The Association of Serum Carotenoids, Tocopherols, and Ascorbic Acid With Rapid Kidney Function Decline: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional intervention targeting dietary intake modification is a major component of treatment for chronic kidney disease; however, little is known about the relationship between dietary intake and kidney function decline in individuals with preserved kidney function. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study we examined the association of biomarkers of dietary intake with kidney function decline over a 5-year interval in 2,152 men and women with cystatin-C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. The biomarkers of interest included carotenoids, tocopherols, and ascorbic acid. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between serum concentrations of the sum of 4 carotenoids (α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin), lycopene, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid and rapid kidney function decline, defined as .15% decline in cystatin-C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate over 5 years. RESULTS: During the 5-year follow-up, 290 participants (13.5%) experienced rapid kidney function decline. Relative to individuals in the lowest quartile of serum carotenoids, those in the highest quartile had significantly lower odds of rapid kidney function decline in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.80; P trend, .02). No association of levels of serum tocopherols, ascorbic acid, or lycopene with kidney function decline was found. There was no evidence that results differed for individuals with hypertension or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that higher serum carotenoid levels, reflective of a fruit- and vegetable-rich dietary pattern, inversely associate with rapid kidney function decline in early middle adulthood and provide insight into how diet might play a role in chronic kidney disease prevention.

Changes in serum afamin and vitamin E levels after selective LDL apheresis.

BACKGROUND: Afamin is a plasma vitamin E-binding glycoprotein partially associated with ApoA1-containing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions. In a previous study, the serum vitamin E decreased after low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, while vitamin E/cholesterol ratio increased. We aimed to study the effect of LDL apheresis on serum afamin level. METHODS: The serum level of afamin and oxidized LDL were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in six severe heterozygous FH patients before and after their first LDL apheresis treatments and in seven healthy controls. We also investigated the changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, ApoB, ApoA1, HDL subfractions, and α- and γ-tocopherol levels during the treatment. HDL subfractions were detected by an electrophoretic method on polyacrylamide gel (Lipoprint). Serum α- and γ-tocopherol levels were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The first treatment sessions decreased serum afamin levels by an average of 9.4%. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and ApoA1 levels decreased by 52.6; 61.8; 10.5; and 14.1%, respectively. We found that α- and γ-tocopherol levels markedly decreased (by 34.1 and 32.9%, respectively), while α- tocopherol/cholesterol and γ-tocopherol/cholesterol ratios significantly increased (by 41.4 and 40.3%, respectively). Oxidized LDL levels significantly decreased. There was a shift toward the larger HDL subfractions. CONCLUSION: LDL apheresis moderately decreases the circulating levels of afamin parallel to lowering HDL-C and ApoA1 levels. Tocopherol levels decreases markedly compared to afamin levels, however, beneficial changes in vitamin E/cholesterol ratios, oxidized LDL levels and HDL subfraction distribution were detected. These additional effects of LDL apheresis may result in further cardiovascular risk reduction in FH patients.

Combined effects of whey protein hydrolysates and probiotics on oxidative stress induced by an iron-overloaded diet in rats.

Whey proteins possess antioxidant properties, and probiotics have various health-promoting effects. We investigated the effects of whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) and probiotics in rats exposed to oxidative stress induced by iron-overload diet (IOL). Rats were divided into control (CTRL), IOL (0.2% ferrous sulphate), WPH (10%), probiotic (PB) mixture (Lactococcus lactis NK34 and B. polyfermenticus SCD), and WPH + PB group for 6 weeks. Average leukocytes and colonocytes tail moments were increased in IOL compared to CTRL but decreased in other groups. Conjugated diene was lower in WPH, PB, and WPH + PB than in IOL. Only WPH + PB group could recover glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels. SOD levels were recovered by WPH and PB. PB and WPH + PB increased α-tocopherol and only WPH + PB increased γ-tocopherol. Thus, our data demonstrated that WPH and PB exhibit antioxidant properties in a rat model of high-iron diet-induced oxidative stress and combination of them may provide an enhanced effect.

