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Hoteit M, Khadra R, Fadlallah Z, Mourad Y, Chahine M, Skaiki F, Al Manasfi E, Chahine A, Poh OBJ, Tzenios N. Prevalence and Time Trends of Low Serum B12 Levels and Inadequate B12 Dietary Intake in Lebanese Adults amidst the Food Insecurity Situation: Findings from a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:226. [PMID: 38257119 PMCID: PMC10818865 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rising food insecurity (FI) and the increased prices of animal-based foods could compromise vitamin B12 (B12) intake and serum levels in food-insecure people. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of low levels of serum B12 and its inadequate dietary intake among a nationally representative sample of Lebanese adults aged 18 to 64 years, while exploring the impact of FI and identifying other potential predictors. The B12 intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and the mean of two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. The B12 serum levels were also examined. To examine the time trends in the B12 serum levels and dietary intake, the data from a large representative digitized database of 6290 participants were collected, along with the examination of FAOSTAT food consumption data both before and during the economic crisis period. Our findings revealed that 47.3% of households in Lebanon experienced FI. The inadequate intake of B12 food sources was prevalent in 52.5% of participants, and 61.1% presented with low (23%) or intermediate (38.1%) levels of serum B12. The food-secure households had a higher proportion of B12 intake from meats (p = 0.004), while traditional foods contributed more to food-insecure households (p = 0.000). The participants who were female, unemployed, food-insecure, and had low dietary diversity were about two to three times more likely to have inadequate B12 intake. The predictors of low levels of serum B12 included residing in Beqaa (OR = 2.856 and 95% CI = 1.018-8.01) and having inadequate B12 intake (OR = 1.788 and 95% CI = 1.2-2.65). The findings from observing the time trends in the consumption and the serum levels of B12 indicate a considerable decline in the consumption of most animal-based foods compared to the pre-crisis period, associated with a decline in the serum levels of B12. In conclusion, an alarming prevalence of low dietary intake and low serum levels of B12 was revealed among Lebanese adults, and the indirect effect of FI on B12 serum levels mediated through B12 intake was inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Hoteit
- Food Sciences Unit, National Council for Scientific Research-Lebanon (CNRS-L), Beirut P.O. Box 11-8281, Lebanon (Z.F.)
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut P.O. Box 6573, Lebanon
| | - Razan Khadra
- Food Sciences Unit, National Council for Scientific Research-Lebanon (CNRS-L), Beirut P.O. Box 11-8281, Lebanon (Z.F.)
| | - Zahraa Fadlallah
- Food Sciences Unit, National Council for Scientific Research-Lebanon (CNRS-L), Beirut P.O. Box 11-8281, Lebanon (Z.F.)
| | - Youmna Mourad
- Al Hadi Laboratory and IVF Center, Beirut 1103, Lebanon;
| | - Mohamad Chahine
- Biological and Chemical Technology, Kursk State Medical University, 305000 Kursk, Russia;
| | - Farouk Skaiki
- Department of Molecular Biology, General Management, Al Karim Medical Laboratories, Saida 1600, Lebanon;
| | | | | | | | - Nikolaos Tzenios
- Faculty of Public Health, Charisma University, London EC1V 7QE, UK
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Baranauskas M, Kupčiūnaitė I, Lieponienė J, Stukas R. Association between Variation in Body Fat Mass Magnitude and Intake of Nutrients, including Carbohydrates, Fat, and B Vitamins, in a Cohort of Highly Trained Female Athletes. Foods 2023; 12:4152. [PMID: 38002209 PMCID: PMC10670790 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common sports nutrition strategies were constructed not only for maximizing musculoskeletal adaptations to exercise, but also to minimize health risks in athletes. Given the lack of research highlighting the potential effects of the intake of carbohydrates, fats, and B vitamins on body fat percentage in a population of female athletes, this study aimed to elucidate whether the intake of macronutrients and B vitamins could be associated with the variation in body fat percentage in a cohort of professional female athletes. This cross-sectional study was weighted to represent Lithuanian elite female athletes (n = 89). The dietary assessment of the female athletes was carried out using a 3-day dietary recall method. Their body composition was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. For females, the reported average intakes of energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fat were 2475 kcal/day, 5.1 g/kg/day, 1.5 g/kg/day, and 36.7%, respectively. Excess B vitamin intake was revealed, ranging within plus 1-2 standard deviations (SDs) around the mean requirements. As a consequence, excessive body fat percentage was potentially factored as a negative outcome in maintaining optimal body composition in female athletes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of a sample of female athletes revealed that, despite a slightly positive energy balance (∆ 95 kcal/day), the carbohydrate-deficient diet (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1; 0.7), along with higher intakes of vitamin B1 (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 2.6; 7.8), vitamin B2 (aOR 6.7, 95% CI 1.1; 8.3), and vitamin B3 (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4; 7.8) from food, was associated with a lower percentage of body fat. Therefore, more attention should be given to the intake of B vitamins in professional athletes with a range of body fat mass percentages for the purpose of achieving long-term goals of maintaining body composition and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Baranauskas
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, State Higher Education Institution Panevėžys College, 35200 Panevėžys, Lithuania; (I.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Ingrida Kupčiūnaitė
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, State Higher Education Institution Panevėžys College, 35200 Panevėžys, Lithuania; (I.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Jurgita Lieponienė
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, State Higher Education Institution Panevėžys College, 35200 Panevėžys, Lithuania; (I.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Rimantas Stukas
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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Piorino F, Johnson S, Styczynski MP. A Cell-Free Biosensor for Assessment of Hyperhomocysteinemia. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2487-2492. [PMID: 37459448 PMCID: PMC10443029 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia─a condition characterized by elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood─is associated with multiple health conditions including folate deficiency and birth defects, but there are no convenient, low-cost methods to measure homocysteine in plasma. A cell-free biosensor that harnesses the native homocysteine sensing machinery of Escherichia coli bacteria could satisfy the need for a detection platform with these characteristics. Here, we describe our efforts to engineer a cell-free biosensor for point-of-care, low-cost assessment of homocysteine status. This biosensor can detect physiologically relevant concentrations of homocysteine in plasma with a colorimetric output visible to the naked eye in under 1.5 h, making it a fast, convenient tool for point-of-use diagnosis and monitoring of hyperhomocysteinemia and related health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Piorino
- School of Chemical &
Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute
of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0100, United States
| | | | - Mark P. Styczynski
- School of Chemical &
Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute
of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0100, United States
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Hesselink A, Winkvist A, Lindahl B, Ueland PM, Schneede J, Johansson I, Karlsson T. Healthy Nordic diet and associations with plasma concentrations of metabolites in the choline oxidation pathway: a cross-sectional study from Northern Sweden. Nutr J 2023; 22:26. [PMID: 37198607 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-023-00853-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The choline oxidation pathway and metabolites involved have been linked to diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A healthy Nordic diet is a recently defined dietary pattern associated with decreased risk for these diseases. Our aim was to explore associations between adherence to a healthy Nordic diet and plasma concentrations of metabolites of the choline oxidation pathway. METHODS The Healthy Nordic Food Index (HNFI) and Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) were applied to cross-sectional data (n = 969) from the Västerbotten Intervention Programme in Northern Sweden to score adherence to a healthy Nordic diet. Data included responses to a dietary questionnaire and blood sample analyses (1991-2008). Associations of diet scores with plasma concentrations of metabolites of the choline oxidation pathway and total homocysteine (tHcy), seven metabolites in total, were evaluated with linear regression, adjusting for age, BMI, education and physical activity. RESULTS HNFI scores showed linear relationships with plasma choline (β = 0.11), betaine (β = 0.46), serine (β = 0.98) and tHcy (β = - 0.38), and BSDS scores with betaine (β = 0.13) and tHcy (β = - 0.13); unstandardized beta coefficients, all significant at P < 0.05. The regression models predicted changes in plasma metabolite concentrations (± 1 SD changes in diet score) in the range of 1-5% for choline, betaine, serine and tHcy. No other statistically significant associations were observed. CONCLUSIONS A healthy Nordic diet was associated with plasma concentrations of several metabolites of the choline oxidation pathway. Although relationships were statistically significant, effect sizes were moderate. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and associations with health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Hesselink
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Winkvist
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bernt Lindahl
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per M Ueland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Bevital AS, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jörn Schneede
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Therese Karlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Dietary Intake of Folate and Assessment of the Folate Deficiency Prevalence in Slovenia Using Serum Biomarkers. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113860. [PMID: 34836112 PMCID: PMC8620305 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate deficiency is associated with various health issues, including anemia, cardiovascular disease, and birth defects. Low folate intake and suboptimal folate status were found in several countries; however, this topic has not yet been investigated in Slovenia. Dietary folate intake and serum folate status were investigated through the nationally representative food consumption study SI.Menu/Nutrihealth. Folate intake was estimated using a sample of N = 1248 subjects aged 10–74 years, stratified in three age groups (adolescents, adults, elderly population), through two 24 h-dietary recalls and food propensity questionnaire. Data on serum folate and homocysteine was available for 280 participants. Very low folate intake (<300 µg/day) was observed in 59% of adolescents, 58% of adults and 68% of elderlies, and only about 12% achieved the WHO recommended level of 400 µg/day. Major dietary contributors were vegetables and fruit, and cereal products. Living environment, education, employment status and BMI were linked with low folate intake in adults; BMI, and sex in adolescents; and sex in elderlies. Considering low serum folate (<7 nmol/L) and high serum homocysteine (>15 nmol/L), folate deficiency was found in 7.6 and 10.5% in adults and elderlies, respectively. Additional public health strategies should be employed to promote the consumption of folate-rich foods. With current folate intakes, supplementation with folic acid is relevant especially in specific vulnerable populations, particularly in women planning and during pregnancy.
