Search Results (319)

Leukemia represents a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies characterized by the dysregulated proliferation, differentiation, and survival of hematopoietic cells. Vitamin D (VD), a fat-soluble secosteroid hormone, is increasingly recognized not only as a regulator of calcium–phosphate metabolism but also as an important immune–metabolic modulator involved in hematopoietic homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and cellular fate determination. Growing evidence suggests that VD deficiency may influence leukemogenesis, disease progression, treatment responsiveness, and supportive-care outcomes in patients with leukemia. Mechanistic studies indicate that the active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (calcitriol), modulates leukemic cell biology by activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and regulating genomic and non-genomic signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and β-catenin. Through these pathways, VD may affect transcriptional programs governing proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, immune regulation, and treatment resistance. Clinical and observational studies suggest that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may be associated with adverse outcomes in selected leukemia subtypes, including poorer treatment responses, shorter overall survival and relapse-free survival, and shorter time to treatment. However, the available data remain heterogeneous, and causality has not been established. This review provides an integrated translational synthesis of VD deficiency in leukemia, linking molecular mechanisms with subtype-specific clinical evidence and supportive-care implications. Although VD supplementation should not be considered an independent anti-leukemic therapy, individualized assessment and correction of deficiency may represent a rational, low-toxicity component of supportive care. Further prospective and interventional studies are needed to define optimal supplementation strategies, identify responsive patient subgroups, and clarify the clinical relevance of VD status in leukemia. Full article

Shanghai-native vegetable soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merril) landraces are valuable germplasms, but their systematic evaluation for agronomic and nutritional traits remains insufficient. This study aimed to assess their phenotypic and nutritional diversity to explore their potential for breeding and meeting dietary needs. Twenty-nine local landraces and one control cultivar (‘Qingsu 7’) were evaluated for key agronomic traits, yield components, nutritional traits, and isoflavone profiles, using hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and correlation analysis. Substantial phenotypic diversity was found, with the germplasm classified into four groups. First pod height and effective pods per plant were highly variable. Nutritional traits showed low variability for crude protein but high diversity for crude fat, soluble sugars (dominated by sucrose), vitamin C, and free amino acids. Total isoflavone content in dry seeds varied widely, with genistin, daidzin, and daidzein as the main forms. ‘Xiangshui Maodou’ had high free amino acids and vitamin C, ‘Heiyan Susudou’ showed superior soluble sugar content, and two landraces exceeded 1500 μg/g DW total isoflavones. The landraces possess rich phenotypic diversity and nutritional diversity. This germplasm represents a valuable resource for breeding programs to enhance crop quality and address global nutritional demands. Full article

Background: Young children with Cystic Fibrosis (CwCF) are at risk of fat-soluble vitamin (FSV) deficiencies due to pancreatic insufficiency, despite pancreatic enzyme supplementation. CFTR modulator therapy such as elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) may improve pancreatic function, but its impact on FSV levels in this age group remains unclear. We evaluated changes in FSV serum levels in a cohort transitioning to ETI, taking a CF-specific, multivitamin formulation with beta-carotene as the primary source of vitamin A (DEKAs Plus Liquid, DPL). Methods: Retrospective data with paired analysis from 23 CwCF (2–5 years old) were analyzed. Serum FSV levels (D, E, A) and fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) were measured at baseline and 12 months post-ETI initiation. Daily FSV doses and covariates (FE-1, naive of CFTR modulators and ETI dose) were documented. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and general linear models. Results: No significant changes were observed in serum FSV levels, while FSV dosing and formulation remained unchanged. Covariates did not influence serum level changes. Interestingly, ETI significantly improved FE-1 (p = 0.018), with 6/18 children achieving pancreatic sufficiency (FE-1 > 200 µg/g). Conclusions: In young CwCF initiating ETI, FSV levels were unchanged while pancreatic function improved. The use of provitamin A (beta-carotene) as in DPL resulted in no change in vitamin A levels and aligns with consensus guidance to prioritize provitamin A in ETI-treated children. Further validation in larger cohorts is warranted. Full article

