A new approach to 19-nor-A-ring phosphine oxide for the convergent synthesis of 19-nor-calcitriol

A new approach to 19-nor-A-ring phosphine oxide 5 together with a convergent synthesis of the vitamin D₃ analogue 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D₃ (3) have been developed. The 19-nor-A-ring is constructed from (S)-carvone. The triene system is assembled by a Wittig-Horner coupling.

Synthesis of the CYP24A1 major metabolite of 2α-[2-(tetrazol-2-yl)ethyl]-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Previously, we found that 2α-[2-(tetrazol-2-yl)ethyl]-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (AH-1) showed higher osteocalcin promoter transactivation activity in human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells and a greater therapeutic effect on ovariectomized (OVX) rats for enhancing bone mineral density than those of 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ without hypercalcemic side effects in vivo. Although CYP24A1 catalyzes multi-step oxidations toward the CD-ring side chain of the active vitamin D₃ [1α,25(OH)₂D₃], the CYP24A1-dependent metabolism of AH-1 tended to stop at the first step hydroxylation at the C24-position of AH-1. Interestingly, the metabolite 24-hydroxy-AH-1 [24(OH)AH-1] showed potent VDR binding affinity, and the new chiral center of the 24-position might be the 24R configuration compared with the process of the natural 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ catabolism. This time, (24R)-2α-[2-(tetrazol-2-yl)ethyl]-1α,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D₃ [(24R-OH)AH-1] was synthesized as a candidate for the major metabolite of AH-1 using the Trost Pd-mediated coupling reaction between A-ring and CD-ring precursors to identify the metabolite and evaluate its biological activity. We confirmed that the CYP24A1-dependent major metabolite of AH-1 was (24R-OH)AH-1 by HPLC analyses.

A convergent approach to side-chain homologated derivatives of 1α,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol

As part of our program on search for vitamin D analogs with selective biological properties, such as low or negligible calcemic action, we describe here an efficient and versatile synthetic approach to derivatives of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ with homologated side-chains and substitution at C24 for biological evaluation.

A-Ring Synthons of 19-Nor Type Vitamin D Derivatives

Various 19-nor vitamin D analogs, which lack the methylene group at C19, exhibit significant vitamin D (VD)-related biological activities, but generally show a reduced calcemic side-effect compared with VD itself. Among them, paricalcitol is already used clinically for treatment and prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic renal failure. Therefore, considerable synthetic efforts have been directed towards 19-nor VD analogs, focusing especially on A-ring synthons suitable for use in convergent synthetic strategies based on coupling of CD-ring synthons and A-ring synthons. For example, we have recently developed a new synthetic route to A-ring synthons from linear dienes based upon a ring-closing olefin metathesis strategy. Here, we review recent synthetic approaches to A-ring synthons for 19-nor VD derivatives.

D-seco-Vitamin D analogs having reversed configurations at C-13 and C-14: Synthesis, docking studies and biological evaluation

Prompted by results of molecular modeling performed on the seco-d-ring-vitamins D, we turned our attention to such analogs, having reversed configurations at C-13 and C-14, as the next goals of our studies on the structure-activity relationship for vitamin D compounds. First, we developed an efficient total synthesis of the "upper" C/seco-d-ring fragment with a 7-carbon side chain. Then, we coupled it with A-ring fragments using Sonogashira or Wittig-Horner protocol, providing the targeted D-seco analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D₃ possessing a vinyl substituent at C-14 and a double bond between C-17 and C-20. The affinities of the synthesized vitamin D analogs to the full-length recombinant rat VDR were examined, as well as their differentiating and transcriptional activities. In these in vitro tests, they were significantly less active compared to 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃. Moreover, it was established that the analogs tested in vivo in rats showed no calcemic potency.

