Vitamin B12 Levels Research Articles

Comparison of Asymptomatic Brain Lesions Between Thalassemia Major and Sickle Cell Anemia Patients.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to identify asymptomatic brain lesions in patients with β-thalassemia major (TM) and sickle cell anemia (SCA) and evaluate the correlation of these lesions with factors such as splenectomy, thrombocytosis, and blood transfusions. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients with thalassemia major and 23 patients with sickle cell anemia were included. Ischemic lesions were categorized as lacunar, small vessel, or multifocal. Variables including age, years of education, presence and type of MRI-detected ischemia, smoking status, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, ferritin levels, vitamin B12 levels, fasting blood sugar, splenectomy status, chelation therapy, and hydroxyurea treatment were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age was 27.33 years in the thalassemia major group and 32.65 years in the sickle cell anemia group (p = 0.010). No statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of ischemia types between the groups (p = 0.303). The thalassemia major group had a lower mean hemoglobin level (8.37 g/dL) compared to the sickle cell anemia group (9.57 g/dL) (p = 0.003). Ferritin levels were significantly higher in the thalassemia major group (2018.92 ng/mL) than in the sickle cell anemia group (660.39 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although ischemic lesions were more frequently observed in patients with sickle cell anemia, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance and individualized management to mitigate cerebrovascular risks in both patient populations.

Assessment of Micronutrient Levels in Pediatric Migraine Patients.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between attack frequency and severity and serum levels of micronutrient in pediatric migraine patients. Children at 2 hospitals from February to December 2022 diagnosed with migraine were reviewed. A total of 171 patients with a mean age of 14.3 ± 2.9 years were included in the study. The median 25(OH) vitamin D level was 15.6 μg/L in patients with an attack frequency of 1-3 per month versus 11.9 μg/L in those with more than 3 attacks per month (P = .005). The median vitamin B12 level was 386 ng/L in patients with attack duration of 2-6 hours versus 343.5 ng/L in those with an attack duration of 12-24 hours (P = .048). The median ferritin level was 34 μg/L among patients not receiving prophylactic treatment and 24 μg/L among those receiving prophylactic treatment (P = .019). This study suggests that assessing micronutrient levels may be beneficial in children with migraine.

Exploring the Intricate Connection Between Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Hearing Loss: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient crucial for overall health, and deficiencies can lead to hearing loss. Objective: The aim of the systematic review was to explore the intricate connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and hearing loss using a systematic literature review. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out to identify the articles exploring the connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and hearing loss. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were used to identify the relevant studies. Results: A total of 612 studies were identified from 3 databases, and after stepwise screening, 9 articles were found eligible for the data extraction and inclusion in the review. Most of the studies had observed statistically-significant differences in the hearing thresholds with low vitamin B12 levels. However, few studies found hearing loss in the low frequencies (250 and 500 Hz), and others have found elevated thresholds above 4 KHz. Factors such as age, gender, and treatment for vitamin B12 did not show any significant changes in the hearing thresholds. Conclusion: The systematic review revealed that individuals with lower vitamin B12 levels tended to have a higher prevalence of hearing impairment than those with normal or elevated levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency, coupled with high homocysteine levels and low folate concentrations, may contribute to different degrees of hearing loss, particularly in the elderly. Lower serum levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with slight to mild hearing loss, while cochlear dysfunction and poorer hearing thresholds have also been observed in individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining optimal levels of vitamin B12 for preserving hearing health and warrant further investigation into potential interventions.

Impact of Varicocele on The Expression of Testicular Enzymes Involved in The Transsulfuration Pathway.

