Zinc, cobre y vitaminas C, E y A en púberes con exceso de peso y resistencia a la insulina / Zinc, copper and vitamins C, E and A in a pubertal overweight and insulin-resistant population / Zinco, cobre e vitaminas C, E e A em púberes com excesso de peso e resistência à insulina

Las vitaminas (Vit.) C, E y A, junto al zinc (Zn++) y cobre (Cu++) colaboran en la prevención de las comorbilidades asociadas a la obesidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar las concentraciones séricas (Cs) de Vit. C, E y A, así como las del Zn++ y Cu++ en púberes con exceso de peso (EP) y resistencia a la insulina (RI). El estudio fue descriptivo, correlacional, de campo y transversal. Las variables se compararon entre los púberes normopeso (NP)/sin RI y quienes tenían EP (con y sin RI). Se emplearon las pruebas de Pearson y Spearman, test de Student, U de Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis y el estadístico Z. Los adolescentes con EP/RI presentaron Cs de Zn++ menores que aquellos con EP/sin RI, y que el grupo control (p=0,010), siendo probablemente la RI lo que define esta disminución ya que el Zn++ fue similar entre los púberes con y sin EP. El 12,0% de los sujetos con EP/RI presentaron la relación Vit. E/Colesterol Total (CT)< 2,25 mmol/mol, comparados con el 4,8% y 8,0% observado en los adolescentes con EP/sin RI y los controles, respectivamente (p=0,012). Los adolescentes con EP/ RI evidenciaron una menor protección antioxidante y Cs de Zn++ inferiores al resto de los grupos evaluados.

Vitamins (Vit.) C, E and A, together with zinc (Zn++) and copper (Cu++) play an important role in the prevention of comorbidities associated with obesity. The objective of this work was to evaluate serum concentrations (Sc) of Vit. C, E and A, and those of Zn++ and Cu++ in a pubertal overweight (OW) and insulin-resistant (IR) population. The study was descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional. Variables were compared between the normalweight pubescent population, non-IR and those OW (IR or non-IR). Correlations between variables were assessed using Pearson and Spearman tests, the Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and the statistical Z. OW and IR adolescents presented lower Zn++ than those OW non-IR, and the control group (p=0.010). Probably it is being IR what defines this decrease since the Zn++ was similar in the pubertal population with and without OW. In the OW and RI group of adolescents, there was a frequency of alterations in vit. E/CT (<2.25 mmol/mol) of 12.0%, compared to 4.8% and 8.0% in OW and non-IR and control adolescents, respectively (p=0.012) OW and IR adolescents showed a lower antioxidant protection and lower Zn++ than other groups evaluated.

As vitaminas (Vit.) C, E e A, em conjunto com zinco (Zn++) e Cobre (Cu++) desempenham um papel importante na prevenção de comorbidades associadas à obesidade. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as concentrações séricas (Cs) de Vit. C, E e A, bem como as de Zn++ e de Cu++ em púberes com excesso de peso (EP) e resistência à insulina (RI). O estudo foi descritivo, correlacional, de campo e transversal. As variáveis foram comparadas entre os púberes normopeso (NP)/sem RI e aqueles que tinham EP (com e sem RI). Foram utilizados os testes de Pearson e Spearman, teste de Student, U de Mann- Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis e o estatístico Z. Adolescentes com EP/RI apresentaram Cs de Zn++ menores do que aqueles com EP/sem RI, e que o grupo controle (p=0,010), sendo provavelmente a RI o que define esta diminuição, visto que o Zn++ foi similar entre os púberes com e sem EP. 12,0% de sujeitos com EP/RI apresentaram a relação Vit. E/Colesterol Total (CT) <2,25 mmol/mol, comparados com 4,8% e 8,0% observado nos adolescentes com EP/sem RI e os controles, respectivamente (p=0,012). Adolescentes com EP e RI mostraram menor proteção antioxidante e Cs de Zn++ inferiores ao resto dos grupos avaliados.

