bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sideroblastische Anämien
Authors: Matthes
Published: January 2006

Sideroblastische Anämien, charakterisiert durch das Vorkommen sideroblastischer Zellen im Knochenmark, stellen eine heterogene Gruppe von Erkrankungen dar. Die Klassifizierung unterscheidet heute vornehmlich zwei Gruppen: Erkrankungen, bei denen die Häm-Synthese gestört ist, und Erkrankungen, bei denen andere mitochondriale Stoffwechselwege beteiligt sind. Hierbei kann es sich um Defekte der mitochondrialen DNA oder der nukleären DNA handeln. Obwohl verschiedene hereditäre Formen vorkommen, sind sideroblastische Anämien meistens erworbene Erkrankungen und gehören hauptsächlich zur Gruppe der myelodysplastischen Syndrome. Die Behandlung ist meist nur unterstützend (Vitamine, Transfusionen und Wachstumsfaktoren); selten werden Knochenmarkstransplantationen durchgeführt. Obwohl einige genetische Defekte genau definiert werden konnten, kann angenommen werden, dass eine große Zahl noch unbekannter Gene bei den erworbenen Formen beteiligt ist. Dies muss aber noch genauer abgeklärt werden.
Hämoglobinopathien – Klinik und Diagnostik von Thalassämien und anomalen Hämoglobinen
Authors: Herklotz  , Risch  , Huber
Published: January 2006

Der Begriff Hämoglobinopathie fasst Zustände zusammen, die entweder aufgrund der Präsenz von anomalen Hämoglobinen oder von Thalassämien entstehen. Den anomalen Hämoglobinen liegt eine qualitative strukturelle Veränderung des Hämoglobinmoleküls zugrunde, während bei den Thalassämien die Synthese der Globinketten quantitativ beeinträchtigt ist. Wichtige anomale Hämoglobine wie HbS, HbC und HbE werden auch in der Schweiz häufig angetroffen. Andere anomale Hämoglobine werden selten angetroffen, erzeugen jedoch in einzelnen Fällen klinisch relevante Krankheitsbilder, welche sich als hämolytische Anämien, Polyglobulien oder Zyanose manifestieren. Thalassämie-Syndrome gehören mit 200 Millionen Betroffenen zu den häufigsten monogenetischen Erkrankungen weltweit. Auch in der Schweiz kommen sie keineswegs selten vor. Ursächlich bei 10–15% aller hypochromen Anämien, sind sie nach dem Eisenmangel die zweithäufigste Ursache einer hypochromen Anämie. Thalassämien und anomale Hämoglobinvarianten können gleichzeitig vorkommen. Dadurch kommt es zu einem noch breiteren Spektrum von Krankheiten, deren Ausprägung stark variiert. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst die pathophysiologischen Vorgänge und klinischen Charakteristika zusammen und stellt einen stufenweisen Abklärungsgang, der auch den sinnvollen Einsatz von molekularbiologischen Methoden beinhaltet, vor.
Hereditäre Enzymdefekte der Erythrozyten: Glukose-6-Phosphatdehydrogenase-Mangel und Pyruvatkinase-Mangel
Authors: Ittig Boo Sedano  , Röthlisberger  , Huber
Published: January 2006

Als Ursache einer normozytären, hyperregeneratorischen Anämie kommt differentialdiagnostisch neben einer anbehandelten Eisen-, Vitamin B12- oder Folsäuremangelanämie und St.n. Blutverlust eine Hämolyse in Frage. Nach Ausschluss von häufigeren bzw. einfacher abzuklärenden Ursachen für eine Hämolyse wie z.B. immunhämolytischen Anämien, mikroangiopathischen Anämien oder Hämoglobinopathien muss auch ein hereditärer Enzymdefekt der Erythrozyten in Betracht gezogen werden. Weltweit am verbreitetsten ist dabei der Glukose-6-Phosphat-Dehydrogenase-Mangel (G6PD-Mangel). Bei den häufigsten Varianten dieses Enzymmangels tritt eine akute Hämolyse erst unter Stress auf, der z.B. durch Infektionen, «oxidative» Medikamente oder den Genuss von Favabohnen verursacht werden kann. Die schwerste klinische Manifestation bei Glukose-6-Phosphat-Dehydrogenase-Mangel ist der selten auftretende Neugeborenenikterus. Weitere genetische Varianten können eine bei G6PD-Mangel sehr seltene chronische Hämolyse verursachen. Diese wird als chronische nonsphärozytäre hämolytische Anämie beschrieben und kann auch als Folge von anderen Enzymdefekten auftreten. Am häufigsten ist der Pyruvatkinase-Mangel (PK-Mangel). Alle anderen Formen von hereditärem Enzymmangel der erythrozytären Glykolyse sind (noch) deutlich seltener. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass bei gewissen dieser seltenen Formen neurologische und nicht hämatologische Symptome das Krankheitsbild dominieren. Bei Verdacht aufgrund der Klinik und/oder der Familienanamnese kann die Diagnose eines erythrozytären Enzymmangels relativ einfach mittels der Enzymaktivitätsbestimmung gestellt werden. Eine korrekte Diagnosenstellung kann entscheidend für die Wahl der Therapie sein (z.B. Splenektomie bei gewissen Formen). Weiter ist sie von großer Bedeutung für die genetische Beratung, da einige Formen (z.B. der PK-Mangel) autosomal rezessiv vererbt werden, während die häufigste Form, der G6PD-Mangel, X-chromosomal vererbt wird.
Referenzbereiche in der Hämatologie
Authors: Herklotz  , Lüthi  , Ottiger  , Huber
Published: January 2006

