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Medical Science Monitor : International... May 2024BACKGROUND Menopause initiates or accelerates health problems in a woman’s life, and affects cognitive processes and quality of life. We aimed to assess the...
BACKGROUND Menopause initiates or accelerates health problems in a woman’s life, and affects cognitive processes and quality of life. We aimed to assess the quality of life, cognitive functions, and serum vitamin D, B6, and B12 concentrations in perimenopausal and postmenopausal Polish women. Also, we correlated the assessment of the quality of life with these vitamin concentrations and cognitive functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 287 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Serum levels of vitamin D, B6, and B12, cognitive functions using CNS Vital Signs software, and quality of life using WHO Quality of Life Brief were tested. RESULTS Almost all of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had normal concentrations of serum vitamin B12 (96%), 80% of them had normal B6 concentration, while only 9% had optimal serum vitamin D concentration. Postmenopausal women had lower Neurocognitive Index, psychomotor speed, motor speed, reaction time, and lower assessment of overall quality of life, physical health, and social relationships compared to perimenopausal women. In comparison to postmenopausal women, perimenopausal women had a lower serum vitamin B6 concentration, and the lower the concentration of this vitamin in serum they had, the lower they assessed their environment. Perimenopausal women assessed their social relationships the better, the better the visual memory, and the lower the processing speed they had. Postmenopausal women assessed the environment the better, the higher their Neurocognition Index was, and the better the reaction time they had. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of quality of life was associated with some cognitive functions in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Postmenopause; Poland; Middle Aged; Cognition; Vitamin D; Vitamin B 12; Perimenopause; Vitamin B 6; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38769717
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943249 -
BMC Geriatrics May 2024The older adults (OA) is vulnerable to malnutrition, which may affect their health and quality of life. This study assesses the prevalence of deficiencies in dietary...
INTRODUCTION
The older adults (OA) is vulnerable to malnutrition, which may affect their health and quality of life. This study assesses the prevalence of deficiencies in dietary nutrients among the Malaysian OA stratified by residency, genders, socioeconomic status (SES) and body mass index (BMI).
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing purposive sampling, recruiting 2,299 Malaysian people aged 60 years old and above who agreed to be interviewed via a comprehensive semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The nutrients intake was calculated based on the Malaysian food composition and US Department of Agriculture food composition databases. Then, the nutrients intake was compared with the Malaysian Recommended Nutrients Intake guidelines, and the prevalence of deficiencies in dietary nutrients were calculated. The median (interquartile ranges) intakes of nutrients were compared between residency (urban and rural), genders (male and female), and SES (low and middle-high) using the Mann-Whitney U test. The differences in nutrient intake between BMI categories (underweight, normal, and overweight) were identified using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc test.
RESULTS
The response rate was 70.3% (n = 2,299), predominantly were females (50.8%), received primary education (76.6%), were currently married (84.3%), were middle-high SES (57.7%), and had a normal BMI (59.8%). There was a notable inadequate intake prevalence of magnesium (100.0%), manganese (97.9%), zinc (95.6%), vitamin B (98.4%), potassium (91.0%), calcium (89.3%), vitamin B (80.2%), vitamin E (91.2%), and vitamin K (81.5%) among Malaysian OA. Additionally, significant differences were observed in nutrients intake levels across gender, residency, SES, and BMI within this population.
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a high prevalence of dietary nutrients deficiency (> 80%) among the Malaysian OA, particularly for magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, vitamin B, vitamin E, calcium, vitamin B, and vitamin K. To improve the nutritional status of OA and safeguard against adverse health effects, it is necessary to formulate and execute strategies to enhance their dietary nutrient intakes. The strategies may involve intervention such as nutrient supplementation and promotion of consuming nutrient-rich foods.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Malaysia; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Diet; Aged, 80 and over; Nutritional Status; Malnutrition; Nutrients
PubMed: 38769498
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05042-w -
Toxicology Jun 2024Caramel color is a widely used food pigment, and 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI) is a by-products of Class III caramel color. Some studies have shown that...
