Serum Retinol Levels Research Articles

Prevalence and influence factors of vitamin A deficiency of Chinese pregnant women.

BackgroundVitamin A plays an important role in the periods of rapid cellular growth and differentiation, especially during pregnancy, which is supplied by the mother to the fetus. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and potential influence factors of prenatal VAD of Chinese pregnant women.MethodsChina National Nutrition and Health Survey 2010–2013(CHNNS2010–2013) is a nationally representative cross-sectional study. It involved the random selection of 150 districts (urban) or counties (rural). Each site randomly selected 30 pregnant women. Because volume of blood and incomplete data was taken into consideration,the final sample was formed by 1209 participants. Serum retinol concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Characteristics of the pregnant women were collected by a questionnaire. Comparing retinol level across categories of independent variables was tested by the Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to identify influence factors of Chinese pregnant women.ResultsThe mean serum retinol level of the pregnant women was 1.63 μmol/L (95 % CI 1.60–1.67) and 64[5.3 % (95 % CI 4.03–6.56)] had VAD. The odds of VAD were significantly higher among the pregnant women in the poor rural areas and without college or university education and low- income. Pregnant women in the second and third trimester had 2.40 (95 % CI 1.05–5.46) and 2.82 (95 % CI 1.34–5.93) times increased odds of VAD compared with those in the first trimester respectively. Pregnant women of drinker had 3.10(1.65–5.81) times increased odds of VAD compared with those no drinker. Pregnant smokers had 5.68 (95 % CI 2.23–14.49) times higher odds of VAD compared with pregnant with non-smoker without passive smoking.ConclusionsVAD is of mild public-health issue in Chinese pregnant women. Such as : in the poor rural areas and without received college or university education and low- income and advanced gestational age and unhealthy lifestyles of pregnant women such as smoking and drinking. These were pertinent influence factors of VAD.

Oral tolerance is inefficient in neonatal mice due to a physiological vitamin A deficiency.

Increased risk of allergy during early life indicates deficient immune regulation in this period of life. To date, the cause for inefficient neonatal immune regulation has never been elucidated. We aimed to define the ontogeny of oral tolerance and to identify necessary conditions specific for this stage of life. Ovalbumin (OVA) was administered orally to mice through breast milk and efficiency of systemic tolerance to OVA was assessed in adulthood using a model of allergic airway inflammation. Oral tolerance induction was fully efficient starting third week of life. Inefficiency in neonates was a consequence of abnormal antigen transfer across the gut barrier and retinaldehyde dehydrogenase expression by mesenteric lymph node CD103(+) neonatal dendritic cells, resulting in inefficient T-cell activation. Neonates' serum retinol levels were three times lower than in adult mice, and vitamin A supplementation was sufficient to rescue neonatal defects and allow tolerance induction from birth. The establishment of oral tolerance required the differentiation of Th1 lymphocytes in both vitamin A-supplemented neonates and 3-week-old unsupplemented mice. This knowledge should guide the design of interventions for allergy prevention that are adapted to the neonatal stage of life such as vitamin A supplementation.

Serum Retinol and Carotenoid Concentrations and Prostate Cancer Risk: Results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial.

Findings from epidemiologic studies examining associations of serum retinol and carotenoids with prostate cancer risk have been inconsistent. This case-control study nested in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial evaluated associations of serum retinol and carotenoids with total, low-, and high-grade prostate cancer risk in a highly screened study population. We used logistic regression adjusting for age, family history of prostate cancer, race, body mass index, and serum cholesterol to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of prostate cancer by quartiles of serum retinol and carotenoids, separately in the placebo (975 cases/1,009 frequency-matched controls) and finasteride (708 cases/743 frequency-matched controls) arms of the trial. Serum retinol concentrations were associated with increased risk of total prostate cancer [OR (95% CI) comparing the highest quartile of serum retinol with the lowest: 1.30 (1.00-1.68)] and high-grade prostate cancer [OR (95% CI), 1.74 (1.14-2.68)] in the placebo arm of the trial only. Also in the placebo arm, there was a moderate positive association of α-carotene with risk of total prostate cancer [OR (95% CI), 1.32 (1.01-1.73)]. None of the other carotenoids was associated with prostate cancer risk in the placebo arm. No associations were observed for retinol and carotenoids in the finasteride arm. In the placebo arm of this prospective study, high serum retinol and α-carotene concentrations were associated with increased risk of total and high-grade prostate cancers. Men with higher levels of serum retinol and α-carotene may be at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Highlights of This Issue

