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BMJ Open May 2024This systematic review with meta-analyses of randomised trials evaluated the preventive effects of vitamin A supplements versus placebo or no intervention on clinically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effects of primary or secondary prevention with vitamin A supplementation on clinically important outcomes: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review with meta-analyses of randomised trials evaluated the preventive effects of vitamin A supplements versus placebo or no intervention on clinically important outcomes, in people of any age.
METHODS
We searched different electronic databases and other resources for randomised clinical trials that had compared vitamin A supplements versus placebo or no intervention (last search 16 April 2024). We used Cochrane methodology. We used the random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs), with 95% CIs. We analysed individually and cluster randomised trials separately. Our primary outcomes were mortality, adverse events and quality of life. We assessed risks of bias in the trials and used Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) to assess the certainty of the evidence.
RESULTS
We included 120 randomised trials (1 671 672 participants); 105 trials allocated individuals and 15 allocated clusters. 92 trials included children (78 individually; 14 cluster randomised) and 28 adults (27 individually; 1 cluster randomised). 14/105 individually randomised trials (13%) and none of the cluster randomised trials were at overall low risk of bias. Vitamin A did not reduce mortality in individually randomised trials (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05; I=32%; p=0.19; 105 trials; moderate certainty), and this effect was not affected by the risk of bias. In individually randomised trials, vitamin A had no effect on mortality in children (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.04; I=24%; p=0.28; 78 trials, 178 094 participants) nor in adults (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.13; I=24%; p=0.27; 27 trials, 61 880 participants). Vitamin A reduced mortality in the cluster randomised trials (0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.93; I=66%; p=0.0008; 15 trials, 14 in children and 1 in adults; 364 343 participants; very low certainty). No trial reported serious adverse events or quality of life. Vitamin A slightly increased bulging fontanelle of neonates and infants. We are uncertain whether vitamin A influences blindness under the conditions examined.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on moderate certainty of evidence, vitamin A had no effect on mortality in the individually randomised trials. Very low certainty evidence obtained from cluster randomised trials suggested a beneficial effect of vitamin A on mortality. If preventive vitamin A programmes are to be continued, supporting evidence should come from randomised trials allocating individuals and assessing patient-meaningful outcomes.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42018104347.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin A; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Primary Prevention; Secondary Prevention; Quality of Life; Vitamins
PubMed: 38816049
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078053 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2023Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common inflammatory skin condition associated with psychological and social distress. Its pathogenesis involves factors such as sebaceous...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common inflammatory skin condition associated with psychological and social distress. Its pathogenesis involves factors such as sebaceous hypersecretion and colonization. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory skin disorders, including AV, due to its immunomodulatory effects and involvement in keratinocyte growth and maturity. However, adequate sun exposure is required for optimal vitamin D synthesis. Isotretinoin (IOS), a vitamin A derivative, is a commonly used medication for severe acne, acting by binding to retinoid receptors. It can also form heterodimers with vitamin D receptors, potentially increasing vitamin D catabolism. Previous studies examining the impact of oral IOS on serum vitamin D levels have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this study aimed to assess changes in 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D serum levels in individuals with severe AV before and after IOS treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred patients with severe AV were enrolled, each receiving 0.75 mg/kg IOS treatment daily for 4 months. Serum 25 OH vitamin D levels were measured before, during, and after treatment.
RESULTS
This study found a significant increase in serum 25 OH vitamin D levels among patients with severe AV following IOS treatment (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that AV may negatively impact vitamin D synthesis, but IOS treatment appears to raise vitamin D serum levels in individuals with severe AV. Further research is needed to confirm the potential relationship between AV and vitamin D levels.
Topics: Humans; Isotretinoin; Acne Vulgaris; Vitamin D; Male; Female; Dermatologic Agents; Prospective Studies; Young Adult; Adult; Adolescent
PubMed: 38813517
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5742 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes a highly contagious enteric disease with major economic losses to swine production worldwide. Due to the immaturity of the...
