The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on cognitive function outcomes in the elderly depends on the baseline omega-3 index.

Both epidemiological and preclinical studies have shown the benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on dementia and cognitive impairment, yet the results of clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed to date are conflicting. The difference in the baseline omega-3 index (O3i) of subjects is a potential cause for this disparity, yet this is usually ignored. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on cognitive function in the elderly and the role of baseline O3i. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to June 27th, 2023. The mean changes in the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score were calculated as weighted mean differences by using a fixed-effects model. Fifteen random controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that n-3 PUFA supplementation did not significantly improve the MMSE score (WMD = 0.04, [-0.08, 0.16]; Z = 0.62, P = 0.53; I2 = 0.00%, P(I2) = 0.49). Out of the 15 studies included in the meta-analysis, only 7 reported O3i at baseline and outcome, so only these 7 articles were used for subgroup analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that the MMSE score was significantly improved in the higher baseline O3i subgroup (WMD = 0.553, [0.01, 1.095]; I2 = 0.00%, P(I2) = 0.556) and higher O3i increment subgroup (WMD = 0.525, [0.023, 1.026]; I2 = 0.00%, P(I2) = 0.545). The overall effect demonstrated that n-3 PUFA supplementation exerted no improvement on global cognitive function. However, a higher baseline O3i and higher O3i increment were associated with an improvement in cognitive function in the elderly.

Inhibition of GABAAR or Application of Lactobacillus casei Zhang Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice: GABAAR as a Potential Target for Intestinal Epithelial Renewal and Repair.

Emerging evidence indicates that the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) and Lactobacillus casei Zhang regulate colitis in a variety of ways, such as by participating in host immune and inflammatory responses, altering the gut microbiota, and influencing intestinal barrier function. However, not much is known about the mechanisms by which GABAAR and L. casei affect colon epithelial cell renewal and the interaction between GABAAR and L. casei during this process. To elucidate this, we established a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced model and measured the mouse body weights, colon length, the disease activity index (DAI), and histological scores. Our results indicated that inhibition of GABAAR alleviated the DSS-induced colitis symptoms, resulting in less weight loss and more intact colon tissue. Moreover, treatment with bicuculline (Bic, a GABAAR inhibitor) increased the levels of PCNA, ß-catenin, and TCF4 in mice with colitis. Interestingly, open field test performances showed that inhibition of GABAAR also attenuated colitis-related anxiety-like behavior. By 16S RNA gene sequencing analysis, we showed that inhibition of GABAAR partially reversed the gut dysbacteriosis of DSS-induced mice and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Additionally, L. casei Zhang supplementation inhibited the expression of GABAAR in mice with colitis, promoted the proliferation and renewal of colon epithelial cells, and alleviated anxiety-like behavior and intestinal microflora disorder in mice. Thus, GABAAR plays a key role in the beneficial effects of L. casei on DSS-induced colitis in mice.

B Vitamins Supplementation Can Improve Cognitive Functions and May Relate to the Enhancement of Transketolase Activity in A Rat Model of Cognitive Impairment Associated with High-fat Diets.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether B vitamin treatment was sufficient to reduce cognitive impairment associated with high-fat diets in rats and to modulate transketolase (TK) expression and activity. METHODS: To test this, we separated 50 rats into five groups that were either fed a standard chow diet (controls) or a high-fat diet (experimental groups H0, H1, H2, and H3). H0 group animals received no additional dietary supplementation, while H1 group animals were administered 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) thiamine, 100 mg/kg BW riboflavin, and 250 mg/kg BW niacin each day, and group H2 animals received daily doses of 100 mg/kg BW pyridoxine, 100 mg/kg BW cobalamin, and 5 mg/kg BW folate. Animals in the H3 group received the B vitamin regimens administered to both H1 and H2 each day. RESULTS: Over time, group H0 exhibited greater increases in BW and fat mass relative to other groups. When spatial and memory capabilities in these animals were evaluated via conditioned taste aversion (CTA) and Morris Water Maze (MWM), we found B vitamin treatment was associated with significant improvements relative to untreated H0 controls. Similarly, B vitamin supplementation was associated with elevated TK expression in erythrocytes and hypothalamus of treated animals relative to those in H0 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Together, these findings suggest B vitamin can modulate hypothalamic TK activity to reduce the severity of cognitive deficits in a rat model of obesity. As such, B vitamin supplementation may be a beneficial method for reducing cognitive dysfunction in clinical settings associated with high-fat diets.