Because both smoking and excess body weight are major preventable risk factors for premature death, Meyer and colleagues analyzed the single and combined associations with site-specific cancer mortality. The study population comprised 35,784 men and women who participated in population-based health surveys in Switzerland. Heavy smoking (≥20 cigarettes/day) was associated with increased mortality due to cancer of the lung, upper aerodigestive tract, pancreas, bladder, liver, and the total of remaining sites. Obesity was associated with higher risk of dying from cancer of the liver and the female genital tract. Smoking was a much stronger risk factor for cancer than was excess body weight. This study supports recommendations for obese persons to quit smoking despite potential postcessation weight gain.Katz and colleagues performed cross-sectional telephone interviews to evaluate if women living in Appalachia were completing three cancer screening tests (mammography, Pap test, and colorectal cancer test). The authors report that fewer than 10% of women ages 51–75 were within guidelines for three cancer screening tests. Participants with higher incomes and conditions requiring regular medical visits were more likely to be within guidelines for all three screening tests. The low participation rate for cancer test uptake among women in Appalachia Ohio illustrates the need for innovative interventions to improve these rates.Global trends in female breast cancer incidence and mortality estimates were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2012. DeSantis and colleagues analyzed trends from 1993 onward using incidence data from 39 countries from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and mortality data from 57 countries from the World Health Organization. The authors report that in nine countries, mainly in Northern/Western Europe, breast cancer incidence increased and breast cancer mortality decreased. In contrast, incidence and death rates both increased in Colombia, Ecuador, and Japan and death rates increased in Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, Kuwait, Mauritius, and Moldova. Awareness about the benefits of early breast cancer detection and improved access to treatment must be prioritized in order to successfully implement breast cancer control programs.Findings from studies examining associations of serum retinol and carotenoids with prostate cancer risk have been inconsistent. In this case–control study nested in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, Nash and colleagues evaluated associations of serum retinol and carotenoids with total, low-, and high-grade prostate cancer risk. Serum retinol concentrations were associated with increased risk of total prostate cancer and high-grade prostate cancer in the placebo arm of the trial only. Also in the placebo arm, there was a moderate positive association of α-carotene with risk of total prostate cancer. Men with higher levels of serum retinol and α-carotene may be at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Alcohol Drinking Obliterates the Inverse Association Between Serum Retinol and Risk of Head and Neck Cancer.

This analysis evaluated the association between serum retinol levels and risk of head and neck cancer (HNC) and whether the association is modulated by the use of alcohol, betel quid, or cigarette. In addition, we also examined the association between HNC risk and 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms, TTR rs1667255 and RBP4 rs10882272, that have been associated with serum retinol levels. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk among 160 HNC cases and 198 controls. The associations between TTR rs1667255 and RBP4 rs10882272 and serum retinol levels or HNC risk were evaluated by linear regression and unconditional logistic regression, respectively, for 418 HNC cases and 497 controls. The results showed that HNC cases had a lower mean serum retinol level compared with controls (845.3 μg/L vs 914.8 μg/L, P = 0.03). An inverse association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk occurred among never/occasional alcohol drinkers but not among regular drinkers. TTR rs1667255 was associated with serum retinol levels; however, neither TTR rs1667255 nor RBP4 rs10882272 was associated with HNC risk. In summary, this study showed an inverse association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk, specifically among never/occasional alcohol drinkers. More studies are needed to establish the underlying biologic mechanisms for the inverse association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk and the modulation of this relationship by alcohol drinking.