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Saande CJ, Pritchard SK, Worrall DM, Snavely SE, Nass CA, Neuman JC, Luchtel RA, Dobiszewski S, Miller JW, Vailati-Riboni M, Loor JJ, Schalinske KL. Dietary Egg Protein Prevents Hyperhomocysteinemia via Upregulation of Hepatic Betaine-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase Activity in Folate-Restricted Rats. J Nutr 2019; 149:1369-1376. [PMID: 31111947 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Whole eggs contain several nutrients known to affect homocysteine regulation, including sulfur amino acids, choline, and B vitamins. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole eggs and egg components (i.e., egg protein and choline) with respect to 1) homocysteine balance and 2) the hepatic expression and activity of betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) in a folate-restricted (FR) rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 48; 6 wk of age) were randomly assigned to a casein-based diet (C; n = 12), a casein-based diet supplemented with choline (C + Cho; 1.3%, wt:wt; n = 12), an egg protein-based diet (EP; n = 12), or a whole egg-based diet (WE; n = 12). At week 2, half of the rats in each of the 4 dietary groups were provided an FR (0 g folic acid/kg) diet and half continued on the folate-sufficient (FS; 0.2 g folic acid/kg) diet for an additional 6 wk. All diets contained 20% (wt:wt) total protein. Serum homocysteine was measured by HPLC and BHMT and CBS expression and activity were evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme activity. A 2-factor ANOVA was used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS Rats fed FR-C exhibited a 53% increase in circulating homocysteine concentrations compared with rats fed FS-C (P < 0.001). In contrast, serum homocysteine did not differ between rats fed FS-C and FR-EP (P = 0.078). Hepatic BHMT activity was increased by 45% and 40% by the EP (P < 0.001) and WE (P = 0.002) diets compared with the C diets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Dietary intervention with egg protein prevented elevated circulating homocysteine concentrations in a rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia, due in part to upregulation of hepatic BHMT. These data may support the inclusion of egg protein for dietary recommendations targeting hyperhomocysteinemia prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassondra J Saande
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.,Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Samantha K Pritchard
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.,Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | | | | | | | - Joshua C Neuman
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.,Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Rebecca A Luchtel
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.,Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Sarah Dobiszewski
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Joshua W Miller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Mario Vailati-Riboni
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Juan J Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Kevin L Schalinske
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.,Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
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Chaudhary D, Sharma N, Senapati S. Serum Homocysteine Could Be Used as a Predictive Marker for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health 2019; 7:69. [PMID: 31019906 PMCID: PMC6458233 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Serum homocysteine (Hcy) level is inversely related with concentration of folic acid, which is an essential micronutrient for metabolism and energy homeostasis. Serum concentrations of Hcy have been reported to have strong correlation with smoking, which is a major risk factor for pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) irrespective of ethnicity and gender. Therefore, we performed a systematic review based meta-analysis to evaluate the overall contribution of Hcy in COPD. Method: Published literature on association of serum Hcy with COPD were obtained through conventional web search and eligible literature were selected based on stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria. Continuous variable data was presented as mean and standard deviation. The variable data was analyzed using RevMan 5 statistical tool to meta-analyze mean differences (MD) with 95 % CI for case-control studies. Result: Four case-control studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 145 COPD subjects and 107 healthy controls were analyzed. Elevated serum homocysteine concentration was found to induce risk for COPD (MD = 3.05). Conclusion: Molecular role of Hcy in COPD pathogenesis or prognosis is not clear but existing literature suggests that smoking disturbs folic acid metabolism and promotes Hcy accumulation. This study suggested the contribution of Hcy in COPD pathogenesis. However, large scale prospective cohort study and replication studies with more power are warranted to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Chaudhary
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Sabyasachi Senapati
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
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Akbari A, Nasiri K, Heydari M, Mosavat SH, Iraji A. The Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) on Ethanol-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Rats. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2017; 22:609-617. [PMID: 29228791 PMCID: PMC5871263 DOI: 10.1177/2156587216687696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of ginger extract on ethanol-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Twenty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and treated daily for 28 days as follows: control, control-ginger (1 g/kg of body weight [BW]/day by gavage), ethanol group (ethanol 4 g/kg of BW/day by gavage), and ginger-ethanol group. At the end of the experiment, all the rats were sacrificed and their testes were removed and used for measurement of the total homocysteine (tHcy), trace elements, antioxidant enzymes activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results in the ethanol group indicate that ethanol decreased antioxidant enzymes activity and increased MDA and tHcy compared with the control groups ( P < .05). In ginger-ethanol group, ginger improved antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced tHcy and MDA compared to ethanol group ( P < .05). It can be concluded that ginger protects the ethanol-induced testicular damage and improves the hormonal levels, trace elements, antioxidant enzymes activity, and decreases tHcy and MDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Akbari
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Nasiri
- Department of Animal Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Heydari
- Research Centre for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamdollah Mosavat
- Research Centre for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Aida Iraji
- Central Research Laboratory, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Verly-Jr E, Steluti J, Fisberg RM, Marchioni DML. A quantile regression approach can reveal the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on plasma homocysteine levels. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111619. [PMID: 25365261 PMCID: PMC4218785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A reduction in homocysteine concentration due to the use of supplemental folic acid is well recognized, although evidence of the same effect for natural folate sources, such as fruits and vegetables (FV), is lacking. The traditional statistical analysis approaches do not provide further information. As an alternative, quantile regression allows for the exploration of the effects of covariates through percentiles of the conditional distribution of the dependent variable. OBJECTIVE To investigate how the associations of FV intake with plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) differ through percentiles in the distribution using quantile regression. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted among 499 residents of Sao Paulo City, Brazil. The participants provided food intake and fasting blood samples. Fruit and vegetable intake was predicted by adjusting for day-to-day variation using a proper measurement error model. We performed a quantile regression to verify the association between tHcy and the predicted FV intake. The predicted values of tHcy for each percentile model were calculated considering an increase of 200 g in the FV intake for each percentile. RESULTS The results showed that tHcy was inversely associated with FV intake when assessed by linear regression whereas, the association was different when using quantile regression. The relationship with FV consumption was inverse and significant for almost all percentiles of tHcy. The coefficients increased as the percentile of tHcy increased. A simulated increase of 200 g in the FV intake could decrease the tHcy levels in the overall percentiles, but the higher percentiles of tHcy benefited more. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that the effect of FV intake on lowering the tHcy levels is dependent on the level of tHcy using an innovative statistical approach. From a public health point of view, encouraging people to increase FV intake would benefit people with high levels of tHcy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliseu Verly-Jr
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Social Medicine, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Josiane Steluti
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sao Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina Mara Fisberg
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sao Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Obeid R, Koletzko B, Pietrzik K. Critical evaluation of lowering the recommended dietary intake of folate. Clin Nutr 2014; 33:252-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Stamm RA, Houghton LA. Nutrient intake values for folate during pregnancy and lactation vary widely around the world. Nutrients 2013; 5:3920-47. [PMID: 24084052 PMCID: PMC3820052 DOI: 10.3390/nu5103920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate is a B-vitamin with particular importance during reproduction due to its role in the synthesis and maintenance of DNA. Folate is well known for its role in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) during the periconceptional period. There is also an increased need for folate throughout pregnancy to support optimal growth and development of the fetus and blood volume expansion and tissue growth of the mother. During lactation, women are at risk of folate deficiency due to increased demands to accommodate milk folate levels. Nutrient Intake Values (NIVs) for folate have been calculated to take into account additional needs during pregnancy and lactation. However, these values vary widely between countries. For example, the folate requirement that is set to meet the needs of almost all healthy women during pregnancy varies from 300 µg/day in the United Kingdom to 750 µg/day in Mexico. Currently, there is no accepted standardized terminology or framework for establishing NIVs. This article reviews country-specific NIVs for folate during pregnancy and lactation and the basis for setting these reference values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary A Stamm
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand.
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Murakami K, Sasaki S, Uenishi K. Higher intake of vitamin B-6 and dairy products and lower intake of green and oolong tea are independently associated with lower serum homocysteine concentration in young Japanese women. Nutr Res 2013; 33:653-60. [PMID: 23890355 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the relation of modifiable dietary factors to circulating homocysteine concentrations, particularly in young adults and non-Western populations. We investigated the hypothesis that intakes of nutrients and foods are associated with serum homocysteine concentration in a group of young Japanese women. This cross-sectional study included 1050 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18 to 22 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated, self-administered, comprehensive diet history questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected, and serum homocysteine concentrations were measured. Adjustment was made for survey year, region, municipality level, current smoking, current alcohol drinking, dietary supplement use, physical activity, body mass index, energy intake, and intakes of other nutrients or foods. After adjustment for nondietary confounding factors, intakes of all B vitamins (folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and riboflavin) were inversely associated with homocysteine concentration. However, only vitamin B-6 remained significant after further adjustment for other B vitamins. Marine-origin n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake showed an inverse association, but this was not independent of intakes of B vitamins. For foods, pulses, fish and shellfish, and vegetables were independently and inversely associated with homocysteine concentration, but these associations disappeared after adjustment for intakes of other foods. Conversely, an inverse association for dairy products and a positive association for green and oolong tea remained even after adjustment for other foods. To conclude, in a group of young Japanese women, higher intake of vitamin B-6 and dairy products and lower intake of green and oolong tea were independently associated with lower serum homocysteine concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Murakami
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine, United Kingdom.