Oxidative aggression is a hallmark of varicocele and may depend on decreased reactive ability of the endogenous antioxidant system following heat stress. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the expression of the main enzyme proteins involved in the generation of endogenous antioxidant power, cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), heme oxygenase (HO-1), and also, some of the metabolites (methionine, homocysteine, taurine and vitamin B6) reporting on their activity was investigated using a surgical varicocele model in rats. In this experimental study, thirty male Wistar rats (7-8 weeks old, weighing 180-220 g) were divided into three groups: control, sham, and varicocele. We evaluated sperm parameters and functional tests, as well as the expression of CBS, CSE, and HO-1 proteins using Western blot analysis. Serum levels of methionine, homocysteine, and taurine were analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography, while vitamin B6 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For group comparisons, we employed ANOVA and the Tukey test, considering a P<0.05 as significant. We observed a significant reduction in both sperm quality and functional parameters. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in the expression of CBS, CSE, and HO-1 proteins, as well as circulating vitamin B6 levels, in the varicocele group compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.001). The results of this study suggest that one possible cause of increased oxidative stress in varicocele may be the reduced expression of testicular enzymes involved in the production of endogenous antioxidants, which are associated with the transsulfuration pathway. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The gut microbiota-produced vitamin B6 mitigates alcohol-associated liver disease by attenuating hepatic oxidative stress damage.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major clinical issue characterized by progressive stages, including hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Patients with long-term chronic alcoholism often present with gut microbiota dysbiosis and reduced plasma levels of vitamin B6. This study aimed to verify that gut microbiota disruption in ALD significantly contributes to reduced in vivo production of vitamin B6 and to investigate the role of this reduction in the pathogenesis of ALD. The ALD was investigated utilizing the Gao-binge mouse model. Fecal microbial composition was analyzed in pair-fed mice and ALD mice to identify alcohol-induced functional changes in the microbiota. Additionally, liver protein expression profiles and liver and plasma metabolomic profiles were characterized to elucidate the role of vitamin B6 in ALD pathogenesis through integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses. The findings were further validated using animal models and clinical patient samples. Alcohol consumption disrupted the gut microbiota in the mice, impairing the vitamin B6 synthesis by intestinal microorganisms. Vitamin B6 deficiency aggravated the disorder of amino acid metabolism in the liver and inhibited ornithine aminotransferase expression, thereby worsening oxidative stress damage. In patients with ALD, significant disturbances of gut microbiota were observed, along with decreased intestinal vitamin B6 levels, which were negatively correlated with serum biochemical markers. The imbalance of gut microbiota in ALD mice reduces vitamin B6 synthesis, which affects amino acid metabolism and glutathione synthesis in the liver, thereby exacerbating ALD. These findings suggest that vitamin B6 may play a critical protective role in ALD progression by regulating amino acid metabolism.

Unraveling of Multifactorial Etiology and Risk Factors of Severe Anemia HB ≤ 6 g/dL

Background: Anemia is an alarming worldwide health condition affecting individuals from modernized and countries that underdeveloped, with significant implications for human health and socio-economic development. Aims: This research aimed to find the primary risk factors linked with severe anemia (HB ≤ 6 g/dL) and assess the relative contribution of different factors, including nutritional status, chronic diseases, infections, and genetic factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study investigated the fundamental causes and risk factors of disease anemia (HB≤ 6 g/dL). The following study was conducted at the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad AJK Pakistan. The data was collected through a nonprobability purposive sampling technique. Multivariate analysis was applied using logistic regression to identify specific risk factors for severe anemia. Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.2 years (SD 10.8), with 60% from low socioeconomic status. The mean iron level was 30.4 (SD 12.5) and the mean vitamin B12 level was 190.3 pg/mL (SD 2.3). 46.7% had a history of chronic diseases, with 20.0% having type 2 diabetes and 13.3% having renal diseases. 26.7% were suffering from infections. Chronic disease history significantly increases the risk (OR 2.50, p=0.004). Conclusion: The study population had low hemoglobin and iron levels, with a high proportion of patients having chronic diseases. Severe anemia was significantly associated with low iron levels and Vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic diseases, and infections, increasing the risk of severe anemia

A Study of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Type-II Diabetic Patients on Metformin Therapy in Eastern Reason of Nepal