Caramel color is a widely used food pigment, and 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI) is a by-products of Class III caramel color. Some studies have shown that THI can reduce the number of peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, the comprehensive mechanism of THI immunotoxicity requires further study. In this study, the effects of THI on lymphocyte count, humoral immunity, cellular immunity and nonspecific immunity were determined and the effect of the nutritional status of VB6 on THI immunotoxicity was evaluated. Female BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups and fed chow containing different doses of VB6: VB6-normal (6 mg/kg VB6), VB6-deprived (0.5 mg/kg VB6) or VB6-enhanced (12 mg/kg VB6) feed. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups and treated with THI (0.5, 2.5 or 12.5 mg/kg bw) or the solvent control by gavage for 30 days. The thymic cortical thickness was measured with ViewPoint; the proportions of major immune cells and T cells in peripheral blood and tissues were detected via flow cytometry; the transformation and proliferation abilities of T and B cells were detected via T and B lymphocyte proliferation assays; NK cell activity was assessed via lactate dehydrogenase assays; humoral immune function was assessed via plaque-forming cell assays; and the immune function of T lymphocytes was assessed via delayed type hypersensitivity assays. The results showed that compared with those in the corresponding control group, the white blood cell count and lymphocyte count decreased significantly in all the VB6-deprived groups, in the 2.5 and 12.5 mg/kg VB6 groups, and in the 12.5 mg/kg VB6-enhanced group. With increasing THI dose, the thymic cortical layer became thinner. In the thymus, THI increased the proportions of CD3+ T cells and mature CD8+ T cells and decreased the proportions of immature double-positive, double-negative T cells and CD69-expressing lymphocytes. The proportions of naïve T cells and Tcm (central memory T) cells related to homing decreased. The proportion of mature T cells in the spleen decreased significantly. The proliferation of T cells stimulated by ConA decreased after THI exposure. VB6-deficient mice were more sensitive to THI immunotoxicity, and supplementation with VB6 had a certain protective effect on these mice. The results of the PFC and NK cell activity assays indicated that THI exposure might not affect humoral immune or innate immune function.
Topics: Animals; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Female; Mice; Imidazoles; Immunity, Humoral; Vitamin B 6; Lymphocyte Count; Nutritional Status; Thymus Gland; Immunity, Cellular; Spleen; Food Coloring Agents; Cell Proliferation; Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 38768702
DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153836 -
ACS Synthetic Biology Jun 2024Cadaverine is a critical C5 monomer for the production of polyamides. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), as a crucial cofactor for the key enzyme lysine decarboxylase in the...
Cadaverine is a critical C5 monomer for the production of polyamides. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), as a crucial cofactor for the key enzyme lysine decarboxylase in the cadaverine biosynthesis pathway, has seen a persistent shortage, leading to limitations in cadaverine production. To address this issue, a dual-pathway strategy was implemented, synergistically enhancing both endogenous and heterologous PLP synthesis modules and resulting in improved PLP synthesis. Subsequently, a growth-stage-dependent molecular switch was introduced to balance the precursor competition between PLP synthesis and cell growth. Additionally, a PLP sensor-based negative feedback circuit was constructed by integrating a newly identified PLP-responsive promoter P and an arabinose-regulated system, dynamically regulating the expression of the PLP synthetic genes and preventing excessive intracellular PLP accumulation. The optimal strain, L18, cultivated in the minimal medium AM1, demonstrated cadaverine production with a titer, yield, and productivity of 64.03 g/L, 0.23 g/g glucose, and 1.33 g/L/h, respectively. This represents the highest titer reported to date in engineered by fed-batch fermentation in a minimal medium.
Topics: Cadaverine; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Escherichia coli; Metabolic Engineering; Culture Media; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Carboxy-Lyases
PubMed: 38767944
DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00102 -
Environmental Research Jul 2024Phthalates are ubiquitous endocrine disruptors. Past studies have shown an association between higher preconception urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and...
