Serum concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium are influenced by sex, age, diet, smoking status, alcohol consumption and corpulence in a general French adult population

Circulating Selenium Level Was Positively Related to Visceral Adiposity Index with a Non-linear Trend: a Nationwide Study of the General Population

Selenium plays a role in obesity. However, whether circulating selenium levels are related to the visceral adiposity index (VAI), an indicator of obesity, is still unknown. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018, data from 12,777 individuals aged ≥ 20 years were analyzed to clarify this question. In fully adjusted models of multivariate regression analysis, natural logarithm (Ln) selenium was positively related to Ln VAI (β = 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27, 0.55; P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quartile of Ln selenium, the highest quartile was also positively associated with Ln VAI (β = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.11, 0.21; P < 0.001). Moreover, we found that this positive connection was non-linear. When Ln selenium was less than the inflection point, Ln selenium was positively related to Ln VAI (β = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31, 0.52; P < 0.001). However, when Ln selenium was greater than or equal to the inflection point, Ln selenium was not significantly related to Ln VAI (β = -0.15; 95% CI, -0.56, 0.25; P = 0.455). In subgroup analysis, significant interactions were observed with age and sex (P for interaction < 0.05). Stronger interactions were observed among middle-aged participants (β = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.31, 0.98; P = 0.002) and males (β = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43, 0.79; P < 0.001). Overall, circulating selenium levels were positively related to VAI, with a non-linear trend. Prospective studies and interventional experiments are necessary to verify the possible mechanisms.

Longitudinal analysis of carotenoid content in preterm human milk

To describe the variability in carotenoid content of human milk (HM) in mothers of very to extremely low birth weight preterm infants throughout lactation and to explore the relationship between lutein in HM and the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. We recruited healthy mothers along with their preterm infants that were born at gestational age 24 + 2 to 29 + 6 weeks or with a birth weight under 1500 g and were exclusively breastfed HM. Each participant provided up to 7 HM samples (2-10 ml) on day 0-3 and once a week until 6 weeks. Additionally, when possible, a blood sample was collected from the infant at week 6. Concentrations of the major carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene) in all HM and blood samples were assessed and compared. Thirty-nine mother-infant dyads were included and 184 HM samples and 21 plasma samples were provided. Mean lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene concentration decreased as lactation progressed, being at their highest in colostrum samples (156.9 vs. 66.9 vs. 363.9 vs. 426.8 ng/ml, respectively). Lycopene (41%) and beta-carotene (36%) were the predominant carotenoids in colostrum and up to 2 weeks post-delivery. Inversely, the proportion of lutein and zeaxanthin increased with lactation duration to account for 45% of the carotenoids in mature HM. Lutein accounted for 58% of the carotenoids in infant plasma and only 28% in HM. Lutein content of transition and mature HM did not differ between mothers of ROP and non-ROP infants.Conclusion Carotenoid content of HM was dynamic and varied between mothers and as lactation progressed. Infant plasma displayed a distinct distribution of carotenoids from HM.

A Systematized Review of the Relationship Between Obesity and Vitamin C Requirements

Obesity rates have increased globally in recent decades. Body weight is used as a modifiable factor in determining vitamin requirements. Accordingly, vitamin C requirements are volumetrically scaled from data for healthy weight males to other age- and sex-based categories. Likewise, it is possible that increases in body weight due to obesity may affect vitamin C needs. A systematized literature review was performed to summarize evidence on whether obesity affects vitamin C intake or status. The literature was also scanned for potential mechanisms for the relationship. Many observational studies showed that vitamin C status is lower in overweight and obese children and adults; this may be explained by lower vitamin C intakes. Nevertheless, a reanalysis of carefully conducted intervention studies has demonstrated a lower vitamin C status in participants who were overweight or obese when given the same dose of vitamin C as subjects of normal weight. Several mechanisms have been proposed to potentially explain why vitamin C status is lower in people with obesity: changes in vitamin C partitioning between lean and adipose tissue, volumetric dilution, metabolic alterations due to obesity, and gut microbial dysbiosis. Depletion-repletion or pharmacokinetic studies that include individuals of diverse body weights and ages would be helpful to further investigate whether obesity increases requirements for vitamin C. The current evidence base supports a lower vitamin C status in people who are overweight or obese; however, the association may be attenuated by lower vitamin C intakes.

Associations between Plasma Tocopherols and Lung Cancer Risk: Results from the Southern Community Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Despite the various anticancer activities of tocopherols, little is known about tocopherols associated with lung cancer risk among low-income African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA) who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study that included 209 incident lung cancer cases and 406 matched controls within the Southern Community Cohort Study. Using biospecimens collected at cohort enrollment, plasma levels of α-, β/γ-, δ-, and total-tocopherols were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lung cancer risk after adjusting for potential confounders. Stratified analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of total-tocopherols were inversely associated with lung cancer risk overall [OR (95% CI) for the highest vs. lowest tertile = 0.51 (0.30-0.90)]. The inverse association remained significant among EAs [0.20 (0.06-0.65)], men [0.43 (0.21-0.90)], current smokers [0.49 (0.26-0.93)], and cases diagnosed within 2 years of blood draw [0.36 (0.15-0.86)], though we did not find a significant risk reduction among AAs [0.75 (0.39-1.45)]. Notably, we found significant interactions between α-tocopherol and race after controlling the FDR to correct for multiple comparisons (Pinteraction = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that plasma total-tocopherols are inversely associated with lung cancer risk, but the association may differ across specific isomeric forms of tocopherols, race, or other individuals' characteristics. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

IMPACT

Recommendations on tocopherols for lung cancer prevention should take isomers, race, and smoking behaviors into consideration.

The Circulating Selenium Concentration Is Positively Related to the Lipid Accumulation Product: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

The lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a reliable marker of metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like obesity. However, the correlation between the circulating selenium (CSe) concentration and the LAP is currently unclear. This study aimed to ascertain this correlation. Overall, 12,815 adults aged ≥20 years were enrolled in this study. After adjusting for all the confounding variables, CSe was positively correlated to the LAP (β = 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28, 0.54; p < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quartile of CSe, the highest quartile of CSe was positively related to the LAP (β = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.21; p < 0.001). Moreover, the correlation between CSe and the LAP revealed a positive non-linear trend. In the subgroup analysis, interaction effects were observed for age, sex, smoking, and stroke (p for interaction < 0.05). The effects were stronger for males (β = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.80; p < 0.001) and individuals who smoke at the time of the trial (β = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.91; p < 0.001). In conclusion, our results indicated that CSe was positively correlated with the LAP in a non-linear manner. Future research is warranted to explore their relationship and better understand the mechanisms underlying this association.

The Potential Effects of Dietary Antioxidants in Obesity: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Obesity has become a global health concern, with its prevalence steadily increasing in recent decades. It is associated with numerous health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The aetiology of obesity is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In recent years, oxidative stress has emerged as a potential contributor to obesity and its related metabolic disorders. Dietary antioxidants, which can counteract oxidative stress, have gained significant attention for their potential role in preventing and managing obesity. This comprehensive review aims to explore the impact of dietary antioxidants on obesity and its associated metabolic dysregulations, discussing the underlying mechanisms and highlighting the potential therapeutic implications.

Study of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels and Serum Cu/Zn Ratio among Polish Women with Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND

Micronutrients are important components for the homeostasis of the human body. The studies available in the literature of the subject on their impact on the risk of population diseases, including malignant neoplasms, are ambiguous. In this paper, the relationship between Cu and Zn serum levels and the occurrence of endometrial cancer have been analyzed.