A double burden of tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus and the possible role of vitamin D deficiency.

Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low-to-middle income countries such as China. At the same time, the country is facing a rapidly increasing diabetes incidence over the last 10 years. Diabetes aggravates the tuberculosis epidemic which poses a serious challenge in public health. In recent years, the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency represents a global health problem, which is also associated with the risk of diabetes, and tuberculosis. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overall and updated understanding of the epidemiology of co-occurrence of tuberculosis and diabetes in China, and to elucidate the possible role of vitamin D deficiency. In conclusion, significant aggravation of the tuberculosis epidemic due to diabetes may exist in China for a relatively long period of time to come. Further, the double burden and its implications to public health in this country may be significantly influenced by the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Bidirectional screening for tuberculosis and diabetes is recommended, and extra vitamin D may benefit especially in a situation of a heavy tuberculosis burden combined with prevalent vitamin D deficiency. Longitudinal studies to verify the role of vitamin D deficiency in the double burden, and trials on the effect of vitamin D supplementation are needed in the future.

Increased vegetable and fruit intake is associated with reduced failure rate of tuberculosis treatment: a hospital-based cohort study in China.

Increased intake of vegetables and fruits has been associated with reduced risk of tuberculosis infection. Vegetables and fruits exert immunoregulatory effects; however, it is not clear whether vegetables and fruits have an adjuvant treatment effect on tuberculosis. Between 2009 and 2013, a hospital-based cohort study was conducted in Linyi, Shandong Province, China. Treatment outcome was ascertained by sputum smear and chest computerised tomography, and dietary intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative FFQ. The dietary questionnaire was conducted at the end of month 2 of treatment initiation. Participants recalled their dietary intake of the previous 2 months. A total of 2309 patients were enrolled in this study. After 6 months of treatment, 2099 patients were successfully treated and 210 were uncured. In multivariate models, higher intake of total vegetables and fruits (OR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·49, 0·99), total vegetables (OR 0·68; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·97), dark-coloured vegetables (OR 0·61; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·86) and light-coloured vegetables (OR 0·67; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·95) were associated with reduced failure rate of tuberculosis treatment. No association was found between total fruit intake and reduced failure rate of tuberculosis treatment (OR 0·98; 95 % CI 0·70, 1·37). High intake of total vegetables and fruits, especially vegetables, is associated with lower risk of failure of tuberculosis treatment in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The results provide important information for dietary guidelines during tuberculosis treatment.

Joint replenishment of zinc and folic acid enhances the anti-depressive effect of paroxetine via increasing serum calcium and copper and decreasing serum arsenic.

Insufficient zinc and folic acid levels are associated with depression and poor response to antidepressants. This study aimed to investigate the influences of combined zinc and folic acid replenishment on the anti-depressive effect of paroxetine. Male rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), model (M), paroxetine (MP), zinc + folic acid (MZnF), and zinc + folic acid + paroxetine (MZnFP) groups. Rats were exposed to mild unpredictable stress for 3 weeks as a depression model. The combinations of drug and supplements were applied via daily gavage for 4 weeks. The open field test was conducted to observe behavioral changes. A chemiluminescence method was used to detect folacin, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to detect serum elements. Supplementation of zinc and folic acid significantly improved behavior responses to paroxetine, including movement speed, total distance, and central zone frequency. In addition, higher calcium and copper levels and a lower arsenic level were found in the serum of the MZnFP group. Thus, supplementation of zinc and folacin can enhance the anti-depressive effect of paroxetine, and the mechanism is potentially related to the improved levels of calcium and copper and a reduced level of arsenic.