Association between intake of antioxidant vitamins and metabolic syndrome risk among Korean adults / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between intake of antioxidant vitamins and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 614 subjects aged 30~60 years were recruited from those who received a medical checkup at a general hospital in South Korea between 2009 and 2012. Presence of MetS was determined based on criteria issued by the NCEP ATP III. Intakes of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, retinol, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E) were estimated by combining 3-day diet records with an antioxidant vitamin database for common Korean foods. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the association between dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins and MetS. RESULTS: Men in the highest tertile for retinol (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.23~0.71, P for trend = 0.0009), carotenoids (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.32~1.00, P for trend = 0.0470), and vitamin E (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30~0.92, P for trend = 0.0190) intakes had a lower likelihood of having Mets than those in the lowest tertile. The OR of high fasting blood glucose among men in the highest tertile for vitamin A (µg RE: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.32~0.97, P for trend = 0.0417, µg RAE: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29~0.92, P for trend = 0.0211), carotenoids (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23~0.73, P for trend = 0.0036), and vitamin E (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26~0.82, P for trend = 0.0080) intakes was lower than those in the lowest tertile. In women, subjects in the highest tertile of retinol intakes had a lower prevalence of MetS than those in the lowest tertile group (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.30~0.98). The OR for abdominal obesity was lower among women with the highest vitamin A (µg RE) intakes compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28~0.93, P for trend = 0.0293). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins might be associated with reduced risk of having MetS among Korean adults.

Estimated macronutrients and antioxidant vitamins intake according to Hansik consumption rate among Korean adults: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007~2012 / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate intakes of macronutrients and antioxidant vitamins according to the Hansik consumption rate among Korean adults. METHODS: Using data from the 2007~2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a total of 33,069 subjects aged over 19 years old were included in this study. We estimated individual daily Hansik consumption rates and intakes of macronutrients and antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A and its subgroup such as retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, by linking food consumption data with the nutrient and antioxidant vitamin database of commonly consumed foods. RESULTS: Around 75% of subjects consumed Hansik in over 75% of their daily total consumed food. The most frequently consumed Hansik was cabbage kimchi (1.57 times/day), followed by multigrain rice (0.86 times/day) and white rice (0.80 times/day). The household income level and education level was inversely associated with the Hansik consumption rate. There was a positive relationship between Hansik consumption rate and vitamin A, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and vitamin C intakes. On the other hand, Hansik consumption rate was inversely associated with energy and fat intake. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that Hansik consumption could provide more antioxidant vitamins and less energy and fat. Thus, further research will be needed to analyze the association between Hansik and health effects.

Nutritional supplement for age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the elderly in developed countries but therapeutic options are limited. Many observational studies have shown that a high dietary intake of antioxidants, fish oil, and carotenoids is associated with a lower risk of prevalent and incident AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 1 demonstrated that routine supplementation with a certain formulation of vitamins C, E, β-carotene, and zinc with copper reduces the risk of worsening AMD and severe vision loss by 25% over a 6-year period in patients with intermediate or advanced AMD in 1 eye or intermediate AMD in both eyes. The recent Age- Related Eye Disease Study 2 demonstrated that a certain combination of lutein and zeaxanthin is a safe and effective alternative to β-carotene, which is known to be associated with lung cancer in smokers. The aim of this review focuses on the role of supplements in the treatment and prevention of AMD and sums up the recent findings about the micronutrients most frequently used for AMD.