BACKGROUND
Phthalates are ubiquitous endocrine disruptors. Past studies have shown an association between higher preconception urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and lower fertility in women; however, the biological mechanisms remain unclear. Our exploratory study aimed to understand the metabolites and pathways associated with maternal preconception phthalate exposure and examine if any may underline the association between phthalate exposure and live birth using untargeted metabolomics.
METHODS
Participants (n = 183) were part of the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study, a prospective cohort that followed women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center (2005-2016). On the same day, women provided a serum sample during controlled ovarian stimulation, which was analyzed for metabolomics using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry and two chromatography columns, and a urine sample, which was analyzed for 11 phthalate metabolites using targeted approaches. We used multivariable generalized linear models to identified metabolic features associated with urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and live birth, followed by enriched pathway analysis. We then used a meet-in-the-middle approach to identify overlapping pathways and features.
RESULTS
Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis revealed 43 pathways in the C18 negative and 32 pathways in the HILIC positive columns that were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with at least one of the 11 urinary phthalate metabolites or molar sum of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites. Lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism were the most common pathways associated with phthalate exposure. Five pathways, tryptophan metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, biopterin metabolism, carnitine shuttle, and vitamin B6 metabolism, were also identified as being associated with at least one phthalate metabolite and live birth following IVF.
CONCLUSION
Our study provides further insight into the metabolites and metabolomics pathways, including amino acid, lipid, and vitamin metabolism that may underlie the observed associations between phthalate exposures and lower fertility in women.
Topics: Humans; Phthalic Acids; Female; Adult; Metabolome; Live Birth; Prospective Studies; Environmental Pollutants; Pregnancy; Endocrine Disruptors; Maternal Exposure; Massachusetts
PubMed: 38754604
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119149 -
Microbial Cell Factories May 2024Microbial engineering aims to enhance the ability of bacteria to produce valuable products, including vitamin B for various applications. Numerous microorganisms...
BACKGROUND
Microbial engineering aims to enhance the ability of bacteria to produce valuable products, including vitamin B for various applications. Numerous microorganisms naturally produce vitamin B, yet the metabolic pathways involved are rigorously controlled. This regulation by the accumulation of vitamin B poses a challenge in constructing an efficient cell factory.
RESULTS
In this study, we conducted transcriptome and metabolome analyses to investigate the effects of the accumulation of pyridoxine, which is the major commercial form of vitamin B, on cellular processes in Escherichia coli. Our omics analysis revealed associations between pyridoxine and amino acids, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Based on these findings, we identified potential targets for fermentation optimization, including succinate, amino acids, and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. Through targeted modifications, we achieved pyridoxine titers of approximately 514 mg/L in shake flasks and 1.95 g/L in fed-batch fermentation.
CONCLUSION
Our results provide insights into pyridoxine biosynthesis within the cellular metabolic network for the first time. Our comprehensive analysis revealed that the fermentation process resulted in a remarkable final yield of 1.95 g/L pyridoxine, the highest reported yield to date. This work lays a foundation for the green industrial production of vitamin B in the future.
Topics: Fermentation; Escherichia coli; Vitamin B 6; Pyridoxine; Metabolic Engineering; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Transcriptome; Citric Acid Cycle; Metabolome; Carbon; Metabolomics; Amino Acids; Nitrogen
PubMed: 38750497
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02405-1 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Observational studies have shown that micronutrients can affect the occurrence of frailty. However, it is not clear whether there is a causal relationship between the...
BACKGROUND
Observational studies have shown that micronutrients can affect the occurrence of frailty. However, it is not clear whether there is a causal relationship between the two. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between circulating micronutrient levels and frailty risk using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach.
METHODS
We gathered and screened instrumental variables (IVs) for six circulating micronutrients, including vitamin B, vitamin B, folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the IEU OpenGWAS open database. Summary statistics for frailty were obtained from a GWAS meta-analysis, including the UK Biobank and TwinGene ( = 175,226). We performed two independent TSMR analyses and a meta-analysis based on the two independent MR estimates to assess the causal relationship between circulating micronutrientn and frailty.
