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Venkata Surekha M, Shravanthi G, Shalini T, Uday Kumar P. Vitamin B12 status in term pregnant women and the cord blood samples of their newborns: A cross-sectional study. Nutr Health 2023:2601060231151720. [PMID: 36803291 DOI: 10.1177/02601060231151720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Background and aim: In India, total vitamin B12 (Vit B12) and its active form (active B12) have not been studied in mother's blood and cord blood. We hypothesized that total and active B12 levels are sufficiently maintained in cord blood despite low levels in mothers. Methods: Two hundred term pregnant mother's blood and cord blood was collected and analyzed for total Vit B12 (radioimmunoassay method) and active B12 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Mean values of constant or continuous variables (hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC), and Vit B12) were compared in mother's blood and newborn cord blood using Student's t-test and multiple comparisons within the groups were carried out with ANOVA. Spearman's correlation (Vit B12) and multivariable backward regression analyses (height, weight, education, body mass index (BMI) and Hb, PCV, MCV, WBC, and Vit B12 levels) were also performed. Results: Total Vit 12 deficiency was highly prevalent at 89% and active B12 deficiency was 36.7% in mothers. Cord blood showed total Vit B12 deficiency prevalence of 53% and active B12 deficiency being 9.3%. Total Vit B12 (p<0.001) and active B12 (p<0.001) levels were significantly higher in cord blood when compared to mother's blood. In multivariate analysis, higher total and active B12 levels in mother's blood predicted higher levels of total and active B12 levels in cord blood. Conclusion: Our study showed higher prevalence of total and active Vit B12 deficiency in mothers compared to cord blood thus indicating their transfer to fetus irrespective of mother's status. Maternal Vit B12 levels affected cord blood Vit B12 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mullapudi Venkata Surekha
- Pathology and Microbiology Division, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Tattari Shalini
- Biochemistry Division, 28603ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - Putcha Uday Kumar
- Pathology and Microbiology Division, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
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2
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Abstract
Of the water-soluble vitamins, vitamin B12 (B12) has the lowest daily requirement. It also has several unique properties including a complex pathway for its absorption and assimilation requiring intact gastric and terminal small intestinal function, an enterohepatic pathway, and several dedicated binding proteins and chaperons. The many causes of B12 deficiency include malabsorption and defects in cellular delivery and uptake, as well as limited dietary intake. B12 is required as a cofactor for only two reactions in humans, the cytosolic methionine synthase reaction and the mitochondrial methymalonyl CoA mutase reaction. Disruption of either of these reactions gives rise to B12 deficiency. Although more common with advancing age, because of the higher prevalence of malabsorptive disorders in the elderly, B12 deficiency is widely distributed across all age groups particularly where food insecurity occurs. The consequences and severity of B12 deficiency are variable depending on the degree of deficiency and its duration. Major organ systems affected include the blood, bone marrow and nervous system. Megaloblastic anemia results from a defect in thymidine and therefore DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. Nervous system involvement is varied, some of which results from defective myelin synthesis and repair. Cognitive impairment and psychosis may also occur. Diagnosis of B12 deficiency rests on clinical suspicion followed by laboratory testing, which consists of a panel of tests, that together provide clinically reliable predictive indices. B12 metabolism and deficiency is closely intertwined with folate, another B-vitamin. This chapter explores the various aspects of a unique and fascinating micronutrient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - Joshua W Miller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Devi S, Pasanna RM, Shamshuddin Z, Bhat K, Sivadas A, Mandal AK, Kurpad AV. Measuring vitamin B-12 bioavailability with [13C]-cyanocobalamin in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:1504-1515. [PMID: 32844171 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin B-12 deficiency is widespread in many parts of the world, affecting all age groups and increasing with age. It is primarily due to a low intake of animal source foods or malabsorption. The measurement of bioavailability of vitamin B-12 is etiologically important in deficiency but is limited due to the use of radioactive isotopes like [57Co]- or [14C]-cyanocobalamin. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to measure the bioavailability of [13C]-cyanocobalamin in humans and to assess the effect of parenteral replenishment of vitamin B-12 on the bioavailability. METHODS We synthesized a stable isotope-labeled vitamin B-12, [13C]-cyanocobalamin, using Salmonella enterica by providing [13C2]-ethanolamine as a sole carbon source. After purification and mass spectrometry-based characterization, its oral bioavailability was measured in the fasted state with high and low oral doses, before and after parenteral replenishment of vitamin B-12 stores, from the kinetics of its plasma appearance in a 2-compartment model. RESULTS [13C]-cyanocobalamin was completely decyanated to [13C]-methylcobalamin describing metabolic utilization, and its plasma appearance showed early and late absorption phases. At a low dose of 2.3 µg, the mean bioavailability was 46.2 ± 12.8 (%, mean ± SD, n = 11). At a higher dose of 18.3 µg, the mean bioavailability was 7.6 ± 1.7 (%, mean ± SD, n = 4). Parenteral replenishment of the vitamin B-12 store in deficient individuals prior to the measurement resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in bioavailability. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin B-12 bioavailability is dose dependent and at a low dose that approximates the normal daily requirement (46%). The stable isotope method described here could be used to define the etiology of deficiency and to inform the dietary requirement in different physiologic states as well as the dose required for supplementation and food fortification. This trial was registered at the Clinical Trials Registry of India as CTRI/2018/04/012957.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Devi
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Roshni M Pasanna
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Zeeshan Shamshuddin
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Kishor Bhat
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Ambily Sivadas
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Amit K Mandal
- Division of Clinical Proteomics, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Anura V Kurpad
- Department of Physiology, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
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Brito A, Habeych E, Silva-Zolezzi I, Galaffu N, Allen LH. Methods to assess vitamin B12 bioavailability and technologies to enhance its absorption. Nutr Rev 2019; 76:778-792. [PMID: 29931214 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B12 (B-12) deficiency is still relatively common in low-, medium-, and high-income countries, mainly because of dietary inadequacy and, to a lesser extent, malabsorption. This narrative review is based on a systematic search of evidence on methods to assess B-12 bioavailability and technologies to enhance its absorption. A total of 2523 scientific articles identified in PubMed and 1572 patents identified in Orbit Intelligence were prescreened. Among the reviewed methods, Schilling's test and/or its food-based version (using cobalamin-labeled egg yolk) were used for decades but have been discontinued, largely because they required radioactive cobalt. The qualitative CobaSorb test, based on changes in circulating holo-transcobalamin before and after B-12 administration, and the 14C-labeled B-12 test for quantitative measurement of absorption of a low-dose radioactive tracer are currently the best available methods. Various forms of B-12 co-formulated with chemical enhancers (ie, salcaprozate sodium, 8-amino caprylate) or supplied via biotechnological methods (ie, microbiological techniques, plant cells expressing cobalamin binding proteins), encapsulation techniques (ie, emulsions, use of chitosan particles), and alternative routes of administration (ie, intranasal, transdermal administration) were identified as potential technologies to enhance B-12 absorption in humans. However, in most cases the evidence of absorption enhancement is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Brito
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Lindsay H Allen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, California, USA
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Sivaprasad M, Shalini T, Reddy PY, Seshacharyulu M, Madhavi G, Kumar BN, Reddy GB. Prevalence of vitamin deficiencies in an apparently healthy urban adult population: Assessed by subclinical status and dietary intakes. Nutrition 2019; 63-64:106-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Vitamin B 12 deficiency from the perspective of a practicing hematologist. Blood 2017; 129:2603-2611. [PMID: 28360040 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-10-569186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
B12 deficiency is the leading cause of megaloblastic anemia, and although more common in the elderly, can occur at any age. Clinical disease caused by B12 deficiency usually connotes severe deficiency, resulting from a failure of the gastric or ileal phase of physiological B12 absorption, best exemplified by the autoimmune disease pernicious anemia. There are many other causes of B12 deficiency, which range from severe to mild. Mild deficiency usually results from failure to render food B12 bioavailable or from dietary inadequacy. Although rarely resulting in megaloblastic anemia, mild deficiency may be associated with neurocognitive and other consequences. B12 deficiency is best diagnosed using a combination of tests because none alone is completely reliable. The features of B12 deficiency are variable and may be atypical. Timely diagnosis is important, and treatment is gratifying. Failure to diagnose B12 deficiency can have dire consequences, usually neurological. This review is written from the perspective of a practicing hematologist.