Antifatigue Functions and Mechanisms of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms

Fatigue is the symptom of tiredness caused by physical and/or psychological stresses. As fatigue is becoming a serious problem in the modern society affecting human health, work efficiency, and quality of life, effective antifatigue remedies other than pharmacological drugs or therapies are highly needed. Mushrooms have been widely used as health foods, because of their various bioactive constituents such as polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This paper reviews the major findings from previous studies on the antifatigue effects, the active components of mushrooms, and the possible mechanisms. Many studies have demonstrated the antifatigue effects of edible and medicinal mushrooms. These mushrooms probably mitigate human fatigue through effects on the functional systems, including the muscular, cardiovascular, hormone, and immune system. The bioactive constituents that contribute to the antifatigue effects of mushrooms may include polysaccharides, peptides, nucleosides, phenolic compounds, and triterpenoids. Further research is still needed to identify the active ingredients and to investigate their mechanism of action on the antifatigue effects. Since most previous studies have been carried out in animal models, more human trials should be performed to verify the antifatigue function of edible and medicinal mushrooms.

Investigating Differences in Gas-Phase Conformations of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Sodiated Epimers using Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry and Theoretical Modeling

Drift tube ion mobility coupled with mass spectrometry was used to investigate the gas-phase structure of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) and D2 (25OHD2) epimers, and to evaluate its potential in rapid separation of these compounds. Experimental results revealed two distinct drift species for the 25OHD3 sodiated monomer, whereas only one of these conformations was observed for its epimer (epi25OHD3). The unique species allowed 25OHD3 to be readily distinguished, and the same pattern was observed for 25OHD2 epimers. Theoretical modeling of 25OHD3 epimers identified energetically stable gas-phase structures, indicating that both compounds may adopt a compact "closed" conformation, but that 25OHD3 may also adopt a slightly less energetically favorable "open" conformation that is not accessible to its epimer. Calculated theoretical collision cross-sections for these structures agreed with experimental results to <2%. Experimentation indicated that additional energy in the ESI source (i.e., increased temperature, spray voltage) affected the ratio of 25OHD3 conformations, with the less energetically favorable "open" conformation increasing in relative intensity. Finally, LC-IM-MS results yielded linear quantitation of 25OHD3, in the presence of the epimer interference, at biologically relevant concentrations. This study demonstrates that ion mobility can be used in tandem with theoretical modeling to determine structural differences that contribute to drift separation. These separation capabilities provide potential for rapid (<60 ms) identification of 25OHD3 and 25OHD2 in mixtures with their epimers. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Vitamin Concentrations in Human Milk Vary with Time within Feed, Circadian Rhythm, and Single-Dose Supplementation

Background: Human milk is the subject of many studies, but procedures for representative sample collection have not been established. Our improved methods for milk micronutrient analysis now enable systematic study of factors that affect its concentrations.Objective: We evaluated the effects of sample collection protocols, variations in circadian rhythms, subject variability, and acute maternal micronutrient supplementation on milk vitamin concentrations.Methods: In the BMQ (Breast-Milk-Quality) study, we recruited 18 healthy women (aged 18-26 y) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, at 2-4 mo of lactation for a 3-d supplementation study. On day 1, no supplements were given; on days 2 and 3, participants consumed ∼1 time and 2 times, respectively, the US-Canadian Recommended Dietary Allowances for vitamins at breakfast (0800-0859). Milk was collected during every feeding from the same breast over 24 h. Milk expressed in the first 2 min (aliquot I) was collected separately from the remainder (aliquot II); a third aliquot (aliquot III) was saved by combining aliquots I and II. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins B-6, B-12, A, and E and fat were measured in each sample.Results: Significant but small differences (14-18%) between aliquots were found for all vitamins except for vitamins B-6 and B-12. Circadian variance was significant except for fat-adjusted vitamins A and E, with a higher contribution to total variance with supplementation. Between-subject variability accounted for most of the total variance. Afternoon and evening samples best reflected daily vitamin concentrations for all study days. Acute supplementation effects were found for thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamins B-6 and A at 2-4 h postdosing, with 0.1-6.17% passing into milk. Supplementation was reflected in fasting, 24-h postdose samples for riboflavin and vitamin B-6. Maximum amounts of dose-responding vitamins in 1 feeding ranged from 4.7% to 21.8% (day 2) and 8.2% to 35.0% (day 3) of Adequate Intake.Conclusions: In the milk of Bangladeshi mothers, differences in vitamin concentrations between aliquots within feedings and by circadian variance were significant but small. Afternoon and evening collection provided the most-representative samples. Supplementation acutely affects some breast-milk micronutrient concentrations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02756026.

