Obesity, bariatric surgery and oxidative stress / Obesidade, cirurgia bariátrica e estresse oxidativo

Summary Introduction: Obesity refers to the accumulation of fatty tissues and it favors the occurrence of oxidative stress. Alternatives that can contribute to body weight reduction have been investigated in order to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for tissue damage. The aim of the current study was to assess whether the oxidant and antioxidant markers of obese women before and after bariatric surgery were able to reduce oxidative damage. Method: We have assessed 16 morbidly obese women five days before and 180 days after the surgery. The control group comprised 16 non-obese women. Levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, carbonylated proteins, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid were assessed in the patients' plasma. Results: Levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in the pre-surgical obese women were higher than those of the controls and post-surgical obese women. Levels of reduced glutathione in the pre-surgical obese women were high compared to the controls, and declined after surgery. Levels of ascorbic acid fell in the pre--surgical obese women compared to the control and post-surgical obese women. Conclusion: Body weight influences the production of reactive oxygen species. Bariatric surgery, combined with weight loss and vitamin supplementation, reduces cellular oxidation, thus reducing tissue damage.

Resumo Introdução: Na obesidade, verifica-se um acúmulo de tecido adiposo, o que favorece a ocorrência de estresse oxidativo. A fim de diminuir a produção das espécies reativas que levam a danos teciduais, buscam-se alternativas que contribuam para a redução do peso corporal. Este estudo avaliou se os marcadores oxidantes e antioxidantes de obesas antes e após cirurgia bariátrica reduziram o dano oxidativo. Método: Foram avaliadas 16 mulheres obesas mórbidas cinco dias antes e 180 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. O grupo controle constituiu-se de 16 mulheres não obesas. Os níveis das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, das proteínas carboniladas, da glutationa reduzida e do ácido ascórbico foram avaliados no plasma dessas pacientes. Resultados: Os níveis de lipoperoxidação e da carbonilação de proteínas nas obesas pré-cirúrgicas eram mais elevados quando comparados ao controle e às obesas pós-cirúrgicas; os níveis de glutationa reduzida eram maiores nas obesas pré-cirúrgicas em comparação ao controle e diminuíram após a cirurgia; os níveis de ácido ascórbico eram menores nas obesas pré-cirúrgicas em relação ao controle e às obesas pós-cirúrgicas. Conclusão: Observou-se que a massa corporal influenciou na produção das espécies reativas. A cirurgia bariátrica, somada à perda de peso e à suplementação vitamínica, diminui a oxidação celular e, com isso, reduz os danos teciduais.

Bone mineral density in short bowel syndrome: correlation with BMI and serum vitamins C, E and K

Objective Bone loss has been established as a major extra-intestinal complication of short bowel syndrome (SBS). The purpose of this study was to correlate bone mineral density (BMD) with body mass index (BMI), serum vitamin and mineral levels in patients with SBS.Material and methods The study was conducted on 13 patients (8 male and 5 female, 54.7 ± 11.4 years) with SBS (residual small bowel length of 10 to 100 cm). We determined the food ingestion, anthropometry, serum levels of vitamins C, A, D, E and K, as well as serum and urinary levels of phosphorus and calcium. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Results Osteopenia and osteoporosis was diagnosed in all but one SBS patient. Serum levels of vitamin D were low in all volunteers. Sixty-one percent of patients had vitamin E deficiency; hypovitaminosis A and C occurred in one subject. BMI and C, E and K vitamin serum levels correlated with T-score of BMD.Conclusions Osteopenia and osteoporosis were common in SBS patients. There was a correlation between BMD and the serum levels of vitamins C, E and K, an indicative that such vitamins may influence bone health. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(3):252-8.

