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Liu Y, Sun G, Ma P, Song D. Combining fluorescent quantum dots with transition metal oxide shell as core-shell nanocomposite for turn-on sensing of ascorbic acid. Talanta 2024; 271:125687. [PMID: 38271843 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125687] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential vitamin in humans, and numerous AA detection studies have been conducted. Most quantum dots (QDs)-based approaches depend on redox reactions involving AA, and they require the introduction of an intermediate (e.g., metal ions, OPD, TMB) or the assembly of fluorescent substances with nanosheets (such as MnO2) that can be degraded by AA. These methods are complex, unstable, and are susceptible to interferences. To address these problems, a core-shell fluorescence probe was developed for turn-on sensing of AA. The transition metal oxide shell FeOOH was generated around the surface of CuInZnS QDs to quench the fluorescence. In the presence of AA, the FeOOH shell was decomposed into Fe2+ and the fluorescence of QDs was recovered. Using a physical shell, the obtained nanocomposite realized direct AA detection, avoiding the effects of interfering substances caused by QDs exposure. Moreover, our probe showed great potential in point-of-care tests and was readily adapted for use as a smartphone-assisted paper sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Yanan Street 2055, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Guoying Sun
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Yanan Street 2055, Changchun, 130012, China; Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Yanan Street 2055, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Pinyi Ma
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Daqian Song
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun, 130012, China.
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2
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Yu HNZ, Chia SY. Scurvy presenting as difficulty in walking in a child. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e258819. [PMID: 38160038 PMCID: PMC10759024 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258819] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Scurvy, a disease caused by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency, is a rare disease in the modern world. We report a case of a boy in middle childhood, with a background of autism, presenting bed-bound due to progressive bilateral lower limb pain, with concomitant rashes, bleeding gums and worsening lethargy. Detailed dietary history revealed a severely restricted diet. Physical examination showed bilateral lower limb ecchymoses, perifollicular hemorrhages, perifollicular hyperkeratosis and cockscrew hairs which are pathognomonic features of scurvy. A low serum ascorbic acid level confirmed the diagnosis. Therapy with oral vitamin C supplement and rehabilitation with multidisciplinary care was successful, with complete resolution of symptoms. This case emphasises the importance of thorough dietary evaluation in children with autism and food selectivity presenting with non-specific symptoms. Physician awareness of nutritional deficiencies avoids unnecessary extensive investigations and sub-specialty referrals and translates to savings in medical expenses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shi Yun Chia
- Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Dermatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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3
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Decha N, Sirirak J, Sooksawat D, Phonchai A, Pornsuwan S, Tansakul C. An irreversible paper-based profluorescent nitroxide probe for the selective detection of ascorbic acid. RSC Adv 2023; 13:27663-27671. [PMID: 37727587 PMCID: PMC10506042 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04681h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) or vitamin C plays multiple crucial roles, particularly as an antioxidant. This essentially biologically active molecule was selectively detected over other reductants by the synthesized profluorescent nitroxide probe ProN6via a switch-on method. After either a hydrogen atom or single electron transfer from AA to nitroxide, the resulting diamagnetic hydroxylamine was rapidly cyclized to form a fluorescent O-acylalkoxyamine. This cyclization prevented the reoxidation of the corresponding hydroxylamine to the nitroxide, leading to a high precision of detection. A kinetic fluorescence study indicated that ProN6 exhibited higher reactivity than ProN7. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the Gibbs free energy of the AA-induced cascade reductive lactonization of ProN6 was lower than that of ProN5 and ProN7. The designed probe achieved the sensitive and specific detection of AA with detection limits of 77.9 nM and 195.9 μM in solution and on paper, respectively. The utilization of the probe as a paper-based fluorescent sensor demonstrated the good accuracy of the quantitative analysis of AA in commercial supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattawut Decha
- Division of Physical Science, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Thailand
| | - Jitnapa Sirirak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University Nakhon Pathom 73000 Thailand
| | - Dhassida Sooksawat
- Division of Physical Science, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Trace Analysis and Biosensor, Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Thailand
| | - Apichai Phonchai
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Thailand
- Forensic Science Innovation and Service Center, Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Thailand
| | - Soraya Pornsuwan
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Chittreeya Tansakul
- Division of Physical Science, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Thailand
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4
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Al Mahmud A, Shafayet Ahmed Siddiqui, Karim MR, Al-Mamun MR, Akhter S, Sohel M, Hasan M, Bellah SF, Amin MN. Clinically proven natural products, vitamins and mineral in boosting up immunity: A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15292. [PMID: 37089292 PMCID: PMC10079597 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND and Purposes: The terminology "immune boost-up" was the talk of the topic in this Covid-19 pandemic. A significant number of the people took initiative to increase the body's defense capacity through boosting up immunity worldwide. Considering this, the study was designed to explain the natural products, vitamins and mineral that were proved by clinical trail as immunity enhancer. METHODS Information was retrieved from SciVerse Scopus ® (Elsevier Properties S. A, USA), Web of Science® (Thomson Reuters, USA), and PubMed based on immunity, nutrients, natural products in boosting up immunity, minerals and vitamins in boosting up immunity, and immune booster agents. RESULT A well-defined