Background Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose level, requires effective management to prevent complications. Metformin, a common frontline treatment for type -II diabetes, is linked to Vitamin B12 deficiency, which may trigger severe health disorders like anemia and neurological problems if remain undiagnosed for a longer duration. This study aims to assess the prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency among type 2 diabetic patients on metformin therapy. The objective is to assess the distribution of patients affected by this deficiency and understand how metformin therapy influences B12 levels among these patients. The Study was conducted at B&amp;C Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Center, Birtamod, Jhapa, Nepal. Methods A total of 200 diabetes patients on metformin were included in the study. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with type -II diabetes, were currently undergoing metformin therapy, and had been on the medication for at least 6 months. Data collected comprised patient age, gender, duration of metformin use, and serum vitamin B12 levels measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum levels &lt;200 pg/mL, insufficiency as 200-300 pg/mL, and sufficiency as &gt;300 pg/mL. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results Out of the 200 diabetic patients taking metformin, 45% exhibited Vitamin B12 deficiency based on serum levels (&lt;200 pg/mL), 30% had insufficient Vitamin B12 levels (200–300 pg/mL), and 25% had sufficient levels (&gt;300 pg/mL) Deficiency rates were similar across genders but higher in patients over 47 years. A significant correlation was observed between longer metformin use and lower Vitamin B12 levels. Conclusion The results highlight a prominent rate of Vitamin B12 deficiency among diabetes patients prescribed metformin, especially in older patients and those on long-term therapy. Routine monitoring of vitamin B12 levels is recommended for these patients to prevent serious complications and improve health outcomes

Prevalence and risk factors for anemia during pregnancy in Sana'a city

Background: A common issue during pregnancy is anemia, which is defined as a decline in the blood's ability to carry oxygen, mainly as a result of lower hemoglobin levels. There are two possible types of declines: absolute and relative. It is well known that the most prevalent nutritional condition is iron deficiency. Objective: In order to ascertain the prevalence of anemia and related risk factors among pregnant women in Sana'a, Yemen, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjects and methods: Two hundreds pregnant women between the ages of 17 and 40 years participated in this study. Calculations were made for socio-demographic, menstrual history, and haematological characteristics. Platelet counts were ascertained along with anemia proxies such as hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Results: The mean hemoglobin level among our pregnant females was 12.8 mg/dL, with 26% diagnosed with anemia (&lt;11.9 mg/dL). Notably, 38% of patients exhibited PCV levels below the norm, while none in &gt;46 PCV (above the normal level). The average RBC count stood at 4.5 cells x 106/μl, ranging from 3.6 to 5.9 cells x 106/μl, with none falling below the normal range for adult females. The mean MCV was 81.3 fl, with 34% displaying microcytic anemia (&lt;80 fl). Additionally, the mean MCH was 28.3 p/cell, with 22% experiencing iron deficiency anemia and 8% showing elevated counts (&gt;31 p/cell) suggestive of anemia due to low folic acid or vitamin B12 levels. The mean MCHC was 34.6 g/dl, with 18% having levels exceeding 36 g/dl, indicating anemia. Age played a significant role, with anemia being notably associated with those under 19 years, exhibiting an odds ratio of 2.8. Other significant associations included illiteracy (OR = 2.3, p =0.01), being in the third trimester (OR=2.1, p=0.04), multigravida (OR=2.2, p=0.05), having a menstrual cycle longer than 5 days (OR=7.5, p &lt;0.0001), and experiencing bleeding during pregnancy (OR=5.6, p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy among Yemeni pregnant women was moderate, but at a significant rate. Multigravidy and the third trimester were associated risk factors with a higher incidence of anemia during pregnancy. Other risk factors were women younger than 19 years, a longer menstrual cycle &gt;5 days, bleeding during pregnancy, and a low level of education.