Maternal immunization and vitamin A sufficiency impact sow primary adaptive immunity and passive protection to nursing piglets against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes a highly contagious enteric disease with major economic losses to swine production worldwide. Due to the immaturity of the neonatal piglet immune system and given the high virulence of PEDV, improving passive lactogenic immunity is the best approach to protect suckling piglets against the lethal infection. We tested whether oral vitamin A (VA) supplementation and PEDV exposure of gestating and lactating VA-deficient (VAD) sows would enhance their primary immune responses and boost passive lactogenic protection against the PEDV challenge of their piglets. We demonstrated that PEDV inoculation of pregnant VAD sows in the third trimester provided higher levels of lactogenic protection of piglets as demonstrated by >87% survival rates of their litters compared with <10% in mock litters and that VA supplementation to VAD sows further improved the piglets' survival rates to >98%. We observed significantly elevated PEDV IgA and IgG antibody (Ab) titers and Ab-secreting cells (ASCs) in VA-sufficient (VAS)+PEDV and VAD+VA+PEDV sows, with the latter maintaining higher Ab titers in blood prior to parturition and in blood and milk throughout lactation. The litters of VAD+VA+PEDV sows also had the highest serum PEDV-neutralizing Ab titers at piglet post-challenge days (PCD) 0 and 7, coinciding with higher PEDV IgA ASCs and Ab titers in the blood and milk of their sows, suggesting an immunomodulatory role of VA in sows. Thus, sows that delivered sufficient lactogenic immunity to their piglets provided the highest passive protection against the PEDV challenge. Maternal immunization during pregnancy (± VA) and VA sufficiency enhanced the sow primary immune responses, expression of gut-mammary gland trafficking molecules, and passive protection of their offspring. Our findings are relevant to understanding the role of VA in the Ab responses to oral attenuated vaccines that are critical for successful maternal vaccination programs against enteric infections in infants and young animals.
Topics: Animals; Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus; Female; Swine; Pregnancy; Vitamin A; Coronavirus Infections; Antibodies, Viral; Swine Diseases; Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; Adaptive Immunity; Animals, Newborn; Lactation; Dietary Supplements; Vitamin A Deficiency; Immunization
PubMed: 38812505
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397118 -
Scientific Reports May 2024The leaves of many trees emit volatile organic compounds (abbreviated as BVOCs), which protect them from various damages, such as herbivory, pathogens, and heat stress....
The leaves of many trees emit volatile organic compounds (abbreviated as BVOCs), which protect them from various damages, such as herbivory, pathogens, and heat stress. For example, isoprene is highly volatile and is known to enhance the resistance to heat stress. In this study, we analyze the optimal seasonal schedule for producing isoprene in leaves to mitigate damage. We assume that photosynthetic rate, heat stress, and the stress-suppressing effect of isoprene may vary throughout the season. We seek the seasonal schedule of isoprene production that maximizes the total net photosynthesis using Pontryagin's maximum principle. The isoprene production rate is determined by the changing balance between the cost and benefit of enhanced leaf protection over time. If heat stress peaks in midsummer, isoprene production can reach its highest levels during the summer. However, if a large portion of leaves is lost due to heat stress in a short period, the optimal schedule involves peaking isoprene production after the peak of heat stress. Both high photosynthetic rate and high isoprene volatility in midsummer make the peak of isoprene production in spring. These results can be clearly understood by distinguishing immediate impacts and the impacts of future expectations.
Topics: Butadienes; Hemiterpenes; Seasons; Volatile Organic Compounds; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Trees; Heat-Shock Response; Pentanes
PubMed: 38811652
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62975-3 -
Physiological Reports Jun 2024To determine the effects of astaxanthin (ASTX) supplementation on the equine gut microbiota during a deconditioning-reconditioning cycle, 12 polo ponies were assigned to...
To determine the effects of astaxanthin (ASTX) supplementation on the equine gut microbiota during a deconditioning-reconditioning cycle, 12 polo ponies were assigned to a control (CON; n = 6) or supplemented (ASTX; 75 mg ASTX daily orally; n = 6) group. All horses underwent a 16-week deconditioning period, with no forced exercise, followed by a 16-week reconditioning program where physical activity gradually increased. Fecal samples were obtained at the beginning of the study (Baseline), after deconditioning (PostDecon), after reconditioning (PostRecon), and 16 weeks after the cessation of ASTX supplementation (Washout). Following DNA extraction from fecal samples, v4 of 16S was amplified and sequenced to determine operational taxonomic unit tables and α-diversity and β-diversity indices. The total number of observed species was greater at Baseline than PostDecon, PostRecon, and Washout (p ≤ 0.02). A main effect of ASTX (p = 0.01) and timepoint (p = 0.01) was observed on β-diversity, yet the variability of timepoint was greater (13%) than ASTX (6%), indicating a greater effect of timepoint than ASTX. Deconditioning and reconditioning periods affected the abundance of the Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres phyla. Physical activity and ASTX supplementation affect the equine gut microbiome, yet conditioning status may have a greater impact.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Xanthophylls; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Dietary Supplements; Male; Feces; Female
PubMed: 38811348
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16051 -
Microbes and Environments 2024The extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula japonica accumulates the C carotenoid, bacterioruberin (BR). To reveal the BR biosynthetic pathway, unidentified phytoene...