immune cells response provide a-well functioning defense system for the human physiological system. Cells of the immune system must require adequate stimulation so that these cells can prepare themselves competent enough to fight against any unintended onslaught. Several pharmacologically active medicinal plants and plants derived probiotics or micronutrients have played a pivotal role in enhancing the immune boost-up process. Their role has been well established from the previous study. Immune stimulating cells, especially cells of acquired immunity are closely associated with the immune-boosting up process because all the immunological reactions and mechanisms are mediated through these cells. CONCLUSION This article highlighted the mechanism of action of different natural products, vitamins and mineral in boosting up the immunity of the human body and strengthening the body's defense system. Therefore, it is recommended that until the specific immune-boosting drugs are available in pharma markets, anyone can consider the mentioned products as dietary supplements to boost up the immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mahmud
- Department of Pharmacy, Manarat International University, Ashulia, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Shafayet Ahmed Siddiqui
- Department of Pharmacy, Manarat International University, Ashulia, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Department of Pharmacy, Manarat International University, Ashulia, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
| | | | - Shammi Akhter
- Department of Pharmacy, Varendra University, Rajshahi, 6204, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sohel
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Primeasia University, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh
| | - Mahedi Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, Manarat International University, Ashulia, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Sm Faysal Bellah
- Department of Pharmacy, Manarat International University, Ashulia, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Nurul Amin
- Pratyasha Health Biomedical Research Center, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh
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5
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The Future of INCOG (Is Now). J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:103-107. [PMID: 36594862 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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6
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Chen HY, Almonte-Loya A, Lay FY, Hsu M, Johnson E, González-Avalos E, Yin J, Bruno RS, Ma Q, Ghoneim HE, Wozniak DJ, Harrison FE, Lio CWJ. Epigenetic remodeling by vitamin C potentiates plasma cell differentiation. eLife 2022; 11:73754. [PMID: 36069787 PMCID: PMC9451539 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbate (vitamin C) is an essential micronutrient in humans. The severe chronic deficiency of ascorbate, termed scurvy, has long been associated with increased susceptibility to infections. How ascorbate affects the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels remained unclear. From a micronutrient analysis, we identified ascorbate as a potent enhancer for antibody response by facilitating the IL-21/STAT3-dependent plasma cell differentiation in mouse and human B cells. The effect of ascorbate is unique as other antioxidants failed to promote plasma cell differentiation. Ascorbate is especially critical during early B cell activation by poising the cells to plasma cell lineage without affecting the proximal IL-21/STAT3 signaling and the overall transcriptome. As a cofactor for epigenetic enzymes, ascorbate facilitates TET2/3-mediated DNA modification and demethylation of multiple elements at the Prdm1 locus. DNA demethylation augments STAT3 association at the Prdm1 promoter and a downstream enhancer, thus ensuring efficient gene expression and plasma cell differentiation. The results suggest that an adequate level of ascorbate is required for antibody response and highlight how micronutrients may regulate the activity of epigenetic enzymes to regulate gene expression. Our findings imply that epigenetic enzymes can function as sensors to gauge the availability of metabolites and influence cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Yi Chen
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ana Almonte-Loya
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Gene Expression and Signaling, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Fang-Yun Lay
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael Hsu
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Eric Johnson
- Division of Gene Expression and Signaling, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Edahí González-Avalos
- Division of Gene Expression and Signaling, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jieyun Yin
- Division of Gene Expression and Signaling, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Richard S Bruno
- Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Qin Ma
- Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Hazem E Ghoneim
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Fiona E Harrison
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Chan-Wang Jerry Lio
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Gene Expression and Signaling, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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7
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Messerli FH, Muiesan ML, Messerli AW. Sutton's law and dietary Na+/K+ intake in cardiovascular disease. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:2876-2877. [PMID: 35727009 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Franz H Messerli
- Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Adrian W Messerli
- Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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8
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Zanti S, Thomas ML. Evidence-Based Policymaking: What Human Service Agencies Can Learn from Implementation Science and Integrated Data Systems. GLOBAL IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 1:304-314. [PMID: 34746805 PMCID: PMC8559695 DOI: 10.1007/s43477-021-00028-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The evidence-based policymaking movement compels government leaders and agencies to rely on the best available research evidence to inform policy and program decisions, yet how to do this effectively remains a challenge. This paper demonstrates how the core concepts from two emerging fields-Implementation Science (IS) and Integrated Data Systems (IDS)-can help human service agencies and their partners realize the aims of the evidence-based policymaking movement. An IS lens can help agencies address the role of context when implementing evidence-based practices, complement other quality and process improvement efforts, simultaneously study implementation and effectiveness outcomes, and guide de-implementation of ineffective policies. The IDS approach offers governance frameworks to support ethical and legal data use, provides high-quality administrative data for in-house analyses, and allows for more time-sensitive analyses of pressing agency needs. Ultimately, IS and IDS can support human service agencies in more efficiently using government resources to deliver the best available programs and policies to the communities they serve. Although this paper focuses on examples within the United States context, key concepts and guidance are intended to be broadly applicable across geographies, given that IS, IDS, and the evidence-based policymaking movement are globally relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Zanti
- Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice, 3701 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - M. Lori Thomas
- School of Social Work, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute/Institute for Social Capital, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223 USA
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9
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Knapik JJ, Farina EK, Fulgoni VL, Lieberman HR. Clinically-diagnosed vitamin deficiencies and disorders in the entire United States military population, 1997-2015. Nutr J 2021; 20:55. [PMID: 34130698 PMCID: PMC8207601 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-021-00708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study examined incidence rates, temporal trends, and demographic factors associated with vitamin deficiencies/disorders in all United States military personnel from 1997 to 2015 (mean N = 1,382,266/year). Methods Employing an ecological study design, the Defense Medical Epidemiological Database and specific International Classification of Diseases codes were used to determine incidence rates for clinically-diagnosed vitamin deficiencies/disorders. Associations with demographic factors were examined. Results The overall incidence rate of vitamin deficiencies/disorders was 92.7 cases/100,000 person-years (p-yr). Highest rates were for vitamin D (53.7 cases/100,000 p-yr), other B-complex vitamins (20.2 cases, 100,000 p-yr), vitamin B12 anemia (7.6 cases/100,000 p-yr), deficiencies of “other vitamins” (5.9 cases/100,000 p-yr), and vitamin A (2.5 cases/100,000 p-yr). Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K deficiencies and hypervitaminoses A and D had < 1 case/100,000 p-yr. Rates for vitamin D, other B-complex, “other vitamin”, and thiamin deficiencies increased over time, while vitamin A and C deficiencies decreased. Women had higher incidence rates for all examined deficiencies/ disorders except niacin and vitamin C. Incidence rates rose with age in 8 of 15 deficiency/disorder categories and blacks had higher incidence rates in 9 of 15 deficiency/disorder categories. Conclusions The overall rate of clinically-diagnosed vitamin deficiencies and disorders was low but higher in women and minority subgroups. As for most illnesses, the diagnosed incidence of such disorders may be an underestimate of the actual incidence. These findings can guide clinical decision making with regard to testing for nutritional deficiencies and delivering public health information to at risk populations. Clinical trial registration (No. ISRCTN58987177). Registration date 9 October 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Knapik
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA, 01760, USA.
| | - Emily K Farina
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Victor L Fulgoni
- Nutrition Impact, LLC, 9725 D Drive North, Battle Creek, MI, 49014, USA
| | - Harris R Lieberman
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
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10
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Kreutzer FP, Meinecke A, Schmidt K, Fiedler J, Thum T. Alternative strategies in cardiac preclinical research and new clinical trial formats. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:746-762. [PMID: 33693475 PMCID: PMC7989574 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient and safe drug development process is crucial for the establishment of new drugs on the market aiming to increase quality of life and life-span of our patients. Despite technological advances in the past decade, successful launches of drug candidates per year remain low. We here give an overview about some of these advances and suggest improvements for implementation to boost preclinical and clinical drug development with a focus on the cardiovascular field. We highlight advantages and disadvantages of animal experimentation and thoroughly review alternatives in the field of three-dimensional cell culture as well as preclinical use of spheroids and organoids. Microfluidic devices and their potential as organ-on-a-chip systems, as well as the use of living animal and human cardiac tissues are additionally introduced. In the second part, we examine recent gold standard randomized clinical trials and present possible modifications to increase lead candidate throughput: adaptive designs, master protocols, and drug repurposing. In silico and N-of-1 trials have the potential to redefine clinical drug candidate evaluation. Finally, we briefly discuss clinical trial designs during pandemic times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Philipp Kreutzer
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Meinecke
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kevin Schmidt
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Fiedler
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
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11
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Mieszczakowska-Frąc M, Celejewska K, Płocharski W. Impact of Innovative Technologies on the Content of Vitamin C and Its Bioavailability from Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010054. [PMID: 33466266 PMCID: PMC7824742 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, thermal treatments are used for extending the shelf-life of vegetable and fruit products by inactivating microorganisms and enzymes. On the other hand, heat treatments often induce undesirable changes in the quality of the final product, e.g., losses of nutrients, color alterations, changes in flavor, and smell. Therefore, the food industry is opening up to new technologies that are less aggressive than thermal treatment to avoid the negative effects of thermal pasteurization. Non-thermal processing technologies have been developed during the last decades as an alternative to thermal food preservation. Processing changes the structure of fruit and vegetables, and hence the bioavailability of the nutrients contained in them. In this review, special attention has been devoted to the effects of modern technologies of fruit and vegetable processing, such as minimal processing (MPFV), high-pressure processing (HPP), high-pressure homogenization (HPH), ultrasounds (US), pulsed electric fields (PEF), on the stability and bioavailability of vitamin C.