Evaluation of clinical and laboratory variables associated with anemia in pediatric patients on hemodialysis / Avaliação de variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais associadas à anemia em pacientes pediátricos em hemodiálise

OBJECTIVE: To identify the occurrence of anemia in pediatric patients on hemodialysis and the association between hemoglobin levels and anemia in CKD-related variables. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Patients aged up to 18 years with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis at this service between January of 2009 and December of 2010 were selected. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-squared test, Student's t-test and general estimating equations (GEE) using SPSS 20.0, assuming a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 357 medical records depicting the monthly evolution of 29 patients were analyzed. The most common etiology for chronic kidney disease was malformations of the genitourinary tract (28%). Hemoglobin showed a mean (standard deviation) value of 9.20 (1.8) g/dL, with the occurrence of anemia in 65.3% of cases. Anemia was associated with hospitalization; antibiotic use; transfusion; use of intravenous iron hydroxide; low values of creatinine, hematocrit, and albumin; and high values of ferritin, aluminum, and equilibrated Kt/V (p < 0.05). The odds ratio for anemia with the use of intravenous iron hydroxide was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.89), i.e., a 2.78-fold higher chance of developing anemia without the use of this medication. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia predominated in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease; intravenous iron hydroxide use was a protective factor. .

OBJETIVO: Identificar a ocorrência de anemia entre pacientes pediátricos em hemodiálise e a associação entre os valores de hemoglobina e variáveis relacionadas à anemia na DRC. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo. Selecionados pacientes até 18 anos com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise no serviço entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2010. Verificados prontuários para coleta de dados clínicos e laboratoriais. Análise estatística com testes de qui-quadrado, t de Student e General Estimating Equations (GEE) em programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0, assumindo-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Analisadas 357 fichas de evolução médica mensal de 29 pacientes. A etiologia mais frequente para a doença renal crônica foram as malformações do trato genito-urinário (28%). Hemoglobina apresentou valor médio (desvio padrão) de 9,20 (1,8) g/dL, com ocorrência de anemia em 65,3% das consultas. Anemia associou-se a internação, uso de antibiótico, transfusão, uso de hidróxido de ferro endovenoso, valores baixos de creatinina, hematócrito e albumina e valores altos de ferritina, alumínio e Kt/V equilibrado (p < 0,05). A odds ratio para anemia com uso de hidróxido de ferro endovenoso foi 0,36 (95% IC 0,25-0,89), ou seja, uma chance 2,78 vezes maior de desenvolver anemia sem o uso dessa medicação. CONCLUSÕES: A anemia predominou em crianças e adolescentes com doença renal crônica, tendo como fator protetor o uso de hidróxido de ferro endovenoso. .

Vitamin C Deficiency of Korean Homeless Patients Visiting to Emergency Department with Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Vitamins are essential micronutrients for maintenance of tissue functions. Vitamin deficiency is one of the most serious and common health problems among both chronic alcoholics and the homeless. However, the vitamin-level statuses of such people have been little studied. We evaluated the actual vitamin statuses of alcoholic homeless patients who visited an emergency department (ED). In this study the blood levels of vitamins B1, B12, B6, and C of 217 alcoholic homeless patients were evaluated retrospectively in a single urban teaching hospital ED. Vitamin C deficiency was observed in 84.3% of the patients. The vitamin B1, B12, and B6 deficiency rates, meanwhile, were 2.3%, 2.3%, and 23.5%, respectively. Comparing the admitted patients with those who were discharged, only the vitamin C level was lower. (P=0.003) In fact, the patients' vitamin C levels were markedly diminished, vitamin C replacement therapy for homeless patients should be considered in EDs.