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Golding PH. Holotranscobalamin (HoloTC, Active-B12) and Herbert's model for the development of vitamin B12 deficiency: a review and alternative hypothesis. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:668. [PMID: 27350907 PMCID: PMC4899389 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of total vitamin B12 in serum is not a sufficiently sensitive or specific indicator for the reliable diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. Victor Herbert proposed a model for the staged development of vitamin B12 deficiency, in which holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) is the first indicator of deficiency. Based on this model, a commercial immunoassay has been controversially promoted as a replacement for the total vitamin B12 test. HoloTC is cobalamin (vitamin B12) attached to the transport protein transcobalamin, in the serum, for delivery to cells for metabolism. Although there have been many published reports supporting the claims for HoloTC, the results of some studies were inconsistent with the claim of HoloTC as the most sensitive marker of vitamin B12 deficiency. This review examines the evidence for and against the use of HoloTC, and concludes that the HoloTC immunoassay cannot be used to measure vitamin B12 status any more reliably than total vitamin B12, or to predict the onset of a metabolic deficiency, because it is based on an erroneous hypothesis and a flawed model for the staged development of vitamin B12 deficiency. The author proposes an alternative model for the development of vitamin B12 deficiency.
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Aparicio-Ugarriza R, Palacios G, Alder M, González-Gross M. A review of the cut-off points for the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency in the general population. Clin Chem Lab Med 2016; 53:1149-59. [PMID: 25470607 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2014-0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin B12 deficit is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies. However, there is no consensus on the cut-off points for vitamin B12 and its co-markers, such as folate, holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. In order to establish the state of the art about cut-off points used to determine vitamin B12 deficiency in the last decades, the database MEDLINE was used for searching studies published in adults between December 1992 and May 2014 (69 articles), using search terms like 'vitamin B12', 'cobalamin', 'cut-off', 'deficiency' alone or in combinations. Broad ranges of cut-off points for vitamin B12 and its biomarkers were identified: vitamin B12 ranged between 100 pmol/L and 350 pmol/L, holotranscobalamin 20-50 pmol/L, methylmalonic acid 0.210-0.470 μmol/L, homocysteine 10-21.6 μmol/L, serum folate 3.7-15.9 nmol/L and red blood cell 124-397 nmol/L. For the majority of studies, the potential influence of age, analytical methods, gender and fortified food consumption was not taken in account when choosing cut-off values. This could explain the discrepancies between studies on vitamin B12 and folate deficiency prevalences. We conclude that there is inconsistency in the literature regarding vitamin B12 cut-offs. It would be necessary to establish different reference cut-offs according to age, considering the analytical methods used.
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Bae S, West AA, Yan J, Jiang X, Perry CA, Malysheva O, Stabler SP, Allen RH, Caudill MA. Vitamin B-12 Status Differs among Pregnant, Lactating, and Control Women with Equivalent Nutrient Intakes. J Nutr 2015; 145:1507-14. [PMID: 25995278 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.210757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available from controlled studies on biomarkers of maternal vitamin B-12 status. OBJECTIVE We sought to quantify the effects of pregnancy and lactation on the vitamin B-12 status response to a known and highly controlled vitamin B-12 intake. METHODS As part of a 10-12 wk feeding trial, pregnant (26-29 wk gestation; n = 26), lactating (5 wk postpartum; n = 28), and control (nonpregnant, nonlactating; n = 21) women consumed vitamin B-12 amounts of ∼8.6 μg/d [mixed diet (∼6 μg/d) plus a prenatal multivitamin supplement (2.6 μg/d)]. Serum vitamin B-12, holotranscobalamin (bioactive form of vitamin B-12), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and homocysteine were measured at baseline and study-end. RESULTS All participants achieved adequate vitamin B-12 status in response to the study dose. Compared with control women, pregnant women had lower serum vitamin B-12 (-21%; P = 0.02) at study-end, whereas lactating women had higher (P = 0.04) serum vitamin B-12 throughout the study (+26% at study-end). Consumption of the study vitamin B-12 dose increased serum holotranscobalamin in all reproductive groups (+16-42%; P ≤ 0.009). At study-end, pregnant (vs. control) women had a higher holotranscobalamin-to-vitamin B-12 ratio (P = 0.04) with ∼30% (vs. 20%) of total vitamin B-12 in the bioactive form. Serum MMA increased during pregnancy (+50%; P < 0.001) but did not differ by reproductive state at study-end. Serum homocysteine increased in pregnant women (+15%; P = 0.009) but decreased in control and lactating women (-16-17%; P < 0.001). Despite these changes, pregnant women had ∼20% lower serum homocysteine than the other 2 groups at study-end (P ≤ 0.02). CONCLUSION Pregnancy and lactation alter vitamin B-12 status in a manner consistent with enhanced vitamin B-12 supply to the child. Consumption of the study vitamin B-12 dose (∼3 times the RDA) increased the bioactive form of vitamin B-12, suggesting that women in these reproductive states may benefit from vitamin B-12 intakes exceeding current recommendations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01127022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajin Bae
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Allyson A West
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Jian Yan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Cydne A Perry
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Olga Malysheva
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Sally P Stabler
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
| | - Robert H Allen
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
| | - Marie A Caudill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
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Kurnat-Thoma EL, Pangilinan F, Matteini AM, Wong B, Pepper GA, Stabler SP, Guralnik JM, Brody LC. Association of Transcobalamin II (TCN2) and Transcobalamin II-Receptor (TCblR) Genetic Variations With Cobalamin Deficiency Parameters in Elderly Women. Biol Res Nurs 2015; 17:444-54. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800415569506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency is a subtle progressive clinical disorder, affecting nearly 1 in 5 individuals > 60 years old. This deficiency is produced by age-related decreases in nutrient absorption, medications that interfere with vitamin B12 absorption, and other comorbidities. Clinical heterogeneity confounds symptom detection for elderly adults, as deficiency sequelae range from mild fatigue and weakness to debilitating megaloblastic anemia and permanent neuropathic injury. A better understanding of genetic factors that contribute to cobalamin deficiency in the elderly would allow for targeted nursing care and preventive interventions. We tested for associations of common variants in genes involved in cobalamin transport and homeostasis with metabolic indicators of cobalamin deficiency (homocysteine and methylmalonic acid) as well as hematologic, neurologic, and functional performance features of cobalamin deficiency in 789 participants of the Women’s Health and Aging Studies. Although not significant when corrected for multiple testing, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two genes, transcobalamin II ( TCN2) and the transcobalamin II-receptor ( TCblR), were found to influence several clinical traits of cobalamin deficiency. The three most significant findings were the identified associations involving missense coding SNPs, namely, TCblR G220R (rs2336573) with serum cobalamin, TCN2 S348F (rs9621049) with homocysteine, and TCN2 P259R (rs1801198) with red blood cell mean corpuscular volume. These SNPs may modify the phenotype in older adults who are more likely to develop symptoms of vitamin B12 malabsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Kurnat-Thoma
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Faith Pangilinan
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy M. Matteini
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bob Wong
- University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Sally P. Stabler
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Lawrence C. Brody
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Neogi SS, Thomas M, Sharma A, Kumar J, Khanduri U. Early markers of occult megaloblastosis for low-cost detection of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with ischaemic stroke: preventive approach for primary health care. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 92:713-6. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have focussed on the association between elevated homocysteine levels with megaloblastic changes and thromboembolic events, but the relationship between occult megaloblastosis (with normal haemoglobin levels) and ischaemic stroke has not been widely explored. The objective of this study is to establish a simple and economical marker for the detection of occult megaloblastosis at the community health care level in developing countries. A hundred patients who met the inclusion criteria were studied. At the 5% level of significance, the levels of cobalamin and folate were significantly lower, while the number of hypersegmented neutrophils on the peripheral smear was higher in patients from Group A (70 patients with high homocysteine) compared with the patients in Group B (30 patients with normal homocysteine). Forty-five (64.2%) of the 70 patients in Group A showed hypersegmentation of neutrophils in the peripheral smear. The high cost and difficulty in performing the vitamin assays limit their use as early markers of megaloblastosis. Hence, we conclude that in developing countries, the detection of hypersegmented neutrophils can be used at the primary healthcare level for early diagnosis of occult megaloblastosis, so that early therapeutic interventions with vitamins can prevent attacks of hyperhomocysteinemia-induced ischaemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Sengupta Neogi
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic Services and Department of Neurology, St. Stephen’s Hospital, St. Stephen’s Hospital Marg, Tis Hazari, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Monica Thomas
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic Services and Department of Neurology, St. Stephen’s Hospital, St. Stephen’s Hospital Marg, Tis Hazari, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Archna Sharma
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic Services and Department of Neurology, St. Stephen’s Hospital, St. Stephen’s Hospital Marg, Tis Hazari, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Jaishree Kumar
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic Services and Department of Neurology, St. Stephen’s Hospital, St. Stephen’s Hospital Marg, Tis Hazari, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Uma Khanduri
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic Services and Department of Neurology, St. Stephen’s Hospital, St. Stephen’s Hospital Marg, Tis Hazari, Delhi 110054, India
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Sun AL, Ni YH, Li XB, Zhuang XH, Liu YT, Liu XH, Chen SH. Urinary methylmalonic acid as an indicator of early vitamin B12 deficiency and its role in polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2014; 2014:921616. [PMID: 24719898 PMCID: PMC3955587 DOI: 10.1155/2014/921616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence of diabetes and its negative impact on quality of life highlights the urgent need to develop biomarkers of early nerve damage. Measurement of total vitamin B12 has some limitations. We want to determine the levels of urinary methylmalonic acid and its relationships with serum vitamin B12 and polyneuropathy. The 176 Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into 3 groups according to the levels of vitamin B12. A gas chromatography mass spectrometric technique was used to determine blood methylmalonic acid and urinary methylmalonic acid. The diagnosis of distal diabetic polyneuropathy was based on the determination of bilateral limb sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude with electromyogram. Multiple regression analysis revealed that urinary methylmalonic acid/creatinine, blood methylmalonic acid, and so forth were variables that influenced diabetic polyneuropathy significantly. Nerve sensory conduction velocity and nerve amplitude in the group of urinary methylmalonic acid/creatinine >3.5 mmol/mol decreased significantly. Superficial peroneal nerve sensory and motor conduction velocity and ulnar nerve compound motor active potential amplitude were inversely correlated with urinary methylmalonic acid/creatinine. Urinary methylmalonic acid correlates with serum vitamin B12 levels in person with diabetes and is a sensitive marker of early polyneuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-li Sun
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Yi-hong Ni
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Xiao-bo Li
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Xiang-hua Zhuang
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Yuan-tao Liu
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Xin-hua Liu
- Qingdao Haici Hospital, Qingdao 266033, China
| | - Shi-hong Chen
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
- *Shi-hong Chen:
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13
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Moreno-Garcia MA, Rosenblatt DS, Jerome-Majewska LA. Vitamin B(12) metabolism during pregnancy and in embryonic mouse models. Nutrients 2013; 5:3531-50. [PMID: 24025485 PMCID: PMC3798919 DOI: 10.3390/nu5093531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B(12) (cobalamin, Cbl) is required for cellular metabolism. It is an essential coenzyme in mammals for two reactions: the conversion of homocysteine to methionine by the enzyme methionine synthase and the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA by the enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Symptoms of Cbl deficiency are hematological, neurological and cognitive, including megaloblastic anaemia, tingling and numbness of the extremities, gait abnormalities, visual disturbances, memory loss and dementia. During pregnancy Cbl is essential, presumably because of its role in DNA synthesis and methionine synthesis; however, there are conflicting studies regarding an association between early pregnancy loss and Cbl deficiency. We here review the literature about the requirement for Cbl during pregnancy, and summarized what is known of the expression pattern and function of genes required for Cbl metabolism in embryonic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira A. Moreno-Garcia
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, N5/13,Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1; E-Mails: (M.A.M.-G.); (D.S.R.)