Vitamin E supplementation in people with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

People with cystic fibrosis are at an increased risk of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency including vitamin E. Vitamin E deficiency can cause a host of conditions such as haemolytic anaemia, cerebellar ataxia and cognitive difficulties. Vitamin E supplementation is widely recommended in cystic fibrosis and aims to ameliorate this deficiency. This is an updated version of the review.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of any level of vitamin E supplementation on the frequency of vitamin E deficiency disorders in people with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register and also searched international trial registers for any ongoing clinical trials that were not identified during our register search.Date of last search of the Register: 10 October 2016. Date of last search of international trial registers: 15 February 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing any preparation of vitamin E supplementation to placebo or no supplement, regardless of dosage or duration.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors extracted outcome data from each study (published information) and assessed the risk of bias of each included study.

MAIN RESULTS

Four studies with a total of 141 participants were included in the review, two of these were in children (aged six months to 14.5 years), and the other two did not specify participants' age. All studies used different formulations and doses of vitamin E for various durations of treatment (10 days to six months). Two studies compared the supplementation of fat-soluble as well as water-soluble formulations to no supplementation in different arms of the same study. A third study compared a water-soluble formulation to a placebo; and in the fourth study a fat-soluble formulation of vitamin E was assessed against placebo.At one month, three months and six months, water-soluble vitamin E significantly improved serum vitamin E levels compared with control: at one month, two studies, mean difference 17.66 (95% confidence interval 10.59 to 24.74); at three months, one study, mean difference 11.61 (95% confidence interval 4.77 to 18.45); and at six months, one study, mean difference 19.74 (95% confidence interval 13.48 to 26.00). At one month fat-soluble vitamin E significantly improved serum vitamin E levels compared with control: one month, two studies, mean difference 13.59 (95% CI 9.52 to 17.66). The findings at three months were imprecise; one study; mean difference 6.40 (95% confidence interval -1.45 to 14.25).None of the studies report the review's primary outcomes of vitamin E total lipid ratio or the incidence of vitamin E-specific deficiency disorders, or the secondary outcomes lung function or quality of life. Only one study, comparing water-soluble vitamin E with placebo, reported the secondary outcome of growth and nutritional status (weight), but the results are uncertain due to imprecision around the effect estimate.There was limited detail about randomisation and blinding in the included studies which compromises the quality of the evidence base for the review. The heterogeneous mix of the formulations with differing biovailabilities among these studies also limits the generalisability of the data to the wider cystic fibrosis population.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin E supplementation led to an improvement in vitamin E levels in people with cystic fibrosis, although the studies may have been at risk of bias. No data on other outcomes of interest were available to allow conclusions about any other benefits of this therapy.In future, larger studies are needed, especially in people already being treated with enteric-coated pancreatic enzymes and supplemented with vitamin E, to look at more specific outcome measures such as vitamin E status, lung function and nutritional status. Future studies could also look at the optimal dose of vitamin E required to achieve maximal clinical effectiveness.

Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Wild Ganoderma Species from Ghana

The chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of twelve wild strains of Ganoderma sp. from Ghana, nine (LS1-LS9) of which were found growing wild simultaneously on the same dying Delonix regia tree, were evaluated. Parameters evaluated included the nutritional value, composition in sugars, fatty acids, phenolic and other organic compounds and some vitamins and vitamin precursors. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by investigating reducing power, radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition using five in vitro assays. Protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash and energy contents ranged between 15.7-24.5 g/100 g·dw, 73.31-81.90 g/100 g, 0.48-1.40 g/100 g, 0.68-2.12 g/100 g ash and 396.1-402.02 kcal/100 g, respectively. Fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids were relatively abundant. Free sugars included rhamnose, fructose, mannitol, sucrose and trehalose. Total tocopherols, organic acids and phenolic compounds' content ranged between 741-3191 µg/100 g, 77-1003 mg/100 g and 7.6-489 µg/100 g, respectively. There were variations in the β-glucans, ergosterol and vitamin D₂ contents. The three major minerals in decreasing order were K > P > S. Ganoderma sp. strain AM1 showed the highest antioxidant activity. This study reveals, for the first time, chemical characteristics of Ganoderma spp. which grew simultaneously on the same tree.

Physiochemical and cytotoxicity study of TPGS stabilized nanoemulsion designed by ultrasonication method

The main aim of the present work was to prepare TPGS stabilized D-α-Tocopherol, lemon oil, tween-80, and water nanoemulsion by low cost and highly effective sonication method. The prepared nanoemulsion showed good stability for 60days at variable temperature conditions i.e. 4, 25 and 37°C. The tolerance of the prepared nanoemulsion to salt (50mM-500mM) and pH (pH 2-pH 7.4) was also studied. The morphology and droplet size of pure and quinine loaded nanoemulsion was characterized with transmission electron microscopy. The prepared formulation was transparent and the obtained average particle size ranged between 25nm and 35nm. The nanoemulsion was found to be non toxic. The cell viability study of pure nanoemulsion carried out on Hep G2 cells revealed that the cell viability was 100%. The formulation further exhibited high quinine loading and release capacity with cumulative release up to 76±2% and 65±2% at pH 7.4 and pH 5.5 respectively. The interaction between quinine and vitamins (riboflavin, thiamine and biotin) was also carried out (aqueous medium). The study revealed that riboflavin had strong interaction with quinine and vitamins vis-à-vis thiamine and biotin.

Emergency EPR and OSL dosimetry with table vitamins and minerals

Several table vitamins, minerals and L-lysine amino acid have been preliminarily tested as potential emergency dosemeters using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques. Radiation-induced EPR signals were detected in samples of vitamin B2 and L-lysine while samples of multivitamins of different brands as well as mineral Mg demonstrated prominent OSL signals after exposure to ionizing radiation doses. Basic dosimetric properties of the radiation-sensitive substances were studied, namely dose response, fading of the EPR or OSL signals and values of minimum measurable doses (MMDs). For EPR-sensitive samples, the EPR signal is converted into units of dose using a linear dose response and correcting for fading using the measured fading dependence. For OSL-sensitive materials, a multi-aliquot, enhanced-temperature protocol was developed to avoid the problem of sample sensitization and to minimize the influence of signal fading. The sample dose in this case is also evaluated using the dose response and fading curves. MMDs of the EPR-sensitive samples were below 2 Gy while those of the OSL-sensitive materials were below 500 mGy as long as the samples are analyzed within 1 week after exposure.

Application of a new version of GA-RBF neural network for simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of Zn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) in real samples: An exploratory study of their complexation abilities toward MTB

The current study for the first time is devoted to the application of whole space genetic algorithm-radial basis function network (wsGA-RBFN) method to determine the content micro minerals of Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+) and Cu(2+) based on their complexes formation with methylthymol blue (MTB) spectrophotometrically in various pharmaceutical products and vegetable samples. Advantage of wsGA-RBFN compared to GA-RBFN is that centers can be located in any point of the samples spaces. Initially, the parameters controlling behavior of the system were investigated and optimum conditions were selected. Then, an exploratory analysis of complex systems was carried out by chemometrics approaches such as SVD, EFA, MCR-ALS and RAFA. The optimal parameters and conditions for constructing the proposed model of wsGA-RBFN were obtained from processing the data set of synthetic samples. Finally, wsGA-RBFN was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+) and Cu(2+) in tomato, white cabbage, red cabbage and lettuce and pharmaceutical products included iron, zinc, multi complete and B12 ampoule.

