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Birth Defects Research Oct 2022Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies, with congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common. Understanding of causal factors is limited. Micronutrients are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies, with congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common. Understanding of causal factors is limited. Micronutrients are essential trace elements with key roles in growth and development. We aimed to investigate whether maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD through systematic review of published literature.
METHOD
We performed a systematic review registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021276699. Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until September 7, 2021. Case control trials were included with a population of biological mothers of fetuses with and without CHD. The exposure was maternal micronutrient level measured in pregnancy or the postpartum period. Data extraction was performed by one author and checked by a second. Risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidance. We performed a narrative synthesis for analysis.
RESULTS
726 articles were identified of which 8 met our inclusion criteria. Final analysis incorporated data from 2,427 pregnancies, 1,199 of which were complicated by fetal CHD assessing 8 maternal micronutrients: vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A, zinc, copper, selenium, and ferritin. Studies were heterogenous with limited sample sizes and differing methods and timing of maternal micronutrient sampling. Definitions of deficiency varied and differed from published literature. Published results were contradictory.
CONCLUSION
There is not enough evidence to confidently conclude if maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD. Further large-scale prospective study is required to answer this question.
Topics: Copper; Female; Ferritins; Folic Acid; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Malnutrition; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Observational Studies as Topic; Pregnancy; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Zinc
PubMed: 35979646
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2072 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2023Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) increases risk for morbidity and mortality. Food-based approaches offer one strategy to improve vitamin A status. This systematic review... (Review)
Review
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) increases risk for morbidity and mortality. Food-based approaches offer one strategy to improve vitamin A status. This systematic review assessed evidence of the effects of food-based approaches on the vitamin A status of women and children under 5 y. VAD was defined as clinical ocular symptoms, such as loss of vision, and/or retinol plasma or serum concentration <0.70 μmol/L. Searches on food-based approaches to improve vitamin A status were conducted for the period 2011-2022 on PubMed, CINHAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using PRISMA guidelines. English-language publications were included. Case studies, unpublished dissertations, and non-peer-reviewed studies were excluded. This review comprises 24 of 27,322 identified studies; 23 included studies focused on provitamin A carotenoids. There were 17,214 participants across the 24 studies with sample sizes ranging from 8 to 3571 individuals. Intervention studies spanned from 3 wk to 2 y. Fifteen (63%) studies were randomized control trials, 7 were cross-sectional, and 2 were longitudinal studies. Most studies (N = 21) used biochemical measurements, for example, serum retinol, to assess vitamin A status; other studies used clinical symptoms (for example, xerophtalmia) or dietary intake. Thirteen (54%) studies reported a statistically significant effect of food-based interventions (N = 8) or an association of diet (N = 5) on vitamin A status. This systematic review indicated that some food-based interventions improved vitamin A status, thus offering a safe and effective delivery mechanism for vitamin A. There appeared to be significant association between vitamin A status and consumption of foods with high concentrations of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids. Differences across studies in regard to the period of evaluation, food approaches used, and statistical power may explain the lack of effectiveness of food-based approaches on vitamin A status in some studies.
Topics: Child; Humans; Female; Vitamin A; Provitamins; Vitamin A Deficiency; Diet; Carotenoids
PubMed: 37634852
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.009 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is the basic substance required to maintain healthy vision and the main physiological functions of cattle. The results from previous...
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is the basic substance required to maintain healthy vision and the main physiological functions of cattle. The results from previous studies regarding the effect of vitamin A on intramuscular fat varied. This meta-analysis aimed to generate a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between vitamin A and intramuscular fat content and to provide potential clues for future research and commercial practice. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE and Ovid were systematically searched, and studies investigating the relationship between vitamin A and intramuscular fat content were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) in intramuscular fat percentage and intramuscular fat score, with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. The heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated. A total of 152 articles were identified through searches of databases. Seven articles were confirmed for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The SMD of IMF percentage derived from the analysis was-0.78 (-2.68, 1.12) (Q = 246.84, < 0.01). The SMD of the IMF score was 1.25 (-2.75, 5.25) (Q = 87.20, < 0.01). Our meta-analysis indicates that the addition of vitamin A could decrease intramuscular fat in cattle steers.