METHODS

306 patients (153 test group and 153 control group) matched for age were analyzed for Cu and Zn levels. Microelements levels were determined for sera collected during the hospitalization of patients by means of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, the Cu/Zn ratio in the population included in the study was analyzed. Univariable and multivariable analyzes were used to examine the relationship between the factors under study and the incidence of endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

Lower levels of elements were observed in the study group compared with the control group (Cu: 959.39 μg/L vs. 1176.42 μg/L, p < 0.001; Zn: 707.05 μg/L vs. 901.67 μg/L, p < 0.001). A statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of endometrial cancer was observed for Cu and Zn. The patients with the lowest Cu level had a significantly higher occurrence of endometrial cancer compared with reference tertile (OR 8.54; p < 0.001). Similarly, compared with the reference tertile, the patients with the lowest Zn levels had a significantly greater incidence of endometrial cancer (OR 15.0; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest an association of endometrial cancer occurrence with lower Cu and Zn serum levels.

Vitamin C - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Vitamin C has multiple metabolic functions in the body, but the available information on the exact relationship between these functions and the intake necessary to maintain them is very limited. However, most attempts to objectively measure adequacy of vitamin C status, including, for example, replacement of metabolic turnover, chronic disease prevention, urinary excretion, and saturation of immune cells and body compartment, currently point toward 50 µmol/L as a reasonable target plasma concentration. As a strong correlation between body weight and vitamin C status exists, recommended intakes (RIs) for other age groups may be extrapolated from the adult RI based on weight. However, as body weights above 70 kg are becoming increasingly common - also in the Nordic region - an RI of 140 mg/day for individuals weighing 100 kg or more should be considered to compensate for the larger volume of distribution. Finally, smoking continues to be a common contributor to poor vitamin C status; therefore, it is proposed that people who smoke increase their daily vitamin C intake by 40 mg/day to compensate for the increased metabolic turnover induced by smoking.

Vitamin C fortification: need and recent trends in encapsulation technologies

The multifaceted role of vitamin C in human health intrudes several biochemical functions that are but not limited to antioxidant activity, homoeostasis, amino acid synthesis, collagen synthesis, osteogenesis, neurotransmitter production and several yet to be explored functions. In absence of an innate biosynthetic pathway, humans are obligated to attain vitamin C from dietary sources to maintain its optimal serum level (28 μmol/L). However, a significant amount of naturally occurring vitamin C may deteriorate due to food processing, storage and distribution before reaching to the human gastrointestinal tract, thus limiting or mitigating its disease combating activity. Literature acknowledges the growing prevalence of vitamin C deficiency across the globe irrespective of geographic, economic and population variations. Several tools have been tested to address vitamin C deficiency, which are primarily diet diversification, biofortification, supplementation and food fortification. These strategies inherit their own advantages and limitations. Opportunely, nanotechnology promises an array of delivery systems providing encapsulation, protection and delivery of susceptible compounds against environmental factors. Lack of clear understanding of the suitability of the delivery system for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification; growing prevalence of its deficiency, it is a need of the hour to develop and design vitamin C fortified food ensuring homogeneous distribution, improved stability and enhanced bioavailability. This article is intended to review the importance of vitamin C in human health, its recommended daily allowance, its dietary sources, factors donating to its stability and degradation. The emphasis also given to review the strategies adopted to address vitamin c deficiency, delivery systems adopted for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification.

Revisiting carotenoids as dietary antioxidants for human health and disease prevention

Humans are unique indiscriminate carotenoid accumulators, so the human body accumulates a wide range of dietary carotenoids of different types and to varying concentrations. Carotenoids were once recognized as physiological antioxidants because of their ability to quench singlet molecular oxygen (1O2). In the 1990s, large-scale intervention studies failed to demonstrate that supplementary β-carotene intake reduces the incidence of lung cancer, although its antioxidant activity was supposed to contribute to the prevention of oxidative stress-induced carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the antioxidant activity of carotenoids has attracted renewed attention as the pathophysiological role of 1O2 has emerged, and as the ability of dietary carotenoids to induce antioxidant enzymes has been revealed. This review focuses on six major carotenoids from fruit and vegetables and revisits their physiological functions as biological antioxidants from the standpoint of health promotion and disease prevention. β-Carotene 9',10'-oxygenase-derived oxidative metabolites trigger increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Lutein and zeaxanthin selectively accumulate in human macular cells to protect against light-induced macular impairment by acting as antioxidants. Lycopene accumulates exclusively and to high concentrations in the testis, where its antioxidant activity may help to eliminate oxidative damage. Dietary carotenoids appear to exert their antioxidant activity in photo-irradiated skin after their persistent deposition in the skin. An acceptable level of dietary carotenoids for disease prevention should be established because they can have deleterious effects as prooxidants if they accumulate to excess levels. Finally, it is expected that the reason why humans are indiscriminate carotenoid accumulators will be understood soon.

Low Levels of Serum and Intracellular Vitamin C in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Vitamin C is a crucial micronutrient for human immune cell function and has potent antioxidant properties. It is hypothesized that vitamin C serum levels decline during infection. However, the precise mechanisms remain unknown. To gain deeper insights into the true role of vitamin C during infections, we aimed to evaluate the body's vitamin C storage during a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this single-center study, we examined serum and intracellular vitamin C levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 70 hospitalized COVID-19 patients on the first and fifth days of hospitalization. Also, clinical COVID-19 severity was evaluated at these timepoints. Our findings revealed a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (36% and 15%). Moreover, patients with severe or critical disease exhibited a higher prevalence of low serum vitamin C levels than those with moderate illness. Serum vitamin C levels had a weak negative correlation with clinical COVID-19 severity classification on the day of hospitalization; however, there was no correlation with intracellular vitamin C. Intracellular vitamin C levels were decreased in this cohort as compared to a healthy cohort and showed further decline during hospitalization, while serum levels showed no relevant change. Based on this observation, it can be suggested that the reduction of intracellular vitamin C may be attributed to its antioxidative function, the need for replenishing serum levels, or enhanced turnover by immune cells. These data give an incentive to further investigate the role of intracellular vitamin C in a larger and more heterogeneous cohort as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Associations of dietary antioxidant micronutrients with the prevalence of obesity in adults

Background

Antioxidant micronutrients have a therapeutic potential for clinical treatment of obesity. NO research, however, has examined the connection between the complex level of dietary antioxidants and obesity.

Materials and methods

We mainly aimed to investigate the relationship between a combination of antioxidants and obesity using the database of the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES). This cross-sectional study contains a survey of 41,021 people (≥18 years) in total ranging from 2005 to 2018. Multivariate logistic and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were performed to investigate the associations between these antioxidants, both individually and collectively, and the prevalence of obesity. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was also utilized to analyze the linearity of these associations.

Results

According to multivariate logistic models, we found that the levels of most antioxidants in the highest quartile were independently related to a lower prevalence of obesity, while a reverse result was observed in selenium (p for trend &lt;0.05). The WQS index revealed that a total of the 11 antioxidants is negatively related to the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity (all p&lt;0.001), and iron/vitamin C have the greatest weight in the negative associations between antioxidant complex and obesity, as well as abdominal obesity. In addition, the RCS regression showed that retinol, vitamin A, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, iron, and copper all had a non-linear association with obesity. Threshold effect analysis demonstrated that the inflection points of retinol, vitamin A, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, iron, and cooper were 235.57, 374.81, 58.89, 891.44, 30.70, 43,410.00, 11,240.00, and 990.00 μg/day, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study found that a high level of a complex of 11 dietary antioxidants is related to a lower prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity, among this inverse associations iron and vitamin C have the greatest weight.

