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Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Homocysteine (Hcy) has a detrimental influence on human neurons, considering that human GBM cells undergo cell death already at D,L-Hcy concentrations in culture medium of 50 μM. This data demonstrate that Hcy is a potent gliotoxic agent capable of inducing the death of human glial cells already at concentrations reached in brain during hyperhomocysteinemia. The one retrospective study found that the serum vitamin B12 level can be used to predict survival time in metastatic cancer patients including neurological cancer. Cancer risk increases with elevated vitamin B12 level, mostly within the first year of the follow-up period, suggesting that vitamin B12 level could be used as a cancer diagnostic marker. In addition, the relationship between elevated vitamin B12 level and poor cancer survival time has been reported. Previous investigation suggests that the folate supplementation could be used as an adjuvant in antiglioma therapy to limit the low DNA methylation level because this confers a poor prognosis in glioblastoma multiforme patients. Taking into account all presented data, it can be concluded that effect of homocystein, folic acid and vitamin B12 on formation, development and outcome of treatment in patients with carcinoma is very intriguing question, whose response requires additional both experimental and clinical research. There lack of data in the literature on the incidence of elevated levels of Hcy in the blood, as well as the disorders of folic acid and vitamin B12, at malignant tumors of the brain.

Choline, folic acid, and Vitamin D are essential for fetal brain development that may be the first steps in the pathogenesis of the psychotic spectrum. Micronutrient deficiencies have been associated with changes in fetal brain development, manifest as early problems in childhood behavior, and cognition, and later as increased incidence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorders. Micronutrient supplements may not only prevent deficiency, but they may also positively affect brain development in the context of other maternal risk factors, including maternal infection, stress, inflammation, and substance abuse. Many genes associated with later psychotic illness are highly expressed in the fetal brain, where they are responsible for various neurodevelopmental mechanisms. Interaction of micronutrient vitamins with these genetically programmed mechanisms to prevent pathological brain development associated with later psychosis is under active investigation. In addition to their effects on brain development, micronutrient vitamins have effects on other aspects of gestation and fetal development, including the prevention of premature delivery and other developmental abnormalities. Supplemental micronutrient vitamins should be part of good prenatal care, as has already happened for folic acid and Vitamin D and is now advocated by the American Medical Association for choline. The benefits of these micronutrient supplements include protection of brain development and the possibility of decreased risk for future psychotic disorders in those children who are either genetically or environmentally vulnerable. The purpose of this review is to present the current evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of micronutrients in gestation and to suggest areas for future research.

Background Survey-based studies have examined the timing of receiving periconceptional folic acid supplementation. To assess the impact of the periconceptional folic acid supplementation, a postulate that multigravida mothers are more likely to have received the supplementation and the level of serum folic acid in them assayed during the first trimester is likely to be higher than primigravida mothers was put forth. Serum folic acid levels were measured in primigravida and multigravida mothers during the first trimester. Methods One hundred twenty primigravida and multigravida mothers registered at antenatal clinic of a tertiary care referral centre were included. Serum folic acid assay from samples collected during the first trimester was carried out by chemiluminescence immuneassay. The mothers were followed up during subsequent OPD visits, during admission for delivery and through mobile phones for assessing the delivery outcomes. World Health Organization cutoff values for serum folic acid were used to analyse the results. Results None of the mothers received folic acid supplement before conception. Mean interval from last menstrual period to receiving the first dose of folic acid supplementation was 71.2 days in primigravida and 67.6 days in multigravida mothers. Overall, 21/120 (17.5%) of primigravida mothers and 34/120 (28.3%) of multigravida mothers had serum folic acid values less than 6 ng/ml (deficiency and possible deficiency). Conclusion None of the mothers received folic acid supplements before conception. Significant proportion of mothers, particularly the multigravida having less than normal levels serum folic acid indicates correctable lacunae amenable for preventive intervention.

Abstract. Folate and vitamin B12(V-B12) deficiencies are associated with metabolic diseases that may impair memory function. We hypothesized that folate and V-B12 may differently alter mild cognitive impairment, glucose metabolism, and inflammation by modulating the gut microbiome in rats with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like dementia. The hypothesis was examined in hippocampal amyloid-β infused rats, and its mechanism was explored. Rats that received an amyloid-β(25–35) infusion into the CA1 region of the hippocampus were fed either control(2.5 mg folate plus 25 μg V-B12/kg diet; AD-CON, n = 10), no folate(0 folate plus 25 μg V-B12/kg diet; AD-FA, n = 10), no V-B12(2.5 mg folate plus 0 μg V-B12/kg diet; AD-V-B12, n = 10), or no folate plus no V-B12(0 mg folate plus 0 μg V-B12/kg diet; AD-FAB12, n = 10) in high-fat diets for 8 weeks. AD-FA and AD-VB12 exacerbated bone mineral loss in the lumbar spine and femur whereas AD-FA lowered lean body mass in the hip compared to AD-CON(P

In vitro and animal model studies have shown that vitamin B (VB) deficiency has negative consequences on bone as a result of direct or mediated activity of hyperhomocysteinemia. However, there are still no precise indications regarding a possible VB role in order to maintain bone health. So, the aim of this narrative review was to consider state of the art correlation between VB dietary intake, blood levels and supplementation and bone health (bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers and fractures risk) in humans. This review includes 29 eligible studies. Considering VB blood levels, the 14 studies considered have shown that low serum folate can be a risk factor for reduced BMD and fractures in the elderly, particularly women; no independent association was found for other VB. Studies that evaluate the relationship between VB dietary intake and BMD are only 2; one, conducted on 1869 women, demonstrated a positive effect of folate intake on BMD. Another demonstrated a dose-dependent inverse relationship between vitamin B6 dietary intake and risk of hip fracture, but only for 35298 female participants. Regarding the relationship between BV supplementation and bone health (9 studies with only VB and 4 with other nutrients), all studies that considered patients with hyperhomocysteinemia or with low folate blood levels, are in agreement in demonstrating that folate supplementation (500mcg- 5mg) is useful in improving BMD. In conclusion, a request for folate and homocysteine blood levels in elderly patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis is mandatory. For patients with hyperhomocysteinemia or with low folate blood levels, folate supplementation (500mcg-5mg) is crucial.

