Vitamin B12 Research Articles

Strategy for Optimizing Vitamin B12 Production in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 Using Metabolic Modeling.

Background/Objectives: Vitamin B12 is very important for human health, as it is a cofactor for enzymatic activities and plays various roles in human physiology. It is highly valued in the pharmaceutical, food, and additive production industries. Some of the bacteria currently used for the vitamin production are difficult to modify with gene-editing tools and may have slow growth. We propose the use of the bacteria Pseudomonas putida KT2440 for the production of vitamin B12 because it has a robust chassis for genetic modifications. The present wok evaluates P. putida KT2440 as a host for vitamin B12 production and explore potential gene-editing optimization strategies. Methods: We curated and modified a genome-scale metabolic model of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and evaluated different strategies to optimize vitamin B12 production using the knockin and OptGene algorithms from the COBRA Toolbox. Furthermore, we examined the presence of riboswitches as cis-regulatory elements and calculated theoretical biomass growth yields and vitamin B12 production using a flux balance analysis (FBA). Results: According to the flux balance analysis of P. putida KT2440 under culture conditions, the biomass production values could reach 1.802 gDW-1·h1·L-1, and vitamin B12 production could reach 0.359 µmol·gDW-1·h-1·L-1. The theoretical vitamin B12 synthesis rate calculated using P. putida KT2040 with two additional reactions was 14 times higher than that calculated using the control, Pseudomonas denitrificans, which has been used for the industrial production of this vitamin. Conclusions: We propose that, with the addition of aminopropanol linker genes and the modification of riboswitches, P. putida KT2440 may become a suitable host for the industrial production of vitamin B12.

A Ten-year Nutrient Intake of an Elderly Cohort in South Africa

Food insecurity and malnutrition are often evident among the elderly population residing in low-income communities. This study is part of a broad collaborative investigation that recorded nutritional status, socio-demographic variables, and anthropometric indices from 2004 to 2014. The baseline was recorded for 2004, and a five-year follow-up was done for 2009, and 2014. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, over ten years, the dietary intake and nutritional status of elderly people in terms of anthropometric measurements at an elderly day care center, to determine if socio-demographic variables influence their diets, and if dietary intakes changed over the ten years. The study used a quantitative descriptive approach with a longitudinal cohort. This review only reflects the nutrient analysis of the diet amongst the cohort group (n=62). Measures included two 24-hour recalls assessing both the food and nutrient intake, as well as the dietary pattern of the cohort group. Results reflect many fluctuations in nutrient intake. Overall, participants consumed less energy, carbohydrates, and dietary fibre than dietary reference intakes (DRI), with protein intake above DRI during 2004 and 2009, but declining between 2009 and 2014. Micronutrient intake revealed calcium consistently below DRI, with variations in other nutrients over the years. Gender differences were significant for certain nutrients, with men generally consuming more niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin E as compared to women. Median nutrient intakes failed to meet average requirements, except for protein, carbohydrates, chromium, riboflavin, pantothenate and vitamin K. Only a few nutrients, such as niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin E reflected significant differences in values between the different genders. T-tests comparing nutrient averages between years found significant differences in fat intake between 2004 and 2009, and between 2009 and 2014, while protein differed significantly between 2009 and 2014. Other nutrients did not show significant differences across these periods, except for cholesterol and zinc between 2004 and 2014, and protein, fat, cholesterol, and zinc between 2009 and 2014. The collective picture reveals deficiencies, especially in key nutrients like zinc and iron, which fluctuated over a ten-year period. Analysis showed no significant difference in nutrient intake across the three periods, except for fat intake, which significantly differed between 2009 and 2014. Energy intake appeared to be higher from 2004 to 2009 but decreased notably by 2014. These findings underscore the importance of tailored dietary interventions to address nutrient deficiencies in aging populations, considering both individual needs and changing dietary patterns over time. Key words: Cohort, elderly, nutrient intake, food insecurity, dietary intake, care centre

Nutrients Composition of Acha Base Complementary Food Supplemented with Soybean and Sweet Potato Flour