Prevalencia de deficiencia de vitamina A y anemia en niños menores de cinco años de Perú

To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and nutritional anemia (NA) in children under five in Peru. Cross-sectional study with a stratified and multi-staged probabilistic sample conducted between November 2007 and April 2010.2,736 children were included for NA and 1,465 children for VAD. NA was defined as Hb<11 g/dL.VAD was identified by serum retinol levels <20 µg/dL. Sociodemographic variables related to the child and the mother were studied in addition to their participation in growth control and development programs, integrated nutrition program and supplementation with iron and vitamin A. Analysis of complex samples was performed, descriptive statistics and logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals and a significance level of p<0.05 were calculated. The prevalence of VAD was 11.7% (95% CI: 9.4 to 14.4). The highest prevalences were in children under five months (44.6%) and those living in rural areas (19.5%). The prevalence of NA was 33% (95% CI: 29.9 to 36.1) and was higher in children under 11 months (68.2%) and children of mothers aged 13-19 years old (55.4 %). VAD is a public health problem that remains, with the most affected children living in rural areas and in the jungle. The prevalence of NA shows a slight improvement. It is necessary to improve the efficiency and impact of programs that include supplementation of vitamin A and iron.

Association of dietary consumption and serum levels of vitamin A and β-carotene with bone mineral density in Chinese adults

BackgroundFormer studies suggested an adverse effect of hypervitaminosis A on bone health, while the effects of retinol and its precursor (β-carotene) remain uncertain in populations consuming vitamin A (VA) mainly from plant sources. ObjectiveWe investigated the association of serum, dietary retinol, and β-carotene with bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese adults. MethodsWe recruited 2101 women and 1053 men (aged 40–75years) in Guangzhou, China. Dietary intake was assessed through face-to-face interviews with food-frequency questionnaires at baseline and 3years later. Serum levels of retinol and β-carotene were determined by HPLC using a baseline specimen, and the BMD for the whole body (WB), lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and femur neck (FN) were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at follow-up. ResultsIn general, greater levels of serum retinol, β-carotene, and the β-carotene-to-retinol ratio were associated with a higher BMD after adjustment for potential covariates in the total sample. BMD values in the top (vs. bottom) quartile were increased by 2.06% (TH) for retinol; 2.87% (WB), 2.51% (LS), 3.10% (FN) for β-carotene; 2.21% (WB) and 2.05% (FN) for the β-carotene-to-retinol ratio in the total sample (all p<0.05). A significant positive association with BMD was observed for dietary intake of β-carotene and total VA in retinol equivalents at the hip sites in the total sample. ConclusionHigher circulating and dietary levels of VA and β-carotene and higher serum β-carotene-to-retinol ratios were positively associated with BMD in Chinese adults consuming relatively low levels of VA, mainly from plant foods.

Vitamin A intake and serum retinol levels in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (CF) patients receive vitamin A supplementation according to CF-specific recommendations to prevent deficiencies. Whether current recommendations are optimal for preventing both deficiency and toxicity is a subject of debate. We assessed the longitudinal relation between serum retinol levels and appropriate variables. We studied vitamin A intake, and the long-term effects of vitamin A intake, coefficient of fat absorption (CFA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) on serum retinol levels in 221 paediatrics CF patients during a seven-year follow up period. Total vitamin A intake, derived from 862 dietary assessments, exceeded the tolerable upper intake level in 30% of the assessments, mainly up to age six. Although CF patients failed to meet the CF-specific recommendations, serum retinol deficiency was found in only 17/862 (2%) of the measurements. Longitudinally, we observed no association to serum retinol levels for total vitamin A intake, CFA, gender or age but serum retinol levels were associated with serum IgG levels. Each g/L increase in serum IgG level would result in a 2.49% (95% CI -3.60 to-1.36%) reduction in serum retinol levels. In this large sample of children and adolescents with CF, serum retinol deficiency was rare despite lower than the CF-specific recommendations. However, the TUL was commonly exceeded. A reduction in CF-specific vitamin A supplementation recommendations should therefore be considered. Moreover, serum retinol levels were not associated with vitamin A intake, CFA, gender or age, although a decreased serum retinol was associated with an increased serum IgG.