Folic acid (FA) plays essential roles in many metabolic functions and has been reported to have antioxidant effects. Therefore, dietary supplementation with high levels of FA may improve gut health and prevent potential oxidative stress caused by feeding a high energy density diet to broiler chickens. Broiler chickens were assigned into eight treatments, consisting of either a normal energy (NE) or high energy (HE) density diet, and four FA levels (2.2, 5, 10, and 15 ppm). Data were analyzed by SAS 16 GLM procedure. Birds-fed HE diets had increased (P

Background Hemolysis is the most common type of preanalytical interference. Cut-offs based on the hemolysis index level can be established using different approaches. The Working Group for Preanalytical Phase of the European Federation of Laboratory Medicine has developed a protocol for hemolysis management based on cut-offs estimated from biological variation (BV) and the use of interpretative comments. We developed and assessed the implementation of the protocol in our laboratory. Methods Hemolysates from whole blood were prepared following the Meites method, and pooled serum samples with known Hb concentrations were prepared. For each analyte (42 ), interferograms were generated and used to establish cut-offs: desirable analytical quality specification and reference change value. This protocol was assessed, both pre- and post-implementation, according to expert rules in the Laboratory Information System. Results Among the analytes evaluated, we selected those that showed the highest degree of hemolysis interference: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase, direct bilirubin, potassium, and folic acid. The cut-offs for LDH and direct bilirubin were the lowest. Only 28.16% of all LDH values were adequately reported in the pre-implantation retrospective study, but this percentage improved in the post-implementation stage. Conclusions The development and implementation of a harmonized protocol for hemolysis management based on BV cut-offs and result reporting significantly improve hemolysis detection and lead to a decrease in the number of hemolyzed samples over time.

Background Nutrients that support the desired growth and development of the fetus (i.e., micronutrients like folate, iron, and zinc) have been associated with birth outcomes, such as gestational age at delivery and birth weight. Objective We characterized the maternal dietary patterns that explain the maximum variation in folate, iron, and zinc intakes in pregnant Korean women using reduced-rank regression (RRR) and investigated the association of these patterns with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) risk. Methods A total of 1,158 pregnant Korean women at 12-28 weeks gestation and their newborns were recruited for the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study between 2006 and 2010. A semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was collected from the women, and RRR was used to derive their dietary patterns. Log-transformed maternal intakes of folate, iron, and zinc were selected as the intermediate response variables to extract dietary patterns. Infant birth outcome measurements were obtained from hospital records. Associations were assessed by logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors. Results Three dietary patterns were identified. Pattern 1, characterized by high intakes of grains, green/yellow and light-colored vegetables, kimchi, legumes, fruits, meat, eggs, fish, seaweeds, tofu/soymilk, yogurt, and nuts, was associated with a lower risk of SGA in the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile (odds ratio: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.14, 0.94). Especially, maternal dietary pattern 1 was negatively related to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the blood and malondialdehyde levels in the urine. No association was observed for other dietary patterns with SGA. Conclusions Among pregnant Korean women, adherence to a dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of grains, green/yellow and light-colored vegetables, kimchi, legumes, fruits, meat, eggs, fish, seaweeds, tofu/soymilk, yogurt, and nuts is associated with a lower risk of delivering SGA infants.

The uncontrolled release of drugs in conventional drug delivery systems has led to the introduction of new nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and the use of targeted nanocarriers for cancer treatment. These targeted nanocarriers, which consist of intelligent nanoparticles modified with targeting ligands, can deliver drugs to specified locations at the right time and reduce drug doses to prevent side effects. Folate is a suitable targeting ligand for folate receptors overexpressed on cancer cells and has shown promising results in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this review, we highlight the latest developments on the use of folate-conjugated nanoparticles in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the toxicity, biocompatibility and efficacy of these nanocarriers are discussed.

Hematinic has an essential role in the human body. Suppose its deficiency can cause oral disorders such as aphthous stomatitis. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is the most common oral lesion. It has three types of clinical appearance, namely minor, central, and herpetiform. The main components of hematinic are folate, vitamin B12, folic acid. Apart from hematinic, another nutrient that can correlate with recurrent aphthous stomatitis is zinc. This review explains the relationship between hematinic deficiency and zinc associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between dietary folate intake and antral follicle count (AFC) among women seeing treatment for infertility. DESIGN: Cohort study SETTING: Academic fertility center PATIENTS: 552 women attending the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center (2007-2019) who participated in the Environment and Reproductive Health Study. INTERVENTION(S): None. Folate intake was measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire at study entry. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to estimate the association of folate intake with AFC adjusting for calorie intake, age, BMI, physical activity, education, smoking status, year of AFC, and intakes of vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D. Non-linearity was assessed with restricted cubic splines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AFC as measured with transvaginal ultrasonography as part of routine care. RESULTS: Among the 552 women (median age 35.0 years, median folate intake 1,005 μg/day), total and supplemental folate intake had a significant non-linear relationship with AFC (P for non-linearity 0.05 and 0.02, respectively). There was a positive linear association with AFC up to approximately 1200 μg/day for total folate intake and up to 800 μg/day for supplemental folate intake; however, there was no additional benefit of higher folate intakes. The magnitude of association was modest – for example, the predicted adjusted difference in AFC between a woman consuming 400 versus 800 μg/day of supplemental folate was approximately 1.5 follicles. CONCLUSIONS: Higher intake of folate, particularly from supplements, was associated with modestly higher ovarian reserve as measured by AFC among women attending a fertility center. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00011713

Aims: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and many other pathological condit...

Objective To determine the effects of maternal periconceptional supplementation with folic acid or multiple micronutrients containing folic acid on the prevention of fetal congenital heart defects (CHDs). Study design Data were drawn from a Prenatal Health Care System and a Birth Defects Surveillance System in a district of Beijing, China. A total of 63 969 singleton births, live or stillborn, 308 CHDs among them, during 2013 to 2018 were included. Associations between different patterns of supplementation and risk for total CHDs or main types of CHDs were evaluated with risk ratios (RRs). Results For folic acid or multiple micronutrients containing folic acid users compared with nonusers, the adjusted RRs (ARRs) for total CHDs, critical CHD, and ventricular septal defect (VSD) were 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44-0.83), 0.41 (95% CI, 0.26-0.67), and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.30-0.74), respectively. When we compared multiple micronutrients containing folic acid users with folic acid users, the ARRs were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.66-1.09), 0.64 (95% CI, 0.41-1.00), and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.63-1.41) for total CHDs, critical CHD, and VSD, respectively. We also found that, compared with supplementation initiated after conception, supplementation initiated before conception was associated with a lower risk for CHDs: the ARRs were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.48-0.95) for total CHDs and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.10-0.71) for critical CHD, but 1.08 (95% CI, 0.63-1.83) for VSD. Conclusions Maternal periconceptional supplementation with folic acid or multiple micronutrients containing folic acid seems to decrease the risk for CHDs, especially critical CHD, in offspring. Supplementation confers a greater protective effect when it is initiated before conception. We did not find any difference between folic acid and multiple micronutrients containing folic acid in terms of preventing CHDs.

