Search Results (436)

Zoological environments aim to promote natural behaviours and optimal welfare conditions. Over the past decade, research on the use of artificial ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure has improved vitamin D₃ levels and reduced incidences of metabolic bone disease in diurnal primates; however, this has not been investigated in nocturnals. Aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), nocturnal lemurs often housed indoors in zoos with little to no exposure to natural sunlight, have been reported to have low vitamin D₃ levels. This study aims to investigate the impacts of artificial UV-B as a supplemental healthcare strategy for aye-ayes, examining its influences on vitamin D₃ levels and positional sleeping behaviour. The 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25OHD₃) blood levels were tested before and after exposure to different levels of artificial UV-B and heat sources. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between UV-B and 25OHD₃ at group parameter levels. However, one individual showed a positive correlation. Sleeping position duration analysis showed a potential basking behaviour with the use of increased ear exposure and other thermoregulatory responses. Despite representing 8.06% of the European captive aye-aye population, these findings highlight the need for further research on vitamin D₃ parameters and responses to UV-B to optimise captive conditions and support the species’ long-term health. Full article

The activation mechanism of the reproductive axis in Kazakh ewes during the non-breeding season was explored by supplementation with glycerol complex (7% glycerol + tyrosine + vitamin B9). The experiment divided 50 ewes into five groups (n = 10). After 90 days of intervention, it was found that significant changes in serum DL-carnitine, N-methyl-lysine and other differential metabolites were observed in the GLY-Tyr-B9 group (p < 0.05, “p < 0.05” means significant difference, “p < 0.01” means “highly significant difference”). The bile acid metabolic pathway was specifically activated (p < 0.01). The group had a 50% estrus rate, ovaries contained 3–5 immature follicles, and HE staining showed intact granulosa cell structure. Serum E2/P4 fluctuated cyclically (p < 0.01), FSH/LH pulse frequency increased (p < 0.01), peak Glu/INS appeared on day 60 (p < 0.05), and LEP was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (p < 0.01). Molecular mechanisms revealed: upregulation of hypothalamic kiss-1/GPR54 expression (p < 0.01) drove GnRH pulses; ovarian CYP11A1/LHR/VEGF synergistically promoted follicular development (p < 0.05); the HSL of subcutaneous fat was significantly increased (p < 0.05), suggesting involvement of lipolytic supply. Glycerol activates the reproductive axis through a dual pathway—L-carnitine-mediated elevation of mitochondrial β-oxidation efficacy synergizes with kisspeptin/GPR54 signalling enhancement to re-establish HPO axis rhythms. This study reveals the central role of metabolic reprogramming in regulating seasonal reproduction in ruminants. Full article

After the first release of synthalin B (dodecamethylenbiguanide) in 1928 and its later retraction in the 1940s in Germany, the retraction of phenformin (N-Phenethylbiguanide) and of Buformin in the USA (but not outside) because of the lethal complication of acidosis seemed to have put an end to the era of the biguanides as oral antidiabetics. The strongly hygroscopic metformin (1-1-dimethylbiguanide), first synthesized 1922 and resuscitated as an oral antidiabetic (type 2 of the elderly) compound first released in 1959 in France and in other European countries, was used in the first large multicenter prospective long-term trial in England in the UKPDS (1977–1997). It was then released in the USA after a short-term prospective trial in healthy overweight “young” type 2 diabetics (mean age 53 years) in 1995 for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes. It was, however, prescribed to mostly multimorbid older patients (above 60–65 years of age). Metformin is now the most used oral drug for type 2 diabetes worldwide. While intravenous administration of biguanides does not have any glucose-lowering effect, their oral administration leads to enormous increase in their intestinal concentration (up to 300-fold compared to that measured in the blood), to reduced absorption of glucose from the diet, to increased excretion of glucose through the stool, and to decrease in insulin serum level through increased hepatic uptake and decreased production. Intravenously injected F18-labeled glucose in metformin-treated type 2 diabetics accumulates in the small and even more in the large intestine. The densitometry picture observed in metformin-treated overweight diabetics is like that observed in patients after bowel-cleansing or chronically taking different types of laxatives, where the accumulated radioactivity can even reach values observed in colon cancer. The glucose-lowering mechanism of action of metformin is therefore not only due to inhibition of glucose uptake in the small intestine but also to “attraction” of glucose from the hepatocyte into the intestine, possibly through the insulin-mediated uptake in the hepatocyte and its secretion into the bile. Furthermore, these compounds have also a diuretic effect (loss of sodium and water in the urine) Acute gastrointestinal side effects accompanied by fluid loss often lead to the drugs’ dose reduction and strongly limit adherence to therapy. Main long-term consequences are “chronic” dehydration, deficiency of vitamin B12 and of iron, and, as observed for all the biguanides, to “chronic” increase in fasting and postprandial lactate plasma level as a laboratory marker of a clinical condition characterized by hypotension, oliguria, adynamia, and evident lactic acidosis. Metformin is not different from the other biguanides: synthalin B, buformin, and phenformin. The mechanism of action of the biguanides as antihyperglycemic substances and their side effects are comparable if not even stronger (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fluid loss) to those of laxatives. Full article