The Determination of Food Dyes in Vitamins by RP-HPLC

Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for the determination of five synthetic food dyes (Quinoline Yellow E104, Sunset Yellow E110, Ponceau 4R E124, Tartrazine E102 and Carmine E120) in vitamins was used. The dyes were analyzed within 10 min using a column with stationary phase C 18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 40 °C with isocratic elution, and the mobile phase contained acetonitrile and a mixture of CH₃COONa:CH₃OH (85:15, v/v) in a ratio of 10:90 (v/v) for yellow-colored capsules and 20:80 (v/v) for red-colored capsules, respectively. A diode-array detector was used to monitor the dyes between 190 and 800 nm. It was established that the analyzed samples contained synthetic dyes in a concentration range from 79.5 ± 0.01 μg/capsule of Ponceau 4R, E124 to 524 ± 0.01 μg/capsule of Tartrazine, E102. The obtained results were compared with existing acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for individual dyes. This paper provides information about the content of dyes in samples of vitamins. This information is not generally available to consumers.

Impact of hepatitis B virus infection on hepatic metabolic signaling pathway

A growing body of epidemiologic research has demonstrated that metabolic derangement exists in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, indicating that there are clinical associations between HBV infection and host metabolism. In order to understand the complex interplay between HBV and hepatic metabolism in greater depth, we systematically reviewed these alterations in different metabolic signaling pathways due to HBV infection. HBV infection interfered with most aspects of hepatic metabolic responses, including glucose, lipid, nucleic acid, bile acid and vitamin metabolism. Glucose and lipid metabolism is a particular focus due to the significant promotion of gluconeogenesis, glucose aerobic oxidation, the pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid synthesis or oxidation, phospholipid and cholesterol biosynthesis affected by HBV. These altered metabolic pathways are involved in the pathological process of not only hepatitis B, but also metabolic disorders, increasing the occurrence of complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and liver steatosis. Thus, a clearer understanding of the hepatic metabolic pathways affected by HBV and its pathogenesis is necessary to develop more novel therapeutic strategies targeting viral eradication.

Leccinum molle (Bon) Bon and Leccinum vulpinum Watling: The First Study of Their Nutritional and Antioxidant Potential

This work presents the chemical profile of two edible species of mushrooms from the genus Leccinum: Leccinum molle (Bon) Bon and Leccinum vulpinum Watling, both harvested on the outskirts of Bragança (Northeastern Portugal). Both species were prepared and characterized regarding their content in nutrients (i.e., free sugars, fatty acids and vitamins), non-nutrients (i.e., phenolic and other organic acids) and antioxidant activity. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies on the chemical characterization and bioactivity of these species have been undertaken. Accordingly, this study intends to increase the available information concerning edible mushroom species, as well as to highlight another important factor regarding the conservation of the mycological resources--their potential as sources of nutraceutical/pharmaceutical compounds. Overall, both species revealed similar nutrient profiles, with low fat levels, fructose, mannitol and trehalose as the foremost free sugars, and high percentages of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They also revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, namely phenolic (e.g., gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid) and organic acids (e.g., citric and fumaric acids) and presented antioxidant properties.

[Study of Reaction Dynamics between Bovine Serum Albumin and Folic Acid by Stopped-Flow/Fluorescence]