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12
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Xiao M, Li Z, Zhu L, Wang J, Zhang B, Zheng F, Zhao B, Zhang H, Wang Y, Zhang Z. The Multiple Roles of Ascorbate in the Abiotic Stress Response of Plants: Antioxidant, Cofactor, and Regulator. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:598173. [PMID: 33912200 PMCID: PMC8072462 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.598173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Ascorbate (ASC) plays a critical role in plant stress response. The antioxidant role of ASC has been well-studied, but there are still several confusing questions about the function of ASC in plant abiotic stress response. ASC can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and should be helpful for plant stress tolerance. But in some cases, increasing ASC content impairs plant abiotic stress tolerance, whereas, inhibiting ASC synthesis or regeneration enhances plant stress tolerance. This confusing phenomenon indicates that ASC may have multiple roles in plant abiotic stress response not just as an antioxidant, though many studies more or less ignored other roles of ASC in plant. In fact, ACS also can act as the cofactor of some enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis, metabolism, and modification of a variety of substances, which has important effects on plant stress response. In addition, ASC can monitor and effectively regulate cell redox status. Therefore, we believe that ASC has atleast triple roles in plant abiotic stress response: as the antioxidant to scavenge accumulated ROS, as the cofactor to involve in plant metabolism, or as the regulator to coordinate the actions of various signal pathways under abiotic stress. The role of ASC in plant abiotic stress response is important and complex. The detail role of ASC in plant abiotic stress response should be analyzed according to specific physiological process in specific organ. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of ASC in the response of plants to abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggang Xiao
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Zixuan Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Key Facility of Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Key Facility of Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Key Facility of Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Fuyu Zheng
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Beiping Zhao
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Haiwen Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Key Facility of Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
- Yujie Wang,
| | - Zhijin Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Key Facility of Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijin Zhang,
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13
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Berretta M, Quagliariello V, Maurea N, Di Francia R, Sharifi S, Facchini G, Rinaldi L, Piezzo M, Manuela C, Nunnari G, Montopoli M. Multiple Effects of Ascorbic Acid against Chronic Diseases: Updated Evidence from Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121182. [PMID: 33256059 PMCID: PMC7761324 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe disease commonly manifests as a systemic inflammatory process. Inflammation is associated withthe enhanced production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and with a marked reduction in the plasma concentrations of protective antioxidant molecules. This imbalance gives rise to oxidative stress, which is greater in patients with more severe conditions such as sepsis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and burns. In these patients, oxidative stress can trigger cell, tissue, and organ damage, thus increasing morbidity and mortality. Ascorbic acid (ASC) is a key nutrient thatserves as an antioxidant and a cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions. However, humans, unlike most mammals, are unable to synthesize it. Consequently, ASC must be obtained through dietary sources, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. The value of administering exogenous micronutrients, to reestablish antioxidant concentrations in patients with severe disease, has been recognized for decades. Despite the suggestion that ASC supplementation may reduce oxidative stress and prevent several chronic conditions, few large, randomized clinical trials have tested it in patients with severe illness. This article reviews the recent literature on the pharmacological profile of ASC and the role of its supplementation in critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Vincenzo Quagliariello
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS Fondazione “G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (V.Q.); (N.M.)
| | - Nicola Maurea
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS Fondazione “G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (V.Q.); (N.M.)
| | - Raffaele Di Francia
- Italian Association of Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Diagnostics (IAPharmagen), 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Saman Sharifi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- Division of Medical Oncology, “S. Maria delle Grazie” Hospital—ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80126 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Michela Piezzo
- Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS Fondazione “G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Ceccarelli Manuela
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy;
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.S.); (M.M.)