Comprehensive Metabolomics Study To Assess Longitudinal Biochemical Changes and Potential Early Biomarkers in Nonobese Diabetic Mice That Progress to Diabetes.

A global nontargeted longitudinal metabolomics study was carried out in male and female NOD mice to characterize the time-profile of the changes in the metabolic signature caused by onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and identify possible early biomarkers in T1D progressors. Metabolomics profiling of samples collected at five different time-points identified 676 and 706 biochemicals in blood and feces, respectively. Several metabolites were expressed at significantly different levels in progressors at all time-points, and their proportion increased strongly following onset of hyperglycemia. At the last time-point, when all progressors were diabetic, a large percentage of metabolites had significantly different levels: 57.8% in blood and 27.8% in feces. Metabolic pathways most strongly affected included the carbohydrate, lipid, branched-chain amino acid, and oxidative ones. Several biochemicals showed considerable (>4×) change. Maltose, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and kojibiose increased, while 1,5-anhydroglucitol decreased more than 10-fold. At the earliest time-point (6-week), differences between the metabolic signatures of progressors and nonprogressors were relatively modest. Nevertheless, several compounds had significantly different levels and show promise as possible early T1D biomarkers. They include fatty acid phosphocholine derivatives from the phosphatidylcholine subpathway (elevated in both blood and feces) as well as serotonin, ribose, and arabinose (increased) in blood plus 13-HODE, tocopherol (increased), diaminopimelate, valerate, hydroxymethylpyrimidine, and dulcitol (decreased) in feces. A combined metabolic signature based on these compounds might serve as an early predictor of T1D-progressors.

Serum carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations and risk of asthma in childhood: a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The antioxidant hypothesis regarding the risk of asthma in childhood has resulted in inconsistent findings. Some data indicate that the role of antioxidants in childhood asthma risk may have a critical time window of effect, but only a well-designed longitudinal cohort study can clarify this hypothesis. OBJECTIVE: To study the longitudinal associations between serum carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations during the first 4 years of life and asthma risk by the age of 5 years. METHODS: Based on a case-control design nested within a Finnish birth cohort, 146 asthma cases were matched to 270 controls on birth time, sex, genetic risk, and birth place. Non-fasting blood samples were collected at the ages of 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 years and serum carotenoids and tocopherols were analysed. Parents reported the presence and age at start of persistent doctor-diagnosed asthma in the child at the age of 5 years. Data analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: We did not find strong associations between serum carotenoids and tocopherols and the risk of asthma based on age-specific and longitudinal analyses. Both lower and higher quarters of α-carotene and γ-tocopherol increased the risk of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings do not support the suggestion that the increased prevalence of asthma may be a consequence of decreased intake of antioxidant nutrients. Moreover, we did not confirm any critical time window of impact of antioxidants on asthma risk. Replication of these findings in similar longitudinal settings will strengthen this evidence base.

Plasma fat-soluble vitamin and carotenoid concentrations after plant sterol and plant stanol consumption: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Plant sterols and stanols interfere with intestinal cholesterol absorption, and it has been questioned whether absorption and plasma concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids are also affected. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of plant sterol and stanol consumption on plasma fat-soluble vitamin and carotenoid concentrations. METHODS: Forty-one randomized controlled trials involving 3306 subjects were included. Weighted absolute and relative changes of non-standardized and total cholesterol (TC)-standardized values (expressed as summary estimates and 95 % CIs) were calculated for three fat-soluble vitamins (α- and γ-tocopherol, retinol and vitamin D) and six carotenoids (ß-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin) using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using predefined subject and treatment characteristics. RESULTS: Average plant sterol or stanol intake was 2.5 g/d. Relative non-standardized and TC-standardized concentrations of ß-carotene decreased by, respectively, -16.3 % (95 % CI -18.3; -14.3) and -10.1 % (-12.3; -8.0), α-carotene by -14.4 % (-17.5; 11.3) and -7.8 % (-11.3; -4.3), and lycopene by -12.3 % (-14.6; -10.1) and -6.3 % (-8.6; -4.0). Lutein concentrations decreased by -7.4 % (-10.1; -4.8), while TC-standardized concentrations were not changed. For zeaxanthin, these values were -12.9 % (-18.9; -6.8) and -7.7 % (-13.8; -1.7) and for ß-cryptoxanthin -10.6 % (-14.3; -6.9) and -4.8 % (-8.7; -0.9). Non-standardized α-tocopherol concentrations decreased by -7.1 % (-8.0; -6.2) and γ-tocopherol by -6.9 % (-9.8; -3.9), while TC-standardized tocopherol concentrations were not changed. Non-standardized retinol and vitamin D concentrations were not affected. Results were not affected by baseline concentrations, dose, duration and type of plant sterols/stanols, except for significant effects of duration (≤4 vs. >4 weeks) on TC-standardized lutein concentrations (1.0 vs. -5.6 %) and type of plant sterol/stanol on TC-standardized ß-carotene concentrations (-8.9 vs. -14.2 %). CONCLUSIONS: Plant sterol and stanol intake lowers TC-standardized hydrocarbon carotenoid concentrations, differently affects TC-standardized oxygenated carotenoid concentrations, but does not affect TC-standardized tocopherol concentrations or absolute retinol and vitamin D concentrations. Observed concentrations remained within normal ranges.

