Vitamin A Deficiency Research Articles

Contributory factors leading to Biochemical change in children suffering from Nutritional rickets.

Objective: To determine contributory factors leading to biochemical change in selected children suffering from NutritionalRickets (NR) at Hyderabad.Methodology: This comparative study was conducted from August 2022 to May 2023. Medically diagnosed rachitic children were selected from outpatient department of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. Interviews of patients as well as parents / guardians were conducted through a standard questionnaire. Blood samples were also collected for analysis of Calcium, Vitamin D, Alkaline Phosphatase, Hemoglobin and Phosphorous.Results: Findings revealed that mostly girls were affected by this disease. Income of parents/ guardians of affected children was Rs. 20,000-Rs. 30,000, consequently balanced diet was not available due to limited income. 53% of children have been dwelling in open houses yet have been suffering from deficiency of vitamin D. Biochemical parameters of NR & control show that mean & standard deviation and p value of Calcium (p-0.004), Vitamin D (p-0.001), Phosphorus (p-0.003) and hemoglobin (p-0.001) have been low and alkaline phosphatase (p-0.002) have been statistical significantly higher than the control group.Conclusion: Nutritional rickets is a multi-factorial health problem caused by malnutrition of children at early age of life coupled with inadequate mother feeding and other factors i.e. genetics, lack of care etc. Children are our future and we should pay attention to their bone health. National campaign aimed to develop awareness on consequences of risks of low level of Calcium and vitamin D is suggested. Keywords: Nutritional Rickets, Alkaline Phosphatase, Vitamin D, Early age diet.

Abetalipoproteinemia with angioid streaks, choroidal neovascularization, atrophy, and extracellular deposits revealed by multimodal retinal imaging

ABSTRACT Purpose Abetalipoproteinemia (ABL, MIM 200,100) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by nonfunctional microsomal triglyceride transfer protein leading to absence of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in plasma and a retinitis pigmentosa-like fundus. The MTTP gene is expressed in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and ganglion cells of the human retina. Understanding ABL pathophysiology would benefit from new cellular-level clinical imaging of affected retinas. Methods We report multimodal retinal imaging in two patients with ABL. Case 1 (67-year-old woman) exhibited a bilateral decline of vision due to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with angioid streaks and calcified Bruch membrane. Optical coherence tomography were consistent with basal laminar deposits and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD). Results Case 2 (46-year-old woman) exhibited unusual hyperpigmentation at the right fovea with count-fingers vision and a relatively unremarkable left fundus with 20/30 vision. The left eye exhibited the presence of nodular drusen and SDD and the absence of macular xanthophyll pigments. Conclusion We propose that mutated MTTP within the retina may contribute to ABL retinopathy in addition to systemic deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins. This concept is supported by a new mouse model with RPE-specific MTTP deficiency and a retinal degeneration phenotype. The observed range of human pathology, including angioid streaks, underscores the need for continued monitoring in adulthood, especially for CNV, a treatable condition.

Vitamin D Deficiency as a Contributing Factor to Chronic Rhinitis in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: An Epidemiological Study.

Recent studies suggest a critical role for vitamin D in respiratory diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and chronic rhinitis, particularly in middle- and older-aged populations, remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic rhinitis in middle- and older-aged adults while controlling for lifestyle and physical status factors. Data from 12,654 participants aged 40 years and older were analyzed from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2012). The prevalence of chronic rhinitis and its association with serum vitamin D levels were assessed using multiple logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and physical characteristics. The prevalence of chronic rhinitis was 21.1%. Participants with chronic rhinitis had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (69.9% vs. 65.2%) and lower mean vitamin D levels (17.73 ng/mL vs. 18.19 ng/mL) compared to those without chronic rhinitis. After adjusting for confounding factors, vitamin D deficiency remained significantly associated with an increased likelihood of chronic rhinitis (OR = 1.21, 95% CI, 1.082-1.348, p = 0.001). This study identifies a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic rhinitis in middle- and older-aged adults, suggesting that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be important in managing chronic rhinitis.