Plasma Antioxidant Vitamins Are Not Related to Body Mass Index but Socio-demographic Factors among Apparently Healthy Nigerians Resident in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Existing literature suggests that oxidative stress may be an important underlying denominator for obesity development and its co-morbidities. The beneficial role of antioxidants in the prevention of oxidative stress and development of diseases is well known. The present study explored the associations between antioxidant vitamins and body mass index (BMI) with other health-related factors in apparently healthy Nigerians. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 443 apparently healthy adults aged 18-83 years (mean 38.4±13.7 years) were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic data of the participants while weight (kg) and height (m) were determined using standard procedures. Participants were categorised as underweight (n=18), normal weight (n=259), overweight (n=124) and obese (n=42) in accordance with WHO BMI classification. Blood samples were collected for determination of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E using HPLC. Results: The prevalence of obesity in our study population was 9.5%. Obesity and overweight were found to be more prevalent among the artisans and individuals with secondary education. Vitamins A, C and E levels were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the BMI groups. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a non-significant relationship between plasma antioxidant vitamins and BMI in apparently healthy Nigerians in Abakaliki. However, our study suggests that secondary education and the middle age group (31-40 years) may be associated with overweight and obesity.

Niveles de plomo en sangre, malondialdehido y vitaminas antioxidantes en escolares / Blood lead levels, malondialdehyde and antioxidant vitamins in schoolchildren

El Plomo (Pb) es un metal altamente tóxico que afecta diversos órganos y tejidos. Aún no se ha descrito un mecanismo único para su toxicidad, pero se ha evidenciado que el estrés oxidativo cumple un rol fundamental. El objetivo fue relacionar niveles de plomo en sangre (PbS), malondialdehido (MDA) y vitaminas antioxidantes (A, E y C) en escolares del Municipio Naguanagua, Estado Carabobo, Venezuela. Fue un estudio descriptivo y correlacional, en el cual participaron 147 niños. Se tomaron muestras de sangre venosa para determinar PbS, MDA y vitaminas antioxidantes. El 89,8% de los niños presentaron niveles de PbS (9,85 ± 5,31 μg/dL) estadísticamente superiores (P<0,05) al límite permisible (<5 μg/dL), establecido por el Centro para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC). El 49,6% de los escolares vivían cerca de un taller mecánico, 34,1% de un taller de latonería y pintura, 38,3 % de una parada de autobús, 49,6% de una avenida o calle muy transitada y 39,0% manifestó hábito mano-boca. Los niveles de MDA fueron significativamente superiores (P<0,05) en los niños que presentaron niveles de PbS por encima del límite permisible. Se observó correlación negativa (P<0,05) entre vitamina C y PbS y correlación positiva (P<0,05) entre MDA y PbS. Los hallazgos sugieren que el Pb puede ser capaz de producir peroxidación lipídica y que la Vitamina C parece actuar como un protector ante tal proceso. Se debe mejorar el aporte dietético de vitaminas A y E para garantizar protección antioxidante sinérgica ante la exposición al plomo.

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic metal that affects various organs and tissues. Not yet described a unique mechanism for its toxicity, but has been demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a fundamental role. The objective was to relate blood lead levels (PbS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C) in school children Naguanagua, Carabobo State, Venezuela. It was a descriptive and correlational study in which 147 children participated. Venous blood samples were taken to determine PbS, MDA and antioxidant vitamins. 89.8% of children had BPb levels (9.85 ± 5.31 mg / dL) statistically higher (P<0.05) than the permissible limit (<5 μg/dL), established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 49.6% of the school children lived near a garage, 34.1% of an autobody and painting workshop, 38.3% of a bus stop, 49.6% of a busy street or avenue and 39.0% said hand-mouth habit. MDA levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in children who had BPb levels above the allowable limit. Negative correlation (P<0.05) between vitamin C and PbS and positive correlation (P<0.05) between PbS and MDA were observed. The findings suggest that Pb may be able to produce lipid peroxidation and that vitamin C appears to act as a protector against such a process. An improvement in the dietary intake of vitamins A and E will ensure synergistic antioxidant protection from exposure to lead.

Antioxidant Vitamin (E&C) Contents in Colostrum of Bangladeshi Women.