A Case Report of Acute Vitamin A Intoxication due to Ocean Perch Liver Ingestion

BackgroundChronic vitamin A intoxication is well known; however, there are few reports of acute vitamin A intoxication due to the ingestion of food rich in vitamin A, particularly in adults. Case ReportWe report a case of a 27-year-old man presenting with chief complaints of flushing, headache, nausea, and joint pain. He had consumed 800 g of grilled ocean perch liver the day before and had experienced numbness shortly after. Although physical examination revealed only facial flushing, we suspected acute vitamin A intoxication due to his diet history. On day 2 after ingestion, his serum retinol levels were elevated at 1577 ng/mL, which confirmed vitamin A intoxication. He returned for follow-up on day 4 after ingestion, by which time his presenting symptoms had improved, but he had developed desquamation of his facial skin. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Emergency physicians should consider acute vitamin A intoxication in the differential diagnosis of patients with headache, flushing, desquamation, nausea, and vomiting of unknown etiology. Complete diet histories and checking vitamin A levels are essential for diagnosis. This report highlights the diagnostic difficulties associated with vitamin A intoxication and the importance of an accurate diet history.

Retinol, β-carotene and oxidative stress in systemic inflammatory response syndrome

patients suffering systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) constitute a group susceptible to elevated levels of oxidative stress. This study's aim is to evaluate the state of oxidative stress and levels of serum retinol and β-carotene in these patients. forty-six patients were divided into 2 groups: those those without diet (G1; n=18) and those with enteral nutritional support (G2; n=28). Serum levels of retinol and total carotenoids were measured. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and Apache scores were also calculated. Oxidative stress was estimated by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels. the patients' median age was 66.9 (SD=19.3) years. Lower concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were found in 68.6 and 66.7% of G1, respectively. In G2, despite average vitamin A levels being 8078 + 4035, retinol and β-carotene were considered insufficient (31.2 and 33.4%, respectively). No difference was noted between the 2 groups, according to the variables studied, with the exception being PCR and β-carotene (p=0.002; p=0.01). the data presented in this study supports the need to establish/revise clinical practices in treating SIRS patients, in light of this micronutrient's role in the immune system and antioxidant defense without it interfering with its toxicity.

Fat-soluble vitamins supplementation in patients with cystic fibrosis: is enough Aquadek's®?

Evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel polyvitaminic (Aquadek's®) in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Prospective, longitudinal and non-randomized study. CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency and clinically stable were given Aquadek's® (two chewable tablets) daily for 12 months. Serum levels of retinol, beta-carotene, 25 OH vitamin D and α-tocopherol were evaluated twelve months before, at baseline and 12 months after. paired t tests. 28 patients aged 6 to 39 years (median 18.5 years) were included. Aquadek's® supplementation led to an increase in vitamin A dose and a decrease in the number of tablets administered. At baseline, 89% had at least one vitamin deficiency (61% pro-Vitamin A and 54% vitamin D). After one year, serum beta-carotene levels were increases 160 (95% CI 98-222) mcg/l (p <0.001) and decreased the percentage of patients with pro-vitamin A deficiency 46% (95% CI 22-64) (p <0.001). The proportion of patients with vitamin D insuficiency increased 18%(95% CI 2-32) (p =0.025). In any case serum levels exceeded the upper limits used to assess the risk of toxicity.Conclusions: Two daily Aquadek's® chewable tablets are safe and effective for maintaining vitamin A and E status of CF patients older than 6 years, although it is insufficient to normalize serum 25OHvitaminD according to the current recommendations for this disease.