The establishment of tocopherol reference intervals for Hungarian adult population using a validated HPLC method.

Evidence suggests that decreased α-tocopherol (the most biologically active substance in the vitamin E group) level can cause neurological symptoms, most likely ataxia. The aim of the current study was to first provide reference intervals for serum tocopherols in the adult Hungarian population with appropriate sample size, recruiting healthy control subjects and neurological patients suffering from conditions without symptoms of ataxia, myopathy or cognitive deficiency. A validated HPLC method applying a diode array detector and rac-tocol as internal standard was utilized for that purpose. Furthermore, serum cholesterol levels were determined as well for data normalization. The calculated 2.5-97.5% reference intervals for α-, ß/γ- and δ-tocopherols were 24.62-54.67, 0.81-3.69 and 0.29-1.07 µm, respectively, whereas the tocopherol/cholesterol ratios were 5.11-11.27, 0.14-0.72 and 0.06-0.22 µmol/mmol, respectively. The establishment of these reference intervals may improve the diagnostic accuracy of tocopherol measurements in certain neurological conditions with decreased tocopherol levels. Moreover, the current study draws special attention to the possible pitfalls in the complex process of the determination of reference intervals as well, including the selection of study population, the application of internal standard and method validation and the calculation of tocopherol/cholesterol ratios.

Plasma Retinol Concentration Is Mainly Driven by Transthyretin in Hemodialysis Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Micronutrients deficiencies in hemodialysis patients are due to low dietary intakes and intradialytic losses for hydrophilic micronutrients. Conversely, lipophilic nondialyzable compounds might accumulate because of a lack of elimination through renal metabolism or dialysis. Other compounds have complex metabolism: their concentration is not explained by these phenomenons. The aim of this study was to report plasma concentrations of lipophilic micronutrients in hemodialysis patients and to analyze if these concentrations were predictive of mortality. DESIGN: The design was monocentric observational longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: A total of 123 hemodialysis patients included in this observational study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Plasma concentration of lipophilic micronutrients retinol and its two co-transporters transthyretin and retinol-binding protein 4, tocopherol, and carotenoids (α-carotene and ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), and all factors associated with 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Within the 123 patients of the study, median age (interquartile range) was 77.5 (69.5-84.5) years and 58.5% were male. Median retinol plasma concentration was 4.07 (2.65-5.51) µmol/L, and 91.9% of patient had high plasma retinol concentrations. In monovariate analysis, retinol levels were inversely correlated with mortality (hazard ratio = 0.57 [0.45-0.72]; P < .001). This effect remained significant after adjustment with several parameters. Nevertheless, the correlation between retinol and mortality disappeared as soon as transthyretin was added in the statistical model, suggesting an effect of transthyretin as confusing bias. Median tocopherol plasma concentration was 34.8 (28.3-42.9) µmol/L and 72.4% of patients had high plasma tocopherol concentration. Neither tocopherol plasma levels nor carotenoids concentrations were correlated with death in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In hemodialysis patients, the correlation between retinol plasma concentration and mortality represents the nutritional status but not a direct biological effect of retinol. Retinol is only a surrogate predictor of mortality. It might not represent vitamin A levels, but likely the transthyretin level. Plasma retinol levels should be interpreted cautiously in hemodialysis patients.