Highlights • Iron folic acid consumption can reduce anemia, but compliance remains low. • Interventions can promote interpersonal communication for behavior change. • Topic-specific and general interpersonal communication modalities appear effective. • Interpersonal communication mediated the intervention effect on iron supplement use., Objective More than half of Indian women of reproductive age are anemic. Regular iron folic acid uptake can prevent and treat anemia. This study investigated the effect of interpersonal communication on improving IFA use among women of reproductive age. Methods The Reduction in Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) Project is a cluster randomized trial that collected longitudinal data from control (n = 1896) and intervention (n = 1898) communities in Odisha, India at Time 1 and six months later at Time 2. Structural equation models assessed the effect of the intervention on iron folic acid use via multiple interpersonal communication pathways. Results Compared to the control arm, iron folic acid use significantly increased in the intervention arm. Both, general health interpersonal communication and anemia-specific interpersonal communication were augmented in the intervention communities. The impact of the intervention on iron folic acid use was mediated through anemia-specific interpersonal communication. Conclusion The RANI Project increased interpersonal communication among participants, resulting in increased iron folic acid use for anemia reduction. Practice implications Strategic use of targeted interpersonal communication to promote behavior change appears to be a viable strategy to increase iron folic acid use to reduce anemia.

Background Coverage of iron folic-acid (IFA) supplementation is a key indicator for tracking programmatic progress within and across countries. However, the validity of maternal report of this information during household surveys has yet to be determined. Objective This study aimed to examine the validity of maternal recall of receipt of IFA supplementation during antenatal care and factors associated with accuracy of maternal recall. Methods A longitudinal cohort design was employed. The direct observation of the IFA received during all antenatal care visits at the five study health posts served as the "gold standard" to the maternal report of IFA received during the postpartum interview. Individual-level validity was assessed by calculating indicator sensitivity, specificity and area under the operating curve (AUC). The inflation factor (IF) measured population-level bias. A multivariable log-binomial model was used to assess factors associated with accurate recall. Results The majority (95.8%) of women were observed receiving IFA during pregnancy. Women overreported the number IFA tablets received compared to what was observed during ANC visits (mean difference = 45 tablets). Maternal report of any IFA receipt was moderate (AUC = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.71) and population bias was low (IF = 1.01). However, the individual-level validity was poor across the seven IFA tablet count categories; the AUC for categories ranged from misleading to moderate. Driven by the trend of maternal overreport, the inflation factor indicated that maternal report drastically underestimated the coverage of lower tablet categories and overestimated the coverage of higher tablet counts. Accuracy of maternal report was not associated with months since last ANC observation nor any maternal characteristics. Conclusions Maternal report of the amount of IFA supplementation received during pregnancy produced extremely biased population coverage and performed poorly to moderately for individual level validity. It is imperative to improve this indicator, as it is used in global frameworks and national program planning.

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays important roles in intermediary metabolism. Vitamin B-12 deficiency has many identifiable causes, including autoimmune and other gastrointestinal malabsorption disorders, dietary deficiency, and congenital defects in genes that are involved in vitamin B-12 trafficking and functions. Another putative cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency is the high-folate-low vitamin B-12 interaction, first suspected as the cause for observed relapse and exacerbation of the neurological symptoms in patients with pernicious anemia who were prescribed high oral doses of folic acid. We propose that this interaction is real and represents a novel cause of vitamin B-12 depletion with specific etiology. We hypothesize that excessive intake of folic acid depletes serum holotranscobalamin (holoTC), thereby decreasing active vitamin B-12 in the circulation and limiting its availability for tissues. This effect is specific for holoTC and does not affect holohaptocorrin, the inert form of serum vitamin B-12. Depletion of holoTC by folic acid in individuals with already low vitamin B-12 status further compromises the availability of vitamin B-12 coenzymes to their respective enzymes, and consequently a more pronounced state of biochemical deficiency. This hypothesis is drawn from evidence of observational and intervention studies of vitamin B-12-deficient patients and epidemiological cohorts. The evidence also suggests that, in a depleted state, vitamin B-12 is diverted to the hematopoietic system or the kidney. This most likely reflects a selective response of tissues expressing folate receptors with high affinity for unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA; e.g., hematopoietic progenitors and renal tubules) compared with those tissues (e.g., liver) that only express the reduced folate carrier, which is universally expressed but has poor affinity for UMFA. The biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying this interaction require elucidation to clarify its potential public health significance.

Objectives To examine the association of prenatal cannabis use and adverse infant outcomes in a nationally representative cohort and consider the impact of concurrent cigarette exposure. Study design We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 32 583 new mothers from the 2017-2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Cannabis use was evaluated as a binary variable (use or no use) as well as ordinal categories (no, light, moderate, heavy use). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationship between prenatal cannabis exposure and low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth, and small for gestational age. Results Prenatal cannabis use was associated with significantly greater odds of LBW (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.54) and small for gestational age (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.09-1.68) but not preterm birth. Compared with nonusers, heavy users (weekly or more) were twice as likely to deliver a LBW infant (aOR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.46-2.94) or small for gestational age infant (aOR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.38-3.30). When examining combined cannabis and cigarette use, prenatal exposure to both substances increased the likelihood of LBW (aOR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.71-3.01), preterm birth (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.12-2.31), and small for gestational age (aOR, 3.29; 95% CI, 2.39-4.55) compared with no use, and the increased odds were greater than for either substance alone. Conclusions Our results suggest that cannabis use during pregnancy may harm fetal development, and recommendations to improve birth outcomes should address co-use of cannabis and tobacco.