Urinary biomarkers of catechins and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Shanghai Cohort Study.

Dietary catechins are phytochemicals with both antioxidative and prooxidative stress properties. Green tea is a major source of catechins and may be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, but the catechin-HCC relationship has not been evaluated using a biomarker-based approach. A nested case-control study of HCC (211 cases and 1,067 matched controls) was conducted within the Shanghai Cohort Study, which enrolled 18,244 men between 1986 and 1989. Concentrations of specific catechins, including epicatechin, epigallocatechin (EGC), and 4'-O-methyl-epigallocatechin, were measured in urine specimens that had been collected prior to HCC diagnosis. None of the catechins measured were associated with HCC risk. In stratified analyses, there was a statistically significant trend for an association of higher urinary EGC with increased HCC risk among subjects with positive serology for hepatitis B surface antigen (P for trend = 0.02). This positive EGC-HCC association became stronger for hepatitis B surface antigen-positive persons who also had low serum retinol levels (for detectable levels vs. undetectable levels, odds ratio = 2.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.25, 5.51). There was no evidence supporting a protective role of catechins in the development of HCC. Instead, exposure to high levels of catechins may increase the risk of developing HCC for high-risk individuals.

Serum retinol levels and pulmonary function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundIt has been suggested that higher serum retinol levels could have protective effects on pulmonary function (PF) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, serum retinol levels will be transiently decreased during pulmonary exacerbation. Therefore, the extent of chronic pulmonary inflammation should be included when describing the association between PF and serum retinol. We assessed the longitudinal relation between serum retinol, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and PF in paediatric CF patients. MethodsWe studied the serum retinol, IgG and forced expiratory volumes in one second (FEV1% pred.) of 228 CF patients during a seven-year follow up period. The cross-sectional and longitudinal relations between these variables were assessed. ResultsSerum retinol, with medians levels between 1.2 and 1.4μmol/l, were relatively stable, while median serum IgG gradually increased during the age years. The FEV1% pred. was longitudinally inversely associated with serum IgG and age, but not with serum retinol. Each g/l increase in serum IgG level was associated with an accelerated yearly decline in FEV1% pred. of 0.5% (95% CI −0.8 to −0.1, p=0.008), and each year increase in age was associated with a 1.7% (95% CI −2.1 to −1.3, p=0.000) decline in FEV1% pred. This effect was not observed with respect to serum retinol levels (95% CI −1.9 to 2.2, p=0.570). ConclusionsIn this large sample of children and adolescents with CF, we found no evidence that higher serum retinol levels had protective effects on PF.

Factors associated with the nutritional status of children less than 5 years of age.

OBJECTIVE To analyze if the nutritional status of children aged less than five years is related to the biological conditions of their mothers, environmental and socioeconomic factors, and access to health services and social programs.METHODS This cross-sectional population-based study analyzed 664 mothers and 790 children using canonical correlation analysis. Dependent variables were characteristics of the children (weight/age, height/age, BMI/age, hemoglobin, and retinol serum levels). Independent variables were those related to the mothers’ nutritional status (BMI, hemoglobin, and retinol serum levels), age, environmental and socioeconomic factors and access to health service and social programs. A < 0.05 significance level was adopted to select the interpreted canonical functions (CF) and ± 0.40 as canonical load value of the analyzed variables.RESULTS Three canonical functions were selected, concentrating 89.9% of the variability of the relationship among the groups. In the first canonical function, weight/age (-0.73) and height/age (-0.99) of the children were directly related to the mother’s height (-0.82), prenatal appointments (-0.43), geographical area of the residence (-0.41), and household income per capita (-0.42). Inverse relationship between the variables related to the children and people/room (0.44) showed that the larger the number of people/room, the poorer their nutritional status. Rural residents were found to have the worse nutritional conditions. In the second canonical function, the BMI of the mother (-0.48) was related to BMI/age and retinol of the children, indicating that as women gained weight so did their children. Underweight women tended to have children with vitamin A deficiency. In the third canonical function, hemoglobin (-0.72) and retinol serum levels (-0.40) of the children were directly related to the mother’s hemoglobin levels (-0.43).CONCLUSIONS Mothers and children were associated concerning anemia, vitamin A deficiency and anthropometric markers. Living in rural areas is a determining factor for the families health status.

