplementation. The periodontal parameters and serum levels of 25- hydroxy vitamin D were recorded for all the participants at baseline. Group II and group III participants were reassessed at an interval of 3 months post-treatment. The results indicated that vitamin D deficiency affected periodontal health negatively. Statistically highly significant improvement was observed in Group III as compared to group II, signifying the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation adjunctive to SRP. Regular evaluation of Vitamin D levels and supplementation to treat the deficiency may have potential periodontal health benefits.

Nomogram for predicting neutropenia in patients with esophageal, gastric, or colorectal cancer treated by chemotherapy in the first cycle.

Development and validation of a predictive model including serum vitamin concentration to estimate the risk of chemotherapy-induced grade 3/4 neutropenia in esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, or colorectal cancer patients who receive the first cycle of chemotherapy. Data from 535 patients treated at the Affiliated Fuyang People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 1, 2020, to March 2, 2022, were used to derive the predictive model. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis was performed to screen potential risk characteristics, and multivariate logistic regression was utilized to investigate efficient factors associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. A nomogram was constructed using this logistic model. This nomogram was then tested on a temporal validation cohort containing 212 consecutive patients. In the cohort of all 747 eligible patients, grade 3/4 neutropenia incidence was 45.2%. Age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-performance status, neutrophil count, serum albumin, and hemoglobin data were entered into the final model. The performance of the final predictive nomogram was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in both the development and validation datasets. The calibration curves indicated that the estimated risks were accurate. Decision curve analysis for the predictive model exhibited improved clinical practicality. In the present study, we established an accessible risk predictive model and identified valuable serum vitamin concentration parameters associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The predictive model may improve the grade 3/4 neutropenia risk prediction in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies who receive oxaliplatin- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy and help physicians make appropriate decisions for disease management.

Associations of the serum vitamin D with mortality in postmenopausal women

PurposeCurrent evidence on the association of serum vitamin D with mortality in postmenopausal women is limited and inconsistent. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between serum vitamin D and mortality in postmenopausal women. MethodsIn this study, we used data from the NHANES (2001–2018) and conducted a multivariate Cox regression model to examine associations between serum vitamin D and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality (CVD), and cancer mortality. ResultsIn a median follow-up period of 8.3 years, 1905 deaths of all causes were reported, 601 were due to CVD, and 385 deaths were due to cancer. After multivariable adjustment, higher serum vitamin D levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of death. Compared to participants with lower vitamin D levels (<25 nmol/L), those with higher vitamin D levels (≥75.0 nmol/L) had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.49 to 0.74), a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (0.51, 0.35 to 0.74), and a lower risk of cancer mortality (0.43, 0.28 to 0.67). Moreover, we observed an L-shaped dose-response relationship of serum vitamin D levels with all-cause mortality, and cancer mortality, with this inflexion point being 55.9 nmol/L, and 51.2 nmol/L, respectively. ConclusionsHigher concentrations of serum vitamin D substantially correlated with a reduction in mortality risk from all-cause, CVD, and cancer in postmenopausal women. These results imply that upholding adequate vitamin D levels may help prevent premature death in postmenopausal women.

PSV-27 Serum Mineral and Vitamin Concentrations in Central Performance Tested Rambouillet Rams with and Without Angular Limb Deformities

