Biochemical deficiency of pyridoxine does not affect interleukin-2 production of lymphocytes from patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that pyridoxine deficiency may alter the immune response. It is not known whether a deficiency of this vitamin is evident in subjects with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). OBJECTIVE: We studied whether subjects with primary SS showed a biochemical deficiency of pyridoxine, and if it is associated with abnormal production of interleukin-2 from lymphocytes stimulated in vitro with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). DESIGN: Two studies were conducted, (i) biochemical and nutritional assessments were performed in a cross-over study in subjects with primary SS, who were supplemented with 25 mg/day of pyridoxine or placebo for 3 months. After 1 month washout, they were supplemented for 3 months with placebo, (ii) patients with SS and matched controls received pyridoxine or placebo for 45 days, and a blood sample was obtained to study IL-2 production and expression in T-lymphocytes stimulated with PHA. RESULTS: Subjects with primary SS showed limited dietary intake of pyridoxine and biochemical deficiency of this vitamin assessed through the activation coefficient of the erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase. The biochemical deficiency did not affect production nor mRNA expression of IL-2 from T-lymphocytes stimulated in vitro with PHA compared with the control group. Supplementation of subjects with primary SS with 25 mg/day with pyridoxine for 45 days did not produce any significant change as compared to those patients supplemented with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with primary SS showed biochemical deficiency of pyridoxine, possibly due to limited intake of this vitamin which was corrected by supplementation with pyridoxine. However, IL-2 production and mRNA expression from stimulated lymphocytes were unaffected by supplementation, probably because the deficiency was not severe enough to affect the immune system. SPONSORSHIP: This work was supported by the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mexico, grant no. 212226-5-0902PM.

[Addition of vitamins and minerals to corn and wheat flour in Mexico]. / Adición de vitaminas y minerales a harinas de maíz y de trigo en México.

In Mexico, marginal micronutrient deficiency is widespread and affects the health status and function of many Mexicans. A program to add nutrients to corn and wheat flour has been promoted by the Ministry of Health. This document describes the scientific and technological bases of the program. The main objective is to restore the nutrients which are lost during cereal processing to obtain flour and food products. Also, certain nutrients which are known to be deficient in a high proportion of Mexicans, and which should be supplemented in the diet for the benefit of the population are also included. In the definition of the formula to be added to flours various other factors were considered such as the absorption levels of the nutrients, potential interactions among them and a wide range of security to eliminate the risk of an adverse effect on health even at the highest level of food intake. Finally, the most appropriate compounds to be added to flours are suggested considering their reactivity and their possible negative effects on the stability of flour, as well as the bioavailability, market availability and cost. The recommended compounds were 5 mg/kg of thiamine (thiamine mononitrate), 3 mg/kg of riboflavin (riboflavin hydrochlorhidrate), 35 mg/kg of niacine (nicotinamide), 30 mg/kg of iron (extrafine reduced iron) and 20 mg/kg of zinc (Zinc oxide) for both types of flour, as well as 2 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg of folic acid for wheat and corn flour, respectively.

Lower circulating insulin-like growth factor I and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are lower in preeclamptic than in normotensive pregnant women and whether serum concentrations of IGF-I are associated with those of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D). STUDY DESIGN: The study was cross-sectional and was done at 26.7 to 39.7 weeks of pregnancy. The results obtained from preeclamptic women were compared with those obtained from normotensive pregnant women with the same gestational age (control group). SETTING: All the volunteers were patients attending the General Hospital of Mexico City and all laboratory measurements were done at the National Institute of Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City. SUBJECTS: The study included 26 preeclamptic women and 26 normotensive pregnant women. All participated voluntarily and signed an informed consent. PROCEDURE: The following measurements were done: serum concentrations of IGF-I, 1,25-(OH)2D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), inorganic phosphorus, creatinine, and total and ionic calcium and magnesium. Also urinary calcium and creatinine clearance were measured and dietary and anthropometric data were obtained. All determinations were done blindly. Comparisons between groups were done using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Associations between variables were tested using the Spearman rank correlation and stepwise regression. RESULTS: Serum IGF-I levels were 26.1 +/- 10.2 nmol/L (mean +/- SD) in the preeclamptic group and 40.9 +/- 14.3 in the normotensive group (p = 0.0003); serum 1,25-(OH)2D levels were 43.6 +/- 8.2 pg/mL in the preeclamptic group and 52.1 +/- 10.2 in the normotensive group (p = 0.005). Serum intact PTH was similar in both groups. Serum levels of IGF-I, 1,25-(OH)2D, and intact PTH correlated significantly in the control group. In the preeclamptic group correlation was found only between IGF-I and 1,25-(OH)2D. CONCLUSIONS: Our study brings out two interesting observations. First, that serum IGF-I levels were significantly lower in preeclamptic than in control pregnant women; and second, the existence of a significant correlation between serum IGF-I and 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations in both preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

[Obtaining flour and a protein concentrate from seeds of the Helianthus annuus (sunflower) and its addition in cookies]. / Obtención de harina y de un concentrado proteínico a partir de semillas de Heliantus annus (Girasol) y su incorporación en galletas.

The objectives of the studies described herein were: 1) to obtain a sunflower flour and protein concentrate for human consumption, and 2) to explore possible ways for their utilization. The Peredovik variety was selected, since it is most abundant in Mexico. The procedure usually followed for the obtention of flours for animal feeds was used with some modifications. The hull was mechanically eliminated with a yield of 51%, with a satisfactory appearance of the almond. In order to facilitate the milling of the almonds, 80% of the oil was extracted by compression (18,000 kg/cm2 for 10 minutes) after steaming during 10 min. Chlorogenic acid ws eliminated with a 70% ethanol solution. The resulting flour could be added to wheat flour in as high a proportion as 65% in weight. Cookies were then prepared which contained 16 g/100 g with a protein of high quality, 80% to 90% in relation to casein, and with adequate sensorial properties.