| | - David S. Rosenblatt
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, N5/13,Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1; E-Mails: (M.A.M.-G.); (D.S.R.)
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3H 1P3
| | - Loydie A. Jerome-Majewska
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, N5/13,Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1; E-Mails: (M.A.M.-G.); (D.S.R.)
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3H 1P3
- McGill University Health Centre, 4060 Ste. Catherine West, PT 420, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3Z 2Z3
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-514-412-4400 (ext. 23279); Fax: +1-514-412-4331
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14
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Hughes CF, Ward M, Hoey L, McNulty H. Vitamin B12 and ageing: current issues and interaction with folate. Ann Clin Biochem 2013; 50:315-29. [DOI: 10.1177/0004563212473279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A compromised vitamin B12 status is common in older people despite dietary intakes that typically far exceed current recommendations. The maintenance of an optimal status of vitamin B12 is not only dependent on adequate dietary intake but more critically on effective absorption which diminishes with age. The measurement of vitamin B12 is complicated by the lack of a gold standard assay. There are a number of direct and functional indicators of vitamin B12 status; however, none of these are without limitations and should be used in combination. Vitamin B12 is of public health importance, not only because deficiency leads to megaloblastic anaemia and irreversible nerve damage, but also because emerging evidence links low B12 to an increased risk of a number of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, dementia and osteoporosis. Furthermore, there are concerns relating to potential adverse effects for older adults with low vitamin B12 status of over-exposure to folic acid in countries where there is mandatory fortification of food with folic acid. The aim of this review is to examine the known and emerging issues related to vitamin B12 in ageing, its assessment and inter-relationship with folate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F Hughes
- The Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mary Ward
- The Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Leane Hoey
- The Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Helene McNulty
- The Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
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Al Aisari F, Al-Hashmi H, Mula-Abed WA. Comparison between Serum Holotranscobalamin and Total Vitamin B12 as Indicators of Vitamin B12 Status. Oman Med J 2012; 25:9-12. [PMID: 22125690 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2010.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the usefulness of serum holotranscobalamin (holoTC), the fraction of vitamin B12 that is available for tissue uptake, compared with total vitamin B12 in patients investigated for vitamin B12 disorders. METHODS Serum samples were randomly selected from 76 patients (48 females, 28 males; age range 12-69 years) referred to the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Royal Hospital for the assessment of vitamin B12 status. For each patient, serum total vitamin B12 level was determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay on Architect 2000 analyzer and holoTC (active vitamin B12) level was determined by microparticle enzyme immunoassay on Axsym analyzer (both from Abbott, USA). RESULTS Comparison of the data was conducted to reflect the mean, standard deviation (SD) and correlation coefficient between the two groups. The mean (SD) for serum holoTC and total vitamin B12 were 46.5(32.2) pmol/L and 316.3(165.6) pmol/L respectively. There was a significant correlation between holoTC and total vitamin B12 (r= 0.765, P< 0.001) and the regression equation was expressed as; y = a + bx (i.e: holoTC = 1.5 + 0.14 total vitamin B12). Also, the results were assessed for any misclassification when comparing holoTC and the total vitamin B12 in terms of whether each or both values agree or disagree for classifying the patients as having normal or abnormal (low or high) results, based on the cut-off thresholds of the kit's quoted reference range for holo TC of 9 - 123 pmol/L and for total vitamin B12 of 140-600 pmol/L. Accordingly, in 69 (90.8%) samples, there was a parallel agreement/ classification of results, both being normal or abnormal. In 61 (80.4%) patients, both results were normal, whereas in 4 (5.2%) patients, both results were high, and in 4 (5.2%) patients both results were low. However, in 7 (9.8%) cases, there was disagreement/ misclassification of results; 6 (7.8%) patients, holoTC was normal while total vitamin B12 was low, and in 1 (1.4%) patient, holoTC was normal while total vitamin B12 was high. CONCLUSION It can be recommended that holoTC and total vitamin B12, alone and in combination, have almost equal diagnostic efficiency in screening/diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency for the majority of patients. In very few patients, holoTC appeared to be a better reflector of vitamin B12 status. Further comparison studies based on a gold standard method for classifying vitamin B12 status are worth considering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Al Aisari
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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16
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Shahab-Ferdows S, Anaya-Loyola MA, Vergara-Castañeda H, Rosado JL, Keyes WR, Newman JW, Miller JW, Allen LH. Vitamin B-12 supplementation of rural Mexican women changes biochemical vitamin B-12 status indicators but does not affect hematology or a bone turnover marker. J Nutr 2012; 142:1881-7. [PMID: 22915298 DOI: 10.3945/jn.112.165712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A high prevalence of low serum vitamin B-12 concentrations has been reported in studies and surveys in Latin America including Mexico, but the functional consequences are unknown. This randomized controlled trial assessed the response to a high-dose vitamin B-12 supplementation of women in rural Querétaro, Mexico. Participants aged 20-59 y were stratified at baseline to deficient, marginal, and adequate status groups (serum vitamin B-12, 75-148, 149-220, and >220 pmol/L, respectively), and each group was randomized to vitamin B-12 treatment (single dose of 1 mg i.m. then 500 μg/d orally for 3 mo, n = 70) or placebo (n = 62). Measures at baseline and 3 mo included: complete blood count, serum vitamin B-12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), folate, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), bone alkaline phosphatase, and methylmalonic acid (MMA) and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy). At baseline, 11% of the women were vitamin B-12 deficient and 22% had marginal status. HoloTC was low (<35 pmol/L) in 23% and correlated with serum vitamin B-12 (r = 0.7; P < 0.001). Elevated MMA (>271 nmol/L) and tHcy (>12 μmol/L) occurred in 21 and 31%, respectively, and correlated with serum vitamin B-12 (r = -0.28, P < 0.0007 and r = -0.20, P < 0.01, respectively). Supplementation increased serum vitamin B-12 and holoTC and lowered MMA and tHcy, normalizing all values except for elevated tHcy in 21% of the women. Supplementation did not affect hematology or bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. Vitamin B-12 supplementation normalized biochemical indicators of vitamin B-12 status in the treatment group but did not affect the functional outcomes measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Setareh Shahab-Ferdows
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, CA, USA
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17
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Abstract
Cobalamin (Cbl, vitamin B12) consists of a corrinoid structure with cobalt in the centre of the molecule. Neither humans nor animals are able to synthesize this vitamin. Foods of animal source are the only natural source of cobalamin in human diet. There are only two enzymatic reactions in mammalian cells that require cobalamin as cofactor. Methylcobolamin is a cofactor for methionine synthase. The enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA-mutase requires adenosylcobalamin as a cofactor. Therefore, serum concentrations of homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA) will increase in cobalamin deficiency. The cobalamin absorption from diet is a complex process that involves different proteins: haptocorrin, intrinsic factor and transcobalamin (TC). Cobalamin that is bound to TC is called holotranscobalamin (holoTC) which is the metabolically active vitamin B12 fraction. HoloTC consists 6 and 20% of total cobalamin whereas 80% of total serum cobalamin is bound to another binding protein, haptocorrin. Cobalamin deficiency is common worldwide. Cobalamin malabsorption is common in elderly subjects which might explain low vitamin status. Subjects who ingest low amount of cobalamin like vegetarians develop vitamin deficiency. No single parameter can be used to diagnose cobalamin deficiency. Total serum cobalamin is neither sensitive nor it is specific for cobalamin deficiency. This might explain why many deficient subjects would be overlooked by utilizing total cobalamin as status marker. Concentration of holotranscobalamin (holoTC) in serum is an earlier marker that becomes decreased before total serum cobalamin. Concentrations of MMA and tHcy increase in blood of cobalamin deficient subjects. Despite limitations of these markers in patients with renal dysfunction, concentrations of MMA and tHcy are useful functional markers of cobalamin status. The combined use of holoTC and MMA assays may better indicate cobalamin status than either of them. Because Cbl deficiency is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases an early diagnosis of a low B12 status is required which should be followed by an effective treatment in order to prevent irreversible damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany,
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19