Does Aging Have an Impact on Vitamin C Status and Requirements? A Scoping Review of Comparative Studies of Aging and Institutionalisation

The global healthcare burden of an aging population continues to increase, with nearly a quarter of the total global burden of disease attributable to people aged ≥60 years. Older people are at greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including immune-supportive vitamin C, which is both a contributor to and a consequence of acute and chronic illnesses. However, whether healthy aging, per se, is associated with depleted vitamin C status and increased requirements for the vitamin is less certain. A systematic scoping review was carried out to assess comparative studies that reported the vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency in older versus younger people and in older people relative to residential status. Furthermore, vitamin C requirements were assessed through comparative studies reporting vitamin C status and pharmacokinetics in older people relative to younger people. Overall, there was limited evidence to suggest that healthy aging, per se, is related to lower vitamin C status or higher requirements for the vitamin. However, institutionalised elderly had lower vitamin C status and enhanced vitamin C requirements, primarily as a result of low intakes and/or chronic illnesses, which were not being met by hospital or residential diets. Because institutionalised elderly are vulnerable to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, it is imperative that appropriate nutritional interventions are instigated to provide optimal micronutrient intake to support healthy aging.

The association between vitamin C dietary intake and its serum levels with anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

studies showed inflammatory background of overweight and obesity. Prevalence of weight disorders has dramatically increased over the past few decades. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may be associated with weight disorders. This study aims to systematically review the relationship between dietary and serum vitamin C levels with anthropometric indices.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar up to the end of August 2021. All observational studies that assessed the relationship between dietary or circulating vitamin C levels and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) on adults were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool.

RESULTS

Among 11,689 studies, 47 and 37 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. There was an inverse significant correlation between WC and serum vitamin C levels (r = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.35,-0.21, I² = 14.2%) and between BMI and serum vitamin C levels (r = -0.17, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.09, I² = 72.8%). Higher vitamin C consumption was significantly associated with lower BMI. There were no significant differences in serum vitamin C levels between normal-weight and overweight subjects, but serum vitamin C levels were significantly higher in obese subjects in comparison with normal-weight subjects.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that both dietary and serum vitamin C levels were inversely associated with BMI and WC. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to assess the effect of vitamin C supplementation in prevention and treatment of obesity.

Characteristics of Physiological Parameters of Japanese Black Calves Relate to Carcass Weight

This study aimed to identify the growth performance and blood factors associated with carcass weight in Japanese Black calves based on 675 performance tests and field carcass records. We measured the body weight, withers height, and chest girth at the start of fattening age (approximately 8-10 months) and analyzed eight blood factors, including vitamins and metabolites. Single- and two-trait animal models were used to estimate the heritability and genetic correlations. The heritability estimates for growth performance were moderate to high (ranging from 0.48 to 0.74), and those for blood metabolites were low to moderate (ranging from 0.19 to 0.51). Estimates for genetic correlations of carcass or body weight with body weight, withers height, and chest girth were high (ranging from 0.42 to 0.80). The body weight and withers height at 8 months of age are possibly closely related to the final carcass weight. The blood metabolites associated with body weight were vitamin E in steers (castrated males) and β-carotene in heifers. Our findings indicate that body measurements and blood metabolites measured during the growing period could be used to determine the nutritional and physiological status of cattle as well as predict carcass weight.

Influence of Vitamin D and C on Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome-A Scoping Review of the Literature

Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a rare disease with a largely unknown etiology. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically evaluate and combine the available evidence about vitamin D and C and BMES. The analysis of the manuscripts was based on country of origin, number of patients, gender, study type, epidemiology, localization, bone mineral density measurements, vitamin status and therapy. Sixty studies were included. The overall number of patients was 823 with a male-to-female ratio of 1.55:1 and a mean age of 40.9 years. Studies were very heterogeneous and of diverging scientific scope with a weak level of evidence. The hip was the most affected joint, followed by the foot and ankle and the knee; 18.3% of patients suffered from multifocal BMES. Sixteen studies reported on vitamin D levels, resulting in a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (47%) and insufficiency (17.9%) among BMES patients. Three BME manuscripts were associated with vitamin C deficiency. Current therapeutic interventions include conservative measures (mainly unloading), various osteoactive drugs and iloprost. In summary, data about BMES in association with vitamin status is limited. A causal relationship between vitamin D or vitamin C status, osteopenia, and BMES cannot be determined from the existing literature.

Associations of serum multivitamin levels with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A population-based cross-sectional study in U.S. adults

Vitamins were closely associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development, but no study had explored the association of serum multivitamin levels with NAFLD risk. We assessed the association between serum levels of both single-vitamin and multivitamins (VA, VB6, VB9, VB12, VC, VD, and VE) and the risk of NAFLD, using the database of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (cycles 2003–2004 and 2005–2006). We employed multivariable logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models to explore the association of serum multivitamin levels with NAFLD. Among all 2,294 participants, 969 participants with NAFLD were more likely to be male, older, less educated, or have hypertension/high cholesterol/diabetes. After adjustment of covariates, serum VC/VD/VB6/VB9 levels were negatively correlated with NAFLD risk, while serum VA/VE levels were positively correlated with NAFLD risk. In the WQS model, elevated serum VA/VE levels and lowered serum VC/VD/VB6 levels were linearly associated with increased NAFLD risk. There was a non-linear relationship between serum VB9/VB12 levels and NAFLD risk. There were evident associations between serum multivitamin levels and reduced NAFLD risk, which was mainly driven by VD/VB9/VC. In conclusion, our findings suggested that serum multivitamin levels were significantly associated with the risk of NAFLD.

Sex-Specific Association between Fasting Plasma Glucose and Serum Selenium Levels in Adults from Southern Mexico

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that by its antioxidant properties has been studied to elucidate its participation in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the association between cardiometabolic traits and serum Se levels in a sample of adults from southern Mexico. In 96 nondiabetic individuals, anthropometric data and clinical biochemistry measurements were analyzed. Serum total Se levels were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Serum Se level in the whole sample was 10.309 ± 3.031 μg mL⁻¹ and no difference between the women and men was observed (p = 0.09). Additionally, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was significantly associated with serum Se level (β = −0.07 ± 0.03, p = 0.02, analysis adjusted for age, sex and BMI). Furthermore, sex shows significant interaction with FPG on the serum Se levels (p = 0.01). A follow-up analysis revealed the particular association between FPG and Se levels in women (β = −0.10 ± 0.04, p = 0.01). In conclusion, our data evidenced a women-specific association between FPG and serum Se levels in a sample of adults from southern Mexico.

Suboptimal Plasma Vitamin C Is Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Density in Young and Early Middle-Aged Men: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate associations between bone mineral density (BMD) and four selected circulating nutrients, particularly vitamin C, among adults aged 20−49 years. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the lumbar spine BMD of 866 men and 589 women were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and divided into tertiles, respectively. Logistic regressions were used to identify the predictors of low BMD by comparing subjects with the highest BMD to those with the lowest. Results: Multivariate logistic regressions identified suboptimal plasma vitamin C (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 2.31), suboptimal serum vitamin B12 (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.02, 4.12), and low BMI (BMI < 23) (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.12, 2.53) as independent predictors for low BMD in men. In women, low BMI was the only independent predictor for low BMD. Plasma vitamin C, categorized as suboptimal (≤8.8 mg/L) and sufficient (>8.8 mg/L), was positively significantly correlated with the lumbar spine BMD in men, but there was no association in women. Conclusions: Plasma vitamin C, categorized as suboptimal and sufficient, was positively associated with the lumbar spine BMD in young and early middle-aged men. A well-designed cohort study is needed to confirm the findings.