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Mishra A, Sarangi SC, Reeta K. First-in-human dose: current status review for better future perspectives. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 76:1237-1243. [PMID: 32488334 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-02924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this article is to understand the pros and cons of various methods involved in first-in-human (FIH) dose calculation and act decisively in dose escalations when calculating the maximum tolerated dose. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We reviewed early phase clinical trials for methods of FIH dose and dose-escalation steps and discuss them in line with existing guidelines. We also reviewed the clinical trial registry to recognize trends in trial registration in recent years and after a massive failure in a few trials. RESULTS Phase 1 trials of TGN 1412 and BIA10-2474 would always be remembered as catastrophes for pharmaceutical development plans. Quite often than not, healthy human volunteers are the guinea pigs in this stage of drug development. And, the most important aspect of designing an early phase study is deciding upon the dose to be started with, apart from the selection of cohort and escalation steps. The common principles used for FIH dose calculation include no observed adverse effect level, minimum anticipated biological effect level, pharmacologically active dose, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approach, and similar drug comparison approach. CONCLUSION Early phase clinical trials are basically foundation stones on which lies the entire onus of the later stages of development. Deciding FIH dose is a crucial step that necessitates the incorporation of detailed data from the preclinical stages and application of the most conservative approach for the safety/benefit of the volunteers in these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Kh Reeta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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15
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Kaźmierczak-Barańska J, Boguszewska K, Adamus-Grabicka A, Karwowski BT. Two Faces of Vitamin C-Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051501. [PMID: 32455696 PMCID: PMC7285147 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C has been known for decades. It is common in everyday use as an element of the diet, supplementation, and a preservative. For years, research has been conducted to precisely determine the mechanism of action of ascorbate in the cell. Available results indicate its multi-directional cellular effects. Vitamin C, which belongs to antioxidants scavenging free radicals, also has a ‘second face’—as a pro-oxidative factor. However, whether is the latter nature a defect harmful to the cell, or whether a virtue that is a source of benefit? In this review, we discuss the effects of vitamin C treatment in cancer prevention and the role of ascorbate in maintaining redox balance in the central nervous system (CNS). Finally, we discuss the effect of vitamin C supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage and review the evidence that vitamin C has radioprotective properties.
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16
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Alten ED, Chaturvedi A, Cullimore M, Fallon AA, Habben L, Hughes I, O'Malley NT, Rahimi H, Renodin-Mead D, Schmidt BL, Weinberg GA, Weber DR. No longer a historical ailment: two cases of childhood scurvy with recommendations for bone health providers. Osteoporos Int 2020; 31:1001-1005. [PMID: 31901946 PMCID: PMC7383933 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-019-05264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Scurvy, due to vitamin C deficiency, is commonly referenced as a "forgotten" or "historical" disease. A growing number of case reports challenge this notion. Bone health providers are often consulted early in the presentation of scurvy to evaluate musculoskeletal complaints resulting from impaired collagen production and disrupted endochondral bone formation. In this report, we describe two cases of childhood scurvy. Our objective is to summarize the key features of scurvy for bone health providers, with the goal of raising awareness and facilitating diagnosis in future cases. CASE DESCRIPTIONS Case one occurred in a 12-year-old non-verbal, non-ambulatory female on a ketogenic diet for refractory epilepsy. Clinical findings included hemarthrosis, transfusion dependent anemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and epiphysiolysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multi-focal bone marrow signal abnormalities and physeal irregularities. Case two occurred in a typically developing 5-year-old male presenting with limp and knee pain. Symptoms progressed despite casting and immobilization. Mild anemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and multi-focal marrow and physeal MRI abnormalities were identified. Subsequent dietary history revealed total absence of fruit or vegetable consumption. The diagnosis of scurvy was confirmed in both cases by undetectable plasma vitamin C concentrations. Treatment with vitamin C led to rapid clinical improvement. CONCLUSION Scurvy can no longer be considered a historical diagnosis and should not be forgotten when evaluating children with musculoskeletal ailments. Early recognition of the signs, symptoms, and imaging findings of scurvy can reduce the clinical burden of this disease with the timely initiation of vitamin C therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Alten
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - A Chaturvedi
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Cullimore
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - A A Fallon
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - L Habben
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - I Hughes
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - N T O'Malley
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - H Rahimi
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - D Renodin-Mead
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Oak Orchard Community Health Center Inc., Brockport, NY, USA
| | - B L Schmidt
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - G A Weinberg
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - D R Weber
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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17
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Cai T, Cocci A, Gacci M, Verze P, Bonkat G, Koves B, Wagenlehner F, Bartoletti R, Bjerklund Johansen TE. Guidelines in urology: Lights and shadows. Urologia 2020; 87:125-129. [PMID: 32342733 DOI: 10.1177/0391560320917805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines have become increasingly important in the decision-making process in many clinical conditions and have been recognized as key instruments to improve the quality of care. On the one hand, guidelines represent a good tool for improving patient's outcome, and on the other hand, the adherence to guidelines and good practice recommendations is mandatory to reduce the risk of legal disputes. A recent revision by the Italian Parliament of the legal system that rules the responsibilities of health professionals and health care safety stimulated all clinicians to improve their adhesion to clinical guidelines. It is justified by the high-quality level obtained in the recent years by the international guidelines. In the recent years, a revision of the clinical guideline development has been done. In particular, the European Association of Urology Guideline Office changed the "Guidelines for Guidelines," and a rigorous development process has been established. A clinical recommendation is produced after a rigorous methodological process using an analysis of all published clinical trials, and the expert opinion is not yet considered. For oncological guidelines, the adherence to the producing process is easily feasible due to the high number of clinical trials; for non-oncological guidelines, instead, the small number of clinical trials could represent a problem for obtaining recommendation based on rigorous methodology. Here, on the basis of these considerations, we aim to discuss the lights and the shadows of the clinical applicability of guidelines in urology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Cai
