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Dos Santos EA, Cavalheiro LAM, Rodrigues D, Machado-Rodrigues A, Silva MR, Nogueira H, Padez C. Is more prolonged sun exposure associated with healthier life habits and obesity indicators in Portuguese children? Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23918. [PMID: 37228007 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sun exposure seems to have an indirect effect on the development of obesity through vitamin D synthesis in the skin, the primary source of this vitamin. The present study aimed to investigate associations among sun exposure time, obesity indicators, and lifestyle habits in children. METHODS A total of 4755 children (3-10 years; 49.86% boys) from the north, center and south-central Portugal were included in the present study. During 2016/2017 children's sun exposure time, screen time, time devoted to the practice of physical activity and active play were collected through standard questionnaires answered by parents. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate differences among sun exposure time according to the sex, age, obesity indicators and lifestyle habits. RESULTS Linear regression analysis showed that sun exposure time presented a negative association with Body Mass Index (β = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.18; -0.003; p = .042), body fat % (β = -0.31, 95%; CI: -0.54; -0.07; p = .010), computer time (β = -0.08, 95% CI: -0.12; - 0.05; p < .0001) and a positive association with active play time (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17; 0.27; p < .0001) and total time of physical activity practice (β = 10.01, 95% CI: 4.52; 15.20; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS The results reinforce the need for future guidance on the ideal sun exposure time, especially in children, who are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Standardization of criteria for classifying optimal sun exposure time in this age group, considering the parameters that affect vitamin D status, such as age and seasonality, should be considered when planning future guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabete A Dos Santos
- Nutrition Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Maria-Raquel Silva
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre-Group of Sleep, Chronobiology and Sleep Disorders-Nova Medical School, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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UVB-emitting cloth to prevent low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D caused by clothing. Eur J Clin Nutr 2023; 77:405-406. [PMID: 36494476 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-022-01253-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Enhancement of Nitric Oxide Bioavailability by Modulation of Cutaneous Nitric Oxide Stores. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092124. [PMID: 36140225 PMCID: PMC9496039 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of nitric oxide (NO) in the skin plays a critical role in wound healing and the response to several stimuli, such as UV exposure, heat, infection, and inflammation. Furthermore, in the human body, NO is involved in vascular homeostasis and the regulation of blood pressure. Physiologically, a family of enzymes termed nitric oxide synthases (NOS) generates NO. In addition, there are many methods of non-enzymatic/NOS-independent NO generation, e.g., the reduction of NO derivates (NODs) such as nitrite, nitrate, and nitrosylated proteins under certain conditions. The skin is the largest and heaviest human organ and contains a comparatively high concentration of these NODs; therefore, it represents a promising target for many therapeutic strategies for NO-dependent pathological conditions. In this review, we give an overview of how the cutaneous NOD stores can be targeted and modulated, leading to a further accumulation of NO-related compounds and/or the local and systemic release of bioactive NO, and eventually, NO-related physiological effects with a potential therapeutical use for diseases such as hypertension, disturbed microcirculation, impaired wound healing, and skin infections.
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Chang Z, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Fu J, Liu Y, Tang S, Han Y, Fan Z. Association of sunshine duration with acute myocardial infarction hospital admissions in Beijing, China: A time-series analysis within-summer. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154528. [PMID: 35292318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the years, various epidemiological studies found that acute myocardial infarction (AMI) often shows seasonal rhythm patterning, which is usually influenced by the variations of environmental factors, such as air pollution, ambient temperature, solar activity, relative humidity. However, there are few studies on the impact of sunlight-induced AMI especially in developing countries, and they had inconsistent results. This study aimed to examine within-summer variations in the temporal association between sun exposure and AMI. METHODS We obtained hospitalization data for AMI of Beijing during 2013-2019. We used a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) combined with a quasi-Poisson regression model to estimate the non-linear lag effects of sunshine duration on AMI incidences. We evaluated the overall effect of AMI admissions with exposure to sunshine duration in the lag 0-21 days. RESULTS A total of 45,301 AMI cases were enrolled in our study during summer (June-September). The minimum of the morbidity was during days with a sunshine duration of 3.9 h. We found significant and U-shaped associations between sunshine duration and AMI, and the overall estimated relative risk was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.02,1.62) and 1.69 (95% CI: 1.28,2.24) for short (1st percentile) and long (99th percentile) sunshine duration, respectively. The males and younger people (<65 years) were most susceptible to these effects. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that both short and long sunshine duration could increase the risk of AMI admissions, especially for males and younger people. We suggest that public health policymakers should fully consider the balance of the pros and cons of solar exposure, and provide appropriate public health recommendations accordingly to gain the greatest benefits from sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen'ge Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxiong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yakun Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yijie Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yitao Han