Smoking is associated with altered serum and hair essential metal and metalloid levels in women

The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between smoking and essential metal (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, V, Zn) and metalloid (Se) levels in hair and serum of adult women using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In this cross-sectional study, a total of 344 women 20-70 years old including 199 smokers and 145 non-smoking women were enrolled. Serum Cu, Fe, and Zn levels in smoking women were found to be 6%, 8%, and 3% lower of levels in non-smokers, respectively. In contrast, circulating Mn, V, and especially Cr concentrations in smoking women exceeded the respective values in non-smoking women by 5%, 14%, and 54%. Hair Fe and Se levels in smoking women were 17% and 23% lower as compared to non-smoking controls, respectively. In multiple regression models, smoking severity was inversely associated with serum and hair Se concentrations, whereas the relationship to serum and hair Cr was positive. In addition, serum Zn and hair Fe levels were found to be inversely associated with the number of cigarettes per day. These findings hypothesize that health hazards of smoking may be at least in part be mediated by alteration in essential metal and metalloid metabolism.

Association Between Serum Selenium Concentration and OPG/RANKL/RANK Axis in Patients with Arterial Hypertension

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the serum selenium concentration (Se-S) and the blood concentrations of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) and the OPG/RANKL ratio in patients with arterial hypertension. The study group comprised 138 patients with arterial hypertension (age: 56.04 ± 11.59 years). Se-S was determined in all the subjects. Based on the Se-S, the following subgroups were distinguished: a subgroup of patients with a lower Se-S ("low-Se", Se-S < median) and a subgroup of patients with a higher Se-S ("high-Se", Se-S ≥ median). Moreover, the blood concentrations of the parameters of bone metabolism and extraskeletal calcification were assessed: OPG and RANKL. The OPG/RANKL ratio was calculated. In the "low-Se" subgroup, the RANKL concentration was statistically significantly lower, and the OPG/RANKL ratio was statistically significantly higher than in the patients in the "high-Se" subgroup. The correlation analysis showed the negative linear relationships between Se-S and OPG (r = - 0.25, p < 0.05) and between Se-S and OPG/RANKL (r = - 0.47, p < 0.05). Moreover, Se-S positively correlated with RANKL (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). In regression analysis, higher body mass index (BMI), smoking and lower Se-S were independently associated with a higher OPG/RANKL ratio, while lower BMI, use of diuretics, β-blockers and ACE inhibitors and lower OPG/RANKL ratio with effective blood pressure control. In summary, in the group of patients with arterial hypertension, lower Se-S is associated with an unfavourable prognostic panel of parameters of bone metabolism and extraskeletal calcification. Lower Se-S is an independent risk factor for a higher OPG/RANKL ratio, which is an independent prediction factor of ineffective blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.

A review on the anesthetic management of obese patients undergoing surgery

There has been an observed increase in theprevalence of obesity over the past few decades. The prevalence of anesthesiology related complications is also observed more frequently in obese patients as compared to patients that are not obese. Due to the increased complications that accompany obesity, obese patients are now more often requiring surgical interventions. Therefore, it is important that anesthesiologists be aware of this development and is equipped to manage these patients effectively and appropriately. As a result, this review highlights the effective management of obese patients undergoing surgery focusing on the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative care of these patients.

Change in plasma α-tocopherol associations with attenuated pulmonary function decline and with CYP4F2 missense variation

BACKGROUND

Vitamin E (vitE) is hypothesized to attenuate age-related decline in pulmonary function.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association between change in plasma vitE (∆vitE) and pulmonary function decline [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)] and examined genetic and nongenetic factors associated with ∆vitE.

METHODS

We studied 1144 men randomly assigned to vitE in SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial). ∆vitE was the difference between baseline and year 3 vitE concentrations measured with GC-MS. FEV1 was measured longitudinally by spirometry. We genotyped 555 men (vitE-only arm) using the Illumina Expanded Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array (MEGAex). We used mixed-effects linear regression modeling to examine the ∆vitE-FEV1 association.

RESULTS

Higher ∆vitE was associated with lower baseline α-tocopherol (α-TOH), higher baseline γ-tocopherol, higher baseline free cholesterol, European ancestry (as opposed to African) (all P < 0.05), and the minor allele of a missense variant in cytochrome P450 family 4 subfamily F member 2 (CYP4F2) (rs2108622-T; 2.4 µmol/L higher ∆vitE, SE: 0.8 µmol/L; P = 0.0032). Higher ∆vitE was associated with attenuated FEV1 decline, with stronger effects in adherent participants (≥80% of supplements consumed): a statistically significant ∆vitE × time interaction (P = 0.014) indicated that a 1-unit increase in ∆vitE was associated with a 2.2-mL/y attenuation in FEV1 decline (SE: 0.9 mL/y). The effect size for 1 SD higher ∆vitE (+4 µmol/mmol free-cholesterol-adjusted α-TOH) was roughly one-quarter of the effect of 1 y of aging, but in the opposite direction. The ∆vitE-FEV1 association was similar in never smokers (2.4-mL/y attenuated FEV1 decline, SE: 1.0 mL/y; P = 0.017, n = 364), and current smokers (2.8-mL/y, SE: 1.6 mL/y; P = 0.079, n = 214), but there was little to no effect in former smokers (-0.64-mL/y, SE: 0.9 mL/y; P = 0.45, n = 564).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater response to vitE supplementation was associated with attenuated FEV1 decline. The response to supplementation differed by rs2108622 such that individuals with the C allele, compared with the T allele, may need a higher dietary intake to reach the same plasma vitE concentration.

Trace elements in whole blood in the general population in Trøndelag County, Norway: The HUNT3 Survey

BACKGROUND

Biomonitoring of a cohort within a large health survey can provide reliable information on trace element status. The main aims of this study were 1) to determine the concentrations of 28 trace elements in whole blood samples from the general population of the Nord-Trøndelag region, Norway, and 2) to investigate how trace element concentrations vary with geographical area, lifestyle, and socio-demographic factors.

METHODS

Whole blood samples were collected in the third survey of the Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT3), a large population-based study in Norway. In total, 1011 whole blood samples from individuals aged 20-91 years were analyzed using high resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). We compared trace element concentrations (As, B, Be, Br, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, Au, In, Fe, Pb, Hg, Tl, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Rb, Sc, Se, Ag, Sr, Sn, W and Zn) between three geographical areas (coastal, fjord/town, inland/mountain) using multivariable linear regression and assessed differences in trace element concentrations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors using general linear models.

RESULTS

Trace element concentrations were generally comparable to levels reported in other recent studies and suggest low exposure to toxic trace elements in the region. We found geographical differences in concentrations of 19 trace elements. As, Br, Hg, and Se concentrations were higher on the coast compared to the fjord/town and inland/mountain areas, suggesting that the marine environment is an important source of exposure for these trace elements. In addition, socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, particularly age and sex, were associated with differences in trace element concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

We report concentrations of 28 trace elements in the general population of a rural region with low exposure to pollution. Whole blood concentrations of trace elements varied with geographical area, the participants' lifestyle, and socio-demographic characteristics, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when evaluating trace element status in a population.

Chemotherapy induces plasmatic antioxidant changes in pediatric patients with acute lymphoid leukemia B that correlate to disease prognosis

Pediatric acute lymphoid leukemias (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, and cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the primary treatment option. Chemotherapic drugs act by oxidative stress generation, but their clinical meaning is poorly understood. During the chemotherapy schedule, this study evaluated the antioxidant profile of peripheral blood samples from 34 patients diagnosed with type B-cell ALL (B-ALL). Peripheral blood samples were collected at diagnosis (D0) and during the induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases. The plasma total antioxidant capacity (TRAP) was determined using the high-sensitivity chemiluminescence technique. Antioxidant levels were higher on D0 compared to day 7 after treatment starting (D7) in the induction phase (28.68–1194.71 μM Trolox, p = 0.0178) and in the high-risk group (age > ten years and/or with white blood cell counts and/or > 50,000 white blood cells/m3 at diagnosis) concerning low-risk patients (253.79–1194.71 μM Trolox, p = 0.0314). Reduced TRAP was also detected in patients who died compared to those who survived (392.42–1194.71 μM Trolox, p = 0.0278). Patients under consolidation (56.14–352.05 μM Trolox, p=<0.0001) and maintenance (30.48–672.99 μM Trolox, p=<0.0001) showed a significant reduction in TRAP levels compared to those from the induction phase (28.68–1390.26 μM Trolox), reaching levels similar to cured patients out of treatment (64.82–437.82 μM Trolox). These findings suggest that the variation of the total antioxidant capacity in B-ALL during chemotherapy is a parameter that correlates to some predictors of disease prognosis.