Effect of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Thyroid Function Tests Among Adults Visiting Tertiary Health Care Centre in Eastern Nepal

Background Vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly observed in hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. Low vitamin B12 can disrupt thyroid function. Though the prevalence of this deficiency has been documented in various regions of Nepal, studies in Eastern Nepal are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the percentage distribution of vitamin B12 deficiency among adults visiting the tertiary health care centre in Eastern Nepal and to find out the effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on thyroid function test. Methods This study, conducted at Nobel Medical College from January 2022 to December 2023, was cross-sectional in design and included 379 patients. Subjects underwent general health check-ups, including Vitamin B12 and thyroid function tests. Descriptive analysis was performed, and Pearson’s correlation assessed the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and thyroid hormones. Independent t-tests compared hormone levels between groups. P value &lt; 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The vitamin B12 status distribution was as follows: 62.5% normal (&gt;300pg/ml), 18.2% borderline deficient (200-300pg/ml), and 19.3% deficient (&lt;200pg/ml). Prevalence was higher among females. Group II subjects (vitamin B12 &lt;300pg/dl) had significantly lower mean free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels (2.82±0.742 vs. 3.14±0.49 pg/mL, p=0.003) and higher mean thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (4.69±3.56 vs. 2.55±1.47 mIU/L, p&lt;0.001) compared to group I (B12 &gt;300pg/ml). Vitamin B12 showed a negative correlation with TSH (p=0.013). Conclusion The study indicates a decrease in FT3 levels and an increase in TSH levels among those with vitamin B12 deficiency or borderline cases

Evaluation of global DNA methylation, homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels among patients with celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder caused by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals characterized by chronic inflammation that essentially affects the small intestine. Objective: this study was designed to measure the potential role of some serological biomarkers including vitamin B12 and homocysteine (HCY) in the progression of CD as well as their relations to global DNA methylation (5mC). Materials and methods. Forty CD patients were enrolled in the study with an average age of (36.60 ± 2.03) years (range between 15 and 60). The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by serological examinations and intestinal endoscopy in Gastroenterology and Liver Teaching Hospital in the Medical City Hospital in Baghdad city. Also, 40 healthy subjects were included in this study as control group with an average age of (32.22 ± 1.97) years (range between 16 and 59). The blood serum was checked for serological biomarker levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Also, DNA extracted from whole blood and the levels of 5mC were evaluated. Results. The analysis of serological biomarker data has shown that the mean vitamin B12 significantly decreases in CD patients compared to healthy controls: (109.80 ± 2.53) and (143.65 ± 2.36) pg/ml. Also, the results demonstrated a significant increase in HCY in CD patients compared to healthy controls — (10.60 ± 0.41) and (3.92 ± 0.23) umol. The results of global DNA methylation showed a highly significant decrease (P ≤ 0.01) in blood samples of patients with celiac disease (0.435 ± 0.020) vs. controls (0.594 ± 0.040). Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that the differences in global DNA methylation levels may be used as a risk factor for developing CD, which indicates the involvement of vitamin B12 and HCY in CD progression.

Saliva Proteome, Metabolome and Microbiome Signatures for Detection of Alzheimer's Disease.

Background: As the burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) escalates with an ageing population, the demand for early and accessible diagnostic methods becomes increasingly urgent. Saliva, with its non-invasive and cost-effective nature, presents a promising alternative to cerebrospinal fluid and plasma for biomarker discovery. Methods: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of saliva samples (n = 20 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), n = 20 Alzheimer's disease and age- and n = 40 gender-matched cognitively normal individuals), from the South Australian Neurodegenerative Disease (SAND) cohort, integrating proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome data with plasma measurements, including pTau181. Results: Among the most promising findings, the protein Stratifin emerged as a top candidate, showing a strong negative correlation with plasma pTau181 (r = -0.49, p < 0.001) and achieving an AUC of 0.95 in distinguishing AD and MCI combined from controls. In the metabolomics analysis, 3-chlorotyrosine and L-tyrosine exhibited high correlations with disease severity progression, with AUCs of 0.93 and 0.96, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in vitamin B12 metabolism, with Transcobalamin-1 levels decreasing in saliva as AD progressed despite an increase in serum vitamin B12 levels (p = 0.008). Microbiome analysis identified shifts in bacterial composition, with a microbiome cluster containing species such as Lautropia mirabilis showing a significant decrease in abundance in MCI and AD samples. The overall findings were reinforced by weighted correlation network analysis, which identified key hubs and enriched pathways associated with AD. Conclusions: Collectively, these data highlight the potential of saliva as a powerful medium for early AD diagnosis, offering a practical solution for large-scale screening and monitoring.