- Department of Urology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Cocci
- Department of Urology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mauro Gacci
- Department of Urology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Verze
- Department of Urology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gernot Bonkat
- Department of Urology, alta uro AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bela Koves
- Department of Urology, South-Pest Teaching Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Florian Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Paediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Gießen, Germany
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18
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Diffusion and adoption: an explanatory model of “question mark” and “rising star” articles. Scientometrics 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-020-03478-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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19
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Lanska DJ. The assessment of Perkins' patent metallic "tractors": Abandonment of an 18th-century therapeutic fad following trials using sham instruments. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE NEUROSCIENCES 2019; 28:147-175. [PMID: 31116663 DOI: 10.1080/0964704x.2019.1589833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
From 1799 to 1801, with the instigation of John Haygarth, physicians in England evaluated the claims of Elisha and Benjamin Perkins that their patented "metallic tractors" could cure a wide variety of disorders. Previous therapies were typically judged based on experience and authority, whereas Perkinism was evaluated using a series of clinical trials of varying methodological sophistication, most employing sham instruments (all but those involving infants or horses), with a variety of trial designs, inconsistent use of contemporary controls, and different approaches to blinding subjects to the treatment administered. Haygarth and his colleagues collectively demonstrated that tractors and sham instruments produced equivalent effects in adults, and, by inference, that the tractors had no special therapeutic properties. Other trials using only genuine tractors demonstrated no effects in infants and horses, subjects who could not reasonably be influenced by suggestion and the imagination. These collective results provided strong support for the rival hypothesis that the observed effects were due to suggestion and the imagination of the subjects. Despite fallacy-laden counterattacks and counterarguments from Benjamin Perkins and his supporters, the trials eroded support for this therapy and led to abandonment of the "Metallic Practice" as a treatment in Britain and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Lanska
- a Department of Medical Sociology, Healthcare Economics and Health Insurance , I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
- b Department of Neurology , University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison , Wisconsin , USA
- c Department of Psychiatry , Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee , Wisconsin , USA
- d History and Archives Committee, American Academy of Neurology , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
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21
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Fenech M, Amaya I, Valpuesta V, Botella MA. Vitamin C Content in Fruits: Biosynthesis and Regulation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 9:2006. [PMID: 30733729 PMCID: PMC6353827 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.02006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Throughout evolution, a number of animals including humans have lost the ability to synthesize ascorbic acid (ascorbate, vitamin C), an essential molecule in the physiology of animals and plants. In addition to its main role as an antioxidant and cofactor in redox reactions, recent reports have shown an important role of ascorbate in the activation of epigenetic mechanisms controlling cell differentiation, dysregulation of which can lead to the development of certain types of cancer. Although fruits and vegetables constitute the main source of ascorbate in the human diet, rising its content has not been a major breeding goal, despite the large inter- and intraspecific variation in ascorbate content in fruit crops. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest to boost ascorbate content, not only to improve fruit quality but also to generate crops with elevated stress tolerance. Several attempts to increase ascorbate in fruits have achieved fairly good results but, in some cases, detrimental effects in fruit development also occur, likely due to the interaction between the biosynthesis of ascorbate and components of the cell wall. Plants synthesize ascorbate de novo mainly through the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway, the dominant pathway in photosynthetic tissues. Two intermediates of the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway, GDP-D-mannose and GDP-L-galactose, are also precursors of the non-cellulosic components of the plant cell wall. Therefore, a better understanding of ascorbate biosynthesis and regulation is essential for generation of improved fruits without developmental side effects. This is likely to involve a yet unknown tight regulation enabling plant growth and development, without impairing the cell redox state modulated by ascorbate pool. In certain fruits and developmental conditions, an alternative pathway from D-galacturonate might be also relevant. We here review the regulation of ascorbate synthesis, its close connection with the cell wall, as well as different strategies to increase its content in plants, with a special focus on fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Fenech
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea (IHSM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Iraida Amaya
- Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera, Area de Genómica y Biotecnología, Centro de Málaga, Spain
| | - Victoriano Valpuesta
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea (IHSM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Botella
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea (IHSM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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22
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Abstract
Metabolism has recently been in the spotlight because of technical advances in metabolite measurement; however, it is not a new topic in the Nobel Prize's history. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolism is more complex than was previously believed. Retrospective analysis of the Nobel Prize-winning metabolic discoveries may inspire future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Xiong