•

ALL is the most common neoplasia in children.

•

Oxidative stress is reported in ALL patients, but the relationship between antioxidants and disease profile is unknown.

•

Changes in blood antioxidants during chemotherapy correlates to survival and risk stratification in childhood ALL.

Multiple vitamin co-exposure and mortality risk: A prospective study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Existing epidemiological studies explored the associations of circulating vitamins and mortality focusing on individual vitamin effects, and controversial findings were obtained. The joint effects of multiple vitamin co-exposure are worth studying. The study aimed to elucidate the associations of circulating vitamins and the joint effects of these vitamins' co-exposure with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated the associations of the concentrations of six kinds of vitamins (A, D, E, C, B12 and B9) in serum with risks for all-cause and cause-specific mortalities among U.S. adults. Mortality status and cause of death were determined by NHANES-linked public available files dated up to 31 December 2015. An unsupervised K-means clustering method was used to cluster the participants into several vitamin co-exposure patterns. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1404 deaths occurred during a median of 10.9 years follow-up among 8295 participants. In multivariable adjustment, increasing levels of vitamin D were associated with reduced all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks. A J-shaped nonlinear exposure-response relationship was observed between all studied vitamins (except for vitamin D) and all-cause mortality risk. Four co-exposure patterns were generated based on the studied vitamins, as follows: low-level exposure (cluster 1), vitamin A/D exposure (cluster 2), water-soluble vitamin exposure (cluster 3) and high-level exposure (cluster 4). Compared with those in cluster 1, participants in cluster 2 had lower all-cause and cancer mortality risks, with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of 0.67 (0.53, 0.85) and 0.45 (0.29, 0.71), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in this study indicated that high circulating vitamin D levels were associated with reduced mortality risk among U.S. adults. Vitamin co-exposure at moderate levels appropriately contributed to low all-cause and cancer mortality risks. Our findings provided a novel perspective for exploring the joint health effects of multivitamin co-exposure. Future investigations are needed to further unravel the underlying mechanisms of possible vitamin interactions.

Ascorbic Acid Deficiency Prevalence and Associated Cognitive Impairment in Alcohol Detoxification Inpatients: A Pilot Study

Malnutrition has been reported in alcohol use disorder patients as having a possible influence on cognitive function. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of ascorbic acid (AA) deficiency in inpatients admitted for alcohol detoxification and the associated factors, including cognitive impairment in the early period of abstinence. A retrospective chart review was conducted. The AA level was categorised into three groups: deficiency (AAD) (<2 mg/L), insufficiency (AAI) (2–5 mg/L) and normal level. The cognitive impairment was screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Ninety-six patients were included (74 men; mean age 49.1 years (±11.5)). Twenty-seven AAD (28.1%) and twenty-two AAI (22.9%) were observed. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for AAD versus normal AA level were men (OR 17.8, 95%CI (1.63–194)), compensated cirrhosis (OR 9.35, 95%CI (1.60–54.6)) and street homelessness (OR 5.76, 95%CI (1.24–26.8) versus personal housing). The MoCA score was available for 53 patients (mean MoCA score: 25.7 (±3.3)). In multivariate analysis, the natural logarithm of AA (β = 1.18, p = 0.037) and sedative use disorder (β = −2.77, p = 0.046) were associated with the MoCA score. AAD and AAI are frequent in inpatients admitted for alcohol detoxification. A low level of AA was associated with cognitive impairment in the early period of abstinence.

Selenium Status, Its Interaction with Selected Essential and Toxic Elements, and a Possible Sex-Dependent Response In Utero, in a South African Birth Cohort

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and its deficiency in utero may affect fetus development and birth outcomes. The current study aimed to assess serum Se status at delivery and examine the possible association between Se levels and birth outcomes. The interaction of Se with selected essential and toxic elements as well as possible sex-dependent responses in utero were also evaluated. The negative association between Se levels and head circumference of neonates was evident in the total cohort (β = −0.164; p < 0.001) as well as in the pre-term and full-term cohorts. Significant positive correlations were found between maternal serum Se concentrations and zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the total and regional cohorts. In the total cohort, the toxic elements lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) showed a negative correlation with Se levels, while mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) showed a positive correlation. The study found a sex-dependent response in utero for Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Al. The findings of the current study may inform reproductive health policy on Se status in South Africa and highlight the need for sensitive methods to measure Se intake during pregnancy and its complex interactions with other micronutrients and environmental pollutants.

Associations between Urinary and Dietary Selenium and Blood Metabolic Parameters in a Healthy Northern Italy Population

Selenium is both an essential nutrient and a highly toxic element, depending on its dose and chemical forms. We aimed to quantify urinary selenium excretion and dietary selenium intake in 137 healthy non-smoking blood donors living in the northern Italian province of Reggio Emilia. We assessed selenium status by determining urinary selenium levels (mean 26.77 µg/L), and by estimating dietary selenium intake (mean 84.09 µg/day) using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood levels of glucose, lipids and thyroid-stimulating hormone were measured using automatized laboratory procedures. Dietary and urinary selenium were correlated (beta coefficient (β) = 0.19). Despite this, the association of the two indicators with health endpoints tended to diverge. Using linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, cotinine levels and alcohol intake, we observed a positive association between urinary selenium and blood triglyceride (β = 0.14), LDL-cholesterol (β = 0.07) and glucose levels (β = 0.08), and an inverse one with HDL-cholesterol (β = −0.12). Concerning dietary selenium, a slightly positive association could be found with glycemic levels only (β = 0.02), while a negative one emerged for other endpoints. The two selenium indicators showed conflicting and statistically highly imprecise associations with circulating TSH levels. Our findings suggest that higher selenium exposure is adversely associated with blood glucose levels and lipid profile. This is the case even at selenium exposures not exceeding tolerable upper intake levels according to current guidelines.

Epidemiology of 40 blood biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism, vitamin status, inflammation, and renal and endothelial function among cancer-free older adults

Imbalances of blood biomarkers are associated with disease, and biomarkers may also vary non-pathologically across population groups. We described variation in concentrations of biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism, vitamin status, inflammation including tryptophan metabolism, and endothelial and renal function among cancer-free older adults. We analyzed 5167 cancer-free controls aged 40-80 years from 20 cohorts in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3). Centralized biochemical analyses of 40 biomarkers in plasma or serum were performed. We fit multivariable linear mixed effects models to quantify variation in standardized biomarker log-concentrations across four factors: age, sex, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI). Differences in most biomarkers across most factors were small, with 93% (186/200) of analyses showing an estimated difference lower than 0.25 standard-deviations, although most were statistically significant due to large sample size. The largest difference was for creatinine by sex, which was - 0.91 standard-deviations lower in women than men (95%CI - 0.98; - 0.84). The largest difference by age was for total cysteine (0.40 standard-deviation increase per 10-year increase, 95%CI 0.36; 0.43), and by BMI was for C-reactive protein (0.38 standard-deviation increase per 5-kg/m2 increase, 95%CI 0.34; 0.41). For 31 of 40 markers, the mean difference between current and never smokers was larger than between former and never smokers. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) association with time since smoking cessation was observed for 8 markers, including C-reactive protein, kynurenine, choline, and total homocysteine. We conclude that most blood biomarkers show small variations across demographic characteristics. Patterns by smoking status point to normalization of multiple physiological processes after smoking cessation.