Evaluation of some biochemical changes in diabetic patients

The present study consisted of 50 subjects were classified into three groups; Group [GI] Control group consisted of 10 clinically healthy adult subjects of both sexes free from any liver, kidney or cardiovascular diseases. Group [GII] diabetes mellitus type 1 consisted of 20 patients of both sexes. Group [GIII] diabetes mellitus type 1 with nephropathy consisted of 20 patients of both sexes. All subjects were undergo to the following investigated parameters; Ascorbic acid [vitamin C], Catalase, Total antioxidant capacity, Aldolase and Pyruvate kinase enzyme. vitamins C, catalase, total antioxidant capacity enzymes were highly significant decreased [P < 0. 01] in diabetes mellitus type 1 [GII] and diabetes mellitus type 1 with nephropathy [GIII] when compared to the control group. Adolase activity was highly significant increased [P < 0. 01] in diabetes mellitus type 1 with nephropathy [GIII] when compared to the control group. Pyruvate Kinase activity was highly significant increased [P < 0. 01] in diabetes mellitus type 1 [GII] when compared to the control group. The antioxidant and enzymes can be used for follow up in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type 1 and predict other complications

Protective role of vitamins C and E in diclorvos-induced oxidative stress in human erythrocytes in vitro

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides such as dichlorvos (DDVP) intoxication has been shown to produce oxidative stress due to the generation of free radicals, which alter the antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes. In this study, the effects of DDVP (1, 10, 100 µM) or DDVP + vitamin C (VC; 10 µM) or vitamin E (VE; 30 µM), on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in human erythrocytes were examined in vitro. There were no statistical differences between all groups for 1 µM concentration of DDVP. Treatment with DDVP alone produced an increase in the level of MDA and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05). Groups treated with vitamins and DDVP showed protective effects of vitamins against DDVP-induced changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation (LPO) (10 µM). At 100 µM concentration of DDVP vitamins had no effect on DDVP-induced toxicity. The results show that administration of DDVP resulted in the induction of erythrocyte LPO and alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved in the toxic effects of DDVP. Also the data show that the plasma level of VC and VE may ameliorate OP-induced oxidative stress by decreasing LPO in erythrocytes at certain doses of OP pesicides.

An amperometric cholesterol biosensor based on epoxy resin membrane bound cholesterol oxidase.

Background & objectives: The use of epoxy resin membrane as a support for immobilization of enzyme has resulted into improved sensitivity and stability of biosensors for uric acid, ascorbic acid and polyphenols. The present work was aimed to prepare an improved amperometric biosensor for determination of serum cholesterol required in the diagnostics and management of certain pathological conditions. Methods: Epoxy resin membrane with immobilized cholesterol oxidase was mounted on the cleaned platinum (Pt) electrode with a parafilm to construct a working electrode. This working electrode along with Ag/AgCl as reference and Ag wire as an auxiliary electrode were connected through a three terminal electrometer to construct a cholesterol biosensor. Results: The sensor showed optimum response within 25 sec at pH 7.0 and 45°C. The linear working range of biosensor was 1.0 to 8.0 mM cholesterol. Km and Imax for cholesterol were 5.0 mM and 9.09 μA, respectively. The biosensor measured serum cholesterol. The minimum detection limit of the sensor was 1.0 mM. The mean analytical recoveries of added cholesterol in serum (2.84 and 4.13 mM) were 91.4±2.8 and 92.3±3.1 per cent (n=6), respectively. Within and between assay coefficient of variation (CV) were <2 and <4 per cent, respectively. Biosensor had a storage life of 6 months at 4°C. Interpretation & conclusions: The use of epoxy resin membrane as a support for immobilization of cholesterol oxidase has resulted into an improved amperometric cholesterol biosensor. The present biosensor had an advantage over the existing biosensors as it worked at comparatively lower potential.