Placental expression and methylation of angiogenic factors in assisted reproductive technology pregnancies from India.

This study aims to examine the gene expression and DNA methylation patterns of angiogenic factors in the placentae of Indian women who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures and their association with maternal one-carbon metabolites and birth outcome. Placental gene expression and DNA methylation of angiogenic factors (VEGF, PlGF, FLT-1, KDR) in Indian women who underwent ART procedures (n = 64) and women who conceived naturally (Non-ART) (n = 93) was investigated using RT-qPCR and Epitect Methyl-II PCR assay kits. Maternal plasma one-carbon metabolites were assessed by CMIA technology. Gene expression of FLT-1 and KDR was higher (p < 0.05) in the ART placentae. Placental global DNA methylation levels were higher (p < 0.01) and DNA methylation levels of VEGF promoter were lower (p < 0.05) in ART compared to non-ART women. Maternal plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels were higher (p < 0.01) in the ART group. Gene expression of PlGF was negatively associated with maternal plasma folate (p < 0.05) whereas KDR was positively associated with maternal plasma homocysteine (p < 0.05). Gene expression of KDR was positively associated with chest circumference of the baby (p < 0.05). Hypomethylation of VEGF and increased expression of FLT-1 and KDR was observed in the placentae of women who underwent ART procedure.

Long-term Outcomes Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in Diabetic Patients: A Multicenter Real-world Study by Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the mid-to-long-term outcomes of diabetic obese Indian patients who underwent metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS). Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted across 11 centers. Data on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life (QoL) were collected from medical records before surgery and up to 10 years afterward. Results: In this study, data from 886 individuals with a mean age of 47.02 ± 10.77 years were collected and analyzed. The study population comprised 36.23% of males and 63.77% of females with a mean BMI of 46.35 ± 10.74 kg/m2. The mean HbA1c levels for the overall study population improved significantly (P &lt; 0.05) after 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years of MBS. Additionally, among surgery-specific groups, the one-anastomosis gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) subgroups all showed a significant improvement in mean HbA1c levels for a period of up to 7 years. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12 levels improved significantly after 1 year and 3 years in the overall population as well as in RYGB and SG subgroups. There was a significant improvement in the mean BMI for both the overall population and surgery-specific subgroups at all periods. The mean QoL score ranged between good and very good categories at different time points following MBS. Conclusions: MBS significantly and persistently improved the HbA1c, FBG, BMI, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, and QoL scores of people with diabetes and obesity.

Case report: Vitamin B12 deficiency-associated hemolytic anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly known to cause hematological, neurological, and gastrointestinal disturbances including anemia, pancytopenia, sub-acute combined degeneration, and glossitis, among others. Hemolytic anemia is a rare but possible presentation of vitamin B12 deficiency. We present a case series of three elderly females with different past medical histories but with similar presentations of severe anemia. Initial investigation revealed pancytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Further evaluation indicated vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequently, pernicious anemia, as confirmed by low serum vitamin B12 levels and positive intrinsic cell antibody respectively. These findings directed the diagnosis toward vitamin B12 deficiency-induced hemolytic anemia, a rare clinical entity. All three patients responded to treatment with intramuscular vitamin B12 injections, showing significant improvement in their pancytopenia and hemolytic anemia. This case series highlight the importance of considering vitamin B12 deficiency as a potential cause of hemolytic anemia in patients presenting with pancytopenia and ineffective hematopoiesis. Further research is necessary to illuminate the therapeutic implications of this rare condition.