Association between Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score and Anthropometric Measurements in Children and Adolescents: The Weight Disorders Survey of the CASPIAN-IV Study

BACKGROUND

Limited experience exists on the relationship between anthropometric measures and dietary antioxidant intake in the pediatric age group. We aimed to investigate the association of dietary antioxidants intake and anthropometric measurement in children and adolescents.

METHODS

This nationwide study was conducted in 4270 children and adolescents, aged 6-18 years. Demographic and anthropometric data were assessed. Children and adolescents were classified as underweight, healthy weight or overweight/obese based on body mass index percentiles. Dietary intake was obtained by a 168-item semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire. Energy and nutrients intake was estimated using the Nutritionist IV software. Dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) was calculated based on the daily dietary intake of selenium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E compared with daily recommended intake.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, gender, living area (rural or urban), energy intake and physical activity level, DAQS was positively associated with waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in under-weight children and adolescents (B = 1.614, 1.634 and 0.01, respectively; all ps < 0.05). Increased DAQS was significantly associated with higher WC and WHtR in normal-weight children and adolescents (B = 0.536 and 0.003, respectively; all ps <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dietary intakes of some antioxidants were higher in children and adolescents with excess weight. DAQS was correlated with some anthropometric measurements in under-weight and normal-weight subjects. It can provide a novel approach to assess the role of antioxidant intake on health promotion and diet-based therapies in under-weight and normal-weight children and adolescents.

Association between serum Vitamin E concentrations and the presence of Metabolic Syndrome: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of clinical and metabolic features that include central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. These features are accompanied by increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defenses. Vitamin E is a major factor in the non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses. The aim of present study was to investigate the association between serum levels of vitamin E and the presence of MetS and its components in a sample population of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) cohort study.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out in 128 subjects with MetS and 235 subjects without MetS. MetS was defined according to the International-Diabetes-Federation criteria. Serum levels of vitamin E were measured using the HPLC method. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured using standard protocols.  Results. MetS patients had significantly lower serum levels of vitamin E (Vit E), Vit E/Total cholesterol (TC), and Vit E/ (TC+triglyceride(TG)) compared to the control group (P < 0.05).  Vit E/ (TG+TC) was also significantly lower in diabetics or those with elevated levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Additionally, there was a significant association between Vit E/ (TG + Total Cho) and the number of components of the metabolic syndrome (p= 0.02) Conclusions. There is a significant inverse association between indices of Vit E status and the presence of MetS. Moreover, a significantly lower Vit E/ (TC+TG) was observed along with individuals with increasing numbers of components of the MetS.

Therapeutic potential of astaxanthin and superoxide dismutase in Alzheimer's disease

Oxidative stress, the imbalance of the antioxidant system, results in an accumulation of neurotoxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The antioxidant system is composed of exogenous and endogenous antioxidants to maintain homeostasis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an endogenous enzymatic antioxidant that converts superoxide ions to hydrogen peroxide in cells. SOD supplementation in mice prevented cognitive decline in stress-induced cells by reducing lipid peroxidation and maintaining neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, SOD decreased expression of BACE1 while reducing plaque burden in the brain. Additionally, Astaxanthin (AST), a potent exogenous carotenoid, scavenges superoxide anion radicals. Mice treated with AST showed slower memory decline and decreased depositions of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein. Currently, the neuroprotective potential of these supplements has only been examined separately in studies. However, a single antioxidant cannot sufficiently resist oxidative damage to the brain, therefore, a combinatory approach is proposed as a relevant therapy for ameliorating pathological changes in AD.

α-Tocopherol Stereoisomer Profiles in Matched Human Maternal and Umbilical Cord Plasma

BACKGROUND

α-Tocopherol (αT) is essential for fetal development. One study has shown that the human placenta preferentially transfers the natural stereoisomer, RRR-αT. But prenatal supplements generally contain synthetic αT (S-αT).

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine if umbilical cord plasma is enriched for RRR-αT in racially diverse neonates from both uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies and if cord RRR-αT enrichment is impacted by maternal αT stereoisomer profile.

METHODS

We measured αT and αT stereoisomers in plasma from a randomly selected subset of 66 predominantly black and Hispanic maternal-fetal pairs from the Camden Study involving control (n = 28) and complicated pregnancies (n = 38). We collected maternal plasma at study entry (week 16 gestation; w16) and week 28 gestation (w28) and cord plasma at birth.

RESULTS

RRR-αT was the predominant stereoisomer in all maternal and cord plasma samples, but S-αT stereoisomers were found in most samples and comprised a high percentage of αT in some maternal-neonate pairs. Cord plasma had a higher percentage RRR-αT (P < 0.05) and lower percentage S-αT (P < 0.0001) than w28 plasma. Pregnancy status did not impact maternal or cord plasma concentrations of αT, RRR-αT, or S-αT; except plasma from complicated pregnancies was higher in S-αT at w28 than at w16 (P < 0.05). Maternal w28 αT did not correlate with cord αT. However, both maternal w28 αT and S-αT positively correlated with both cord S-αT (r = 0.340, P = 0.0049; r = 0.538, P < 0.00001) and percentage S-αT (r = 0.399, P = 0.001; r = 0.786, P < 0.00001) but negatively correlated with cord percentage RRR-αT (r = -0.399, P = 0.0009; r = -0.786, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of RRR-αT was higher in cord compared with maternal plasma in both uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies. Our data suggest that maternal S-αT raises cord S-αT and decreases the proportion of RRR-αT in the neonatal circulation. Because the bioactivities of RRR-αT and S-αT differ, this warrants future research to determine the importance of our observations to neonatal αT status.

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Oxidative Stress and Plasma Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults with Normal Weight, Overweight and Obesity

Background: Obesity is an important pathology in public health worldwide. Obese patients are characterized by higher cardiovascular risk and a pro-inflammatory profile. Objective: To assess the oxidative stress in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and inflammatory biomarkers in plasma in adults with normal weight, overweight and obesity. Methods: One hundred and fifty adults (55-80-years-old; 60% women) from the Balearic Islands, Spain, were recruited and classified according to body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric measurements were carried out, fasting blood samples were collected and plasma and PBMCs were obtained. Biochemical parameters, hemogram, antioxidant enzyme activities and protein levels, reactive oxygen species production (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and cytokine (tumour necrosis factor, TNFα, and interleukin 6, IL-6) levels were measured. Results: Glycaemia, triglyceridemia, abdominal obesity, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were higher, and HDL-cholesterol was lower in obese patients. MDA and TNFα plasma levels were higher in the obese compared to normal-weight group, while the levels of IL-6 were higher in both obese and overweight subjects with respect to normal-weight peers. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes in PBMCs as well as the production ROS progressively increased with BMI. The protein levels of catalase in PBMCs were higher in obese and glutathione reductase in obese and overweight subjects compared to normal-weight peers. No other differences were observed. Conclusion: The current results show that overweight and obesity are related to an increase in pro-oxidant and proinflammatory status in plasma and PBMCs. The studied biomarkers may be useful for monitoring the progression/reversal of obesity.

