Blog Archives

Influence of specific management practices on blood selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene concentrations in horses and risk of nutritional deficiency

Mariya O Pitel, Erica C McKenzie, Jennifer L Johns, Robert L Stuart

J Vet Intern Med . 2020 Jul 20. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15862. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Selenium or alpha-tocopherol deficiency can cause neuromuscular disease. Beta-carotene has limited documentation in horses.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of owner practices on plasma beta-carotene concentration and risk of selenium and alpha-tocopherol deficiencies.

Animals: Three-hundred and forty-nine adult (≥1 year), university and privately owned horses and mules.

Methods: Cross-sectional study. Whole blood selenium, plasma alpha-tocopherol, and plasma beta-carotene concentrations were measured once. Estimates of daily selenium and vitamin E intake, pasture access, and exercise load were determined by owner questionnaire. Data were analyzed using t tests, Mann-Whitney tests, parametric or nonparametric analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman’s correlation and contingency tables (P < .05).

Results: Nearly 88% of the horses received supplemental selenium; 71.3% received ≥1 mg/d. Low blood selenium concentration (<80 ng/mL) was identified in 3.3% of horses, and 13.6% had marginal concentrations (80-159 ng/mL). Non-supplemented horses were much more likely to have low blood selenium (odds ratio [OR], 20.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.26-42.7; P < .001). Supplemental vitamin E was provided to 87.3% of horses; 57.7% received ≥500 IU/d. Deficient (<1.5 μg/mL) and marginal (1.5-2.0 μg/mL) plasma (alpha-tocopherol) occurred in 15.4% and 19.9% of horses, respectively. Pasture access (>6 h/d) and daily provision of ≥500 IU of vitamin E was associated (P < .001) with higher plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations. Plasma beta-carotene concentration was higher in horses with pasture access (0.26 ± 0.43 versus 0.12 ± 0.13 μg/mL, P = .003).

Conclusions and clinical importance: Suboptimal blood selenium and plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations occurred in 16.7% and 35.5% of horses, respectively, despite most owners providing supplementation. Inadequate pasture access was associated with alpha-tocopherol deficiency, and reliance on selenium-containing salt blocks was associated with selenium deficiency.

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Summary and evidence grading of over-the-counter scar treatments

Konstantin V Grigoryan, Jeremy T Kampp

Int J Dermatol . 2020 Jul 20. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15060. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Many products claiming to improve scar appearance are readily available on the Internet. Data behind these claims are often difficult to find or summarize. Patients often ask their surgeon for advice for scarring postdermatologic surgery.

Objective: We aim to review the evidence behind several advertised products and techniques that claim to improve postsurgical scarring.

Methods: A PubMed search was performed using products and methods claiming to improve scar appearance along with the terms “scar” and “scarring”.

Results: Published literature on scar massage, taping of scars, silicone gel and sheeting, onion-based extract products, and vitamin E was reviewed. Silicone gel/sheeting as well as taping have the most evidence to help improve scarring, but even then the evidence is conflicting and weak.

Conclusion: Online advertising may tempt patients to buy and trial products to help minimize scarring, although the evidence for the effectiveness of these products is absent to minimal. Dermatologists must be aware of these products to maintain effective patient counseling.

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Application and Efficacy of Vitamin E-Bonded Polysulfone Membrane in Acute Blood Purification Therapy

Eiichi Himeno, Shigeru Goto, Satoru Inoue, Yoshihiro Hatanaka, Satoshi Hagiwara, Shigekiyo Matsumoto, Takaaki Kitano

Blood Purif . 2020 Jul 17;1-7. doi: 10.1159/000508276. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute blood purification therapy (BPT) has been evaluated in the context of intensive care for serious conditions related to systemic inflammation, but its mechanism and efficacy are not fully understood.

Objective: This study examined the feasibility of using vitamin E-bonded polysulfone membranes (VEPS) for BPT in a LPS-induced rat model of systemic inflammation.

Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of BPT with a VEPS membrane, polysulfone (PS) membranes conventionally used in intensive care were bonded with the antioxidant vitamin E and used in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation. BPT using a PS membrane (PS group) or a VEPS membrane (VEPS group) was performed 6 h after administration of LPS. Extracorporeal circulation was established in normal rats as a control (sham group). Survival rates, histology of lung specimens, and levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) were examined in each group.

Results: Survival rates at 24 h after LPS administration were 100% in the VEPS group and 50% in the PS group. Pulmonary architecture was largely maintained and the level of infiltration of inflammatory cells remained moderate in the VEPS group. Levels of active MPO before and after BPT were significantly higher in the PS and VEPS groups than in the sham group, with no significant differences between the PS and VEPS groups. HMGB-1 levels were significantly elevated after BPT in the PS group.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that use of the VEPS membrane for BPT increased survival rate and reduced lung injury in a rat model of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), suggesting the possible use of VEPS membranes in the treatment of serious conditions related to systemic inflammation.