Die vorliegende Arbeit soll die in der Praxis tätigen Ärzte unterstützen, die Messergebnisse um Krankheiten des hämatologischen Formenkreises besser zu interpretieren. Es werden die Referenzbereiche der häufigsten hämatologischen Labormessgrößen, gruppiert nach Indikationen oder Methoden, vorgestellt. Die aufgeführten Daten stützen sich auf Referenzbereiche von schweizerischen Hämatologie-Laboratorien und auf eine große Anzahl von Literaturangaben. Je nach Literaturquelle oder Labor weisen die verglichenen Werte teilweise beträchtliche Unterschiede auf. Die aufgeführten Werte sind deshalb als – gut ausgewählte – Richtwerte zu interpretieren. Die wichtigsten Abhängigkeiten des Referenzbereiches einer Messgröße von unveränderlichen Einflussgrößen wie Alter oder Geschlecht wurden, falls gesichert vorhanden, berücksichtigt. Für andere physiologische, jedoch kurzfristig veränderliche Einflussgrößen sind in der Regel keine spezifischen Referenzbereiche erhältlich. Der beträchtliche Einfluss von Faktoren wie Stress, Rauchen oder Körperlage auf die Laborergebnisse sollte durch eine gute Patienteninstruktion und -vorbereitung für die Blutentnahme minimiert werden. Da dies nicht immer durchsetzbar ist, wird auf diese veränderlichen Einflussfaktoren hingewiesen, damit trotzdem eine optimale Interpretation der Messergebnisse möglich ist.
Erythrozytäre Membrankrankheiten
Authors: Eber  , Huber
Published: January 2006

Genetisch bedingte Membrandefekte sind in Mitteleuropa bei weitem die häufigste Ursache angeborener hämolytischer Anämien. Im letzten Jahrzehnt konnten die genetischen Defekte und die Pathogenese weitgehend geklärt werden. Bei der hereditären Sphärozytose ist durch einfache hämatologische Untersuchungen eine Unterteilung in verschiedene Schweregrade der Erkrankung möglich. Dies erlaubt eine prognostische Aussage über den zu erwartenden klinischen Verlauf und eine risikoadaptierte Indikation zur Splenektomie.
Eosinophilie
Authors: Scheidegger  , Debrunner  , Huber
Published: January 2006

Eine periphere Eosinophilie wird mit einer Eosinophilenzahl von > 450–500/mul im Blutbild definiert. Die Ursachen sind mannigfaltig, meistens liegt eine allergische, infektiöse oder neoplastische Ursache vor. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird auf die verschiedenen Ursachen, die klinischen Manifestationen, Abklärungen und therapeutischen Ansätze der Eosinophilie eingegangen. Beim sogenannten «hypereosinophilen Syndrom» (HES) handelt es sich oft um die Folge eines klonalen (neoplastischen) Phänomens. Es sind eine Reihe neuer therapeutischer Ansätze für diese Krankheitsbilder verfügbar geworden, die in diesem Artikel besprochen werden.
Die Prostatitis – eine häufig verkannte Männerkrankheit
Authors: Hochreiter  , Weidner
Published: January 2006

Der Ausdruck «Prostatitis» umschreibt eine Reihe von Erkrankungen, die von der akuten bakteriellen Entzündung bis hin zum chronischen Beckenschmerzsyndrom reichen. Da die akute und chronische bakterielle Prostatitis durch den kulturellen Nachweis der ätiopathogenetisch involvierten Erreger klar definiert sind, lässt sich daraus eine standardisierte antibiotische Therapie mit vorhersehbarer Eradikationsrate ableiten. Weitaus häufiger ist jedoch die nicht-infektiöse Form der Prostatitis, die gemäß der neuen Nomenklatur als chronisches Beckenschmerzsyndrom (CBSS) bezeichnet und in eine entzündliche und eine nicht-entzündliche Form unterteilt wird. Das CBSS betrifft Männer jeden Alters, ist bei unter 50-Jährigen aber die häufigste urologische Diagnose. Ätiologisch werden neben infektiösen Ursachen auch neuromuskuläre Faktoren, funktionelle Störungen des unteren Harntraktes, Hochdruckmiktion mit intraprostatischem Reflux und Autoimmunprozesse diskutiert. Da sich die Genese des CBSS nicht immer vollständig erklären lässt, erfolgt die Behandlung oft empirisch und kann bei fehlendem Erfolg sowohl für den Patienten als auch für den behandelnden Arzt frustrierend sein. Die Komplexität des Prostatitissyndroms verlangt deshalb ein anspruchsvolles diagnostisches und therapeutisches Vorgehen.
Epidemiologie der BPH und medikamentöse Ansätze
Authors: Marszalek  , Madersbacher
Published: January 2006

Ein tieferes Verständnis der Pathogenese, des natürlichen Verlaufes und des Progressionsrisikos ermöglicht heute eine differenziertere Behandlung von Patienten mit unterer Harntraktsymptomatik bei benigner Prostatahyperplasie (BPH) und benigner Prostatavergrößerung als noch vor 15 Jahren. Von den verschiedenen BPH-Leitlinen werden Phytopräparate derzeit nicht empfohlen, da die Datenlage nach wie vor inkonklusiv ist. alpha1-Blocker und 5alpha Reduktase Inhibitoren (5ARI) sind weltweit etabliert. alpha1-Blocker bieten sich primär für symptomatische Patienten mit geringem BPH-Progressionsrisiko (z.B. Prostatavolumen < 30–40 ml) an. Rezente Langzeitdaten suggerieren, dass alpha 1-Blocker keinen Einfluss auf den weiteren natürlichen Krankheitsverlauf, wie das Risiko eines akuten Harnverhaltes oder Prostataoperation haben. 5ARI sollten symptomatischen Patienten mit höherem BPH-Progressionsrisiko (Prostatavolumen > 30–40 ml) vorbehalten bleiben, da sie das Risiko einer akuten Harnverhaltung und einer Prostataoperation signifikant reduzieren.
Retinoic Acid in Association with Tin-Metalloporphyrins Influences Heme Metabolism in vivo in Rats
Authors: Chandra  , Aneja  , Sharma  , Tiwari
Published: January 2006