Increased blood alpha-carotene, all-trans-Beta-carotene and lycopene levels are associated with beneficial changes in heart rate variability: a CVD-stratified analysis in an adult population-based study

Background

Although the associations of antioxidant micronutrients, such as carotenoids and vitamins, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been studied extensively, blood concentrations of antioxidant micronutrients and heart rate variability (HRV), which has been proven to be an indicator of cardiac autonomic control, has not been reported. We aimed to explore whether blood concentrations of antioxidant micronutrients, including carotenoids and vitamins, are associated with elevated heart rate variability (HRV (beneficial change) in a cross-sectional analysis.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study that includes a general adult population. A total of 1074 (aged 34–84) individuals were included. Multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the association between main blood carotenoids (total lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, 13-cis-beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, all-trans-beta-carotene and total lycopene) and vitamins A (retinol) and E (gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol) and HRV after adjustments were made for lifestyle factors and age-related confounders.

Results

Pearson correlation analyses showed that the increased levels of carotenoids and vitamins were positively correlated with higher HRV (all P < 0.05). After adjustments were made for age, gender, race, body mass index(BMI), ever-smoker, number of drinking years and exercise, blood alpha-carotene, all-trans-beta-carotene and total lycopene levels were independently associated with higher HRV in the linear regression model (all P < 0.05). Sensitivity analysis by adding “ever chronic respiratory diseases” as a covariate suggested that blood concentrations of these three carotenoids were still associated with higher low-frequency (LF)-HRV and high-frequency (HF)-HRV (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, stratified analyses suggested that the associations were affected by adding “heart disease” and “hypertension” as covariates.

Conclusions

We provide the first evidence that elevated blood concentrations of alpha-carotene, trans-beta-carotene and lycopene are associated with beneficial changes in HRV in the general population. Daily intake of fruit and vegetables may be beneficial to increase blood carotenoid status and further prevent autonomic dysfunction.

Alcohol and the Eye

In this article, we present a review of ocular conditions related to alcohol consumption. A search of the literature published from 1952 to March 2020 was performed. The titles and abstracts were screened and the eligible studies were selected. PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge database, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. We categorized the relationship between alcohol intake and ocular conditions by the type of ocular exposure to alcohol. Accordingly, ocular findings following acute alcohol intoxication, optic neuropathy following methanol toxicity, congenital conditions related to maternal alcohol consumption, and ocular disease related to chronic alcoholism are discussed. The main feature of alcohol intoxication in the eye is abnormal eye movement. Acute optic neuropathy secondary to methyl alcohol consumption is a serious ocular disease with permanent vision loss or scotoma. Prenatal exposure to ethanol may end in fetal alcohol spectrum disease, where ocular findings are a constant component. The association between chronic alcohol consumption and increased risks of cataract, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, different types of optic neuropathy, impairment of visual quality, retinal vascular disease, and ocular surface disease has also been reported. Along with detrimental medical and social effects, the role of alcohol consumption in different ocular conditions should be considered, as alcohol-induced visual disturbances may contribute to the heavy burden of alcohol abuse on the healthcare system and overall quality of life.

Resveratrol promotes liver regeneration in drug-induced liver disease in mice

Studies suggest that the bioactive polyphenolic compound resveratrol (RESV, trans-isomer), found naturally in certain foods such as red grapes and peanuts, may be able to ameliorate liver damage. However, the effects and efficacy of long-term treatment with RESV remain unclear. Here, we used an acetaminophen (APAP; 400 mg/kg/d for 15 days) overdose model to induce liver damage in C56BL/6 mice. Three days after the intoxication was stopped, we observed biochemical, histological and ultrastructural alterations in the livers of these mice. The APAP-treated animals were then given RESV (10 mg/kg/d) for 60 days. Blood and tissue were analyzed at days 7, 30 and 60. Our data show that long-term RESV treatment (60 days) ameliorates the liver injury caused by APAP intoxication, restoring histological features, ultrastructural organization and serum biochemical parameters (albumin, alanine aminotransferase). Ck18- and F4/80-positive cells (indicators of hepatocyte recovery) were reestablished and the number of α-SMA positive cells was normalized after long-term RESV treatment. Additionally, downregulation of the drug transporter BCRP was observed. Electron microscopy revealed that treatment with RESV was effective in restoring the shape and size of hepatic microvilli and normalizing both the number and viability of mitochondria. Taken together, these results indicate that long-term treatment with RESV is effective in alleviating liver injury caused by APAP administration.

Reduced plasma carotenoids in individuals suffering from metabolic diseases with disturbances in lipid metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

This review summarises the association between serum carotenoids, serum retinoids and dietary intake outcomes with obesity/overweight and individuals with metabolic diseases with disturbances in lipid metabolism. Observational studies reporting dietary intakes and serum concentrations of carotenoids and retinol were collected from Medline and Web of Science. Mean differences were calculated between "cases" (classified as obese, overweight or having a metabolic disease with disturbances in lipid metabolism; i.e. non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia or metabolic syndrome) and "comparator group" (classified as normal weight healthy individuals) and summarised in meta-analyses. Significant summary measures were observed for most serum provitamin A and non-provitamin A carotenoids. Studies reporting total serum carotenoids had shown the greatest decrease (-0.28 µmol/l [-0.33, -0.23], p<.001, I²=62.5%, n = 7). There were no significant summary measures for dietary outcomes, suggesting a physiological role of low serum carotenoids in the development of obesity and associated diseases.

Micronutrients and Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Related to Cardiometabolic Health: Results from the EHES-LUX Study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics include chronic inflammation and elevated oxidative stress. This study assessed associations between circulating concentrations of micronutrients/phytochemicals and inflammatory/oxidative stress markers with MetS and MetS components. Adults (N = 606) from the European Health Examination Survey in Luxembourg (2013-2015) were randomly selected. We performed a multivariable logistic regression model using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to identify MetS-associated variables. Participants with MetS had higher concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, leptin, insulin, and vitamins E/A, but lower concentrations of adiponectin, beta-carotene, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein. A one-unit increase in log-CRP was associated with 51% greater odds of MetS (OR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.98)). Adults with a one-unit increase in log-leptin were 3.1 times more likely to have MetS (3.10 (2.10, 4.72)). Women with a one-unit increase in vitamin A were associated with 3% increased odds of MetS (1.03 (1.01, 1.05)), while those with a one-unit increase in log-adiponectin were associated with 82% decreased odds (0.18 (0.07, 0.46)). Chronic inflammation best characterized adults with MetS, as CRP, adiponectin, and leptin were selected as the main MetS determinants. Micronutrients did not seem to affect MetS, except for vitamin A in women.

The Long History of Vitamin C: From Prevention of the Common Cold to Potential Aid in the Treatment of COVID-19

From Pauling's theories to the present, considerable understanding has been acquired of both the physiological role of vitamin C and of the impact of vitamin C supplementation on the health. Although it is well known that a balanced diet which satisfies the daily intake of vitamin C positively affects the immune system and reduces susceptibility to infections, available data do not support the theory that oral vitamin C supplements boost immunity. No current clinical recommendations support the possibility of significantly decreasing the risk of respiratory infections by using high-dose supplements of vitamin C in a well-nourished general population. Only in restricted subgroups (e.g., athletes or the military) and in subjects with a low plasma vitamin C concentration a supplementation may be justified. Furthermore, in categories at high risk of infection (i.e., the obese, diabetics, the elderly, etc.), a vitamin C supplementation can modulate inflammation, with potential positive effects on immune response to infections. The impact of an extra oral intake of vitamin C on the duration of a cold and the prevention or treatment of pneumonia is still questioned, while, based on critical illness studies, vitamin C infusion has recently been hypothesized as a treatment for COVID-19 hospitalized patients. In this review, we focused on the effects of vitamin C on immune function, summarizing the most relevant studies from the prevention and treatment of common respiratory diseases to the use of vitamin C in critical illness conditions, with the aim of clarifying its potential application during an acute SARS-CoV2 infection.