Investigating Vitamin D Status: A Key Factor in Gestational Diabetes among Pregnant Women

Background: Vitamin D deficiency within the general population suggests the emergence of glucose intolerance. The relationship between insufficient vitamin D levels and gestational diabetes mellitus remains a subject of ongoing discussion. Objectives: The investigation looked into the connection between vitamin D levels and the chances of developing gestational diabetes mellitus. Methodology: This cross-sectional analytic study includes 262 pregnant women who attended the Gestational Diabetes Center and Antenatal Counseling Center at the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City. The study used convenience sampling, and the data was collected from November 1st, 2021, to October 1st, 2022. The study used a specific questionnaire divided into four sections: demographics, medical, and obstetric. Simultaneously, the Roche Elecsys vitamin D3 assay determined serum vitamin D status. Results: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus had a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D inadequate levels (p =0.000), Significant variance in residency (p =0.000), education (p =0.000), body mass index (p =0.038), age at marriage (p =0.023), history of using the contraceptive pill (p-value =0.000), parity (p =0.001), and gravidity (p =0.014) were additionally identified between the two groups of gestational diabetes mellitus and non-gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus had higher rates of vitamin D deficiency than those without, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Blindness due to vitamin deficiency in a patient with food selectivity in the largest metropolis in Latin America

Blindness due to vitamin deficiency in a patient with food selectivity in the largest metropolis in Latin America

The Interplay between Liver and Adipose Tissue in the Onset of Liver Diseases: Exploring the Role of Vitamin Deficiency.

The deficiency of vitamins, a condition known as "hidden hunger", causes comprehensive pathological states. Research over the years has identified a relationship between liver diseases and hypovitaminosis or defects in vitamin metabolism. The exact mechanisms remain elusive; however, the crucial involvement of specific vitamins in metabolic functions, alongside the reclassification of liver disease as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has prompted researchers to investigate the potential cause-effect dynamics between vitamin deficiency and liver disease. Moreover, scientists are increasingly investigating how the deficiency of vitamins might disrupt specific organ crosstalk, potentially contributing to liver disease. Although the concept of a dysmetabolic circuit linking adipose tissue and the liver, leading to liver disease, has been discussed, the possible involvement of vitamin deficiency in this axis is a relatively recent area of study, with numerous critical aspects yet to be fully understood. In this review, we examine research from 2019 to July 2024 focusing on the possible link between liver-adipose tissue crosstalk and vitamin deficiency involved in the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies report that vitamin deficiency can affect the liver-adipose tissue axis, mainly affecting the regulation of systemic energy balance and inflammation.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Iraqi People

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is one of common health problems and it is found in all ethnicities and all age groups, even in countries that have sun exposure all seasons of the year. Materials and Methods: 600 healthy persons aged 3–65 years were participating in this study. All subjects were lived in Baghdad, Iraq. The subjects were divided into four groups according to age and gender. First group adult male 18-65 year contains 200 participate, second group adult female 18-65 year contains 200 participate, third group children male 3-18 year contains 100 participate and fourth group children female 3-18 year contains 100 participate. venous blood samples were used to measured 25-hydroxy (25(OH) D) levels with cobas techniques method. Results: The results showed that the vitamin D deficiency (serum 25OHD level < 20 ng/ml) is prevalence in 77% of the adult male and the mean value is 12.4 ng/ ml, and the ratio of deficiency is higher in female and reach to 87% of adult women and the mean value is 7.4 ng/ ml. Whereas the vitamin D deficiency in children is lower than adult and the results showed that the 23% of male children have deficiency with mean value 20.7 ng/ml also the female children have deficiency in 22% of them with mean value 20.4 mg/ml. The results showed there is significant differences between men and women in mean value of the serum 25OHD (12.4 vs 7.4 P> 0.01), while there are non-significant differences between children male and children female (20.7 vs 20.4 P> 0.01). Also the results showed there are significant difference between children male and adult male (20.7 vs 12.4 P> 0.01) and there are significant differences between children female and adult female (20.4 vs7.4 P>0.01) Conclusion: the deficiency of vitamin D in Baghdad, Iraq is very high in adult male and female and there is a need general education, health policies for investigation and treatment this problem.

Vitamin C and its derivatives in maintaining the good skin condition

Vitamin C is one of the most important and necessary nutrient for human health, which has great potential as cosmeceutic, which protects health and the skin good condition. Thru the collagen biosynthesis stimulation it affects to the physiology of human skin, participating in the hydroxylation process of proline and lysine, and participates in tissue reconstruction while wound healing. Deficiency of vitamin C causes irregularities in the blood vessels functioning, epidermis and dermis. Is an effective antioxidant neutralizing free radicals, prevents inflammatory and carcinogenic processes. The epidermis and dermis are most exposed to free radicals from the external environment and from the inside of the body. In inflammatory diseases of the skin, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, in the proper skin the levels of vitamin C are reduced. Therefore, delivering it to the skin using cosmetic preparations is important not only for cosmetic, but also health effect. The problem associated with the introduction of vitamin C in cosmetics is its limited penetration through the stratum corneum. Current studies are focused on searching for stable compounds of ascorbic acid and new media, which will allow for better way of delivery of ascorbic acid to the dermis in the future.

