Vitamin B12 Research Articles

Association of Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) With Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12.

Transient global amnesia (TGA), which is described as short-term amnesia, may be influenced by some dietary components involved in brain function. The aim of the present study was to assess the connection between TGA and dietary intake of vitamin B12. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 258 people with TGA and 520 people without TGA in Sabzevar, Iran. All participants were screened for TGA (ICD-10 code: G45.4). A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was utilized to estimate the dietary intake of vitamin B12. Different models of logistic regression were used to determine the association between TGA and dietary intake of vitamin B12 after adjusting the confounders. There was an inverse association between the risk of TGA and the intake of vitamin B12 (OR = 0.94, CI 95%: 0.89-0.99, p= .02, effect size: -0.04). The result did not change after adjustment for age, gender, education, job, and marital status (OR = 0.93, CI 95%: 0.88-0.98, p= .01, effect size: -0.03). The result remained significant after additional adjustments for body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (OR = 0.94, CI 95%: 0.89-0.99, p= .03, effect size: -0.04), and after further adjustments for the underlying diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke (OR = 0.86, CI 95%: 0.81-0.92, p< .01, effect size: -0.10). Vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk of TGA and should be considered as a potential concern for people at risk for TGA. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and to discover the underlying mechanisms of the effects of vitamin B12 on TGA.

Expression and characterization of pantothenate energy-coupling factor transporters as an anti-infective drug target.

This study investigates the potential of energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters as promising anti-infective targets to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). ECF transporters, a subclass of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, facilitate the uptake of B-vitamins across bacterial membranes by utilizing ATP as an energy source. Vitamins are essential cofactors for bacterial metabolism and growth, and they can either be synthesized de novo or absorbed from the environment. These transporters are considered promising drug targets, underscoring the need for further research to harness their medicinal potential and develop selective inhibitors that block vitamin uptake in bacteria. Herein, we focused on the ECF transporter for pantothenate (vitamin B5) from Streptococcus pneumoniae and the ECF transporter for folate (vitamin B9) from Lactobacillus delbrueckii as a reference protein. We also included the energizing module for pantothenate along with both full transporter complexes. Initially, we transformed and purified the transporters, followed by an assessment of their thermal stability under various buffer composition, pH, and salt concentrations. Additionally, we monitored the melting temperature over six days to confirm their stability for further assays. We then measured the binding affinities of six ECF inhibitors using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and evaluated their inhibitory effects through in vitro assays, including bacterial growth assay, whole-cell uptake, and transport-activity assays. After determining cytotoxicity in two human cell lines, we established an in vivo infection model using Galleria mellonella larvae to further validate our findings.

Methylmalonic acid induces metabolic abnormalities and exhaustion in CD8+ T cells to suppress anti-tumor immunity.

Systemic levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA), a byproduct of propionate metabolism, increase with age and MMA promotes tumor progression via its direct effects in tumor cells. However, the role of MMA in modulating the tumor ecosystem remains to be investigated. The proliferation and function of CD8+ T cells, key anti-tumor immune cells, declines with age and in conditions of vitamin B12 deficiency, which are the two most well-established conditions that lead to increased systemic levels of MMA. Thus, we hypothesized that increased circulatory levels of MMA would lead to a suppression of CD8+ T cell immunity. Treatment of primary CD8+ T cells with MMA induced a dysfunctional phenotype characterized by robust immunosuppressive transcriptional reprogramming and marked increases in the expression of the exhaustion regulator, TOX. Accordingly, MMA treatment upregulated exhaustion markers in CD8+ T cells and decreased their effector functions, which drove the suppression of anti-tumor immunity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MMA-induced CD8+ T cell exhaustion was associated with a suppression of NADH-regenerating reactions in the TCA cycle and concomitant defects in mitochondrial function. Thus, MMA has immunomodulatory roles, thereby highlighting MMA as an important link between aging, immune dysfunction, and cancer.