Summary Background & aims Folic acid supplementation is widely accepted during pregnancy, as it exerts a protective effect on neural tube defects. However, the long-term underlying effects of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy (FASDP) on offspring remain unclear. Methods Thirty pregnant female rats were randomly divided into normal control group, folic acid appropriate supplementation group (2.5 × FA group) and folic acid oversupplementation group (5 × FA group) and fed with corresponding folic acid concentration AIN93G diet. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, UPLC-TQ-MS and GC–MS were performed to detect the serum metabolites profiles in adult male offspring and explore the effects of FASDP. Moreover, molecular biology technologies were used to clarify the underlying mechanism. Results We demonstrate that 2.5-folds folic acid leads to dyslipidemic-diabetic slightly in male offspring, while 5-folds folic acid aggravates the disorder and prominent hepatic lipid accumulations. Using untargeted and targeted metabolomics, total 63 differential metabolites and 12 significantly differential KEGG pathways are identified. Of note, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism are the two most significant pathways. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the increased levels of arginase-1 (Arg1) causes the lipid metabolism disorder by regulating nitric oxide synthase-3 (NOS3)-adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα) pathway, resulting in lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Conclusions Our data suggest that maternal folic acid oversupplementation during pregnancy contributes to lipid metabolism disorder in male offspring by regulating Arg1-NOS3-AMPKα pathway.

BACKGROUND Previous studies indicated that selenium (Se) may play an important role in cardio-cerebrovascular disease. However, the relationship between circulating selenium and risk of first stroke remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE We conducted a secondary analysis of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT), using a nested case-control design, and aimed to investigate the correlation between Se concentration and first stroke risk in adults with hypertension and examine the potential effect modifiers. METHODS In the CSPPT, a total of 20,702 adults with hypertension were randomly assigned to a double-blind, daily treatment with either 10 mg enalapril and 0.8 mg folic acid or 10 mg enalapril alone. A total of 618 first stroke cases and 618 controls matched for age, sex, treatment group, and study site were included in this study. RESULTS During a median follow-up duration of 4.5 years (IQR, 4.2-4.6 y), there was a significant inverse association between plasma Se and the risk of first stroke (per SD increment; adjusted OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.96) and ischemic stroke (per SD increment; adjusted OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.93). Furthermore, a stronger inverse association between plasma Se and first stroke was observed in participants with higher folate concentrations at baseline (≥ 7.7 (median), adjusted OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.85, versus

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to 1) Examine factors associated with cessation of exclusive breastfeeding in Israel and 2) Develop predictive models to identify women at risk for early exclusive breastfeeding cessation. METHODS The study used data from longitudinal national representative infant nutrition survey in Israel (n = 2119 participants). Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors and build predictive models. RESULTS The rate of exclusive breastfeeding cessation increased from 45.4% at 2 months to 85.7% at 6 months. Five factors were significantly associated with higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding cessation at 2 months: being a primapara, low educational level, lack of previous breastfeeding experience, negative attitude towards birth, and lack of intention to breastfeed. Six factors were significantly associated with higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding cessation at 6 months: younger age, being in a relationship with a partner, lower religiosity level, cesarean delivery, not taking folic acid during pregnancy, and negative attitude towards birth. Both 2 and 6-months models had good predictive performance (C-statistic of .72 and .68, accordingly). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE This nationwide study successfully identified several predictors of exclusive breastfeeding cessation and created breastfeeding cessation prediction tools for two time periods (2 and 6 months). The resulting tools can be applied to identify women at risk for stopping exclusive breastfeeding in hospitals or at community clinics. Further studies should examine practical aspects of applying these tools in practice and explore whether applying those tools can lead to higher exclusive breastfeeding rates.

With the aging population and increasing life expectancy, Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurological disorder rapidly increasing in morbidity and mortality, is causing a huge burden on society and the economy. Several studies have suggested that one-carbon metabolites, including homocysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate acid, are associated with PD risk. However, the results remain inconsistent and controversial. Thus, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to detect the causality between one-carbon metabolites and PD susceptibility as well as age at PD onset. We collected several genetic variants as instrumental variables from large genome-wide association studies of one-carbon metabolites (homocysteine: N = 14, vitamin B6: N = 1, vitamin B12: N = 10, folate acid: N = 2). We then conducted MR analyses using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) approach and additional MR-Egger regression, weighted median and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods to further test causality. The results showed no causal association between circulating homocysteine levels and PD risk (p = 0.868) or age at PD onset (p = 0.222) with the IVW method. Meanwhile, similar results were obtained by three complementary analyses. In addition, we did not observe any evidence that the circulating levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate acid affected the risk of PD or age at onset of PD. Our findings implied that lowering homocysteine levels through vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or folate acid supplementation may not be clinically helpful in preventing PD or delaying the age at PD onset.

The kidneys are a vital organ that is vulnerable to both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) which can be caused by numerous risk factors such as ischemia, sepsis, drug toxicity and drug overdose, exposure to heavy metals, and diabetes. In spite of the advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of AKI and CKD as well AKI transition to CKD, there is still no available therapeutics that can be used to combat kidney disease effectively, highlighting an urgent need to further study the pathological mechanisms underlying AKI, CKD, and AKI progression to CKD. In this regard, animal models of kidney disease are indispensable. This article reviews a widely used animal model of kidney disease, which is induced by folic acid (FA). While a low dose of FA is nutritionally beneficial, a high dose of FA is very toxic to the kidneys. Following a brief description of the procedure for disease induction by FA, major mechanisms of FA‐induced kidney injury are then reviewed, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial abnormalities such as impaired bioenergetics and mitophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Finally, application of this FA‐induced kidney disease model as a platform for testing the efficacy of a variety of therapeutic approaches is also discussed. Given that this animal model is simple to create and is reproducible, it should remain useful for both studying the pathological mechanisms of kidney disease and identifying therapeutic targets to fight kidney disease., Folic acid induced animal model of kidney disease was reviewed along with the mechanisms of the pathogenesis involved. This model can provide an important platform for the testing of a variety of therapeutic approaches that are designed to fight kidney disease including both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.