Treatment of bile acid amidation defects with glycocholic acid.

UNLABELLED: Bile acid amidation defects were predicted to present with fat/fat soluble vitamin malabsorption with minimal cholestasis. We identified and treated five patients (one male, four females) from four families with defective bile acid amidation due to a genetically confirmed deficiency in bile acid CoA:amino acid N-acyl transferase (BAAT) with the conjugated bile acid, glycocholic acid (GCA). Fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry analysis of urine and bile at baseline revealed predominantly unconjugated cholic acid and absence of the usual glycine and taurine conjugated primary bile acids. Treatment with 15 mg/kg GCA resulted in total duodenal bile acid concentrations of 23.3 ± 19.1 mmol/L (mean ± SD) and 63.5 ± 4.0% of the bile acids were secreted in bile in the conjugated form, of which GCA represented 59.6 ± 9.3% of the total biliary bile acids. Unconjugated cholic acid continued to be present in high concentrations in bile because of partial intestinal deconjugation of orally administered GCA. Serum total bile acid concentrations did not significantly differ between pretreatment and posttreatment samples and serum contained predominantly unconjugated cholic acid. These findings confirmed efficient intestinal absorption, hepatic extraction, and biliary secretion of the administered GCA. Oral tolerance tests for vitamin D2 (1,000 IU vitamin D2/kg) and tocopherol (100 IU/kg tocopherol acetate) demonstrated improvement in fat-soluble vitamin absorption after GCA treatment. Growth improved in 3/3 growth-delayed prepubertal patients. CONCLUSION: Oral glycocholic acid therapy is safe and effective in improving growth and fat-soluble vitamin absorption in children and adolescents with inborn errors of bile acid metabolism due to amidation defects.

Validation of the FSA nutrient profiling system dietary index in French adults-findings from SUVIMAX study.

PURPOSE: Population-wide nutritional recommendations give guidance on food groups' consumption, though a wide variability in nutritional quality within groups may subsist. Nutrient profiling systems may help capturing such variability. We aimed to apply and validate a dietary index based on the British Food Standards Agency nutrient profiling system (FSA-NPS DI) in French middle-aged adults. METHODS: Dietary data were collected through repeated 24-h dietary records in participants of the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants study (N = 5882). An aggregated dietary index at the individual level was computed using the FSA-NPS for each food consumed as well as compliance to the French nutritional guidelines using the Programme National Nutrition Santé-Guideline Score (PNNS-GS). Cross-sectional associations between FSA-NPS DI and nutrient intake, PNNS-GS, socio-demographic factors, lifestyle and nutritional biomarkers were computed using ANOVAs. RESULTS: The FSA-NPS DI was able to characterize the quality of the diets at the individual level in terms of nutrient intake and of adherence to nutritional recommendations: +37.6 % in beta-carotene intakes between subjects with a healthier diet versus subjects with a poorer diet, +42.8 % in vitamin C intakes; +17 % in PNNS-GS, all P < 0.001. FSA-NPS-DI was also associated with nutritional status at the biological level: +21.4 % in beta-carotene levels between subjects with a healthier diet versus subjects with a poorer diet, +12.8 % in vitamin C levels, all P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The FSA-NPS DI is a useful and validated tool to discriminate individuals according to the quality of the diet, accounting for nutritional quality within food groups. Taking into account nutritional quality of individual foods allows monitoring change in dietary patterns beyond food groups.

Vitamin blood concentration and vitamin supplementation in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in European facilities.