Two Distinct Enzymes Have Both Phytoene Desaturase and 3,4-Desaturase Activities Involved in Carotenoid Biosynthesis by the Extremely Halophilic Archaeon Haloarcula japonica.
The extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula japonica accumulates the C carotenoid, bacterioruberin (BR). To reveal the BR biosynthetic pathway, unidentified phytoene desaturase candidates were functionally characterized in the present study. Two genes encoding the potential phytoene desaturases, c0507 and d1086, were found from the Ha. japonica genome sequence by a homology search using the Basic Local Align Search Tool. Disruption mutants of c0507 and d1086 and their complemented strains transformed with expression plasmids for c0507 and d1086 were subsequently constructed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) ana-lyses of carotenoids produced by these strains revealed that C0507 and D1086 were both bifunctional enzymes with the same activities as both phytoene desaturase (CrtI) and 3,4-desaturase (CrtD). C0507 and D1086 complemented each other during BR biosynthesis in Ha. japonica. This is the first study to identify two distinct enzymes with both CrtI and CrtD activities in an extremely halophilic archaeon.
Topics: Carotenoids; Haloarcula; Oxidoreductases; Biosynthetic Pathways; Archaeal Proteins; Genetic Complementation Test; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38811235
DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.ME24004 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2024Diagnosis of the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients occurs at intermediate to advanced stages, with a few curative therapeutic options being available....
Curcumin, Piperine and Taurine Combination Enhances the Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy in patients with Intermediate Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study.
INTRODUCTION
Diagnosis of the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients occurs at intermediate to advanced stages, with a few curative therapeutic options being available. It is therefore strongly urgent to discover additional adjuvant therapy for this lethal malignancy. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of curcumin (C), piperine (P) and taurine (T) combination as adjuvant agents on serum levels of IFN-γ, immunophenotypic and molecular characterization of mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) in HCC patients treated with Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Serum and MNLs were collected from 20 TACE-treated HCC patients before (baseline-control samples) and after treatment with 5 g curcumin capsules , 10 mg piperine and 0.5 mg taurine taken daily for three consecutive months. Immunophenotypic and molecular characterization of MNLs were determined by flow cytometry and quantitative real time PCR, respectively. In addition, serum IFN-γ level was quantified by ELISA.
RESULTS
After receiving treatment with CPT combination, there was a highly significant increase in IFN- γ levels in the sera of patients when compared to basal line control samples. Additionally, the group receiving combined therapy demonstrated a downregulation in the expression levels of PD-1, in MNLs as compared to controls. MNLs' immunophenotyping revealed a significant decline in CD4+CD25+cells (regulatory T lymphocytes). Furthermore, clinicopathological characteristics revealed a highly significant impact of CPT combination on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alpha feto protein (AFP) levels.
CONCLUSION
This study introduces a promising adjuvant CPT combined treatment as natural agents to enhance the management of HCC patients who are candidates to TACE treatment.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Alkaloids; Piperidines; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Pilot Projects; Male; Curcumin; Female; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Benzodioxoles; Middle Aged; Taurine; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Interferon-gamma; Prognosis; Follow-Up Studies; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38809630
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1589 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2024This study investigated the effect of consumption of table eggs enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), lutein, vitamin E and selenium on microvascular... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
This study investigated the effect of consumption of table eggs enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), lutein, vitamin E and selenium on microvascular function, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In a prospective, randomized, interventional, double-blind clinical trial, ACS patients were assigned to either the Nutri4 (N=15, mean age: 57.2 ± 9.2 years), or the Control group (N=13; mean age 56.8 ± 9.6 years). The Nutri4 group consumed three enriched hen eggs daily for three weeks, providing approximately 1.785 mg of vitamin E, 0.330 mg of lutein, 0.054 mg of selenium and 438 mg of n-3 PUFAs. Biochemical parameters, including serum lipids, liver enzymes, nutrient concentrations, serum antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and markers of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability (FRAP)), were assessed before and after the dietary interventions. Additionally, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, fluid status, anthropometric measurements, and skin microvascular blood flow responses to various stimuli (postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH), acetylcholine- (Ach ID), and sodium nitroprusside- (SNP ID)) were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) throughout the study.