In the current study we report the perturbation of key enzymes of the heme metabolic pathway, i.e. delta-amino levulinic acid synthase, heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase, in vivo by administration of retinoic acid (RA) and retinoic acid in association with tin-metalloporphyrins, viz., tin-protoporphyrin (SnPP) and tin-mesoporphyrin (SnMP) in the liver, spleen, heart and lung of rats. RA at a dosing regimen of 50,000 I.U. stimulated splenic ALA-S activity, whereas co-administration of tin-metalloporphyrins with RA antagonised the RA mediated induction of ALA-S. In the other tissues viz., liver, heart and lung our results showed a diminution of ALA-S activity on RA administration, the level of repression was further attenuated when tin-metalloporphyrins were co-administered with RA. This marked suppression of ALA-S brought forth by concurrent administration of RA and tin-metalloporphyrins is suggestive of the beneficial effect of this formulation in acute attacks of porphyria, similar to heme. Furthermore, our results emphasize that the combined dosing of RA with tin-metalloporphyrins leads to a substantial decline in bilirubin levels due to a profound inhibition of HMOX in the probed tissues. The features of the combined action of RA and tin-metalloporphyrins in vivo lead to a substantial suppression of formation of the potentially toxic metabolite bilirubin, and the enhancement of disposal of the untransformed substrate (heme) of the enzyme that is inhibited. These results define some of the characteristics of a therapeutically useful formulation and represent a new therapeutic approach for the amelioration and management of hyperbilirubinemia.
Low Vitamin K Intake Effects on Glucose Tolerance in Rats
Authors: Sakamoto  , Wakabayashi  , Sakamoto
Published: January 2006

To investigate the effects of vitamin K (VK) on pancreatic function, intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed in rats fed with and without low VK diet (inclucing less than 20% required vitamin K1). Plasma glucose and immuno-reactive insulin (IRI) were determined. It was found that at 0 min., plasma glucose and IRI levels in low VK group were slightly less than in the control (glucose, 204.5 ± 21.7 vs. 229 ± 19.6 mg/dl, IRI, 6.6 ± 1.3 vs. 9.3 ± 1.8 ng/ml mean ± SEM). At 3 min. after glucose administration, plasma glucose was higher (391.8 ± 25.6 vs. 371.8 ± 18.7 mg/dl) and IRI, lower (11.8 ± 2.1 vs. 18.2 ± 3.6 ng/ml) in the low VK group. The disappearance rate of plasma glucose in the low VK group at 5–10 min. was significantly less than in the control (6.7 ± 2.2 vs. 11.9 ± 1.8 mg/ dl/min.). Incremental IRI area at 0 to 5 min. in the low VK group is less than in the control (15.2 ± 4.4 vs. 25.0 ± 9.1 ng/ml/min.), but at 5–60 min. and 0–60 min., it was found to be significantly higher compared to the control (210.3 ± 55.2 vs. 32.5 ± 47.1 ng/ml/min. at 5–60 min.). Dietary low VK intake would thus appear to induce a tendency of poor early insulin response, and late hyperinsulinemia to the glucose load in rats.
Hepatic Subcellular Storage of Beta-Carotene in Rats Following Diet Supplementation
Authors: Bianchi-Santamaria  , Stefanelli  , Cembran  , Gobbi  , Peschiera  , Vannini  , Santamaria
Published: January 2006

Beta-carotene (BC) storage was measured in liver and its subcellular fractions (plasma membranes, mitochondria, microsomes and nuclei) of rats fed BC added to diet. The BC supplementation dose was about 350 mg/week/rat. After 15 weeks of this supplementation, rats were killed and their livers were immediately excised and processed to obtain total liver tissue and its subcellular fractions. Their BC contents were measured by HPLC as pmols/mg protein. Intact BC was found to be stored in all the above subcellular fractions, thus showing that BC is probably taken up by liver cell lipid moiety. Interestingly, the mean BC concentrations in plasma membranes and mitochondria were significantly higher than that in total liver tissue. Our data confirmed that rodents are a good animal model for the study of BC metabolism and its effects on several pathologies, and cancer prevention and treatment in humans in spite of the fact that rodents are classified as white-fat animals because of their poor BC absorption and storage in fat and blood plasma, whereas humans are classified as yellow-fat organisms because of their opposite behavior in BC uptake and organ distribution.
Ability of a Cocoa Product to Correct Chronic Mg Deficiency in Rats
Authors: Planells  , Rivero  , Mataix  , Llopis
Published: January 2006

