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Kostoff RN, Briggs MB, Kanduc D, Dewanjee S, Kandimalla R, Shoenfeld Y, Porter AL, Tsatsakis A. Modifiable contributing factors to COVID-19: A comprehensive review. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 171:113511. [PMID: 36450305 PMCID: PMC9701571 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The devastating complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) result from an individual's dysfunctional immune response following the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Multiple toxic stressors and behaviors contribute to underlying immune system dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 exploits the dysfunctional immune system to trigger a chain of events ultimately leading to COVID-19. The current study identifies eighty immune system dysfunction-enabling toxic stressors and behaviors (hereafter called modifiable contributing factors (CFs)) that also link directly to COVID-19. Each CF is assigned to one of the five categories in the CF taxonomy shown in Section 3.3.: Lifestyle (e.g., diet, substance abuse); Iatrogenic (e.g., drugs, surgery); Biotoxins (e.g., micro-organisms, mycotoxins); Occupational/Environmental (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides); Psychosocial/Socioeconomic (e.g., chronic stress, lower education). The current study shows how each modifiable factor contributes to decreased immune system capability, increased inflammation and coagulation, and increased neural damage and neurodegeneration. It is unclear how real progress can be made in combatting COVID-19 and other similar diseases caused by viral variants without addressing and eliminating these modifiable CFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Neil Kostoff
- Independent Consultant, Gainesville, VA, 20155, USA,Corresponding author. Independent Consultant, 13500 Tallyrand Way, Gainesville, VA, 20155, USA
| | | | - Darja Kanduc
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70125, Italy
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Ramesh Kandimalla
- Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 5265601, Israel
| | - Alan L. Porter
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
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Pinto S, Gaspar MM, Ascensão L, Faísca P, Reis CP, Pacheco R. Nanoformulation of Seaweed Eisenia bicyclis in Albumin Nanoparticles Targeting Cardiovascular Diseases: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:608. [PMID: 36286431 PMCID: PMC9605150 DOI: 10.3390/md20100608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products, especially those derived from seaweeds, are starting to be seen as effective against various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study aimed to design a novel oral formulation of bovine albumin serum nanoparticles (BSA NPs) loaded with an extract of Eisenia bicyclis and to validate its beneficial health effects, particularly targeting hypercholesterolemia and CVD prevention. Small and well-defined BSA NPs loaded with Eisenia bicyclis extract were successfully prepared exhibiting high encapsulation efficiency. Antioxidant activity and cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme 3-hydroxy-3 methylutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) inhibition, as well as reduction of cholesterol permeation in intestinal lining model cells, were assessed for the extract both in free and nanoformulated forms. The nanoformulation was more efficient than the free extract, particularly in terms of HMGR inhibition and cholesterol permeation reduction. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo assays in Wistar rats were performed to evaluate its safety and overall effects on metabolism. The results demonstrated that the Eisenia bicyclis extract and BSA NPs were not cytotoxic against human intestinal Caco-2 and liver HepG2 cells and were also safe after oral administration in the rat model. In addition, an innovative approach was adopted to compare the metabolomic profile of the serum from the animals involved in the in vivo assay, which showed the extract and nanoformulation's impact on CVD-associated key metabolites. Altogether, these preliminary results revealed that the seaweed extract and the nanoformulation may constitute an alternative natural dosage form which is safe and simple to produce, capable of reducing cholesterol levels, and consequently helpful in preventing hypercholesterolemia, the main risk factor of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pinto
- Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa (ISEL), Avenida Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lia Ascensão
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Faísca
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologia, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
- CBIOS-Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologia, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Pacheco
- Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa (ISEL), Avenida Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Vins N, Sugathan S, Al Menhali A, Karam SM. Overgrowth of Squamocolumnar Junction and Dysregulation of Stem Cell Lineages in the Stomach of Vitamin A-Deficient Mice. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163334. [PMID: 36014840 PMCID: PMC9412427 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Junctional epithelia are common sites for pathological transformations. In mice, the stratified epithelium of the forestomach joins the simple glandular epithelium of the cardia at the limiting ridge. We previously demonstrated the expression of vitamin A receptors in the gastric stem/progenitor cells and their progeny and found that excess retinoic acid enhances cellular dynamics of gastric epithelium. This study examines how deficiency of vitamin A would alter gastric epithelial stem cell lineages. Three-week-old mice of both genders were weaned and fed with a vitamin A deficient (VAD) diet for 4 or 8 months. Sex- and weight-matched littermate mice received a standard (control) diet. To label S-phase cells, all mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine before being euthanized. Stomach tissues were processed for microscopic examination and protein analysis to investigate stem cell lineages using different stains, lectins, or antibodies. The Student’s t-test was used to compare quantified data showing differences between control and VAD groups. Eight-month-vitamin-A deficiency caused enlarged forestomach and overgrowth of the squamocolumnar junction with metaplastic and dysplastic cardiac glands, formation of intramucosal cysts, loss of surface mucosal integrity, increased amount of luminal surface mucus, and upregulation of trefoil factor 1 and H+,K+-ATPase. These changes were associated with decreased cell proliferation and upregulation of p63. In conclusion, vitamin A is necessary for maintaining gastric epithelial integrity and its deficiency predisposes the mouse stomach to precancerous lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neethu Vins