Background: Colostrum is the first product of lactation and can be considered as first vaccine for newborns. It contains numerous nutrients as well as antioxidant vitamins necessary for newborns. Objective: The aim of the study was to measure the antioxidant vitamin (vitamins E and C) contents in colostrum and to compare them with the nutritional status, age and parity of the lactating mothers and birth weight of the babies. Materials and method: In this cross sectional study antioxidant vitamins E and C of colostrum of seventy six post-partum mothers were estimated irrespective of their age, parity, socioeconomic and nutritional status. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to analyze the colostral content of vitamin E and spectrophotometric method was used for estimation of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) level. These levels were then compared against maternal and fetal characteristics. Results: The mean concentration (±SD) of vitamin E and C were 519.809(±1.16) μgm/dl and 1.33(±0.076) mg/dl respectively. No significant relationship was found between maternal age, parity, BMI or birth weight of the baby and the colostral content of vitamin E and C. Conclusion: Colostrum of Bangladeshi women are rich in antioxidant vitamins and not dependent on sociodemographic variables of mothers and / or birth weight of baby.

Depletion in Serum Levels of Folic Acid, Antioxidant Vitamins and Trace Elements in Female Wistar Rats Treated with Sub-toxic Dose of Acetaminophen/Methionine Combination – A Chronic Study.

Context: Studies have identified that concurrent administration of methionine and acetaminophen (paracetamol) prevents tissue damage and both methionine and acetaminophen at high doses can induce oxidative stress. Antioxidants mediate against oxidative stress. Moreover, folic acid depletion has been identified to cause neural tube defects in neonates of affected female subjects. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of chronic exposure to subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine (ratio 5:1) on female Wistar rats, with emphasis on folic acid and antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups with each group consisting of 8 rats and treated with acetaminophen/methionine, acetaminophen or saline daily by gastric gavage. The study lasted 30 days after which blood was obtained through retro-orbital bleeding. Results: Results show that Wistar rats administered with 350 mg/kg BW (sub-toxic dose) of acetaminophen exhibited significant alteration (p<0.05) in levels of all trace elements (except Se) as well as vitamins (except vitamin A). Significant alterations in the levels of all vitamins (except riboflavin) and all minerals (except Cu, Mn, Se) (p<0.05) were also recorded in serum of rats administered with acetaminophen/methionine combination. Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this study therefore suggest that chronic abuse of subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine combination may induce alterations in levels of vital molecules, a situation which may increase an individual’s risk to oxidative stress-induced diseases and her neonate to neural tube defects.

Level of nitric oxide and antioxidant vitamins in sickle cell anaemia patients.

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is characterized with sever anaemia and vasoocclussive episodes. Nitric Oxide (NO) a potential vasodilator, synthesized from various cells including endothelial cell. However SCA is associated with endothelial dysfunction, a measure cognitive factor for pulmonary hypertension (PH) and vasoocclussive crisis. The present study was attempted to evaluate level of serum NO and plasma antioxidant vitamins A, E and C in homozygous (n=30) and heterozygous (n=30) sickle cell patients and compared with age and sex matched healthy controls (n=30). We found, significantly (P<0.0001) elevated level of serum NO and significantly (P<0.0001) depleted antioxidant vitamins in homozygous and heterozygous sickle cell patients compared to healthy controls. Our study reveals that oxidative stress may be a responsible factor for the reduced bioavailability of NO which can impair the vasodilation in sickle cell patients.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamin status in colorectal cancer patients.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can induce carcinogenesis via DMA injury. Both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants participate in cell protection against harmful influence of oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to assess the level of end product of lipid peroxidation such as malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidant in colorectal cancer. Moreover, we analyzed the activity of main non-enzymatic antioxidants, vitamin E and vitamin C in colorectal cancer patients. In the present study, total 48 samples were analyzed which includes 24 age matched healthy controls irrespective of sex (Group I) and 24 cases of colorectal cancer (Group II). The serum level of lipid peroxide, vitamin E and vitamin C were estimated in both healthy control Group I (n=24) and colorectal cancer Group II (n=24). A significant increase in the level of serum lipid peroxide (P<0.001), with concomitant decrease in the levels of serum vitamin E and vitamin C, (P<0.001) in Group II patients were noticed as compared to the healthy control Group I. Our findings suggest that increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidants defense mechanism may play an important role in progression and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.