As a kind of coenzyme of one-carbon enzymes in vivo, folic acid belongs to B vitamins, which can interact with other vitamins and has great significance for converting among amino acids, dividing growth of cells and protein synthesis reactions. Half-life, concentration and reaction rate constant of drugs are important parameters in pharmacokinetic study. In this paper, by utilizing fluorescence spectrophotometer and stopped-flow spectrum analyzer, reaction kinetic parameters between bovine serum albumin(BSA) and folic acid in a bionic system have been investigated, which provide references for parameters of drug metabolism related to folic acid. By using Stern-Volmer equation dealing with fluorescence quenching experiments data, we concluded that under 25, 30, and 37 degrees C, the static quenching constants of folic acid to intrinsic fluorescence from bovine serum albumin were 2.455 x 10(10), 4.900 x 10(10) and 6.427 x 10(10) L x mol(-1) x s(-1) respectively; The results of kinetic reaction rate have shown that the reaction rate of BSA and folic acid are greater than 100 mol x L(-1) x s(-1) at different temperatures, pH and buffering media, illustrating that the quenching mechanism between BSA and folic acid is to form composite static quenching process. Reaction concentration of bovine serum albumin and its initial concentration were equal to the secondary reaction formula, and the correlation coefficient was 0.998 7, while the half-life (t1/2) was 0.059 s at physiological temperature. With the increase of folic acid concentration, the apparent rate constant of this reaction had a linear increasing trend, the BSA fluorescence quenching rate constant catalyzed by folic acid was 3.174 x 10(5) mol x L(-1) x s(-1). Furthermore, with different buffer, the apparent rate constant and reaction rate constant of BSA interacting with folic acid were detected to explore the influence on the reaction under physiological medium, which is of great significance to determine the clinical regimen, forecast the efficacy and toxicity of drugs and rational drug.

Mood improving Potential of a Vitamin Trace Element Composition--A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study with healthy volunteers

OBJECTIVES

Neurotransmitters regulate mood, attention vigilance and other clinical symptoms linked with depression. Various medications ameliorate symptoms of depression and mood disorders by interference with the serotonic metabolism. Serotonin metabolism depends on nutritional cofactors such as pyridoxin together with essential mineral and trace elements. Both, inflammation and metabolic conditions seem to affect the bioavailability of serotonin crucially. We hypothesized that serotonin supply depends on relevant gastrointestinal precursor absorption and on the availability of nutritive antiinflammatory cofactors.

METHODS

We performed a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial in healthy participants to study the bioavailabilty of ingredients of the multivitamin and trace element LaVita' in a prospective randomized placebo controlled double blind trial to establish the mood ameliorating potential. Serotonin and its precursor tryptophan were measured in dry blood samples. Serum parameters like chromium and zinc, as well as vitamin D, vitamin B3 and B6 were determined before intake, and after 3 months and 6 months consumption of the test substances.

RESULTS

After 3 months a slight increase of tryptophan (p=0.059) and a significant increase of serum serotonin (p < 0.013) was observed in the verum group. After 6 months the verum group showed a highly significant mean increase in niacin (p < 0.001) and the cofactors of serotonin metabolism pyridoxin (p=0.03), chromium p < 0.01), and zinc (p < 0.001). Serotonin levels droped after 6 months indicating a low risk for overdosing.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a continuous supply with ingredients from the natural source compound LaVita' may contribute to mood improving neurotransmitter activity.

Can Vitamin A be Improved to Prevent Blindness due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Stargardt Disease and Other Retinal Dystrophies?

We discuss how an imperfect visual cycle results in the formation of vitamin A dimers, thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of various retinal diseases, and summarize how slowing vitamin A dimerization has been a therapeutic target of interest to prevent blindness. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of vitamin A dimerization, an alternative form of vitamin A, one that forms dimers more slowly yet maneuvers effortlessly through the visual cycle, was developed. Such a vitamin A, reinforced with deuterium (C20-D3-vitamin A), can be used as a non-disruptive tool to understand the contribution of vitamin A dimers to vision loss. Eventually, C20-D3-vitamin A could become a disease-modifying therapy to slow or stop vision loss associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt disease and retinal diseases marked by such vitamin A dimers. Human clinical trials of C20-D3-vitamin A (ALK-001) are underway.