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Subi Sugathan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Asma Al Menhali
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sherif M. Karam
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-3-713-7493
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Dumetz F, Ginieis R, Bure C, Marie A, Alfos S, Pallet V, Bosch-Bouju C. Neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of vitamin A deficient rats. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 25:779-790. [DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2020.1809877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Dumetz
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Rachel Ginieis
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Corinne Bure
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, Pessac, France
| | - Anaïs Marie
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Serge Alfos
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Véronique Pallet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Pallet
- Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée (NutriNeuro), UMR, Bordeaux, France
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée (NutriNeuro), UMR, Bordeaux, France
- INP, Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée (NutriNeuro), UMR, Bordeaux, France
| | - K. Touyarot
- Univ. Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée (NutriNeuro), UMR, Bordeaux, France
- INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée (NutriNeuro), UMR, Bordeaux, France
- INP, Bordeaux, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée (NutriNeuro), UMR, Bordeaux, France
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Daulatzai MA. “Boomerang Neuropathology” of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease is Shrouded in Harmful “BDDS”: Breathing, Diet, Drinking, and Sleep During Aging. Neurotox Res 2015; 28:55-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Li Z, Yu X, Shen J. Environmental aspects of congenital scoliosis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:5751-5755. [PMID: 25628116 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4144-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence has proved that many aspects of our lifestyle and the environment contribute to the development of congenital disease. Congenital spinal deformities are due to anomalous development of the vertebrae including failure of formation and segmentation during embryogenesis. The causes of congenital scoliosis have not been fully identified. A variety of factors are implicated in the development of vertebral abnormalities. Previous studies have demonstrated that both genetics and environmental factors are implicated in the development of vertebral abnormalities. However, no specific cause for congenital scoliosis has been identified. In our review, we focus on the environmental factors for the development of congenital scoliosis. Various maternal exposures during pregnancy including hypoxia, alcohol use, vitamin deficiency, valproic acid, boric acid, and hyperthermia have been observed to be associated with the occurrence of congenital scoliosis. This review describes the major environmental contributors of congenital scoliosis with an emphasis on treatment aspects associated with environmental disposition in congenital scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
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Decreased serum and mucosa immunoglobulin A levels in vitamin Aand zinc-deficient mice. Cent Eur J Immunol 2014; 39:165-9. [PMID: 26155118 PMCID: PMC4440024 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2014.43716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous zinc and vitamin A deficiency are common health problems in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin A- and zinc-deficient diet on immunoglobulin A (IgA) response. Six-week-old mice were assigned into two groups receiving a normal vitamin A and zinc or low vitamin A and zinc diet for five months. Serum and intestinal mucosa IgA levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The concentration of zinc in serum was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Vitamin A measurement in serum was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography. Mice maintained on a low vitamin A and zinc diet showed significantly greater food intake but lower production of IgA both in serum and mucosa. A mucosa IgA level was significantly higher in both control and deficient groups than the serum IgA level. Results indicated that zinc and vitamin A deficiency is associated with a lower production of IgA. Micronutrient intervention strategies addressing IgA-related gastrointestinal infections are needed.
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Vitamin A deficiency modulates iron metabolism via ineffective erythropoiesis. J Nutr Biochem 2014; 25:1035-44. [PMID: 24998947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin A modulates inflammatory status, iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Given that these factors modulate the expression of the hormone hepcidin (Hamp), we investigated the effect of vitamin A deficiency on molecular biomarkers of iron metabolism, the inflammatory response and the erythropoietic system. Five groups of male Wistar rats were treated: control (AIN-93G), the vitamin A-deficient (VAD) diet, the iron-deficient (FeD) diet, the vitamin A- and iron-deficient (VAFeD) diet or the diet with 12 mg atRA/kg diet replacing all-trans-retinyl palmitate by all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). Vitamin A deficiency reduced serum iron and transferrin saturation levels, increased spleen iron concentrations, reduced hepatic Hamp and kidney erythropoietin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and up-regulated hepatic and spleen heme oxygenase-1 gene expression while reducing the liver HO-1 specific activity compared with the control. The FeD and VAFeD rats exhibited lower levels of serum iron and transferrin saturation, lower iron concentrations in tissues and lower hepatic Hamp mRNA levels compared with the control. The treatment with atRA resulted in lower serum iron and transferrin concentrations, an increased iron concentration in the liver, a decreased iron concentration in the spleen and in the gut, and decreased hepatic Hamp mRNA levels. In summary, these findings suggest that vitamin A deficiency leads to ineffective erythropoiesis by the down-regulation of renal erythropoietin expression in the kidney, resulting in erythrocyte malformation and the consequent accumulation of the heme group in the spleen. Vitamin A deficiency indirectly modulates systemic iron homeostasis by enhancing erythrophagocytosis of undifferentiated erythrocytes.