Epidemiological studies have reported that Western diets are often deficient in Mg. We investigated the ability of a cocoa-derived product, used in some European countries as a dietary complement added to milk, to aid recovery from chronic Mg deficiency in rats. The animals were divided into three groups, each of which received a different amount of dietary Mg. Rats in the Mg-deficient (D) group received an Mg-deficient diet (0.225 g Mg/kg food) during 8 weeks. In the cocoa-supplement group (D+ CC), the rats consumed the Mg-deficient diet for 5 weeks, and were then switched for 3 further weeks to the same diet supplemented with 3% (wt/wt) cocoa product, so that the Mg content of the diet was 0.27 g/kg food. Rats in the control group (C) were given the same diet as in group D, except that the amount of Mg was 0.56 g Mg/kg food. We measured the concentration of Mg, Ca and P from ten rats in plasma, whole blood, skeletal muscle, heart, kidney and femur in rats that were fed the diets for 35, 42, 49 or 56 days. In animal fed the cocoa-supplemented diet (D + CC) significant improvements were found between days 35 and 56 in the alterations in Mg, Ca and P caused by Mg deficiency in all tissues studied. On day 56, kidney and bone concentrations of Mg and Ca had returned to normal. Our findings show that the habitual use of the cocoa product as a dietary supplement favors correction of the negative effects of long-term feeding with a diet moderately deficient in Mg.
Konjac Mannan Improves the Vitamin B-6 Status of Rats Fed a Vitamin B-6-deficient Diet
Authors: Hayakawa  , Iida  , Tsuge
Published: January 2006

To investigate how dietary fiber in the diet affects vitamin B-6 nutriture of rats which have been deprived of vitamin B-6, rats were made vitamin B-6-deficient by feeding a vitamin B-6-deficient 70% casein diet. They were fed 2% cellulose powder-based vitamin B-6-deficient diets supplemented with 3% of additional dietary fiber sources (agar, konjac mannan, pectin and cellulose powder) for subsequent 18 days. Vitamin B-6 status was evaluated according to several biological criteria (weight gain, urinary excretion of xanthurenic acid after tryptophan loading, plasma pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, apparent pyridoxal 5’-phosphate-saturation of liver kynureninase, urinary excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid and fecal output of vitamin B-6). Vitamin B-6 status evaluated by these criteria was considerably improved in the konjac mannan-fed group, when compared with the respective data of the vitamin B-6 supplemented group. The relative mean effect of the konjac mannan diet was about 40% of the vitamin B-6 supplemented diet. In conclusion, konjac mannan was effective for improving the vitamin B-6 nutritional state in vitamin B-6-deprived rats.
Studies on Wound Healing: Effects of Calcium D-Pantothenate on the Migration, Proliferation and Protein Synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts in Culture
Authors: Weimann  , Hermann
Published: January 2006

The effect of calcium D-pantothenate on the migration, proliferation and protein synthesis of human dermal fibroblasts from three different donors was investigated. The migration of cells into a wounded area was dose-dependently stimulated by Ca D-pantothenate. The number of cells that migrated across the edge of the wound increased from 32 ± 7 cells/ mm without Ca D-pantothenate to 76 ± 2 cells/ mm with 100 mg/ml Ca D-pantothenate. Moreover, the mean migration distance per cell increased from 0.23 ± 0.05 mm to 0.33 ± 0.02 mm. The mean migration speed was calculated to be 10.5 mm/hour without and 15 mm/hour with Ca D-pantothenate. Cell proliferation was also dose-dependently stimulated. The final cell densities were 1.2 to 1.6-fold higher in cultures containing 100 mg/ml Ca D-pantothenate. The protein synthesis was modulated, since two unidentified proteins were more strongly expressed in pantothenate supplemented cultures. In conclusion, Ca D-pantothenate accelerates the wound healing process by increasing the number of migrating cells, their distance and hence their speed. In addition, cell division is increased and the protein synthesis changed. These results suggest that higher quantities of pantothenate are locally required to enhance wound healing.
Cobalt Deficiency Effects on Trace Elements, Hormones and Enzymes Involved in Energy Metabolism of Cattle
Authors: Stangl  , Schwarz  , Kirchgessner
Published: January 2006

This study was conducted to investigate the physiological consequences of long-term moderate cobalt deficiency in beef cattle, which have not hitherto been studied in detail. Cobalt deficiency was induced in cattle by feeding two groups of animals either a basal corn silage-based diet that was moderately low in cobalt (83 mug Co/kg), or the same diet supplemented with cobalt to a total of 200 mug per kg, for 43 weeks. Cobalt deficiency was induced, as judged by inappetance, diminished growth gain and a markedly reduced vitamin B12 status in serum and liver. The long-term cobalt deprivation which was primarily a combination of reduced feed intake and a tissue vitamin B12 deficiency did not show evidence of a significant dysfunktion of energy metabolism. The activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase in liver remained unaffected by cobalt deficiency, nor was there a significant change in serum glucose level of cattle on the cobalt-deprived diet. However, analysis of thyroid hormone status indicated a slight reduction of type I thyroxine monodeiodinase activity in liver accompanied by a significant reduction of the triiodothyronine level in serum. The diminished liver vitamin B12 level resulted in significantly reduced folate level in this tissue, reduced concentrations of heme-depending blood parameters. Moreover cobalt deficiency or rather vitamin B12 deficiency was accompanied by a dramatic accumulation of the trace elements iron and nickel in liver. These results indicate that long-term moderate cobalt deficiency may induce a number of physiological changes in cattle, but a follow-up study, which excluded different feed levels by including a pair-fed control group, will be necessary to actually obtain the single effect of cobalt deficiency in cattle.
High-dose Vitamin C: A Risk for Persons with High Iron Stores?
Authors: Gerster
Published: January 2006