Absorbability of Astaxanthin Was Much Lower in Obese Mice Than in Normal Mice

Astaxanthin has been favored as a health food supplement by obese consumers. However, no detailed descriptions are available concerning the absorption of astaxanthin in obese individuals. In this study, we conducted acute and chronic feeding experiments in C57BL/6J mice to study the differences in astaxanthin absorption in normal and obese bodies. The obesity condition greatly decreased astaxanthin concentration in the blood and liver, its accumulation in tissues and organs, and the bioaccessibility. This may be related to the excessive intake of sucrose, fatty acids, and cholesterol, the increased gastrointestinal motility, and the disorder of gut microbiota in the obese body. Overall, our study showed that the obese body had a far less oral absorbability of astaxanthin than a normal body, and we suggest that the recommended or approved doses of astaxanthin can be properly increased for the obese body in the hope that astaxanthin will play a more active role in obese individuals.

Determination of Trace and Major Elements in Vegan Milk and Oils by ICP-OES After Microwave Digestion

Increasing technological developments also bring about environmental pollution. Heavy metals and metallic compounds, as a result of soil, water, and air industrialization, pass through to people and animals through the food chain and have a negative impact on health. In this study, the concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, P, Fe, Cu, B, Mn, Zn, Al, S, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Se, Sn, Ti, W, and Hg in commercial vegan milk (soybean milk, coconut milk, and almond milk) and oils (soybean oil, coconut oil, bitter almond oil, sweet almond oil, and walnut oil) were determinated using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry after microwave digestion. In order to compare the efficiencies of digestion in vegan milk and oil samples, 6 mL of HNO₃ (conc.), 3 mL of H₂O₂ (30%); 7 mL of HNO₃ (conc.), 3.5 mL of H₂O₂ (30%), and 8 mL of HNO₃ (conc.), 4 mL of H₂O₂ (30%) were used in microwave digestion procedures. The proposed procedures were applied to the analysis of 81 vegan milk and 125 vegan oil samples covering three different brands in Turkey. Na, Mg, K, Ca, P, S, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Sb, and Sn concentrations in vegan milks ranged (minimum-maximum in ppm) as follows: 307.4-501.2, 1.8-15.6, 478.8-1300.4, 276.3-1189, 197-797.8, 18.7-241.4, 0.09-0.42, 0-0.58, 0.02-1.06, 0.34-1.56, 0.26-0.67, and 3.4-30.4 ppm, respectively. The results of Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Mn, Zn, Se, Fe, Cu, Sb, and Sn concentrations in vegan oils (minimum-maximum in ppm) ranged as follows: 6.8-31.2, 403.5-425.2, 142.8-160.4, 71.65-149.8, 0.35-0.85, 14.2-35.2, 0.02-0.27, 0.07-0.36, 1.90-4.64, 0.92-5.36, 0.01-0.05, 1.02-1.66, and 21.2, 35.0 ppm, respectively. Vegan milk contents except for Se, Fe, Sb, and Sn in this study were higher than vegan oil contents. The methods were validated by linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, and analyzing certified reference material (NIST SRM-3235), soybean milk. The highest values of LOD were found Pb, P, and Bi, and the highest values of LOQ were found Mo, Pb, and Sb.

Interrelation between Plasma Concentrations of Vitamins C and E along the Trajectory of Ageing in Consideration of Lifestyle and Body Composition: A Longitudinal Study over Two Decades

Although the interrelation between vitamins C and E has been demonstrated on an experimental level, its impact on biomarkers in community-dwelling subjects along the trajectory of ageing has not yet been shown. The present longitudinal study investigates the determinants and interrelation of vitamins C and E plasma concentrations in 399 subjects aged ≥60 years with a median follow-up time of 12 years. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the influence of age, sex, body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, smoking and supplement/drug use on plasma vitamin C, plasma α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol/total cholesterol ratio. At baseline, median plasma concentrations of vitamin C and α-tocopherol were 74 and 35 µmol/L. Absolute fat-free mass, physical activity, use of supplements, and plasma α-tocopherol were main determinants of plasma vitamin C in the course of ageing. For the α-tocopherol/total cholesterol ratio, age, use of supplements, use of lipid-modifying drugs, and plasma vitamin C were main determinants. The results reveal a stable positive interrelation between plasma concentrations of vitamins C and E along the trajectory of ageing independent of the other identified determinants. The possible regulatory mechanisms that could explain this robust positive interrelation remain to be elucidated.

The Contribution of Plasma and Brain Vitamin C on Age and Gender-Related Cognitive Differences: A Mini-Review of the Literature

There is increasing evidence that sex differences in the brain may contribute to gender-related behavioral differences, including cognitive function. Literature has revealed gender dimorphisms in cognitive function between males and females. Additionally, several risk factors associated with cognitive decline depend on chronological age. It is well recognized that the process of aging is associated with a decline in cognitive ability and brain function. Various explanations may account for these gender-related cognitive differences and age-associated cognitive changes. Recent investigations have highlighted the importance of vitamin C in maintaining brain health and its association with cognitive function in both cognitively intact and impaired cohorts. The present review explores previous literature that has evaluated differences in plasma/brain vitamin C between genders and during aging. It then assesses whether these age and gender-related differences may affect the relationship between plasma/brain vitamin C and cognition. The purpose of this review was to examine the evidence for a link between plasma/brain vitamin C and cognition and the impact of gender and age on this relationship. Epidemiological studies have frequently shown higher vitamin C plasma concentrations in women. Similarly, aging has been systematically associated with reductions in plasma vitamin C levels. A range of animal studies has demonstrated potential gender and age-related differences in vitamin C brain distribution and utilization. The reviewed literature suggests that gender differences in plasma and brain vitamin C may potentially contribute to differences in gender-associated cognitive ability, particularly while females are pre-menopausal. Additionally, we can propose that age-associated differences in plasma and brain vitamin C may be potentially linked to age-associated cognitive differences, with older cohorts appearing more vulnerable to experience declines in plasma vitamin C concentrations alongside compromised vitamin C brain regulation. This review encourages future investigations to take into account both gender and age when assessing the link between plasma vitamin C concentrations and cognitive function. Further large scale investigations are required to assess whether differences in cognitive function between genders and age groups may be causally attributed to plasma vitamin C status and brain distribution and utilization.

Total Dietary Antioxidant Capacity and Longitudinal Trajectories of Body Composition

Although there is some evidence that total dietary antioxidant capacity (TDAC) is inversely associated with the presence of obesity, no longitudinal studies have been performed investigating the effect of TDAC on comprehensive measures of body composition over time. In this study, we included 4595 middle-aged and elderly participants from the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort. We estimated TDAC among these individuals by calculating a ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) score based on data from food-frequency questionnaires. Body composition was assessed by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and every subsequent 3–5 years. From these data, we calculated fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), android-to-gynoid fat ratio (AGR), body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI). We also assessed hand grip strength at two time points and prevalence of sarcopenia at one time point in a subset of participants. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models or multinomial logistic regression models with multivariable adjustment. We found that higher FRAP score was associated with higher FFMI (0.091 kg/m² per standard deviation (SD) higher FRAP score, 95% CI 0.031; 0.150), lower AGR (−0.028, 95% CI −0.053; −0.003), higher BMI (0.115, 95% CI 0.020; 0.209) and lower BF% (−0.223, 95% CI −0.383; −0.064) across follow-up after multivariable adjustment. FRAP score was not associated with hand grip strength or sarcopenia. Additional adjustment for adherence to dietary guidelines and exclusion of individuals with comorbid disease at baseline did not change our results. In conclusion, dietary intake of antioxidants may positively affect the amount of lean mass and overall body composition among the middle-aged and elderly.