Abstract Angular limb deformities (ALD) have historically affected 3 to 18% of Rambouillet ram lambs enrolled in central performance tests in the Northern great plains. Osteochondrosis, the underlying pathology of ALD, results in varying degrees of abnormal ossification in long bones and limits ram welfare and performance under extensive rangeland conditions. The objective of this research was to quantify serum mineral and 25-hydroxyvitamin D differences in rams with and without (non-affected) ALD. A total of 25 ram lambs (age = 189 ± 19 d; n = 13 ALD, n = 12 non-affected) were evaluated. Serum and body weight (BW) were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 83, and 112 of the test. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, macrominerals (Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Na, P, and S), and microminerals (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) were quantified. Traits were analyzed as repeated measures with fixed effects of ALD status, sampling timepoint, and their interaction. An autoregressive type-I covariance structure with heterogenous variance was used to model the random ram effect. The ALD status x sampling timepoint interaction was significant (P ≤ 0.03) for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Mg concentrations. Rams with ALD had greater 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration at d 83 and 112 and greater Mg concentration at d 28 and 112 (P ≤ 0.05; Table 1). The main effect of ALD status was significant for serum Cl and greater for ALD than non-affected rams (3,672 ± 38.8 vs. 3,500 ± 38.3 mg/L; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Ram BW and serum concentration of all other minerals were similar between ALD and non-affected. Sampling timepoint affected several serum mineral concentrations as Ca generally increased with time, Co peaked at d 28, and Na decreased with time (P ≤ 0.03). Not surprisingly, BW also increased over time (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The range in serum mineral concentrations and percentage of rams deficient were: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (non-affected 32 to 241 mmol/L, 17%; ALD 35 to 160 mmol/L, 15%), Mg (non-affected 10.7 to 44.1 mg/L, 14%; ALD 11.7 to 45.0 mg/L, 14%), Cl (non-affected 3,066.3 to 4,024.5 mg/L, 21%; ALD 3,068.4 to 4,072.5 mg/L, 12%). While ALD and non-affected rams differed in key serum vitamin and mineral element concentrations, it’s a multifaceted disorder in which perinatal, endocrine, genetic, and nutritional conditions need to be researched to fully understand the etiology and mitigate its incidence.

Micronutrients and Nutrition Status of School-Aged Children in Indonesia.

Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in school-aged children are still a major health problem in Indonesia. This study was designed to examine the status of micronutrients and their relationship to the nutritional status of children aged 5-12 years since an up-to-date database on the micronutrient status of children aged 5-12 years is needed. Data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) were used in this study, with 2456 subjects for analysis. Micronutrient analysis was carried out, including iron status (ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP)), levels of zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin A (retinol) in school-aged children (5-12 years). The ELISA measurement was applied to measure CRP, ferritin, and vitamin D. Zinc levels were analysed with atomic absorbance spectroscopy (AAS). Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to calculate vitamin A. In addition, stunting and thinness data were also obtained from the Riskesdas study. The results showed that the prevalence of stunting and thinness in school-aged children was 11.4% and 9.2%, respectively, showing that the stunting prevalence in the city was lower than in the village (4.5% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.000, respectively). In addition, the prevalence of MNDs in Indonesian children was 13.4%, 19.7%, 4.2%, 3%, and 12.7% for ferritin, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D, respectively. The mean serum level of vitamin A and zinc was significantly lower in stunted children compared to normal school children (P = 0.010 and P = 0.014). The serum concentration of vitamin D was significantly lower in overweight children compared to thin and normal children (P = 0.000). Serum values of ferritin, zinc, and vitamin A were significantly higher in overweight children compared to thin and normal children (P = 0.000). A poor correlation was observed between the z-score of height-for-age (HAZ) and the levels of zinc (r = 0.089, P = 0.000), vitamin A (r = 0.105, P = 0.000), and vitamin D (-0.073, P = 0.000). In addition, very weak correlations between z-scores of body mass index-for-age (BAZ) and the serum concentrations of ferritin (0.091, P = 0.000), zinc (r = 0.115, P = 0.000), vitamin A (r = 0.137, P = 0.000), and vitamin D (r = -0.112, P = 0.000) were also seen. In conclusion, school-aged children in Indonesia experienced stunting, thinness, and micronutrient deficiency. Furthermore, stunting and thinness were also related to micronutrient deficiencies.