The contribution of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to the prevention of iron deficiency anemia by promoting the absorption of dietary non-heme iron – especially in persons with low iron stores – is well established. But the question has been raised whether high-dose intakes of vitamin C might unduly enhance the absorption of dietary iron in persons with high iron stores or in patients with iron overload, possibly increasing the potential risk of iron toxicity. Extensive studies have shown that overall the uptake and storage of iron in humans is efficiently controlled by a network of regulatory mechanisms. Even high vitamin C intakes do not cause iron imbalance in healthy persons and probably in persons who are heterozygous for hemochromatosis. The uptake, renal tubular reabsorption and storage of vitamin C itself are also strictly limited after high-dose intake so that no excessive plasma and tissue concentrations of vitamin C are produced. The effect of high-dose vitamin C on iron absorption in patients with iron overload due to homozygous hemochromatosis has not been studied. Of special importance is the early identification of hemochromatosis patients, which is assisted by the newly developed PCR test for hereditary hemochromatosis. Specific treatment consists of regular phlebotomy and possibly iron-chelating therapy. These patients should moreover avoid any possibility of facilitated absorption of iron and need to limit their intake of iron. Patients with beta-thalassemia major and sickle cell anemia who suffer from iron overload due to regular blood transfusions or excessive destruction of red blood cells need specialized medical treatment with iron chelators and should also control their intake of iron. The serum of patients with pathological iron overload can contain non-transferrin-bound iron inducinglipid peroxidation with subsequent consumption of antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C. The role of iron in coronary heart disease and cancer is controversial. Early suggestions that moderately elevated iron stores are associated with an increased risk of CHD have not been confirmed by later studies. In vitro, ascorbic acid can act as a prooxidant in the presence of transition metals such as iron or copper, but in the living organism its major functions are as an antioxidant. High intakes of vitamin C have thus not been found to increase oxidative damage in humans. Accordingly, the risk of CHD or cancer is not elevated. On the contrary, most studies have shown that diets rich in vitamin C are inversely related to the incidence of these diseases.
Plasma Vitamin A and E in Preterm Babies Fed on Breast Milk or Formula Milk with or without Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Ghebremeskel  , Burns  , Costeloe  , Burden  , Harbige  , Thomas  , Temple
Published: January 2006

Plasma vitamin A and E, the antioxidant nutrients copper and zinc, and magnesium were investigated in preterm babies. They were fed on their own mother’s breast milk, or a formula with, or without, AA and DHA. Vitamin A (2.4 mg/d) and E (15 mg/d) supplements were also given. Vitamin A and E levels of most of the babies were sub-optimal at birth. The mean concentrations of vitamin E increased in all the groups by the expected date of delivery (EDD) (p < 0.001). Those fed on their mother’s breast milk had the highest value compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the mean level of vitamin A (p > 0.05) and copper (p < 0.05) and a decrease in zinc (p < 0.05) between birth and EDD. Concentrations of the two vitamins were not different (p > 0.05) between the babies fed on the formula with, and without, AA and DHA. It is concluded that the amount of AA and DHA incorporated in the formula milk did not adversely influence the plasma vitamin A and E of the babies.
Calcidiol, Calcitriol and Parathyroid Hormone Serum Concentrations in Institutionalized and Ambulatory Elderly in Switzerland
Authors: Theiler  , Stähelin  , Tyndall  , Binder  , Somorjai  , Bischoff
Published: January 2006

Aim: The aim of the present study was to measure concentrations of vitamin D metabolites and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) serum concentrations and an urinary bone resorption marker in two groups of elderly subjects, who differed markedly in their sedentary status and seasonality. Design: 193 institutionalized elderly people of a long-stay geriatric ward (106 women: mean age 82; 87 men: mean age 78) were studied during wintertime. 312 ambulatory elderly people (109 women: mean age 74; 203 men: mean age 76) were studied during summertime. Concentrations of calcidiol (25(OH)D), calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D) and serum iPTH, as well as urinary N-telopeptides (NTX) were measured. Results: Vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25(OH)D < 12 ng/ml) was present in 86% of institutionalized at the expected nadir (wintertime), compared to 15% of the ambulatory elderly subjects at the expected maximum (summertime). Serum calcitriol concentrations were significantly lower in institutionalized subjects (p = .0001). However intact PTH concentrations did not differ significantly between institutionalized and ambulatory elderly. Institutionalized and female subjects showed higher urinary NTX excretion (female institutionalized: 131.9; female ambulatory: 66.8/male institutionalized: 76.3 male ambulatory: 45.8 nmol/mmol). Conclusion: This cross-sectional study documented very low serum calcidiol and calcitriol concentrations and high urinary N-telopeptide excretion in institutionalized elderly people. There was no difference in serum iPTH concentrations between institutionalized and ambulatory elderly. This finding could not be explained by the differences in calcidiol and calcitriol concentration, nor urinary NTX excretion. These results suggest that other factors than vitamin D deficiency, such as lower mobility status and sedentary life style, might have an important role in the regulation of iPTH and mechanisms of bone loss in the elderly.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Senescence
Authors: Schmidt
Published: January 2006

Average life-span and maximum life-span are the two basic parameters by which the processes of ageing and senescence of individuals of a species are characterized. Although each individual of a species if affected by both parameters can only be studied in populations of individuals. The survival curve of a cohort of individuals reflects the different influences of constitutional and environmental factors on life expectancy. The intrinsic molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the physiological process of ageing and senescence is controlled and regulated are far from being understood although a large number of hypotheses have emerged over the decades. Stochastic and deterministic models of the ageing process have been developed but a theory unifying the large body of experimental, epidemiological and clinical findings is still lacking. In this contribution a brief review is presented on the different hypotheses aiming at explaining the physiology and pathophysiology of ageing and senescence.
The Vitamin Status and its Adequacy in the Elderly: An International Overview
Authors: Haller
Published: January 2006