Poor complementary food and feeding had been shown to increase the morbidity and mortality among under-five children in developing countries in which Nigeria is not exempted. This study aimed at evaluating the Nutrients Composition of Acha -Based complementary food supplemented with soybean and sweet potato flour. Raw materials used for the formulated of the complementary were purchased from Erekesan market in Akure Local Government Area of Ondo State. Five (5) samples were formulated in different ratios of Acha (100:70:60:50:40), Soyabean (20:25:30:35) and Orange flesh sweet potato (10:15:20:25). Samples were subjected to chemical and instrumental analysis in line with standard method. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA to test for the significant difference among means (P<0.05) using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 22). Finding shows that Moisture, crude fibre, and carbohydrate was significantly (p<0.05) higher in sample Awhile, Sample E was significantly (p<0.05) higher protein (18.42%) and fat (12.40%) compared to other formulated samples. The Moisture, crude fibre, and CHO was significantly (p<0.05) decreases with decreased in the quantity of Acha use in the formulation of the CFs while crude fat, Ash and protein increases with increase in the quantity of soybean incorporated in the formulations. Sample E is significantly (P<0.05) higher in vitamin B1, B3 and B9 compared with sample A. vitamin B1, B3 and B9 increases with increase in the quantity of soybean and OFSP. All the samples have appreciable amount of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium but, zinc and iron was low in the entire sample. Sample E was exceptional in all the minerals but significantly (p<0.05) lower in Zinc and iron. The mean sensory scores revealed that sample C was different in after taste, flavour, mouth feel, colour and overall acceptability. The mean scores increase with increase in the proportion of soybean and potato in the formulated complementary food samples in terms of all the sensory attributes tested. The scores showed that sample C had the highest acceptability by the panelists. The complementary foods had improved nutrients that can support optimal nutrition of undernourished children and other older people.

Healthy lifestyle choices: new insights into vitiligo management.

The treatment of vitiligo is complex, and providing guidance based on lifestyle habits is a good option that has not been summarized or analyzed. To elucidate the relationship between vitiligo and lifestyle factors. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and China National Knowledge Internet) were searched for articles published between 1980 and December 2022. Keywords such as smoking, drinking, exercise, diet, and sleep were used. Based on the search strategy, 875 relevant studies were retrieved, and 73 were included in this study, of which 41 studies with 8,542 patients with vitiligo were included in the meta-analysis. Vitamin C [mean difference (MD), -0.342; 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.090-0.407; p >0.05), folic acid (MD, -1.463; 95% CI, -7.133-4.208; p >0.05), and selenium (MD, 0.350; 95% CI, -0.687-1.387; p >0.05) levels did not differ between the groups. Vitamin E (MD, -1.408; 95% CI, -2.611--0.206; p <0.05), vitamin B12 (MD, -0.951; 95% CI, -1.672--0.275; p <0.05), copper (MD, -0.719; 95% CI, -1.185--0.252, p <0.005), and zinc (MD, -0.642; 95% CI, -0.731--0.554; p <0.001) levels were lower in the vitiligo group than in the control group. The serum iron level of the vitiligo group was significantly higher than that of the control group (MD, 1.181; 95% CI, 0.390-1.972; p <0.005). Finally, more participants in the vitiligo group smoked and drank alcohol than those in the control group. Most studies are from Eastern countries; thus, extrapolating these results to Western populations is questionable. The significant heterogeneity may be attributed to the different stages, types, duration, center settings, population registries, etc., which seriously impair the validity of the results. Patients with vitiligo should reduce smoking and alcohol consumption and take appropriate vitamin E, B12, copper, and zinc supplements. However, vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, iron, and folic acid supplements are unnecessary. Moreover, they should consider sun protection and avoid permanent hair dye use. Patients with vitiligo may experience sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunction, and these patients should seek help from a specialist if necessary. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023480757.

Validation of an App-based Food Frequency Questionnaire: Comparison With 24-hour Diet Recalls Among Women in two Rural Areas of Kenya