Serum Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate and 4-Pyridoxic Acid Ratio Index with Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Studies on the association between serum vitamin B6 status and colorectal cancer prognosis are limited and have yielded inconsistent results. This study investigated the association of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) and 4-pyridoxic acid ratio (PAr) index with colorectal cancer survival. Methods: A total of 1286 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed since 2010 were selected from the Guangdong Colorectal Cancer Cohort study. Serum levels of PLP, pyridoxal, and 4-pyridoxic acid were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The study followed overall mortality and colorectal cancer-specific mortality until December 2023. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Restricted cubic spline and stratified analysis were performed. Results: During a median follow-up of 77.36 months, 331 deaths were recorded, with 293 specifically attributed to colorectal cancer. Higher PLP levels were associated with a longer overall survival (HRQ4 vs. Q1, 0.63; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.87; p for trend = 0.008) and colorectal cancer-specific survival (HRS, 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.87; p for trend = 0.006). Non-linear associations were observed between serum PLP and overall and colorectal cancer-specific survival (p for non-linear &lt; 0.05). However, PAr was not significantly associated with either overall survival (HRQ4 vs. Q1, 1.03; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.41) or colorectal cancer-specific survival (HRQ4 vs. Q1, 1.01; 95% CI: 0.72, 1.42). The association between serum PLP and both overall survival and colorectal cancer-specific survival (p for interaction &lt; 0.05) varied by alcohol drinking status. Conclusions: Higher serum PLP levels, but not PAr, may be associated with improved overall and colorectal cancer-specific survival.

In vitro validation of colon delivery of vitamin B2 through a food grade multi-unit particle system.

Colon target delivery of active ingredients is frequently applied in pharmaceutical products. However, in functional food and beverage applications, dietary supplements, and medical nutrition, formats targeting colonic delivery to improve human health are rare. Nevertheless, there is emerging evidence for beneficial effects of colonic delivered nutrients on gut microbiota and host health which increases the demand for sustainable food grade materials that are regulatory approved for application. In this paper, we describe a double layer coated multi-unit particle system (MUPS) with a diameter of approximately 730 microns consisting of food grade materials: shellac as outer layer, alginate as inner layer, cellulose as a core and riboflavin as active ingredient. The suitability of the MUPS for colonic delivery was tested in three well-established in vitro digestion and fermentation models: the USP Apparatus 3 and the TNO Intestinal Models 1 and 2 (TIM-1 and TIM-2). All systems confirmed the integrity of the MUPS under simulated upper gastrointestinal tract conditions with approximately 90% of the active ingredient being released under simulated ileal-colonic conditions. The TIM-2 model also showed the effects of riboflavin loaded MUPS on the microbiome composition with an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids, acetate and butyrate. The results of these experiments provide a reliable basis for validation of this vitamin-loaded food grade MUPS in future human clinical trials. In addition, following the recent announcement of the European Commission to restrict intentionally added microplastics to products, the materials used in the described formulation offer an environmentally friendly alternative to often applied methyl acrylate based coatings.

Hypertension and global DNA methylation: a population-based study in rural, Punjab, India

Hypertension is a significant public health concern and a modifiable risk factor for increased mortality worldwide. It is reported to be influenced by gene-environment interactions and micronutrient intake. This study aims to understand the relationship between global DNA methylation levels and hypertension, independently and in the context of micronutrient status, among rural population in Punjab, India. A total of 2300 individuals, aged 30–75 years, (54.9% females) were screened for blood pressure. Of 2300 screened individuals, 900 (age sex matched 450 cases and 450 controls of hypertension) individuals were selected to examine the relationship between hypertension, global DNA methylation (5mC), and biochemicals (Folate, Vitamin B12, and Homocysteine). Folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine levels were estimated using chemiluminescence technique. The ELISA-based colorimetric technique was used for performing peripheral blood leucocyte (PBL) global DNA methylation (5mC). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0. Hypertensives were found to have significantly lower levels of global DNA methylation than normotensives (0.65 vs. 0.72 respectively; p-value = 0.01*). Individuals in the 1st quartile of 5mC were at significantly (OR: 1.671; 95% CI: 1.206–2.315; p-value = 0.01*) increased risk for hypertension in comparison to those in the 4th quartile (reference). Further hypertensives on medication with controlled blood pressure (BP) were significantly hypermethylated as compared to hypertensives on medication with uncontrolled BP (0.70 vs. 0.62 respectively; p-value = 0.04*). Folate appeared to mediate global DNA methylation among hypertensives on medication-controlled BP. Further hypertension driven hypomethylation hints towards accelerated biological aging among younger hypertensives. Hypertension may be associated with Global DNA hypomethylation in the studied rural population of Punjab, India. Folate sufficiency may prove to be an aid in improving the methylation levels among the cases of hypertension who were on medication and had controlled BP.