Nutritional Profile of Some Tropical Fruits in Bangladesh: Specially Anti-Oxidant Vitamins and Minerals.

Objective: Fruits and vegetables are important for the daily diet as these contain micronutrients, fiber, potassium, folate, Vitamin C, vegetable proteins, carotenoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants within the body as well as bio-functional components. The aim of the study is to establish nutritional profile specially antioxidant vitamins and minerals of tropical fruits in Bangladesh. Methodology: Nutritional composition and physico-chemical properties, such as pH, titratable acidity, moisture, total soluble solid, crude fibre, total carbohydrate, total protein, total fat, total energy, vitamin C, beta-carotene, ash, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium content of ten tropical fruits namely Blackberry, Java apple, Jack fruit, Pineapple, Carambola (Star fruit), Golden apple, Mango, Melon, Monkey jack, Star gooseberry were determined according to standard methods. Results: Results of this study suggest that the tropical fruits of Bangladesh were excellent source of antioxidant vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, beta- carotene, iron, zinc, copper and manganese. These fruits were also good source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium but poor source of protein and fat and sodium. Conclusion: Present study strongly suggests that star gooseberry, monkey jack, pineapple and golden apple were antioxidant vitamins and minerals enriched tropical fruits.

Effect of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and their analogues on azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with p-dimethylaminoazobenzene.

p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) is an azo-dye and known to cause liver tumour in rats. Azo-dye binding protein is a specific cytosolic protein involved in the translocation of azo-dye carcinogen metabolites from liver cytoplasm into the nucleus. Administration of vitamin A (40,000 and 50,000 IU), L-ascorbic acid (500 and 1,000 mg) and vitamin E succinate (200–500 mg) reduced the amount of azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with DAB. Supplementation of high doses of vitamin A acetate, vitamin A palmitate, sodium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate had no effect on the quantity of azo-dye binding protein in liver. When the vitamin mixture was given, the level of azo-dye binding protein decreased in the liver at all the studied doses, which may be due to their synergistic effect.

Quimioprevención de condiciones potencialmente malignas y cáncer bucal

La Quimioprevención se puede definir como la inhibición o inversión de la carcinogénesis por el uso de nutrientes no cito-tóxicos o de fármacos que protegen contra el desarrollo y progresión de clones mutantes de células malignas. Estudios epidemiológicos han demostrado los efectos protectores ante el cáncer que brinda un alto consumo de Vitaminas A, C y E, entre los mecanismos implicados en la protección frente al cáncer que tienen estos antioxidantes se encuentran la reducción de la producción de los radicales libres de oxígeno, el aumento de la reparación del ADN (Acido Dexosirribonucleico), control oncogénico y regulación de la diferenciación celular e incremento de la vigilancia inmunológica. Este trabajo tiene como finalidad estudiar las propiedades quimiopreventivas de las vitaminas A, C y E en lesiones pre malignas y cáncer bucal.

The Chemoprevention can be defined as investment or inhibition of carcinogenesis by the use of nutrients not quote or toxic drugs that protect against the development and progression of mutant clones of malignant cells Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the protective effects to the cancer that delivers a high intake of Vitamins A, C, E. Among the mechanisms involved in protecting against cancer that are antioxidants are reducing production of free radicals of oxygen, increased DNA repair, improvement in the oncogenic control and regulation of cell differentiation and increase in immunological surveillance. This paper aims to explore the properties Chemopreventive of vitamins A, C, E in premalignant lesions and oral cancer.