Age-related changes in nutrition can affect the nutritional status of the elderly in a number of ways. Food intake is affected by socio-economic, physiological and pathological factors. The major physiological age-related change is the decrease in the energy requirement due to a reduction in lean body mass and a reduction in physical activity leading to a compensatory decrease in macro- and micronutrient intake of approximately 30% by the age of 80 years. Morbidity and some types of medication, smoking and alcohol consumption also affect the absorption and metabolism of vitamins. The plasma levels of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids tend to increase with age with the exception of vitamin D, while certain water-soluble vitamin levels decrease, particularly vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Many epidemiological studies have examined the vitamin intake and the plasma concentrations of large elderly populations in many regions of the world, but few have specifically determined the incidence of vitamin deficiencies. The criteria for defining deficiency varies between studies making it difficult to compare data from different studies. In the SENECA Study on European elderly evidence for biochemical vitamin deficiency was found in 47% for vitamin D, 23.3% for vitamin B6, 2.7% for vitamin B12 and 1.1% for vitamin E.
Vitamin E and Other Antioxidants in Neuroprotection
Authors: Behl
Published: January 2006

Several pathological conditions are believed to be causally related to the generation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals including various neurodegenerative disorders. In the histopathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) many signs of oxidative reactions can be found building the basis of the oxidative stress hypothesis of AD. One major player in the generation of an overall oxidative microenvironment for the nerve cells is the amyloid beta protein (Abeta) of the senile plaques in brain areas affected in AD. Abeta can be neurotoxic and this toxicity is mediated by peroxides and by the peroxidation of membrane lipids leading to the lysis of the cell. Consequently, lipophilic free radical scavengers such as vitamin E and the recently discovered antioxidant activity of the female sex hormone estrogen protects neurons against the oxidative toxicity of Abeta and other AD-related oxidative insults. In a first clinical trial using vitamin E in therapy, this antioxidant could slow down the course of the disease launching further clinical investigations. Although antioxidants act as non-specific protective chemical shields for neurons and do not target specific pathological events, they are highly effective and further investigations on their activity might lead to an even more effective application of antioxidants. Since the knowledge of the pathways of neuronal cell death that occur during oxidative challenges is increasing, it will be of central interest how antioxidants can interfere with signal transduction mechanisms and therefore also modify genetic programs. As long as specific interventions are not available the optimistic data concerning the neuroprotective activity of antioxidants in vitro and in vivo underline an important role for antioxidative acting compounds for the prevention and therapy of oxidative stress-related conditions including AD.
Studies on Vitamin B12 Status in the Elderly – Prophylactic and Therapeutic Consequences
Authors: Loew  , Wanitschke  , Schroedter
Published: January 2006

Because of the large liver stores (about 5 mg), low turnover rate (0.143%) and small daily requirement (3 mug), vitamin B12 deficiency does not occur under normal circumstances. This is not the case in individuals with chronic inflammatory or trophic changes at vitamin B12 absorption sites. Without supplementation, vitamin B12 deficiency can be expected within 5 years of gastrectomy. Characteristic features of type A gastritis are hyposecretion and mucosal atrophy in the fundus and body of the stomach, with absent intrinsic factor. In the small intestine, active and/or passive absorption is impaired by extensive ileal resection, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and chronic inflammatory disorders such as Crohn’s disease. Definitive plasma concentrations cannot be quoted for vitamin B12 deficiency. Dietary habits, subjective symptoms, hematological laboratory results, function tests and gastrointestinal endoscopic and histological findings must all be taken into account in the diagnosis. Modern diagnostic parameters, such as methylmalonic acid and homocysteine serum assays, are useful for achieving early diagnosis and hence optimal treatment. With their assured availability, parenteral vitamin B12 preparations remain the treatment of choice. Results from vitamin B12 bioavailability studies in healthy subjects suggest that > 300 mug probably suffices as an oral maintenance dose after parenteral loading. Further well-documented cases are needed in order to establish whether these doses are adequate in malabsorption syndromes and gastrointestinal diseases. Various case reports indicate the value of prophylactic and therapeutic oral vitamin B12 administration, especially in disorders of homocysteine metabolism, a substance postulated as a further important risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Plasma Vitamin A, E, and beta-Carotene Levels in Adult Post-Partum Algerian Women
Authors: Lachili  , Faure  , Smail  , Zama  , Benlatreche  , Favier  , Roussel
Published: January 2006

Vitamins A and E are essential for foetal growth, reproduction, and lactation. In this article we report the results of a study, lead in three Eastern Algeria cities, that involved 786 post-partum women and 250 control. Plasma levels of vitamins A, E, beta-carotene, and some nutritional indexes were measured in both groups. In control women, plasma retinol and b-carotene levels were significantly lower in Algeria than in France (retinol: 1.4 ± 0.42 vs. 1.78 ± 0.53 mumol/l; beta-carotene: 0.35 ± 0.261 vs. 0.94 ± 0.611). These differences could be the consequence of different b-carotene and retinol intakes. In Algeria, comparisons between post-partum women and controls, showed that plasma vitamin A and beta-carotene levels were significantly lower in post-partum than in control women. This fact, and the lower level of retinol in control women, raises the question of supplementation for pregnant women in Algeria, at least for those with the lowest standard of living whose protein and zinc levels are also very low after delivery. Plasma vitamin E levels and vitamin E/total lipid ratios were not different in Algeria and in France. Vitamin E concentration was higher during pregnancy, but the vitamin E/total lipid ratio was significantly lower, which shows a relative deficiency at the end of pregnancy. Comparisons of plasma vitamin E levels, at delivery, in primiparous and in multiparous women reveal a better tocopherol status in multiparous women. This difference could reflect an adaptive response to oxidative stress in multiparous women.
Oxidative Stress Induced by Exercise and Dietary Fat Modulates the Coenzyme Q and Vitamin A Balance Between Plasma and Mitochondria
Authors: Quiles  , Huertas  , Mañas  , Ochoa  , Battino  , Mataix
Published: January 2006