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Pakfetrat M, Shahroodi JR, Zolgadr AA, Larie HA, Nikoo MH, Malekmakan L. Effects of zinc supplement on plasma homocysteine level in end-stage renal disease patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 153:11-5. [PMID: 23475369 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Increased homocysteine (hCys) level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of zinc (Zn) supplement on serum hCys level in ESRD patients. One hundred ESRD patients with Zn deficiency were enrolled in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. They were randomly subdivided into two groups and supplemented with Zn (Zn group) or placebo (control group) for 6 weeks. Fasting plasma hCys and Zn levels were measured before and at 43rd days after the start of the study. Serum Zn levels increased significantly (p < 0.0001), in Zn-treated group in comparison to placebo-treated group. In the Zn-treated group, serum hCys levels reduced significantly (p < 0.0001), compared to placebo group (p > 0.05). There was a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction of mean percentage of hCys in Zn-treated group compared to the placebo group. Our study showed that Zn supplementation decreases serum hCys levels in ESRD patients with Zn deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Pakfetrat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Serum homocysteine and folate concentrations among a US cohort of adolescents before and after folic acid fortification. Public Health Nutr 2012; 15:1818-26. [PMID: 22974678 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980012002984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed serum homocysteine (tHcy) and folate concentrations among US adolescents before and after fortification of cereal-grain products with folic acid, and associations with demographic, behavioural and physiological factors. DESIGN Observational study conducted among participants of a randomized trial. SETTING The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) study. SUBJECTS Adolescents (n 2445) in grades 8 (pre-fortification, mean age 14 years) and 12 (post-fortification, mean age 18 years). RESULTS Average serum concentrations of tHcy, folate and vitamin B6 increased by 17 %, 16 % and 14 %, respectively, while serum concentrations of vitamin B12 decreased by 11 % post-fortification. Folic acid fortification provided, on average, an additional intake of 118 μg folate/d. Male sex (P < 0.0001) and white race (P = 0.0008) were associated with significantly greater increases in tHcy concentration, while increases in BMI (P = 0.006) and serum folate concentration (P < 0.0001) were associated with significant decreases in tHcy concentration. Female sex (P < 0.0001), non-smoking (P < 0.0001), use of multivitamins (P < 0.0001) and higher dietary intake of folate (P = 0.001) were associated with significantly greater increases in serum folate concentrations. From grade 8 to grade 12, the upward age trend in serum tHcy concentration was uninterrupted in its course (P > 0.50); whereas serum folic acid concentration showed a downward trend that incurred a discrete jump upward (17 % higher; P < 0.0001) with fortification. These trends differed significantly for males v. females (P < 0.001 for interaction). CONCLUSIONS Fortification had a significant impact on improving folate status but not serum tHcy concentrations among US adolescents.
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Xiu LL, Lee MS, Wahlqvist ML, Chen RCY, Huang YC, Chen KJ, Li D. Low and high homocysteine are associated with mortality independent of B group vitamins but interactive with cognitive status in a free-living elderly cohort. Nutr Res 2012; 32:928-39. [PMID: 23244538 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia and cognitive impairment both predict mortality and partly because of dietary associations. We have hypothesized that for, nutritional reasons, homocysteine and cognition may act jointly to determine elder survival. In a Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999-2000), some 1412 representative elderly were followed up for mortality up to 10 years. Cognition was assessed by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Food and B vitamin intakes with their biomarkers, and plasma homocysteine, were measured at baseline. The possible effects of cognition on homocysteine-associated mortality were ascertained with Cox proportional-hazards models. Homocysteine was higher in those who were older, male, and single, consumed less fish and tea, and with alcohol and smoking. In models adjusted for these variables, when homocysteine exceeded 14.5 μmol/L, mortality was 1.80-fold more than when <9.3 μmol/L (hazard ratio [HR], 1.80; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.20-2.71). P for trend was 0.002 and interactive with sex (P < .002). However, these homocysteine-mortality associations were dependent on cognition (P = .03); adjustment for food intake or nutrient status made little difference. Homocysteine did not predict cognitive impairment (adjusted OR, 1.40; 95% CI = 0.50-3.93). Vitamins B(1), B(2), and B(6) accounted somewhat for cognitive impairment. Cognition predicted mortality, fully adjusted for available covariates and also for homocysteine (HR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.64-8.20) but interactively with homocysteine. Thus, the B-group vitamin insufficiency and cognitive impairment associations with premature mortality are confirmed. Yet cognition is inter-related with homocysteine in its association with survival in ways not detectably altered by foods or food-derived vitamins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Xiu
- Department of Food and Nutritional Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Smach MA, Naffeti S, Charfeddine B, Ben Abdallah J, Othmen LB, Letaef A, Limem K. [Homocysteine, vitamin B-12, folic acid and the cognitive decline in the elderly]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 61:184-92. [PMID: 22647793 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for neurological diseases, but the underlying pathophysiology has not been adequately explained. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia, which is sometimes associated with a low plasma level of vitamin B9, B12 and folic acid, is responsible in the toxicity in neural cell by activating NMDA receptor. Indeed, even if vitamin supplementation has clearly proven its efficiency on lowering plasma levels of homocysteine, recent studies do not show any positive effect of vitamin therapy on cognitive function. The hypothesis that this therapy is inefficient has been recently reinforced by two randomized trials on the effects of vitamin supplementation. Several hypotheses still need to be explored: Mechanisms of homocysteine toxicity and that of total uselessness of vitamin supplementation; the possible need to complete the actual data with further, more powerful studies in order to prove the role of homocysteine in the development of neurodegenerative diseases and a clinical effect of vitamin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Smach
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, 4002 Sousse, Tunisie.
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Moon HW, Whang DH, Ko YJ, Joo SY, Yun YM, Hur M, Kim JQ. Reference interval and determinants of the serum homocysteine level in a Korean population. J Clin Lab Anal 2012; 25:317-23. [PMID: 21919064 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.20476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we estimated the reference intervals of the serum homocysteine (Hcy) level using two automated immunoassays, and we demonstrated the effects of various factors on the Hcy level in a Korean population. We calculated the gender- and assay-specific reference intervals using the data from 809 healthy Koreans, and we assessed the effects of physiologic and lifestyle factors on the Hcy level. The upper limit was higher in males (19.21 and 19.76 μmol/l) than that in females (14.99 μmol/l and 15.16 μmol/l, AxSym and ADVIA centaur, respectively); the upper limits were comparable between the two assays. Smokers, vitamin nonusers, and persons without regular exercise showed a lower folate level and a higher Hcy level. The risk of hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly associated with the male gender (adjusted OR: 5.705, P-value: 0.008) and with the low folate level group (adjusted OR: 10.412, P-value: 0.002) on the multivariate analysis. The Hcy level was significantly different according to various factors, especially in the gender and folate level. The reference interval should be determined for each ethnic population and for each assay. The appropriate cutoff for assessing the risk for cardiovascular disease or stroke should also be validated in each population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Won Moon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Interactions between genetic variants of folate metabolism genes and lifestyle affect plasma homocysteine concentrations in the Boston Puerto Rican population. Public Health Nutr 2011; 14:1805-12. [PMID: 21338559 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980011000140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate genetic and lifestyle factors and their interactions on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations in the Boston Puerto Rican population. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. Plasma concentrations of Hcy, folate, vitamin B12 and pyridoxal phosphate were measured, and genetic polymorphisms were determined. Data on lifestyle factors were collected in interviews. SETTING A population survey of health and nutritional measures. SUBJECTS A total of 994 Puerto Rican men and women residing in the Boston metropolitan area. RESULTS Smoking status was positively associated with plasma Hcy. Genetic polymorphisms MTHFR 677C→T, FOLH1 1561C→T, FOLH1 rs647370 and PCFT 928A→G interacted significantly with smoking for Hcy. MTHFR 1298A→C (P = 0·040) and PCFT 928A→G (P = 0·002) displayed significant interactions with alcohol intake in determining plasma Hcy. Subjects with PCFT 928GG genotype had significantly higher plasma Hcy concentrations compared with carriers of the A allele (AA+AG; P = 0·030) among non-drinking subjects. When consuming alcohol, GG subjects had lower plasma Hcy levels compared with AA+AG subjects. Physical activity interacted significantly with MTR 2756A→G in determining plasma Hcy (P for interaction = 0·002). Smoking interacted with physical activity for plasma Hcy (P for interaction = 0·023). CONCLUSIONS Smoking and drinking were associated plasma Hcy concentrations. Genetic variants involved in folate metabolism further modify the effects of lifestyle on plasma Hcy.
