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Hosseini SM, Panahi-Azar A, Sheybani-Arani M, Morovatshoar R, Mirzadeh M, Salimi Asl A, Naghdipour Mirsadeghi M, Khajavi-Mayvan F. Vitamins, minerals and their maternal levels' role in brain development: An updated literature-review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 63:31-45. [PMID: 38907995 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.05.011] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
One's neurobehavioural and mental health are built during the exact and complex process of brain development. It is thought that fetal development is where neuropsychiatric disorders first emerged. Behavioural patterns can change as a result of neuropsychiatric illnesses. The incidence is rising quickly; nevertheless, providing exceptional care remains a significant challenge for families and healthcare systems. It has been demonstrated that one of the main factors causing the transmission of these diseases is maternal exposure. Through physiologic pathways, maternal health and intrauterine exposures can affect brain development. Our attention has been focused on epigenetic factors, particularly in the gestational environment, which may be responsible for human neurodegenerative diseases since our main mental development occurs during the nine months of intrauterine life. After thoroughly searching numerous databases, this study examined the effect of fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals and their maternal-level effect on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ava Panahi-Azar
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | | | - Reza Morovatshoar
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Mahdieh Mirzadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Ali Salimi Asl
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Misa Naghdipour Mirsadeghi
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Reproductive Health Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Ouyang J, Cai W, Wu P, Tong J, Gao G, Yan S, Tao F, Huang K. Association between Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy and Children's Neurodevelopment: A Birth Cohort Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1530. [PMID: 38794768 PMCID: PMC11123670 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research studies have showed that maternal diet may influence fetal neurodevelopment, but most studies have only assessed single nutrients or food groups. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of maternal prenatal dietary patterns during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment. METHODS Study participants were obtained from the China National Birth Cohort. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, was used to assess children's neurodevelopment at 36 months old. Maternal antenatal dietary data were collected over three trimesters using food frequency questionnaires. Five distinct maternal dietary patterns throughout pregnancy were identified by principal component analysis, namely protein- and micronutrient-rich dietary patterns, low-iron dietary patterns, pasta as the staple food dietary patterns, iron-rich dietary patterns, tubers, fruits, and baked food dietary patterns. Group-based trajectory modeling was performed for dietary patterns present in all three periods. Multiple linear regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Children of mothers who followed a high protein- and micronutrient-rich dietary pattern trajectory during pregnancy presented better neurodevelopment, including higher gross motor and problem-solving scores. Furthermore, it was observed that children born of women with low-iron dietary patterns had poorer neurodevelopment. In detail, children born to mothers with a low-iron dietary pattern during the first trimester had lower problem-solving scores, while to those who were exposed to a low-iron dietary pattern in the second and third trimesters had lower gross motor scores. Additionally, children with mothers who had a low-iron dietary pattern in the third trimester had lower communication scores. CONCLUSIONS A nutrition-balanced protein- and micronutrient-rich dietary pattern and adequate iron dietary pattern for mothers throughout pregnancy may be beneficial to children's neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Ouyang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wenjin Cai
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Penggui Wu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Juan Tong
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guopeng Gao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma’anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma’anshan 243011, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma’anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma’anshan 243011, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kun Huang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; (J.O.); (W.C.); (P.W.); (J.T.); (G.G.); (S.Y.); (F.T.)