Physical exercise induces oxidative stress. Dietary fat modulates lipid composition of plasma and fatty acid profile of mitochondrial membranes. Over 8 wk, two groups of rats were fed virgin olive oil or sunflower oil as the only fat sources. Both groups were divided into 4 subgroups according to exercise: one of sedentary rats and the other three of rats subjected to different exercises on a treadmill. There was a lower concentration of vitamin A and coenzyme Q in the plasma of animals subjected to exercise compared to the sedentary animals. The concentrations of these molecules in liver and skeletal muscle mitochondria of animals exercised until exhaustion were higher than in sedentary animals. This can suggest the existence of a balance between plasma and mitochondrial membrane for these antioxidants as a response to an oxidative attack.
Relationship Between Smoking, Dietary Intakes and Plasma Levels of Vitamin E and beta-Carotene in Matched Maternal-cord Pairs
Authors: Kiely  , Cogan  , Kearney  , Morrissey
Published: January 2006

The concentrations of tocopherols and carotenoids are lowered in umbilical cord blood plasma, which may have a negative effect on antioxidant protection in neonates. Smoking may adversely affect dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of carotenoids. The dietary intakes of vitamin E and beta-carotene were assessed in 66 pregnant women (31 smokers and 35 non-smokers) between 10 and 20 weeks gestation using a food frequency questionnaire. The concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene were measured in maternal plasma at the time of the dietary assessment, and in the matched umbilical cords of their newborn after delivery. In smoking and non-smoking mothers, the mean intakes of vitamin E (9.3 [SD 5] and 8.2 [SD 5] mgd–1) and beta-carotene (3464 [SD 1885] and 2977 [SD 1503] mugd–1) were not significantly different. The plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (20.8 [SD 4] and 20.5 [SD 4] mumolL–1), the alpha-tocopherol to lipid ratios (3.2 [SD 0.8] and 3.5 [SD 0.8]) and the plasma concentrations of beta-carotene (0.22 [SD 0.1] and 0.22 [SD 0.1] mumolL–1) were not significantly different in smoking and non-smoking mothers. There were no significant differences in plasma alpha-tocopherol (7.4 [SD 2] and 7.3 [SD 2] mumolL–1), in alpha-tocopherol to lipid ratios (3.2 [SD 0.6] and 2.8 [SD 0.6]) or in beta-carotene concentrations (0.05 [SD 0.04] and 0.03 [SD 0.02] mumolL–1) in cords from newborns of smoking and non-smoking mothers. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.41, P = 0.015) between dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of beta-carotene in non-smoking mothers. However, this relationship was not significant in smoking mothers (r = 0.28, P = 0.12). There were no relationships between dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of tocopherol. These results indicate that smoking during pregnancy does not appear to affect the dietary intakes or plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene in pregnant women or their babies. However, smoking does influence the relationship between dietary intakes and plasma levels of beta-carotene.
Transient Lowering of Plasma Vitamin B12 Concentrations in Ouessant Sheep Fed on a Potassium-Rich Ration
Authors: Smit  , Schonewille  , Beynen
Published: January 2006

The hypothesis tested was that a high intake of potassium (K) interferes with cobalt (Co)-vitamin B12 metabolism in ruminants. Ouessant sheep were fed either a low- (8 g K/kg dry matter) or high-K diet (43 g K/kg dry matter) with an adequate amount of Co (124 mug Co/kg dry matter). Plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were measured. Sheep fed a low-K diet, but containing only 70 mug Co/kg dry matter, served as positive controls. Feeding the low-Co ration produced a significant decrease in plasma vitamin B12 concentrations. The high- versus low-K ration induced a significant decrease in plasma vitamin B12 during the first 6 weeks, but thereafter the values in the high-K group rose to those seen in the low-K group. The mechanism by which dietary K may interact with Co-vitamin B12 metabolism in sheep is unknown.
Vitamin Intake of 3- to 36-Month-Old German Infants and Children – Results of the DONALD-Study
Authors: Alexy  , Kersting  , Sichert-Hellert  , Manz  , Schöch
Published: January 2006

Infants and young children are a vulnerable group with regard to nutrition. However, there is a lack of information about the dietary composition of healthy German infants and children. Therefore, the intake of vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, folate, niacin) was assessed in 354 healthy German infants and children aged 3 to 36 months from 3-day-weighed diet records and compared with German, European and US reference values. Intake of all B-vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folate, niacin) increased during the first 3 years of life, whereas intake of vitamin E decreased. Intake of vitamin A and C varied between age groups. The highest levels of the nutrient densities of most vitamins were found at the end of the first year of life. Depending on the reference values chosen, the vitamin supply of the study population ranged between sufficient and very good. The reported satisfactory intake of vitamins in infants and young children in this study gives rise to the question of whether the current extent of fortification of commercial infant food in Germany is necessary.
Epidemiologic Correlates of Serum Folate and Homocysteine Levels among Users and Non-users of Vitamin Supplement
Authors: Kato  , Dnistrian  , Schwartz  , Toniolo  , Koenig  , Shore  , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte  , Akhmedkhanov  , Riboli
Published: January 2006