Análise da vitamina C sérica e ingerida e estresse oxidativo em crianças e adolescentes infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana / Analysis of serum and supplemented vitamin C and oxidative stress in HIV-infected children and adolescents

OBJETIVOS: Verificar adequação do consumo de vitamina C em crianças e adolescentes infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), avaliar níveis séricos da vitamina e indicadores de estresse oxidativo, comparar ao grupo não infectado, correlacionar a vitamina sérica ao estresse oxidativo e associá-los segundo os valores de referência. MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional transversal comparativo. Dois grupos com 27 crianças e adolescentes cada, de 3 a 19 anos, sendo G1 infectados pelo HIV por transmissão vertical atendidos em ambulatório regional e G2 indivíduos convidados sem histórico de infecção pelo HIV. Foram pareados por sexo, idade e condição socioeconômica. Avaliou-se: antropometria (índice de massa corporal para idade), ingestão e consumo do micronutriente, análise sérica da vitamina C, proteína C reativa e albumina. RESULTADOS: Idade média encontrada de 12 anos, prevalência do sexo feminino (17 - 63%) e da classe econômica C (27 - 50%). Diagnóstico nutricional prevalente foi eutrofia em 20 (74,1%) em G1 e 21 (77,8%) em G2. O consumo de vitamina C foi significativamente maior em G1 (p = 0,006; t = 2,987) pelo método recordatório 24 horas. Houve diferença significativa da dosagem sérica de vitamina C, sendo menor em G1 (p = 0,000; t = -7,309). Em relação ao estresse oxidativo, os valores da proteína C reativa em G1 foram significativamente maiores (p = 0,007; t = 2,958). Não houve relação entre deficiência da vitamina, proteína C reativa e albumina. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados mostram que indivíduos infectados pelo HIV apresentam baixos valores da vitamina C, não relacionados à alimentação, uma vez que o consumo desse micronutriente foi superior ao grupo comparativo, que não apresentou essa depleção. Existem peculiaridades nos indivíduos infectados que aumentam o estresse oxidativo, evidenciado pelo aumento da proteína C reativa.

OBJECTIVES: To assess adequacy of vitamin C intake in HIV-infected children and adolescents; to evaluate serum levels of vitamin C and indicators of oxidative stress; to compare with the uninfected group; to correlate serum vitamin C with oxidative stress and associate them according to the reference values. METHODS: Comparative cross-sectional study. Two groups of 27 children and adolescents each, aged between 3 to 19 years. Group 1 (G1) comprised individuals vertically infected with HIV seen at a regional outpatient clinic. Group 2 (G2) comprised invited individuals without history of HIV infection. The groups were matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. The following variables were analyzed: body mass index for age; micronutrient intake and consumption; and serum vitamin C, C-reactive protein (CRP), and albumin. RESULTS: The mean age was 12 years old. Most subjects were female (17, 63%), and there was prevalence of the economic class C (27, 50%). The most prevalent nutritional status was normal weight in 20 individuals (74.1%) in G1 and 21 (77.8%) in G2. The intake of vitamin C was significantly higher in G1 (p = 0.006; t = 2.987) according to the 24-hour dietary recall method. There were significant differences in serum vitamin C concentration between the groups, with a lower level in G1 (p = 0.000; t = -7.309). In relation to oxidative stress, values of CRP in G1 were significantly higher (p = 0.007; t = 2.958). There was no association between deficiency of vitamin, CRP, and albumin. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that HIV-infected individuals have low levels of vitamin C; however, this deficiency is not related to eating habits, since the intake of this nutrient was higher in this group than in the control group. HIV-infected individuals have specific characteristics that increase their oxidative stress, which is evidenced by increased CRP.

Avaliação do estresse oxidativo no sangue de consumidores habituais de suco de laranja / Evaluation of serum oxidative stress in regular consumers of orange juice

Dois biomarcadores do estresse oxidativo foram avaliados em indivíduos saudáveis que receberam doses diárias de suco de laranja, notadamente uma fonte de vitamina C e de flavanonas, que têm sido associadas aos efeitos antioxidante, anti-inflamatório e hipolipidêmico. A capacidade antioxidante do soro sanguíneo foi avaliada através da redução do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila (DPPH) e a peroxidação lipídica foi avaliada pela presença de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Os resultados mostraram que após o período de suplementação com o suco de laranja houve um aumento 150% na capacidade antioxidante no soro das mulheres e 200% no soro dos homens (p<0,001), mas não houve alteração na peroxidação lipídica no sangue dos voluntários. Concluindo, o aumento das reservas de flavanonas e de vitamina C, decorrente da ingestão regular de suco de laranja, melhorou expressivamente a capacidade antioxidante no sangue, sem, entretanto, apresentar efeito sobre a peroxidação lipídica.