Clinical characteristics of megaloblastic anemia with pancytopenia

ABSTRACT Objectives In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of patients with megaloblastic anemia and pancytopenia. Methods Data on patient characteristics, laboratory examinations, clinical manifestations, and associated diseases were collected from Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The participants were divided into two groups according to routine blood test results: megaloblastic anemia patients with pancytopenia (Group A) and megaloblastic anemia patients with simple anemia (Group B). Results The number of patients with fever and bleeding in Group A was much higher than that in Group B. Inpatient days and hospitalization costs in Group A were higher than those in Group B. White blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin level, and platelet count in Group A were lower than those in Group B. There were no significant differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), albumin (ALB), vitamin B12, folic acid, and ferritin between the two groups. The incidence of associated diseases, particularly pulmonary infections, was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B. There was no significant difference in the degree of bone marrow hyperplasia between the two groups. Conclusion Patients with pancytopenia and megaloblastic anemia often developed infection and bleeding, which caused more severe anemia, higher hospitalization costs, and longer inpatient days. Early diagnosis and active treatment are required to reduce patient complications and costs.

Thiamine-Responsive Megaloblastic Anemia (TRMA) Syndrome mimicking myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS)

Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome (TRMA) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with a homozygous or compound-heterozygous mutation in the SLC19A2 gene characterized by megaloblastic anemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), and sensorineural hearing-loss with onset in childhood. Folic acid and vitamin B12 in serum are normal with dysplastic erythropoiesis in the bone marrow often mimicking myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDN) as a potential differential diagnosis. Thiamine substitution leads to normalization of anemia, without effects on hearing-loss or DM. We report about a 38-year-old male patient, presented with a 12-year history of anemia, insulin dependent DM, optic neuropathy and a cataract since early childhood. The laboratory showed megaloblastic anemia. Other values were normal. The bone marrow smear showed dysplastic erythropoiesis with megaloblastic changes, and normal findings in cytogenetic and molecular genetic examinations. Next-generation sequencing based diagnostics revealed a heterozygous missense variant in the SLC19A2 gene on the maternal allele and a 3.4 Mb inversion in the chromosomal region 1q24.2 with breaking points in FAM78B and SLC19A2 on the paternal allele. Treatment with oral thiamine 100 mg daily was initiated, and 12 weeks later Hb levels and bone marrow morphology had normalized. Late-onset TRMA should be considered in adult patients with indicative comorbidities and a typical phenotype, which may mimic features of MDS.

Do shift-working nurses’ work-life quality relate to their physical health and diet quality?

Abstract Background Shift work negatively affects work-related quality of life and this situation causes significant labour force losses and decreased productivity in the society, especially health problems in nurses. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between work-related quality of life, physical health level and nutritional behaviours of nurses working in shifts. Methods This descriptive and relationship-seeking study was conducted with 312 nurses selected by quota sampling in Istanbul. Data were collected between December 2022 to July 2023 using the The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL), Physical Health Questionnaire and Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests were conducted on IBM SPSS 25.0. BeBIS 7.1 software were used for calculation diet index. Results Compassion Satisfaction (CS), Burnout (B) and Compassion Fatigue (CF) scores of nurses was examined, a relationship was found between CS score and B score (r=-0.39 p &amp;lt; 0.05) and between B score and CF score (r = 0.58 p &amp;lt; 0.05). CS score correlated with Cardiovascular Risk Level score (r=-0.15 p &amp;lt; 0.05) and diet index score (r = 0.15 p &amp;lt; 0.05). B score correlated with Gastrointestinal Risk Level score (r = 0.27 p &amp;lt; 0.05) and Cardiovascular Risk Level score (r = 0.38 p &amp;lt; 0.05). There was a correlation between the score of CF and Gastrointestinal Risk Level score (r = 0.25 p &amp;lt; 0.05) and Cardiovascular Risk Level score (r = 0.31 p &amp;lt; 0.05). Daily energy, fibre, vitamin B1 and C, folate, calcium and magnesium intakes of nurses were lower than the recommended. Conclusions Research results support that the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems have a direct relationship with stress and emotional states. In the policies to be developed within the scope of occupational health nursing practices, it is recommended to carry out studies to improve the physical health and nutritional behaviours of nurses in order to improve their work-related quality of life. Key messages • Nurses are a risky occupational group in terms of burnout. Protection studies should be prioritised to prevent burnout. • Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system complaints of nurses should be paid special attention during recruitment and periodic examinations.

Contaminant Exposure Profiles Demonstrate Similar Physiological Effects Across Environments Despite Unique Profile Composition in Formosa, Argentina, and Connecticut, USA.