Background/Objective: In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it has been demonstrated that the treatment has a negative effect on bone health. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs-ω3) may attenuate bone resorption. We evaluated the effects of LCPUFAs-ω3, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation on bone turnover markers and changes in vitamin D concentrations during 6 weeks of supplementation and during 6 weeks of post-intervention follow-up in pediatric patients with ALL. Methods: Thirty-six pediatric patients with ALL were randomly assigned to the ω-3VDCa group (100 mg/kg/d LCPUFAs-ω3 + 4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) or the VDCa group (4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine 25(OH)D, PTH, ICTP, and TRAP-5b (biomarkers of bone resorption) and osteocalcin (OC, a biomarker of bone production) levels at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after supplementation. The 25(OH)D analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, and PTH and bone turnover markers were measured by ELISA. Results: The 25(OH)D concentration increased in both groups (ω3VDCa group: 19.4 ng/mL vs. 44.0 ng/mL, p < 0.0001; VDCa group: 15.3 ng/mL vs. 42.8 ng/mL, p = 0.018) and remained significantly higher at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, ICTP showed lower concentrations in the ω-3VDCa group than in the VDCa group (0.74 ng/mL vs. 1.05 ng/mL, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Combined omega-3 and 4000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 6 weeks had a positive effect on bone health, as indicated by serum ICTP, with no effect on serum 25(OH)D levels over vitamin D supplementation alone. Full article

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery induces profound gut microbiota alterations that may impact metabolic outcomes. This study investigated site-specific effects of a multicomponent bovine colostrum-honey-serviceberry (CHJ) complex on post-RYGB microbiome changes in obese rats. Twenty-nine Wistar rats underwent RYGB surgery with CHJ supplementation, followed by mucosal-associated microbiota analysis from five gastrointestinal segments using 16S rRNA sequencing and serum metabolite profiling. RYGB caused regional-specific changes: decreased alpha diversity, systematic Proteobacteria increases (31.2 ± 5.1% in duodenum), and reductions in SCFA-producing bacteria (Romboutsia, Roseburia). CHJ supplementation exhibited dual effects on the microbiome: restoration of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) in distal segments while concurrently promoting Enterobacteriaceae growth in proximal regions. CHJ also maintained alpha diversity levels of the mucosa-associated microbiota comparable to those observed in the control group. Disconnects emerged between predicted microbial functions and systemic metabolites: thiamine pathway activation accompanied 78.5% serum vitamin B1 reduction, indicating severe absorption deficits. Three distinct patterns emerged: pro-inflammatory (proximal), decolonization (widespread Helicobacteraceae loss), and restorative (selective CHJ-mediated recovery). Results demonstrate that post-RYGB dysbiosis exhibits profound regional heterogeneity requiring segment-specific interventions and highlight complex interactions between nutritional supplementation and surgically altered gut ecology in determining metabolic outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease worldwide. An increased lipoprotein A (LpA) level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in children. Genetic polymorphisms of the LPA gene may play an important role in susceptibility to obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of LPA rs10455872 polymorphism with the risk and clinical phenotypes of childhood obesity. Methods: This study included 103 children with obesity and 77 healthy controls. Genotyping of the LPA rs10455872 polymorphism was performed using real-time PCR. Results: The genotype distributions of the LPA rs10455872 polymorphism did not differ significantly between children with obesity and healthy children (p = 0.563). A marked difference in insulin levels was observed between children with obesity carrying the AG (16.90 IU/mL) and AA (25.57 IU/mL) genotypes. A marked difference was also observed in CRP levels between children with obesity with the AG (2.31 mg/L) and AA (4.25 mg/L) genotypes. After correcting for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate (FDR), significant differences were found between AG and AA genotypes in vitamin B12 (adjusted p = 0.024). Serum iron showed a borderline association (adjusted p = 0.072). A statistically significant correlation was found between the metabolic syndrome index and body fat ratio among children with obesity with the AA genotype (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Although limited by the small number of children with obesity with the AG genotype, some differences were noted between the AG and AA genotypes. These exploratory findings require further investigation in adequately powered studies. In children with obesity with the AA genotype, the metabolic syndrome index increases as the body fat ratio increases. Full article