Despite the economic and medicinal value of the tree species Litsea mollis in southern China’s mountain forests, its wild populations remain understudied in terms of their adaptation to altitudinal gradients. This study examined L. mollis populations spanning altitudes of 760–1550 m in Nanshan Park, Hunan Province, to evaluate variation in leaf traits and fruit quality with elevation changes as well as associations with soil chemical properties. Results revealed that increasing altitude corresponded with higher leaf mass, chlorophyll content, soluble compound levels, enzyme activity, and various fruit quality traits (e.g., longitudinal and transverse diameters, weight, and fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin A, essential oil, and citral levels). Conversely, leaf area, specific leaf area, petiole length, fruit shape index, fruit stalk length, and ash content declined as altitude rose. Redundancy analysis indicated that specific leaf area, peroxidase activity, and Malondialdehyde content are the primary leaf characteristics influencing fruit quality, and soil pH and total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, and available potassium levels were key chemical factors shaping ecological adaptation and fruit quality of L. mollis along the altitudinal gradient. Overall, L. mollis augments light capture and nutrient acquisition by modifying morphological traits, such as leaf area (26.17%) and specific leaf area (44.32%), facilitating adaptation to low-light and nutrient-poor conditions at lower elevations. At higher elevations, plants preferentially allocate resources to increase leaf mass (33.33%) and chlorophyll content (19.02%), improving photosynthetic efficiency, osmotic regulation, and metabolic enzyme activity. This resource allocation promotes nutrient and secondary metabolite accumulation in fruit, enhancing plant stress resistance and fruit quality. This synergistic relationship represents an adaptive adjustment by L. mollis in allocating growth and reproductive resources across different altitude environments. These findings provide a theoretical framework for understanding altitudinal adaptation in L. mollis and offer practical guidance for its introduction, cultivation, and fruit quality improvement in high-elevation regions. Full article

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid essential for skeletal development and calcium homeostasis, but it also exerts pleiotropic effects on numerous biological processes via its active metabolites. Vitamin D metabolites act as steroid hormones that regulate cell-cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune responses, and multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Moreover, they modulate the expression of genes involved in carcinogenesis. As circulating vitamin D levels are influenced by diet, fortified foods, and supplementation, they represent a potentially modifiable factor. Whether vitamin D status affects cancer risk or disease progression in carriers of pathogenic BRCA1 variants remains unclear and continues to be actively investigated. Clarifying this relationship could have significant clinical implications for risk stratification and prevention in this high-risk population. This narrative review summarizes current evidence from epidemiological, clinical, and molecular studies examining the role of vitamin D in BRCA1 pathogenic variant carriers. It also highlights key limitations in the existing literature and identifies critical directions for future research, emphasizing the need for well-designed prospective studies in representative cohorts. Full article

Alterations in fat-soluble vitamins are well documented in humans with inflammatory bowel disease; however, data in dogs with chronic enteropathy and inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (iPLE) are limited. This prospective case–control study compared serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, and E metabolites in dogs with iPLE and healthy controls and evaluated associations with selected clinicopathological variables at diagnosis (T0) and after one month of therapy (T1). Fifty-eight dogs with iPLE and 50 healthy dogs were enrolled. Twenty dogs with iPLE were available for evaluation at T1. iPLE was defined by chronic gastrointestinal signs, hypoalbuminemia of gastrointestinal origin, and histologic evidence of benign intestinal inflammation with or without lymphangiectasia. Serum retinol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and α-tocopherol concentrations were measured by HPLC at T0 and T1. At T0, all vitamin concentrations were significantly lower in iPLE dogs (p < 0.0001). A weak positive correlation was found between retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations. No differences were observed according to treatment, diet, or histopathologic findings. At T1, retinol concentrations increased (p = 0.01), whereas vitamin D and E metabolite concentrations did not. Dogs fed homemade low-fat diets had lower vitamin D concentrations. These findings indicate decreased serum concentrations of multiple fat-soluble vitamins in dogs with iPLE, suggesting altered fat-soluble vitamin homeostasis, with only partial recovery after treatment. Full article