A new mobile application with a new semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was developed as a quick dietary assessment tool. This study aimed to test the validation of food and nutrient intake measurements from an app-based FFQ, which included 49 dishes and food items, using non-consecutive two-day 24-hour diet recalls as the standard. A total of 179 women aged 19–70 years (mean (SD) = 33.7 (9.9)) from two rural areas of Kenya, Vihiga and Kitui counties, were included. Dietary assessment by the two dietary survey methods was conducted from November to December 2021. The intake of macro- and micronutrients, and food groups between the two methods were compared by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, cross-classification agreement, and Bland-Altman plots for assessing the validation of the app-based FFQ. The median correlation coefficients between energy-adjusted intakes estimated by the app-based FFQ and the 24-h diet recall were 0.19 (0.10 (protein)–0.26 (fat)) for macronutrients, 0.24 (0.11 (sodium)–0.46 (vitamin B12)) for micronutrients, and 0.26 (0.07 (seasonings)–0.45 (pulses)) for 17-food groups. The median percentage of classification into the same quartiles between the two methods was 31% for macronutrient, 32% for micronutrient and 39% for food group. While 9% for macronutrient, 8% for micronutrient and 10% for the food group were misclassified into the opposite categories. Bland-Altman Plots showed acceptable agreement for macronutrients intake between the two methods. The app-based FFQ was shown to be able to rank or categorize individuals according to their intake of most of the nutrients and food groups we examined. This dietary assessment tool can be used for quantitative dietary data collection. Further research is needed to improve the validation of the app-based FFQ, as it has been shown that intakes of staple foods and sugar are underestimated and others are overestimated, and that estimating intakes of some specific nutrients, such as protein, is challenging. Key words: Diet assessment, food frequency questionnaire, 24-hour diet recall, validation, Kenya

Micronutrient deficiencies and their co-occurrence among pregnant women in Mbeya region, Tanzania.

Micronutrient deficiencies, a global concern affecting vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, pose significant public health challenges. Specifically, micronutrient deficiencies in iron, vitamin A, iodine and folate have been of greatest public health concern among pregnant women. This study aimed to evaluate the co-occurrence of selected multiple micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care (ANC) in Mbeya, Tanzania. Employing a cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 420 pregnant women aged 15-49 years attending ANC in Mbeya Region. Semi-structured questionnaires captured socio-demographic data, and blood samples were collected for biomarkers assessment. The study used Stata 17.0 to analyze the data. Results revealed that six out of ten pregnant women exhibited at least one form of micronutrient deficiency, with 15.0% experiencing double deficiencies and 2.2% experiencing triple deficiencies. Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) was prevalent among 61.7% of anaemic pregnant women. Individual micronutrient deficiency rates were as follows: folate (21.7%), vitamin B12 (9.9%), iron (38.4%), vitamin A (9.8%), with a median Urinary Iodine Concentration (UIC) of 279.4μg/L. Pregnant women with anemia were more likely to have Multiple Micronutrient Deficiencies (MMD) compared to non-anemic counterparts (p-value <0.005). Additionally, those in the second trimester were at a higher risk of MMD than those in the first trimester (p-value <0.005). A higher wealth quantile appeared to protect against MMD (p-value <0.005). The study highlights the co-occurrence of MMD among pregnant women in Tanzania, indicates the necessity for an improved strategy to enhance multiple micronutrients intake through dietary diversity, MMS and fortified foods.

Relationship Between Serum Levels of Oxidized Lipoproteins, Circulating Levels of Myeloperoxidase and Paraoxonase 1, and Diet in Young Subjects with Insulin Resistance.

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs) are involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression and have been linked to insulin resistance (IR). Myeloperoxidase is a potent oxidant of lipoproteins related to atherogenic risk. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are considered antioxidants due to their association with paraoxonase 1 (PON1). However, HDL can also be oxidized (ox-HDL), and its relationship with IR has not been described. This study evaluated the relationship between circulating levels of myeloperoxidase and paraoxonase 1, diet, and serum levels of ox-LDL and ox-HDL in young people with IR. This cross-sectional study examined 136 young subjects (67 and 69 with and without insulin resistance, respectively). Serum levels of ox-LDL, ox-HDL, myeloperoxidase, and PON1 were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The nutritional dietary content of the foods was determined with a food frequency questionnaire, which was analyzed with Nutrimind 2013 software. Serum ox-HDL levels were higher in young subjects without IR than those with IR (p = 0.031). Women with IR presented increased ox-LDL levels compared with women without IR (p = 0.012) and men with IR (p < 0.001). In the IR group, serum ox-LDL levels were negatively correlated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, whereas the correlation was positive in the insulin-sensitive group. Consumption of vitamins B1 and B2 was related to increased HDL-C levels, while higher ox-LDL levels were related to vitamin K intake. In addition, low energy consumption and phosphorus increased PON1 levels. The results suggest that insulin resistance in young women may promote lipoprotein oxidation, and the intake of B complex vitamins may have an antiatherogenic effect.

