Does Vitamin E Supplementation Enhance Growth Benefits of Breeding Helpers at No Oxidative Costs?

During early postnatal development, biomolecules are particularly exposed to the detrimental actions of unneutralized reactive oxygen species. These prooxidant molecules have been claimed to mediate the trade-off between growth and somatic maintenance. Vitamin E is a key exogenous antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting biological membranes against oxidative damage. However, evidence of the effect of vitamin E supplementation during early life on growth and oxidative status in wild populations is equivocal. We tested the effect of supplementing western bluebird nestlings (Sialia mexicana) with vitamin E on growth rate, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative damage to lipids. During the period of accelerated growth (5-8 d), bill growth rate was 21% higher in supplemented nestlings from nests with breeding helpers than in supplemented nestlings from unassisted nests. Vitamin E also boosted tarsus growth rate during the period of slow growth (11-18 d), and this effect was independent of the presence of breeding helpers. Differences in body size and mass, oxidative damage to lipids, and antioxidant capacity were not evident between supplemented and control nestlings at 18 d. Therefore, we conclude that vitamin E promoted faster bill and tarsus growth, but this transient effect disappeared as soon as the supplementation ceased. Our experimental study also supports the idea that tocopherols are rapidly metabolized, since we failed to detect any evident increase of vitamin E in supplemented nestlings at age 18 d. These results provide partial support for the hypothesis that growth rate is constrained by its costs in terms of increased susceptibility to oxidative stress.

Dietary antioxidant intake decreases carotid intima media thickness in women but not in men: A cross-sectional assessment in the Kardiovize study.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, with a higher burden on men than women during the occupational age. Intake of individual dietary antioxidants is inversely associated with risk of atherosclerosis development. We aimed to understand the relationship between dietary composite antioxidant intake and the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), which is a proxy of atherosclerosis progression. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis that included 894 members of the Kardiovize cohort, a random urban sample population. Nutrient intakes were derived by 24-h recall. We constructed a composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), based on zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids. We considered the CDAI as the exposure variable and primary outcomes were the following cardio-metabolic parameters: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass (BFM), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and cIMT. Associations and interactions between variables were evaluated using linear regression analyses. In women, a 1 mg increase in dietary intake of zinc or vitamin E decreased the cIMT by 3.36 and 1.48 µm, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. Similarly, the cIMT decreased by 4.72 µm for each one-unit increase in CDAI (p = 0.018). Beyond CDAI, age (ß = 3.61; SE=0.89; p = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (ß = 1.30; SE=0.59; p = 0.029) and triglycerides (ß = 22.94; SE=10.09; p = 0.024) were significant predictors of cIMT in women. By contrast, we found no association between CDAI and cIMT in men. CONCLUSIONS: CDAI negatively associates with cIMT in women. These findings indicate that combined intake of nutrients with anti-oxidant properties might prevent the initiation and progression of arterial lesions in a sex-specific manner.

Weight Reduction and Pioglitazone are Cost-Effective for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated lifetime liver-related clinical outcomes, costs of treatment, and the cost-effectiveness of treatment options for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Thailand. METHODS: A cost-utility analysis using a lifetime Markov model was conducted among Thai patients with NAFLD, from a societal perspective. Pioglitazone, vitamin E, a weight reduction program, and usual care were investigated, with the outcomes of interest being the number of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases, life expectancy, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: When compared with usual care, a weight reduction program can prevent cirrhosis and HCC cases by 13.91% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.97, 20.59) and 2.12% (95% CrI 0.43, 4.56), respectively; pioglitazone can prevent cirrhosis and HCC cases by 9.30% (95% CrI -2.52, 15.24) and 1.42% (95% CrI -0.18, 3.74), respectively; and vitamin E can prevent cirrhosis and HCC cases by 7.32% (95% CrI -4.64, 15.56) and 1.12% (95% CrI -0.81, 3.44), respectively. Estimated incremental life expectancy and incremental QALYs for all treatment options compared with usual care were approximately 0.06 years and 0.07 QALYs, respectively. The lifetime costs of both a weight reduction program and pioglitazone were less than usual care, while vitamin E was $3050 (95% CrI 2354, 3650). The weight reduction program dominated all other treatment options. The probability of being cost-effective in Thailand's willingness-to-pay threshold ($4546/QALY gained) was 76% for the weight reduction program, 22% for pioglitazone, 2% for usual care, and 0% for vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: A weight reduction program can prevent cirrhosis and HCC occurrences, and dominates all other treatment options. Pioglitazone and vitamin E demonstrated a trend towards decreasing the number of cirrhosis and HCC cases.