Efficacy of vitamin/mineral supplement on children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder

Objectives The management of language deficits and therapeutic efficacy of micronutrients supplementation in improving presentations in Down syndrome (DS) and autistic children are very challenging. The aim of this open-label study is to explore the effect of micronutrients supplementation together with language stimulating environment on language abilities, the severity of autism spectrum spectrum (ASD) presentations, and on serum levels of some micronutrients and serotonin in these children. Methods DS and autistic children (N = 57) who presented with intellectual disability and developmental language delay were subjected to assessment of the language abilities, severity of autism in ASD participants, in addition to measuring of serum levels of iron, magnesium, B6, B12, and serotonin level by ELISA before and after 16 wk of an oral once-per-day dietary supplementation, together with a home-based language stimulation. The supplement included vitamins (B complex, E, C), trace minerals (Iron, magnesium, zinc), and other nutrients. Results All the participants showed improved language abilities (p = 0.01). Autistic children showed reduced autism severity (p = 0.005). Increased levels of iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, and serotonin in the serum after supplementation have been observed (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions This research provides further support for the benefits of dietary supplementation with home-based language stimulation for DS and autistic children.

Biochemical Characteristics of Urine Metabolomics in Female Giant Pandas at Different Estrous Stages.

The composition of urinary metabolites can reflect the physiological state of animals. Investigating the alterations in urine metabolomics during the estrus stage can provide valuable insights for enhancing the efficacy of estrus monitoring. This study aimed to perform an analysis of urinary metabolomics in female giant pandas, specifically examining the variations in specific metabolites across different estrous stages, namely, diestrus, proestrus, estrus, and metestrus. A total of 1234 metabolites were identified in positive ion mode from 76 samples of 19 individuals, with 643 metabolites identified in negative ion mode. The content of urine metabolites exhibited significant variation throughout different stages of estrus. During the peak of estrus, the metabolic pathways primarily enriched by significantly differential metabolites were the AMPK signaling pathway, vitamin digestion and absorption, galactose metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism, as well as taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. By comparing the content of specific metabolites in distinct pathways across the four distinct estrous stages, higher levels of acetylcholine, D-fructose1,6-bisphosphate, L-homocystine, dulcitol, inositol, and S-sulfo-L-cysteine and lower levels of phosphoethanolamine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and maleic acid were detected at estrus. This study offers a novel comparative analysis of urine metabolomics across different estrus stages in female giant pandas, identifying several potential perspectives for estrus monitoring and contributing to the breeding management of captive giant panda populations.

Enhanced Vitamin B12 Detection Using a CxNixOyFeyOx+3 Bimetal-Organic Framework: A Comprehensive Electrochemical Study

The functions of neurons and blood cells are aided by vitamin B12. Serum vitamin B12 levels are picomolar, and their deficiencies may be remedied using vitamin B12 tablets. Consequently, sensitive and selective vitamin B12 detectors that can be used at the point-of-care for food, pharmaceutical, and biological samples are urgently needed. In this study, we present the synthesis and carbonization of a Ni- and Fe-based bimetallic organic framework for the electrochemical sensing of vitamin B12. The crystalline nature and functional groups of the material were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the oxidation states within the framework were determined using X-ray photoelectron analysis. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform spherical morphology with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 10 nm. Electrochemical analysis was performed to detect vitamin B12 by cyclic voltammetry (CV) on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with CxNixOyFeyOx+3. CV analysis revealed that the fabricated electrode exhibits excellent redox peaks at approximately 0.0245 and -0.514 V with a low detection limit of 49 nM for vitamin B12 and a wide linear detection range up to 200 µM. Interference studies confirmed the selectivity of the sensor with minimal impact from common biomolecules and inorganic ions. The sensor demonstrated excellent repeatability (RDS = 3.5%), reproducibility, and long-term stability, retaining 94% of its initial current response for over 20 d. The real sample analysis of commercial vitamin B complex tablets demonstrated a recovery rate of 98.59%, highlighting the practical applicability of the sensor in pharmaceutical analysis.

The impact of folic acid/VB12 deficiency on essential hypertension in children and adolescents: from a nested case-control and a cohort study.