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health across the Life Course, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
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Aumailley L, Bodein A, Adjibade P, Leclercq M, Bourassa S, Droit A, Mazroui R, Lebel M. Combined transcriptomics and proteomics unveil the impact of vitamin C in modulating specific protein abundance in the mouse liver. Biol Res 2024; 57:26. [PMID: 38735981 PMCID: PMC11088995 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin C (ascorbate) is a water-soluble antioxidant and an important cofactor for various biosynthetic and regulatory enzymes. Mice can synthesize vitamin C thanks to the key enzyme gulonolactone oxidase (Gulo) unlike humans. In the current investigation, we used Gulo-/- mice, which cannot synthesize their own ascorbate to determine the impact of this vitamin on both the transcriptomics and proteomics profiles in the whole liver. The study included Gulo-/- mouse groups treated with either sub-optimal or optimal ascorbate concentrations in drinking water. Liver tissues of females and males were collected at the age of four months and divided for transcriptomics and proteomics analysis. Immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and polysome profiling experiments were also conducted to complement our combined omics studies. RESULTS Principal component analyses revealed distinctive differences in the mRNA and protein profiles as a function of sex between all the mouse cohorts. Despite such sexual dimorphism, Spearman analyses of transcriptomics data from females and males revealed correlations of hepatic ascorbate levels with transcripts encoding a wide array of biological processes involved in glucose and lipid metabolisms as well as in the acute-phase immune response. Moreover, integration of the proteomics data showed that ascorbate modulates the abundance of various enzymes involved in lipid, xenobiotic, organic acid, acetyl-CoA, and steroid metabolism mainly at the transcriptional level, especially in females. However, several proteins of the mitochondrial complex III significantly correlated with ascorbate concentrations in both males and females unlike their corresponding transcripts. Finally, poly(ribo)some profiling did not reveal significant enrichment difference for these mitochondrial complex III mRNAs between Gulo-/- mice treated with sub-optimal and optimal ascorbate levels. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the abundance of several subunits of the mitochondrial complex III are regulated by ascorbate at the post-transcriptional levels. Our extensive omics analyses provide a novel resource of altered gene expression patterns at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels under ascorbate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aumailley
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd., Local R-2714, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Antoine Bodein
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Pauline Adjibade
- Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Mickaël Leclercq
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Bourassa
- Proteomics Platform, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Proteomics Platform, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Rachid Mazroui
- Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd., Local R-2714, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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Portugal CC. Ascorbate and its transporter SVCT2: The dynamic duo's integrated roles in CNS neurobiology and pathophysiology. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:448-462. [PMID: 38182073 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Ascorbate is a small antioxidant molecule essential for the proper development and function of the brain. Ascorbate is transported into the brain and between brain cells via the Sodium vitamin C co-transporter 2 (SVCT2). This review provides an in-depth analysis of ascorbate's physiology, including how ascorbate is absorbed from food into the CNS, emphasizing cellular mechanisms of ascorbate recycling and release in different CNS compartments. Additionally, the review delves into the various functions of ascorbate in the CNS, including its impact on epigenetic modulation, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission. It also emphasizes ascorbate's role on neuromodulation and its involvement in neurodevelopmental processes and disorders. Furthermore, it analyzes the relationship between the duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in neuroinflammation, particularly its effects on microglial activation, cytokine release, and oxidative stress responses, highlighting its association with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Overall, this review emphasizes the crucial role of the dynamic duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in CNS physiology and pathology and the need for further research to fully comprehend its significance in a neurobiological context and its potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C Portugal
- I3s - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Coker SJ, Berry MJ, Vissers MCM, Dyson RM. Maternal Vitamin C Intake during Pregnancy Influences Long-Term Offspring Growth with Timing- and Sex-Specific Effects in Guinea Pigs. Nutrients 2024; 16:369. [PMID: 38337653 PMCID: PMC10857109 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous work in guinea pigs revealed that low vitamin C intake during preconception and pregnancy adversely affects fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal and neonatal growth in a sex-dependent manner. To investigate the long-term impact on offspring, we monitored their growth from birth to adolescence (four months), recorded organ weights at childhood equivalence (28 days) and adolescence, and assessed physiological parameters like oral glucose tolerance and basal cortisol concentrations. We also investigated the effects of the timing of maternal vitamin C restriction (early vs. late gestation) on pregnancy outcomes and the health consequences for offspring. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were fed an optimal (900 mg/kg feed) or low (100 mg/kg feed) vitamin C diet ad libitum during preconception. Pregnant dams were then randomised into four feeding regimens: consistently optimal, consistently low, low during early pregnancy, or low during late pregnancy. We found that low maternal vitamin C intake during early pregnancy accelerated foetal and neonatal growth in female offspring and altered glucose homeostasis in the offspring of both sexes at an age equivalent to early childhood. Conversely, low maternal vitamin C intake during late pregnancy resulted in foetal growth restriction and reduced weight gain in male offspring throughout their lifespan. We conclude that altered vitamin C during development has long-lasting, sex-specific consequences for offspring and that the timing of vitamin C depletion is also critical, with low levels during early development being associated with the development of a metabolic syndrome-related phenotype, while later deprivation appears to be linked to a growth-faltering phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Mātai Hāora-Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
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Islam M, Samal A, Davis DJ, Behura SK. Ablation of placental REST deregulates fetal brain metabolism and impacts gene expression of the offspring brain at the postnatal and adult stages. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23349. [PMID: 38069914 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301344r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the transcriptional repressor REST (Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription factor) was ablated in the mouse placenta to investigate molecular and cellular impacts on the offspring brain at different life stages. Ablation of placental REST deregulated several brain metabolites, including glucose and lactate that fuel brain energy, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that functions in the epigenetic programming of the brain during postnatal development, and glutamate and creatine that help the brain to respond to stress conditions during adult life. Bulk RNA-seq analysis showed that a lack of placental REST persistently altered multiple transport genes, including those related to oxygen transportation in the offspring brain. While metabolic genes were impacted in the postnatal brain, different stress response genes were activated in the adult brain. DNA methylation was also impacted in the adult brain due to the loss of placental REST, but in a sex-biased manner. Single-nuclei RNA-seq analysis showed that specific cell types of the brain, particularly those of the choroid plexus and ependyma, which play critical roles in producing cerebrospinal fluid and maintaining metabolic homeostasis, were significantly impacted due to the loss of placental REST. These cells showed significant differential expression of genes associated with the metabotropic (G coupled protein) and ionotropic (ligand-gated ion channel) glutamate receptors, suggesting an impact of ablation of placental REST on the glutamatergic signaling of the offspring brain. The study expands our understanding of placental influences on the offspring brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliha Islam
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ananya Samal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel J Davis
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Animal Modeling Core, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Interdisciplnary Reproductive and Health Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Maity J, Majumder S, Pal R, Saha B, Mukhopadhyay PK. Ascorbic acid modulates immune responses through Jumonji-C domain containing histone demethylases and Ten eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300035. [PMID: 37694689 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Ascorbic acid is a redox regulator in many physiological processes. Besides its antioxidant activity, many intriguing functions of ascorbic acid in the expression of immunoregulatory genes have been suggested. Ascorbic acid acts as a co-factor for the Fe+2 -containing α-ketoglutarate-dependent Jumonji-C domain-containing histone demethylases (JHDM) and Ten eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenasemediated epigenetic modulation. By influencing JHDM and TET, ascorbic acid facilitates the differentiation of double negative (CD4- CD8- ) T cells to double positive (CD4+ CD8+ ) T cells and of T-helper cells to different effector subsets. Ascorbic acid modulates plasma cell differentiation and promotes early differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to NK cells. These findings indicate that ascorbic acid plays a significant role in regulating both innate and adaptive immune cells, opening up new research areas in Immunonutrition. Being a water-soluble vitamin and a safe micro-nutrient, ascorbic acid can be used as an adjunct therapy for many disorders of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeet Maity
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Ranjana Pal
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
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Coker SJ, Dyson RM, Smith-Díaz CC, Vissers MCM, Berry MJ. Effects of Low Vitamin C Intake on Fertility Parameters and Pregnancy Outcomes in Guinea Pigs. Nutrients 2023; 15:4107. [PMID: 37836389 PMCID: PMC10574174 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying how specific nutrients can impact fertility, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes will yield important insights into the biological mechanisms linking diet and reproductive health. Our study investigates how dietary vitamin C intake affects various fertility parameters and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in the guinea pig, a natural model of vitamin C dependency. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were fed an optimal (900 mg/kg feed) or low (100 mg/kg feed) vitamin C diet ad libitum for at least three weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. We found that animals receiving the low vitamin C diet had an increased number of unsuccessful matings, a higher incidence of foetal reabsorption, and, among pregnancies resulting in delivery at term, produced fewer offspring. Neonates from mothers on the low vitamin C diet had significantly decreased plasma vitamin C concentrations at birth and exhibited mild growth impairments in a sex-dependent manner. We conclude that a diet low of vitamin C induces a state of subfertility, reduces overall fecundity, and adversely impacts both pregnancy outcomes and growth in the offspring. Our study provides an essential foundation for future investigations to determine whether these findings translate to humans. If so, they could have important clinical implications for assisted reproductive technologies and nutritional recommendations for couples trying to conceive, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Carlos C. Smith-Díaz