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Nutrient pattern of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E increase resting metabolic rate of overweight and obese women

Habib Yarizadeh, Leila Setayesh, Caroline Roberts, Mir Saeed Yekaninejad, Khadijeh Mirzaei

Int J Vitam Nutr Res . 2020 Jul 16;1-9. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000664. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objectives: Obesity plays an important role in the development of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A low resting metabolic rate (RMR) for a given body size and composition is a risk factor for obesity, however, there is limited evidence available regarding the association of nutrient patterns and RMR. The aim of this study was to determine the association of nutrient patterns and RMR in overweight and obese women. Study design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 women who were overweight or obese. Method: Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative standard food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nutrient patterns were also extracted by principal components analysis (PCA). All participants were evaluated for their body composition, RMR, and blood parameters. Result: Three nutrient patterns explaining 64% of the variance in dietary nutrients consumption were identified as B-complex-mineral, antioxidant, and unsaturated fatty acid and vitamin E (USFA-vit E) respectively. Participants were categorized into two groups based on the nutrient patterns. High scores of USFA-vit E pattern was significantly associated with the increase of RMR (β = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.79 to 68.16, p = 0.04). No significant associations were found among B-complex-mineral pattern (β = -0.00, 95% CI = -49.67 to 46.03, p = 0.94) and antioxidant pattern (β = 0.03, 95% CI -41.42 to 22.59, p = 0.56) with RMR. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the “USFA-vit E” pattern (such as PUFA, oleic, linoleic, vit.E, α-tocopherol and EPA) was associated with increased RMR.

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Minister promotes Vitamin E in Parliament based on palm oil

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali has encouraged Malaysians to take Vitamin E based on red palm oil — saying that it has good health benefits.

Speaking during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat this morning, the PAS minister surprisingly backed his predecessor and DAP Seputeh lawmaker Teresa Kok, after she was teased by Jempol (BN) MP Datuk Salim Sharif.

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Stereological and histopathological evaluation of doxorubicin-induced toxicity in female rats’ ovary and uterus and palliative effects of quercetin and vitamin E

M Samare-Najaf, F Zal, S Safari, F Koohpeyma, N Jamali

Hum Exp Toxicol . 2020 Jul 15;960327120937329. doi: 10.1177/0960327120937329. Online ahead of print

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with demonstrated reproductive toxicity. This study sought to determine the DOX-induced toxicity in the ovary and uterus and the preventive effects of quercetin (QCT) and vitamin E (Vit.E). Female rats were divided into six groups as follows: control, QCT (20 mg/kg), Vit.E (200 mg/kg), DOX (accumulative 15 mg/kg), DOX/QCT, and DOX/Vit.E. After 3 weeks, the toxicity of DOX in ovarian and uterine tissues and the potential palliative effects of QCT and Vit.E were evaluated by histopathological-stereological methods. The findings indicate a dramatic decline in the number of ovarian follicles (p < 0.001), ovarian and its associated structures volume, the volume of the uterus, its layers, and related structures (p < 0.05). Coadministration of QCT and Vit.E with DOX-treated rats demonstrated an alleviative effect on most of the studied parameters. Nevertheless, few adverse effects were recognized concerning these antioxidants administration (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study support the protective role of these dietary supplements in the prevention of DOX-induced toxicity in uterine and ovarian tissues.

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Phytochemical Profiles of Rice and Their Cellular Antioxidant Activity Against ABAP Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

Er Sheng Gong, Chengmei Liu, Bin Li, Wei Zhou, Hongyu Chen, Tong Li, Jianyong Wu, Zicong Zeng, Yuehua Wang, Xu Si, Yuxi Lang, Ye Zhang, Weijia Zhang, Guowen Zhang, Shunjing Luo, Rui Hai Liu

Food Chem . 2020 Jul 15;318:126484. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126484. Epub 2020 Feb 25.

Abstract

The phytochemical contents, peroxyl radical scavenging capacities (PSCs) and cellular antioxidant activities (CAAs) of free and bound fractions of rice were reported. Black rice had the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content in free and bound fractions, followed by red rice, brown rice, and polished rice. Black rice contained much more free phenolic compounds than other rice samples, such as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, protocatechuic acid, and vanillic acid. Tocopherols and tocotrienols contents were highest in red rice, then in black rice, brown rice, and polished rice. PSCs and CAAs of free and bound fractions were in the order: black rice > red rice > brown rice > polished rice, except that bound CAA of red rice was higher than that of black rice. The cellular uptake rate of free phenolics was highest in red rice, while cellular uptake rates of bound phenolics were highest in brown rice and polished rice.

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A Novel Combination of γ-Tocopherol-Rich Mixture of Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid Restores Fertility in Cases of Tyrosine Nitration-Associated Male Infertility in Mice

Eleonora Scarlata, Maria C Fernandez, Cristian O'Flaherty

Antioxidants (Basel) . 2020 Jul 13;9(7):E613. doi: 10.3390/antiox9070613.