Association of Dietary Micronutrient Intake with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment Failure Rate: ACohort Study.

Malnutrition is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) treatment failure. Currently, there is no effective adjunctive nutritional therapy. The current objective is to investigate the association of dietary micronutrient intake with PTB treatment outcome.A cohort study including 1834 PTB patients was conducted in Linyi, China. The dietary micronutrient intake was assessed through a three-day 24 h dietary recall questionnaire. The treatment outcome was assessed by combinations of sputum smear and computerized tomography results. A multivariate binary regression model was used to assess the associations. The final model was adjusted for potential confounding factors. A low intake of vitamin C (adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.80 (1.07, 3.04), Ptrend = 0.02) and Zn (adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.52 (1.25, 5.08), Ptrend = 0.02) was associated with a high treatment failure rate. In addition, a low intake of vitamin C and Mn was associated with a severe tuberculosis symptom, as indicated by a high TB score. A supplementation of vitamin C and Zn may be beneficial in PTB treatment. Previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported a null effect of Zn supplementation on PTB treatment. The effect of vitamin C supplementation should be investigated by RCTs.

Adjunctive vitamin A and D during pulmonary tuberculosis treatment: a randomized controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vitamin A and D have immunoregulatory effects and may improve the response to pulmonary tuberculosis treatment. The interaction of vitamin A and D on pulmonary tuberculosis treatment has not been studied. The objective is to investigate the effects of adjunctive supplementation of vitamin A, D and their interaction on the outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis treatment, primarily time to sputum smear conversion. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design in Qingdao, China. Eight hundred patients were enrolled to receive standard pulmonary tuberculosis therapy alone (control), or together with vitamin A (2000 IU d-1), or vitamin D (400 IU d-1) or a combination of vitamin A (2000 IU d-1) and D (400 IU d-1) during the intensive-phase of pulmonary tuberculosis treatment. RESULTS: 761 patients were included in the tuberculosis symptom analysis; 521 patients with positive baseline sputum smear results were included in the sputum smear analysis. The allocation to vitamin A or D did not significantly influence the time to sputum smear conversion [vitamin A: adjusted hazard ratio: 1.021, 95% CI: (0.821, 1.271); vitamin D: adjusted hazard ratio: 0.949, 95% CI: (0.760, 1.185)]. No significant interaction was observed between vitamin A and D supplementation (p = 0.660). Vitamin D supplementation significantly relieved the tuberculosis symptoms as indicated by decreased TBscore [mean difference: -0.2, 95% CI: (-0.4, 0)] in week 2 to 4. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive supplementation of vitamin A and/or D did not improve the time to smear conversion in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. However vitamin D supplementation significantly improved tuberculosis symptoms during the first month of pulmonary tuberculosis treatment.

Soy Products Ameliorate Obesity-Related Anthropometric Indicators in Overweight or Obese Asian and Non-Menopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The effect of soy products on the weight of overweight or obese people is controversial, so we aimed to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials to analyze whether supplementation with soy products can help them to lose weight. METHODS: The relevant data before January 2019 in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched. A random-effect model was adopted to calculate the weighted average difference of net changes of body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, fat mass, waist circumference, etc. Results: A total of 22 trials (870 overweight or obese participants) were reflected in the present meta-analysis. Analysis showed that soy products significantly reduced body weight, BMI, body fat percent and waist circumference in overweight or obese Asian populations (-0.37 kg, P = 0.010; -0.27 kg/m2, P = 0.042; -0.36%, P = 0.032; -0.35 cm, P = 0.049) and more significant effects were observed in non-menopausal women reduced body weight (-0.59 kg, P = 0.041), BMI (-0.59, P = 0.041) and waist circumference (-0.59 cm, P = 0.041) in overweight or obese populations. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that soy products have weight loss effects, mainly due to soy protein, isoflavone and soy fiber.

B Vitamins Can Reduce Body Weight Gain by Increasing Metabolism-related Enzyme Activities in Rats Fed on a High-Fat Diet.