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Tighe P, Ward M, McNulty H, Finnegan O, Dunne A, Strain J, Molloy AM, Duffy M, Pentieva K, Scott JM. A dose-finding trial of the effect of long-term folic acid intervention: implications for food fortification policy. Am J Clin Nutr 2011; 93:11-8. [PMID: 20980493 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.2010.29427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lowest dose of folic acid required to achieve effective reductions in homocysteine is controversial but important for food fortification policy given recent concerns about the potential adverse effects of overexposure to this vitamin. OBJECTIVE We compared the effectiveness of 0.2 mg folic acid/d with that of 0.4 and 0.8 mg/d at lowering homocysteine concentrations over a 6-mo period. DESIGN A randomized dose-finding trial with folic acid was conducted. Of 203 participants screened, 101 patients with ischemic heart disease and 71 healthy volunteers completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or folic acid at doses of 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 mg/d for 26 wk; subsamples of patients with ischemic heart disease were also examined at 6 or 12 wk. RESULTS Participants with higher baseline homocysteine concentrations had the greatest reductions in homocysteine in response to folic acid doses of 0.2 mg (-20.6%), 0.4 mg (-20.7%), and 0.8 mg (-27.8%); in those with lower baseline homocysteine concentrations, the responses were -8.2%, -8.9%, and -8.3%, respectively. No significant differences in homocysteine responses to the different doses were observed. In the patient group sampled at intervals during the intervention, the maximal homocysteine response appeared to be achieved by 6 wk in the 0.8-mg/d group and by 12 wk in the 0.4-mg/d group. However, the homocysteine response was suboptimal in the 0.2-mg/d group at both 6 and 12 wk compared with that at 26 wk. CONCLUSIONS A folic acid dose as low as 0.2 mg/d can, if administered for 6 mo, effectively lower homocysteine concentrations. Higher doses may not be necessary because they result in no further significant lowering, whereas doses even lower than 0.2 mg/d may be effective in the longer term. Previous trials probably overestimated the folic acid dose required because of a treatment duration that was too short. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as ISRCTN45296887.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tighe
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland and Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Nuss ET, Tanumihardjo SA. Maize: A Paramount Staple Crop in the Context of Global Nutrition. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2010; 9:417-436. [PMID: 33467836 DOI: 10.1111/j.1541-4337.2010.00117.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The maize plant (Zea mays), characterized by an erect green stalk, is one of the 3 great grain crops of the world. Its kernels, like other seeds, are storage organs that contain essential components for plant growth and reproduction. Many of these kernel constituents, including starch, protein, and some micronutrients, are also required for human health. For this reason, and others, maize has become highly integrated into global agriculture, human diet, and cultural traditions. The nutritional quality and integrity of maize kernels are influenced by many factors including genetic background, environment, and kernel processing. Cooking procedures, including nixtamalization and fermentation, can increase accessibility of micronutrients such as niacin. However, man cannot live on maize alone. For one-third of the world's population, namely in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, humans subsist on maize as a staple food but malnutrition pervades. Strategies to further improve kernel macronutrient and micronutrient quality and quantities are under intense investigation. The 2 most common routes to enhance grain nutritional value are exogenous and endogenous fortification. Although exogenous fortification, such as addition of multivitamin premixes to maize flour, has been successful, endogenous fortification, also known as "biofortification," may provide a more sustainable and practical solution for chronically undernourished communities. Recent accomplishments, such as low-phytate, high-lysine, and multivitamin maize varieties, have been created using novel genetic and agronomic approaches. Investigational studies related to biofortified maize are currently underway to determine nutrient absorption and efficacy related to human health improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily T Nuss
- Authors are with Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, 1415 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, U.S.A. Direct inquiries to author Tanumihardjo (E-mail: )
| | - Sherry A Tanumihardjo
- Authors are with Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, 1415 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, U.S.A. Direct inquiries to author Tanumihardjo (E-mail: )
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El Mabchour A, Agueh V, Delisle H. [Determinants and relationship of homocysteinemia with cardiometabolic risk factors. A study in Benin, West Africa]. Presse Med 2010; 39:e238-46. [PMID: 20634032 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2010.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elevated circulating homocysteine (Hcy) is considered as an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor. Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) is influenced by nutritional, genetic, and environmental factors. The purpose of the study was to assess HHcy prevalence in Benin, its association with intakes of B-vitamins (B2, B6, B9, B12), alcohol intake, and socio-economic status (SES), and its links with other factors of cardio-metabolic risk. METHODS The cross-sectional study included 541 apparently healthy subjects, aged 25 to 65 years, from three sites: the main city, a small city and a rural area. Hcy was measured with an ELISA test kit. The HHcy cut-off was 12 μmol/L. Dietary intake was assessed with three 24-hour recalls. We used a structured questionnaire to assess alcohol consumption, demographics, and SES according to education and an amenity score as income proxy. Criteria for obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia were primarily those of World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation. RESULTS Mean age was 38.1 ± 10.1 years. The prevalence of HHcy was 52.2% in men and 24.7% in women. In multiple linear regression models, Hcy in men was positively associated with alcohol intake, but only alcohol in beer. In women, Hcy was negatively related to vitamin B12 intake. According to multivariate models of cardio-metabolic risk factors, HHcy was associated in women with more than twice the odds of hypertension and with high TC/HDL-c ratio. In men, Hcy was positively and independently associated with diastolic blood pressure and with LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol in linear regression models. DISCUSSION The prevalence of HHcy is high in Benin, when compared with other studies, and it was as expected higher in men than in women. Elevated Hcy was associated with inadequate intake of vitamin B12 in women, whereas alcohol consumption and its negative correlation with B12 intake was also involved in men. Although HHcy was independently associated with hypertension (in women) and more adverse cholesterol profile, no inference can be made because of the cross-sectional design of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma El Mabchour
- Université de Montréal, Département de nutrition, Montréal H3C 3J7, Canada
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Quantification of folate in fruits and vegetables: A fluorescence-based homogeneous assay. Anal Biochem 2010; 402:137-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2010.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Dietary intake of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and riboflavin and risk of Parkinson's disease: a case-control study in Japan. Br J Nutr 2010; 104:757-64. [PMID: 20338075 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114510001005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Increased homocysteine levels might accelerate dopaminergic cell death in Parkinson's disease (PD) through neurotoxic effects; thus, increasing intake of B vitamins involved in the regulation of homocysteine metabolism might decrease the risk of PD through decreasing plasma homocysteine. However, epidemiological evidence for the association of dietary B vitamins with PD is sparse, particularly in non-Western populations. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study in Japan to examine associations between dietary intake of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and riboflavin and the risk of PD. Patients with PD diagnosed using the UK PD Society Brain Bank criteria (n 249) and controls without neurodegenerative diseases (n 368) were recruited. Dietary intake during the preceding month was assessed at the time of study recruitment using a validated, self-administered, semi-quantitative, comprehensive diet history questionnaire. After adjustment for potential dietary and non-dietary confounding factors, intake of folate, vitamin B12 and riboflavin was not associated with the risk of PD (P for trend = 0.87, 0.70 and 0.11, respectively). However, low intake of vitamin B6 was associated with an increased risk of PD, independent of potential dietary and non-dietary confounders. Multivariate OR (95 % CI) for PD in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles of vitamin B6 were 1 (reference), 0.56 (0.33, 0.94), 0.69 (0.38, 1.25) and 0.48 (0.23, 0.99), respectively (P for trend = 0.10). In conclusion, in the present case-control study in Japan, low intake of vitamin B6, but not of folate, vitamin B12 or riboflavin, was independently associated with an increased risk of PD.
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Asymptomatic Mongolian middle-aged women with high homocysteine blood level and atherosclerotic disease. Heart Vessels 2010; 25:7-13. [PMID: 20091392 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-009-1156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2008] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Growing numbers of studies have shown that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been found to be negatively associated with the vitamin B group, especially folate and cobalamin. Because of the relative scarcity of fruits and vegetables in Mongolian foods, and the high cardiovascular diseases rate in Mongolia, we examined homocysteine level and its relation with atherosclerotic change in middle-aged Mongolian women. This cross-sectional study included 79 female asymptomatic residents of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Besides analysis of homocysteine and chemistry tests, participants were interviewed and underwent physical and Doppler ultrasound examination of extracranial vessels. The mean homocysteine level was 9.87 +/- 3.6 micromol/l, and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were 2.2 micromol/l and 19.9 micromol/l. Participants with abnormal Doppler ultrasound finding had significantly higher homocysteine levels (12.8 +/- 4.5 micromol/l vs 8.7 +/- 2.3 micomol/l, P < 0.001) and homocysteine was significantly associated with having atherosclerotic change (odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.42-3.49, P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, low-density lipoprotein, diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found to be significantly associated with atherosclerotic change in female Mongolian adults. Further studies are necessary to determine factors associated with homocysteine elevation among the Mongolian population.