The influence of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on cytological assessment of red blood cell line of bone marrow in fallow deer kept in captivity.

Cytological evaluation of bone marrow smears stained by May-Grünwald Giemsa method was performed. The smears came from 20 fallow deer (Dama dama) 3 days old divided into 2 groups each consisting of 10 animals. The experimental group (E) received intramuscularly selenium and vitamin E at a dose of 3.0 ml (tocopherol acetate - 50 mg, sodium selenite - 0.5 mg, solvent - 1 ml) in the 3rd day of age. The control group (C) did not receive any supplementation or placebo. For hematological analyzes blood was collected three times: on 0, 15th and 25th day of the experiment. Serum concentration of selenium and vitamin E was determined using high perfor- mance liquid chromatography and glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) by kinetic method. On the 15th day after supplementation, a statistically significant increase in the percentage of erythroblastic cell line was observed in bone marrow smears. At that time, the increase in GSH-Px activity in the E group was also observed, reaching the value of 165.3 U/gHb, which was statisti- cally significant. The percentage of proerythroblasts (8.23% in group E and 5.02% in group C) differed significantly between groups at the 25th day after supplementation. This study revealed that supplementation of selenium and vitamin E resulted in an increase in the number of erythro- cytes to an average of 13.5 (˟ 10¹²/l) in the experimental group on 25th day with a significant increase in hemoglobin to 193 g/l in the experimental group.

Ácido fólico 400mcg em associação a vitamina E 10mg para prevenção de distúrbios do tubo neural relacionados à deficiência de ácido fólico em mulheres que estejam em idade fértil / Folic acid 400mcg in combination with vitamin E 10mg for prevention of neural tube disorders related to folic acid deficiency in women who are of childbearing age