RESULTS
Our study found, no causal relationship between genetically predicted vitamin D ( = -0.059, 0.35), vitamin B ( = 0.006, 0.80), vitamin E ( = -0.011, 0.79), vitamin C ( = -0.044, 0.06), vitamin B ( = -0.027, 0.37), and folate ( = 0.029, 0.17), with frailty.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that these six micronutrients did not reduce the risk of developing frailty. However, we think it is necessary further to investigate the relationship and mechanisms between micronutrients and frailty using methods such as randomized controlled trials.
PubMed: 38746935
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1386646 -
Journal of the American Chemical Society May 2024Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes are the most versatile biocatalysts for synthesizing nonproteinogenic amino acids. α,α-Disubstituted quaternary amino...
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes are the most versatile biocatalysts for synthesizing nonproteinogenic amino acids. α,α-Disubstituted quaternary amino acids, such as 1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid (cycloleucine), are useful building blocks for pharmaceuticals. In this study, starting with the biosynthesis of fusarilin A, we discovered a family of PLP-dependent enzymes that can facilitate tandem carbon-carbon forming steps to catalyze an overall [3 + 2]-annulation. In the first step, the cycloleucine synthases use SAM as the latent electrophile and an in situ-generated enamine as the nucleophile for γ-substitution. Whereas previously characterized γ-replacement enzymes protonate the resulting α-carbon and release the acyclic amino acid, cycloleucine synthases can catalyze an additional, intramolecular aldol or Mannich reaction with the nucleophilic α-carbon to form the substituted cyclopentane. Overall, the net [3 + 2]-annulation reaction can lead to 2-hydroxy or 2-aminocycloleucine products. These studies further expand the biocatalytic scope of PLP-dependent enzymes.
Topics: Pyridoxal Phosphate; Biocatalysis; Molecular Structure; Cyclopentanes
PubMed: 38743881
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02142 -
Seizure May 2024The main objective of this study was to evaluate the neurological consequences of delayed pyridoxine administration in patients diagnosed with Pyridoxin Dependent... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the neurological consequences of delayed pyridoxine administration in patients diagnosed with Pyridoxin Dependent Epilepsies (PDE).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 29 articles, comprising 52 genetically diagnosed PDE cases, ensuring data homogeneity. Three additional cases were included from the General Pediatric Operative Unit of San Marco Hospital. Data collection considered factors like age at the first seizure's onset, EEG reports, genetic analyses, and more. Based on the response to first-line antiseizure medications, patients were categorized into four distinct groups. Follow-up evaluations employed various scales to ascertain neurological, cognitive, and psychomotor developments.
RESULTS
Our study includes 55 patients (28 males and 27 females), among whom 15 were excluded for the lack of follow-up data. 21 patients were categorized as "Responder with Relapse", 11 as "Resistant", 6 as "Pyridoxine First Approach", and 2 as "Responders". The neurological outcome revealed 37,5 % with no neurological effects, 37,5 % showed complications in two developmental areas, 15 % in one, and 10 % in all areas. The statistical analysis highlighted a positive correlation between the time elapsed from the administration of pyridoxine after the first seizure and worse neurological outcomes. On the other hand, a significant association was found between an extended latency period (that is, the time that elapsed between the onset of the first seizure and its recurrence) and worse neurological outcomes in patients who received an unfavorable score on the neurological evaluation noted in a subsequent follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
The study highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in PDE. Existing medical protocols frequently overlook the timely diagnosis of PDE. Immediate administration of pyridoxine, guided by a swift diagnosis in the presence of typical symptoms, might improve long-term neurological outcomes, and further studies should evaluate the outcome of PDE neonates promptly treated with Pyridoxine.
Topics: Humans; Pyridoxine; Epilepsy; Male; Female; Anticonvulsants; Infant, Newborn; Vitamin B Complex; Infant
PubMed: 38735085
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.04.012