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Vujkovic M, Steegers EA, van Meurs J, Yazdanpanah N, van Rooij IA, Uitterlinden AG, Steegers-Theunissen RP. The maternal homocysteine pathway is influenced by riboflavin intake and MTHFR polymorphisms without affecting the risk of orofacial clefts in the offspring. Eur J Clin Nutr 2009; 64:266-73. [PMID: 19935819 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2009.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Riboflavin is a cofactor for the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme involved in the homocysteine pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal riboflavin intake and two MTHFR polymorphisms (677C>T; Ala222Val and 1298A>C; Glu429Ala substitutions) on the biomarkers of the homocysteine pathway, and investigate the risk of having offspring with an orofacial cleft (OFC). SUBJECTS/METHODS In a case-control study design, dietary riboflavin intake and the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms were evaluated in 123 OFC and 108 control mothers by using food frequency questionnaires and blood samples. Homocysteine (tHcy), folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in blood were analyzed in 70 cases and 68 controls. Linear and logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS At 14 months postpartum riboflavin intake and MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C genotypes were not significantly different between cases and controls. The 677TT genotype showed lower folate concentrations compared to C-allele carriers with a mean difference of 2.8 nmol/l in serum and 174 nmol/l in red blood cell (both P's=0.01). Every mg per day increase of dietary riboflavin intake was positively associated with increase in vitamin B12 concentration by 52.1% (P<0.01). This effect was most pronounced in MTHFR 677TT homozygotes (205.1%, P=0.03). The riboflavin-adjusted MTHFR 677TT and 1298CC genotypes showed a trend toward an increasing risk for OFC, adjusted odds ratio 1.7 (confidence interval (95% CI), 0.7-4.5) and 1.6 (95% CI, 0.7-4.2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Maternal riboflavin intake is significantly associated with biomarkers of the homocysteine pathway, with the strongest effects in MTHFR 677TT homozygotes. The maternal risk of having OFC offspring, however, is not associated with dietary riboflavin intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vujkovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
In the present review concerning stroke, we evaluate the roles of B vitamins, homocysteine and antioxidant vitamins. Stroke is a leading cause of death in developed countries. However, current therapeutic strategies for stroke have been largely unsuccessful. Several studies have reported important benefits on reducing the risk of stroke and improving the post-stroke-associated functional declines in patients who ate foods rich in micronutrients, including B vitamins and antioxidant vitamins E and C. Folic acid, vitamin B6and vitamin B12are all cofactors in homocysteine metabolism. Growing interest has been paid to hyperhomocysteinaemia as a risk factor for CVD. Hyperhomocysteinaemia has been linked to inadequate intake of vitamins, particularly to B-group vitamins and therefore may be amenable to nutritional intervention. Hence, poor dietary intake of folate, vitamin B6and vitamin B12are associated with increased risk of stroke. Elevated consumption of fruits and vegetables appears to protect against stroke. Antioxidant nutrients have important roles in cell function and have been implicated in processes associated with ageing, including vascular, inflammatory and neurological damage. Plasma vitamin E and C concentrations may serve as a biological marker of lifestyle or other factors associated with reduced stroke risk and may be useful in identifying those at high risk of stroke. After reviewing the observational and intervention studies, there is an incomplete understanding of mechanisms and some conflicting findings; therefore the available evidence is insufficient to recommend the routine use of B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin C for the prevention of stroke. A better understanding of mechanisms, along with well-designed controlled clinical trials will allow further progress in this area.
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Heidarian E, Amini M, Parham M, Aminorroaya A. Effect of zinc supplementation on serum homocysteine in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. Rev Diabet Stud 2009; 6:64-70. [PMID: 19557297 DOI: 10.1900/rds.2009.6.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elevated homocysteine levels are considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to find out if zinc supplementation improves homocysteine levels, which may exert vascular-protective effects in type 2 diabetes subjects with microalbuminuria. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover study, 50 type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria were subdivided into two groups and supplemented with 30 mg/d of zinc (group 1) or placebo (group 2) for three months with a four-week wash out period. Serum creatinine, vitamin B(12), folate, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profiles, zinc, homocysteine levels and random urine albumin were measured before and after the first and second phase of the study in all participants. RESULTS Mean serum zinc was significantly increased after zinc supplementation (from 76 +/- 16 mug/dl to 93 +/- 20 microg/dl; p < 0.05), while there was no change in the placebo group (75 +/- 16 microg/dl to 75 +/- 15 microg/dl). With zinc supplementation, homocysteine levels reduced significantly (from 13.71 +/- 3.84 mumol/l to 11.79 +/- 3.06 mumol/l; p < 0.05), which did not occur on placebo (from 12.59 +/- 2.13 mumol/l to 13.36 +/- 2.03 mumol/l). Simple regression was used to show a positive correlation between urine albumin excretion and serum homocysteine (r = 0.37, p = 0.023). Vitamin B(12) and folate levels increased significantly in patients who received zinc in comparison to those who received placebo. A negative correlation was observed between homocysteine and vitamin B(12) concentration (r = -0.36, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION Zinc supplementation reduced serum homocysteine and increased vitamin B(12) and folate concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esfandiar Heidarian
- Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Gibson A, Woodside JV, Young IS, Sharpe PC, Mercer C, Patterson CC, McKinley MC, Kluijtmans LAJ, Whitehead AS, Evans A. Alcohol increases homocysteine and reduces B vitamin concentration in healthy male volunteers--a randomized, crossover intervention study. QJM 2008; 101:881-7. [PMID: 18790817 PMCID: PMC2572692 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcn112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the effect of alcohol consumption on total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations. AIM To assess the effect of an 8-week intervention with vodka or red wine on plasma tHcy and B vitamin concentrations in healthy male volunteers. To assess the effect on tHcy according to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T genotype. DESIGN AND METHODS A randomized controlled crossover intervention study measuring tHcy and serum folate and vitamin B(12) concentrations was conducted in 78 male subjects (21-70 years). Following a 2-week washout period during which no alcohol was consumed, all subjects consumed 24 g alcohol (either 240 ml red wine or 80 ml vodka)/day for a 2-week period. Following a further 2-week washout, participants consumed the alternate intervention for 2 weeks. RESULTS A significant increase in plasma tHcy was observed after the 2-week red wine intervention (5%, P = 0.03), and a non-significant increase in tHcy with vodka intervention (3%, P = 0.09). When the two interventions were compared, the change in tHcy did not differ between the vodka and red wine interventions (P = 0.57). There were significant decreases in serum vitamin B(12) and folate concentrations, and this decrease did not differ between interventions. The increase in tHcy observed in both interventions did not vary by MTHFR 677C>T genotype. CONCLUSION A 2-week alcohol intervention resulted in a decrease in folate and vitamin B(12) status and an increase in plasma tHcy. The effect of alcohol intervention on tHcy, folate and vitamin B(12) concentrations did not differ between the red wine and vodka intervention groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gibson
- Centre for Clinical and Population Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Bekaert S, Storozhenko S, Mehrshahi P, Bennett MJ, Lambert W, Gregory JF, Schubert K, Hugenholtz J, Van Der Straeten D, Hanson AD. Folate biofortification in food plants. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2008; 13:28-35. [PMID: 18083061 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2007.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 10/27/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Folate deficiency is a global health problem affecting many people in the developing and developed world. Current interventions (industrial food fortification and supplementation by folic acid pills) are effective if they can be used but might not be possible in less developed countries. Recent advances demonstrate that folate biofortification of food crops is now a feasible complementary strategy to fight folate deficiency worldwide. The genes and enzymes of folate synthesis are sufficiently understood to enable metabolic engineering of the pathway, and results from pilot engineering studies in plants (and bacteria) are encouraging. Here, we review the current status of investigations in the field of folate enhancement on the eve of a new era in food fortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Bekaert
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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Ebbesen LS, Olesen SH, Kruhøffer M, Ingerslev J, Ørntoft TF. Folate deficiency induced hyperhomocysteinemia changes the expression of thrombosis-related genes. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2007; 17:293-301. [PMID: 16651872 DOI: 10.1097/01.mbc.0000224849.19754.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HH) is an independent risk factor for thrombosis although the precise pathogenesis is still unresolved. Previous studies have demonstrated that HH changes whole blood coagulation by increasing the velocity, increasing the firmness of the formed clot, and by prolonging the initiation phase of the coagulation. With the aim of elucidating the genetic pathogenesis which might be responsible for the changes in whole blood coagulation, we applied oligo-array technology to RNA from buffycoat-cells comparing animals suffering from hyperhomocysteinemia (42 micromol/l) with controls (6 micromol/l). Data mining identified a number of relevant genes, and the expression pattern was validated by real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. An upregulation of integrin beta-3, Rap 1b, glycoprotein V, platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) led us to deduce increased platelet activation/aggregation. Coagulation factor XIIIa was upregulated and may contribute in increasing the firmness of the formed clot. Impaired fibrinolysis was anticipated, since an upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and a downregulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were detected. Reduced spontaneous contact activation was anticipated due to a downregulation of the kallikrein gene. Upregulation of selectins may contribute to increased tethering and rolling of leukocytes. In conclusion, folate deficiency induced hyperhomocysteinemia changes in the gene expression of buffy coat cells which was characterized by increased platelet activation, impaired fibrinolysis and a reduced contact activation of the coagulation. These changes may contribute to explain the increased risk of thrombosis seen in hyperhomocysteinemia individuals. This pattern of the hyperhomocysteinemia-affected genes may represent a reference for further studies at the protein level to define the folate depletion effects in blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte S Ebbesen
- Clinical Institute, University Hospital of Aarhus, Skejby Sygehus, Brendstrupgaardsvej, Denmark.