Anemia due to acquired copper deficiency is most commonly the result of malabsorption or dietary deficiency. However, it can occasionally be due to excess zinc intake, which impairs the absorption of copper. Copper deficiency may result in vacuolated erythroid and myeloid precursors in the bone marrow, and sometimes features resembling myelodysplasia that, although not specific, may be an important clue to the diagnosis. Background and Clinical Significance: We report bone marrow findings in a child with anemia due to zinc-induced copper deficiency. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old female with cerebral palsy admitted for respiratory failure was found to have anemia and leukopenia with absolute neutropenia. A bone marrow smear showed occasional ring sideroblasts. Additional testing revealed reduced serum copper and elevated serum zinc. Further inquiry uncovered a several-year history of high-dose zinc supplementation. Conclusions: It is important to consider copper deficiency as a potential etiology in patients with anemia and neutropenia, as it may otherwise be mistaken for vitamin B12 deficiency or myelodysplasia. The presence of small vacuoles in hematopoietic precursors is an important clue to the diagnosis and may help avoid ineffective interventions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder with diverse subtypes. Recent evidence has suggested a link between vitamin D deficiency and IBS; however, the associations between vitamin D levels, IBS subtypes, and hematological–biochemical parameters remain unclear. The aim of this research was to investigate the associations between vitamin D status, IBS subtypes, and sex, along with their relationships with biochemical and hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 240 patients diagnosed with IBS according to the Rome IV criteria at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Hospital. The patients were classified as diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C), or mixed-type (IBS-M). The patients’ serum vitamin D levels and hematological (hemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet counts, and mean corpuscular volume) and biochemical (ferritin, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12 levels) parameters were evaluated at baseline and after vitamin D supplementation. Sex-related differences were assessed. Results: Baseline vitamin D levels were low in all IBS subtypes, with no significant differences between the groups. Vitamin D supplementation resulted in a significant increase in serum vitamin D levels across all subtypes (p = 0.001). No significant correlations were identified between vitamin D levels and hematological or biochemical parameters. Sex differences in vitamin D levels were only significant in the IBS-M group, both at baseline and post-treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among all IBS subtypes and significantly improves with supplementation, independently of the subtype. Although no associations were found between vitamin D levels and laboratory parameters, the observed sex differences in patients with IBS-M highlight the need for further research into potential sex-related pathophysiological mechanisms. These findings support the integration of routine vitamin D assessment and supplementation into the clinical management of IBS, especially in patients with the IBS-M subtype and female sex, to potentially improve patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is steadily increasing worldwide, driven by complex genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Caffeine metabolism, primarily mediated by CYP1A2 (though other enzymes such as CYP1A1 may also be involved), and the status of micronutrients such as vitamin B12 and folate have each been linked to MetS components. This study investigates the interaction between CYP1A2 genetic variants and vitamin B12/folate levels in patients with MetS, aiming to identify a novel biomarker axis with potential implications for personalized interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 356 adults diagnosed with MetS, recruited from Western Romania. Genotyping for CYP1A2 rs762551 was performed using TaqMan PCR assays. Daily caffeine intake was assessed via validated dietary questionnaires. Serum levels of folate and vitamin B12 were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassays. Results: AA genotype patients with a moderate coffee intake (1–2 cups/day) had significantly higher folate and B12 levels than AC or CC carriers. These nutritional advantages were associated with more favorable BMI and triglyceride profiles. The interaction between CYP1A2 genotype and coffee intake was significant for both micronutrient levels and metabolic parameters, particularly in the AA group. No significant associations were found in high-coffee-intake subgroups (≥3 cups/day). Conclusions: The interplay between CYP1A2 polymorphisms and B-vitamin status may represent a clinically relevant biomarker axis in MetS. Moderate caffeine intake in slow metabolizers (AA genotype) may boost micronutrient status and metabolic health, supporting personalized nutrition. Full article