Influence of biological sample pre-analytical manipulation for fat-soluble vitamin analysis

Objective: Determine how sample handling affects nutrient analysis of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals. Materials and methods: In experiment 1, blood was collected in either plasma or serum blood tubes and exposed to 4 hours of light or wrapped in aluminum foil to protect from light. In experiment 2, blood was collected at hours 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 after the consumption of feed. In experiment 3, vitamins and minerals were assessed in varying degrees of hemolyzed blood samples. Experiment 4 evaluated liver samples exposed to various temperatures for up to 12 hours. In experiment 5, serum and liver samples were processed the day of, 1 day after, or 2 days after collection and subsequent placement into coolers with icepacks. Results: There was a significant difference (P &lt; .05) for the interaction of tube type and light exposure for vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) and a tendency (P &lt; .10) for a tube type and light exposure interaction for vitamin A (retinol). Experiment 2 found serum vitamin concentrations changed post feed consumption both linearly and quadratically. Alpha-tocopherol peaked at 4 hours post meal consumption, whereas retinol peaked at 6 hours. In experiment 3, the degree of hemolysis affected (P &lt; .05) nutrient concentration. Experiment 4 and 5 showed no differences (P &gt; .05) in degradation of retinol and alpha-tocopherol. Implication: As many pre-analytical factors can affect laboratory results, care must be taken when collecting, handling, and storing samples for diagnostic analysis of vitamins and minerals.

Relationships between serum levels of vitamins and papillary thyroid cancer: a single center case-control study.

Vitamins are involved in various human physiological and biochemical mechanisms due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to enhance the immune response. Deficiency of some serum vitamins has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of developing cancer, including thyroid cancer. However, medical literature dealing with cholecalciferol supplementation was not able to show the potential of this intervention in cancer prevention. The aim of this paper is to highlight the association between lower serum vitamins levels and papillary thyroid cancer occurrence. This case-control study was conducted between September 2018 and October 2019. Cases were defined as patients with histologically diagnosed papillary thyroid cancer who underwent thyroidectomy were retrospectively recruited and serum levels of various vitamins were assessed by examining their relationships with clinical, pathological and molecular data (n=51). Controls matched on sex and thyroid surgery were randomly selected from the same population (n=49). In this study, serum concentrations of vitamins A and E in neoplastic patients were significantly lower than in controls (1.40 vs. 1.78, P<0.003 and 23.9 vs. 29.1, P<0.003, respectively). Serum concentrations of vitamin D and methylmalonic acid were borderline significantly low (15.6 vs. 17.9, P=0.06 and 100.3 vs. 110.4, P=0.055, respectively), while homocysteine was statistically similar in the two groups. Furthermore, serum vitamin levels were compared with the pathological characteristics of cancer patients, and vitamin D concentrations were significantly lower in BRAF-positive than in BRAF-negative neoplastic patients (8.2 vs. 16.0, P=0.021). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the correlation between serum levels of vitamins and other pathological characteristics, in particular with regard to lymph node metastases. In conclusion, albeit with the analysis of a limited sample, this study highlighted the phenomenon that deficiencies in vitamins A and E can be associated with a higher frequency of occurrence of papillary thyroid cancer.

Dietary intake and serum concentrations of vitamin A and vitamin E and pre-eclampsia risk in Chinese pregnant women: A matched case-control study.

Many studies have suggested that the serum concentrations of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin E (VE) influence preeclampsia (PE) risk in pregnant women. However, few studies have assessed whether dietary intake and serum concentrations of VA and VE are correlated with PE risk. A 1:1 matched case-control study was conducted to explore the association between the dietary intake and serum concentrations of VA and VE and the risk of PE in pregnant Chinese women. A total of 440 pregnant women with PE and 440 control pregnant women were included in the study. Dietary information was obtained using a 78-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum concentrations of VA and VE were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Compared with the lowest quartile, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval (CI)] of the highest quartiles were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.40-0.96, P trend = 0.02) for VA, 0.51 (95% CI: 0.33-0.80, P trend =0.002) for β-carotene, and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.45-1.08, P trend = 0.029) for retinol. Additionally, for serum VA and VE concentrations, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were 2.75 (95% CI: 1.24-6.13, P trend = 0.002) and 11.97 (95% CI: 4.01-35.77, P trend < 0.001), respectively. No significant association was seen between VE intake and PE risk. Dietary VA intake was negatively correlated with PE risk, and serum VA and VE concentrations were positively correlated with PE risk among pregnant Chinese women.