One Acne™: a holistic management approach to improve overall skin quality and treatment outcomes in acne with or without sensitive skin

AbstractAcne and sensitive skin can take a profound toll on patients' well‐being, which can be exacerbated if the conditions are experienced together. This narrative review aims to identify appropriate treatments to facilitate a holistic management approach to acne (One Acne™), sensitive skin, and acne‐induced sequelae and describe the role of treatments in improving skin quality. Topical retinoids are considered the preferred first‐line option for acne treatment by dermatologists, either as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments, because of their ability to target various aspects of the disease. Tretinoin, trifarotene, adapalene, and tazarotene have all been assessed in clinical studies for managing acne‐associated scarring, with varying success, with the latter three reported to improve skin quality. Moreover, some corrective procedures, e.g., injectable non‐animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) fillers, have proven effective for treating acne scarring. Both treatment types may complement each other to provide optimal treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction, as observed in several patients receiving concomitant treatment with NASHA fillers/topical trifarotene. Adjunctive use of cleansers, moisturizers, and photoprotection‐containing ingredients such as vitamin B3, glycerin, or pro‐vitamin B3 may also complement drug/corrective treatments to reduce skin irritation and risk of scarring, as well as improve skin hydration, tone, and overall appearance. This narrative review highlights that comprehensive skincare regimens should be used throughout acne patients' journeys to reduce treatment‐related irritation, improve treatment outcomes, adherence, and satisfaction, and enhance overall skin quality. Patients with sensitive skin should choose tailored skincare products to maintain skin barrier integrity and restore skin function.

Gut Microbiota and Tryptophan Metabolism in Pathogenesis of Ischemic Stroke: A Potential Role for Food Homologous Plants

ScopeThe intestinal flora is involved in the maintenance of human health and the development of diseases, and is closely related to the brain. As an essential amino acid, tryptophan (TRP) participates in a variety of physiological functions in the body and affects the growth and health of the human body. TRP catabolites produced by the gut microbiota are important signaling molecules for microbial communities and host–microbe interactions, and play an important role in maintaining health and disease pathogenesis.Methods and resultsThe review first demonstrates the evidence of TRP metabolism in stroke and the relationship between gut microbiota and TRP metabolism. Furthermore, the review reveals that food homologous plants (FHP) bioactive compounds have been shown to regulate various metabolic pathways of the gut microbiota, including the biosynthesis of valine, leucine, isoleucine, and vitamin B6 metabolism. The most notable metabolic alteration is in TRP metabolism.ConclusionThe interaction between gut microbiota and TRP metabolism offers a plausible explanation for the notable bioactivities of FHP in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). This review enhances the comprehension of the underlying mechanisms associated with the bioactivity of FHP on IS.

Gene horizontal transfers and functional diversity negatively correlated with bacterial taxonomic diversity along a nitrogen gradient

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mediated diversification is a critical force driving evolutionary and ecological processes. However, how HGT might relate to anthropogenic activity such as nitrogen addition, and its subsequent effect on functional diversity and cooccurrence networks remain unknown. Here we approach this knowledge gap by blending bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomes from a platform of cessation of nitrogen additions and continuous nitrogen additions. We found that bacterial HGT events, functional genes, and virus diversities increased whereas bacterial taxonomic diversity decreased by nitrogen additions, resulting in a counterintuitive strong negative association between bacterial taxonomic and functional diversities. Nitrogen additions, especially the ceased one, complexified the cooccurrence network by increasing the contribution of vitamin B12 auxotrophic Acidobacteria, indicating cross-feeding. These findings advance our perceptions of the causes and consequences of the diversification process in community ecology.

Association between homocysteine levels and mortality in CVD: a cohort study based on NHANES database