RESULTS
The intake of Nutri4 eggs led to a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, while the levels of total cholesterol remained within the established reference values. Consuming Nutri4 eggs resulted in a 12.7% increase in serum vitamin E levels, an 8.6% increase in selenium levels, and demonstrated a favorable impact on microvascular reactivity, as evidenced by markedly improved PORH and ACh ID. Nutri4 eggs exerted a significant influence on the activity of GPx and SOD, with no observed changes in TBARS or FRAP values.
CONCLUSION
The consumption of Nutri4 eggs positively influenced microvascular function in individuals with ACS, without eliciting adverse effects on oxidative stress.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Eggs; Oxidative Stress; Female; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Male; Double-Blind Method; Prospective Studies; Vitamin E; Animals; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Aged; Lutein; Selenium; Antioxidants; Endothelium, Vascular; Superoxide Dismutase; Chickens; Food, Fortified
PubMed: 38807636
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S461821 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Carotenoids play a role in preventing and impeding the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) through their anti-oxidative effects. This study...
Association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease score and skin carotenoid levels estimated via refraction spectroscopy in the Japanese population: a cross-sectional study.
Carotenoids play a role in preventing and impeding the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) through their anti-oxidative effects. This study evaluated associations between ASCVD risk and skin carotenoid (SC) levels, reflecting dietary carotenoid intake. Participants' ASCVD risk was assessed using the Hisayama ASCVD risk prediction model, and SC levels were measured through a reflection spectroscope (Veggie Meter). The associations between high ASCVD risk and SC levels were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. A total of 1130 men and women (mean age: 56 years) from participants who underwent a health examination in Seirei Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Medicine in 2019 and 2022 were analyzed. Of these, 4.6% had moderate or high ASCVD risk. Mean SC values were 236, 315, 376, 447, and 606 in quintile Q1 to Q5, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of SC quintile for moderate- or high-risk ASCVD was 0.24 (0.12-0.51) in Q5 (495 ≤), 0.42 (0.23-0.77) in Q4, 0.50 (0.29-0.88) in Q3, and 0.68 (0.41-1.12) in Q2 compared to Q1 (< 281). High SC values continuously showed non-linear inverse association with moderate- or high-risk for ASCVD in Japanese adults. Non-invasive SC measurements may be a good indicator for recommending carotenoids to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Carotenoids; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Japan; Skin; Atherosclerosis; Aged; Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors; Spectrum Analysis; East Asian People
PubMed: 38806551
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62772-y -
PloS One 2024Polypropylene fiber was equally mixed into alkali-activated slag fly ash geopolymer in order to ensure the filling effect of mine goaf and improve the stability of...
Polypropylene fiber was equally mixed into alkali-activated slag fly ash geopolymer in order to ensure the filling effect of mine goaf and improve the stability of cemented gangue paste filling material with ecological matrix. Triaxial compression tests were then conducted under various conditions. The mechanical properties and damage characteristics of composite paste filling materials are studied, and the damage evolution model of paste filling materials under triaxial compression is established, based on the deviatoric stress-strain curve generated by the progressive failure behavior of samples. Internal physical and chemical mechanisms of the evolution of structure and characteristics are elucidated and comprehended via the use of SEM-EDS and XRD micro-techniques. The results show that the fiber can effectively improve the ultimate strength and the corresponding effective stress strength index of the sample within the scope of the experimental study. The best strengthening effect is achieved when the amount of NaOH is 3% of the mass of the solid material, the amount of fiber is 5‰ of the mass of the solid material, and the length of the fiber is about 12 mm. The action mode of the fiber in the sample is mainly divided into single-grip anchoring and three-dimensional mesh traction. As the crack initiates and develops, connection occurs in the matrix, where the fiber has an obvious interference and retardation effect on the crack propagation, thereby transforming the brittle failure into a ductile failure and consequently improving the fracture properties of the ecological cementitious coal gangue matrix. The theoretical damage evolution model of a segmented filling body is constructed by taking the initial compaction stage end point as the critical point, and the curve of the damage evolution model of the specimen under different conditions is obtained. The theoretical model is verified by the results from the triaxial compression test. We concluded that the experimental curve is in good agreement with the theoretical curve. Therefore, the established theoretical model has a certain reference value for the analysis and evaluation of the mechanical properties of paste filling materials. The research results can improve the utilization rate of solid waste resources.
Topics: Compressive Strength; Materials Testing; Calcium Sulfate; Construction Materials; Polypropylenes; Coal Ash; Stress, Mechanical; Cementation
PubMed: 38805439
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299001