Exposure to environmental contaminants is globally universal. However, communities vary in the specific combination of contaminants to which they are exposed, potentially contributing to variation in human health and creating "locally situated biologies." We investigated how environmental exposures differ across environments by comparing exposure profiles between two contexts that differ markedly across political, economic, and sociocultural factors-Namqom, Formosa, Argentina, and New Haven, Connecticut, United States. We collected infant urine, maternal urine, and human milk samples from mother-infant dyads in Formosa (n = 13) and New Haven (n = 21). We used untargeted liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to annotate environmental contaminants and endogenous metabolites in these samples, and we analyzed the data using exposome-wide association studies (EWAS) followed by pathway enrichment. We found statistically significant differences between the chemical exposure profiles of the Argentinian and US mothers, mostly involving pesticides; however, we observed similarities in the infant urine and human milk environmental contaminant profiles, suggesting that the maternal body may buffer infant exposure through human milk. We also found that infants and mothers were exposed to contaminants that were associated with alterations in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Infants additionally showed alterations in vitamin metabolism, including vitamins B1, B3, and B6. Differences in chemical exposure profiles may be related to structural factors. Despite variation in the composition of exposure profiles between the two study sites, environmental contaminant exposure was associated with similar patterns in human physiology when we considered contaminants comprehensively rather than individually, with implications for metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk as well as infant cognitive development.

Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Libyan Type 2 Diabetic Patients Treated with Metformin

Metformin is the most-used drug in type 2 diabetes mellitus management and its long-term use may consequent to vitamin B12 deficiency. The lack of studies from Libya investigating the risk of association between these two presents a gap in our understanding of this issue. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin treated diabetic patients and non-metformin treated patients and its correlation with diabetic duration and gender. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that T2DM patients treated with metformin exhibit a decrease in vitamin B12 levels and are considered at risk for developing B12 deficiency depending on the diabetic duration and metformin use. A total of 81 samples of metformin treated diabetic patients (N=58) and non-metformin diabetic treated patients (N=23) were collected and underwent assessment of F.B.S, HbA1c and B12 level. The total mean age was 46.4± 8.27 (47.25± 9.22 for males and 45.55± 7.32 for males respectively). Total mean and standard deviation of blood glucose level was 173.93± 29.87 mg/dl (158.25± 27.35 and 184.18± 27.06 for males and females, respectively). Total mean and standard deviation HbA1c level was 6.81± 1.98% (5.94± 1.31 and 7.37± 2.14 for males and females, respectively). Total mean and standard deviation of vitamin B12 level was 435.53± 251.31 (575.62± 250.21 and 342.76± 205.91 for males and females, respectively). Our study indicated that the shortage of vitamin B12 was generally found in our population, insufficient vitamin B12 level was frequently reported in metformin administration to patients with T2DM and could progress into deficiency. Further larger studies are required to assess vitamin B12 level in those patients.

Candida tropicalis-derived vitamin B3 exerts protective effects against intestinal inflammation by promoting IL-17A/IL-22-dependent epithelial barrier function

ABSTRACT Candida tropicalis-a prevalent gut commensal fungus in healthy individuals – contributes to intestinal health and disease. However, how commensal C. tropicalis influences intestinal homeostasis and barrier function is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that the reference strain of C. tropicalis (MYA-3404) ameliorated intestinal inflammation in murine models of chemically induced colitis and bacterial infection. Intestinal colonization of C. tropicalis robustly upregulated the expression of IL-17A and IL-22 to increase barrier function and promote proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells in the mouse colon. Metabolomics analysis of fecal samples from mice colonized with C. tropicalis revealed alterations in vitamin B3 metabolism, promoting conversion of nicotinamide to nicotinic acid. Although nicotinamide worsened colitis, treatment with nicotinic acid alleviated disease symptoms and enhanced epithelial proliferation and Th17 cell differentiation. Oral gavage of C. tropicalis mitigated nicotinamide-induced intestinal dysfunction in experimental colitis. Blockade of nicotinic acid production with nicotinamidase inhibitors lowered the protective effects against colitis in mice treated with C. tropicalis. Notably, a clinical C. tropicalis strain isolated from patients with candidemia lacked the protective effects against murine colitis observed with the reference strain. Together, our results highlight a novel role for C. tropicalis in resolving intestinal inflammation through the modulation of vitamin B3 metabolism.

Contribution of haptoglobin phenotypic variation to the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia in type 2 diabetics with and without angiopathy.