In view of the importance of texture and colour characteristics for consumer acceptance of fermented dairy products, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between selected whey proteins, fat-soluble vitamins, and instrumental quality traits of organic plain yoghurts. Physicochemical analyses included acidity, total protein, fat, whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme), and fat-soluble compounds (vitamins A, D₃, and E, and β-carotene). Selected instrumental texture and colour attributes were also determined. Whey protein fractions were associated mainly with texture characteristics, whereas lipophilic vitamins and β-carotene were more closely related to colour attributes. Total protein content was positively associated with firmness (r = 0.510, p ≤ 0.05), while β-lactoglobulin was related to apparent viscosity (r = 0.705, p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, vitamin A, vitamin D₃, β-carotene, and fat content were negatively associated with lightness and whiteness, but positively related to yellowness and chroma. Lactoferrin and lysozyme showed stronger relationships with selected secondary texture attributes, particularly gumminess and cohesiveness. Multiple regression analysis indicated that firmness and apparent viscosity were only moderately explained by the selected compositional predictors, whereas colour attributes were more strongly associated with fat-fraction components. The remaining variability likely reflected additional microstructural and processing-related effects. Although the results should be interpreted as associations rather than direct causal relationships, the findings support the concept of protein-driven texture and fat-driven colour development in plain yoghurts and improve understanding of the relationships between bioactive milk components and instrumental plain yoghurt quality. Full article

Background/Objectives As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E (VE) is prone to suboptimal intake in the general population. Alpha-tocopherol (α-TE) represents the most biologically significant form of VE in vivo. Nevertheless, the potential detrimental effects of α-TE deficiency on health remain unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of α-TE deficiency on hepatic metabolism and gut microbiota. Methods C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to receive one of three dietary regimens: a α-TE-deficient diet, a control diet with normal α-TE, or a high-dose diet containing four times the normal α-TE level. Histopathology, serum biochemistry, RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing with correlation analysis were used to assess metabolic phenotypes, hepatic circadian, hepatic lipid metabolism, and cecal microbiota, respectively. Results The results demonstrated that α-TE deficiency induced hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolic disturbances. α-TE deficiency significantly decreased Arntl and Clock expression, but increased Per2. Additionally, it upregulated the expression of lipogenic genes such as Scd1, Elovl6, and Elovl3 and simultaneously downregulated fatty acid oxidation genes such as Cyp4a10, Cyp4a14, and Acot1, bringing about imbalance in lipid homeostasis. In addition, α-TE deficiency greatly changed the structure and composition of gut microbiota. Bacterial genera like Alistipes, norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Muribaculum, Odoribacter, and Dubosiella were significantly correlated with hepatic circadian and lipid metabolism gene expression with the strongest correlation being Alistipes. Conclusions This work is the first to reveal that short term α-TE deficiency could cause lipid metabolic disorder via the “gut microbiota–liver circadian clock” axis, which provides novel insights into the etiology of nutrition-related metabolic diseases and targets for nutritional intervention. Full article

Vitamin D₃ is an essential fat-soluble vitamin for the human body. Its metabolite, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃), serves as the primary biomarker to assess vitamin D levels. The monitoring of 25(OH)D₃ concentration is crucial for human health assessment. While traditional detection methods offer high sensitivity and accuracy, they are operationally complex and costly. This review systematically summarizes the most recent progress in 25(OH)D₃ detection technologies. Special attention is given to the recognition modes of 25(OH)D₃ by antibodies, nucleic acids, and molecularly imprinted recognition elements. Subsequently, the design strategies of diverse types of biosensors, including fluorescent, colorimetric, and electrochemical biosensors, are analyzed. Moreover, the development of portable devices, smartphone software, and flexible wearable devices for detection applications is also examined. Biosensing detection platforms are compared from the perspectives of target recognition, signal conversion, signal output, and application scenarios. Additionally, the potential of biosensor detection platforms in clinical diagnosis, health management, and community health surveillance is further investigated. Finally, the future trends of intelligent, portable, accurate, and home-use 25(OH)D₃ detection systems are delineated. This review offers a comprehensive reference for researchers developing next-generation 25(OH)D₃ diagnostic sensors and provides insights for the early prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency-related diseases. Full article