BACKGROUND: As fish eaters bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in human care need to receive daily vitamin supplementation, because whole thawed fish lacks certain vitamins. However, the exact concentration of supplementation has not been established and is a matter of discussion. To ensure adequate vitamin supplementation in pets, vitamin blood concentrations are measured. This is not a common practice in dolphins. The objective of the present study was to collect information about vitamin supplementation in bottlenose dolphins and on vitamin blood concentrations of healthy animals in European facilities. In addition, these results were compared with blood levels of wild animals. Conclusions on how to provide bottlenose dolphins in human care with an effective vitamin supplementation will then be drawn. Initially, fish-handling techniques and vitamin supplementation were evaluated by questionnaire, which was sent to 25 European facilities that house bottlenose dolphins. Secondly, blood samples from 57 dolphins living in 10 facilities were taken and sent by mail to a reference laboratory. They were analysed for retinol, thiamine pyrophosphate, cobalamin, calcidiol and tocopherol. The blood concentrations were then correlated with vitamin supplementation, fish handling techniques and pre-existing blood concentrations of free-ranging dolphins. Finally, the data was subjected to a standard analysis of variance techniques (ANOVA) and a linear model analysis. RESULTS: Fish was mainly thawed in a refrigerator. Further, the 95 % confidence interval for retinol blood concentrations was 0.048 to 0.059 mg/l and for tocopherol 17.95 to 20.76 mg/l. These concentrations were 27 and 53 %, respectively, higher than those found in free-ranging animals. In contrast, calcidiol concentrations (143.9-174.7 ng/ml) of the dolphins in human care were lower than in blood found for free-ranging animals. Regarding thiamine pyrophosphate and cobalamin, concentrations ranged between 0.42 and 0.55 mg/l and 175.55 and 275.22 pg/ml respectively. No reference concentrations for free-ranging Tursiops truncatus were found. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an over-supplementation of retinol (vitamin A) and tocopherol (vitamin E) in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) housed in human care. Therefore, vitamin A supplementation should not exceed 50,000 IU per animal per day and vitamin E supplementation should be around 100 IU per kg fed fish per day.

[Oxidation Stress Markers Dynamics in the Experiment of Long-Term Antiorthostatic Hypokinesia (Retrospective Study)].

In blood serum of 9 volunteers aged 27 to 42, participated in the experiment with 370-day antiorthostatic hypokinesia (-5 degrees), the lipid peroxidation derivates concentration--diene conjugates (DC), malonic dialdehyde (MDA), Schiff bases (SB) as well as antioxidant defense system indices--tocopherol (TP) concentration and total antioxidative activity level (AOA) were measured. The volunteers were divided into two groups subjected to physical training regimes and used prophylactic measures. In both groups the lipoperoxidation processes initial stages depression (by 54-73%) was observed starting from 50th day, thus the lipid peroxidation final product--SB level was decreased (by 50-61%) only to the 230 day and remains approximately at the same level till the end of the experiment. The restorative period was characterized by decreasing (in 1.6-2.3 times) of MDA and SB concentrations. The decrease in lotal AOA during the aftereffect period was detected in all volunteers, and its level was significantly lower physiological norm range. Probably, long-term adaptation to the simulated weightlessness conditions is accompanied by expressed decrease in biological oxidation processes intensity and significant stress effect, as indicates by essential depression of lipid free radical oxidation in the course of the experiment. At the same time the restorative period after 370-day antiorthostatic hypokinesia was characterized by significantly expressed and prolonged readaptation stress progress. It is evidenced by practically twofold decrease in lipoperoxidation processes intensity against significant increase in TP concentration and water-soluble antioxidants functional reserves exhaustion. Lipid peroxidation activation absence in all terms of examination reflects appropriate compensation of studying impact by volunteers.

Plasma carotenoids, vitamin C, retinol and tocopherols levels and pancreatic cancer risk within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition: a nested case-control study: plasma micronutrients and pancreatic cancer risk.