Water-soluble vitamins stability by robust liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The measurement of water-soluble vitamins is essential to diagnose and monitor various vitamin deficiencies. Establishing stability limits for these vitamins is crucial to ensure accurate laboratory testing. This study aimed to assess the stability of commonly measured water-soluble vitamins under different storage conditions to improve the accuracy of water-soluble vitamin measurement. The stabilities of thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, pyridoxic acid and pyridoxal, biotin, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF), and ascorbic acid were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We investigated three pre-analytical factors: the effect of different temperatures and time durations on serum stability, variation between serum and plasma samples, and the impact of transferring samples to an ice bath before serum separation. We evaluated stability based on differences from the baseline. Thiamine, pyridoxal, and ascorbic acid in serum exhibited instability at room temperature and 2-8℃. Riboflavin and 5-MTHF in serum were only stable for up to 48 and 72 h at 2-8℃. However, when stored at -20℃, all water-soluble vitamins remained stable for up to 72 h, whereas at -80℃, stability was maintained for up to 7 days. All vitamins in whole blood, except nicotinamide, were stable for up to 2-4 h when stored in an ice bath. Water-soluble vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxal, and ascorbic acid, are unstable at room temperature and 2-8℃. All vitamins were stable for up to 7 days and stored at -80℃. The ice bath improved the stability of whole blood samples before centrifugation. Thus, laboratories should ensure appropriate storage conditions to maintain pre-analytical quality for vitamin measurements.

Development of technology for pita bread with increased nutritional value

The majority of the population living in large cities and some regions of the Russian Federation show signs of decreased immunity, most often manifested in colds. One of the ways to strengthen the human body’s immune system is to eliminate the deficiency of vitamins that have immunomodulatory properties. While developing the technology for the pita bakery product, dough has been prepared from a mixture of high-grade rye and wheat flour in equal quantities. As a source of vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the human immune system, a solution of pine needles has been added instead of half the amount of water. As a source of vitamin C, black currant and cranberry puree are used in the ratio of 1 : 1. An additional source of nutrients with immunomodulatory properties is dry ginger root powder added to the stuffing in an amount of 2 % by weight of the stuffing. Apple pectin has been used to stabilize the stuffing. A solution of pine needles is prepared by mixing an alcoholic infusion of pine needles and an aqueous decoction of pine needles in a ratio of 1 : 4. The pine needle solution has been used to replace half the amount of water used to prepare the dough. The developed bakery product "Pita with berry stuffing" is prepared with a ratio of pita to stuffing of 1 : 2 by weight. The developed bakery product can be recommended for stimulating and strengthening the immune system due to the additional inclusion of vitamins (C, K, A, B2, B6, B12) in the diet with beneficial effect on the human immune system, including for residents of the northern regions of Russia.

PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY INTAKE OF MAGNESIUM, POTASSIUM, VITAMINS C AND B6 IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF KHANTY-MANSIYSK

Increased level of psycho-emotional stress in its most pronounced form is most often observed in healthcare workers. Moreover, half the time their disability is associated with stress. Magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C play a great role in regulating everyone’s psycho-emotional state. In the north of the Russian Federation, healthcare workers are subject to double pressure from negative climatic and geographical conditions. Objective. The purpose of the study is to assess the dietary intake of magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C in healthcare workers in Khanty-Mansiysk. Materials and Methods. Using the automated dietary control and intervention system, we studied 3-day dietary intake of magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C in 123 doctors and nurses of the Khanty-Mansiysk District Clinical Hospital (32 (26.0 %) men and 91 (74.0 %) women; 59 (48.0 %) doctors, 64 (52.0 %) nurses). The average age was 37.8±1.5 years. The results were compared with the physiological need (PhN) according to the guideline МР 2.3.1.0253-2. Results. It is observed that healthcare workers of the northern region have a deficiency of micronutrients that regulate the activity of human psycho-emotional sphere: magnesium – 84.8 % of PhN, potassium – 79.6 % of PhN, vitamin B6 – 78.7 % of PhN, vitamin C – 60.8 % of PhN. Vitamin deficiency may contribute to the development of cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal and other diseases. Conclusion. Additional intake of magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C, e.g. vitamin-mineral complexes, and vitamin enrichment of food are an effective and safe measures to prevent insufficient supply of the human body with these micronutrients, associated metabolic disorders and disease development.