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Dhonukshe-Rutten RAM, de Vries JHM, de Bree A, van der Put N, van Staveren WA, de Groot LCPGM. Dietary intake and status of folate and vitamin B12 and their association with homocysteine and cardiovascular disease in European populations. Eur J Clin Nutr 2007; 63:18-30. [PMID: 17851461 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Folate and vitamin B12 have been suggested to play a role in chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases. The objectives are to give an overview of the actual intake and status of folate and vitamin B12 in general populations in Europe, and to evaluate these in view of the current vitamin recommendations and the homocysteine concentration. METHODS Searches in Medline with 'folic acid', 'folate' and 'vitamin B12', 'B12' or 'cobalamin' as key words were combined with the names of the European countries. Populations between 18 and 65 years were included. RESULTS Sixty-three articles reporting on studies from 15 European countries were selected. Low folate intakes were observed in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. Low intakes of vitamin B12 were not common and only seen in one small Greek study. In the countries with a low intake of folate, the recommended levels were generally not achieved, which was also reflected in the folate status. Vitamin B12 intake was not strongly associated with the vitamin B12 status, which can explain why in the Netherlands and Germany the vitamin B12 status was inadequate, despite sufficient intake levels. In countries with a low folate intake in particular, the Hcy concentration was higher than ideal. CONCLUSIONS Populations from the Nordic countries, the Netherlands, Germany and Greece may need to improve their intakes of folic acid, B12 or both to either meet the recommendations or to optimize their statuses. This could be achieved via a food-based approach, food fortification or supplements.
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van den Donk M, Pellis L, Crott JW, van Engeland M, Friederich P, Nagengast FM, van Bergeijk JD, de Boer SY, Mason JB, Kok FJ, Keijer J, Kampman E. Folic acid and vitamin B-12 supplementation does not favorably influence uracil incorporation and promoter methylation in rectal mucosa DNA of subjects with previous colorectal adenomas. J Nutr 2007; 137:2114-20. [PMID: 17709451 DOI: 10.1093/jn/137.9.2114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate folate availability is necessary to sustain normal DNA synthesis and normal patterns of DNA methylation and these features of DNA can be modified by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype. This study investigated the effect of MTHFR C677T genotype and daily supplementation with 5 mg folic acid and 1.25 mg vitamin B-12 on uracil misincorporation into DNA and promoter methylation. Subjects (n = 86) with a history of colorectal adenoma and MTHFR CC or TT genotype were randomly assigned to receive folic acid plus vitamin B-12 or placebo for 6 mo. Uracil misincorporation and promoter methylation of 6 tumor suppressor and DNA repair genes were assessed in DNA from rectal biopsies at baseline and after the intervention. The biomarkers did not differ between the treated group and the placebo group after 6 mo compared with baseline. The uracil concentration of DNA increased in the treated group (5.37 fmol/microg DNA, P = 0.02), whereas it did not change in the placebo group (P = 0.42). The change from baseline of 4.01 fmol uracil/microg DNA tended to differ between the groups (P = 0.16). An increase in promoter methylation tended to occur more often in the intervention group than in the placebo group (OR = 1.67; P = 0.08). This study suggests that supplementation with high doses of folic acid and vitamin B-12 may not favorably influence uracil incorporation and promoter methylation in subjects with previous colorectal adenomas. Because such alterations may potentially increase the risk of neoplastic transformation, more research is needed to fully define the consequences of these molecular alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen van den Donk
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Chang N, Kim JM, Kim H, Cho YW. Plasma total homocysteine and macrovascular complications are associated with food and nutrient intake in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus. Nutr Res Pract 2007; 1:79-83. [PMID: 20535390 PMCID: PMC2882591 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2007.1.2.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2007] [Revised: 05/25/2007] [Accepted: 06/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to document the association between plasma homocysteine levels and the presence of macrovascular angiopathy with food and nutrient intake patterns among patients with Type II diabetes mellitus in Korea. Plasma total homocysteine concentration was analyzed by HPLC-fluorescence detector method in 127 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Logistic regression analyses were performed respectively to study the association of plasma homocysteine levels with clinical and dietary characteristics and macroangiopathy (MA). The average plasma homocysteine level of patients with MA was 14.2 micromol/l, which was significantly higher than that of patients without MA (11.4 micromol/l). The proportions of patients with MA showed a significant difference, being 32.3% in hyperhomocysteinemic (>14.0 micromol/l) patients and 13.5% in others with homocysteine levels lower than 14.0 micromol/l. Odds ratios for macroangiopathy by tertile increase of plasma homocysteine concentration were 1.633 (Q(2)) and 4.831 (Q(3)), when adjusted for age, sex, and cigarette smoking. Patients with MA consumed reduced amounts of vitamin B(1), B(2), and folate. The results indicate that the plasma homocysteine levels are significantly increased in NIDDM patients who have macroangiopathy. Dietary management such as increased fruits and vegetables and decreased potatoes and starches might be beneficial for the prevention of macroangiopathy in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namsoo Chang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, Korea
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Konstantinova SV, Vollset SE, Berstad P, Ueland PM, Drevon CA, Refsum H, Tell GS. Dietary predictors of plasma total homocysteine in the Hordaland Homocysteine Study. Br J Nutr 2007; 98:201-10. [PMID: 17391553 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114507691788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Established dietary predictors of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) include folate, riboflavin, and vitamins B6and B12, while information is scarce regarding other dietary components. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between a variety of food groups, food items and nutrients, and plasma tHcy in a large population-based study. The study population included 5812 men and women aged 47–49 and 71–74 years who completed a 169-item FFQ. tHcy was examined across quartiles of dietary components by multiple linear regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, various risk factors for elevated tHcy, as well as for dietary and plasma B-vitamins. Among 4578 non-users of vitamin supplements, intake of vegetables, fruits, cereals, eggs, fish and milk, as well as chicken and non-processed meats were inversely associated with tHcy level. The estimated mean difference in tHcy per increasing quartile of intake ranged from − 0·11 (95 % CI − 0·21, − 0·01) μmol/l for milk to − 0·32 (95 % CI − 0·42, − 0·22) μmol/l for vegetables. Positive associations were found for sweets and cakes. Whole-grain bread was significantly inversely related to tHcy only after additional adjustment for dietary and plasma B-vitamins. The nutrients folate, vitamin B6, B12, and riboflavin were inversely related to tHcy. Complex carbohydrates were inversely, and fat positively associated with tHcy, also after adjustment for dietary and plasma B-vitamins. In conclusion, food items rich in B-vitamins and with a low content of fat and sugar were related to lower tHcy levels. Eggs, chicken, non-processed meat, fish and milk were inversely associated with tHcy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V Konstantinova
- Section of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien, 31, Bergen, Norway.
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Midttun Ø, Hustad S, Schneede J, Vollset SE, Ueland PM. Plasma vitamin B-6 forms and their relation to transsulfuration metabolites in a large, population-based study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 86:131-8. [PMID: 17616772 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/86.1.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin B-6 exists in different forms; one of those forms, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), serves a cofactor in many enzyme reactions, including the transsulfuration pathway, in which homocysteine is converted to cystathionine and then to cysteine. Data on the relations between indexes of vitamin B-6 status and transsulfuration metabolites in plasma are sparse and conflicting. OBJECTIVE We investigated the distribution and associations of various vitamin B-6 species in plasma and their relation to plasma concentrations of transsulfuration metabolites. DESIGN Nonfasting blood samples from 10 601 healthy subjects with a mean age of 56.4 y were analyzed for all known vitamin B-6 vitamers, folate, cobalamin, riboflavin, total homocysteine, cystathionine, total cysteine, methionine, and creatinine. All subjects were genotyped for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C-->T polymorphism. RESULTS Plasma concentrations of the main vitamin B-6 vitamers--PLP, pyridoxal, and 4-pyridoxic acid--were strongly correlated. Among the vitamin B-6 vitamers, PLP showed the strongest and most consistent inverse relation to total homocysteine and cystathionine, but the dose response was different for the 2 metabolites. The PLP-total homocysteine relation was significant only in the lowest quartile of the vitamin B-6 distribution and was strongest in subjects with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, whereas cystathionine showed a graded response throughout the range of vitamin B-6 vitamer concentrations, and the effect was not modified by the MTHFR 677C-->T genotype. CONCLUSION This large population-based study provided precise estimates of the relation between plasma concentrations of vitamin B-6 forms and transsulfuration metabolites as modified by the MTHFR 677C-->T genotype.