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Nexo E, Hoffmann-Lücke E. Holotranscobalamin, a marker of vitamin B-12 status: analytical aspects and clinical utility. Am J Clin Nutr 2011; 94:359S-365S. [PMID: 21593496 PMCID: PMC3127504 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.111.013458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-quarter of circulating cobalamin (vitamin B-12) binds to transcobalamin (holoTC) and is thereby available for the cells of the body. For this reason, holoTC is also referred to as active vitamin B-12. HoloTC was suggested as an optimal marker of early vitamin B-12 deficiency >20 y ago. This suggestion led to the development of suitable assays for measurement of the compound and clinical studies that aimed to show the benefit of measurement of holoTC rather than of vitamin B-12. Today holoTC can be analyzed by 3 methods: direct measurement of the complex between transcobalamin and vitamin B-12, measurement of vitamin B-12 attached to transcobalamin, or measurement of the amount of transcobalamin saturated with vitamin B-12. These 3 methods give similar results, but direct measurement of holoTC complex is preferable in the clinical setting from a practical point of view. HoloTC measurement has proven useful for the identification of the few patients who suffer from transcobalamin deficiency. In addition, holoTC is part of the CobaSorb test and therefore useful for assessment of vitamin B-12 absorption. Clinical studies that compare the ability of holoTC and vitamin B-12 to identify individuals with vitamin B-12 deficiency (elevated concentration of methylmalonic acid) suggest that holoTC performs better than total vitamin B-12. To date, holoTC has not been used for population-based assessments of vitamin B-12 status, but we suggest that holoTC is a better marker than total vitamin B-12 for such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebba Nexo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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20
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Transcobalamin C776G genotype modifies the association between vitamin B12 and homocysteine in older Hispanics. Eur J Clin Nutr 2010; 64:503-9. [PMID: 20216556 PMCID: PMC2864787 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background A common polymorphism, C776G, in the plasma B12 transport protein transcobalamin (TC), encodes for either proline or arginine at codon 259. This polymorphism may affect the affinity of TC for B12 and subsequent delivery of B12 to tissues. Methods TC genotype and its associations with indicators of B12 status, including total B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine, were evaluated in a cohort of elderly Latinos (N=554, age 60–93y) from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA). Results The distribution of TC genotypes was 41.3% homozygous reference (776CC) and 11.6% homozygous variant (776GG). No differences between the homozygous genotypes were observed in total B12, holoTC, methylmalonic acid, or homocysteine. The holoTC/total B12 ratio was lower in the 776GG group compared with the 776CC group (p=0.04). Significant interactions of TC genotype with total B12 (p=0.04) and with holoTC (p≤0.03) were observed such that mean homocysteine concentrations and the odds ratios for hyperhomocysteinemia (>13 µmol/L) were higher in the 776CC subjects compared with all carriers of the G allele (776CG and 776GG combined) when total B12 (<156 pmol/L) or holoTC (<35 pmol/L) were low. Conclusions This population of older Latinos has a lower prevalence of the TC 776GG variant than reported for Caucasian populations. The association between vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations is modified by TC 776 genotype. It remains to be determined if the TC C776G polymorphism has a significant effect on the hematological and neurological manifestations of B12 deficiency or on vascular and other morbidities associated with hyperhomocysteinemia.
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Miller JW, Garrod MG, Allen LH, Haan MN, Green R. Metabolic evidence of vitamin B-12 deficiency, including high homocysteine and methylmalonic acid and low holotranscobalamin, is more pronounced in older adults with elevated plasma folate. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 90:1586-92. [PMID: 19726595 PMCID: PMC2777470 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.27514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicated that in older adults exposed to folic acid fortification, the combination of low serum vitamin B-12 and elevated folate is associated with higher concentrations of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid and higher odds ratios for cognitive impairment and anemia than the combination of low vitamin B-12 and nonelevated folate. These findings await confirmation in other populations. OBJECTIVE The purpose was to compare metabolic indicators of vitamin B-12 status, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms among elderly Latinos with elevated and nonelevated plasma folate. DESIGN Cross-sectional data were analyzed for 1535 subjects (age: >or=60 y) from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging. Subjects were divided into 4 groups on the basis of plasma vitamin B-12 (< or >or=148 pmol/L) and folate (<or= or >45.3 nmol/L). Homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, holotranscobalamin, ratio of holotranscobalamin to vitamin B-12, Modified Mini-Mental State Examination, delayed recall, and depressive symptom scores were compared between the groups. RESULTS Individuals with low vitamin B-12 and elevated folate (n = 22) had the highest concentrations of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid and the lowest concentration of holotranscobalamin and ratio of holotranscobalamin to vitamin B-12 when compared with all other groups (P <or= 0.003). No differences in Modified Mini-Mental State Examination, delayed recall, and depressive symptom scores were observed between the low vitamin B-12 and elevated-folate group compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS Low vitamin B-12 is associated with more pronounced metabolic evidence of vitamin B-12 deficiency when folate is elevated than when folate is not elevated. These data should be considered when assessing the potential costs, risks, and benefits of folic acid and vitamin B-12 fortification programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Miller
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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22
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Abstract
Urinary diversion, pouches and orthotopic bladder replacement have been made possible by the use of bowel segments in urologic surgery. The most important complications at short and long-term are metabolic disorders due to the permanent contact of urine with the bowel segment or the exclusion of this segment from bowel continuity. Metabolic acid-base problems occur immediately after the derivation beginning and depend on the renal capacity to compensating. The metabolic disorder due to the exclusion of a bowel segment appears generally years later, after complete depletion of physiologic reserves (vitamin B12). Perfect knowledge of early and late metabolic complications of urinary diversion allows a more accurate indication, a more adequate selection of the derivation type, an improved patient followup, and better long-term results. Metabolic complications constitute the best selection criteria for urinary diversion; subsequently, only a few techniques are likely to persist in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R de Petriconi
- Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik der Universität Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 42-43, D 89075 Ulm, Allemagne.
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23
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Abstract
On the basis of the results of several recent clinical trials, many researchers have concluded that vitamin therapy designed to lower total homocysteine concentrations is not effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. However, whereas almost all myocardial infarctions are due to plaque rupture, stroke has many more pathophysiological mechanisms, and thrombosis-which is increased by raised total homocysteine concentrations-has an important role in many of these processes. Thus, stroke and myocardial infarction could respond differently to vitamin therapy. A detailed assessment of the results of the recent HOPE-2 trial and a reanalysis of the VISP trial restricted to patients capable of responding to vitamin therapy suggest that higher doses of vitamin B12 and perhaps new approaches to lowering total homocysteine besides routine vitamin therapy with folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 could reduce the risk of stroke. Thus, therapy to lower homocysteine could still help to prevent stroke, if not other vascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J David Spence
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
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24
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Spence JD. Perspective on the efficacy analysis of the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 45:1582-5. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2007.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1582–5.
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25
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Miller JW, Garrod MG, Rockwood AL, Kushnir MM, Allen LH, Haan MN, Green R. Measurement of Total Vitamin B12 and Holotranscobalamin, Singly and in Combination, in Screening for Metabolic Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Clin Chem 2006; 52:278-85. [PMID: 16384886 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2005.061382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The standard screening test for vitamin B12 deficiency, measurement of total plasma vitamin B12, has limitations of sensitivity and specificity. Plasma vitamin B12 bound to transcobalamin (holoTC) is the fraction of total vitamin B12 available for tissue uptake and therefore has been proposed as a potentially useful alternative indicator of vitamin B12 status.