Impact of Tocopherol Supplementation on Clinical Parameters of Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: The significance of periodontal disease as a public health issue prompts the exploration of effective treatments, including the potential use of tocopherol (Vitamin E) due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Materials and Methods: The PICO statement (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) was as follows: In patients with periodontal disease, does tocopherol (Vitamin E) supplementation compared to no supplementation or insufficient Vitamin E intake improve clinical outcomes such as gingival inflammation, pocket depth, and clinical attachment levels? This study searched through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to June 2024 focused on studies involving human subjects with various forms of periodontal disease, analyzing the impact of tocopherol through dietary or supplementary intake. Primary outcomes evaluated included improvements in gingival inflammation, pocket depth, and clinical attachment levels, with data synthesis conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Quality assessment and risk of bias were meticulously performed for the included observational studies and randomized controlled trials. Results: The meta-analysis incorporated 8 studies that were used for data extraction, totaling 12,832 patients, revealing a heterogeneous response to tocopherol supplementation, with a pooled odds ratio for efficacy in reducing periodontal disease severity at about 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98). Noteworthy findings indicated a statistically significant increase in clinical attachment loss and pocket depth with odds ratios ranging from 1.15 to 9.33 when Vitamin E was insufficient. However, the considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 88.35%) underscores variations in tocopherol's effectiveness across different populations and study designs. Conclusions: While tocopherol supplementation shows a modest benefit in managing periodontal disease, particularly in reducing clinical attachment levels and pocket depth, the variability in outcomes emphasizes the necessity for more research to establish standardized treatment protocols and dosages.

Relationship between 25-OH-D3 levels and cognitive functions in children with obesity

Aims: The inconsistent results about neurocognitive functions in children with obesity may be suggestive of factors like vitamin deficiencies rather than the disorder itself. So we aimed to investigate the 25(OH)D3 levels and cognitive functions in obese children in the present study. Methods: Seventy-two children were included to this study. Forty-one of them were obese children and 31 children were with normal weight. The patients were diagnosed as obese according to body mass index >95 percentile, considering the sex and age-specific growth curves for Turkish children. The participants completed the battery tests of the central nervous system vital signs (CNSVS), a neurocognitive test battery, via computer. The battery calculates seven domain scores (Memory, Psychomotor speed, Processing speed, Reaction time, Complex attention, Executive function, Cognitive flexibility) and a summary score (Neurocognition Index). 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in residual samples using a Shimadzu HPLC system with the aid of a 25(OH)D3 kit. The scores were compared by using commercial software (IBM SPSS Statistics 18). Results: The mean 25-OH-vitamin D levels were 13.41±7.91 µg/L in obese children and 20.31±5.92µg/L in controls. Vitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in obese children than in control group (p

Hygienic characteristics of changes in the nutritional status of adult population in the Omsk region during the implementation of Demography national project

Aim. To evaluate changes in nutritional status parameters among the adult population of the Omsk region during.Materials and Methods. The comparison of nutritional status parameters was conducted as a part of an experimental epidemiological study using a "before-after" design. The intervention consisted of activities carried out in the region from 2019 to 2023 under the federal project "Strengthening Public Health." In 2018, a representative sample (n = 241) was formed, stratified by age, gender, and residential area; in 2023, a similar sample (n = 506) was used. Nutritional status was assessed using somatometric, clinical, and laboratory methods.Results. We have documented a significant reduction in the prevalence of severe obesity (grades II-III, from 7.1 ± 1.1% to 2.4 ± 0.9%), and a trend towards a decrease in prevalence of underweight (from 5.4 ± 1.4% to 3.0 ± 0.8%; p = 0.078). In 2023, the proportion of individuals with overweight was 36.0 ± 2.1%, and 16.4 ± 2.4% of the adult population suffered from obesity. The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In 2023, deficiencies in vitamin D (61.8 ± 1.7%), folates (50.0 ± 3.2%), vitamins B1 (26.6 ± 2.8%), B6 (36.7 ± 3.1%), and E (28.5 ± 2.9%), magnesium (32.0 ± 2.0%), zinc (27.2 ± 2.8%), copper (36.0 ± 3.1%), iron (25.0 ± 1.7%), and selenium (31.2 ± 3.9%) were the most common. Compared to 2018, the prevalence of deficiencies in vitamins D, E, B1, B6, and folates significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the provision of essential elements remained unchanged.Conclusion. The prevalence of various nutritional disorders among the adult population of the Omsk region reduced, as the implementation of the federal project «Strengthening Public Health» under the national project "Demography" improved the provision of vitamins.