Background/purpose Our previous study found significantly lower serum hematinic levels and higher serum homocysteine level as well as higher frequencies of serum hematinic deficiencies and hyperhomocysteinemia in oral leukoplakia (OL) patients than in healthy control subjects. This study evaluated whether carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-positive or squamous cell carcinoma-antigen (SCC–Ag)-positive OL patients had significantly lower serum hematinic levels and higher serum homocysteine level as well as significantly higher frequencies of hematinic deficiencies and hyperhomocysteinemia than CEA-negative or SCC-Ag-negative OL patients or healthy control subjects. Methods The complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels in 184 OL patients including 85 CEA-positive, 99 CEA-negative, 25 SCC-Ag-positive, and 159 SCC-Ag-negative OL patients and in 184 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were measured and compared. Results We found that the 85 CEA-positive or 25 SCC-Ag-positive OL patients had a significantly lower mean serum folic acid level and a significantly higher mean serum homocysteine level as well as significantly higher frequencies of serum folic acid deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia than 184 healthy control subjects. Moreover, the 25 SCC-Ag-positive OL patients had a significantly higher mean serum homocysteine level than the 159 SCC-Ag-negative OL patients. The 85 CEA-positive OL patients had a higher mean serum homocysteine level and a higher frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia than 99 CEA-negative OL patients (marginally significant, P = 0.060). Conclusion CEA-positive or SCC-Ag-positive OL patients tend to have a higher mean serum homocysteine level and a higher frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia than CEA-negative or SCC-Ag-negative OL patients, respectively.

To analyze the scientific production regarding maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation and its relationship with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We performed unrestricted electronic searches in the BIREME virtual bank, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed) databases. For sample selection, articles that met the proposed objectives were included, published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, the use of Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): Data extraction was performed by the reviewers with a preestablished data collection formulary. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) was used based on a checklist with 27 items and a 4-step flowchart. A total of 384 articles was found by the search strategies, of which 17 were eligible following the pre-established criteria. The main findings of the present review point to maternal FA supplementation in the pre-conception period and beginning of pregnancy as a protective effect in relation to ASD, which should be indicated in this period as prevention to the problem. According to the research analyzed, more studies are necessary to know its effects on pregnancy, since the consumption of excessive FA may not be innocuous. Analisar a produção científica a respeito da suplementação de ácido fólico (AF) materno e sua relação com o transtorno do espectro autista (TEA). Realizamos buscas eletrônicas irrestritas nas bases de dados do banco virtual BIREME, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (VHL) e Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE / PubMed). SELEçãO DOS ESTUDOS: Incluímos os artigos publicados em inglês, espanhol e português, com o uso dos DeCS: A extração de dados foi realizada pelos revisores com um formulário de coleta de dados pré-estabelecido. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: Foram usados os itens de relatório preferidos para protocolos de revisão sistemática e meta-análise (PRISMA-P) com base em uma lista de verificação com 27 itens e um fluxograma de 4 etapas. Foram encontrados 384 artigos pelas estratégias de busca, dos quais 17 eram elegíveis segundo os critérios pré-estabelecidos. Os principais achados da presente revisão apontam para a suplementação de AF materno no período de preconcepção e início da gravidez como efeito protetor em relação ao TEA, que deve ser indicada neste período como prevenção do problema. CONCLUSãO: De acordo com as pesquisas analisadas, mais estudos são necessários para conhecer seus efeitos sobre a gravidez, uma vez que o consumo excessivo de AF pode não ser inócuo.

lood volume escalation during pregnancy leads to an increase in iron needs. Pregnant women are prone to maternal anemia that is caused by iron, folic acid, vitamins B2, B12, A, and C deficiency and may serve as causative factors that aggravate anemia. Concerning the problem, this clinical investigation determined the effect of antianemia supplementation and its combination with vitamin C on hemoglobin levels during pregnancy. This study is a quasi-experimental involving 34 patients who consumed antianemia supplements with or without vitamin C. The treatment group was given a combination of antianemia supplement Fe Fumarate 180 mg-Folic Acid 400 mcg and vitamin C 100 mg. The positive-control group was administrated with antianemia supplement Fe Fumarate 180 mg-Folic Acid 400 mcg. After 28 days, blood samples were taken to measure the hemoglobin levels. The hemoglobin levels were found to have a statistically significant difference (p

BACKGROUND Folate has a pivotal role in maintaining different cellular processes including DNA integrity and neurotransmitter levels. Further, folate deficiency was reported in subjects with neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS AND RESULTS We recruited ASD probands following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-IV/-5. Severity was assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale2-Standard Test (CARS2-ST). Functional SNPs in reduced folate carrier1 (rs1051266), methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (rs2236225), methylenetetrahydrofolate methyltransferase (rs1805087), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (rs1801133 and rs1801131), cystathionine-beta- synthase (rs5742905), and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (rs1979277) genes were analyzed in the ASD probands (N = 203), their parents and controls (N = 250) by PCR/TaqMan based methods. Plasma homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels were examined by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Statistical analysis revealed higher frequencies of rs1051266 and rs1805087 "A" alleles (P = 8.233e-005 and P = 0.010 respectively) and rs1051266 "AA" genotype (P = 0.02) in the ASD probands. Gender based stratified analysis revealed higher frequency of rs1051266 "AA" in the male probands (P = 0.001) while frequencies of rs1805087 "A" (P = 0.001) and "AA" (P