Methods: We compared the diagnostic accuracy of total vitamin B12, holoTC, and a combination of both measures to screen for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency in an elderly cohort (age ≥60 years). Plasma methylmalonic acid and homocysteine were used as indicators of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Results: Low total vitamin B12 (<148 pmol/L) and low holoTC (<35 pmol/L) were observed in 6.5% and 8.0%, and increased methylmalonic acid (>350 nmol/L) and homocysteine (>13 μmol/L) were observed in 12.1% and 17.0% of the study participants. In multiple regression models, holoTC explained 5%–6% more of the observed variance in methylmalonic acid and homocysteine than did total vitamin B12 (P ≤0.004). ROC curve analysis indicated that total vitamin B12 and holoTC were essentially equivalent in their ability to discriminate persons with and without vitamin B12 deficiency. Individuals with low concentrations of both total vitamin B12 and holoTC had significantly higher concentrations of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine than did individuals with total vitamin B12 and/or holoTC within the reference intervals (P <0.001).
Conclusions: HoloTC and total vitamin B12 have equal diagnostic accuracy in screening for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency. Measurement of both holoTC and total vitamin B12 provides a better screen for vitamin B12 deficiency than either assay alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Miller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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von Castel-Dunwoody KM, Kauwell GPA, Shelnutt KP, Vaughn JD, Griffin ER, Maneval DR, Theriaque DW, Bailey LB. Transcobalamin 776C->G polymorphism negatively affects vitamin B-12 metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr 2005; 81:1436-41. [PMID: 15941899 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/81.6.1436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A common genetic polymorphism [transcobalamin (TC) 776C-->G] may affect the function of transcobalamin, the protein required for vitamin B-12 cellular uptake and metabolism. Remethylation of homocysteine is dependent on the production of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and adequate vitamin B-12 for the methionine synthase reaction. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to assess the influence of the TC 776C--> G polymorphism on concentrations of the transcobalamin-vitamin B-12 complex (holo-TC) and to determine the combined effects of the TC 776C-->G and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C-->T polymorphisms and vitamin B-12 status on homocysteine concentrations. DESIGN Healthy, nonpregnant women (n = 359; aged 20-30 y) were screened to determine plasma vitamin B-12, serum holo-TC, and plasma homocysteine concentrations and TC 776C-->G and MTHFR 677C-->T genotypes. RESULTS The serum holo-TC concentration for women with the variant TC 776 GG genotype was significantly different (P = 0.0213) from that for subjects with the CC genotype (74 +/- 37 and 87 +/- 33 pmol/L, respectively). An inverse relation was observed between plasma homocysteine concentrations and both serum holo-TC (P </= 0.0001) and plasma vitamin B-12 (P </= 0.0001) concentrations, regardless of genotype. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the TC 776C-->G polymorphism negatively affects the serum holo-TC concentration and provide additional evidence that vitamin B-12 status modulates the homocysteine concentration in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M von Castel-Dunwoody
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department and the General Clinical Research Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Chen X, Remacha AF, Sardà MP, Carmel R. Influence of cobalamin deficiency compared with that of cobalamin absorption on serum holo-transcobalamin II. Am J Clin Nutr 2005; 81:110-4. [PMID: 15640468 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/81.1.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cobalamin attached to transcobalamin II (TC II), known as holo-TC II, is the active cobalamin fraction taken up by tissues. Holo-TC II is also the form in which absorbed cobalamin enters the circulation from the ileum. Therefore, holo-TC II has been proposed variously as a marker of cobalamin adequacy, cobalamin absorption, or both, including even its advocacy as a surrogate Schilling test. Such claims carry conflicting diagnostic implications because metabolic adequacy and absorption are not identical. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine metabolic and absorptive influences on holo-TC II. DESIGN Treated patients with pernicious anemia (PA), who have abnormal absorption but a normal metabolic status, were chosen as the model to differentiate between the effects of the 2 cobalamin-related characteristics. Serum holo-TC II and indexes of cobalamin metabolism in 23 treated patients were compared with those of 6 untreated PA patients (abnormal absorption and metabolic status) and 33 control subjects (normal absorption and metabolic status). RESULTS Holo-TC II, which correlated directly with cobalamin and inversely with homocysteine, was significantly higher in treated PA patients in metabolic remission than in untreated PA patients (74 +/- 59 compared with 9 +/- 6 pmol/L) and was significantly lower than in control subjects (105 +/- 58 pmol/L), although the latter difference was small and the values overlapped greatly. CONCLUSIONS Metabolic cobalamin status is a major determinant of serum holo-TC II. Absorption status may have mild influence as well, although other explanations remain possible. Serum holo-TC II cannot be used clinically to diagnose cobalamin malabsorption because of overlap with normal values. The influences on holo-TC II are complex and require careful analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinke Chen
- Department of Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA
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Nilsson K, Isaksson A, Gustafson L, Hultberg B. Clinical utility of serum holotranscobalamin as a marker of cobalamin status in elderly patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Clin Chem Lab Med 2004; 42:637-43. [PMID: 15259380 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2004.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency is crucial, owing to the latent nature of this disorder and the resulting possible irreversible neurological damage. A normal serum cobalamin concentration does not reliably rule out a functional cobalamin deficiency and there does not at present seem to be any single diagnostic approach to achieve this diagnosis. A new marker for cobalamin status is the serum concentration of cobalamin bound to transcobalamin II (holoTC). Because methods suitable for routine use have been unavailable until recently, the clinical value of low holoTC is still uncertain. Furthermore, there is at the moment no gold standard or true reference method to diagnose subtle cobalamin deficiency, which makes evaluation of the clinical usefulness of holoTC and the estimation of sensitivity and specificity problematic. In this study, we aimed to assess whether low holoTC concentrations are congruent with other biochemical signs of cobalamin deficiency in a group of psychogeriatric patients. The findings in the present study show that holoTC is strongly related to serum cobalamin (0.68; p<0.001 in both patients and controls). Distribution of the different markers for cobalamin/folate status in the 33 patients with low levels of serum holoTC (below 40 pmol/l) showed that 17 patients had normal levels of the other markers for cobalamin status. This may indicate poor specificity of low holoTC for cobalamin deficiency. In 23 out of 176 patients with normal levels of holoTC we observed pathological levels of other markers for cobalamin deficiency. The use of holoTC in the present study group did not give significant additional information other than that given by serum cobalamin and therefore cannot be recommended in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Nilsson
- Department of Psychogeriatrics, Division of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Guren MG, Schneede J, Tveit KM, Ueland PM, Nexø E, Dueland S. Biochemical signs of impaired cobalamin status during and after radiotherapy for rectal cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2004; 60:807-13. [PMID: 15465197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2004.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2004] [Revised: 03/18/2004] [Accepted: 04/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to investigate whether pelvic radiotherapy for rectal cancer had a negative impact on cobalamin status. METHODS AND MATERIALS Consecutive patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy (50 Gy) for rectal cancer were evaluated prospectively (n = 54). Serum cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and total homocysteine (tHcy) were measured at start and end of radiotherapy, at follow-up 4-6 weeks and 1 year (n = 23) after radiotherapy. RESULTS Mean serum cobalamin decreased from 306 pmol/L before treatment to 267 pmol/L at the end of radiotherapy (p < 0.001), 247 pmol/L 4-6 weeks after radiotherapy (p < 0.001), and 249 pmol/L 1 year after radiotherapy (p = 0.02). Mean serum MMA was 0.16 micromol/L pretreatment, 0.17 micromol/L at the end of radiotherapy (n.s.), and increased to 0.19 micromol/L after 4-6 weeks (p = 0.007), and to 0.21 micromol/L after 1 year (p < 0.001). There was no change in serum tHcy. Mean serum holoTC was reduced from 111 pmol/L pretreatment to 93 pmol/L 4-6 weeks after radiotherapy (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest rapid and persistent decrease in cobalamin status after radiotherapy for rectal cancer, as reflected by reduced serum cobalamin combined with increased serum MMA. This observation, though modest, may motivate routine monitoring of cobalamin status at follow-up after radiotherapy.