Does vitamin D affect strength and speed characteristics and testosterone concentration in elite young track and field athletes in the North European summer?

BackgroundCurrently there are no data examining the relationship between the serum concentration of vitamin D bio-chemical marker 25(OH)D and strength and speed characteristics in elite young track and field athletes. Moreover, there are currently no data examining the correlation of vitamin D status with testosterone concentration in elite young track and field athletes. In studies involving members of the general population and athletes from other sports, conflicting data have been reported.Material and methodsAthletes (n = 68) from both genders took part in this study. Male athletes (n = 23) with mean ± SD age of 18.2 ± 1.9 years and female athletes (n = 45) with mean ± SD age of 17.3 ± 2.6 years participated. All athletes were ranked in the Top-3 in their respective age group and their corresponding results were listed in the Top-20 European records according to https://www.tilastopaja.eu/ in 2021.ResultsThe average 25(OH)D concentration was 36.5 ± 10.8 ng/mL and 37.8 ± 14.5 ng/mL in male and female athletes respectively. The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency (below 20 ng/ml) in both genders was only 5.8%. In the whole group, only 27.9% of athletes had 25(OH)D concentrations between 20 and 30 ng/ml, while 66.2% of athletes had concentrations above 30 ng/ml. There was no difference in vitamin D status between male and female athletes. There was no statistically significant Kruskal-Wallace test correlation between 25(OH)D concentration and performance in the 20 m and 30 m sprint, counter-movement jump and broad jump. There was no correlation between serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and total testosterone in either male or female athletes.ConclusionIn elite young track and field athletes who permanently live and train in an area above 50° north latitude, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the summer months was much lower than in previously published studies examining an athletic population, that may be related to the training process. In this specific group of athletes, no correlation was found between serum 25 (OH) D concentration and strength and speed characteristics or total testosterone concentration.

The relationship of sperm DNA integrity with serum vitamin levels (folate and cobalamin) and food consumption in infertile men.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of serum folate (vitamin B9), cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels and diet with semen parameters (semen standard parameters [SSP] and DNA fragmentation index [DFI]) in infertile men. Sperm samples were assessed for SSP and DFI (using the sperm chromatin dispersion test). Serum vitamin concentrations were measured with an immuno-electrochemiluminescence assay, and men completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Serum folate levels were positively correlated with sperm progressive motility and DFI. A comparison of SSP between two groups of patients according to serum folate concentration (B9 <4.840 ng/mL and B9 ≥4.840 ng/mL) showed significantly higher sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility in the latter group. However, there was no difference between these groups regarding DFI. Interestingly, serum folate levels were significantly higher in patients with a high DFI (using the cut-offs of 30% or 18%). FFQ data showed that the consumption of fruits and egg yolk correlated positively with sperm concentration and sperm motility, respectively. Serum folate levels showed significant associations with sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility. However, the positive association of serum folate with DFI raises the need for careful prescription of folate supplements.