CONTEXTO: Os defeitos do tubo neural são defeitos congênitos severos do sistema nervoso central que se originam durante a embriogênese, entre o 18º e 28º dias após a fertilização. Referem-se à fusão incompleta ou fechamento defeituoso da região mediana dorsal do embrião e podem ser divididos em cranianos e espinhais. Os mais comuns são anencefalia, as encefaloceles e a espinha bífida. As características clínicas associadas a essas deformidades variam bastante, principalmente com relação à severidade. Lesões abertas que afetam o cérebro (anencefalia, craniorraquisquise) são invariavelmente letais antes, no momento ou pouco tempo após o nascimento. As encefaloceles também podem ser letais a depender da extensão do dano cerebral relacionado à protrusão (herniação). Casos de espinha bífida aberta são compatíveis com a sobrevivência após o nascimento, entretanto o comprometimento neurológico resultante do local afetado pode traduzir-se em perda sensorial, incapacidade de andar e incontinência. O tratamento principal para as encefaloceles e para a espinha bífida é o cirúrgico, quando possível. No Brasil a prevalência de todos os defeitos do tubo neural no período de 2005 a 2007 foi de 24,3 por 10.000 nascimentos. Uma importante intervenção médica é a prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural por meio da suplementação periconcepcional com ácido fólico. O Ministério da Saúde por meio do Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro (PNSF) e da Política Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição (PNAN) (Portaria nº 1.977, de 12 de setembro de 2014) recomenda em Manual de Condutas Gerais do Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro que a suplementação com ácido fólico deve ser iniciada pelo menos 30 dias antes da data em que se planeja engravidar para a prevenção da ocorrência de defeitos do tubo neural e deve ser mantida durante toda a gestação para a prevenção da anemia. TECNOLOGIA: Ácido fólico 400 mcg em associação a acetato de dextroalfatocoferol (vitamina E) 10 mg. PERGUNTA: O DTN-Fol® é uma opção eficaz, segura e econômica para a prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural (DTN) associados à deficiência de ácido fólico em mulheres que estejam em idade fértil ou que desejam engravidar em comparação com as opções disponibilizada pelo Sistema Único de Saúde? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Atualmente não há estudos nos quais se comparem de forma direta os efeitos da suplementação periconcepcional com ácido fólico isoladamente com os da suplementação com ácido fólico em associação com vitamina E na prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural ou em outros importantes desfechos relacionados à gestação e maternidade. Em revisão sistemática de estudos controlados e randomizados de boa qualidade apontou-se efeito benéfico da utilização preconcepcional de ácido fólico na prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural independentemente da associação desse composto a outras vitaminas e sais minerais. Após a publicação dos estudos controlados randomizados nos quais se demonstra efeito protetor da suplementação com ácido fólico, foram conduzidos vários estudos observacionais e de casocontrole, nos quais, em sua maioria, obtém-se resultados que corroboram os estudos clínicos, observando-se o efeito protetor do ácido fólico tanto proveniente de programas de fortificação alimentar quanto da suplementação direta. Em revisão sistemática de boa qualidade metodológica não se identificou efeito benéfico da suplementação periconcepcional com vitamina E em importantes desfechos relacionados à gestação, à maternidade e à saúde do feto. Em função da comprovação do efeito protetor do ácido fólico grande quantidade de países, por meio de seus órgãos sanitários, recomendam a suplementação periconcepcional com esse composto. Em nenhum país recomenda-se a suplementação com vitamina E de forma específica. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: A análise de custo-minimização apresentada pelo demandante não foi considerada adequada para o contexto apresentado porque, de acordo com as evidências avaliadas nesse parecer, não se deve considerar as tecnologias em análises intercambiáveis, não se justificando uma suplementação em nível populacional com vitamina E. Outra questão diz respeito ao preço do ácido fólico isolado utilizado, o preço fábrica da tabela CMED, que é mais alto que o valor praticado de fato no SUS, quando se avaliam registros de compras recentes. O que se observa na prática é que a tecnologia em análise é mais cara que o ácido fólico isolado, não se justificando uma análise de custo-minimização. AVALIAÇÃO DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Uma possível incorporação da associação entre ácido fólico e vitamina E causaria um aumento de gasto incremental de R$ 6.928.122,00 no primeiro ano e um gasto acumulado incremental nos três anos de R$ 68.254.800,30. RECOMENDAÇÃO INICIAL DA CONITEC: A recomendação inicial da Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no SUS, na 66ª reunião ordinária no dia 10 de maio de 2018, foi por unanimidade não incorporar a associação entre ácido fólico (400 mcg) e vitamina E (10 mg) (DTN-FOL®), entendendo que apesar de ser forte a recomendação da utilização adequada de ácido fólico periconcepcional para a prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural, não há evidências sobre o efeito da utilização periconcepcional da associação entre ácido fólico e vitamina E ou de vitamina E isolada em desfechos relacionados a defeitos do tubo neural. Além disso, uma possível incorporação da referida associação estaria relacionada a um aumento de gastos para o SUS. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A consulta pública nº 29/2018, publicada no diário oficial da união de 25/05/2018, foi realizada entre os dias 26/05/2018 e 14/06/2018. Foram recebidas 82 contribuições, sendo 9 pelo formulário para contribuições técnico-científicas e 73 pelo formulário para contribuições sobre experiência ou opinião de pacientes, familiares, amigos ou cuidadores de pacientes, profissionais de saúde ou pessoas interessadas no tema. Após apreciação das contribuições encaminhadas pela consulta pública, o plenário da CONITEC entendeu que não houve nem um fato novo e suficiente para alterar a conduta atual do Ministério da Saúde que é a da utilização de ácido fólico na concentração de 400 mcg no período periconcepcional para prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural, não entendendo que a associação obrigatória com vitamina E, apesar de segura, traria algum benefício adicional. Dessa forma, mantém a recomendação inicial desfavorável à incorporação da associação fixa entre ácido fólico e vitamina E. Reforça-se que o medicamento DTN-FOL® é eficaz e seguro, entretanto de composição muito específica, com apenas um produtor nacional em contexto de utilização do ácido fólico em escala nacional para prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural, como política pública em saúde. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na 69ª reunião ordinária, no dia 01 de agosto de 2018, deliberaram, por unanimidade, por recomendar a não incorporação ao SUS da associação entre ácido fólico (400 mcg) e acetato de dextroalfatocoferol (vitamina E) 10 mg para prevenção de defeitos do tubo neural relacionados à deficiência de ácido fólico em mulheres em idade fértil. Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 359/2018. Decisão: Não incorporar o ácido fólico 400 mcg + acetato de dextroalfatocoferol 10 mg para prevenção de distúrbios do tubo neural relacionados a deficiência de ácido fólico, para mulheres em idade fértil no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS

Micelle System Based on Molecular Economy Principle for Overcoming Multidrug Resistance and Inhibiting Metastasis.