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongjie Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Brogniez C, Doré JF, Auriol F, Cesarini P, Minvielle F, Deroo C, Catalfamo M, Metzger JM, Da Conceicao P. Erythemal and vitamin D weighted solar UV dose-rates and doses estimated from measurements in mainland France and on Réunion Island. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2021; 225:112330. [PMID: 34678614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Solar UV radiation causes beneficial and detrimental changes in human health. International and national Health agencies recommend avoiding sun exposure when the solar rays are strongest (typically 2 h before and after solar noon). In this study we detail and refine such recommendations. We estimated biologically-effective radiation (inductive of erythema and pre-vitamin D) using spectral solar UV radiation measurements on a horizontal plane at three French sites equipped with spectroradiometers: Villeneuve d'Ascq (VDA) (North of France); Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP) (French Southern Alps); and Saint-Denis de La Réunion (SDR) on Réunion Island, in the Indian Ocean. These sites are very different: VDA is a semi-urban site in a flat region, OHP a rural mountainous site and SDR a coastal urban site on a small mountainous island. Biologically active radiation was analyzed by studying erythema induction and measuring pre-vitamin D synthesis. Dose-rates, doses and times for sunburn induction and vitamin D production were derived. Regarding the level of vitamin D dose considered here (1000 IU), we found that at mainland sites time required for vitamin D synthesis was relatively long, even around solar noon, in winter months this could be 2-3 h for phototype II individuals exposing their face and hands. In the tropics vitamin D could always be synthesized in a reasonable time (e.g. 20 min in winter). By contrast, in summer, the required duration times (exposing face, hands, arms and legs) are very short, approximately 2-4 min on the mainland and 1 min in the tropics for phototype II individuals. In all skin phototypes the duration of sun exposure required to induce erythema was generally longer than that to produce vitamin D. These quantitative results, obtained using an instrument measuring on a horizontal plane and with an unobstructed view, do not represent realistic values for human exposure. To account for realistic human body exposure, received doses and times of exposure were adjusted. Our study shows that, mostly in summer, the time periods where limited solar exposure is recommended should be extended, especially at low latitude locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Brogniez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8518, LOA - Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Jean-François Doré
- INSERM U 1296 Radiations, Défense, Santé, Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, F-69000 Lyon, France.
| | - Frédérique Auriol
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8518, LOA - Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Pierre Cesarini
- Association Sécurité Solaire, Fondation A. de Rothschild, 25 rue Manin, F-75019 Paris, France.
| | - Fanny Minvielle
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8518, LOA - Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Christine Deroo
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8518, LOA - Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Maxime Catalfamo
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8518, LOA - Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Jean-Marc Metzger
- UMS 3365 - OSU Réunion, Université de La Réunion, F-97744 St-Denis de La Réunion, France.
| | - Pierre Da Conceicao
- UMS 3470 - OSU Pytheas, Observatoire de Haute-Provence, F-04870 St-Michel-l'Observatoire, France.
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Nakano T, Chiang KC, Chen CC, Chen PJ, Lai CY, Hsu LW, Ohmori N, Goto T, Chen CL, Goto S. Sunlight Exposure and Phototherapy: Perspectives for Healthy Aging in an Era of COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010950. [PMID: 34682694 PMCID: PMC8535353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Most humans depend on sunlight exposure to satisfy their requirements for vitamin D3. However, the destruction of the ozone layer in the past few decades has increased the risk of skin aging and wrinkling caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which may also promote the risk of skin cancer development. The promotion of public health recommendations to avoid sunlight exposure would reduce the risk of skin cancer, but it would also enhance the risk of vitamin D3 insufficiency/deficiency, which may cause disease development and progression. In addition, the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic may further reduce sunlight exposure due to stay-at-home policies, resulting in difficulty in active and healthy aging. In this review article, we performed a literature search in PubMed and provided an overview of basic and clinical data regarding the impact of sunlight exposure and vitamin D3 on public health. We also discuss the potential mechanisms and clinical value of phototherapy with a full-spectrum light (notably blue, red, and near-infrared light) as an alternative to sunlight exposure, which may contribute to combating COVID-19 and promoting active and healthy aging in current aged/superaged societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Nakano
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (K.-C.C.); (P.-J.C.); (L.-W.H.)