Background: Although B vitamins are implicated in cardiovascular regulation, the associations between serum thiamine (vitamin B1) and blood pressure (BP) remain unclear, particularly among women who are at high risk for hypertension-related complications. This study aimed to investigate relationships between serum thiamine levels and BP outcomes among middle-aged and elderly women in eastern China. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2015 women aged 45–69 years in Zhejiang Province, China. Serum thiamine levels were quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Hypertension was defined as measured BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg, or current use of antihypertensive medications. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to assess associations of thiamine with hypertension prevalence and BP levels, respectively. Dose–response relationships were evaluated using restricted cubic splines (RCSs). Results: Higher thiamine levels were significantly associated with reduced hypertension prevalence (adjusted OR per SD increase: 0.87; 95%CI: 0.77, 0.97), with RCSs confirming linear dose–response (p-overall < 0.05, p-nonlinearity > 0.05). Compared with the lowest tertile, participants in the highest thiamine tertile had a 25% lower hypertension risk. Thiamine levels also showed negative associations with systolic BP (adjusted coef: −1.51 mmHg per SD; 95% CI: −2.33, −0.68), with the participants in the highest tertile showing a 3.94 mmHg reduction (95%CI: −5.97, −1.92). No significant relationship was found for diastolic BP. Conclusions: Serum thiamine is inversely associated with both hypertension prevalence and systolic BP in middle-aged and elderly women. This study supports the potential of serum thiamine as a modifiable biomarker in hypertension prevention strategies, particularly among aging women. Full article

Background: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is a common complication of thyroid surgery. Sunlight is a natural source of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which facilitates the synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin. Inadequate sunlight exposure has been linked to vitamin D deficiency, potentially exacerbating the risk of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sunshine levels on postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Method: We retrospectively evaluated patients that underwent total thyroidectomies at two different centers (Thessaloniki and Rhodes) by the same surgical team from 2021 to 2023 in terms of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. We compared the sunshine levels at each center the year before surgery and correlated them with postoperative levels of parathyroid hormone, serum ionized calcium, and phosphorus. Results: One-hundred twenty patients (Group Thessaloniki = 60 patients, Group Rhodes = 60 patients) who were matched for demographic characteristics and type of thyroid disease and surgery were enrolled in our study. The sunshine levels were different between the two centers (Rhodes > Thessaloniki, p < 0.001). It was found that sunshine levels affect preoperative serum ionized calcium (p = 0.002) and postoperative parathyroid hormone levels (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Sunlight exposure levels may play a crucial role in preventing postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Patients living in locations with higher sunshine levels may have lower rates of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Full article

Ocular flutter is an uncommon ophthalmic finding that may indicate paraneoplastic phenomena, and it is clinically characterized by intermittent bursts of conjugate, horizontal saccades without an intersaccadic interval. Ocular flutter must be differentiated from opsoclonus, which, although also characteristic of certain paraneoplastic syndromes, is instead defined by multidirectional saccades on both the horizontal and vertical planes. This report describes a very rare presentation of anti-Ri syndrome in a patient with an undiagnosed breast cancer, presenting with ocular flutter, dizziness, blurred vision, photophobia, and vomiting. Comprehensive evaluations, including contrast-enhanced brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), brain Computed Tomography (CT) scan, ophthalmological assessment, viral serology, complete blood count and thyroid, renal coagulation, hepatic function assessments, vitamin D and B12 levels, were all normal. Upon excluding other potential etiologies for the neurological symptoms, a paraneoplastic origin was considered. Serological tests confirmed the presence of anti-Ri onconeural antibodies, and a whole-body CT scan identified nodules in the right breast. Despite surgical excision of the primary tumor and subsequent medical therapy, there was no improvement in the neurological symptoms. Follow-up evaluations at 2 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years revealed persistent vestibular and neurological symptoms, with serum tests remaining positive for anti-Ri antibodies and no clinical or radiological evidence of neoplastic recurrence. Full article