Lower serum folate and higher serum homocysteine levels are known risk factors for various conditions. Thus, epidemiologic correlates with these measurements were studied for 256 multivitamin users and 230 non-users who were middle-aged women. Both serum folate and homocysteine levels increased with advancing age in both multivitamin users (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01) and non-users (P = 0.08 and P < 0.01). Among non-users, higher intake of vegetables, fruits, cold cereals and total protein were associated positively with serum folate and inversely with homocysteine levels. There were 25–74% increases in serum folate and 10–15% decreases in serum homocysteine between 1st and 4th quartiles of intake of these food/nutrients. In addition, 26% lower serum folage and 18% higher serum homocysteine were observed for those smoking 20 or more cigarettes per day compared with non-smokers. Among multivitamin users, body weight was correlated inversely with serum folate (P < 0.01) and positively with serum homocysteine levels (P = 0.04), while no correlates were found among lifestyle factors. Regular use of multivitamins increased serum folate about fourfold and decreased homocysteine twofold. These results suggest that multivitamin use can offset the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle on these serum markers, and that levels of serum folate and homocysteine can also be favorably influenced by healthier diet and abstinence from smoking.
Serum Concentrations of Carotenoids, alpha-Tocopherol, Fatty Acids, and Lipid Peroxides among Japanese in Japan, and Japanese and Caucasians in the US
Authors: Ito  , Shimizu  , Yoshimura  , Ross  , Kabuto  , Takatsuka  , Tokui  , Suzuki  , Shinohara
Published: January 2006

Serum concentrations of carotenoids, a-tocopherol, fatty acids, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in 217 Japanese residents of Japan, and in 99 Japanese and 100 Caucasian residents of the US, aged from 50 y to 74 y. In females, serum values of carotenoids such as beta-carotene (BC) and zeaxanthin & lutein (ZL) were highest among Japanese in Japan, followed by Japanese in the US and Caucasians in the US. In males, these values, except for serum BC values, were also highest among Japanese in Japan. Moreover, serum values of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly higher among Japanese in Japan than among Japanese and Caucasians in the US in both sexes. In contrast, serum values of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were lowest among Japanese in Japan. For women, serum levels of n-9 unsaturated fatty acids were lowest among Japanese living in Japan. Serum TBARS values were highest among Japanese in Japan, followed by Japanese in the US and Caucasians in the US. A significant positive correlation was observed between serum values of TBARS and n-3 PUFAs among Japanese both in Japan and in the US. Serum TBARS values showed a significant inverse relationship with the serum values of BC and ZL among Japanese in Japan and with those of BC among Japanese in the US. These relationships were not always observed among Caucasians in the US. The results of this study suggest that the high TBARS values among Japanese in Japan may depend in part on lipid peroxidation induced in vitro by n-3PUFAs, while high reduction of lipid peroxidation could be expected among Japanese in Japan with high antioxidants such as BC and ZL. In conclusion, serum levels of nonprovitamin A carotenoids such as ZL may be a useful intake marker of vegetables. Dietary intakes of dark green vegetables and fish rich in n-3PUFAs might be more important in the prevention of some sites of cancer and of ischemic heart disease.
Bioavailability of Dried Asakusanori (Porphyra tenera) as a Source of Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Authors: Yamada  , Yamada  , Fukuda  , Yamada
Published: January 2006

We have already reported that raw nori (Porphyra tenera) contains cobalamin (Cbl) but not Cbl analogues (J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol., 42, 497, 1996). It seems, therefore, that it is an excellent natural vegetable source of Cbl. On the other hand, it has been reported that the Cbl nutritional status of vegetarian children deteriorated as estimated by the hematological index, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), after they had dried nori as a source of Cbl. Such a discrepancy between raw and dried nori as a source of Cbl led us to investigate whether Cbl in dried nori had different properties from that in raw nori. We found that contents of Cbl homologues determined by a bioassay method in both raw and dried nori were similar. The urinary methylmalonic acid excretion increased when human female volunteers were given 40 g of dried nori daily during the test period. On the other hand, the urinary methylmalonic acid excretion did not change when volunteers were daily given 320 g of raw nori, which was equivalent to 40 g of the dried one on the basis of dehydrated weight, during the test period. By paper chromatography, 65% of the Cbl homologues were found to be comprised of Cbl analogues in dried nori, while 73% of the Cbl homologues in the raw nori were genuine Cbl. These results were confirmed by the finding that the bioassay method gave higher values for Cbl homologues than those obtained by a competitive binding assay method using an intrinsic factor as a Cbl-binding protein. Our present data demonstrated that Cbl in raw nori can be changed into harmful Cbl analogues by the drying process.
Variability in Selected Indexes of Overall Diet Quality
Authors: Kant  , Graubard
Published: January 2006

We examined the intra- and interindividual variability in selected measures of overall diet quality in relation to socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related characteristics. Three days of dietary data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII), 1989–91 (7841 respondents, 3337 men and 4504 women, aged ≥ 19 years), were examined. Measures of overall diet quality were: 1. the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), a measure of variety among the major food groups; 2. the Overall Variety Score (OVS), examined the number of nutrient-dense foods reported; and 3. the Nutrient Adequacy Score (NAS100), evaluated the number of nutrients consumed at least at the level of the RDA from a total of 11. The ratio of intra- to interindividual variance for DDS, OVS, and NAS100 was 1.66, 1.09, and 1.21, respectively, indicating higher intraindividual variability relative to interindividual variability. For each of the three scores, gender, income, education, and smoking were associated with greater intraindividual variability; however, age, and special diet status were associated with lower variability. Thus, the reliability of a given dietary assessment protocol for evaluating “usual” diet quality is likely to vary by the socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics of the study population.