PubMed: 37008352
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1105754 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Oct 2023Micronutrients are vital for general and oral health, and their potential anti-cancer properties are documented. We explore beneficial vitamins for oral potentially... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Micronutrients are vital for general and oral health, and their potential anti-cancer properties are documented. We explore beneficial vitamins for oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer (OC), assessing the therapeutic impacts of essential vitamin supplementation.
METHODS
We systematically review evidence on vitamin supplementation's therapeutic effects for OPMDs and OC. Relevant studies were identified through comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine, and Web of Science until 16 May 2023. All studies underwent risk of bias using criteria modified from the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool.
RESULTS
We analysed 80 papers. Vitamin K, studied in vitro, shows promising therapeutic potential. Vitamin C, investigated in vivo (animals and humans), demonstrated mixed animal results and generally positive human trial effects. Vitamin A's efficacy varied, with positive monotherapy or adjunct effects. Vitamins B and D showed therapeutic benefits. Oral cancer research was extensive, with a focus on oral lichen planus and oral leukoplakia among the 11 OPMDs. All bias levels were reported in 'selective reporting' and 'performance', except for "definitely high" in the 'selection', 'detection', and 'attrition/exclusion' domains.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence of vitamin interventions for OPMDs and OC ranges from mixed to promising. Standardizing the study design and outcomes would enhance future research.
PubMed: 37888131
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101520 -
European Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024Stroke represents a significant public health challenge, necessitating the exploration of preventive measures. This network meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Stroke represents a significant public health challenge, necessitating the exploration of preventive measures. This network meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of different vitamin treatments compared to a placebo in preventing stroke.
METHODS
A systematic electronic search in databases including PubMed, EmBASE, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar until 31 May 2023 was conducted, to identify published studies investigating the association between vitamin intake and the risk of stroke. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using a frequentist network meta-analysis. Furthermore, we ranked vitamins based on p-scores, facilitating a comparative assessment of their effectiveness in preventing stroke.
RESULTS
A total of 56 studies, including 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 39 cohort studies were analyzed. Direct estimates obtained from network meta-analysis, we found that vitamin A (RR: .81 [.72-.91]), vitamin B-complex (RR: .85 [.74-.97]), vitamin B (RR: 79 [.68-.92]), folate (RR: .86 [.75-.97]), vitamin C (RR: .77 [.70-.85]) and vitamin D (RR: .73 [.64-.83]) were significantly associated with a decreased stroke risk. However, no significant association was observed for vitamin B, vitamin B, and vitamin E. Subsequent to network meta-analysis, vitamins were ranked in decreasing order of their efficacy in stroke prevention based on p-score, with vitamin D (p-score = .91), vitamin C (p-score = .79), vitamin B (p-score = .70), vitamin A (p-score = .65), vitamin B-complex (p-score = .53), folate (p-score = .49), vitamin B (p-score = .39), vitamin E (p-score = .28), vitamin B (.13) and placebo (.10).
CONCLUSION
Our study has established noteworthy connections between vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin B, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin D in the realm of stroke prevention. These findings add substantial weight to the accumulating evidence supporting the potential advantages of vitamin interventions in mitigating the risk of stroke. However, to solidify and validate these observations, additional research is imperative. Well-designed clinical trials or cohort studies are needed to further explore these associations and formulate clear guidelines for incorporating vitamin supplementation into effective stroke prevention strategies.