Vitaminas y oxidorreductasas antioxidantes: defensa ante el estrés oxidativo / Antioxidant vitamins and oxidoreductases: a defense against oxidative stress

Se realizó una revisión que comprende aspectos morfológicos y funcionales de agentes oxidantes y antioxidantes, así como los mecanismos bioquímicos que los involucran en la defensa antioxidante del organismo. Se conoce como estrés oxidativo a los efectos morbosos debidos al desequilibrio entre la acción de agentes oxidantes sobre las células y la respuesta antioxidante de estas. Los agentes oxidantes pueden ser exógenos (fármacos y venenos) y endógenos (como las especies reactivas del oxígeno y los peróxidos lipídicos). Por otra parte, la dotación antioxidante del organismo humano también cuenta con miembros externos e internos. Entre los primeros figuran las vitaminas antioxidantes y minerales como el hierro y el selenio, ingresados formando parte de los alimentos o como suplemento nutritivo; internamente, se encuentran hemoenzimas oxidorreductasas y metabolitos intermediarios como el glutatión. Muchos procesos patológicos como entidades nosológicas en sí, se acompañan de estrés oxidativo, expresándose en la peroxidación de biomembranas y la subsiguiente apoptosis, lo cual podría acarrear la muerte celular.

A review that includes morphological and functional aspects of oxidant and antioxidant agents, as well as the biochemical mechanisms involving them in the antioxidant defense of the body was made. Oxidative stress is known as the morbid effects due to the unbalance between the action of oxidant agents on the cells and the antioxidant response. Oxidant agents can be exogenous (drugs and poisons) and endogenous (like the Reactive Oxygen Species and lipid peroxides). On the other hand, the antioxidant complement of the human organism has also both external and internal members. Among the first ones there are antioxidant vitamins and minerals, such as iron and selenium, which have come into the cell as part of food or as a diet supplement. Oxidoreductase hemoenzymes and intermediary metabolites as gluthatione are internally found. Many pathological processes as nosological entities per se are accompanied with oxidative stress and are expressed in the peroxidation of biomembranes and in the subsequent apoptosis, which may lead to cellular death.

LDL Oxidation, Total Radical Trapping Antioxidant Potential and Plasma Antioxidant Vitamin Systems in Obese School Children

The purpose of this study was to examine the lipid peroxidation, plasma antioxidant status and insulin resistance in childhood obesity. To this end, we measured blood lipid profiles, glucose, insulin concentrations, plasma antioxidant vitamins, baseline conjugated diene formation as a measure of LDL oxidation in vivo and TRAP (total radical trapping antioxidant potential) of 93 school children (58 nonobese, 35 overweight-obese). Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The overweight-obese children showed significantly higher levels of leptin (p < 0.0001) and triglyceride (p < 0.05) and significantly lower level of plasma lycopene (p < 0.001) and gamma-tocopherol (p < 0.05) compared with the normal weight children. Furthermore, the levels of TRAP were signi-ficantly lower in overweight-obese children (p < 0.05). Significant positive relationships between plasma leptin and conjugated dienes formation (p < 0.005) and inverse relationship between plasma leptin and lipid corrected levels of beta-carotene (p < 0.05), lycopene (p < 0.05) were observed. Our results showed an increased lipid peroxidation and dec-reased antioxidant capacity in childhood obesity which could be involved in the atherosclerotic process.