- Mātai Hāora—Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Mātai Hāora—Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
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9
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Podolska K, Mazankova D, Goboova M, Vano I. Ascorbic acid intake during pregnancy. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2023; 167:213-218. [PMID: 37691531 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2023.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuing global increase in allergic conditions and diseases in children is now a serious public health and scientific issue. Amongst other concerns is the maternal antenatal diet as intake of essential nutrients. Even small deficits in essential vitamin C can permanently impair the developing brain for example. In this article, we first review ascorbic acid deficiency in different organs of both mother and foetus. However, major emphasis is on the importance of vitamin C in foetal immunity with studies showing an inverse relationship between maternal intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and allergic conditions in childhood, inter alia. Other review results are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Podolska
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Mazankova
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Goboova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teaching Hospital Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Ivan Vano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teaching Hospital Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovak Republic
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10
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Cao B, Xia Y, Cai Z, Wang Z, Tang C, Song Y. Construction of a Brain-specific SLC23A2 Gene Knockout Mice Model. Neuroscience 2023; 524:137-148. [PMID: 37330196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC) is a key antioxidant of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and SLC23A2 (SVCT2) is the only transporter that actively transports VC into the brain. While the existing animal models of VC deficiency are in the whole body, the essential role of VC in brain development remains elusive. In our study presented here, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology was applied for the construction of a C57BL/6J-SLC23A2 em1(flox)Smoc mouse model, which was crossed with the Glial fibrillary acidic protein-driven Cre Recombinase (GFAP-Cre) genotype mice to generate a conditional knockout model of SLC23A2(SVCT2) gene in mice brain (GFAP-Cre;SLC23A2 flox/flox) after generations of crossbreeding. Our results showed that the expression of SVCT2 in GFAP-Cre;SLC23A2 flox/flox (Cre;svct2 f/f) mice brain was significantly decreased, and consistently, the expression of Neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calbindin-28k, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was down-regulated but Ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) was up-regulated in Cre;svct2 f/f mice brain tissues. On the other hand, the levels of Glutathione, Reduced (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MDA), 8-isoprostane, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) were significantly increased, but the levels of VC in brain tissue of the model group were decreased in Cre;svct2 f/f mice brain tissues, indicating the protective effect of VC against oxidative stress and inflammation during pregnancy. Thus, the conditional knockout of the SLC23A2 gene in the brain of mouse was successfully established by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology in our study, providing an effective animal model for studying the role of VC in fetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengxuan Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yanhua Song
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
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Li S, Jakobs TC. Vitamin C protects retinal ganglion cells via SPP1 in glaucoma and after optic nerve damage. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301976. [PMID: 37160307 PMCID: PMC10172762 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by retinal ganglion cell death, astrocyte reactivity in the optic nerve, and vision loss. Currently, lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) is the first-line treatment, but adjuvant neuroprotective approaches would be welcome. Vitamin C possesses neuroprotective activities that are thought to be related to its properties as a co-factor of enzymes and its antioxidant effects. Here, we show that vitamin C promotes a neuroprotective phenotype and increases gene expression related to neurotropic factors, phagocytosis, and mitochondrial ATP production. This effect is dependent on the up-regulation of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) in reactive astrocytes via the transcription factor E2F1. SPP1+ astrocytes in turn promote retinal ganglion cell survival in a mouse model of glaucoma. In addition, oral administration of vitamin C lowers the IOP in mice. This study identifies an additional neuroprotective pathway for vitamin C and suggests a potential therapeutic role of vitamin C in neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatjana C Jakobs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