Evidence of a protective effect of several antioxidants and other nutrients on pancreatic cancer risk is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the association for prediagnostic plasma levels of carotenoids, vitamin C, retinol and tocopherols with risk of pancreatic cancer in a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). 446 incident exocrine pancreatic cancer cases were matched to 446 controls by age at blood collection, study center, sex, date and time of blood collection, fasting status and hormone use. Plasma carotenoids (α- and ß-carotene, lycopene, ß-cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein), α- and γ-tocopherol and retinol were measured by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography and plasma vitamin C by a colorimetric assay. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for pancreatic cancer risk were estimated using a conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusted for smoking status, smoking duration and intensity, waist circumference, cotinine levels and diabetes status. Inverse associations with pancreatic cancer risk were found for plasma ß-carotene (IRR highest vs. lowest quartile 0.52, 95%CI 0.31-0.88, p for trend = 0.02), zeaxanthin (IRR highest vs. lowest quartile 0.53, 95%CI 0.30-0.94, p for trend = 0.06) and α-tocopherol (IRR highest vs. lowest quartile 0.62, 95%CI 0.39-0.99, p for trend = 0.08. For α- and ß-carotene, lutein, sum of carotenoids and γ-tocopherol, heterogeneity between geographical regions was observed. In conclusion, our results show that higher plasma concentrations of ß-carotene, zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol may be inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, but further studies are warranted.

Benefits of foods supplemented with vegetable oils rich in α-linolenic, stearidonic or docosahexaenoic acid in hypertriglyceridemic subjects: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trail.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of foods enriched with vegetable oils varying in their n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids profile on cardiovascular risk factors for hypertriglyceridemic subjects. METHODS: Fifty-nine hypertriglyceridemic subjects (triglycerides ≥ 1.5 mmol/L) were included in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The placebo group received sunflower oil [linoleic acid (LA) group; 10 g LA/day]. The intervention groups received linseed oil [α-linolenic acid (ALA) group; 7 g ALA/day], echium oil [stearidonic acid (SDA) group; 2 g SDA/day] or microalgae oil [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) group; 2 g DHA/day] over 10 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of each period. RESULTS: Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in the LA and ALA groups (LA: P ≤ 0.01, ALA: P ≤ 0.05). No changes in blood lipids were observed in the SDA group. Significant increases in TC and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol occurred in the DHA group (P ≤ 0.05). In the ALA and SDA groups, the content of eicosapentaenoic acid in erythrocyte lipids increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) after 10 weeks (ALA group: 38 ± 37 %, SDA group: 73  ± 59 %). CONCLUSION: Foods enriched with different vegetable oils rich in ALA or SDA are able to increase the n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids content in erythrocyte lipids; echium oil is more potent in comparison with linseed oil. Blood lipids were beneficially modified through the consumption of food products enriched with sunflower, linseed and microalgae oils, whereas echium oil did not affect blood lipids. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01437930.

Vitamin E and risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between vitamin E and age-related cataract (ARC). DESIGN: The fixed- or random-effect model was selected based on heterogeneity. Meta-regression was used to explore potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg's test. The dose-response relationship was assessed by a restricted cubic spline model. SETTING: Relevant studies were identified by a search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library to May 2014, without language restrictions. SUBJECTS: Studies involved samples of people of all ages. RESULTS: Dietary vitamin E intake, dietary and supplemental vitamin E intake, and high serum tocopherol levels were significantly associated with decreased risk of ARC, the pooled relative risk was 0·73 (95% CI 0·58, 0·92), 0·86 (95% CI 0·75, 0·99) and 0·77 (95% CI 0·66, 0·91), respectively. Supplemental vitamin E intake was non-significantly associated with ARC risk (relative risk=0·92; 95% CI 0·78, 1·07). The findings from dose-response analysis showed evidence of a non-linear association between dietary vitamin E intake and ARC. The risk of ARC decreased with dietary vitamin E intake from 7 mg/d (relative risk=0·94; 95% CI 0·90, 0·97). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the meta-analysis indicated that dietary vitamin E intake, dietary and supplemental vitamin E intake, and high level of serum tocopherol might be significantly associated with reduced ARC risk.

Tocopherols and tocotrienols in serum and liver of dairy cows receiving conjugated linoleic acids or a control fat supplement during early lactation.