This study comprehensively assesses the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical, nutritional, and rheological properties of mung bean (Vigna radiata) milk. Ultrasonic treatment (24 kHz, 200–300 W, 5–20 min at 25 ± 2 °C) was applied after preliminary aqueous extraction (60–70 °C, 15–20 min) and compared with conventional aqueous extraction (control). Ultrasound significantly increased protein extractability (from 0.11% to 0.15%, p = 0.008) and improved the amino acid profile (8–18% increase without signs of degradation). The content of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium increased by 6–12% (p < 0.001 for K and P, p = 0.001 for Mg), indicating more efficient release of intracellular components. B-group vitamins remained stable, while fat-soluble vitamins (A, E) were not detected. Total mesophilic microflora was reduced to 1.2 × 10⁴ CFU/mL (p = 0.021), with no pathogenic microflora detected. Rheological measurements confirmed pseudoplastic behavior (n < 1), an increase in viscosity up to 20.0 cP, and the formation of a more homogeneous dispersion. Thus, ultrasonic treatment performed under controlled non-thermal conditions after preliminary aqueous extraction effectively improves the structural, functional, and nutritional quality of mung bean plant-based milk. Full article

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus associated with congenital malformations and ocular complications, representing a significant public health concern. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells play a key role in maintaining retinal integrity and represent a primary target of ZIKV infection, making them a relevant model for studying host–virus interactions. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of fat- and water-soluble vitamins against ZIKV in hTERT RPE-1 (hRPE1) cells. Particularly, vitamin A was identified as the compound that most effectively inhibited viral replication. Molecular dynamics simulations focusing on the PAS-B domain of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) revealed a high affinity of vitamin A for the receptor. In hRPE1 cells, vitamin A treatment reduced viral RNA levels and decreased CYP1A1, TDO, and AHR mRNA expression. In parallel, IFNB1 expression increased, consistent with the involvement of type I interferon (IFN-I), as no antiviral effect was observed in IFN-I-deficient Vero cells. These findings suggest that vitamin A restricts ZIKV replication through host antiviral responses, potentially involving modulation of AHR-associated signaling. The combination of vitamin A and the well-known polyphenol resveratrol further enhanced antiviral activity, showing predominantly additive effects. Together, these results support the potential use of both bioactive compounds as a combined therapeutic strategy. Full article

Hydrophobic bioactive compounds, such as curcuminoids, β-carotene and long-chain lipids, as well as amphiphilic structural lipids (milk fat globule membrane (MFGM)-associated phospholipids), often exhibit low bioaccessibility due to poor aqueous solubility and/or susceptibility to degradation, which limits their effective use in functional foods. Buttermilk, a dairy byproduct enriched with proteins, lipids and MFGM components, provides a structurally complex, amphiphilic matrix that can enhance micellar solubilization, protect hydrophobic and amphiphilic compounds during digestion and thereby modulate their potential bioavailability. This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes quantitative data from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion studies to evaluate the impact of buttermilk and related matrices (e.g., buttermilk yogurt, ultrafiltered buttermilk, and composite nanosystems) on the bioaccessibility of hydrophobic compounds and MFGM phospholipids compared with aqueous or non-buttermilk controls. We identified a limited but growing body of in vitro evidence indicating that buttermilk-based matrices generally increase the intestinal bioaccessibility of curcuminoids, β-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin and MFGM phospholipids relative to non-buttermilk systems, with particularly pronounced effects in structured emulsions, yogurts, ultrafiltered buttermilk and MFGM-enriched nanosystems. Rather than a single effect size, the data point to a compound- and matrix-dependent spectrum of improvements, influenced by both the chemical nature of the bioactive and the supramolecular organization of the dairy matrix. Mechanistically, the available findings support a plausible hypothesis that buttermilk enhances bioaccessibility via MFGM-mediated micellar solubilization, interfacial protection against pH- and enzyme-driven degradation and favorable lipid partitioning, although these pathways remain to be confirmed in dedicated mechanistic and in vivo studies. Methodological heterogeneity and the exclusive reliance on in vitro models are important limitations, but overall, the synthesis supports buttermilk and MFGM-rich ingredients as sustainable, food-grade carriers for lipophilic nutraceuticals and highlights the importance of dairy matrix structure in the design of functional delivery systems. Full article