Background. In recent years, there have been increasing reports of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with vasovagal syncope. Therefore, homocysteine levels in these patients may also differ from those in the healthy population. The purpose of the research was to study the peculiarities of serum homocysteine concentration in children with vasovagal syncope. Materials and methods. The main group consisted of 28 children aged 8–17 years with a diagnosis of vasovagal syncope. The control group included 23 apparently healthy children of the same age who had no signs of chronic diseases. The determination of vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, and homocysteine in the blood serum was performed by means of a colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the Monobind test system. Hyperhomocysteinemia was diagnosed at the level of serum homocysteine above 15 μmol/l. Results. There were decreased serum levels of vitamins B6 and B12 with unchanged folic acid levels in children with vasovagal syncope compared to healthy respondents. In the vasovagal syncope group, an increased level of homocysteine was observed compared to the controls (13.86 ± 0.97 μmol/l; 7.81 ± 0.36 μmol/l; p = 0.000003). The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among children with vasovagal syncope was 46.4 %, whereas in the control group it was not recorded at all (χ2 = 14.33; p = 0.0002). Homocysteine correlates with P-Q interval (moda and mean), Q-T interval (moda), vitamin B6 (p < 0.05). An increase in serum homocysteine concentration is accompanied by deterioration of some quality of life indicators according to the PedsQLTM (general well-being scale, multifactorial fatigue scale, family impact module). Conclusions. Vasovagal syncope in childhood is associated with increased serum homocysteine. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among children with vasovagal syncope is 46.4 %., Актуальность. В последние годы появляется все больше сообщений о развитии дефицита витамина B12 среди пациентов с вазовагальными обмороками, следовательно, уровень гомоцистеина у этих пациентов тоже может отличаться от показателей в здоровой популяции. Цель: изучить особенности концентрации гомоцистеиина в сыворотке крови детей с вазовагальными обмороками. Материалы и методы. Основную группу составили 28 детей в возрасте 8–17 лет с диагнозом вазовагального обморока, контрольную — 23 практически здоровых ребенка аналогичного возраста, не имевших признаков хронических заболеваний. Уровни витаминов В6, В12, фолиевой кислоты и гомоцистеина в сыворотке крови определяли с помощью колориметрического метода иммуноферментного анализа с использованием тест-системы Monobind. Гипергомоцистеинемию диагностировали при уровне гомоцистеина в крови выше 15 мкмоль/л. Результаты. У детей с вазовагальными обмороками были обнаружены сниженные показатели витаминов В6 и В12 при неизменном уровне фолиевой кислоты по сравнению со здоровыми респондентами. В группе вазовагальных обмороков регистрировался повышенный уровень гомоцистеина по сравнению с контролем (13,86 ± 0,97; 7,81 ± 0,36 мкмоль/л; р = 0,000003). Распространенность гипергомоцистеинемии среди детей с вазовагальными синкопе составила 46,4 %, тогда как в контрольной группе не регистрировалась (χ2 = 14,33; р = 0,0002). Показатель гомоцистеина коррелирует с модой и средним значением интервала P-Q, модой интервала Q-T, витамином В6 (р < 0,05). Увеличение концентрации сывороточного гомоцистеина сопровождается ухудшением отдельных показателей качества жизни по данным опросников PedsQLTM (шкала общего благополучия, многофакторная шкала усталости, модуль влияния на семью). Выводы. Вазовагальные синкопе в детском возрасте ассоциируются с повышенной концентрацией гомоцистеина в сыворотке крови. Распространенность гипергомоцистеинемии среди детей с вазовагальным синкопе составляет 46,4 %., Актуальність. Останніми роками з’являється все більше повідомлень щодо розвитку дефіциту вітаміну B12 серед пацієнтів із вазовагальними синкопе, а отже, рівень гомоцистеїну у цих пацієнтів теж може відрізнятися від показників у здоровій популяції. Мета: вивчити особливості концентрації гомоцистеіїну у сироватці крові дітей із вазовагальними синкопе. Матеріали та методи. Основну групу становили 28 дітей віком 8–17 років із діагнозом вазовагального синкопе, контрольну — 23 практично здорові дитини аналогічного віку, які не мали ознак хронічних захворювань. Рівні вітамінів В6, В12, фолієвої кислоти та гомоцистеїну у сироватці крові визначали за допомогою колориметричного методу імуноферментного аналізу з використанням тест-системи Monobind. Гіпергомоцистеїнемію діагностували у разі, якщо рівень гомоцистеїну в крові був вище 15 мкмоль/л. Результати. У дітей із вазовагальними синкопе виявлено знижені показники вітамінів В6 та В12 при незміненому рівні фолієвої кислоти порівняно зі здоровими респондентами. У групі вазовагальних синкопе реєструвався підвищений рівень гомоцистеїну проти групи контролю (13,86 ± 0,97; 7,81 ± 0,36 мкмоль/л; р = 0,000003). Поширеність гіпергомоцистеїнемії серед дітей із вазовагальними синкопе становила 46,4 %, тоді як у контрольній групі жодного випадку не реєструвалося (χ2 = 14,33; р = 0,0002). Показник гомоцистеїну корелює з модою та середнім значенням інтервалу P-Q, модою інтервалу Q-T, вітаміном В6 (р < 0,05). Зростання концентрації сироваткового гомоцистеїну супроводжується погіршенням окремих показників якості життя за даними опитувальників PedsQLTM (шкала загального благополуччя, багатофакторна шкала втомлюваності, модуль впливу на родину). Висновки. Вазовагальні синкопе у дитячому віці асоціюються з підвищеною концентрацією гомоцистеїну у сироватці крові. Поширеність гіпергомоцистеїнемії серед дітей із вазовагальними синкопе становить 46,4 %.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between prenatal and neonatal period exposures and the risk of childhood and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). From January 2009 to January 2016, a total of 46 patients with childhood and adolescent NPC (i.e., less than 18 years of age) who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were screened as cases, and a total of 45 cancer-free patients who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center were selected as controls. The association between maternal exposures during pregnancy and obstetric variables and the risk of childhood and adolescent NPC was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Univariate analysis revealed that compared to children and adolescents without a family history of cancer, those with a family history of cancer had a significantly higher risk of childhood and adolescent NPC [odds ratios (OR) = 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–9.75, P = 0.046], and the maternal use of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of childhood and adolescent NPC in the offspring (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02–0.25, P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, only the maternal use of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy remained statistically significant. These findings suggest that maternal consumption of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of childhood and adolescent NPC in the offspring.

The objectives were to compare the evolution of dietary folate intake, to estimate the prevalence of folate inadequacy (POFI) and the contribution of food groups to folate intake (dietary folate plus folic acid from fortified foods) in two post-fortification periods in the Brazilian population, according to life stages, geographic regions and per capita income. Population-based study including representative data from the National Dietary Survey – Brazilian Household Budget Surveys (NDS-HBS) 2008–2009 and 2017–2018, with a total of 32 749 (2008–2009) and 44 744 (2017–2018) individuals aged ≥ 10 years old, excluding pregnant and lactating women. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate the distributions of usual dietary folate intake. POFI was estimated according to estimated average requirement cut-off point method. After 10 years of the first NDS-HBS, POFI has increased in all sex-age groups, except for 10–13 years. POFI among women of reproductive age was around 30 and 40 % in 2008–2009 and 2017–2018. Higher POFI was observed in the North region. The top five food groups contributors to folate intake in Brazil were beans, breads, pasta and pizza, cakes and cookies and non-alcoholic beverages groups in both periods, differing in the rank order of the last two groups. Although being a country that has adopted mandatory folic acid flour fortification for almost two decades, increased POFI was observed in 2017–2018. This study brings significant scientific information, which can help understand folate dietary data in different contexts and consequently guide the approach for public health fortification strategies.