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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23
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Archer E, Lavie CJ, Hill JO. The Failure to Measure Dietary Intake Engendered a Fictional Discourse on Diet-Disease Relations. Front Nutr 2018; 5:105. [PMID: 30483510 PMCID: PMC6243202 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversies regarding the putative health effects of dietary sugar, salt, fat, and cholesterol are not driven by legitimate differences in scientific inference from valid evidence, but by a fictional discourse on diet-disease relations driven by decades of deeply flawed and demonstrably misleading epidemiologic research. Over the past 60 years, epidemiologists published tens of thousands of reports asserting that dietary intake was a major contributing factor to chronic non-communicable diseases despite the fact that epidemiologic methods do not measure dietary intake. In lieu of measuring actual dietary intake, epidemiologists collected millions of unverified verbal and textual reports of memories of perceptions of dietary intake. Given that actual dietary intake and reported memories of perceptions of intake are not in the same ontological category, epidemiologists committed the logical fallacy of "Misplaced Concreteness." This error was exacerbated when the anecdotal (self-reported) data were impermissibly transformed (i.e., pseudo-quantified) into proxy-estimates of nutrient and caloric consumption via the assignment of "reference" values from databases of questionable validity and comprehensiveness. These errors were further compounded when statistical analyses of diet-disease relations were performed using the pseudo-quantified anecdotal data. These fatal measurement, analytic, and inferential flaws were obscured when epidemiologists failed to cite decades of research demonstrating that the proxy-estimates they created were often physiologically implausible (i.e., meaningless) and had no verifiable quantitative relation to the actual nutrient or caloric consumption of participants. In this critical analysis, we present substantial evidence to support our contention that current controversies and public confusion regarding diet-disease relations were generated by tens of thousands of deeply flawed, demonstrably misleading, and pseudoscientific epidemiologic reports. We challenge the field of nutrition to regain lost credibility by acknowledging the empirical and theoretical refutations of their memory-based methods and ensure that rigorous (objective) scientific methods are used to study the role of diet in chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl J. Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - James O. Hill
- Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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24
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Schäfer F, Jeanne JF. Evaluating the effects of food on health in a world of evolving operational challenges. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2018; 12:51-54. [PMID: 30259002 PMCID: PMC6151854 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In a context of rising interest in food and supplement clinical trials, operational considerations for the set-up and conduct of these research projects remain difficult to address in the absence of a harmonized referential. Food trials tend to be more pragmatic than drug trials which are usually more elucidatory. However, comparing them is difficult because the objectives they serve are different. Food trials are usually conducted to evaluate the effect of food products on the prevention or mitigation of symptoms, not the treatment or cure of a condition. In this article we explain these main differences and discuss several key operational and regulatory aspects to consider when dealing with clinical research evaluating the effect of food products on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes.
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25
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Jenkins DJ, Spence JD, Giovannucci EL, Kim YI, Josse R, Vieth R, Blanco Mejia S, Viguiliouk E, Nishi S, Sahye-Pudaruth S, Paquette M, Patel D, Mitchell S, Kavanagh M, Tsirakis T, Bachiri L, Maran A, Umatheva N, McKay T, Trinidad G, Bernstein D, Chowdhury A, Correa-Betanzo J, Del Principe G, Hajizadeh A, Jayaraman R, Jenkins A, Jenkins W, Kalaichandran R, Kirupaharan G, Manisekaran P, Qutta T, Shahid R, Silver A, Villegas C, White J, Kendall CW, Pichika SC, Sievenpiper JL. Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals for CVD Prevention and Treatment. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018; 71:2570-2584. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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26
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Vetter TR, McGwin G, Pittet JF. Replicability, Reproducibility, and Fragility of Research Findings—Ultimately, Caveat Emptor. Anesth Analg 2016; 123:244-8. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000001398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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27
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Vásquez AO, Suarez-Obando F. [Neural tube defects and folic acid: a historical overview of a highly successful preventive intervention]. HISTORIA, CIENCIAS, SAUDE--MANGUINHOS 2015; 22:1157-1172. [PMID: 25650704 DOI: 10.1590/s0104-59702015005000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This article gives a broad overview of part of the historical evolution of medical knowledge about neural tube defects (NTD) and the discovery of vitamin B9 or folic acid, as well as some relevant research events that, over the course of several centuries, defined the relationships between the understanding of central nervous system embryology, the discovery of the vitamin, the correlation between folic acid and cell proliferation and lastly the development of preventive measures for this type of defects. This narrative allows us to examine historically relevant concepts underlying clinical actions with a populational impact that prevent NTDs via folic acid consumption prior to conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ordoñez Vásquez
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia,
| | - Fernando Suarez-Obando
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia,
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28
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Abstract
A family was administering a homemade formula to empirically treat presumed food allergies in their tube feeding–dependent child. He presented with widespread bruising and tenderness, loose teeth, swollen gums, and anemia. Scurvy was diagnosed, and he showed rapid improvement with vitamin C therapy. Providers who care for individuals who are fed homemade formulas, or who have unusual dietary practices, need to be aware of possible macro- and micronutrient deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris O’Hara
- Department of Pediatrics, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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29
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Spedding S, Best T. Integrative medicine and the nutrition transition: What we learn from history and how it can be applied? ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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30