The genetic polymorphism of haptoglobin (Hp) has been associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, but a possible relationship between Hp phenotypic variation and increased levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cy) is still unknown. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the Hp polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and hypercysteinemia (HCy) in type 2 diabetics (T2D) with and without angiopathy (AGP). A case-control study was carried out on 293 adults: Group I (GI) - 75 subjects with T2D and AGP; Group II (GII) - 75 subjects with T2D without AGP; Group III (GIII) - 143 controls. Plasma levels of Hcy, Cy and vitamin B6 were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and vitamins B9 and B12 determined by electrochemiluminescence (ECL). The Hp polymorphism was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and peroxidase staining. The results were analyzed in SPSS®, version 26.0 with a significance of 95%. Mean Hcy concentrations were significantly lower in carriers of the Hp2-2 phenotype (6.14 µM; p = 0.046) compared to the other genotypes. The presence of Hp2-1 is associated with an approximately 3.3 times greater probability of occurrence of HHcy (p = 0.015) and 3.7 times greater probability occurrence of HCy (p = 0.021) in T2D with AGP. The presence of the Hp2-1 phenotype is associated with the predisposition of HHcy and HCy in individuals with T2D and AGP, possibly through a positive heterosis mechanism. Carriers of the Hp2-2 phenotype appear to have a greater activation of the transsulfuration pathway in the Hcy cycle and consequent protection for its accumulation.

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. Methods: 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, 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 and age below 65, 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 patients over 65 years of age was 20.2%, the ratio of anemia in patients under 65 years of age was 8.3%. It was observed that there was no significant difference in vitamin B12 levels in terms of gender in both age groups. With the roc analyses the cut-off value for vitamin B12 causing anemia in patients over 65 years of age 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

NonImmune hemolytic anemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency-A case report.

This case report emphasizes the crucial need to include vitamin B12 deficiency in the differential diagnosis of hemolytic anemia, despite its rarity as a presentation. The case illustrates that non-immune hemolytic anemia can occur secondary to severe vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be effectively treated with vitamin B12 supplementation. Early recognition and comprehensive evaluation are essential for identifying this uncommon yet significant cause of hemolysis, ensuring prompt and appropriate treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Mining and analysis of regulatory loci for VB6 content in rice grains

Vitamin B6 (VB6), as an essential component involved in numerous biological activities of animals and plants, reflects the nutritional quality of cereal crops such as rice. Few studies have been conducted to mine the genes controlling the VB6 content in rice grains, and the available studies remain to be deepened. In this study, the recombinant inbred lines created from parents 'HZ' and 'Nekken2' served as the experimental materials. Based on QTL mapping, the initial screening identified ten candidate genes. The expression levels of LOC_Os01g52450, LOC_Os01g52500, LOC_Os05g09500, LOC_Os05g09440, LOC_Os05g20570, and LOC_Os05g36270 showed significant differences between the parents. According to the gene expression and parental VB6 content, we hypothesized LOC_Os05g09500 as the key gene affecting the VB6 content in rice grains, and the high expression of this gene significantly influenced the VB6 content. The results of this study fill a gap in the QTL mapping on the VB6 content of rice grains and provide theoretical support for elucidating the molecular genetic mechanisms and cloning the related genes of VB6 synthesis in rice. In addition, the findings have significant implications for identifying, screening, and breeding new rice cultivars with high VB6 content.

Probing the Molecular Interactions of Electrochemically Reduced Vitamin B2 with CO2.

The electrochemical reduction of riboflavin (vitamin B2) in a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent was examined under a CO2 atmosphere and compared with results under an argon atmosphere. Variable-scan-rate cyclic voltammetry combined with controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) and analysis by UV-vis and EPR spectroscopies provided insights into the nature of interactions of reduced flavins with dissolved CO2. Reductive exhaustive CPE experiments under CO2 indicated an overall two-electron stoichiometry, compared to one-electron reduction under an argon atmosphere, due to the lowering of the formal one-electron reduction potential of the flavin radical anion to form the dianion, which can be rationalized by riboflavin-CO2 molecular interactions. UV-vis spectroscopic measurements confirmed complete chemical reversibility of the redox transformations over extended time scales. Digital simulation modeling of the voltammetric data enabled extraction of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for the proposed mechanism, comprising multiple proton-coupled electron transfer steps, diamagnetic anions, radical anions, and neutral radical intermediates enroute to the fully reduced state, as well as evidence of a long-lived solution phase complex of the reduced riboflavin with CO2.