Antioxidant vitamins intakes and plasma levels of retinol, beta-carotene and alpah-tocopherol in pregnant women / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: It is now accepted that intakes and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins are associated with the degree of oxidative stress and prevalence of some negative pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins. METHODS: The study included 82 pregnant women in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Samsung Cheil Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center between December 2000 and May 2001. The study group was divided according to gestational age: group I (8-17 weeks, 26 women), group II (18-27 weeks, 27 women), group III (28-36 weeks 29 women). Data on dietary intake was collected with the 24 hours recall method. Plasma concentrations of retinol, beta-carotene and alpah-tocopherol were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, the relationship between intakes of antioxidant vitamins and plasma concentrations of retinol, beta-carotene, alpah-tocopherol were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean daily intake of energy was 1,958.5 kcal (85.5% of recommended dietary allowance, RDA). Mean daily intake of vitamin A, retinol, beta-carotene and vitamin E was 90.5 microgram RE (retinol equivalent) (117.9% of RDA), 195.2 microgram, 4,052.8 microgram and 15.0 mg (140% of RDA) respectively. Plasma levels of retinol, beta-carotene and alpah-tocopherol was 1.48 micro mol/l, 0.27 micro mol/l and 19.99 micro mol/l respectively. Maternal plasma levels of beta-carotene in group III were significantly higher than those in group I or II (p<.05). No significant relationship between plasma antioxidant vitamin intakes and plasma antioxidant vitamin levels was observed with exception of that between plasma alpah-tocopherol concentration and dietary intakes of vitamin E (p<.05) in group I. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins of some Korean pregnant women may evaluated as acceptable in general.

The Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins Supplementation on Blood Pressure, Plasma Lipids, Folate, and Homocysteine Levels in Smokers and Non-Smokers of College Students in the Gyeonggi Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was performed to investigate the effect of vitamin C and E supplementation on blood pressure, plasma lipids, folate, and homocysteine levels in smokers and non-smokersof college male students in Gyeonggi Area. The nutrient intakes were determined by a 24hr-recall method. The subjects were divided into six groups: vitamin C supplementation group (n: smokers = 10, nonsmokers = 10), vitamin E supplementation group (n: smokers = 10, nonsmokers = 10), vitamin C and E supplementation group (n: smokers = 10, nonsmokers = 10), respectively. There were no significant differences between the smokers and nonsmokers in terms of anthropometric measurements. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in smokers than that of non-smokers. There was no significant difference in energy and other nutrients intakes between smokers and non-smokers. In plasma lipids levels, smokers had higher plasma triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol concentration than that of non-smokers (p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol level of smokers had a tendency to be lower than that of nonsmokers. In smokers, AI, TPH, LPH were significantly higher than that of non-smokers (p < 0.01). Plasma folate, homocysteine levels were not significantly different between smokers and non-smokers. The effect of antioxidant vitamins supplementation in smokers: In vitamin C supplementation group, HDL-cholesterol level was significantly increased (p < 0.01) and AI, TPH, LPH were significantly decreased (p < 0.01). In vitamin E supplementation group, HDL-cholesterol level was significantly increased (p < 0.05). In vitamin C and E supplementation group, LPH was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The effect of antioxidant vitamins supplementation in non-smokers: HDL-cholesterol level was significantly increased (p < 0.05) and AI, TPH, LPH were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by vitamin C supplementation group. Plasma homocysteine level was decreased by vitamin E supplementation group in non-smokers p < 0.01). The results of this study showed that smoking had a tendency to increase plasma lipids levels that factor into the risk of coronary heart disease. It is considered that antioxidant vitamin supplementation in smokers had a tendency to decrease cardiovascular disease than in nonsmokers.

The Effects of Green Vegetable Juice (Angelica Keiskei) Supplementation on Plasma Lipids and Antioxidant Status in Smokers

It has been suggested that green juice supplementation may have some health promoting benefits. We evaluated the effects of green juice (Angelica keiskei) consumption on parameters of lipid profiles and plasma antioxidant status in healthy male smokers. Fifty-four smokers were supplemented with 300 ml of green juice for 6 weeks while maintaining their normal diet. Blood samples were collected on week 0 and week 6 in order to evaluate plasma lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol) , plasma antioxidant vitamin levels (ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin and lycopene) , the degree of LDL oxidation and GOT, GPT levels for liver function. Plasma ascorbic acid level remained at the same level. However, alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol normalized by total cholesterol (p<0.05) and beta-carotene (p<0.001) level were all significantly increased after green juice supplementation. Plasma cholesterol was reduced for 12%, LDL-cholesterol was reduced for 9.3% after green juice consumption, while plasma triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol was not changed. Oxidized LDL assessed by conjugated diene (CD) , was decreased (p<0.0001) after green juice consumption. These results further support a role for green juice supplementation in the improvement of lipid status, prevention of lipid peroxidation, and thereby reducing risk factors of numerous diseases associated with elevated oxidative stress in smokers.