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern with increasing incident cases and deaths. Homocysteine (Hcy) has been investigated for its potential association with CVD, researchers have debated the extent to which Hcy should be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, as only 50% of CVD can be explained by classical risk factors.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study using NHANES 1999–2006 data, analyzing 1,739 US patients aged at least 30 with CVD. Cox proportional hazards regression and restricted cubic splines were used to examine the relationship between Hcy levels and mortality, adjusting for covariates.ResultA total of 1,739 participants with cardiovascular disease (CVD) were enrolled, with a median follow-up period of 126 months. Among them, 1,194 participants died, including 501 deaths due to cardiovascular causes. After adjusting for covariates, the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CVD mortality at different levels of homocysteine (Hcy) (T1 (< 9.3), T2 (9.3–12.5), T3 (> 12.5)) were 1.26 (0.92, 1.73) (T2), and 1.69 (1.14, 2.51) (T3) (P for trend = 0.0086). The HR and 95% CI for all-cause mortality at different levels of Hcy were 1.22 (1.05, 1.42) (T2) and 1.64 (1.29, 2.09) (T3) (P for trend < 0.0001). Elevated Hcy levels were associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and CVD deaths, even at levels below the conventional threshold. The nonlinear relationship was observed, with inflection points at 14.5 µmol/L for all-cause mortality and 14.6 µmol/L for CVD mortality. Subgroup analyses revealed interactions with age, serum vitamin B12, and smoking.ConclusionOur study supports the notion that elevated Hcy levels are associated with higher all-cause and CVD mortality risks in CVD participants. The impact of Hcy on health outcomes can be observed at lower concentrations than previously thought.

Nitrous Oxide-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Myelopathy in Whippets Abusers: A Report of Two Cases

Nitrous Oxide-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Myelopathy in Whippets Abusers: A Report of Two Cases

Late-onset drug-resistant epilepsy in pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate oxidase deficiency: a case report

BackgroundPyridoxamine 5′-phosphate oxidase deficiency is a rare inborn error of vitamin B6 metabolism that presents with drug-resistant epileptic seizures. However, the condition is responsive to supplementation with the active vitamin B6 metabolite pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and, in some cases, pyridoxine. Case presentationIn this case report, a 10-year-old Iranian male of Fars ethnicity came to a regional hospital in Tehran, Iran with a chief complaint of tic-like movement. He had a history of unintentional, repetitive, and stereotypic movements of both arms since the age of 4 years. The physical examination depicted facial dimorphism. During admission, the patient experienced habitual hypermotor seizures and generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Ictal electroencephalography demonstrated a generalized background attenuation and bursts of generalized, predominantly left-sided, biphasic spike-wave complexes. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate oxidase deficiency as the underlying cause of the drug-resistant seizures, resulting in a low serum level of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate. The patient underwent pyridoxine supplementation therapy, which ultimately resolved his seizures. At 6 months, he was seizure free.ConclusionPhysicians ought to be aware of manifestations of vitamin B6 deficiency such as mimicking tic and consider it in the differential for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction alleviates pentylenetetrazol-induced epileptic seizures in rats by preventing neuronal cell damage and apoptosis and altering serum and urine metabolic profiles

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEpilepsy (EP) is one of the most prevalent chronic neurological disorders in children, characterised by a prolonged course and a propensity for recurrence. Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction (BBTD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is commonly employed in the clinical management of EP and has demonstrated satisfactory therapeutic effects. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate the anti-epileptic effects of BBTD and to explore its molecular mechanisms. Materials and methodsEP rat model was induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and treated with BBTD. Parameters such as seizure grade and duration were recorded to evaluate the improvement of BBTD on epileptic behavior. Nissl staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the cerebral motor cortex. The expression levels of the Bax and Bcl-2 in the motor cortex were measured by western blot analysis to assess neuronal damage and apoptosis. The therapeutic action of BBTD was evaluated by examining the levels of neurotransmitters γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) in the brain tissue of EP rats, along with assessments of neuronal damage and apoptosis. Non-targeted metabolomics techniques were employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of serum and urine metabolites, and network analysis of metabolite-related targets was performed to enhance understanding of the anti-epileptic effects and mechanisms of BBTD. ResultsAfter BBTD treatment, the EP model rats exhibited reduced seizure severity and shortened seizure duration. Moreover, BBTD mitigated PTZ-induced neuronal damage, as evidenced by a significant increase in the number of Nissl bodies in the motor cortex following treatment. At the same time, BBTD inhibited neuronal apoptosis, as demonstrated by the up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and down-regulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax in the brain tissue of treated rats. In addition, BBTD reversed the decreased levels of GABA and the increased levels of Glu in the brain tissue of the model group. Metabolomics analyses suggested that BBTD treatment for EP may be closely associated with alterations in urinary metabolites related to vitamin B6 and pyrimidine metabolism, as well as serum metabolites involved in purine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and vitamin B6 metabolism. Finally, network analysis of metabolite targets indicated that dopamine and alpha-linolenic acid metabolites may play significant roles in the therapeutic effects of BBTD on EP. ConclusionBBTD demonstrated anti-epileptic effects in PTZ-induced seizure rats by regulating neurotransmitter balance, reducing neuronal damage and inhibiting apoptosis, suggesting its potential for the development of novel AEDs. This is the first time that UHPLC-MS-based urine and serum metabolomics have been used to elucidate the anti-epileptic mechanism of BBTD, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of BBTD's action.