The high mortality of cancer is mainly attributed to multidrug resistance (MDR) and metastasis. A simple micelle system was constructed here to codeliver doxorubicin (DOX), adjudin (ADD), and nitric oxide (NO) for overcoming MDR and inhibiting metastasis. It was devised based on the "molecular economy" principle as the micelle system was easy to fabricate and exhibited high drug loading efficiency, and importantly, each component of the micelles would exert one or more active functions. DOX acted as the main cell killing agent supplemented with ADD, NO, and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS). MDR was overcome by synergistic effects of mitochondria inhibition agents, TPGS and ADD. A TPGS-based NO donor can be used as a drug carrier, and it can release NO to enhance drug accumulation and penetration in tumor, resulting in a positive cycle of drug delivery. This DOX-ADD conjugate self-assembly system demonstrated controlled drug release, increased cellular uptake and cytotoxicity, enhanced accumulation at tumor site, and improved in vivo metastasis inhibition of breast cancer. The micelles can fully take advantage of the functions of each component, and they provide a potential strategy for nanomedicine design and clinical cancer treatment.

In vitro assessment of nutraceutical compounds and novel nutraceutical formulations in a liver-steatosis-based model.

BACKGROUND: Steatosis is a chronic liver disease that depends on the accumulation of intracellular fatty acids. Currently, no drug treatment has been licensed for steatosis; thus, only nutritional guidelines are indicated to reduce its progression. The aim of this study is to combine different nutraceutical compounds in order to evaluate their synergistic effects on a steatosis in vitro model compared to their separate use. In particular, three different formulations based on silymarin, curcumin, vitamin E, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), choline, and phosphatidylcholine were assayed. METHODS: Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2 cell line) were treated with a mixture of fatty acids in order to induce an in vitro model of steatosic cells, and then the amount of intracellular fat was evaluated by Oil Red O staining. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ (PPARα and γ) expression, closely correlated to lipid metabolism, was evaluated. The efficiency of these receptors was evaluated through the study of LPL mRNA expression, a marker involved in the lipolysis mechanism. Superoxide dismutase (SOD-2) and malondialdehydes (MDA) in lipid peroxidation were assayed as specific biomarkers of oxidative stress. In addition, experiments were performed using human liver cells stressed to obtain a steatosis model. In particular, the content of the intracellular fat was assayed using Oil Red O staining, the activation of PPARα and γ was evaluated through western blotting analyses, and the LPL mRNA expression level was analyzed through qRT-PCR. RESULTS: All formulations proved effective on lipid content reduction of about 35%. The oxidative stress damage was reduced by all the substances separately and even more efficiently by the same in formulation (i.e. Formulation 1 and Formulation 3, which reduced the SOD-2 expression and induced the PPARs activation). Lipid peroxidation, was reduced about 2 fold by foormulation2 and up to 5 fold by the others compared to the cells pretreated with H2O2.Formulation 1, was more effective on PPARγ expression (2.5 fold increase) respect to the other compounds on FA treated hepathocytes. Beside, LPL was activated also by Formulation 3 and resulted in a 5 to 9 fold-increase respect to FA treated control. CONCLUSIONS: Our results proved that the formulations tested could be considered suitable support to face steatosis disease beside the mandatory dietetic regimen.

Associations between management practices and within-pen prevalence of calf diarrhea and respiratory disease on dairy farms using automated milk feeders.