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Agarwal A, Shaharyar A, Kumar A, Bhat MS, Mishra M. Scurvy in pediatric age group - A disease often forgotten? J Clin Orthop Trauma 2015; 6:101-7. [PMID: 25983516 PMCID: PMC4411344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scurvy is caused by prolonged severe dietary deficiency of vitamin C. Being rare as compared to other nutritional deficiencies, it is seldom suspected and this frequently leads to delayed recognition of this disorder. Children with abnormal dietary habits, mental illness or physical disabilities are prone to develop this disease. The disease spectrum of scurvy is quite varied and includes dermatological, dental, bone and systemic manifestations. Subperiosteal hematoma, ring epiphysis, metaphyseal white line and rarefaction zone along with epiphyseal slips are common radiological findings. High index of suspicion, detailed history and bilateral limb radiographs aids physician in diagnosing this eternal masquerader. We searched Pubmed for recent literature (2009-2014) with search terms "scurvy" "vitamin C deficiency" "ascorbic acid deficiency" "scurvy and children" "scurvy and pediatric age group". There were a total of 36 articles relevant to pediatric scurvy in children (7 reviews and 29 case reports) which were retrieved. The review briefly recapitulates the role of vitamin C, the various disease manifestations and the treatment of scurvy to create awareness of the disease which still is reported from our country, although sporadically. The recent advances related to scurvy and its management in pediatric age group are also incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Agarwal
- Specialist and Head, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, Delhi 31, India
| | - Abbas Shaharyar
- Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, Delhi 31, India
| | - Anubrat Kumar
- Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, Delhi 31, India
| | - Mohd Shafi Bhat
- Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, Delhi 31, India
| | - Madhusudan Mishra
- Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalya, Geeta Colony, Delhi 110031, India
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31
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Teive HAG, Germiniani FMB, Munhoz RP. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the French Antarctic expedition and scurvy. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2014; 72:562-3. [PMID: 25054991 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20140058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
During the second expedition to the South Pole, Commander Jean-Baptiste Charcot and some members of the crew of "Pourquoi Pas?" developed symptoms suggestive of scurvy. The clinical picture was totally reversed after dietary changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Renato Puppi Munhoz
- Movement Disorders Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter D Fossitt
- Department of Medical Education, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, WI
| | - Todd J Kowalski
- Infectious Disease Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI
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Blanchard MS, Romero JM, Hoang MP. Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 1-2014. A 32-year-old man with loss of vision and a rash. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:159-66. [PMID: 24401054 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc1214217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hugh Baron
- Gastroenterology Division, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, Box 1069, New York 10029, USA
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Breathing-in epigenetic change with vitamin C. EMBO Rep 2013; 14:337-46. [PMID: 23492828 PMCID: PMC3615655 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2013.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that maintains the activity of iron and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. Despite these enzymes being implicated in a wide range of biological pathways, vitamin C is rarely included in common cell culture media. Recent studies show that reprogramming of pluripotent stem cells is enhanced when vitamin C is present, thereby illustrating previous limitations in reprogramming cultures. Here, we summarize understanding of dioxygenase function in reprogramming and epigenetic regulation. The available data suggest a link between dioxygenase function and stem cell differentiation, which is exposed to environmental influence and is relevant for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hugh Baron
- Gastroenterology Division, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Milne
- Sibbald Librarian, Royal College of Physicians, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH3 1JQ, UK
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Baron JH. Did Lind perform a clinical trial of scurvy in 1747? Eur J Intern Med 2012; 23:e81; author reply e82. [PMID: 22385895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2011.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Vitamin C functions in enzyme activation, oxidative stress reduction, and immune function. There is considerable evidence that vitamin C protects against respiratory tract infections and reduces risk for cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Current trials are examining the efficacy of intravenous vitamin C as cancer therapy. Many experts believe that the recommended intakes for vitamin C (45 to 90 mg daily) are several orders of magnitude too low to support optimal vitamin C functionality. Also, there is a misperception that vitamin C deficiency disease (scurvy) is largely historical and rarely observed in developed nations. Physical symptoms of scurvy include swelling of the lower extremities, bleeding gums, fatigue, and hemorrhaging, as well as psychological problems, including depression, hysteria, and social introversion. The long-term safety of vitamin C supplementation seems evident as large investigations have noted reduced risk of mortality in vitamin C supplementing populations and in those with elevated plasma vitamin C concentrations.
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Antioxidant vitamins and their use in preventing cardiovascular disease. Molecules 2010; 15:8098-110. [PMID: 21063272 PMCID: PMC3602790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15118098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2010] [Revised: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis remains one of the leading causes of death in Western populations. Subsequent to the discovery that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, vitamins C and E, along with other antioxidants, were studied as potential therapies for the disease. However, while in vitro and in vivo studies showed promising antiatherogenic effects for vitamins C and E, clinical trials in which patients were given high doses of vitamin E or C showed no benefit and even possible harm. This review will attempt to summarize the known mechanistic data regarding the biochemical effects of vitamins C and E and their relevance to atherosclerosis, and offer an explanation for the failure of clinical trials to show that supplementation with these vitamins provides any benefit when given indiscriminately. We provide one example of how pharmacogenomics may be used to identify a sub-population which may indeed benefit from antioxidant supplementation.
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