Topics: Humans; Vitamins; Stroke; Vitamin B Complex; Folic Acid; Network Meta-Analysis; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Ascorbic Acid; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 6; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38291560
DOI: 10.1111/eci.14165 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Mar 2021A neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid paediatric tumour arising from undifferentiated neuronal cells. Despite the recent advances in disease management and treatment, it... (Review)
Review
A neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid paediatric tumour arising from undifferentiated neuronal cells. Despite the recent advances in disease management and treatment, it remains one of the leading causes of childhood cancer deaths, thereby necessitating the development of new therapeutic agents and regimens. Retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A derivative, is a promising agent that can induce differentiation in NB cells. Its isoform, 13-cis RA or isotretinoin, is used in NB therapy; however, its effectiveness is limited to treating a minimal residual disease as maintenance therapy. As such, research focuses on RA derivatives that might increase the anti-NB action or explores the potential synergy between RA and other classes of drugs, such as cellular processes mediators, epigenetic modifiers, and immune modulators. This review summarises the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data of RA, its derivatives, and synergising compounds, thereby establishing the most promising RA derivatives and combinations of RA for further investigation.
PubMed: 33809565
DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030211 -
Journal of Global Health Aug 2023Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is widely recognised as a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite various interventions implemented...
BACKGROUND
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is widely recognised as a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite various interventions implemented in many countries, a lack of reliable data is hindering progress. We aimed to consolidate available data and quantify estimates of the prevalence of VAD among children ≤18 years in LMICs.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Medline and Embase for studies reported the prevalence of VAD or marginal (m)VAD among children. A multilevel mixed-effects meta-regression approach was applied to establish the regression models for VAD and mVAD prevalence. The total numbers of children affected by VAD and mVAD in LMICs in 2019 were separately calculated from the estimated age- and socio-demographic index (SDI)-specific prevalence with their corresponding United Nations Population Division populations projections. We estimated areas of significant public health concern in 165 LMICs using the lower confidence interval (CI) of VAD prevalence.
RESULTS
A total of 116 articles from 40 LMICs were retained. In 2019, VAD and mVAD affected 333.95 million (95% CI = 253.00-433.74) and 556.13 million (95% CI = 388.83-767.94) children and adolescents in 165 LMICs, respectively, corresponding to a prevalence of 14.73% (95% CI = 11.16-19.14) and 24.54% (95% CI = 17.15-33.88). The prevalence of both VAD and mVAD was the highest in children aged 0-5 years at 19.53% (95% CI = 15.03-24.91) and 28.22% (95% CI = 20.00-38.24), respectively, with both steadily decreasing to 10.09% (95% CI = 7.44-13.50) and 20.76% (95% CI = 14.16-29.50) in adolescents aged 13-18 years. The prevalence of VAD was significantly higher in the low SDI region at 29.67% (95% CI = 22.67-37.53) compared to 5.17% (95% CI = 3.14-8.43) estimated in the high-middle SDI region. 68 of the 165 LMICs (41.21%) were classified as areas of moderate to severe VAD public health significance.
CONCLUSIONS
VAD continues to pose a significant public health concern in many low-income settings. Development in LMICs is a crucial factor for VAD, with a disproportionately higher burden in low SDI regions.
REGISTRATION
This study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020220654.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Vitamin A Deficiency; Developing Countries; Prevalence; Public Health; Poverty
PubMed: 37565390
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04084 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), C (BPC), F (BPF), AF (BPAF), tetrabromobisphenol, nonylphenol, and octylphenol are plasticizers used worldwide to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), C (BPC), F (BPF), AF (BPAF), tetrabromobisphenol, nonylphenol, and octylphenol are plasticizers used worldwide to manufacture daily-use articles. Exposure to these compounds is related to many pathologies of public health importance, such as infertility. Using a protector compound against the reproductive toxicological effects of bisphenols is of scientific interest. Melatonin and vitamins have been tested, but the results are not conclusive. To this end, this systematic review and meta-analysis compared the response of reproductive variables to melatonin and vitamin administration as protectors against damage caused by bisphenols. We search for controlled studies of male rats exposed to bisphenols to induce alterations in reproduction, with at least one intervention group receiving melatonin or vitamins (B, C, or E). Also, molecular docking simulations were performed between the androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER), melatonin, and vitamins. About 1234 records were initially found; finally, 13 studies were qualified for review and meta-analysis. Melatonin plus bisphenol improves sperm concentration and viability of sperm and increases testosterone serum levels compared with control groups; however, groups receiving vitamins plus bisphenols had lower sperm concentration, total testis weight, and testosterone serum levels than the control. In the docking analysis, vitamin E had the highest negative MolDock score, representing the best binding affinity with AR and ER, compared with other vitamins and melatonin in the docking. Our findings suggest that vitamins could act as an endocrine disruptor, and melatonin is most effective in protecting against the toxic effects of bisphenols.