The influence of multivitamins on neurological and growth disorders: a cross-sectional study.

While vitamin deficiencies can pose serious health consequences for the body, excessive intake of vitamins can also lead to health risks. However, there is limited data about the impact of multivitamins on neurological and growth disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between multivitamins and neurological and growth disorders. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 16,921 subjects who visited the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2019 to 2021. The subjects were categorized into two groups based on their health status including 9,368 cases (4,484 with neurological disorders and 4,884 with growth disorders) and 7,553 healthy controls. Statistical tests including the T-test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, and Chi-Square test were employed to compare the groups, and logistic regression and Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression were used to identify associations. In the adjusted logistic regression, serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], vitamin B2, and vitamin B9 were associated with decreasing risks of neurological disorders, whereas vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B12 were associated with increasing risks of neurological disorders. Nevertheless, vitamin A and vitamin B2 were associated with increasing risks of growth disorders. In the WQS model, nine multivitamins were positively associated with risks of neurological disorders, and Vitamins D and C were weighted the most. In addition, the inverse association but not statistically significant was observed between multivitamins and growth disorders, particularly growth retardation revealed a negative association, and some individual growth disorders revealed positive associations including obesity and malnutrition. In general, the study observed that multivitamins may be associated with neurological and growth disorders either positive or negative depending on the type of disorder.

Vitabiotic: An alternative approach to diabetic foot.

Diabetic foot ulcers and infections are complications that can result in significant morbidity such as the need for amputations, especially in uncontrolled diabetes, thereby profoundly impacting quality of life. While traditional treatments like wound care and antibiotics are effective, there is growing interest in the role of micronutrients (such as vitamins C, D, E, zinc and magnesium) in improving outcomes. This study aims to evaluate how these micronutrients affect diabetic foot infections and the need for amputation, offering insights to enhance overall prognosis. Patients who were hospitalised with a diagnosis of diabetic foot infection in the Infectious Diseases Department of Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between 1 April 2022, and 31 January 2023 were included in the study. The patients' socio-demographic information, characteristics of diabetic wounds, operation history, as well as their levels of micronutrients recorded on the case report form. A total of 202 patients were included in the study. The most common micronutrient deficiencies were vitamin D (69%), vitamin C (64%) and zinc (49%). The amputation rates were significantly higher in patients with deficiencies vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin D (p < 0.005). Our research revealed a significant prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among the participants, and we observed a noteworthy correlation between amputation rates and these deficiencies. Although these findings show promise, it is essential to emphasise that micronutrient supplements should not replace traditional treatments but should rather be considered as a warning sign for preventing complications, particularly amputation or extremity loss.

The Effect of Substituting Wheat Flour with Composite Flour (Cucurbita moschata and Daucus carota L.) on Biscuits as a Source of Beta Carotene for Stunted Children

The problem of stunting in Indonesia is still quite high, namely 21,6% based on data from the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI). One of the effective measures to control stunting is through providing additional food (PMT) such as biscuits to children. Carrots and pumpkin are local foods that are rich in beta carotene. Carotenoids as a source of provitamin A are able to overcome the problem of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is the cause of growth disorders in children. This research aims to determine the effect of substitution of yellow pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and carrot (Daucus carota L.) composite flour on organoleptic characteristics including color, aroma, taste, texture and nutritional content (beta carotene, carbohydrates, protein and fat). This research used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 3 treatments, namely formula 1 (150 grams of wheat flour, 50 grams of pumpkin flour and 50 grams of carrot flour), formula 2 (50 grams of wheat flour, 60 grams of pumpkin flour and 50 grams of flour carrots) and formula 3 (50 grams of wheat flour, 50 grams of pumpkin flour and 150 grams of carrot flour) with 3 repetitions. The research results showed that formula 3 biscuits were the best formulation in terms of organoleptic characteristics with the highest beta carotene content compared to F1 and F2. F3 biscuits contain 30,97 mg beta carotene, 7,45 grams of carbohydrates, 3,22 grams of protein and 8,89 grams of fat. The conclusion of this research is that the substitution of wheat flour with composite flour (Cucurbita moschata and Daucus carota L.) has an effect on the nutritional content (beta carotene, carbohydrates, protein and fat) of biscuits. Consuming pumpkin biscuits per 100 grams can qualify as a good source of the antioxidant beta carotene.

The Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Lung Function, Symptom Severity, and Exacerbations in Stable COPD Patients

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant health burden associated with a decrease in quality of life. Patients with the disease often have a deficiency of Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin important for respiratory health. A previous study suggested an association between low vitamin D levels and poor lung function, as well as increased exacerbation, and more severe COPD symptom. Therefore, this study aimed to assess serum vitamin D levels in stable COPD patients and explore association with lung function, symptom severity, and frequency of exacerbation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from May to July 2023 at Lung Polyclinic of Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital (RSUDZA) Banda Aceh. A total of 30 subjects selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Results: The results showed that the mean serum vitamin D level was 26.25 ng/mL, with 56.7% of subjects showing vitamin D insufficiency. Statistical analysis showed p-values of 0.58, 0.637, 0.12, and 0.98 for lung function, exacerbation, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale respectively, indicating no significant association between vitamin D levels and these outcomes. Potential confounding factors include unassessed variables such as medication use, educational background, and psychological status. Conclusion: This study found no significant association between serum vitamin D levels and lung function, symptom severity, or frequency of exacerbation in stable COPD patients. Further studies with a larger sample size and extended follow-up are needed to confirm these results and explore additional influencing factors.

Characteristics and Demographic Features of Vitamin A Deficiency in Sudan during War, 2023-2024

Background: A deficiency is a public health issue for many children and adults. In wartime hardship, patients eat little meat, dark vegetables, and fruits, which can cause vitamin A deficiency and corneal dryness, erosion, ulceration, and perforation. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics and demographics of vitamin A insufficiency in Sudan during the 2023-2024 war. Methodology: This prospective descriptive study was carried out between June 15, 2024, and August 15, 2024, at Dr. Khalil's Ophthalmology Center in North Kordofan, Sudan. The study looked at 100 individuals who presented at the clinic complaining of deficient night vision (including full coverage during the notification period). Results: In this study, only six patients had corneal opacity, with 67% being males and 33% females. In terms of Bitto's spots, 12% are present, with males and females having 58% and 42%, respectively, and 46% having dry eyes. 52% were males and 48% were females in terms of retinal pigmentation. Only one female patient exhibited peripheral retinal pigmentation, which was due to retinitis pigmentosa; all patients had inadequate food intake; and no diarrhea was reported. Conclusion: In Sudan, the rise in vitamin deficiency can be attributed to the inadequate development of all health system programs. Additionally, the devastating war, which primarily affects young people, has forced most people to leave their homes and become either displaced or refugees. Consequently, 69% of the patients were 17 years old or younger.

Rate of hydrolysis of the phosphate esters of B vitamins is reduced by zinc deficiency: Invitro and invivo.

Extracellular hydrolysis of the phosphate esters of B vitamins (B1, B2, and B6) is crucial for their cellular uptake and metabolism. Although a few zinc-dependent enzymes have been implicated in these processes, their exact mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. This study investigated the potential involvement of phosphate group hydrolyzing enzymes in the hydrolysis of B vitamin phosphate esters. We evaluated enzyme activity in membrane lysates prepared from cells transiently transfected with these enzymes or those endogenously expressing them. Specifically, we investigated how zinc deficiency affects the rate of hydrolysis of B vitamin phosphate esters in cellular lysates. Assessment of the activities of zinc-dependent ectoenzymes in the lysates prepared from cells cultured in zinc-deficient conditions and in the serum of rats fed zinc-deficient diets revealed that zinc deficiency reduced the extracellular hydrolysis activity of B vitamin phosphate esters. Furthermore, our findings explain the similarities between several symptoms of B vitamin and zinc deficiencies. Collectively, this study provides novel insights into the diverse symptoms of zinc deficiency and could guide the development of appropriate clinical strategies.