B vitamins are enzyme cofactors that play an important role in energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether B vitamin administration can reduce body weight (BW) gain by improving energy metabolism-related enzyme activities in rats fed on a highfat diet. Fifty rats were randomly assigned to one of the following five groups: control group (C), including rats fed on standard rat chow; four treatment groups (HO, HI, H2, and H3), in which rats were fed on a high-fat diet. Rats in the HI group were treated daily with 100 mg/kg BW thiamine (VB1), 100 mg/kg BW riboflavin (VB2), and 250 mg/kg BW niacin (VPP); rats in the H2 group were treated daily with 100 mg/kg BW pyridoxine (VB6), 100 mg/kg BW cobalamin (VB12), and 5 mg/kg BW folate (FA); and rats in the H3 group were treated daily with all of the B vitamins administered to the HI and H2 groups. After 12 weeks, the BW gains from the initial value were 154.5±58.4 g and 159.1±53.0 g in the HI and C groups, respectively, which were significantly less than the changes in the HO group (285.2±14.8 g, P<0.05). In the HO group, the plasma total cholesterol (CHO) and triglyceride (TG) levels were 1.59±0.30 mmol/L and 1,55±0.40 mmol/L, respectively, which were significantly greater than those in the HI group (1.19±0.18 mmol/L and 0.76±0.34 mmol/L, respectively, P<0.05). The activities of transketolase (TK), glutathione reductase, and Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase were significantly increased in the B vitamin-treated groups and were significantly greater than those in the HO group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvic acid kinase, and succinate dehydrogenase activities also were increased after treatment with B vitamins. Supplementation with B vitamins could effectively reduce BW gain and plasma levels of lipids by improving energy metabolism-related enzyme activities in rats, thus possibly providing potential benefits to humans.

[Stability of erythrocyte and antioxidant capacity with obese rats which were supplied of vitamin E and magnesium].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of vitamin E( Vit E) and magnesium( Mg) supplementation on stability of erythrocyte and antioxidant capacity in obese rats. METHODS: Seventy Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Each group was supplied defferent doses of Vit E and Mg. All rats were sacrificed after 67 weeks. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, fluidity of erythrocyte membrane, erythrocytic hemolyses, superoxide dismutase( SOD), malondialdehyde( MDA) and glutathione peroxidase( GSH-Px) were detected. Results of each group were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA andanalysis of variance of factorial design. RESULTS: The values of fluorescence polarization( P) and microviscosity( η) of obese model were( 0. 096 ± 0. 024) and( 0. 543 ±0. 179), respectively, which were significantly higher than other groups( P < 0. 05), it could indicate the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane of obese model was lower than other goups. The erythrocytic hemolyses of obese model was( 33. 57 ± 7. 50) %. Compared with other groups, it was increased by 11. 18%, 10%, 11. 4% and 18. 13%, respectively. The level of SOD of obese model was( 97. 54 ± 24. 81) U/mL which was lower than other groups( P < 0. 05). The level of MDA of obese model was( 17. 18 ± 12. 73) nmol/mL which was higher than other groups( P < 0. 05). Compared with normal controls and obese model, the level of GSH-Px of the group which was adding vitamin E was increased by859. 26 U, 955. 42 U, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both of Vit E and Mg could improve fluidity of erythrocyte membrane and erythrocytic hemolyses of obese rats. Combined use of Vit E and Mg could effectively improve fluidity of erythrocyte membrane. Vit E or Mg can improve the antioxidant capacity in obese rats.