Baseline serum vitamin A and vitamin C levels and their association with disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

We aimed to investigate the association between the serum concentrations of Vitamin A and Vitamin C and the severity of the COVID-19. Methods:Fifty-three consecutive PCR (+) COVID-19 patients admitted to a dedicated ward were enrolled in this study. Blood samples for serum Vitamin A and C measurements were drawn from all participants upon admission. All subjects underwent thoracic CT imaging prior to hospitalization. CT severity score (CT-SS) was then calculated for determining the extent of pulmonary involvement. A group of healthy volunteers, in whom COVID-19 was ruled out, were assigned to the control group (n=26). These groups were compared by demographic features and serum vitamin A and C levels. The relationship between serum concentrations of these vitamins and pre-defined outcome measures, CT-SS and length of hospitalization (LOH), was also assessed. Results:In COVID-19 patients, serum Vitamin A (ng/ml, 494±96 vs. 698±93; p<0.001) and Vitamin C (ng/ml, 2961 [1991-31718] vs. 3953 [1385-8779]; p=0.007) levels were significantly lower with respect to healthy controls. According to the results of correlation analyses, there was a significant negative association between Vitamin A level and outcome measures (LOH, r=-0.293; p=0.009 and CT-SS, r=-0.289; p=0.010). The negative correlations between Vitamin C level and those measures were even more prominent (LOH, r=-0.478; p<0.001 and CT-SS, r=-0.734: p<0.001). COVID-19 patients had lower baseline serum Vitamin A and Vitamin C levels as compared to healthy controls. In subjects with COVID-19, Vitamin A and Vitamin C levels were negatively correlated with CT-SS and LOH.

Assessment of serum Vit A, D and zinc nutritional status and related dietary and exercise behaviors of children and adolescents in rural and urban area.

Vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents has a negative impact on their growth and development. This study aimed to learn the nutritional status of vitamin A and D among rural children and adolescents and to explore related dietary and exercise behaviors. A total of 10 counties (cities, districts) from 90 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were selected by the method of random cluster sampling. Children and adolescents were investigated and their food and nutrient intake were calculated. The concentration of serum vitamin A in urban area was 0.38 ng/ml, which was higher than that in rural area (p < 0.05); while the concentration of serum vitamin D in urban area was 21.25 mg/L, which was lower than that in rural area (p < 0.05). The concentration of serum zinc was 101 μg/dl in urban area and 107 μg/dl in rural area (p < 0.05). The intake of dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin C was lower than the recommended value. In rural area, the intakes of cereals, tubers and beans, livestock, poultry and meat of children and adolescents were higher than the recommended values; while the intake of vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, fish and shrimp, soybean and nuts was lower than the recommended value. The intake of edible oil and salt is higher than the recommended value. The time of medium and high intensity exercise time in rural area is more than that in urban area in the age group of 12-17 years, while the sitting time is less than that in urban area. Children and adolescents living in rural area should be guided to eat reasonably, and to choose foods with high nutrient density and with low oil, salt and sugar.

Correlation between the Serum Concentration of Vitamin A and Disease Severity in Patients Carrying p.G90D in RHO, the Most Frequent Gene Associated with Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa: Implications for Therapy with Vitamin A.

The pathogenic variant p.G90D in RHO is believed to be responsible for a spectrum of phenotypes, including congenital stationary blindness (for the purpose of this study termed night blindness without degeneration; NBWD), Sector RP, Pericentral RP, and Classic RP. We present a correlation between the serum concentration of vitamin A and disease severity in patients with this variant. This prospective study involved 30 patients from 7 families (17 male; median age 46 years, range 8−73). Full ophthalmological examination including visual acuity, Goldmann perimetry, slit-lamp exam, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and electrophysiology was performed to determine the presenting phenotype. The serum concentration of vitamin A was determined from a fasting blood sample taken on the day of the exam, where it was found that 23.3% (7/30) of patients had NBWD, 13.3% (4/30) had Sector RP, 3.3% (1/30) had Pericentral RP, and 60% (18/30) had Classic RP. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significantly higher probability of having a milder phenotype (NBWD or Sector RP) in association with younger age (p < 0.05) and a higher concentration of vitamin A (p < 0.05). We hypothesize that vitamin A in its 11-cis-retinal form plays a role in stabilizing the constitutively active p.G90D rhodopsin and its supplementation could be a potential treatment strategy for p.G90D RHO patients.