Data on management practices used with automated milk feeders (AMF) are needed to identify factors associated with calf health in these systems. The objectives of this observational, longitudinal, cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of calf diarrhea (CD) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and to identify factors associated with prevalence of these diseases at the pen level on dairy farms feeding milk to group-housed calves with AMF. Seventeen dairy farms with AMF in Ontario, Canada, were visited 4 times, seasonally, over 1 yr. The clinical health of all calves (n = 1,488) in pens (n = 35) with AMF was scored to identify the number of calves with CD and BRD. Data on calf, feeder, and pen management practices were analyzed using generalized linear mixed regression models for each disease. Overall calf-level prevalence of CD and BRD were 23 and 17%, respectively. Median (interquartile range, IQR) within-pen prevalence of CD and BRD were 17% (7 to 37%) and 11% (0 to 28%), respectively. Median age (IQR) for diarrheic calves was 25 d (16 to 42 d), and for calves with BRD was 43 d (29 to 60 d). Factors associated with lower within-pen prevalence of CD were the administration of vitamin E and selenium at birth [odds ratio (OR) = 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32 to 0.99], feeding of probiotics (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.93), and adding fresh bedding every 2 to 3 d (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.76) compared with every 7 or more days. In contrast, sharing air with older cattle (>9 mo old) was associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD (OR = 4.54, 95% CI: 1.88 to 10.52). Additionally, total bacteria counts ≥100,000 cfu/mL in milk samples taken from the AMF mixing jar were associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD during the summer visit (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.31 to 8.54). Increased total solids in milk or milk replacer (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.85) and feeding whole milk versus milk replacer (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.75) were associated with lower within-pen prevalence of BRD. Factors associated with greater within-pen prevalence of BRD were sharing air with weaned cattle up to 8 mo old (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.26 to 8.16), and greater depth of the wet bedding pack. The use of maternity pens for reasons other than just calving was associated with increased prevalence of both CD and BRD (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.33; OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.21 to 5.58, respectively). These results suggest that isolation from older animals and frequent cleaning of the feeder and pen may help to reduce disease prevalence in group-housed calves fed with an AMF.

Assessment of the use of vitamin C and E supplements concomitantly to antibiotic treatment against Helicobacter pylori: A systematic review and meta-analysis. / Evaluación del suplemento de vitaminas C y E en el tratamiento antibiótico contra Helicobacter pylori: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori infections affect almost 50% of the world population, constituting a risk factor for benign and malignant gastrointestinal diseases. The increased resistance to antibiotic treatment against this infection represents a dilemma in the search of other therapeutic alternatives. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of the use of vitaminC and E supplements concomitantly to antibiotic treatment against H. pylori infections. METHODS: We performed a systematic review on the MedLine (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) databases, searching for studies evaluating the efficacy of vitaminC and/or E supplements in the antibiotic treatment of H. pylori infections. The primary outcome was eradication of the infection. The secondary outcome was the adverse effects. The meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects method. RESULTS: Ten studies were included and analyzed in two groups. The first group, which was comprised by 973patients, compared the use of supplementation with vitaminC and E, showing that, without discriminating the number of antibiotics used, there was no relationship with the eradication of the infection (OR: 1.98 [95%CI: 0.92-4.29] P=.08). The triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy had no effect on eradication rates either (OR 1.80 [95%CI: 0.64-5.08] P=.26 and OR: 2.84 [95%CI: 0.51-15.56] P=.22, respectively). No effect on the eradication rates was observed either in the group that only assessed the use of vitaminC, comprised by 702patients (OR: 1.17 [95%CI: 0.58-2.31] P=.65). Only four studies reported adverse effects, the most common one being nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with vitaminC and E in the antibiotic treatment against H. pylori has no effect. However, the reviewed studies had several biases and differences in the dosage of the supplements and antibiotics administered.

Adequacy of Usual Vitamin and Mineral Intake in Spanish Children and Adolescents: ENALIA Study.

Background: The National Dietary Survey on the Child and Adolescent Population in Spain (ENALIA) provides data to assess the usual micronutrient intake among Spanish infants, children, and adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional survey (November 2012-July 2014) of a representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents (six months-17 years) (n = 1862). Dietary information was collected using two non-consecutive one-day food diaries (six months-10 years old) or two 24 h dietary recalls (11 years and older) separated by at least 14 days. Estimates were calculated using the Iowa State University method and PC-SIDE software (version 1.0, department of statistics, center for agricultural and rural development, Ames, IA, USA) to account for within- and between-person variation. Results: Usual intake of vitamin D was insufficient in practically all individuals. Vitamin E, folate, and calcium were insufficient, especially from nine years of age, and magnesium and iodine from 14 years of age. The percentage of subjects with insufficient intakes was higher among females. Sodium intake was excessive in a considerable percentage of the population, especially in males, and it increased with age. Finally, over half of children under four years of age had zinc usual intakes that exceeded the Tolerable Upper Level. Conclusion: Vitamin and mineral intake in Spain should be improved, especially in late childhood and adolescence. Nutritional intervention and educational strategies are needed to promote healthy eating habits and correct micronutrient inadequacies in Spanish children and adolescents.