Two biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated in healthy volunteers treated with daily doses of orange juice that is well known source of vitamin C and citric flavanones, which have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects. The antioxidant capacity in the blood serum was evaluated by studying the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, and also lipid peroxidation was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) assay. The results have shown that the regular consumption of orange juice increased 150% and 200% the serum antioxidant capacity for women and men respectively, but it was no significant change in the serum lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, the increase of flavonones and vitamin C in the body due to the regular intake of orange juice expressively improved the antioxidant capacity, but without significant effect on the lipid peroxidation.

Total antioxidant capacity in Eales’ disease, uveitis & cataract.

Background & objectives: The human system possesses antioxidants that act harmoniously to neutralize the harmful oxidants. This study was aimed to evaluate the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as a single parameter in Eales’ disease (ED) and in an acute inflammatory condition such as uveitis and in cataract which is chronic, compared to healthy controls. Methods: The TAC assay was done spectrophotometrically in the serum of Eales’ disease cases (n=20) as well as in other ocular pathologies involving oxidative stress namely, uveitis and cataract (n=20 each). The oxidative stress measured in terms of TBARS, was correlated with the TAC. Individual antioxidants namely vitamin C, E and glutathione were also estimated and correlated with TAC. Results: TAC was found to be significantly lower in Eales’ disease with active vasculitis (0.28 ± 0.09 mM, P<0.001), Eales’ disease with healed vasculitis (0.67 ± 0.09 mM), uveitis (0.46 ± 0.09 mM, P<0.001) and cataract (0.53 ± 0.1 mM, P=0.001) compared to the healthy controls, with a TAC level of 0.77 ± 0.09 mM. The TAC was found to correlate positively with vitamin E levels (P=0.05), GSH (P=0.02) but not with vitamin C, as seen in ED cases. In ED cases supplemented with vitamin E and C, there was a significant increase in the TAC level (P=0.02). Interpretation & conclusions: The TAC measurement provided a comprehensive assay for establishing a link between the antioxidant capacity and the risk of disease as well as monitoring antioxidant therapy. This method is a good substitute for assay of individual antioxidants as it clearly gives the status of the oxidative stress in the disease process.

Non-enzymatic antioxidant status of women using four different methods of contraception

To investigate antioxidant status of women on four different methods of contraception. Sixty non-pregnant women aged 16-45 years on oral contraceptive pills, injectables, Norplant and intra-uterine contraceptive devices [IUD] attending the Family Planning Clinics of the University College Hospital [UCH] and Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan were recruited for the study. Fifty-eight apparently healthy women aged 16-45 years who were not on any contraceptive served as a control group. The body mass index [BMI] of all participants [subjects and controls] was determined following standard protocol. Serum levels of ascorbic acid, tocopherol, malondialdehyde, bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, total protein and albumin were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Progesterone was estimated by the chemilumiscence method while selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry [AAS]. The BMI was significant in women on oral contraceptive pills [OCP] when compared to the control group [P<0.05] but insignificant [P>0.05] in intra-uterine device [IUD], injectables and Norplant users. The mean serum ascorbic acid [P<0.01], tocopherol [P<0.05], total protein [P<0.01], albumin [P<0.05], uric acid [P<0.05], selenium [P<0.01] of women on OCP were significantly lower when compared to the control group but insignificant [P>0.05] in users of other contraceptive methods. Serum levels of malondialdehyde was significantly elevated in women on OCP [P<0.01] than in control group and insignificant P>0.05] in users of other contraceptive methods. There was no significant association between progesterone and antioxidants in women on OCP, IUD, injectables and Norplant. Oral contraceptive pills showed a significant decreasing effect on the antioxidant status of its users while IUD, injectables and Norplant did not indicate any significant effect. Routine monitoring of the antioxidant status of women on different methods of contraceptive particularly those on OCP is recommended