Identification of Microbial Metabolites Elevating Vitamin Contents in Barley Seeds

The current investigation analyzes metabolites of Acetobacter aceti to explore chemical compounds responsible for the induction of vitamins in barley seeds. A bioactivity guided assay of bacterial extracts and chromatographic analyses of barley produce revealed 13 chemical compounds, which were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). PCA determined four chemical compounds (i.e., quinolinic acid, pyridoxic acid, p-aminobenzoate, and α-oxobutanoic acid) highly associated with increased quantities of vitamins. Further experimentations confirmed that quinolinic acid and p-aminobenzoate were the most efficient vitamin inducers. The results indicated chloroform/ethanol (4:1) as the best solvent system for the extraction of active compounds from crude metabolites of A. aceti. Significant quantities of mevalonic acid were detected in the extracted fraction, indicating the possible induction of the isoprenoid pathway. Altogether, the current investigation broadens the frontiers in plant-microbe interaction.

[Safety of folic acid]

Improving dietary folate intake is a central public health goal. However, critical voices have become louder warning of too high intake of folic acid. Safety concerns of a high folic acid exposure are usually limited to synthetic folic acid contained in drugs and food supplements. Against this background, the present article focuses on two matters: (a) How do the absorption and metabolism of synthetic folic acid differ from that of other folates? (b) How has the longterm safety of folic acid to be judged, especially regarding the risk of colorectal cancer, autism, asthma, impaired immune defence, masking vitamin B12 deficiency and interactions with the methotrexate metabolism?

Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves the nutritional value of tomatoes

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can affect many different micronutrients and macronutrients in plants and also influence host volatile compound synthesis. Their effect on the edible portions of plants is less clear. Two separate studies were performed to investigate whether inoculation by AM fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis, Funneliformis mosseae, or both) can affect the food quality of tomato fruits, in particular common minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, a suite of vitamins, and flavor compounds (sugars, titratable acids, volatile compounds). It was found that AM fungal inoculation increased the nutrient quality of tomato fruits for most nutrients except vitamins. Fruit mineral concentration increased with inoculation (particularly N, P, and Cu). Similarly, inoculated plants had fruit with higher antioxidant capacity and more carotenoids. Furthermore, five volatile compounds were significantly higher in AM plants compared with non-AM controls. Taken together, these results show that AM fungi represent a promising resource for improving both sustainable food production and human nutritional needs.

Unexpected roles of plastoglobules (plastid lipid droplets) in vitamin K1 and E metabolism

Tocopherol (vitamin E) and phylloquinone (vitamin K1) are lipid-soluble antioxidants that can only be synthesized by photosynthetic organisms. These compounds function primarily at the thylakoid membrane but are also present in chloroplast lipid droplets, also known as plastoglobules (PG). Depending on environmental conditions and stage of plant development, changes in the content, number and size of PG occur. PG are directly connected to the thylakoid membrane via the outer lipid leaflet. Apart from storage, PG are active in metabolism and likely trafficking of diverse lipid species. This review presents recent advances on how plastoglobules are implicated in the biosynthesis and metabolism of vitamin E and K.

Study of the influence of over-the-counter vitamin supplement intake on urine fluorescence to optimize cancer detection by fluorescence cystoscopy

Fluorescence cystoscopy (FC) efficiently enhances the detection and improves the therapeutic management of early bladder cancer. During an FC, about 150 ml of water is needed to inflate the bladder. The water is quickly diluted by urine which can be fluorescent. If this bladder washout fluid (BWF) becomes fluorescent, the FC images are frequently degraded. Unfortunately, it is unclear which elements of the diet may contribute to this background fluorescence. We propose to start this exploration with over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin supplements. To this end, we measured excitation–emission matrices of urine samples and the kinetics of modifications of urine fluorescence obtained from nine healthy volunteers before, during, and after intake of a commercially available OTC vitamin supplement. The pharmacokinetics shows that the BWF fluorescence values reach a maximum 8 to 10 h after vitamin intake. They decrease in the half-day that follows and reach values close to baseline ~1 day afterward. Based on these results, we conclude that, in order to avoid degradations of fluorescence images, it is likely best that the intake of OTC vitamin supplements be avoided during the week preceding an FC.