Abstract

Infertility is an important health problem that affects up to 16% of couples worldwide. Male infertility is responsible for 50% of the cases. Currently, a physical examination, hormone profiling and the evaluation of two consecutive semen samples (to determine the sperm concentration, motility, morphology and, in very few cases, sperm DNA integrity) are the sole tools that physicians have to evaluate infertility in men. Antioxidant therapy is often used to improve sperm quality and function in infertile men. However, there are controversial results regarding the efficacy of these treatments. Prdx6-/- male mice are subfertile, displaying significant oxidative damage in the lipids, proteins and DNA of their spermatozoa. Here, we used Prdx6-/- male mice to test whether a novel combination of tocopherols that contained 60% γ-tocopherol and ascorbic acid could restore their fertility. These mice were fed with the supplemented (Vit. Mix) or control diets. To assess sperm quality, we determined the motility, levels of lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation and tyrosine nitration in the spermatozoa. The number of pups sired by the Prdx6-/- mice fed with the Vit. Mix diet was higher than that sired by the males fed with the control diet, and the pups’ mortality was lower. The sperm quality was improved in the males fed with the supplemented diet. We concluded that treatment with a supplement composed of tocopherols and rich in γ-tocopherol and ascorbic acid is effective in restoring fertility in cases where oxidative stress and high levels of tyrosine nitration are associated with male infertility.

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In vivo respiratory toxicology of cooking oil fumes: Evidence, mechanisms and prevention

Yongsheng Ma, Linjing Deng, Ping Ma, Yang Wu, Xu Yang, Fang Xiao, Qihong Deng

J Hazard Mater . 2020 Jul 12;402:123455. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123455. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: As cooking is an essential part of people’s daily life, cooking oil fumes (COF) has been recognized as one of the major indoor air pollutant. Mounting epidemiological evidence has indicated that COF exposure is significantly associated with an increased risk of various health effects including lung cancer, but toxicological studies are very limited.

Objectives: We conduct a systematic study to provide toxicological evidence of COF exposure on the lungs, to examine the underlying toxicological mechanism, and to suggest intervention measures to mitigate this toxicity.

Methods: A total 96 female rats were randomly divided into control groups, COF exposure groups (0.2, 2, 20 mg/kg) and vitamin E protection groups, receiving appropriate treatment for 30 days. First we measured airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) followed by a lung histological analysis to investigate the toxicological effects of COF. We next analyzed the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis to examine the underlying toxicological mechanism, and finally we investigated the protective effects of vitamin E against the toxicity of COF.

Results: AHR measurement indicated that the airway resistance increased with the COF dose and the lung histological assay showed narrowing of the airway lumen, which provided evidence of the toxicological effects of COF. The biomarkers of oxidative stress (ROS and MDA), pro-inflammation (TNF-α and IL-1β), and apoptosis (NF-κB and Caspase-3) were all significantly increased with COF dose. We observed that above toxicological effects and biomarker levels induced by COF were significantly ameliorated after administration of VE.

Conclusion: The toxicity of cooking oil fumes on the lungs is clear from the evidence and mechanism, and can be ameliorated by vitamin E. We suggested that oxidative stress may be primarily responsible for the observed cooking oil fumes-induced toxicity.

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The assessment of possible gender-related effect of endogenous striatal alpha-tocopherol level on MPTP neurotoxicity in mice

Nikolett Nánási, Gábor Veres, Edina K Cseh, Diána Martos, Levente Hadady, Péter Klivényi, László Vécsei, Dénes Zádori

Heliyon . 2020 Jul 11;6(7):e04425. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04425. eCollection 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Several studies supported an increased vulnerability of males regarding Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its animal models, the background of which has not been exactly revealed, yet. In addition to hormonal differences, another possible factor behind that may be a female-predominant increase in endogenous striatal alpha-tocopherol (αT) level with aging, even significant at 16 weeks of age, previously demonstrated by the authors. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was the assessment whether this difference in striatal αT concentration may contribute to the above-mentioned distinct vulnerability of genders to nigrostriatal injury. Female and male C57Bl/6 mice at the age of 16 weeks were injected with 12 mg/kg body weight 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 5 times at 2 h intervals or with saline. The levels of some biogenic amines (striatum) and αT (striatum and plasma) were determined by validated high performance liquid chromatography methods. Although the results proved previous findings, i.e., striatal dopamine decrease was less pronounced in females following MPTP treatment, and striatal αT level was significantly higher in female mice, the correlation between these 2 variables was not significant. Surprisingly, MPTP treatment did not affect striatal αT concentrations, but significantly decreased plasma αT levels without differences between genders. The current study, examining the possible role of elevated αT in female C57Bl/6 mice behind their decreased sensitivity to MPTP intoxication for the first time, was unable to demonstrate any remarkable connection between these 2 variables. These findings may further confirm that αT does not play a major role against neurotoxicity induced by MPTP.

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