Non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC) estimated by two different dietary assessment methods and its relationship with NEAC plasma levels.

PURPOSE: We aimed to quantify and compare dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC), estimated using two dietary assessment methods, and to explore its relationship with plasma NEAC. METHODS: Fifty healthy subjects volunteer to participate in this study. Two dietary assessment methods [a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24-hour recall (24-HR)] were used to collect dietary information. Dietary NEAC, including oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), total polyphenols, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, was estimated using several data sources of NEAC content in food. NEAC status was measured in fasting blood samples using the same assays. We performed nonparametric Spearman's correlation analysis between pairs of dietary NEAC (FFQ and 24-HR) and diet-plasma NEAC, with and without the contribution of coffee's NEAC. Partial correlation analysis was used to estimate correlations regardless of variables potentially influencing these relationships. RESULTS: FFQ-based NEAC and 24-HR-based NEAC were moderately correlated, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.54 to 0.71, after controlling for energy intake, age and sex. Statistically significant positive correlations were found for dietary FRAP, either derived from the FFQ or the 24-HR, with plasma FRAP (r ~ 0.30). This weak, albeit statistically significant, correlation for FRAP was mostly present in the fruits and vegetables food groups. Plasma ORAC without proteins and 24-HR-based total ORAC were also positively correlated (r = 0.35). CONCLUSION: The relationship between dietary NEAC and plasma FRAP and ORAC suggests the dietary NEAC may reflect antioxidant status despite its weak in vivo potential, supporting further its use in oxidative stress-related disease epidemiology.

An analysis of the meal pattern at the nutrient level in Polish women.

BACKGROUND: Before the 1990's, access to a variety of foods in Eastern Europe was limited, which could have influenced the currently analyzed dietary behaviors pertaining to overweight and obesity development. The aim of this study was to describe the daily profile of meal patterns in Polish women aged 50-70 at the nutrient level. METHODS: The anthropometrical parameters of four-hundred and fifty Polish women aged 50-70 were assessed. Three 24-hour dietary recalls and validated questionnaires regarding socio-demographic-economic status and meal frequency were applied. Timing in food intake was considered as follow: 6:00-8:59 CET - breakfast, 9:00-11:59 CET - morning snacks, 12:00-14:59 CET - lunch, 15:00-17:59 CET - afternoon snacks, 18:00-21:00 CET - dinner. Statistical analyses were conducted using Tukey's multiple comparison tests and discriminant analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in socio-demographic-economic and anthropometrical characteristics between women categorized to differentiated meal frequency intakes. However, the subjects from the 5-meal-per-day group were characterized by higher anthropometrical parameters, the statistically lowest percentage of regularity in meal consumption and skipping meals related to shortest breaks between meals. At the nutrient level, potassium, niacin, vitamin E and vitamin D were selected in the discriminant analysis as the nutrients most strongly related to different dietary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings did not provide sufficient evidence that diverse nutrient intake could lead to the development of a specific nutritional profile in Polish women.

Nutritional status and eating habits of the institutionalised elderly in Turkey: a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: As the elderly population increases in Turkey, so do the associated health and nutritional problems. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the nutritional status of elderly individuals who live in institutions. METHODS: A total of 102 elderly volunteers was recruited from seven residential homes of the Ministry of Family and Social Policies in Ankara. In the consecutive years of 2007, 2008 and 2009, dietary intake was assessed using a 24-h food recall. Nutritional status was screened using a questionnaire from the Mini-Nutritional Assessment, basic characteristics were determined and anthropometric measurements were assessed. RESULTS: The percentage of elderly participants who were malnourished or at risk for malnutrition increased by the completion of the follow-up (P < 0.05). It was found that energy, total protein, animal proteins, carbohydrates, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc intake of men decreased significantly over the years studied (P < 0.05). A significant decrease occurred among women in animal protein, vitamin B1 , niacin and the percentage of energy from proteins (P < 0.05); however, an increase in energy from fat (P < 0.05) was determined. Within the years studied, the percentage of nutrients meeting the Turkish recommended daily allowances decreased from 2007 to 2009 both in men and women. During the years 2007 to 2009, the percentage of waist circumferences >102 cm for men was 46.4%, 45.6% and 48.1%, respectively, and the percentage of waist circumferences for women >88 cm was 75.6%, 75.6% and 81.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: During the follow-up, significant nutritional changes were determined. To prevent malnutrition, periodical screening of nutritional status should be a priority and a standard policy for elderly people, especially for those institutionalised.