Population-based surveys commonly use point-of-care (POC) methods with capillary blood samples for estimating Hb concentrations; these estimates need to be validated by comparison with reference methods using venous blood. In a cross-sectional study in 748 participants (17–86 years, 708 women, Hb: 5·1 to 18·2 g/dl) from Hyderabad, India, we validated Hb measured from a pooled capillary blood sample by a POC autoanalyser (Horiba ABX Micros 60OT, Hb-C-AA) by comparison with venous blood Hb measured by two reference methods: POC autoanalyser (Hb-V-AA) and cyanmethemoglobin method (Hb-V-CM). These comparisons also allowed estimation of blood sample-related and equipment-related differences in the Hb estimates. We also conducted a longitudinal study in 426 participants (17–21 years) to measure differences in the Hb response to iron folate (IFA) treatment by the capillary blood POC method compared with the reference methods. In the cross-sectional study, Bland–Altman analyses showed trivial differences between source of blood (Hb-C-AA and Hb-V-AA; mean difference, limits of agreement: 0·1, −0·8 to 1·0 g/dl) and between analytical methods (Hb-V-AA and Hb-V-CM; mean difference, limits of agreement: < 0·1, −1·8 to 1·8 g/dl). Cross-sectional anaemia prevalence estimated using Hb-C-AA did not differ significantly from Hb-V-CM or Hb-V-AA. In the longitudinal study, the Hb increment in response to IFA intervention was not different when using Hb-C-AA (1·6 ± 1·7 g/dl) compared with Hb-V-AA (1·7 ± 1·7 g/dl) and Hb-V-CM (1·7 ± 1·7 g/dl). The pooled capillary blood–autoanalyzer method (Hb-C-AA) offers a practical and accurate way forward for POC screening of anaemia.

To assess whether improvements in social norms related to iron and folic acid consumption are associated with increased iron and folic acid consumption.In a cluster randomized trial in Odisha, India, we implemented an intervention to improve descriptive norms (people's perceptions about how many other people take iron and folic acid), injunctive norms (social pressures people feel to take iron and folic acid) and collective norms (actual levels of iron and folic acid consumption). We assessed changes in these norms and self-reported iron and folic acid consumption in control and intervention arms after 6 months (September 2019-February 2020). We collected data from control (At follow-up, mean scores in self-reported iron and folic acid consumption in the control arm had decreased from 0.39 to 0.31 (21% decrease; not significant). In the intervention arm, mean scores increased from 0.39 to 1.62 (315% increase;Our results show that social norms can be improved and that these improvements are associated with positive behavioural changes. A social norms-based approach may help promote iron and folic acid consumption in India.Déterminer si l'évolution des normes sociales en matière de consommation de fer et d'acide folique a permis d'accroître cette consommation.Dans le cadre d'un essai randomisé en grappes dans l'Odisha, en Inde, nous avons mené une intervention visant à améliorer les normes descriptives (perception des gens vis-à-vis du nombre de personnes prenant du fer et de l'acide folique), injonctives (pression sociale ressentie par les gens, les incitant à prendre du fer et de l'acide folique) et collectives (niveaux de consommation réels pour le fer et l'acide folique). Nous avons évalué les changements affectant ces normes, ainsi que la consommation déclarée de fer et d'acide folique dans les groupes d'intervention et de contrôle après 6 mois (septembre 2019 – février 2020). Nous avons récolté des données dans les groupes de contrôle (Lors du suivi, les scores moyens en termes de consommation déclarée de fer et d'acide folique au sein du groupe de contrôle ont diminué de 0,39 à 0,31 (baisse de 21%; non significative). Au sein du groupe d'intervention, les scores moyens sont passés de 0,39 à 1,62 (hausse de 315%;Nos résultats montrent que les normes sociales peuvent évoluer, et qu'une telle évolution est liée à des modifications comportementales positives. L'adoption d'une approche fondée sur ces normes pourrait contribuer à promouvoir la consommation de fer et d'acide folique en Inde.Evaluar si las mejoras en las normas sociales relacionadas con el consumo de hierro y ácido fólico se asocian a un mayor consumo de hierro y ácido fólico.En un ensayo aleatorizado por grupos en Odisha, India, se implementó una intervención para mejorar las normas descriptivas (las percepciones de las personas sobre cuántas otras personas consumen hierro y ácido fólico), las normas por mandato (las presiones sociales que las personas sienten para que tomen hierro y ácido fólico) y las normas colectivas (los niveles reales de consumo de hierro y ácido fólico). Se evaluaron los cambios en estas normas y el consumo de hierro y ácido fólico informado por los participantes en los grupos de control y de intervención después de 6 meses (septiembre de 2019 a febrero de 2020). Se recopilaron datos de los grupos de control (En el seguimiento, las puntuaciones medias en el consumo de hierro y ácido fólico informado por los participantes en el grupo de control disminuyeron de 0,39 a 0,31 (disminución del 21 %; no significativa). En el grupo de intervención, las puntuaciones medias aumentaron de 0,39 a 1,62 (315 % de aumento;Los resultados de este ensayo demuestran que las normas sociales se pueden mejorar y que estas mejoras se asocian a cambios positivos del comportamiento. Un enfoque basado en las normas sociales puede ayudar a promover el consumo de hierro y de ácido fólico en la India.تقييم ما إذا كانت التحسينات في الثوابت الاجتماعية المتعلقة باستهلاك الحديد وحمض الفوليك مرتبطة بزيادة استهلاك الحديد وحمض الفوليك. اأثناء المتابعة، انخفض متوسط الدرجات في استهلاك الحديد وحمض الفوليك الذي أبلغ عنه الأشخاص ذاتيًا في ذراع التحكم من 0.39 إلى 0.31 (انخفاض بنسبة 21%؛ ليس ملموسًا). في ذراع التدخل، زاد متوسط الدرجات من 0.39 إلى 1.62 (زيادة بنسبة 315%؛ نسبة الاحتمال أقل من 0.001). كان الفرق بين الذراعين ذي دلالة إحصائية (نسبة الاحتمال أقل من 0.001). تحسن كل من الثوابت الثلاثة أيضًا بمعدلات أعلى بشكل ملموس في ذراع التدخل عنه في ذراع التحكم (نسبة الاحتمال أقل من 0.001 لكل من الثوابت). ارتبطت التغييرات في الثوابت الوصفية والجماعية (ولكن ليس الثوابت التحذيرية) بالتغيرات في استهلاك الحديد وحمض الفوليك الذي أبلغ عنه الأشخاص ذاتيًا (نسبة الاحتمال أقل من 0.001 لكلا الثابتين).تظهر نتائجنا أنه يمكن تحسين الثوابت الاجتماعية، وأن هذه التحسينات مرتبطة بالتغيرات السلوكية الإيجابية. قد يساعد الأسلوب القائم على الثوابت الاجتماعية في الارتقاء باستهلاك الحديد وحمض الفوليك في الهند.旨在评估与铁和叶酸消耗相关的社会规范的改善是否与铁和叶酸消耗量的增加有关。.在印度奥里萨邦的一项集群随机试验中，我们实施了一项干预措施以改善描述性规范（人们对有多少人服用铁和叶酸的看法）、指令性规范（人们对服用铁和叶酸感受到的社会压力）和群体性规范（铁和叶酸消耗的实际水平）。我们对这些规范的变化进行了评估，并对 6 个月后（2019 年 9 月至 2020 年 2 月）对照组和干预组中铁和叶酸的消耗量进行了自我报告。我们从对照组（n = 2048）和干预组（n = 2060）收集了基线数据和后续数据（分别为 n = 1966 和 n = 1987）。.在后续跟踪中，自我报告显示对照组中铁和叶酸消耗量的平均分值从 0.39 下降到 0.31（下降了 21%；不显著）。干预组中的平均分值从 0.39 增加到 1.63（增加了 315%；我们的结果表明社会规范可以得到改善，并且这些改善与积极的行为改变有关。基于社会规范采取的方法可能有助于促进印度地区铁和叶酸的消耗量。.Оценить, связаны ли улучшения социальных норм, относящихся к потреблению железа и фолиевой кислоты, с увеличением потребления железа и фолиевой кислоты.В кластерном рандомизированном исследовании, проводимом в штате Одиша, Индия, авторы осуществили мероприятие, направленное на улучшение дескриптивных норм (представления людей о том, какое количество человек принимают железо и фолиевую кислоту), предписательных норм (социальное давление, которое люди испытывают, чтобы принимать железо и фолиевую кислоту) и коллективных норм (фактические уровни потребления железа и фолиевой кислоты). Была проведена оценка изменения этих норм и самоотчетности о потреблении железа и фолиевой кислоты в группе контроля и экспериментальной группе после 6 месяцев (сентябрь 2019 г. — февраль 2020 г.). Авторы собрали данные группы контроля (В период последующего наблюдения средний балл по самоотчетности о потреблении железа и фолиевой кислоты в группе контроля снизился с 0,39 до 0,31 (снижение на 21%; несущественное). В экспериментальной группе средний балл увеличился с 0,39 до 1,62 (увеличение на 315%;Наши результаты показывают, что социальные нормы можно улучшить и что эти улучшения связаны с положительными изменениями поведения. Подход, основанный на социальных нормах, может способствовать увеличению потребления железа и фолиевой кислоты в Индии.