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Loikas S, Pelliniemi TT, Koskinen P. No bias between the first and the new version of RIA for serum holo-transcobalamin by Axis-Shield. Clin Chem Lab Med 2004; 42:569-70. [PMID: 15202798 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2004.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Refsum H, Smith AD, Ueland PM, Nexo E, Clarke R, McPartlin J, Johnston C, Engbaek F, Schneede J, McPartlin C, Scott JM. Facts and Recommendations about Total Homocysteine Determinations: An Expert Opinion. Clin Chem 2004; 50:3-32. [PMID: 14709635 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2003.021634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 685] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Measurement of plasma total homocysteine has become common as new methods have been introduced. A wide range of disorders are associated with increased concentrations of total homocysteine. The purpose of this review is to provide an international expert opinion on the practical aspects of total homocysteine determinations in clinical practice and in the research setting and on the relevance of total homocysteine measurements as diagnostic or screening tests in several target populations.Methods: Published data available on Medline were used as the basis for the recommendations. Drafts of the recommendations were critically discussed at meetings over a period of 3 years.Outcome: This review is divided into two sections: (a) determination of homocysteine (methods and their performance, sample collection and handling, biological determinants, reference intervals, within-person variability, and methionine loading test); and (b) risk assessment and disease diagnosis (homocystinuria, folate and cobalamin deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, renal failure, psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment, pregnancy complications and birth defects, and screening of elderly and newborns). Each of these subsections concludes with a separate series of recommendations to assist the clinician and the research scientist in making informed decisions. The review concludes with a list of unresolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Refsum
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
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Herrmann W, Schorr H, Obeid R, Geisel J. Vitamin B-12 status, particularly holotranscobalamin II and methylmalonic acid concentrations, and hyperhomocysteinemia in vegetarians. Am J Clin Nutr 2003; 78:131-6. [PMID: 12816782 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/78.1.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vegetarians have a lower intake of vitamin B-12 than do omnivores. Early and reliable diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency is very important. OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate vitamin B-12 status in vegetarians and nonvegetarians. DESIGN The study cohort included 66 lactovegetarians or lactoovovegetarians (LV-LOV group), 29 vegans, and 79 omnivores. Total vitamin B-12, methylmalonic acid, holotranscobalamin II, and total homocysteine concentrations were assayed in serum. RESULTS Of the 3 groups, the vegans had the lowest vitamin B-12 status. In subjects who did not consume vitamins, low holotranscobalamin II (< 35 pmol/L) was found in 11% of the omnivores, 77% of the LV-LOV group, and 92% of the vegans. Elevated methylmalonic acid (> 271 nmol/L) was found in 5% of the omnivores, 68% of the LV-LOV group, and 83% of the vegans. Hyperhomocysteinemia (> 12 micromol/L) was present in 16% of the omnivores, 38% of the LV-LOV group, and 67% of the vegans. The correlation between holotranscobalamin II and vitamin B-12 was weak in the low serum vitamin B-12 range (r = 0.403) and strong in the high serum vitamin B-12 range (r = 0.769). Holotranscobalamin II concentration was the main determinant of total homocysteine concentration in the vegetarians (beta = -0.237, P < 0.001). Vitamin B-12 deficiency led to hyperhomocysteinemia that was not probable in the upper folate range (> 42.0 nmol/L). CONCLUSIONS Vegan subjects and, to a lesser degree, subjects in the LV-LOV group had metabolic features indicating vitamin B-12 deficiency that led to a substantial increase in total homocysteine concentrations. Vitamin B-12 status should be monitored in vegetarians. Health aspects of vegetarianism should be considered in the light of possible damaging effects arising from vitamin B-12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Herrmann
- Central Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany.
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Yakout H, Bissada NK. Intermediate effects of the ileocaecal urinary reservoir (Charleston pouch 1) on serum vitamin B12 concentrations: can vitamin B12 deficiency be prevented? BJU Int 2003; 91:653-5; discussion 655-6. [PMID: 12699478 DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-410x.2003.04183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term effects of a form of ileocolic urinary reservoir (Charleston Pouch 1) on vitamin B12 serum levels, as vitamin B12 deficiency may be an important long-term risk after urinary diversion by this method. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 60 patients (mean age 52 years, range 27-77; 33 men and 27 women) who had a follow-up of >or= 36 months (36-132 months) after the construction of an ileocaecal urinary reservoir. Vitamin B12 serum levels were determined at the time of diversion and again when the patients were evaluated every 6 months. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients had a normal serum vitamin B12 concentration before surgery (two patients were excluded from the study because they had low levels); the mean level was 464 pg/mL (normal range 247-1000). At 6 and 12 months, the mean vitamin B12 levels were 367.5 and 468.5 pg/mL; at 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 years, the mean levels were 305, 495.5, 436.5, 379.5, 423.5, 393, 529.5, 631, 333.5 and 340 pg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION Ileocaecal urinary reservoirs have no adverse effects on serum vitamin B12 levels for up to 10 years after surgery. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency must be identified and given adequate parenteral doses for life. Because body stores of vitamin B12 may not be depleted for many years, problems with B12 may be masked for a long time. We recommend that vitamin B12 levels be obtained annually, that a modest supplement twice yearly (by injection) may be beneficial and that serum vitamin B12 must be sampled before giving vitamin B12 injections, to avoid false results.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yakout
- Department of Urology, MUSC, Charlston, South Carolina 29425, USA
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Loikas S, Löppönen M, Suominen P, Møller J, Irjala K, Isoaho R, Kivelä SL, Koskinen P, Pelliniemi TT. RIA for serum holo-transcobalamin: method evaluation in the clinical laboratory and reference interval. Clin Chem 2003; 49:455-62. [PMID: 12600958 DOI: 10.1373/49.3.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreased serum holo-transcobalamin (holoTC) could be the earliest marker of cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency, but there has been no method suitable for routine use. We evaluated a new commercial holoTC RIA, determined reference values, and assessed holoTC concentrations in relation to other biochemical markers of Cbl deficiency. METHODS The reference population consisted of 303 individuals 22-88 years of age, without disease or medication affecting Cbl or homocysteine metabolism. In elderly individuals (>or=65 years), normal Cbl status was further confirmed by total homocysteine (tHcy; <19 micro mol/L) and methylmalonic acid (MMA; <0.28 micro mol/L) concentrations within established reference intervals. HoloTC in Cbl deficiency was studied in a population of 107 elderly individuals with normal renal function. The Cbl deficiency was graded as potential (total Cbl <or=150 pmol/L or tHcy >or=19 micro mol/L), possible (total Cbl <or=150 pmol/L and either tHcy >or=19 micro mol/L or MMA >or=0.45 micro mol/L), and probable (tHcy >or=19 micro mol/L and MMA >or=0.45 micro mol/L). RESULTS The intra- and between-assay imprecision (CV) for the holoTC RIA were 4-7% and 6-8%, respectively. A 95% central reference interval for serum holoTC was 37-171 pmol/L. All participants (n = 16) with probable Cbl deficiency, 86% of those with possible, and 30% of those with potential Cbl deficiency had holoTC below the reference limit (<37 pmol/L). The holoTC correlated with total Cbl (r(s) = 0.80; P <0.0001) and inversely with MMA (r(s) = -0.52; P <0.0001). HoloTC concentrations were significantly (P = 0.01) higher in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS The new holoTC RIA is precise and simple to perform. Low holoTC is found in individuals with biochemical signs of Cbl deficiency, but the sensitivity and specificity of low holoTC in diagnosis of Cbl deficiency need to be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saila Loikas
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Turku University Central Hospital, Finland.