Short term supplementation rates to optimise vitamin E concentration for retail colour stability of Australian lamb meat.

The relationship between vitamin E supplementation rate and colour stability was investigated using 70 mixed sex 6-8 month old crossbred lambs. An initial group of 10 were slaughtered, while the remainder were fed a pellet ration containing either 30, 150, 275 or 400 IU vitamin E/kg ration or on green pasture for 56 days. After slaughter, carcases were halved; one side packed fresh (5 days) and the other in CO2 (21 days), both at 2°C. Five muscles were set for retail display for 96 h. The oxy/metmyoglobin ratio was measured every 12 h. Colour stability increased with increasing muscle vitamin E until an apparent maximum effect for vitamin E concentration (3.5-4.0mg α-tocopherol/kg tissue) was reached beyond which no further response was evident. This was reached within 3-4 weeks (275 IU treatment), and meat from these lambs should reach 60 h retail display with a satisfactory surface colour. This effect was most apparent in aerobic muscle types and meat aged post slaughter.

Effect of the omega-3 fatty acid plus vitamin E supplementation on subjective global assessment score, glucose metabolism, and lipid concentrations in chronic hemodialysis patients.

SCOPE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acid plus vitamin E supplementation on subjective global assessment (SGA) score and metabolic profiles in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 120 chronic HD patients. Participants were randomly divided into four groups to receive: (i) 1250 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid containing 600 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 300 mg docosahexaenoic acid + vitamin E placebo (n = 30), (ii) 400 IU/day vitamin E + omega-3 fatty acids placebo (n = 30), (iii) 1250 mg omega-3 fatty acids/day + 400 IU/day vitamin E (n = 30), and (iv) omega-3 fatty acids placebo + vitamin E placebo (n = 30) for 12 wk. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 12-wk intervention to measure metabolic profiles. Patients who received combined omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplements compared with vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and placebo had significantly decreased SGA score (p < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.01), serum insulin levels (p = 0.001), homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance (p = 0.002), and improved quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E supplementation for 12 wk among HD patients had beneficial effects on SGA score and metabolic profiles.

Vitamin E supplementation ameliorates aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Fungal toxins in nutrition can cause organ dysfunction or even failure. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced renal impairment is not sufficiently studied regarding its extent and prevention. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of AFB1 on renal cortical tissue and whether its possible harmful effect could be prevented by the conventional economical antioxidant, vitamin E. Forty rats were divided into four groups; I-IV. Group I represented the control while the others received vitamin E (Vit E), AFB1 and AFB1+Vit E, respectively. Renal cortex specimens were taken from each group after 25 days. Then, specimens were prepared for histological study by hematoxlyin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, caspase-3 as well as for ultrastructural examination and oxidative stress parameters evaluation. Data were morphometrically and statistically analyzed. In AFB1-treated group, focal tubulo-interstitial affection in the form of tubular cytoplasmic vacuolation, mitochondrial disruption, numerous lysosomes, marked increase in collagen deposition and in caspase-3 expression were observed. Glomerular impairment in the form of fusion of podocytes enlarged foot processes and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) with loss of its trilaminar appearance were detected. In the group treated by AFB1+Vit E, there were minimal affection of the histological structure of the renal cortex as well as significant increase in the anti-oxidative parameters which were significantly decreased in the AFB1-treated group. Therefore, Vit E could be considered in wide experimental studies to be a first choice antioxidant of high cost-effectiveness in prevention of fungal toxins pro-oxidant-induced renal impairment.

Assessment of vibration of effects due to model specification can demonstrate the instability of observational associations.