The fat-soluble vitamin E comprises the 8 structurally related compounds (congeners) α-, ß-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol (with a saturated side chain) and α-, ß-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienol (with a 3-fold unsaturated side chain). Little is known regarding the blood and liver concentrations of the 8 vitamin E congeners during the transition from pregnancy to lactation in dairy cows. We thus quantified tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3) in serum and liver and hepatic expression of genes involved in vitamin E metabolism in pluriparous German Holstein cows during late gestation and early lactation and investigated whether dietary supplementation (from d 1 in milk) with conjugated linoleic acids (CLA; 100g/d; each 12% of trans-10,cis-12 and cis-9,trans-11 CLA; n=11) altered these compared with control-fat supplemented cows (CTR; n=10). Blood samples and liver biopsies were collected on d -21, 1, 21, 70, and 105 (liver only) relative to calving. In both groups, the serum concentrations of αT, γT, ßT3, and δT3 increased from d -21 to d 21 and remained unchanged between d 21 and 70, but were unaffected by CLA. The concentrations of the different congeners of vitamin E in liver did not differ between the CTR and the CLA groups. In both groups, the concentrations of the vitamin E forms in liver changed during the course of the study. The hepatic mRNA abundance of genes controlling vitamin E status did not differ between groups, but α-tocopherol transfer protein and tocopherol-associated protein mRNA increased with time of lactation in both. In conclusion, the concentrations of vitamin E congeners and the expression of genes related to vitamin E status follow characteristic time-related changes during the transition from late gestation to early lactation but are unaffected by CLA supplementation at the dosage used.

Focus on Pivotal Role of Dietary Intake (Diet and Supplement) and Blood Levels of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Obtaining Successful Aging.

Numerous specific age-related morbidities have been correlated with low intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols. We performed a review in order to evaluate the extant evidence regarding: (1) the association between intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols and age-related pathologies (osteoporosis, sarcopenia and cognitive impairment); and (2) the optimum diet therapy or supplementation with tocopherols and tocotrienols for the treatment of these abnormalities. This review included 51 eligible studies. The recent literature underlines that, given the detrimental effect of low intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols on bone, muscle mass, and cognitive function, a change in the lifestyle must be the cornerstone in the prevention of these specific age-related pathologies related to vitamin E-deficient status. The optimum diet therapy in the elderly for avoiding vitamin E deficiency and its negative correlates, such as high inflammation and oxidation, must aim at achieving specific nutritional goals. These goals must be reached through: accession of the elderly subjects to specific personalized dietary programs aimed at achieving and/or maintaining body weight (avoid malnutrition); increase their intake of food rich in vitamin E, such as derivatives of oily seeds (in particular wheat germ oil), olive oil, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and cereals rich in vitamin E (such as specific rice cultivar rich in tocotrienols) or take vitamin E supplements. In this case, vitamin E can be correctly used in a personalized way either for the outcome from the pathology or to achieve healthy aging and longevity without any adverse effects.

In vivo changes in plasma coenzyme Q10, carotenoid, tocopherol, and retinol levels in children after computer tomography.

BACKGROUND: Low dose X-irradiation (IR) from computer tomography (CT) can generate free radicals, which can damage biologically relevant molecules and ultimately lead to cancer. These effects are especially concerning for children owing to their higher radiosensitivity and longer life expectancy than adults. The lipid phase micronutrients (LPM) coenzyme Q10, carotenoids, E vitamers, and vitamin A are potent radical scavengers that can act as intracellular antioxidants. METHODS: We investigated changes in circulating levels of these LPM in 17 children (0.25-6 y) undergoing medically indicated CT scans involving relatively low IR doses. Blood was drawn before and 1h after CT scans and analyzed using HPLC with electrochemical and UV/VIS detection. RESULTS: We found significant decreases (p<0.05) in post-CT plasma levels in several LPM which suggests that these LPM can serve as biodosimeters and may protect against damage from IR during clinical procedures such as CT. The strongest predictors for pre- to post-CT changes for many LPM were their baseline levels. CONCLUSION: Future larger studies are warranted to confirm our findings and to test whether high circulating antioxidant levels protect against IR damage in vivo with an ultimate goal of establishing prophylactic modalities for CT-induced IR damage.