Changes of Plasma Levels of Antioxidative Vitamins and its Clinical Significance in Uterine Cervical Neoplasia of Korean Women / 대한부인종양콜포스코피학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: Several lines of epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between high intake of foods rich in antioxidant nutrients such as, carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamin C and a reduced risk of cervical cancer but no available study was performed in Korea ever since. The purpose of this study was to investigate the plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins between cervical neoplasia patients and normal control, to observe the relationship between the level of plasma antioxidant system and various clinicopathological factors of cervical cancer and to evaluate the value of prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 180 women including 90 normal control specimens was recruited from Nov. 2000 to Jan. 2001 at YUMC. Plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were analyzed by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography and these results were correlated with various clinicopathological factors of cervical cancer. RESULTS: Plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins such as lutein, beta-carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin were significantly lower in women with CIN and cervical cancer compared to those levels of control. However, in terms of comparison between CIN and cervical cancer, only the level of alpha-tocopherol showed significant differences. The changes in plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins showed no significant correlation with the prognostic factors of cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a potential protective role of plasma antioxidative vitamins in the pathogenesis of CIN and carcinoma of the cervix. But these changes neither could distinguish the causal relationships nor could show a significant correlation between several antioxidant vitamins with the prognostic factors of cervical cancer. Further researches are needed to clarify the mechanism of the protective effect.

Assessment of nutritional Status and Factors Related to Smoking in Adolescent Males: 1.dietary Intakes and Nutritional Assessment of Serum Lipids and Antioxidant Vitamins in Adolescent male Smokers / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was done to investigate the effect of adolescent smoking on dietary intakes and nutritional status of serum lipids and antioxidant vitamins. Subjects were 82 somkers whose average pack-year was 0.73, and 85 nonsmokers of male technical high school students in Seoul. Anthropometric measurement was performed and % body fat was also analyzed by Bioelectrical Impedance Fatness Analyzer(GIF-891). Dietary intakes and habits were examined through questionnaires and nutrient intakes were analyzed by Computer Aided Nutritional (CAN) analysis programs. Serum TG and total cholesterol levels were measured by Spotchem sp-4410 and serum HDL-cholesterol levels were measured by test kit. serum vitamin C level was measured by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method and serum levels of vitamin A and vitamin E were measured by HPLC. All data were statistically analyzed by SAS PC package program. There was a significant difference in body fat percentage and systolic blood pressure while other anthropometric measurements were not different between smokers and monsmokers. Caloric intakes(2335 kcal) in adolescent smokers tended to be higher than that of nonsmokers (2,175 kcal) but the difference was not statistically significant. Intakes of protein(76.67g) and niacin(16.49 mg) in adolescent male smokers were significantly higher(P<0.05) than those of nonsmokers although other nutrient intakes were not significantly different. Analysis of serum lipids showed that serum HDL-cholesterol level of smokers was significantly different. Analysis of serum lipids showed that serum HDL-cholesterol level of smokers was significantly lower(p<0.05) than that of nonsmokers, whereas other lipid levels were not significantly different. Serum vitamin C level was also significantly lower(p<0.05) in adolescent smokers than in nonsmokers. In addition, serum vitamin E level, which was 7.85 mg/1 in smokers, was lower than that of 9.20 mg/1 in nonsmokers(p<0.05) while serum vitamin A level was not significantly different between the two groups. These results indicate that cigarette smoking in adolescence decreases serum levels of HDL-cholesterol, vitamin C and vitamin E even thoughth their smoking history is very short.