- Liver Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (C.-L.C.)
- Correspondence: (T.N.); (S.G.); Tel.: +886-7-731-7123 (T.N.); +81-975-53-2165 (S.G.)
| | - Kuei-Chen Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (K.-C.C.); (P.-J.C.); (L.-W.H.)
- Liver Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (C.-L.C.)
| | - Chien-Chih Chen
- Liver Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (C.-L.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (K.-C.C.); (P.-J.C.); (L.-W.H.)
| | - Chia-Yun Lai
- Liver Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (C.-L.C.)
| | - Li-Wen Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (K.-C.C.); (P.-J.C.); (L.-W.H.)
- Liver Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (C.-L.C.)
| | - Naoya Ohmori
- Faculty of Nursing, Josai International University, Togane 283-8555, Japan; (N.O.); (T.G.)
- Kazusa Institute for Drug Discovery, Josai International University, Togane 283-8555, Japan
| | - Takeshi Goto
- Faculty of Nursing, Josai International University, Togane 283-8555, Japan; (N.O.); (T.G.)
- Kazusa Institute for Drug Discovery, Josai International University, Togane 283-8555, Japan
| | - Chao-Long Chen
- Liver Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (C.-L.C.)
| | - Shigeru Goto
- Liver Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (C.-L.C.)
- Faculty of Nursing, Josai International University, Togane 283-8555, Japan; (N.O.); (T.G.)
- Nobeoka Medical Check Center, Fukuoka Institution of Occupational Health, Nobeoka 882-0872, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.N.); (S.G.); Tel.: +886-7-731-7123 (T.N.); +81-975-53-2165 (S.G.)
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Daily full spectrum light exposure prevents food allergy-like allergic diarrhea by modulating vitamin D 3 and microbiota composition. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:41. [PMID: 33958592 PMCID: PMC8102508 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00213-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of sun exposure on human health is well recognized, and a recent trend in the avoidance of sun exposure has led to the risk of missing the beneficial effects such as vitamin D3 biogenesis. Vitamin D3 insufficiency is one of the risk factors for the development of food allergies (FAs), and vitamin D3 status controls gut homeostasis by modulating the microbiota. This study aimed to explore the impact of daily full spectrum light exposure (phototherapy) on the pathogenesis of FAs. Phototherapy ameliorated allergic diarrhea and improved FA-associated vitamin D3 insufficiency and dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) of FA donor feces induced allergic diarrhea with OVA-specific IgE elevation in naïve mice. In contrast, FMT of naïve donor feces ameliorated allergic diarrhea in established FA mice, suggesting the involvement of the microbiota composition in FA. Phototherapy is an alternative approach for the prevention of FA-like allergic diarrhea through the modulation of vitamin D3 status and microbiota composition.
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Radom A, Wędrychowicz A, Pieczarkowski S, Skoczeń S, Tomasik P. Effect of Selected Factors on the Serum 25(OH)D Concentration in Women Treated for Breast Cancer. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020564. [PMID: 33572090 PMCID: PMC7915136 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining an optimal vitamin D concentration reduces the risk of recurrence and extends survival time in patients after breast cancer treatment. Data on vitamin D deficiency among Polish women after breast cancer therapy are limited. Thus, the aim of the study was the analysis of vitamin D status in post-mastectomy patients, considering such factors as seasons, social habits, vitamin D supplementation and its measurements. The study involved 94 women after breast cancer treatment. Serum vitamin D concentration was measured, and a questionnaire, gathering demographic and clinical data regarding cancer, diet, exposure to sun radiation, and knowledge of recommendations on vitamin D supplementation, was delivered twice, in both winter and in summer. The control group consisted of 94 age-matched women with no oncological history. In women after breast cancer treatment, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency was much more frequent than in the general population. Only about half of the patients supplemented vitamin D at the beginning of the study. After the first test and the issuing of recommendations on vitamin D supplementation, the percentage of vitamin D supplemented patients increased by about 30% in study groups. The average dose of supplement also increased. None of the women that were not supplementing vitamin D and were tested again in winter had optimal 25(OH)D concentration. It was concluded that vitamin deficiency is common in women treated for breast cancer. Medical advising about vitamin D supplementation and monitoring of 25(OH)D concentration should be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Radom
- Medical Laboratory Diagmed, Lwowska 20, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Wędrychowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Kraków, Poland; (A.W.); (S.P.)