Vitamin D, a hormone synthesized in the skin through ultraviolet B radiation (UVB), plays a crucial role not only in calcium and phosphate homeostasis but also in regulating skin homeostasis and modulating immune responses. In keratinocytes, vitamin D is converted to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D), which interacts with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to regulate gene expression involved in proliferation, differentiation, and antimicrobial defense. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and hidradenitis suppurativa. These conditions are associated with altered epidermal differentiation, immune imbalance, and microbial interactions, where vitamin D plays a modulatory role by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, enhancing antimicrobial peptide synthesis, and restoring skin barrier integrity. Topical vitamin D analogues have shown therapeutic benefits in psoriasis, while emerging evidence supports the adjunctive role of vitamin D supplementation in acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis. Despite promising associations between low serum vitamin D levels and disease severity, a causal relationship remains uncertain. This review integrates molecular mechanisms with clinical findings, emphasizing the role of vitamin D in cutaneous physiology and pathology, and highlights the need for further research into targeted supplementation strategies in dermatological disorders. Full article

Vitamins are crucial micro-nutrients for overall well-being, making continuous monitoring essential. There are demands to provide an alternative detection, especially using a portable detection or a point-of-care-testing (POCT) device. One promising approach is employing an in situ electro-polymerised MIP (eMIP), which offers a straightforward polymerisation technique on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Here, we report a review based on three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from 2014 to 2024 using medical subject heading (MeSH) terms “electrochemical polymerisation” OR “electropolymerisation” crossed with the terms “molecularly imprinted polymer” AND “vitamin A” OR “vitamin D” OR “vitamin E” OR “vitamin K” OR “fat soluble vitamin” OR “vitamin B” OR “vitamin C” OR “water soluble vitamin”. The resulting 12 articles covered the detection of vitamins in ascorbic acid, riboflavin, cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and menadione using monomers of catechol (CAT), 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), o-aminophenol (oAP), o-phenylenediamine (oPD), pyrrole, p-aminophenol (pAP), p-phenylenediamine (pPD), or resorcinol (RES), using common bare electrodes including graphite rod electrode (GRE), glassy carbon electrode (GCE), gold electrode (GE), and screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The most common electrochemical detections were differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The imprinting factor (IF) of the eMIP-modified electrodes were from 1.6 to 21.0, whereas the cross-reactivity was from 0.0% to 29.9%. Several types of food and biological samples were tested, such as supplement tablets, poultry and pharmaceutical drugs, soft drinks, beverages, milk, infant formula, human and calf serum, and human plasma. However, more discoveries and development of detection methods needs to be performed, especially for the vitamins that have not been studied yet. This will allow the improvement in the application of eMIPs on portable-based detection and POCT devices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hyperuricemia (HUA) has become the second largest metabolic disease after diabetes, and has become a major public health problem. The ELITEA compound tea extract can effectively reduce the serum uric acid level in HUA rat models. In this study, the mechanism of ELITEA compound tea on HUA was analyzed through serum untargeted metabolomics analysis. Methods: The rat model of HUA was established by feeding rats with a high uric acid diet. A total of 24 male SD rats were divided into a blank control group, a hyperuricemia model group, and an ELITEA compound tea prevention experimental group. UPLC-MS/MS was used to detect changes in metabolites in the blood of the three groups of rats, in order to identify potential biomarkers and study the mechanism of ELITEA compound tea in preventing HUA. Results: The ELITEA compound tea exhibited significant preventive effects on HUA rats. The analysis results showed that after ELITEA combined tea intervention, the 257 metabolites downregulated in the HUA model group showed an upward trend. Meanwhile, the 115 metabolites upregulated in the HUA model group showed a decreasing trend. Six main enrichment pathways were obtained, including arginine biosynthesis, histidine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism. Conclusions: ELITEA compound tea can effectively reduce the serum uric acid levels in HUA model rats. Based on the in-depth analysis of untargeted metabolomics, ELITEA compound tea mainly regulates the arginine biosynthesis pathway by modulating three important metabolites, arginine, glutamate, and ornithine, to reduce serum uric acid. Full article