[Effects of vitamin E and magnesium on glucolipid metabolism in obese rats ].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of vitamin E (VE ) and magnesium entantion on glucolipid metabolism in obese rats. METHODS: Seventy-four rats were randomly divided into five groups (normal control group positive E group, Mg group, VE plus Mg group). The doses of V(E) and Mg were 0.23 g/kg feed and 0.31 g/kg feed respectively. They were slaughtered after feed for 67 weeks. Calculate the lipid ratio. Examined the level of serum lipid, plasma glucose, serum insulin, insulin sensitivity index, and the activity of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase. The results of each group were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA and analysis of variance of factorial design. RESULTS: The rat model with nutritional obesity was successfully established that the weight of positive control group was about 20% higher than normal control group. The lipid ratio and plasma triglyceride of VE plus Mg group were 13. 29% and 0. 6 mmol/L respectively, which were significantly lower than that of positive control group (17.24% and 1. 18 mmol/L) (P < 0.05), and the plasma triglyceride of VE plus Mg group was significantly lower than that of VE group (1. 07mmol/ L) (P <0.05). The activity of hexokinase of V~E group and VE plus Mg group were 63. 67 U/L and 64. 61 U/L respectively, significantly higher than that of positive control group (42.79 U/L) and Mg group (44.02 U/L) (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Supplementation of VE combined with Mg can effectively improve the fat content and triglyceride of obese rats, better than VE alone. Supplementation of VE and Mg is beneficial to obese rats to improve the activity of hexokinase, and adding VE is better than Mg alone.

Enhancement of vitamin A combined vitamin D supplementation on immune response to Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine revaccinated in Chinese infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is an association between diameter of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scars and effect of purified protein derivative (PPD) reaction and to determine whether vitamin A (VA) combined vitamin D (VD) supplementation influences the immune response to BCG revaccinated in Chinese infants. METHODS: A cross-section and 3-month community-randomised trial was conducted. A total of 5 629 infants at 3, 6 and 12 months of age in Junan County of China were examined for BCG scar formation. Then, 597 revaccinated infants were randomly assigned to supplementation (n=307) and control (n=290) groups. The supplementation group were daily assigned to 1 500 IU VA and 500 IU VD for 3 months. Then all infants were subjected to skin test with PPD. RESULTS: The diameter of BCG scars was positively correlated with diameter of skin indurations of PPD (r=0.17, P<0.05) in the 5 629 infants. The rate of positive response to PPD was higher in the supplementation group than in the control group (96.1% versus 89.7%, P<0.05, prevalence ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12). The prevalence ratio of PPD response for the supplementation group compared with that for the control group was 1.07 (95% CI 1.01-1.13) for the males and 1.08 (95% CI 1.00-1.17) for the females. For the supplementation group, the males got larger tuberculin induration than the females [(0.73±0.21) cm versus (0.67±0.20) cm, P<0.05) after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The diameter of BCG scars was effectively correlated with PPD response, which indicates BCG scar formation may be an useful tool to evaluate the effect of tuberculosis prevention. VA combined VD supplementation may play an immuno-regulatory role in BCG revaccination. This may contribute to the prevention of childhood tuberculosis.

Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial of the effect of retinol and vitamin D supplementation on treatment in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The association between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) has been previously attracted much attention. Diabetes alters immunity to tuberculosis, leading to more frequent treatment failure in TB patients with DM. Moreover, TB and DM often coincide with micronutrients deficiencies, such as retinol and vitamin D, which are especially important to immunity of the body and may influence pancreas ß-cell function. However, the effects of retinol and vitamin D supplementation in active TB patients with diabetes on treatment outcomes, immune and nutrition state are still uncertain. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial of vitamin A and/or D in active PTB patients with DM in a network of 4 TB treatment clinics to determine whether the supplementation could improve the outcome in the patients. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a 2×2 factorial trial. We plan to enroll 400 active PTB patients with DM, and randomize them to VA (2000 IU daily retinol); VD (400 IU daily cholecalciferol); VAD (2000 IU daily retinol plus 400 IU cholecalciferol) or control (placebo) group. Our primary outcome measure is the efficacy of anti-tuberculosis treatment and ameliorating of glucose metabolism, and the secondary outcome measure being immune and nutrition status of the subjects. Of the first 37 subjects enrolled: 8 have been randomized to VA, 10 to VD, 9 to VAD and 10 to control. To date, the sample is 97.3% Han Chinese and 91.9% female. The average fasting plasma glucose level is 12.19 mmol/L. DISCUSSION: This paper describes the design and rationale of a randomized clinical trial comparing VA and/or VD supplementation to active pulmonary TB patients with DM. Our trial will allow rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of the supplementation to active TB and DM therapy for improving clinical outcomes and immunological condition. This detailed description of trial methodology can serve as a template for the development of future treatment scheme for active TB patient with DM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-TRC-12002546.