The Effect of Adding Zinc To Zinc And Retinol Serum Levels At Postpartum In the Malnutrition Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Zinc deficiency in pregnant women has been associated with various conditions in babies born, one of whom was an infant with low birth weight. Effect of zinc supplementation in pregnant women may increase serum zinc levels and highdoses vitamin A supplementation may increase serum retinol levels. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of zinc supplementation in the malnutrition pregnant women in third trimester to zinc and retinol serum levels when the mother had postpartum. The population in this study was all pregnant women in third trimester on study sites. Respondents were malnutrition pregnant women in third trimester with upper arm circumference less than 23,5cm (n=32). Data collected through questionnaire, blood sampling and laboratory tests. Samples were taken from the population with inclusion criteria. They were then placed into groups using random allocation. At the end of the study, there was a significant difference in serum zinc levels (p<0,000) and no significant difference in serum retinol levels (p<0,624) in the trial group. Serum zinc levels increase after supplementation, but serum retinol levels decrease. These results suggest that zinc supplementation can increase serum zinc levels but needed adequate protein intake to increase serum retinol levels.

High prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in Crohn's disease patients according to serum retinol levels and the relative dose-response test.

To assess the vitamin A status of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) by evaluating serum retinol levels and the relative dose response (RDR) test (liver retinol stores). Vitamin A nutritional status was measured by serum retinol obtained by high performance liquid chromatography and the RDR test for evaluation of the hepatic stores. Body composition was performed by densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Vitamin A dietary intake was assessed from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. This study included 38 CD patients and 33 controls. Low serum retinol concentrations were detected in 29% of CD patients vs 15% in controls (P < 0.005). The RDR test was positive in 37% of CD patients vs 12% in controls, which indicated inadequate hepatic vitamin A stores (P < 0.005). Individuals with hypovitaminosis A had lower BMI and body fat compared with those without this deficiency. There was no association between vitamin A deficiency and its dietary intake, ileal location, presence of disease activity and prior bowel resections. Patients with CD have higher prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, as assessed by two independent methods.

Level of Zinc, Retinol, Blood Macrophages, T- Lymphocytes and Immunoglobulin G in Children with Tuberculosis and Non Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children in the world, but still lack of priority in overcomes them. Every year estimated 9 million new tuberculosis cases with 1 million of whom are children aged <15 years and 2 million of them died. Nutrients which are very influential on a child's immune system are fat, protein, vitamin A and zinc. The presence of zinc in the body greatly affects the immune function so it plays an important role in the prevention of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. The purpose of this study is to determine differences in serum zinc levels, serum retinol levels, levels of blood macrophages, T-lymphocytes and IgG between children with tuberculosis with healthy children or non- tuberculosis. This study is a comparative observational study with cross sectional study design. The sampling technique of this study was simple random sampling. This study was conducted at RSUD Sidoarjo with each 11 children in tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis group as a sample. At the end of this study, it discovered that there are significant differences levels of zinc serum (p=0.003), retinol serum (p=0.018), blood macrophages (p=0.001), T-lymphocytes (p=0.001) and IgG (p=0.006) between tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis group. The levels of zinc, retinol and IgG on children with tuberculosis were lower than nontuberculosis children, but T-lymphocytes on children with tuberculosis were higher than non-tuberculosis children. It suggested for giving zinc and vitamin A regularly and appropriate dosing in children with tuberculosis where it is useful to improve the durability of the body and can improve the child's appetite.

Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol and their correlation with sperm DNA damage in normospermic and infertile men

Oxidative stress in reproductive system leads to sperm DNA damage and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility, especially in idiopathic cases. Antioxidants such as carotenoids function against free radical damages. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol in serum and their relationship with sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in infertile and normospermic males. Sixty two infertile men and 71 normospermic men participated in this study. Blood and semen samples were collected from all subjects. Sperm DNA damage was measured using TUNEL method. Carotenoids, retinol, and malonedildehyde in serum were also determined. DNA fragmentation was higher in infertile group comparing to control group. Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and, vitamin A in infertile men were significantly lower than normospermic men (p< 0.001, =0.005, and =0.003 respectively). While serum MDA was not significantly different between two groups, MDA in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than control group (p< 0.001). We concluded that lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation through their antioxidant effect. Therefore the DNA fragmentation assay and determination of antioxidants factors such as lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol, along with sperm analysis can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of men with idiopathic infertility.

Efecto del albendazol y la Vitamina A periódicos sobre helmintos intestinales y anemia en niños del Urabá antioqueño (Colombia)

Problema: En Colombia no hay informes sobre efectos en humanos del tratamiento periódico antihelmíntico-vitamina A. Objetivo: Evaluar efectos de albendazol/pamoato de pirantelvitamina A trimestrales sobre Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus y sobre niveles séricos de retinol y hemoglobina, en niños del Urabá antioqueño. Metodología: Estudio clínico, aleatorio, con grupos paralelos, cerrado, intervenidos y evaluados cada 3-4 meses por 4 veces, seguidos 12 meses. Intervención: suministro de pamoato de pirantel (pamoato) (&lt; 2 años) o albendazol (≥ 2 años), con o sin vitamina A oral. Resultados: Ingreso: 25% presentó desnutrición crónica y hemoglobina (g/L), 106 g/L en &lt; 2 años y 115 g/L en ≥ 2 años. A) Prevalencias: estrongiloides 7%, uncinarias 29%, áscaris 45%, tricocéfalos 45%. Cambios postratamiento: pamoato únicamente causó reducción de áscaris y, en general, aumentó tricocéfalos y uncinarias. Albendazol: redujo cada helminto, como lo hicieron tratamientos sin este medicamento, pero fue mayor con albendazol. B) Cambio en carga parasitaria: únicas diferencias significativas fueron para tricocéfalos con pamoato-vitamina y albendazolvitamina, por aumento, y áscaris con albendazolvitamina, por reducción. No hubo diferencia significativa entre ingreso y egreso en niveles de hemoglobina ni retinol en ninguno de los cuatro tratamientos. Conclusiones: En general, no hubo efecto del albendazol sobre la carga helmintiana, pero sí efecto moderado sobre la prevalencia de uncinarias, áscaris y tricocéfalos. Quizás la desparasitación de solo parte de la población &lt; 15 años, sin tratar el resto de convivientes, y el mantenimiento de muy deficientes condiciones de vida expliquen estos resultados.

Reappearance of Bitot's spots after complete resolution in children between 1 and 5 years of age.

There is limited data on proportion of Bitot's spots (BS), which could reappear after receiving mega dose of Vitamin A (MDVA), and their complete resolution. A prospective, community-based, cohort study with 12 months follow-up was conducted among children (1-5 years) with BS at a district from North India. On diagnosis, 200,000 IU of vitamin A was administered on the same day, then after 4 weeks and subsequently after 6 months. Out of 262 children with BS, 157 (59.9%, 95% CI: 54.1-65.9) children had shown resolution of BS after the MDVA supplementation. Out of 157 children, 97 (61.8%, 95% CI: 54.2-69.4) had reappearance of BS after complete resolution. Kaplan-Meir analysis found that median duration of reappearance of BS was 5 months (95% CI: 3.8-6.2) after their complete resolution. The reappearance of BS after administration of two MDVA within 12 months suggests that children with possibly adequate serum retinol level status may have reappearance of BS.