Muscle Mass and Vitamin B6 Are Linked to Negative Body Image in Women with Anorexia Nervosa: A Retrospective Study.

Anorexia nervosa severely impacts the physical body and mental body (i.e., body image). In this retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between the perceived body image and body composition in women with anorexia nervosa. Specifically, we aimed to verify what components (i.e., weight, body composition, and micronutrients) may predict a higher number of symptoms of negative body image in this clinical condition. Weight status and body composition, including the expressions of vitamins, and body image concerns were measured in a sample of 112 women with anorexia nervosa (age in years M = 26.78; SD = 12; range = 14-67). According to the regression analysis, a higher skeletal muscle mass and a higher concentration of vitamin B6 seemed to predict a higher number of symptoms of negative body image in our sample. This study pointed out muscle mass and the concentration of vitamin B6 as involved in the psychological expression of body image concerns in anorexia nervosa, especially at the beginning of the disease. Thus, we may suggest including and monitoring these parameters in routine care for anorexia nervosa.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and Disease-Is 10 μmol/L a Suitable New Threshold Limit?

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high level of homocysteine (Hcy) in the blood. Homocysteine is a toxic sulfur-containing amino acid that is produced during the metabolism of methionine. Under normal circumstances, Hcy is recycled back to methionine via the remethylation pathway, through the action of various enzymes and vitamins, particularly folic acid (vitamin B9) and B12 used when intracellular methionine levels are low, thus restoring the necessary levels to correctly maintain active protein synthesis. A second pathway, used in cases of intracellular methionine excess, (the trans-sulfuration pathway) is the one that recycles Hcy into cysteine (a precursor of glutathione), first passing through cystathionine (via the enzyme cystathionine beta-synthase), a reaction that requires vitamin B6 in its active form. HHcy has been identified as a risk factor for a variety of disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, osteoporosis and cancer. However, it remains unclear whether the slightly elevated concentration of Hcy (Hcy 7-10 μmol/L) is a causative factor or simply a marker of these pathologies. In human plasma, the concentration of Hcy ([Hcy]) is classified as mild (15 to 30 μmol/L), moderate (30 to 100 μmol/L), and severe (greater than 100 μmol/L). Interestingly, many laboratories continue to consider 25 μmol/L as normal. This review seeks to examine the controversial literature regarding the normal range of HHcy and emphasizes that even a [Hcy] level of 10 μmol/L may contribute to the development of several diseases, aiming to discuss whether it would be appropriate to lower the threshold of HHcy normal values.

Impact of aerobic exercise on brain metabolism: Insights from spatial metabolomic analysis

BackgroundExercise is acknowledged for its beneficial effects on brain health; however, the intricate underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Aims: This study aimed to explore aerobic exercise-induced metabolic alterations in the brain. Methods: We conducted an eight-week treadmill running exercise program in two-month-old male C57/BL6J mice. Body weight, serum lipid, glucose levels, and spatial cognition were measured. Spatial metabolomic analysis was performed to compare the metabolomic profiles across different brain regions. Immunohistochemical methods were used to compare the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1c (CPT1c). Results: Exercise induced significant changes in the analysed metabolomic profiles. There were 904 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) detected in the whole brain section. Notable alterations in lipid profiles were observed, and among the 292 lipids detected, there were 74 (25.34 %), 85 (29.11 %), and 78 (26.71 %) lipids differentially expressed in the hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus of the Exe group, respectively. Lipid metabolism related pathways and enzymes were also altered, with L-carnitine and CPT1c upregulated in the three regions (p<0.05), and epinephrine levels decreased in the hippocampus (p<0.05). Furthermore, the vitamin B6 metabolism pathway was altered in the hypothalamus. ConclusionsThis study highlighted the significant changes in lipid metabolism induced by involuntary exercise in the brains of young male mice. Exercise also altered epinephrine levels and the vitamin B12 metabolic pathway in specific brain regions, which indicated the multifaceted effects of exercise on the brain.