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Roy M, Hennebelle M, St-Pierre V, Courchesne-Loyer A, Fortier M, Bouzier-Sore AK, Gallis JL, Beauvieux MC, Cunnane SC. Long-term calorie restriction has minimal impact on brain metabolite and fatty acid profiles in aged rats on a Western-style diet. Neurochem Int 2013; 63:450-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Marissal-Arvy N, Hamiani R, Richard E, Moisan MP, Pallet V. Vitamin A regulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis status in LOU/C rats. J Endocrinol 2013; 219:21-7. [PMID: 23847298 DOI: 10.1530/joe-13-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the involvement of retinoids in the hypoactivity and hyporeactivity to stress of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in LOU/C rats. We measured the effects of vitamin A deficiency administered or not with retinoic acid (RA) on plasma corticosterone in standard conditions and in response to restraint stress and on hypothalamic and hippocampal expression of corticosteroid receptors, corticotropin-releasing hormone and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) in LOU/C rats. Interestingly, under control conditions, we measured a higher plasma concentration of retinol in LOU/C than in Wistar rats, which could contribute to the lower basal activity of the HPA axis in LOU/C rats. Vitamin A deficiency induced an increased HPA axis activity in LOU/C rats, normalized by RA administration. Compared with LOU/C control rats, vitamin A-deficient rats showed a delayed and heightened corticosterone response to restraint stress. The expression of corticosteroid receptors was strongly decreased by vitamin A deficiency in the hippocampus, which could contribute to a less efficient feedback by corticosterone on HPA axis tone. The expression of 11β-HSD1 was increased by vitamin A deficiency in the hypothalamus (+62.5%) as in the hippocampus (+104.7%), which could lead to a higher production of corticosterone locally and contribute to alteration of the hippocampus. RA supplementation treatment restored corticosterone concentrations and 11β-HSD1 expression to control levels. The high vitamin A status of LOU/C rats could contribute to their low HPA axis activity/reactivity and to a protective effect against 11β-HSD1-mediated deleterious action on cognitive performances during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Marissal-Arvy
- INRA, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR1286, Université de Bordeaux 2, 146, rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
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12
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Daulatzai MA. Neurotoxic Saboteurs: Straws that Break the Hippo’s (Hippocampus) Back Drive Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurotox Res 2013; 24:407-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-013-9407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Li Z, Shen J, Wu WKK, Wang X, Liang J, Qiu G, Liu J. Vitamin A deficiency induces congenital spinal deformities in rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46565. [PMID: 23071590 PMCID: PMC3465343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cases of congenital spinal deformities were sporadic and without strong evidence of heritability. The etiology of congenital spinal deformities is still elusive and assumed to be multi-factorial. The current study seeks to elucidate the effect of maternal vitamin A deficiency and the production of congenital spinal deformities in the offsping. Thirty two female rats were randomized into two groups: control group, which was fed a normal diet; vitamin A deficient group, which were given vitamin A-deficient diet from at least 2 weeks before mating till delivery. Three random neonatal rats from each group were killed the next day of parturition. Female rats were fed an AIN-93G diet sufficient in vitamin A to feed the rest of neonates for two weeks until euthanasia. Serum levels of vitamin A were assessed in the adult and filial rats. Anteroposterior (AP) spine radiographs were obtained at week 2 after delivery to evaluate the presence of the skeletal abnormalities especially of spinal deformities. Liver and vertebral body expression of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDHs) and RARs mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription-real time PCR. VAD neonates displayed many skeletal malformations in the cervical, thoracic, the pelvic and sacral and limbs regions. The incidence of congenital scoliosis was 13.79% (8/58) in the filial rats of vitamin A deficiency group and 0% in the control group. Furthermore, vitamin A deficiency negatively regulate the liver and verterbral body mRNA levels of RALDH1, RALDH2, RALDH3, RAR-α, RAR-β and RAR-γ. Vitamin A deficiency in pregnancy may induce congenital spinal deformities in the postnatal rats. The decreases of RALDHs and RARs mRNA expression induced by vitamin A deprivation suggest that vertebral birth defects may be caused by a defect in RA signaling pathway during somitogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Shearer KD, Stoney PN, Morgan PJ, McCaffery PJ. A vitamin for the brain. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:733-41. [PMID: 22959670 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS) the function of retinoic acid, the active metabolite of vitamin A, is best understood from its action in guiding embryonic development; as development comes to completion, retinoic acid signaling declines. However, it is increasingly recognized that this signaling mechanism does not disappear in the adult brain but becomes more regionally focused and takes on new roles. These functions are often tied to processes of neural plasticity whether in the hippocampus, through homeostatic neural plasticity, the olfactory bulb or the hypothalamus. The role of retinoic acid in the control of plastic processes has led to suggestions of its involvement in neural disorders, both degenerative and psychiatric. This review presents a snapshot of developments in these areas over recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty D Shearer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
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