Serum antioxidant vitamins changes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a disease characterized by unovulation and formation of immature follicles result in menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenemia, hirsutism and infertility. This study was aimed to show the changes in oxidative status in these women, in accordance to changes in serum antioxidant vitamins A,C,E. Thirty Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome women included in this study, their serum FSH, LH, Prolactin and testosterone hormones were measured .also serum concentrations of vitamin A, C, E were determined. These women are divided into three groups according to their hormonal changes. Group [1] involves women with high level of prolactin. Group [2] involves women with LH/FSH ratio more than one. Group [3] involves women with LH/FSH ratio less than one. All groups are compared with 10 apparently healthy fertile women. All groups show significant decrease in serum concentrations of vitamins in compare with control women .This indicates different hormonal changes increase oxidative stress in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome women by different mechanisms. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome produce significant reductions in serum antioxidant vitamins A, C and E when compared with control

Antioxidant level in normal and dialyzed patients using frap method

To examine the serum antioxidant levels like vit-C, vit-E and glutathione in patients with renal diseases who were subjected to dialysis and to evaluate the antioxidant by FRAP method. To find out the involvement of free radicals in pathogenesis of renal disease. Fifty patients with high levels of creatinine and urea level were included in the study of dialysis. A difference of antioxidant level of vit-C, vit-E and glutathione was observed. The study therefore suggests the importance of assessing these marker oxidative stress antioxidant capacities in renal disease during dialysis

Analysis of myenteric neurons of the cecum of diabetic rats after supplementation with ascorbic acid / Análisis de neuronas mientéricas del ciego de ratas diabéticas después de suplementación con ácido ascórbico

The objective of this work was to investigate the neuroprotective action of the ascorbic acid over the myenteric neurons in the cecum of Wistar rats, four months after induction of the diabetes mellitus experimental with streptozotocin. Three groups with five rats each were used: C- controls, D- diabetic, DA- diabetic treated with ascorbic acid. For evidentiation of the myenteric neurons was carried out to Giemsa's technique. Were evaluated the areas of cell bodies of 500 neurons in each group studied. The quantitative analysis was carried out in an area of 16.6 mm2 in each cecum studied. In the animals diabetic observed elevation of the glycemia and glycated hemoglobin. The supplementation with ascorbic acid was effective under the myenteric neurons of the cecum of diabetics rays, since was presented the effect neuroprotective and neurotrofic.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue verificar el efecto neuroprotector del ácido ascórbico sobre las neuronas mientéricas en el ciego de Rattus Wistar, cuatro meses después de la inducción de diabetes mellitus experimental con estreptozotocina. Utilizamos tres grupos de animales: C- control, D- diabético, DA- diabético tratado con ácido ascórbico. Para la observación de las neuronas mientéricas fue llevado a cabo la técnica de Giemsa. Fueron evaluadas las áreas del soma de 500 neuronas, en cada grupo estudiado. El análisis cuantitativo fue llevado a cabo, en cada ciego, en un área de 16,6 mm². En los animales diabéticos, se observó la elevación de la glicemia y de la hemoglobina glicosilada. La suplementación con ácido ascórbico fue efectiva en las neuronas mientéricas del ciego de animales diabéticos, ya que se produjeron los efectos neuroprotetor y neurotrófico.