Vitamin E supplementation protects erythrocyte membranes from oxidative stress in healthy Chinese middle-aged and elderly people.

Elderly people are subject to higher levels of oxidative stress than are young people. Vitamin E, as a powerful antioxidant residing mainly in biomembranes, may provide effective protection against oxidative membrane damage and resultant age-related deterioration, especially in the elderly. We hypothesized that appropriate levels of vitamin E supplementation would protect erythrocyte membranes from oxidative stress and thus improve membrane fluidity in healthy middle-aged and elderly people. To test this, we conducted a 4-month double-blind, randomized trial in which 180 healthy subjects (55-70 years old) were randomly divided into 4 groups: group C (control), and 3 treatment groups in which daily doses of 100 mg (VE1), 200 mg (VE2), and 300 mg (VE3) dl-α-tocopheryl acetate were administered. We measured plasma α-tocopherol concentration, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels, erythrocyte hemolysis, and erythrocyte membrane fluidity at the beginning and end of the trial. After 4 months supplementation, plasma α-tocopherol concentrations in the 3 treatment groups had increased by 71%, 78%, and 95%, respectively (all P < .01), and significant decreases in plasma malondialdehyde concentrations were observed in these groups (all P < .05). Erythrocyte hemolysis was decreased by 20% to 38% after vitamin E supplementation (all P < .05), and in addition, groups VE2 and VE3 showed dramatic improvements in erythrocyte membrane fluidity (P < .01). Surprisingly, superoxide dismutase activity also decreased significantly in the treatment groups (all P < .05). In summary, vitamin E supplementation apparently alleviates oxidative stress in healthy middle-aged to elderly people, at least in part by improving erythrocyte membrane fluidity and reducing erythrocyte hemolysis.

Antioxidant micronutrient supplementation increases erythrocyte membrane fluidity in adults from a rural Chinese community.

The objective of the present study was to investigate age-related differences in erythrocyte membrane fluidity (EMF) and changes in antioxidant capacity following supplementation. A total of seventy-four children were randomly divided into two groups: group A1 was the placebo-controlled group and group A2 was supplemented daily with 600 µg retinol, 1·0 mg ß-carotene, 100 mg tocopherol, 300 mg ascorbic acid and 200 µg Se. A total of ninety young people were randomly divided into B1 and B2 groups, and ninety-one elderly subjects were divided into C1 and C2 groups. Groups B1 and C1 were placebo-controlled groups, and groups B2 and C2 were daily supplemented with 900 µg retinol, 1·5 mg ß-carotene, 200 mg tocopherol, 500 mg ascorbic acid and 400 µg Se. Results showed that plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was 5·35 µmol/l in children, which was lower than in young and elderly people. The MDA levels of the young and elderly individuals in the treated groups were significantly lower compared with the control groups, but the supplementation did not alter MDA levels in children. At baseline, there was a lower value of polarisation (ρ) and microviscosity (η) in children, indicating a higher EMF, than in both the young and elderly subjects. After the 2-month trial, the ρ and η values of young and elderly subjects in the treated groups decreased significantly in comparison with the placebo groups, indicating an increase in EMF. In conclusion, there was a background of higher MDA levels and lower EMF in young and elderly people than in children, which could be improved by antioxidant supplementation.

Effects of vitamin E on plasma lipid status and oxidative stress in Chinese women with metabolic syndrome.