Relationship of vitamin A and thyroid function in Arctic residents

At the present time the prevalence of thyroid diseases keeps growing, so knowledge of the factors affecting thyroid activity is very important. Vitamin A (retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin with a hormone-like effect that can influence both the expression of thyroidstimulating hormone in the pituitary gland and the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The aim of the research was to study vitamin A serum level and its relationship with the thyroid profile in residents of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, depending on gender. Material and methods. In the course of a single-center observational cross-sectional study, 304 apparently healthy residents of villages in the Arkhangelsk region (103 men and 201 women) were examined. The serum concentration of vitamin A was determined by the fluorometric method, and the content of thyroid parameters was determined by the enzyme immunoassay. The integral thyroid index (ITI) and the index of peripheral conversion of iodothyronines (IPC) were calculated. The subjects were divided into 4 groups depending on the quartile of vitamin A. The relative risk of developing subclinical hypothyroidism was calculated with a reduced concentration of vitamin A. Results. The content of vitamin A was 1.97 (1.18; 2.97) μmol/l. Retinol levels in the female population were significantly lower than in the male population (1.85 vs 2.27 μmol/l, p<0.0001). Women in group 1 compared with group 4 showed significantly higher levels of thyrotropin (2.33 vs 1.40 μIU/ml, p=0.0002) and thyroxin (109.8 vs 99.4 nmol/l, p=0.010), while the ITI values, on the contrary, were the lowest (8.12 and 13.85 c.u., p=0.0002). The relative risk calculation showed that vitamin A levels below 1.39 μmol/L increase the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in women by 2.01 times [95% confidence interval 1.07-3.78]. Men in group 4 compared with group 1 showed a lower content of thyroxin (83.0 vs 109.2 nmol/l, p=0.009) against the background of higher IPC values (0.019 vs 0.016 c.u., p=0.046). Conclusion. In the inhabitants of the Arctic, the content of vitamin A is within the reference values, however, in 24.3% of men, its level is above the norm. In women, the concentration of retinol is significantly lower, and its level of less than 1.39 μmol/l increases the risk of developing subclinical hypothyroidism by 2.0 times. Increased values of vitamin A in the inhabitants of the North cause lower levels of thyroxine and an increase in the peripheral conversion of iodothyronines, which is more pronounced in men.

Risk Factors Affecting Muscle Mass Decline in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

There is a high prevalence of sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, which is known to be associated with increased mortality. This study is aimed at analyzing the risk factors affecting muscle mass decline in MHD patients. This retrospective study included MHD patients who underwent two body composition assessments in October 2013 and November 2017. Depending on whether there was muscle loss or not, the patients were divided into a normal muscle mass (NMM) group and a muscle mass decline (MMD) group. According to the muscle mass decline rate, patients in the MMD group were further classified into a low-rate group and a high-rate group. Biochemical variables, serum vitamin concentrations, anthropometric data, SGA, muscle mass, handgrip, and daily steps were assessed. Risk factors for muscle mass decline were screened by multivariate logistic analysis and linear regression analysis. Of the 72 MHD patients included in this study, 33 were male and 39 were female with a mean age of 56.80 ± 10.86 years and a mean dialysis duration of 7.50 ± 5.20 years. Age (P = .014) and serum 25(OH)D (P = .040) were found to be associated with a higher risk of muscle mass decline after adjusting for gender, dialysis vintage, albumin, and hs-CRP (P = .040). Further analysis found that dialysis vintage (β = 0.285, P = .030), 25(OH)D (β = -0.351, P = .007), and log NT-proBNP (β = 0.312, P = .020) were risk factors associated with the muscle mass decline rate in MHD patients. Age and serum 25(OH)D were associated with a higher risk of muscle mass decline, while 25(OH)D, dialysis vintage, and NT-proBNP were associated with the muscle mass decline rate in MHD patients.