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Kamphuis MH, Geerlings MI, Grobbee DE, Kromhout D. Dietary intake of B(6-9-12) vitamins, serum homocysteine levels and their association with depressive symptoms: the Zutphen Elderly Study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2007; 62:939-45. [PMID: 17538543 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low B-vitamin status and high levels of serum homocysteine are found in depressed inpatients, but results of population-based studies of this association are inconclusive. We investigated whether a low dietary intake of B(6-9-12) vitamins and high levels of serum homocysteine are associated with depressive symptoms in elderly men. METHODS The study sample included a total of 332 men aged 70-90 years who were free from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes at baseline in 1990. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale at baseline in 1990 and dietary factors with the crosscheck dietary history method in 1985 and 1990. Serum levels of homocysteine were obtained in 1985. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Dietary intake of folate (-1.19, 95% CI -2.03; -0.36) and vitamin B(6) (-2.09, 95% CI -2.92; -1.26) per standard deviation increase was associated with lower levels of serum homocysteine, while vitamin B(12) was not associated with serum homocysteine. Intake of folate, vitamin B(6), vitamin B(12) and levels of serum homocysteine were not related to depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not support the hypothesis that a low dietary intake of B(6-9-12) vitamins and high levels of serum homocysteine are related to depression in healthy elderly men.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Kamphuis
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Dallosso HM, Matthews RJ, McGrother CW, Donaldson MMK, Shaw C. The association of diet and other lifestyle factors with the onset of overactive bladder: a longitudinal study in men. Public Health Nutr 2007; 7:885-91. [PMID: 15482614 DOI: 10.1079/phn2004627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:To investigate associations between diet and non-dietary lifestyle factors and the onset of overactive bladder (OAB) in men.Subjects:Random sample of community-dwelling men aged 40 years plus.Design and methods: Baseline data on urinary symptoms and diet were collected from 5454 men using a postal questionnaire and a food-frequency questionnaire. Follow-up data on urinary symptoms were collected from 4887 men in a postal survey one year later. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate diet and lifestyle factors associated with onset of OAB in the men without OAB at baseline.Results:There was a highly significant negative association between beer intake at baseline and subsequent OAB onset (P = 0.001), with reduced risk at all levels of intake compared with those who seldom/never drank beer. Adjustment for total alcohol intake (g ethanol day−1) reduced the significance of the association (P = 0.02). None of the food groups studied was associated with OAB onset, with the possible exception of potatoes (P = 0.05), which showed an increased risk of onset at the highest level of consumption. Physical activity, smoking and obesity were not significantly associated.Conclusions:While most diet and lifestyle factors were not associated with OAB onset, the evidence from this prospective longitudinal study suggests that beer may have a protective role in the development of OAB. This could be due to a non-alcoholic ingredient as well as the alcohol content.
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Spada RS, Stella G, Calabrese S, Bosco P, Anello G, Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Romano A, Benamghar L, Fontaine T, Guéant JL. Association of vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine with functional and pathological characteristics of the elderly in a mountainous village in Sicily. Clin Chem Lab Med 2007; 45:136-42. [PMID: 17311497 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2007.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHomocysteine is associated with age, folate and vitamin BSubjects (n=280) were examined after door-to-door recruitment using interview, physician examination and laboratory tests.A total of 19.3% of the population had a low blood level of folate (<7 nmol/L) and 3.2% had low vitamin BThe prevalence of deficits in folate and vitamin BClin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:136–42.
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van Vliet T, Jacobs RGJM, de Deckere E, van den Berg H, de Bree A, van der Put NMJ. Effect of fortified spread on homocysteine concentration in apparently healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Nutr 2006; 61:769-78. [PMID: 17151589 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of folic acid, vitamin B(6) and B(12) fortified spreads on the blood concentrations of these vitamins and homocysteine. DESIGN AND SETTING A 6-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel trial carried out in a clinical research center. SUBJECTS One hundred and fifty healthy volunteers (50% males). INTERVENTIONS For 6 weeks, the subjects consumed the test spreads (20 g/day): containing per 20 g (1) 200 microg folic acid, 2 microg vitamin B(12) and 1 mg vitamin B(6), or (2) 400 microg folic acid, 2 microg vitamin B(12) and 1 mg vitamin B(6) or (3) no B-vitamins (control spread). RESULTS The B-vitamin status increased on using the test spreads, with the largest effect on the serum folate concentration: 48% in men and 58% in women on spread 1 and 92 and 146%, respectively, on spread 2 (P-values all <0.05). The plasma homocysteine decreased in the groups treated with the fortified spreads as compared to the control group. Average decreases were for males: 0.7+/-1.5 micromol/l (6.8%) on spread 1 and 1.7+/-1.7 micromol/l (17.6%) on spread 2 and for females: 1.4+/-1.2 micromol/l (14.2%) and 2.4+/-2.0 micromol/l (23.3%), respectively (P-values all <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Consumption of a spread fortified with folic acid, vitamin B(6) and vitamin B(12) for 6 weeks significantly increases the blood concentrations of these vitamins and significantly decreases the plasma concentration of homocysteine. Fortified staple foods like spreads can contribute to the lowering of homocysteine concentrations.
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Verwei M, Freidig AP, Havenaar R, Groten JP. Predicted serum folate concentrations based on in vitro studies and kinetic modeling are consistent with measured folate concentrations in humans. J Nutr 2006; 136:3074-8. [PMID: 17116722 DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.12.3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutritional quality of new functional or fortified food products depends on the bioavailability of the nutrient(s) in the human body. Bioavailability is often determined in human intervention studies by measurements of plasma or serum profiles over a certain time period. These studies are time and cost consuming and often appear to lack an optimal study design, leading to follow-up intervention trials. Therefore, an alternative approach is needed that will optimize the development of new products. This study describes an approach to predict human serum concentrations after the consumption of (fortified) food products. The concept is based on the integration of in vitro results with kinetic modeling. As a case study, human serum folate concentrations were predicted after the consumption of folate-fortified milk products for 4 wk. Oral bioavailability was investigated using a step-wise approach in which luminal bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption were independently evaluated. Subsequently, these in vitro data were integrated in a kinetic mathematical (in silico) model to predict serum folate concentrations after the intake of a single dose and during long-term consumption. This approach was evaluated in comparison to a human intervention study in which folic acid-fortified milk products were tested for their effect on serum folate concentrations. A high predictive quality of this alternative in vitro/in silico approach was demonstrated. Finally, this methodology was applied to predict serum folate concentrations after intake of different fortified milk products for 4 wk, showing its benefits for the development of new nutritional products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Verwei
- Business Unit Biosciences, TNO Quality of Life, 3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands.
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Scher AI, Terwindt GM, Monique Verschuren WM, Kruit MC, Blom HJ, Kowa H, Frants RR, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, van Buchem M, Ferrari MD, Launer LJ. Reply. Ann Neurol 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.21014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Domínguez YL, Hernández M, Matos CM, Zhou D. Is B vitamins deficiency associated with prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in Cuban elderly? Nutr Health 2006; 18:103-18. [PMID: 16859173 DOI: 10.1177/026010600601800202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a major public health problem among the elderly in industrialized countries and a growing problem in developing countries. In Cuba, 14,6% of the population is older than 60 years. The AD prevalence in Cuba lies between 5,13-7,14%. Several studies have shown the relationship between the low nutritional status of B vitamins, hyperhomocysteinaemia with loss of neuro-cognitive function and AD. In studies during the epidemic neuropathy that affected Cuba between 1992-1993, B vitamins deficiency and smoking habits were strongly associated with the epidemic. Some studies in healthy adults and elderly after this epidemic have shown a sub-clinical deficiency of some B vitamins and a high prevalence of infection by Helicobacter pylori. The possibility that B vitamin deficiencies could be an additional risk factor for the high prevalence of the AD in Cuba is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeneisy Lanyau Domínguez
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology Havana, Cuba.