To explore the relationship between serum folic acid (FA) or Vitamin B12 (VB12) and elevated BP in children and adolescents. Both a nested case control and a cohort study were designed to explore the relationship between serum folic acid (FA) or Vitamin B12 (VB12) and elevated blood pressure (BP). All the included participants were from primary school. A total of 326 subjects (116:210) in nested case control were from an established cohort. And 270 participants without hypertension at baseline and followed in 2019 in cohort. FA and VB12 levels were lower in the elevated BP group than in the control group, and homocysteine level was higher than that in the control group. In the elevated BP group, overweight/obese children had lower FA than overweight/obese children in the normal BP group. FA was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and Apo lipoprotein A (APOA), but negatively correlated with triglyceride (TG). FA was significantly correlated with elevated BP in children and adolescents (β = -0.353, P = 0.032), after adjusting VB12, and homocysteine (HCY), and the interaction effect of FA*HCY was significant. Both systolic and diastolic BP levels were statistically lower in the FA high exposure group than in the FA low exposure group in the cohort study. This study found that FA and vitamin B12 deficiency in childhood was correlated with elevated BP levels, which may affect BP by regulating lipid levels, and confirmed the importance of maintaining high levels of FA and vitamin B12 in childhood either by diet or supplementation.

Comparison of single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index and cognitive performance in vitamin B12-deficient young adults: An analytical cross-sectional study.

Vitamin B12 is an essential micronutrient, aids in synthesis of neurotransmitters, and vital for cognitive function. In the current younger population with more of electronic gadgets and scientific world seems to slow down critical thinking and impairs the trick of comprehensive subjective learning. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to insulin-resistant state and future cardiovascular risk. This study compared single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index, cognitive performance, and CVS risk in vitamin B12-adequate and -deficient young adults. Study participants were 60 young female participants, 18 to 35 years with the inclusion criteria of BMI more than 22.9 and waist circumference >85 cm. Anthropometric variables were measured. Lipid profile analytes were analyzed in an integrated Beckman Coulter AU series autoanalyzer. Based on SPISE index categorized as insulin resistant Group A <5.82 and non-insulin resistant Group B ≥5.82. Cognitive function was assessed based on Mini-Mental State Examination screening tool. Analytical cross-sectional study. Individuals with low vitamin B12 levels had a low SPISE index of less than 5.82 and low HDL-C levels, which indicates abnormal lipidemia and reduced insulin sensitivity. Mini-Mental State Examination was low in B12-deficient. B12 revealed positive correlation with MMSE, SPISE Index, and HDLc, whereas negative correlation with TGL and TGL/HDLc ratio. Individuals with low vitamin B12 levels express low SPISE index, and low performance on MMSE confirms risk of impairment of cognitive function and cardiovascular risk.

Evaluation of Vitamin B12 deficiency Anemia in Geriatric Patients

Objective: In our study, we aimed to evaluate vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, macrocytosis rate and vitamin B12 values in patients over 65 years of age and compare them with those under 65 years of age groups. Method: Retrospectively, A total of 8062 patients, 1213 over the age of 65 and 6849 under the age of 65, admitted between March 2019 and March 2024 were included in the study. The patients' hemoglobin, hematocrit, Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), White blood cell (WBC), Red cell distribution width (RDW), Platelet (PLT) values and vitamin B12 levels were examined. Patients were divided into two groups as age of 65 and over ( geriatrics) and age below 65 (young-adults), and each group were divided into two groups in terms of anemia. Groups and subgropus were compared with each other. Results: While the ratio of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in geriatrics was 20.2%, in young-adults it was 8.3%. No difference was observed in vitamin B12 levels in terms of gender in both age groups significantly. With the roc analyses the cut-off value for vitamin B12 causing anemia in elderly patients was 327 pg/mL (AUC: 0.602, p≤0.001) with a sensitivity of 94.3% and specificity of 34.2%. Conclusion: The fact that vitamin B12 levels that cause anemia in elderly patients are higher than in young-adult patients made us think that the usual limit values may need to be reconsiderated in geriatric population