The polarization of macrophages plays a critical role in the physiological and pathological progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Activated M1 macrophages overexpress folate receptors in arthritic joints. Hence, we developed folic acid (FA)-modified liposomes (FA-Lips) to encapsulate triptolide (TP) (FA-Lips/TP) for the targeted therapy of RA. FA-Lips exhibited significantly higher internalization efficiency in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells than liposomes (Lips) in the absence of folate. Next, an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model was established to explore the biodistribution profiles of FA-Lips which showed markedly selective accumulation in inflammatory paws. Moreover, FA-Lips/TP exhibited greatly improved therapeutic efficacy and low toxicity in AIA rats by targeting M1 macrophages and repolarizing macrophages from M1 to M2 subtypes. Overall, a safe FA-modified liposomal delivery system encapsulating TP was shown to achieve inflammation-targeted therapy against RA via macrophage repolarization.

Background/Purpose: Lacto-vegetarians (LVs) tend to have vitamin B12 deficiency (B12D). This study assessed whether 140 female LVs, including 16 B12D/LVs and 124 non-B12D/LVs, had significantly higher frequencies of microcytosis, macrocytosis, and of blood hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), and serum vitamin B12 deficiencies than 140 healthy control subjects (HCSs). Methods: The complete blood count and serum vitamin B12 level in 140 female LVs and 140 female HCSs were measured and compared. Results: We found that 8.6%, 4.3%, 22.9%, 20.0%, and 11.4% of 140 LVs had microcytosis, macrocytosis, and blood Hb, RBC, and serum vitamin B12 deficiencies, respectively. The 140 LVs, 16 B12D/LVs, and 124 non-B12D/LVs had significantly higher frequencies of microcytosis as well as blood Hb and RBC deficiencies than 140 HCSs (all P-values

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de alimentos fonte de ácido fólico sobre a sintomatologia da asma. Foram entrevistados 59 participantes de Estados da Região Sul do Brasil, acima de 18 anos, aos quais foi aplicado um formulário adaptado que consistia em uma anamnese nutricional, contendo perguntas sobre o histórico do indivíduo, sintomatologia da asma, fase da vida em que a doença se desenvolveu, além do preenchimento da Escala de Borg Modificada. Para análise dos dados foram utilizados os programas Statistica, GraphPadPrism 7.0 e Avanutri. Dos 59 entrevistados, a maioria era adultos (83%), do gênero feminino (72%) e residiam no Paraná (47%). Quanto à respiração, 22% dos entrevistados relataram possuir respiração adequada, 22% dispneia leve, 45,7% dispneia moderada e 10,3% dispneia grave, sendo 33% do total de indivíduos diagnosticados com asma na fase adulta. Sobre a Escala de Borg Modificada, 84% apresentavam sintomas frequentes da patologia, 55,9% crises esporádicas, 62,7% faziam uso de broncodilatadores, 74,5% possuíam sintomas noturnos e 61% sentiam interferências negativas na realização de atividades diárias. Em relação à avaliação da quantidade de ácido fólico consumido pelos participantes, pôde-se perceber que nenhum dos participantes atingiu as recomendações diárias da vitamina. Ademais, não foi observada a existência de correlação entre o consumo de ácido fólico e a sintomatologia da asma. Através dos resultados do presente estudo não podemos afirmar se o ácido fólico exerce alguma influência sobre a patologia da asma, visto que seria necessário um número maior de participantes para respostas mais conclusivas.