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Rogers LM, Boy E, Miller JW, Green R, Sabel JC, Allen LH. High prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in Guatemalan schoolchildren: associations with low plasma holotranscobalamin II and elevated serum methylmalonic acid and plasma homocysteine concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr 2003; 77:433-40. [PMID: 12540405 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/77.2.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies conducted in Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela have found high prevalences of low plasma cobalamin (vitamin B-12) concentrations in infants and children. It is not known whether these low cobalamin concentrations are accompanied by altered metabolic functions. OBJECTIVE We sought to assess the prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in Guatemalan children by using sensitive and specific markers of deficiency. DESIGN Children (n = 553) were screened for low plasma cobalamin. Those with low plasma cobalamin (< 162 pmol/L) were matched by age, grade, and sex to those with marginal (162-221 pmol/L) and adequate (> 221 pmol/L) concentrations. In this matched subset (n = 180), additional biochemical indicators of cobalamin deficiency were measured. RESULTS Of the 553 children screened, 11% had low plasma cobalamin and an additional 22% had marginal concentrations. The prevalences of elevated serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), plasma homocysteine, or both were significantly higher in children with low and marginal plasma cobalamin than in children with adequate plasma cobalamin. Mean serum MMA was high in all groups compared with values reported in other populations. Mean plasma holotranscobalamin II concentrations were significantly lower in children with low rather than marginal or adequate plasma cobalamin. However, holotranscobalamin II was a less sensitive indicator of cobalamin depletion than was MMA. CONCLUSION Biochemical markers of cobalamin deficiency confirmed that the cobalamin status of children with low and marginal plasma cobalamin is inadequate to support normal metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Rogers
- Department of Nutrition, Program in International Nutrition, University of California, Davis, 95616-8669, USA
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Herrmann W, Obeid R, Schorr H, Geisel J. Functional Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Determination of Holotranscobalamin in Populations at Risk. Clin Chem Lab Med 2003; 41:1478-88. [PMID: 14656029 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2003.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of a sub-clinical functional vitamin B12 deficiency in the general population is higher than previously expected. Total serum vitamin B12 may not reliably indicate vitamin B12 status. To get more specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency, the concept of measuring holotranscobalamin II (holoTC), a sub-fraction of vitamin B12, has aroused great interest. HoloTC as a biologically active vitamin B12 fraction promotes a specific uptake of its vitamin B12 by all cells. In this study we investigated the diagnostic value of storage (holoTC) of vitamin B12 and functional markers (methylmalonic acid (MMA)) of vitamin B12 metabolism in populations who are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Our study included 93 omnivorous German controls, 111 German and Dutch vegetarian subjects, 122 Syrian apparently healthy subjects, 127 elderly Germans and finally 92 German pre-dialysis renal patients. Serum concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and MMA were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, folate and vitamin B12 by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and holoTC by utilizing a RIA test. RESULTS High Hcy (>12 micromol/l), high MMA (>271 nmol/l) resp. low holoTC (vitamin B12) in serum were detected in 15%, 8% resp. 13% (1%) of German controls, 36%, 60%, resp. 72% (30%) of vegetarians, 42%, 48% resp. 50% (6%) of Syrians, 75%, 42%, resp. 21% (7%) of elderly subjects and 75%, 67% resp. 4% (2%) of renal patients. The lowest median levels of holoTC were observed in vegetarians, followed by the Syrian subjects (23 and 35 pmol/l, respectively). Renal patients had significantly higher levels of holoTC compared to the German controls (74 vs. 54 pmol/l). In the vitamin B12 range between 156 pmol/l (conventional cut-off level) and 241 pmol/l, both mean concentrations of holoTC and MMA were in the pathological range. HoloTC was the earliest marker for vitamin B12 deficiency followed by MMA. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes folate trapping. A higher folate level is required to keep Hcy normal. The relationship between MMA and holoTC seemed dependent on renal function. In renal patients with a glomerular filtration rate below 36 ml/min, a significantly lower mean level of MMA was detected within the highest tertile of holoTC concentration, compared to the lowest tertile. Thus, in renal patients, a higher serum concentration of circulating holoTC is required to deliver sufficient amounts of holoTC into the cells. CONCLUSION Our data support the concept that the measurement of holoTC and MMA provides a better index of cobalamin status than the measurement of total vitamin B12. HoloTC is the most sensitive marker, followed by MMA. The use of holoTC and MMA enables us to differentiate between storage depletion and functional vitamin B12 deficiency. Renal patients have a higher requirement of circulating holoTC. In renal dysfunction, holoTC cannot be used as a marker of vitamin B12 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Vegetarians are at risk to develop deficiencies of some essential nutrients, especially vitamin B-12 (cobalamin). Cobalamin occurs in substantial amounts only in foods derived from animals and is essential for one-carbon metabolism and cell division. Low nutritional intake of vitamin B-12 may lead to negative balance and, finally, to functional deficiency when tissue stores of vitamin B-12 are depleted. Early diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency seems to be useful because irreversible neurological damages may be prevented by cobalamin substitution. The search for a specific and sensitive test to diagnose vitamin B-12 deficiency is ongoing. Serum vitamin B-12 measurement is a widely applied standard method. However, the test has poor predictive value. Optimal monitoring of cobalamin status in vegetarians should include the measurement of homocysteine (HCY), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and holotranscobalamin II. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can be divided into four stages. In stages I and II, indicated by a low plasma level of holotranscobalamin II, the plasma and cell stores become depleted. Stage III is characterized by increased levels of HCY and MMA in addition to lowered holotranscobalamin II. In stage IV, clinical signs become recognizable like macroovalocytosis, elevated MCV of erythrocytes or lowered haemoglobin. In our investigations, we have found stage III of vitamin B-12 deficiency in over 60% of vegetarians, thus underlining the importance of cobalamin monitoring in this dietary group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry-Central Laboratory, University Hospital of the Saarland, Bld. 40, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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Obeid R, Jouma M, Herrmann W. Cobalamin Status (Holo-Transcobalamin, Methylmalonic Acid) and Folate as Determinants of Homocysteine Concentration. Clin Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/48.11.2064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Muhidien Jouma
- Department of Biochemistry/College of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Syria
| | - Wolfgang Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
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Abstract
The classic workup of a patient for possible PA is revisited in light of the vanishing Schilling test. The vagaries of testing for B12 and blocking antibodies are reexamined. The advantages and disadvantages of newer tests such as MMA and serum gastrin levels are catalogued. At this juncture in the evolution of new test strategies, there is a considerable controversy regarding the significance of high MMA levels in the face of normal B12 levels, particularly in the elderly. Hopefully, this controversy will soon be resolved and the newer crop of tests will be proven and accepted in the workplace. Still, the words of Alexander Pope spring to mind: "Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C J Ward
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Minnesota, Duluth School of Medicine, 10 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812, USA.
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40
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Carmel
- Department of Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY 11215, and Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021
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41
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Nexo E, Christensen AL, Hvas AM, Petersen TE, Fedosov SN. Quantification of Holo-Transcobalamin, a Marker of Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Clin Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/48.3.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ebba Nexo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anna-Lisa Christensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anne-Mette Hvas
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Torben E Petersen
- The Laboratory for Protein Chemistry, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sergey N Fedosov
- The Laboratory for Protein Chemistry, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Ulleland M, Eilertsen I, Quadros EV, Rothenberg SP, Fedosov SN, Sundrehagen E, Örning L. Direct Assay for Cobalamin Bound to Transcobalamin (Holo-Transcobalamin) in Serum. Clin Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/48.3.526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Only cobalamin carried by transcobalamin (holo-transcobalamin) is available for cellular uptake and hence is physiologically relevant. However, no reliable or accurate methods for quantifying holo-transcobalamin are available. We report a novel holo-transcobalamin assay based on solid-phase capture of transcobalamin.
Methods: A monoclonal antibody specific for human transcobalamin with an affinity constant >1010 L/mol was immobilized on magnetic microspheres to capture and concentrate transcobalamin. The cobalamin bound to transcobalamin was then released and assayed by a competitive binding radioassay. The quantification of holo-transcobalamin was accomplished using calibrators composed of recombinant, human holo-transcobalamin.
Results: The assay was specific for holo-transcobalamin and had a detection limit of 5 pmol/L. Within-run and total imprecision (CV) was 5% and 8–9%, respectively. The working range (CV <20%) was 5–370 pmol/L. Dilutions of serum were linear in the assay range. The recovery of recombinant, human holo-transcobalamin added to serum was 93–108%. A 95% reference interval of 24–157 pmol/L was established for holo-transcobalamin in 105 healthy volunteers 20–80 years of age. For 72 of these sera, holo-haptocorrin and total cobalamin were also determined. Whereas holo-haptocorrin correlated well (r2 = 0.87) with total cobalamin, holo-transcobalamin correlated poorly (r2 = 0.23) with total cobalamin or holo-haptocorrin.
Conclusions: The solid-phase capture assay provides a simple, reliable method for quantitative determination of holo-transcobalamin in serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Ulleland
- Axis-Shield ASA, Ulvenveien 87, PO Box 206 Økern, N-0510 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingar Eilertsen
- Axis-Shield ASA, Ulvenveien 87, PO Box 206 Økern, N-0510 Oslo, Norway
| | - Edward V Quadros
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, State University of New York, Health Science Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203
| | - Sheldon P Rothenberg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, State University of New York, Health Science Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203
| | - Sergey N Fedosov
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Structural Biology, University of Aarhus, Science Park, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Örning
- Axis-Shield ASA, Ulvenveien 87, PO Box 206 Økern, N-0510 Oslo, Norway
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ter Heide H, Hendriks HJ, Heijmans H, Menheere PP, Spaapen LJ, Bakker JA, Forget PP. Are children with cystic fibrosis who are treated with a proton-pump inhibitor at risk for vitamin B(12) deficiency? J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2001; 33:342-5. [PMID: 11593135 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200109000-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a recent study, the authors demonstrated the beneficial effect of proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) on fat malabsorption and bone mineral content in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Prolonged use of PPI could result in vitamin B(12) deficiency as a consequence of impaired release of vitamin B(12) from food in a nonacid environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin B 12 status of CF patients either treated with a PPI or not by measuring vitamin B(12) and homocysteine blood levels, the latter being a sensitive indicator of vitamin B(12) deficiency. METHODS The study population consisted of 20 CF patients, 11 patients treated with a PPI for at least 2 years and 9 patients not treated with a PPI, and 10 healthy, age-matched control participants. Homocysteine blood levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and vitamin B(12) levels were measured by a competitive protein-binding assay. RESULTS Vitamin B(12) levels were significantly higher in both CF groups compared with the control participants (PPI+, P = 0.02; PPI-, P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in vitamin B(12) levels between both CF groups. Homocysteine levels were normal and similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS Cystic fibrosis patients treated with a PPI for at least 2 years show no signs of vitamin B(12) deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- H ter Heide
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Refsum H, Yajnik CS, Gadkari M, Schneede J, Vollset SE, Orning L, Guttormsen AB, Joglekar A, Sayyad MG, Ulvik A, Ueland PM. Hyperhomocysteinemia and elevated methylmalonic acid indicate a high prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in Asian Indians. Am J Clin Nutr 2001; 74:233-41. [PMID: 11470726 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/74.2.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In India, most people adhere to a vegetarian diet, which may lead to cobalamin deficiency. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine indicators of cobalamin status in Asian Indians. DESIGN The study population included 204 men and women aged 27-55 y from Pune, Maharashtra, India, categorized into 4 groups: patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, patients with CVD but no diabetes, patients with diabetes but no CVD, and healthy subjects. Data on medical history, lifestyle, and diet were obtained by interviews and questionnaires. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum or plasma total cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and total homocysteine (tHcy) and hemetologic indexes. RESULTS MMA, tHcy, total cobalamin, and holoTC did not differ significantly among the 4 groups; therefore, the data were pooled. Total cobalamin showed a strong inverse correlation with tHcy (r = -0.59) and MMA (r = -0.54). Forty-seven percent of the subjects had cobalamin deficiency (total cobalamin <150 pmol/L), 73% had low holoTC (<35 pmol/L), 77% had hyperhomocysteinemia (tHcy >15 micromol/L), and 73% had elevated serum MMA (>0.26 micromol/L). These indicators of impaired cobalamin status were observed in both vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Folate deficiency was rare and only 2.5% of the subjects were homozygous for the MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS About 75% of the subjects had metabolic signs of cobalamin deficiency, which was only partly explained by the vegetarian diet. If impaired cobalamin status is confirmed in other parts of India, it may have important health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Refsum
- Department of Pharmacology and the Locus for Homocysteine and Related Vitamins, University of Bergen, Norway.