Concentrations of Blood Vitamin A, C, E, Coenzyme Q10 and Urine Cotinine Related to Cigarette Smoking Exposure / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: In smokers, smoking causes many disease entities including cancers, chronic pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Passive smoking is also accepted as a carcinogen and its adverse health effects are emphasized. We measured blood vitamin A, C, E (alpha-, beta- and gamma-tocopherol), coenzyme Q10 and urine cotinine concentrations in nonsmokers and smokers. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy nonsmokers and 24 healthy smokers were included in this study. Smoking status was assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. Plasma was analyzed for coenzyme Q10 and serum for vitamin A, C, E using HPLC (Agilent Technologies Inc., USA) and random urine for cotinine using LC/tandem mass spectrometry (Applied Biosystems Inc., Canada). RESULTS: Smokers had significantly lower serum concentrations of vitamin C than nonsmokers (P=0.0005). No significant differences in concentrations of serum vitamin A, E, and plasma coenzyme Q10 were observed. Smokers had highly elevated urine cotinine levels (1,454+/-903 ng/mL). In 16 (76.2%) of 21 nonsmokers, urine cotinine was detected (3.25+/-4.08 ng/mL). The correlations between urine cotinine and blood antioxidants levels were not found. Neither, the correlation between smoking status and blood antioxidants & urine cotinine was found. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that smokers had significantly lower vitamin C levels among nonenzymatic antioxidants, namely, vitamin A, C, E and coenzyme Q10. High detection rate of urine cotinine in nonsmokers show the seriousness of passive smoking exposure, therefore more social efforts should be directed to reduce passive smoking exposure.

Effects of socio demographic factors on plasma ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol anti oxidants during pregnancy

To assess the plasma levels of vitamins C and E at the various stages of pregnancy and to correlate their plasma levels with the socio-demographic factors of pregnant Nigerians. The pregnant cases [n=180] were randomly selected according to gestational ages. And the controls [n=20] were non-pregnant women of the same age. Plasma levels of both vitamins were assayed with well established laboratory methods. The mean plasma vitamins C and E in the pregnant cases was lower [by 17-23%] than controls across the three trimesters, p<0.0001. The correlation of vitamin C versus maternal age was significant; r=- 0.59, p<0.05; the mean plasma level of vitamin C declined by 57% as the maternal age increases from 22-37 years. The mean plasma Ascorbic acid and Alpha-tocopherol are reduced during pregnancy and socio-demographic factors have mild effects on the plasma levels of these vitamins

Current maternal-infant micronutrient status and the effects on birth weight in the United Arab Emirates

Micronutrient deficiencies exist among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates but the effects of maternal micronutrient deficiency on fetal growth are not well documented. To investigate the association between micronutrients and birth weight, we measured maternal and cord blood micronutrients [vitamin A, C, D, and E] and ferritin in 84 term, singleton infants born to healthy Arab and South Asian women at Al-Ain hospital. Median serum ascorbic acid and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-OHD] concentrations were low in mothers and infants. In multivariate analysis, maternal serum 25-OHD correlated positively with birth weight while serum ferritin showed a negative correlation

Antioxidants in HIV positive children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the antioxidant status in HIV positive children. METHODS: HIV positive children under the age group of 3-12 years from lower socio-economic strata were chosen for the study (Group 1). The values were compared with normal children (Group 2) not suffering from any disease in the same age group and similar socio-economic strata. The antioxidants chosen for the present study were vitamin A (Retinol), vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). RESULTS: Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using student 't' test (in the present study 'z' test was applied). The antioxidants vitamin A, C and E decreased in HIV positive children as compared to controls. Vitamin A was significant to the level of p< 0.01 and vitamin C and E to the level of p< 0.001 and p< 0.02 respectively. CONCLUSION: The decrease in antioxidants A, C and E in HIV positive children is due to increased utilization of antioxidant micronutrients because of increased oxidative stress caused due to free radicals.