Topics: Male; Rats; Animals; Melatonin; Vitamins; Molecular Docking Simulation; Semen; Benzhydryl Compounds; Reproduction; Receptors, Estrogen; Vitamin A; Vitamin K; Testosterone; Endocrine Disruptors
PubMed: 37834378
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914930 -
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Oct 2023Major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are linked to immune activation, increased oxidative stress, and lower antioxidant defenses. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are linked to immune activation, increased oxidative stress, and lower antioxidant defenses.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review and meta-analyze all data concerning biomarkers of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), lipid-associated antioxidants, lipid peroxidation products, and autoimmune responses to oxidatively modified lipid epitopes in MDD and BD.
METHODS
Databases including PubMed, Google scholar and SciFinder were searched to identify eligible studies from inception to January 10th, 2023. Guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.
RESULTS
The current meta-analysis included 176 studies (60 BD and 116 MDD) and examined 34,051 participants, namely 17,094 with affective disorders and 16,957 healthy controls. Patients with MDD and BD showed a) significantly decreased RCT (mainly lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and paraoxonase 1); b) lowered lipid soluble vitamins (including vitamin A, D, and coenzyme Q10); c) increased lipid peroxidation and aldehyde formation, mainly increased malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal, peroxides, and 8-isoprostanes; and d) Immunoglobulin (Ig)G responses to oxidized low-density lipoprotein and IgM responses to MDA. The ratio of all lipid peroxidation biomarkers/all lipid-associated antioxidant defenses was significantly increased in MDD (standardized mean difference or SMD = 0.433; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.312; 0.554) and BD (SMD = 0.653; CI: 0.501-0.806). This ratio was significantly greater in BD than MDD (p = 0.027).
CONCLUSION
In MDD/BD, lowered RCT, a key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathway, may drive increased lipid peroxidation, aldehyde formation, and autoimmune responses to oxidative specific epitopes, which all together cause increased immune-inflammatory responses and neuro-affective toxicity.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Lipid Peroxidation; Depression; Antioxidants; Depressive Disorder, Major; Aldehydes; Biomarkers; Cholesterol; Lipids
PubMed: 37557967
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.007 -
Cureus Aug 2021Acne vulgaris is a frequently encountered dermatological condition in clinical practice. Isotretinoin is one of the drugs prescribed for this condition. However, it is... (Review)
Review
Acne vulgaris is a frequently encountered dermatological condition in clinical practice. Isotretinoin is one of the drugs prescribed for this condition. However, it is unclear whether the use of this drug worsens or improves the psychological effects in an acne patient and whether it is advisable to use this drug commonly. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between Isotretinoin and psychiatric side effects in acne patients. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles published within the last 10 years were taken into account and a review was conducted on the relevant articles after critical appraisal. Nine studies were finalized for discussion and out of the nine studies, two studies concluded that Isotretinoin could cause psychiatric effects. Five studies showed no association between them. Two studies unexpectedly found that psychiatric symptoms improved because of Isotretinoin use. Lack of adequate sample size and absence of randomized controlled trials are the limitations of this study. To conclude, Isotretinoin can be prescribed as a treatment option for severe acne despite some evidence of link with psychiatric effects. However, bearing the side effects in mind, a detailed evaluation before initiating the drug and a thorough monitoring while using the drug should be done as a standard practice in order to be on the safer side.
PubMed: 34513424
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16834