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Herrmann W, Schorr H, Purschwitz K, Rassoul F, Richter V. Total Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, and Total Antioxidant Status in Vegetarians. Clin Chem 2001. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/47.6.1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Decreasing or eliminating animal products from the diet decreases the intake of some essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, which may lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. We investigated vitamin B12-dependent metabolism and oxidative stress in groups with various or no intake of meat or animal products.Methods: We investigated 44 high meat eaters, 19 low meat eaters, 34 lacto-ovo/lacto vegetarians, and 7 vegan vegetarians. Homocysteine (HCY) was assayed by HPLC, methylmalonic acid (MMA) by capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, serum folate and vitamin B12 with a chemiluminescence immunoassay, and total antioxidant status (TAS) by a Randox method.Results: The mean serum HCY concentration of vegetarians was significantly increased, and in vegans the median concentration exceeded 15 μmol/L. Vegetarians had a higher serum concentration of MMA but a lower TAS. Vitamin B12 and folate did not differ significantly between vegetarian and omnivorous subjects. Overall, HCY and MMA were significantly correlated. Vitamin B12 correlated negatively with MMA, HCY, and folate, whereas the correlation with TAS was positive. Backward regression analysis revealed an independent influence of MMA on HCY, of HCY and vitamin B12 on MMA, and of vitamin B12 on TAS. The increased MMA concentration suggested a 25% frequency of functional vitamin B12 deficiency in all vegetarians. Serum vitamin B12 was below the lower reference limit in only five subjects.Conclusions: Functional vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarians may contribute to hyperhomocysteinemia and decreased TAS, which may partly counteract the beneficial lifestyle of vegetarians. However, increased serum HCY is most likely not responsible for the lower TAS values in vegetarians. We recommend assaying of MMA and HCY to investigate functional vitamin B12 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry/Central Laboratory, University Hospital of the Saarland, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Heike Schorr
- Department of Clinical Chemistry/Central Laboratory, University Hospital of the Saarland, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Kathrin Purschwitz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Leipzig, D-4103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fausi Rassoul
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Leipzig, D-4103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volker Richter
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Leipzig, D-4103 Leipzig, Germany
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Björkstén KS, Dige N, Nexø E. Long-term memory correlates negatively with plasma transcobalamin in healthy elderly with normal plasma cobalamin levels. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2001; 16:439-41. [PMID: 11333436 DOI: 10.1002/gps.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Namour F, Olivier J, Abdelmouttaleb I, Adjalla C, Debard R, Salvat C, Guéant J. Transcobalamin codon 259 polymorphism in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells and in Caucasians: relation to transcobalamin and homocysteine concentration in blood. Blood 2001; 97:1092-8. [PMID: 11159542 DOI: 10.1182/blood.v97.4.1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcobalamin (TC) is the plasma transporter that delivers vitamin B(12) to cells. We have already reported that HT-29 and Caco-2 cells secrete different TC variants. HT-29 secretes 2 TC isoproteins (codon 259-Pro/Arg [259-P/R]), exhibiting unequal concentrations (TC 259-P > TC 259-R), and Caco-2 cells only secrete the phenotype 259-R. We investigated the relation between phenotypic and genetic TC polymorphism in HT-29 cells transfected with Caco-2 TC complementary DNA and in 159 healthy Caucasians. We found that codon 259-R is buried and, thus, the genetic polymorphism provides no explanation why the TCs from HT-29 and Caco-2 cells have different isoelectric points in nondenaturing isoelectric focusing (IEF). The newly translated TC in HT-29 cells from the Caco-2 complementary DNA recombinant plasmid had the same isoelectric point as the TC constitutively expressed in HT-29 cells, suggesting that TC phenotypic variability involves a specific cell folding of the protein. The codon 259 polymorphism was found to have a biallelic distribution: homozygotes P = 34.6%, heterozygotes R/P = 47.8%, and homozygotes R = 17.6%. In heterozygous samples, the IEF showed that the TC 259-P/TC 259-R ratio = 1.6. The blood apo-TC concentration of 259-P homozygous Caucasians was significantly higher than that of homozygous 259-R (P <.0001) and heterozygous (P <.0006) Caucasians. The heterozygotes 259-R/P had homocysteine concentration significantly higher than the homozygotes 259-R and 259-P (P =.02 and P =.01, respectively). In conclusion, TC codon-259 polymorphism affects TC plasma concentration and may interfere in vitamin B(12) cellular availability and homocysteine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Namour
- Laboratoire de Pathologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire en Nutrition, INSERM 0014, Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, Vandoeuvre Cedex France
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Klee GG. Cobalamin and Folate Evaluation: Measurement of Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine vs Vitamin B12 and Folate. Clin Chem 2000. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/46.8.1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Vitamin B12 and folate are two vitamins that have interdependent roles in nucleic acid synthesis. Deficiencies of either vitamin can cause megaloblastic anemia; however, inappropriate treatment of B12 deficiency with folate can cause irreversible nerve degeneration. Inadequate folate nutrition during early pregnancy can cause neural tube defects in the developing fetus. In addition, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency and the compensatory increase in homocysteine are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Laboratory support for the diagnosis and management of these multiple clinical entities is controversial and somewhat problematic. Automated ligand binding measurements of vitamin B12 and folate are easiest to perform and widely used. Unfortunately, these tests are not the most sensitive indicators of disease. Measurement of red cell folate is less dependent on dietary fluctuations, but these measurements may not be reliable. Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are better metabolic indicators of deficiencies at the tissue level. There are no “gold standards” for the diagnosis of these disorders, and controversy exists regarding the best diagnostic approach. Healthcare strategies that consider the impact of laboratory tests on the overall costs and quality of care should consider the advantages of including methylmalonic acid and homocysteine in the early evaluation of patients with suspected deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Relationship between methylmalonic acid and cobalamin in uremia. BACKGROUND To evaluate the requirement for routine supplementation with vitamin B12 and to study the effect of a change from injection to oral B12 supplementation, we examined the relationship between cobalamin and methylmalonic acid in plasma from 67 patients on chronic hemodialysis, all in regular therapy with intramuscular cobalamin injections (1 mg) every third month. METHODS Starting just before one cobalamin injection, blood samples were collected once a month during a nine-month withdrawal from regular cobalamin substitution to a final three-month period with cyanocobalamin tablets (1 mg) administered once daily. RESULTS Plasma cobalamin was above the lower reference limit in all subjects, and from a peak value one month after the regular injection, the cobalamin concentration during the withdrawal period decreased to a level below the point of origin, followed by a significant rise after cyanocobalamin tablets. The methylmalonic acid concentrations were above the reference interval. In the withdrawal period, the concentrations significantly increased further, followed by a significant decrease after oral cyanocobalamin substitution. CONCLUSION We demonstrated a within-patient inverse relationship between the concentrations of methylmalonic acid and cobalamin in plasma from these uremic patients. Despite the fact that only two of the patients developed subnormal plasma cobalamin values, we demonstrated a B12 depletion during the withdrawal period. Treatment with cyanocobalamin tablets once daily was found efficient, but the oral doses should possibly be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Moelby
- Department of Nephro;ogy, Aalborg Hospital, Aalborg, Germany.
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