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Abstract
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with a variety of vascular diseases. Specifically, hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Laboratory-based strategies for its detection and quantification have evolved to meet the increasing need for accuracy in risk prediction. Although new technologies have been developed over the past 2 decades that have enhanced the precision of measurement, universal guidelines for circulating homocysteine determination remain lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley A Maron
- Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Vrentzos GE, Papadakis JA, Malliaraki N, Bampalis DE, Repa A, Lemonomichelaki V, Petinellis EG, Ganotakis ES. Serum homocysteine concentration as a marker of nutritional status of healthy subjects in Crete, Greece. J Hum Nutr Diet 2006; 19:117-23. [PMID: 16533373 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2006.00678.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary habits are an important determinant of serum homocysteine (tHcy), which may be a marker rather than a cause of progression of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nutritional status, and to determine the serum tHcy concentrations in healthy subjects who live in rural areas of Crete, and who theoretically follow a contemporary Mediterranean-style diet. METHODS Serum tHcy, folate, vitamin B(12), creatinine, glucose, and the lipid profile, were measured in 203 (141 men and 62 women) healthy subjects, aged 33-78 years. The major risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as age, gender, cigarette smoking, obesity were recorded and dietary data were assessed using a 3-day weighed food intake record. RESULTS Our population had high serum tHcy, low serum folate concentrations and lower than the traditional Cretan dietary folate intake [median (range): 12.0 (3.6-44.7) micromol L(-1), 7.9 (1.9-15.5) ng mL(-1) and 241 (68-1106) microg, respectively]. Dietary intake of fibre, omega-3, and mono- or/ polyunsaturated fatty acids was also low. An inverse relation was observed between serum tHcy concentrations and serum folate (r = -0.28; P < 0.01) and vitamin B(12) levels (r = -0.33; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Nowadays, the Cretan diet has changed towards a more westernized eating pattern. Given the analytic difficulties in determining the amount of folate in food and the inverse correlation between serum tHcy and folate levels, serum tHcy concentrations may be a useful marker for nutritional status, especially folate deficiency, in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Vrentzos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Troughton JA, Woodside JV, Young IS, Arveiler D, Amouyel P, Ferrières J, Ducimetière P, Patterson CC, Kee F, Yarnell JWG, Evans A. Homocysteine and coronary heart disease risk in the PRIME study. Atherosclerosis 2006; 191:90-7. [PMID: 16774755 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2006.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2005] [Revised: 04/20/2006] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite recent meta-analyses suggesting that homocysteine is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD), there is debate regarding whether elevated homocysteine may be deleterious only in the presence of other risk factors, with which it acts synergistically to exert a multiplicative effect on CHD risk, emerging only as a CHD predictor in patients with pre-existing risk factors. The Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction (PRIME) Study is a multicentre prospective study of 10593 men from France and Northern Ireland, investigating cardiovascular risk factors. We investigated: (1) whether higher homocysteine is associated with increased CHD risk in the PRIME case-control cohort; (2) whether homocysteine interacts synergistically with pre-existing CHD risk factors. METHODS Homocysteine was measured in 323 participants who had developed CHD at 5-year follow-up and in 638 matched controls. RESULTS There was no significant difference in homocysteine between cases and controls (p=0.18). Homocysteine was significantly higher in current smokers (geometric mean mumol/l (interquartile range mumol/l) 9.45 (7.43, 11.75)) compared with non-smokers (8.90 (7.32, 10.70); p=0.007). There was a significant interaction between homocysteine, smoking and CHD risk (chi2=10.29, d.f.=2, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that elevated homocysteine is significantly associated with CHD risk in current smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Troughton
- Faculty of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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Hollender A, Bjøro T, Otto Karlsen K, Kvaloy SO, Nome O, Holte H. Vitamin D deficiency in patients operated on for gastric lymphoma. Scand J Gastroenterol 2006; 41:673-81. [PMID: 16716965 DOI: 10.1080/00365520500356510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the nutritional status in patients treated for gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients treated during the period 1990-99 according to a protocol including primary gastric surgery for eligible patients were registered prospectively in successive patients. Those with aggressive lymphomas in stage IE-IIE underwent gastric surgery followed by CHOP-like chemotherapy. Patients with indolent lymphomas and localized disease did not receive any further treatment if the operation was considered radical; otherwise, they received local radiotherapy after surgery. Patients with advanced disease underwent gastric surgery only if there was a considerable risk of bleeding or perforation. Patients below the age of 80 years and in complete remission were offered a cross-sectional examination a median of 102 months later, including clinical examination with estimation of body mass index, upper endoscopy and blood tests (haemoglobin, ferritin, serum-Fe, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), vitamin B(12), homocysteine, vitamin D status, parathyroid hormone (PTH), albumin and electrolytes). RESULTS Forty patients were identified, of whom 33 met for follow-up examination. Seventeen patients had a partial gastrectomy (PG), 9 a total gastrectomy (TG) and 7 patients were not operated on. The patients in the TG group had significant weight loss. Furthermore, the patients in the TG group had a lower storage iron content (s-ferritin and s-iron saturation), lower s-vitamin D, higher s-PTH and homocysteine than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS If surgery is necessary for gastric lymphomas, a PG should be performed when possible. The patients should receive dietary advice and be followed-up at least yearly for nutritional deficiencies. Regular intake of vitamin D and -B(12), calcium, folate and iron should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ase Hollender
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, Oslo, Norway
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Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Guéant JL, Debard R, Thirion S, Hong LX, Bronowicki JP, Namour F, Chabi NW, Sanni A, Anello G, Bosco P, Romano C, Amouzou E, Arrieta HR, Sánchez BE, Romano A, Herbeth B, Guilland JC, Mutchinick OM. Prevalence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677T and 1298C alleles and folate status: a comparative study in Mexican, West African, and European populations. Am J Clin Nutr 2006; 83:701-7. [PMID: 16522920 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn.83.3.701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C-->T polymorphism is heterogeneously distributed worldwide, with the highest and lowest frequencies of the T allele in Mexico and Africa, respectively, and a south-to-north gradient in Europe. Distribution of MTHFR 1298A-->C is less well known. It has been hypothesized that 677T frequency could result in part from gene-nutrient interactions. OBJECTIVE The objective was to compare the association of 677T and 1298C alleles with plasma concentrations of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B-12 in geographical areas with contrasting 677T allele frequencies. DESIGN Healthy young adults (n = 1277) were recruited in Mexico City, the West African countries of Bénin and Togo, France, and Sicily (Italy). Homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B-12 were measured in plasma, and MTHFR polymorphisms were measured in genomic DNA. RESULTS Mexico City and Sicily reported the highest and Bénin and Togo reported the lowest plasma concentrations of folate. Mexico City had the highest 677T allele prevalence and the lowest influence of 677TT genotype on homocysteine, whereas the opposite was observed in Africa. The prevalence of the 1298C allele was lowest in the Mexicans and Africans and highest in the French. The percentage of the 677T genotype was significantly associated with the folate concentrations in 677CC carriers in a univariate analysis (R = 0.976; 95% CI: 0.797, 0.996; P < 0.0002) and in a multiple regression model that included homocysteine, vitamin B-12, and age (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION Our data agree with the hypothesis of a gene-nutrient interaction between MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism and folate status that may confer a selective advantage of TT-homozygous genotype when dietary intake of folate is adequate, at least in the areas studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa-Maria Guéant-Rodriguez
- INSERM U-724, Cellular and Molecular Pathology in Nutrition, Faculté de Médecine, University Henry Poincaré of Nancy, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France
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Sakuta H, Suzuki T. Alcohol consumption and plasma homocysteine. Alcohol 2005; 37:73-7. [PMID: 16584970 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2005.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2005] [Revised: 11/18/2005] [Accepted: 12/09/2005] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A few reports show that consumption of spirits and of wine correlate with elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), which is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. We analyzed the relation between tHcy and current daily ethanol consumption cross-sectionally in middle-aged Japanese men (n = 974, age 51-59 years). Plasma tHcy was positively associated with consumption of whiskey but not with consumption of shochu (Japanese spirits), sake, beer, or wine. Odds ratios of an increase in daily intake of 30 ml ethanol (approximately 1 standard deviation) for hyperhomocysteinemia (>14.0 micromol/l) were 2.58 (95% confidence interval, 1.29-5.14) for whiskey, 1.08 (0.78-1.50) for shochu, 0.99 (0.59-1.66) for sake, 0.98 (0.58-1.63) for beer, and 1.70 (0.31-9.50) for wine in a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for the daily number of cigarettes smoked, physical activity, vegetable consumption, and serum creatinine levels. After inclusion of plasma folate and vitamin B12 in the multivariate analysis model, the association between whiskey ethanol consumption and hyperhomocysteinemia remained significant with odds ratio of 2.79 (1.36-5.72). These results suggest that whiskey consumption correlates with hyperhomocysteinemia independently of plasma folate or vitamin B12 or lifestyle factors in the population studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenari Sakuta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, 1-2-24 Ikejiri, Tokyo 154-8532, Japan.
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Unlü Y, Keleş S, Becit N, Koçoğullari CU, Koçak H, Bakan E. Hyperhomocysteinaemia as a Risk Factor for Deep-vein Thrombosis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2005; 30:315-8. [PMID: 15963742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2005.05.002] [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: 04/29/2004] [Accepted: 05/03/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have shown a relation between hyperhomocysteinaemia and vascular disease. To assess the risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia, we studied plasma homocysteine levels in patients with deep-vein thrombosis and in normal control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured plasma homocysteine levels in 48 patients with deep-vein thrombosis and in 33 healthy controls matched to the patients according to age and sex. Plasma homocysteine levels were measured with high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was defined as a plasma homocysteine level about 15 micromol/L in both groups. The diagnosis of all patients with deep-vein thrombosis (n=48) was verified by Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS Plasma homocysteine levels were found to be increased in the deep-vein thrombosis group compared the control group (p<0.001, t-test). The mean plasma homocysteine level in the patients was 17.1 SD 5.13 micromol/L (range 6.4-31.3), and that in the controls was 9.0 SD 1.27 micromol/L (range 6.0-11.5). The association between elevated homocysteine levels and venous thrombosis was stronger among men than among women. CONCLUSIONS The increased plasma homocysteine levels we have observed may have a causative role in the development of deep-vein thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Unlü
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
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Muntjewerff JW, Blom HJ. Aberrant folate status in schizophrenic patients: what is the evidence? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2005; 29:1133-9. [PMID: 16111796 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2005.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A vast amount of case reports, open studies and, to a lesser extent, case-control studies have been published on the topic of psychopathology and folate deficiency. These studies reported a high incidence of serum folate deficiency in patients with various psychiatric disorders. Folate deficiency seems to be a particular consistent finding in depressive patients. The evidence for an association between aberrant folate status and schizophrenia seems less convincing. The lack of stringent methodology such as inclusion of age- and sex-matched controls was thought to be the main reason for the inconclusive results. The purpose of this article is to review the published case-control studies that provide data on folate levels in the population of patients with schizophrenia. Data extracted from these studies comprised methodological design, clinical characteristics and folate measurements. We found that none of the 7 case-control studies included in this review (in total 325 cases and 560 control subjects) explicitly reported on all critical factors in the assessment of folate. In addition, only three studies found lower plasma folate levels more frequently in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls. Further research on this topic is required to clarify the relationship between folate status and schizophrenia and should avoid the methodological pitfalls mentioned in this review. In addition, research should also focus on polymorphisms of genes related to folate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem Muntjewerff
- GGz Nijmegen, Mental Health Institute Nijmegen, P.O. Box 7049, 6503 GM Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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