| | - Stanisław Pieczarkowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Kraków, Poland; (A.W.); (S.P.)
| | - Szymon Skoczeń
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Pediatric Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Tomasik
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Pediatric Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Is sunlight enough for sufficient vitamin D status in children and adolescents? A survey in a sunny region of southern Italy. Nutrition 2020; 84:111101. [PMID: 33476996 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2020.111101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Because it is involved in calcium homeostasis, vitamin D is a prohormone with many implications for health, especially bone health. Hypovitaminosis D is considered pandemic worldwide, with important health health consequences. The aim of our study was to evaluate vitamin D levels in children living in a southern region of Italy with high exposure to sunlight for at least 5 mo a year along with contributing factors. METHODS A total of 1484 children and adolescents (age 0.02-17.74 y) living in the Apulia region (Southern Italy) were studied. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations were assessed and vitamin status defined as follows: deficiency with serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL, insufficiency from 20 to 29.9 ng/mL, and sufficiency with serum 25(OH)D from 30 to 100 ng/mL. RESULTS The median serum 25(OH)D levels were 20.2 ng/mL (interquartile range, 14.5-26.4 ng/mL): 48.9% of the overall population had 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL and only 15% had sufficient 25(OH)D values. There was an inverse association between blood levels of 25(OH)D and age (P < 0.001, ρ: -0.113). Significant 25(OH)D variations were recorded according to the season in which blood samples were drawn, but even during summer only 32.6% of analyzed children had sufficient 25(OH)D levels. CONCLUSIONS More than 80% of our population had 25(OH)D less than sufficiency cutoff levels. Results highlight a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in our area, even during summer. It is important to establish screening, supplementation guidelines, and pediatric cutoff levels to optimize vitamin D status in children, taking into account age, nutritional status, and seasonality.
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10
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Current and emerging treatments for albinism. Surv Ophthalmol 2020; 66:362-377. [PMID: 33129801 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Albinism is a group of rare inherited disorders arising from impairment of melanin biosynthesis. The reduction of melanin synthesis leads to hypopigmentation of the skin and eyes. A wide range of ophthalmic manifestations arise from albinism, including reduction of visual acuity, nystagmus, strabismus, iris translucency, foveal hypoplasia, fundus hypopigmentation, and abnormal decussation of retinal ganglion cell axons at the optic chiasm. Currently, albinism is incurable, and treatment aims either surgically or pharmacologically to optimize vision and protect the skin; however, novel therapies that aim to directly address the molecular errors of albinism, such as l-dihydroxyphenylalanine and nitisinone, are being developed and have entered human trials though with limited success. Experimental gene-based strategies for editing the genetic errors in albinism have also met early success in animal models. The emergence of these new therapeutic modalities represents a new era in the management of albinism. We focus on the known genetic subtypes, clinical assessment, and existing and emerging therapeutic options for the nonsyndromic forms of albinism.
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Vieth R. The Paleolithic Nutrition Model in Relation to Ultraviolet Light and Vitamin D. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1268:409-419. [PMID: 32918231 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-46227-7_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The biology of every species has been optimized for life in the environment in which that species evolved. Humans originated in the tropics, and while some natural selection took place in response to behaviors and environments that decreased exposure to ultraviolet light, there has never been a species-wide biological accommodation. Paleolithic nutrition advocates argue that risk of disease is higher because modern diets differ from what was consumed by early humans. Early humans were the naked ape living in the tropics, exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light and vitamin D nutrition (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D; 25(OH)D) averaging 115 nmol/L, as compared to today's population averages that are well below 70 nmol/L. Natural selection from an available gene pool cannot compensate fully to an environmental change away from the one within which the species originally evolved. Vitamin D nutrition remains a contentious area. The epidemiological evidence consistently relates lower 25(OH)D to higher disease risk. However, evidence from double-blind clinical trials looking at preventing new disease in healthy volunteers has been disappointing. But such negative trials have been the case for all nutrients except for folic acid which lowers risk of spina bifida. The Paleolithic nutrition model is based on fundamental biological concepts, but it has overlooked the environmental effects of ultraviolet light and vitamin D nutrition. This paper presents evolutionary and Paleolithic aspects of ultraviolet light and vitamin D with the aim to support pertinent research and, ultimately, public policy regarding nutrition and light exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhold Vieth
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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