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Carr AC, Bradley HA, Vlasiuk E, Pierard H, Beddow J, Rucklidge JJ. Inflammation and Vitamin C in Women with Prenatal Depression and Anxiety: Effect of Multinutrient Supplementation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040941. [PMID: 37107316 PMCID: PMC10136104 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated inflammation has been associated with adverse mood states, such as depression and anxiety, and antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin C, have been associated with decreased inflammation and improved mood. In the current study comprising a cohort of pregnant women with depression and anxiety, we hypothesised that elevated inflammation would be associated with adverse mood states and inversely associated with vitamin C status and that multinutrient supplementation would optimise vitamin concentrations and attenuate inflammation. Sixty-one participants from the NUTRIMUM trial had blood samples collected between 12 and 24 weeks gestation (baseline) and following 12 weeks of daily supplementation with a multinutrient formula containing 600 mg of vitamin C or active placebo. The samples were analysed for inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokines) and vitamin C content and were related to scales of depression and anxiety. Positive correlations were observed between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and all of the mood scales administered (p < 0.05), including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Scale, the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). CRP correlated weakly with GAD-7 (p = 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between CRP and the vitamin C status of the cohort (p = 0.045), although there was no association of the latter with the mood scales (p > 0.05). Supplementation with the multinutrient formula resulted in a significant increase in the vitamin C status of the cohort (p = 0.007) but did not affect the inflammatory biomarker concentrations (p > 0.05). In conclusion, greater systemic inflammation was associated with worse mood states; however, 12-week multinutrient supplementation did not alter inflammatory biomarker concentrations. Nevertheless, the vitamin C status of the cohort was improved with supplementation, which may aid pregnancy and infant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitra C Carr
- Nutrition in Medicine Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Hayley A Bradley
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Emma Vlasiuk
- Nutrition in Medicine Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Hayley Pierard
- Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Jessica Beddow
- Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Julia J Rucklidge
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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13
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Vitamin C Modes of Action in Calcium-Involved Signaling in the Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020231. [PMID: 36829790 PMCID: PMC9952025 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is well known for its potent antioxidant properties, as it can neutralize ROS and free radicals, thereby protecting cellular elements from oxidative stress. It predominantly exists as an ascorbate anion and after oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid and further breakdown, is removed from the cells. In nervous tissue, a progressive decrease in vitamin C level or its prolonged deficiency have been associated with an increased risk of disturbances in neurotransmission, leading to dysregulation in brain function. Therefore, understanding the regulatory function of vitamin C in antioxidant defence and identification of its molecular targets deserves more attention. One of the key signalling ions is calcium and a transient rise in its concentration is crucial for all neuronal processes. Extracellular Ca2+ influx (through specific ion channels) or Ca2+ release from intracellular stores (endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria) are precisely controlled. Ca2+ regulates the functioning of the CNS, including growth, development, myelin formation, synthesis of catecholamines, modulation of neurotransmission and antioxidant protection. A growing body of evidence indicates a unique role for vitamin C in these processes. In this short review, we focus on vitamin C in the regulation of calcium-involved pathways under physiological and stress conditions in the brain.
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SVCT2-mediated ascorbic acid uptake buffers stress responses via DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 gene. Redox Biol 2022; 58:102543. [PMID: 36436457 PMCID: PMC9694147 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, a key antioxidant in the central nervous system, cycles between ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid under pathophysiological conditions. Clinical evidence supports that the absence of vitamin C may be linked to depressive symptoms, but much less is known about the mechanism. Herein, we show that chronic stress disrupts the expression of ascorbic acid transporter, sodium-dependent vitamin C transport 2, and induces a deficiency in endogenous ascorbic acid in the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to depressive-like behaviors by disturbing redox-dependent DNA methylation reprogramming. Attractively, ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, as bioequivalent of an intravenous drip dose of 0.48 g-4.8 g ascorbic acid per day in humans) produces rapid-acting antidepressant effects via triggering DNA demethylation catalyzed by ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases. In particular, the mechanistic studies by both transcriptome sequencing and methylation sequencing have shown that S100 calcium binding protein A4, a potentially protective factor against oxidative stress and brain injury, mediates the antidepressant activity of ascorbic acid via activating erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4)-brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway. Overall, our findings reveal a novel nutritional mechanism that couples stress to aberrant DNA methylation underlying depressive-like behaviors. Therefore, application of vitamin C may be a potential strategy for the treatment of depression.
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15
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Jain L. The Lifelong Imprint of Early Nutrition. Clin Perinatol 2022; 49:xv-xvii. [PMID: 35659105 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucky Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory + Children's Pediatric Institute, 2015 Uppergate Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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