[Effects of iron supplementation with or without vitamin C on Zn and vitamin C status in iron-deficient university female students]

Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are one the most important health problems in the world. Iron supplementation can reduce both Zn absorption and plasma vitamin C concentration. In this study, effects of iron supplementation with and without ascorbic acid on Zn and vitamin C status in iron-deficient university female students have been studied. This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Sixty non-anemic iron-deficient [NAID] girls were selected from 289 female students at Fatemeh Zahra [PBUH] dormitory, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. They were divided randomly into 2 groups, receiving either 50 mg/d elemental iron supplement [group I, intervention] or the supplement plus 500 mg/d ascorbic acid [group II, control] for 12 weeks. Blood analysis was made at the beginning and the end of the 6thand 12th weeks in the two groups. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations were measured using cell-counter and ELISA, respectively. Serum zinc and iron concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and plasma vitamin C was analyzed by the 2, 4-DNPH method. The Student's t and repeated-measures tests were employed to analyze the data using the SPSS software. The serum zinc level was not initially significantly different between the two groups. It decreased from 80.9 +/- 4.2 to 68.9 +/- 2.7 and from 81.2 +/- 4.5 to 66.1 +/- 2.9 mg/dl by the 6th week in groups I and II, respectively [p<0.001], but by the 12th week it increased significantly to the preintervention value of 79 +/- 2.9 mg/dl [p < 0.01] in group I and, non-significantly, to 70.5 +/- 3.1 in group n. On the other hand, plasma vita D1 in C increased from 3.0 +/- 0.1 to 3.3 +/- 0.2 mg/l [NS] in group 1 and from 2.7 +/- 0.1 to 4.2 +/- 0.2 mg/l [p < 0.01] in group II by the 6th week. The incremental trend in group n continued between the 6thand 12th weeks [3.3 +/- 0.2 to 4.7 +/- 0.3 mg/l in group I, and 4.2 +/- 0.2 to 7.1 +/- 0.2 mg/l in group II; in both cases p < 0.001]. Serum ferritin and iron levels increased significantly in both groups [p < 0.01]. Iron supplementation with and without vitamin C in iron-deficient female students causes serum Zn reduction after 6 weeks. However, the decreasing trend stops after repletion of iron stores, the Zn level returning to the baseline value. Twelve weeks of iron supplementation does not seem to cause reductions in the serum zinc and plasma vitamin C levels in this age group

Nutritional status of some micronutrients and trace elements in patients with phenylketonuria

Children with special needs; those having inborn errors of metabolism are prone to certain micronutrient deficiencies either due to rigid therapeutic dietary restriction, aversion to certain food stuffs or due to recurrent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. This will eventually ensue if no parallel specific elemental replacement measures are carried out. Micronutrient deficiencies often occur concurrently, and there are many interactions between micronutrients. Children with phenylketonuria [PKU] are treated with semi-synthetic formula containing low phenylalanine [Phe] content. It provides the majority of protein and energy in the diet while the rest of phenylalanine are met by low protein natural foods. Because of the restricted intake of high biological value protein, children with PKU are often expected to have lower than normal plasma concentrations of certain micronutrients. The aim of the study is to assess the effects of phenylalanine restricted diet on the growth of our PKU patients after one year of dietary management. We also aimed to investigate the nutritional status of the following trace elements and micro-nutrients; zinc, copper, vitamins C, E, A, and B-carotene among 17 PKU patients following dietary coupled with multivitamin supplementation. Data were compared to those of their matched normal controls. PKU patients were found to have marginal vitamin A deficiency as the mean plasma level was 25.2 +/- 6.62ug/dl versus 48.5 +/- 10.1ug/dl of their control. The difference was very highly significant [p<0.0001]. Mean plasma levels of B-carotene was also less than that of controls with a highly significant difference [50.65 +/- 15.37ug/dl Vs.-75.80 +/- 19.60ug/dl; p<0.001]. Mean plasma levels of zinc, copper, vitamins C and E were comparable to those of controls without statistical significance [p>0.05]. Physical growth parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. A basic nutritional care plan for dietary intervention managing PKU children should involve periodic assessment of protein and calorie nutritional status in addition to regular careful evaluation of micronutrient nutritional status