Patterns of dietary intake and serum carotenoid and tocopherol status are associated with biomarkers of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Dietary modification may affect inflammatory processes and protect against chronic disease. In the present study, we examined the relationship between dietary patterns, circulating carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations, and biomarkers of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation in a 10-year longitudinal study of Scottish postmenopausal women. Diet was assessed by FFQ during 1997-2000 (n 3237, mean age 54·8 (SD 2·2) years). Participants (n 2130, mean age 66·0 (SD 2·2) years) returned during 2007-11 for follow-up. Diet was assessed by FFQ (n 1682) and blood was collected for the analysis of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6, serum amyloid A, E-selectin, lipid profile and dietary biomarkers (carotenoids, tocopherols and retinol). Dietary pattern and dietary biomarker (serum carotenoid) components were generated by principal components analysis. A past 'prudent' dietary pattern predicted serum concentrations of hs-CRP and IL-6 (which decreased across the quintiles of the dietary pattern; P= 0·002 and P= 0·001, respectively; ANCOVA). Contemporary dietary patterns were also associated with inflammatory biomarkers. The concentrations of hs-CRP and IL-6 decreased across the quintiles of the 'prudent' dietary pattern (P= 0·030 and P= 0·006, respectively). hs-CRP concentration increased across the quintiles of a 'meat-dominated' dietary pattern (P= 0·001). Inflammatory biomarker concentrations decreased markedly across the quintiles of carotenoid component score (P< 0·001 for hs-CRP and IL-6, and P= 0·016 for E-selectin; ANCOVA). Prudent dietary pattern and carotenoid component scores were negatively associated with serum hs-CRP concentration (unstandardised ß for prudent component: -0·053, 95% CI -0·102, -0·003; carotenoid component: -0·183, 95% CI -0·233, -0·134) independent of study covariates. A prudent dietary pattern (which reflects a diet high in the intakes of fish, yogurt, pulses, rice, pasta and wine, in addition to fruit and vegetable consumption) and a serum carotenoid profile characteristic of a fruit and vegetable-rich diet are associated with lower concentrations of intermediary markers that are indicative of CVD risk reduction.

Consumption of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol lowering foods improves blood lipids without affecting concentrations of fat soluble compounds.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of a cholesterol lowering dietary portfolio including plant sterols (PS), viscous fibre, soy proteins and nuts for 6 months improves blood lipid profile. Plant sterols reduce blood cholesterol by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption and concerns have been raised whether PS consumption reduces fat soluble vitamin absorption. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine effects of consumption of a cholesterol lowering dietary portfolio on circulating concentrations of PS and fat soluble vitamins. METHODS: Using a parallel design study, 351 hyperlipidemic participants from 4 centres across Canada were randomized to 1 of 3 groups. Participants followed dietary advice with control or portfolio diet. Participants on routine and intensive portfolio involved 2 and 7 clinic visits, respectively, over 6 months. RESULTS: No changes in plasma concentrations of α and γ tocopherol, lutein, lycopene and retinol, but decreased ß-carotene concentrations were observed with intensive (week 12: p = 0.045; week 24: p = 0.039) and routine (week 12: p = 0.031; week 24: p = 0.078) portfolio groups compared to control. However, cholesterol adjusted ß-carotene and fat soluble compound concentrations were not different compared to control. Plasma PS concentrations were increased with intensive (campesterol:p = 0.012; ß-sitosterol:p = 0.035) and routine (campesterol: p = 0.034; ß-sitosterol: p = 0.080) portfolio groups compared to control. Plasma cholesterol-adjusted campesterol and ß-sitosterol concentrations were negatively correlated (p < 0.001) with total and LDL-C levels. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate that consuming a portfolio diet reduces serum total and LDL-C levels while increasing PS values, without altering fat soluble compounds concentrations. The extent of increments of PS with the current study are not deleterious and also maintaining optimum levels of fat soluble vitamins are of paramount necessity to maintain overall metabolism and health. Results indicate portfolio diet as one of the best options for CVD risk reduction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00438425.