Enrichment of trimethyl histone 3 lysine 4 in the Dlk1 and Grb10 genes affects pregnancy outcomes due to dietary manipulation of excess folic acid and low vitamin B12

The aberrant expression of placental imprinted genes due to epigenetic alterations during pregnancy can impact fetal development. We investigated the impact of dietary modification of low vitamin B12 with varying doses of folic acid on the epigenetic control of imprinted genes and fetal development using a transgenerational model of C57BL/6J mice. The animals were kept on four distinct dietary combinations based on low vitamin B12 levels and modulated folic acid, mated in the F0 generation within each group. In the F1 generation, each group of mice is split into two subgroups; the sustained group was kept on the same diet, while the transient group was fed a regular control diet. After mating, maternal placenta (F1) and fetal tissues (F2) were isolated on day 20 of gestation. We observed a generation-wise opposite promoter CpG methylation and gene expression trend of the two developmental genes Dlk1 and Grb10, with enhanced gene expression in both the sustained and transient experimental groups in F1 placentae. When fetal development characteristics and gene expression were correlated, there was a substantial negative association between placental weight and Dlk1 expression (r = − 0.49, p < 0.05) and between crown-rump length and Grb10 expression (r = − 0.501, p < 0.05) in fetuses of the F2 generation. Consistent with these results, we also found that H3K4me3 at the promoter level of these genes is negatively associated with all fetal growth parameters. Overall, our findings suggest that balancing vitamin B12 and folic acid levels is important for maintaining the transcriptional status of imprinted genes and fetal development.

Prevalence, associated factors, and impact of vitamin B12 deficiency in older medical inpatients.

This retrospective cohort study aims to explore the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in older hospitalized adults and identify key factors associated with this deficiency, as well as its impact on frailty and functional decline. Data were collected from older adults (≥65years) sequentially admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of a tertiary university hospital. Clinical and laboratory characteristics, including age, sex, somatometric data, cause of admission, past medical history, chronic medication use, and laboratory tests, were recorded. Frailty and functional status were assessed using the Fried Frailty Scale (FFS), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Barthel Index, and Katz Index. Vitamin B12 levels on admission were categorised as deficient (<200pg/ml), borderline (200-300pg/ml), normal (300-999pg/ml), and high (≥1000pg/ml). A total of 894 patients were included. The median age was 83years and 487 (54.5%) were females. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 9.1%, while 17.3% of the sample had borderline levels. Multivariate analysis identified polypharmacy (≥5 drugs), low albumin levels/Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and nursing home residency as independent factors associated with low B12 levels. Multivariate analyses showed that B12 deficiency was significantly associated with higher frailty rates and lower functional status. Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among hospitalized older patients and is significantly associated with increased frailty and reduced functional status. These findings underscore the importance of routine screening for B12 deficiency in this vulnerable population to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Nutritional Composition of Marine Water Fishes of Bangladesh: A Review

Marine fishes have been recognized for high quality protein and essential fatty acids which play a vital role in human being for nutrition and disease prevention. This review focuses on the nutrient composition of marine fishes in Bangladesh. Nutrient composition data was collected through literature searching in databases and source, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Fish, and Bangladesh-based database Banglajol. Published articles contained proximate composition, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids profiles of marine fishes. The highest energy, protein, fat and ash content in 100 g edible raw marine fish was 926 kJ, 50 g, 24.2 g, and 8.4 g, respectively. The maximum amount of minerals such as 8.6 mg iron, 29.3 mg zinc, 1900 mg calcium, 160 µg iodine, 120 µg selenium, 1000 mg phosphorus, 187.98 mg magnesium, 497.4 mg sodium, 764 mg potassium, 1.1 mg manganese, 300 mg sulphur and 0.5 mg copper found in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. The highest quantity of vitamins was 288.7 µg vitamin A, 0.9 mg vitamin B6, 15 µg vitamin B12, 13 µg vitamin D, 2.4 mg vitamin E, 17 µg folate, 0.2 mg thiamine, 0.2 mg riboflavin and 19.3 mg niacin in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. According to available data, marine fish are good sources of protein, vitamins, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and fatty acids. This illustrates the diversity in nutrient content of fish species which should guide policy and programs to improve food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.