OBJECTIVES: Model specification-what adjusting variables are analytically modeled-may influence results of observational associations. We present a standardized approach to quantify the variability of results obtained with choices of adjustments called the "vibration of effects" (VoE). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We estimated the VoE for 417 clinical, environmental, and physiological variables in association with all-cause mortality using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. We selected 13 variables as adjustment covariates and computed 8,192 Cox models for each of 417 variables' associations with all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We present the VoE by assessing the variance of the effect size and in the -log10(P-value) obtained by different combinations of adjustments. We present whether there are multimodality patterns in effect sizes and P-values and the trajectory of results with increasing adjustments. For 31% of the 417 variables, we observed a Janus effect, with the effect being in opposite direction in the 99th versus the 1st percentile of analyses. For example, the vitamin E variant α-tocopherol had a VoE that indicated higher and lower risk for mortality. CONCLUSION: Estimating VoE offers empirical estimates of associations are under different model specifications. When VoE is large, claims for observational associations should be very cautious.

Dietary intake of calcium, vitamins A and E and bleeding on probing in Sri Lankan preschoolers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of gingival bleeding on probing and the associations between dietary intake of calcium, vitamins A and E and gingival bleeding on probing in Sri Lankan preschool children. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: 784 children aged 48-72 months attending preschools in the Kegalle district and their mothers/carers. RESULTS: The prevalence of gingival bleeding on probing was 52.9%. A Poisson logistic regression model revealed that children with a high daily dietary intake of calcium were less likely to have gingival bleeding on probing than those with low intake (PR=0.80; 95%CI 0.64,0.98). Also prevalence of gingival bleeding was higher in children: with plaque on their teeth; whose mothers were not employed; or, were from families with three or more children. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gingivitis was high in the children and the findings suggest that high levels of dietary calcium intake are associated with reduced gingival bleeding in preschool children.

Micronutrient intakes among children and adults in Greece: the role of age, sex and socio-economic status.

The aim of the present study was to report the usual nutrient intakes of sixteen micronutrients by schoolchildren, adults and the elderly in Greece and to further explore the role of age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) on meeting the recommended nutrient intakes. Dietary intake, demographic and SES data from three existing studies conducted in Greece (in 9-13-year-old children; 40-60-year-old adults; and 50-75-year-old women) were collected. The prevalence of study participants with inadequate micronutrient intakes were assessed using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method. Regarding sex and age differences, the highest prevalences of inadequate nutrient intakes occurred in post-menopausal women. In both sexes and all age groups, the prevalence of vitamin D intake below EAR reached 100%. Furthermore, nutrient intakes of 75% or more below EAR were found for vitamin E in all age groups, folate in women and for calcium and magnesium in post-menopausal women (p < 0.05). Regarding SES differences, the prevalences of inadequate calcium and vitamin C intakes were higher for children and postmenopausal women of lower SES compared to their higher SES counterparts (p < 0.05). The current study reported the highest prevalences of inadequate intakes for both sexes and all age and SES groups for calcium, folate and vitamins D and E. These findings could provide guidance to public health policy makers in terms of updating current dietary guidelines and fortifying foods to meet the needs of all population subgroups.

Assessment of antioxidant supplementation on the neuropathic pain score and quality of life in diabetic neuropathy patients - a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. The appropriate goals in the management of diabetes include maintaining blood glucose levels as close to the normal range as possible, minimizing the adverse effects of free radicals by enhancing antioxidant defenses. Supplementation with appropriate vitamins may therefore be of value in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. METHODS: A total of 92 patients with diabetic neuropathy were enrolled in this randomized controlled study from the general medicine department of a tertiary care hospital. Patients were randomized into two groups viz., usual care (n = 46) and intervention group (n = 46). Usual care group patients received pregabalin with oral hypoglycemic agents. Patients in the intervention group received vitamin-E along with their regular medicines. Pain intensity and quality of life (QoL) of patients were assessed using Neuropathy Pain Score and RAND 36 questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed for the levels of random blood sugar level and HbA(1c) at the baseline and on the 12th week. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the random blood sugar level was observed in intervention group when compared with the usual care group and a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in total pain score, and a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in physical health after 12 week treatment of vitamin-E was observed. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that vitamin-E is a natural antioxidant and it is found to be effective in reducing pain score in diabetic neuropathy patients. The future studies may be directed towards extended duration of action.