Thermodynamic study of pyridoxine in different solvents and temperatures: DFT study

The equivalent conductivities (Λ) of B6 vitamin (pyridoxine) in HշՕ and MeOH were measured at different temperatures between 293 to 313 K, as well as in mixtures of H₂O and MeOH at percentages of 10, 20, 30, 40, and, 50% MeOH at 310 K. All the practical results were mathematically processed using the Lee Wheaton equation, which is applied to the derived conductivity of electrolytes with a similar composition (1:1). This equation calculates various conductivity components, including the equivalent conductance at infinite dilution (Λₒ), the ionic conductivity, the distance between ions (R), and also the constant of ionic aggregation (Ka) at best-fit values of (ϬΛ). The values of these parameters differed from one solvent to another depending on the molecular interactions in the solution and the physical properties of the solvents, such as viscosity and dielectric constant. Finally, thermodynamic quantities for the ion association reaction (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) were also studied. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP/6-31G (d,p)) were employed to analyze vitamin B6 in the gas phase and diverse solvents. Three different continuum methods, namely AM1, PM3, and HF, were utilized, followed by DFT. The final method was utilized to explore the effects on its characteristics. KEY WORDS: Electrical conductivity, Lee-Wheaton equation, Theoretical chemistry, DFT. Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(1), 165-176. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i1.14

Probiotics and Other Supplements for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social interaction challenges, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. While ASD lacks a cure, there is a growing interest in supplements, notably probiotics, for potential benefits. Probiotics are live microorganisms with health potential due to their role in the gut microbiome. Gut-brain axis is a bi-directional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the brain. Objective: This comprehensive review systematically searched scientific databases up to September 2023 to examine the use of supplements, particularly probiotics, in individuals with ASD. The review focused on addressing gut-related issues and improving behavior, speech, and overall well-being. Methods: A systematic search across databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane library was conducted using keywords like "probiotics," "supplements," "ASD," "gut dysbiosis," and "therapeutic interventions." Studies meeting inclusion criteria, including clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports, were considered. Results: Several studies suggest that probiotics may improve behavior, brain activity, and eye contact in individuals with ASD by addressing gut dysbiosis. Lactobacillus reuteri and specific Bifidobacterium strains are recommended probiotics, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy. This review also explores supplements like Vitamin B6, magnesium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which show potential in supporting speech and overall well-being in individuals with ASD. However, they are not a cure and should be used under professional guidance. The article also discusses supplements for adults with ASD, underlining the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before use and the necessity for further research to determine effectiveness and optimal dosages. Conclusion: Probiotics and supplements offer potential benefits for individuals with ASD, but they should be seen as complementary therapies rather than cures. A holistic approach, including medical supervision, therapy, and dietary considerations, is crucial for addressing the complex needs of individuals with ASD. Further research is necessary to uncover the precise mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these supplements in enhancing the lives of those with ASD. Categories: Neurology, Gastroenterology, Nutrition

Micronutrients, Vitamin D, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Causal Inference Studies.

Experimental and observational studies suggest that circulating micronutrients, including vitamin D (VD), may increase COVID-19 risk and its associated outcomes. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies provide valuable insight into the causal relationship between an exposure and disease outcomes. The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of causal inference studies that apply MR approaches to assess the role of these micronutrients, particularly VD, in COVID-19 risk, infection severity, and related inflammatory markers. Searches (up to July 2023) were conducted in 4 databases. The quality of the studies was evaluated based on the MR-STROBE guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted where possible. There were 28 studies (2 overlapped) including 12 on micronutrients (8 on VD) and COVID-19, 4 on micronutrients (all on VD) and inflammation, and 12 on inflammatory markers and COVID-19. Some of these studies reported significant causal associations between VD or other micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium) and COVID-19 outcomes. Associations in terms of causality were also nonsignificant with regard to inflammation-related markers, except for VD levels below 25 nmol/L and C-reactive protein (CRP). Some studies reported causal associations between cytokines, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and other inflammatory markers and COVID-19. Pooled MR estimates showed that VD was not significantly associated with COVID-19 outcomes, whereas ACE2 increased COVID-19 risk (MR odds ratio = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.19) but did not affect hospitalization or severity of the disease. The methodological quality of the studies was high in 13 studies, despite the majority (n = 24) utilizing 2-sample MR and evaluated pleiotropy. MR studies exhibited diversity in their approaches but do not support a causal link between VD/micronutrients and COVID-19 outcomes. Whether inflammation mediates the VD-COVID-19 relationship remains uncertain, and highlights the need to address this aspect in future MR studies exploring micronutrient associations with COVID-19 outcomes. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022328224.