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in coagulation and other physiological processes. Neonates are particularly vulnerable to vitamin K deficiency due to limited placental transfer, low hepatic stores, immature liver function, and insufficient dietary intake, especially in exclusively breastfed infants. This review summarizes the biochemistry and pharmacokinetics of vitamin K, focusing on their role in the pathogenesis of late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), including intracranial hemorrhage in early infancy. The limitations of conventional coagulation tests are discussed, highlighting the importance of functional biomarkers such as PIVKA-II (Proteins Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II) for the early detection of subclinical deficiency. Despite effective prophylaxis at birth, late VKDB cases still occur, likely due to declining vitamin K levels over time and nutritional factors. These findings underscore the need for prolonged vitamin K supplementation following adequate prophylaxis at birth, particularly to protect high-risk newborns from late VKDB. Strategies may include vitamin K-containing multivitamin supplementation in preterm infants, as well as daily oral vitamin K supplementation (150 µg/day) in exclusively breastfed infants, in order to ensure adequate vitamin K status during early infancy. Full article

The enrichment of chocolate with healthy beneficial ingredients represents an effective strategy to create functional food with high nutritional and bioactive potential. Comparisons were made between eight treatments derived by the factorial combination of 2 types of butter (milk and cocoa) and 4 concentrations of green barley powder addition (1%, 3%; 5%; and 7%), plus 2 untreated controls (milk butter and cocoa butter with no green barley powder addition), in terms of chemical, colorimetric, physical, antioxidant, mineral and sensory characteristics of white chocolate. Increasing addition of green barley to both milk and cocoa butter led to the decrease in dry matter, soluble solids, pH and fat in the produced chocolate, with the untreated controls always showing the highest values. Opposite trends were recorded for proteins, fiber, ash and mineral substances. The ‘L’, ‘a’ and ‘b’ color components gradually decreased from the untreated control to the highest concentration of barley powder addition both to milk and cocoa butter. The increasing integration of barley powder either into milk or cocoa butter resulted in the gradual decrease in F max compression and F max cutting of the chocolate manufactured, compared to the untreated control. The addition of barley powder to milk and cocoa butter elicited a gradual increase in all the antioxidants analyzed, i.e., vitamin C, carotenes, lycopene and xanthophylls, and of chlorophyll a and b, compared to the untreated control. Vegetal flavor attributes were enhanced by the increasing addition of green barley powder. The latter incorporation into milk and cocoa butter sheds light on the interesting topic of conceiving and applying the manufacture of innovative functional chocolate with high content of fiber, nutrients and antioxidants. Full article

Oxidative stress appears to be implicated in both the initiation and progression of autoimmune thyroiditis. Selenomethionine, which exhibits antioxidant properties, has been shown to reduce thyroid antibody titers in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, may protect against the development of autoimmune thyroiditis, and that its supplementation has been associated with improvements in female sexual function. The objective of the present pilot study was to determine whether vitamin E intake modulates the effects of selenomethionine on female sexual function and depressive symptoms in individuals with thyroid autoimmunity. The study enrolled three groups of reproductive-age women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, with 26 participants in each group. The groups were matched for age, thyroid peroxidase antibody titers, and TSH levels and differed according to vitamin E intake: adequate intake (group A), low intake (group B), and high intake (group C). All participants received selenomethionine supplementation (200 µg/day) for six months. Antibody titers and hormone levels were measured, and participants completed questionnaires assessing female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). At baseline, no differences in biochemical outcomes were observed between the groups, except for testosterone levels. The study groups differed in sexual desire and arousal domain scores, which were higher in group A than in the other two groups. Total FSFI scores, the remaining FSFI domain scores, and BDI-II scores did not differ between groups at baseline. Across all groups, selenomethionine reduced thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody titers and increased SPINA-GD and the ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine; however, the effects on antibody titers were most pronounced in group A. An increase in SPINA-GT and testosterone levels following selenomethionine supplementation was observed only in group A. In this group, selenomethionine also led to significant improvements in total FSFI scores and all individual domain scores. In contrast, in the remaining groups, the effects of supplementation were limited to increases in domain scores for lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and pain. A treatment-related reduction in total BDI-II scores was observed exclusively in women with adequate vitamin E intake. These findings suggest, for the first time, that dietary intake of a natural antioxidant may influence the effects of exogenous selenomethionine on sexual function and depressive symptoms in reproductive-age women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis. Full article