Following the change of dietary structure and living style, metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become increasingly common in China, especially in women, who have abnormal plasma lipid profiles with increased levels of oxidative stress. Vitamin E (VitE) is a powerful chain-breaking antioxidant, which may be a protective factor against oxidative stress-related diseases. This study investigated the effects of three different dosages of tocopherol supplementation (100 IU /day, 200 IU /day, 300 IU /day) for 4 months in Chinese women with MetS. The plasma VitE concentrations increased significantly after the 4 months of supplementation (p < 0.01). The protective decreases in plasma total cholesterol were significant in 200 IU/day and 300 IU/day VitE groups (p < 0.05), but decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also significant in all the supplementation groups (p < 0.05). Plasma triglycerides were unaltered (p > 0.05). The indicators of oxidative stress decreased substantially in all of the VitE supplementation groups: malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by nearly 50 percent (all groups, p < 0.001), erythrocyte hemolysis was decreased by nearly 40 percent (all groups, p < 0.05); among which the 300IU/day VitE group showed the most significant effect. However, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased after the trial (p < 0.001). VitE provided marked benefits in reducing oxidative stress levels and improving lipid status in women with MetS. Although no dose-effect relationship was observed, 300 IU VitE per day showed the optimal effect. Research is needed to identify potential protective mechanisms or utilization of vitamin E during MetS.

Micronutrient status in anemic and non-anemic Chinese women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a major nutrition related problem in China. In addition to iron deficiency this may be due to deficiencies of other micronutrients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the micronutrient status of anemic and non-anemic pregnant women in China. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 734 clinically normal pregnant women in the third trimester aged 20-35, were randomly recruited from the population of pregnant women regularly receiving pregnant examination in community medical centers. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, B12 and C, iron and zinc status parameters, and vitamin B2 in urine were determined. Subjects were categorized according to the presence or absence of anemia and compared according to micronutrient status. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of iron and micronutrients were significantly lower in anemic women than non-anemic women: serum iron 909 microg/L versus 1109 microg/L, ferritin 13.8 microg/L versus 19.6 microg/L, vitamin C 308.9 microg/L versus 388.1 microg/dL, and retinol 50.0 microg/dL versus 59.3 microg/dL. Zinc concentrations were also lower in anemic women. Subnormal serum iron (<700 microg/L) and iron depletion (ferritin <12 microg/L) were 39.7% and 52.6%, significantly more frequent in anemic than 23.9% and 35.0% in non-anemic subjects, as were subnormal vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Subnormal vitamin B2 and B12 were frequent in both anemic and non-anemic groups. CONCLUSION: Subnormal concentrations of iron and micronutrients in combination may contribute to this situation. Further studies on food-based or supplement-based approaches trying to increase intake of iron and certain vitamins are warranted to decrease anemia in pregnant Chinese women in the third trimester.

[Study on influence of different dosage of vitamin E on peripheral blood cell activities in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influences of vitamin E (VE) at different dosage on peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation and anti-DNA oxidative damage activities and erythrocyte membrane fluidity. METHODS: 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including control group, VE1, VE2, and VE3 groups supplemented with 7.5, 50, 200, 750 IU/kg bw x d VE, respectively. The trial lasted 8 weeks and the blood samples were collected at the end of the trial. The level of plasma VE was analyzed by fluorescent spectrometry. Plasma MDA and membrane GSH-Px were analyzed by kits. The blood erythrocyte membrane fluidity was detected by fluorescence polarization method, lymphocyte transformation rate by MTT method and DNA oxidative damage by comet assay. RESULTS: The results showed that plasma VE levels significantly increased in VE1, VE2, and VE3 groups. Plasma MDA and erythocyte membrane GSH-Px activity in the rats in 50 IU/kg bw x d (VE1) group were (2.29 +/- 0.55) nmol/ml and (367.17 +/- 129.86) U/mg prot, respectively. P (fluorescence polarization) and eta(microviscosity), which were inversely related with membrane fluidity, in VE1 group were significantly lower. Lymphocyte transformation rate was significantly increased by 261.86%, 199.23% and 412.97% and H2O2 induced DNA damage significantly decreased compared with the control, VE2, and VE3 groups. CONCLUSION: It is indicated that an effective intake of VE for enhancing erythrocyte membrane fluidity, lymphocyte proliferation and DNA stability was 50 IU/kg bw x d, while too excessive intake of VE could not be found to be beneficial.