Vitamin E deficiency and associated factors among Brazilian school children / Deficiência de vitamina E e fatores associados entre crianças escolares brasileiras

ABSTRACT: Objective: Brazilian national data show a significant deficiency in pediatric vitamin E consumption, but there are very few studies evaluating laboratory-proven nutritional deficiency. The present study aimed to settle the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency (VED) and factors associated among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit in Ribeirão Preto (SP). Methods: A cross-sectional study that included 94 children between 6 and 11 years old. All sub-jects were submitted to vitamin E status analysis. To investigate the presence of factors associated with VED, socio-economic and anthropometric evaluation, determination of serum hemoglobin and zinc levels, and parasitological stool exam were performed. The associations were performed using Fisher's exact test. Results: VED (α-tocopherol concentrations <7 µmol/L) was observed in seven subjects (7.4%). None of them had zinc deficiency. Of the total of children, three (3.2%) were malnourished, 12 (12.7%) were anemic, and 11 (13.5%) presented some pathogenic intestinal parasite. These possible risk factors, in addition to maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income, were not associated with VED. Conclusions: The prevalence of VED among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit was low. Zinc deficiency, malnutrition, anemia, pathogenic intestinal parasite, maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income were not a risk factor for VED. (AU)

RESUMO: Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência da deficiência de vitamina E (DVE) e os fatores associados a essa deficiência em escolares atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde de Ribeirão Preto (SP). Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 94 crianças entre 6 e 11 anos de idade, atendidas em uma unidade básica de saúde. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos à análise do status de vitamina E. Para investigar a presença de fatores associados à DVE, foi realizada avaliação socio-econômica e antropométrica, determinação dos níveis séricos de hemoglobina e zinco, e exame parasitológico de fezes. As associações foram realizadas por meio do teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: A DVE (concentrações de α-tocoferol <7 µmol/l) foi observada em sete indivíduos (7,4%). Nenhum sujeito apresentou deficiência sérica de zinco. Do total de crianças, três (3,2%) eram desnutridas, 12 (12,7%) anêmicas e 11 (13,5%) apresentavam algum parasita intestinal patogênico. Estes possíveis fatores de risco, além do trabalho materno, escolaridade materna e renda mensal, não foram associados à DVE (p>0,05). Conclusão: A prevalência de DVE em escolares atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde foi baixa. Desnutrição, anemia, parasitose intestinal, renda mensal e trabalho e nível educacional maternos não se apre-sentaram como fatores de risco para a DVE. (AU)

Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos de um surto de miopatia nutricional em potros ˗ relato de caso / [Epidemiological and clinical-pathological aspects of an outbreak of nutritional myopathy in young horses ˗ case report]

A miopatia nutricional é uma doença degenerativa que pode afetar os músculos esqueléticos e cardíaco, causada pela deficiência dietética de selênio e/ou vitamina E. Objetivou-se relatar a ocorrência de miopatia nutricional em dois potros Puro Sangue Inglês, criados de forma extensiva, com baixa disponibilidade de forragem e sem suplementação mineral. De um lote de nove animais de diferentes idades (cinco éguas adultas, uma potra lactente de três meses,uma mula e dois potros de 16 e 17 meses), apenas os dois últimos foram afetados. Clinicamente, havia decúbito lateral ou esternal, taquicardia, taquipneia, desidratação e dor à palpação muscular na região dos glúteos.O diagnóstico presuntivo de miopatia nutricional foi realizado por meio da associação dos sinais clínicos aos dados epidemiológicos.O animal 1 foi eutanasiado cinco dias após o atendimento devido à piora gradativa do quadro, e o animal 2 recuperou-se com o tratamento adotado. O diagnóstico foi confirmado com base nos exames complementares, nos achados de necropsia e na dosagem da concentração hepática de selênio. Este relato de caso alerta para o risco da ocorrência de miopatia nutricional em equinos, sobretudo jovens, sem acesso a pastagens ou feno de boa qualidade e sem suplementação mineral adequada.(AU)

Nutritional myopathy is a degenerative disease caused by the dietary deficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E that can affect skeletal and cardiac muscles. The objective of this study was to report the occurrence of nutritional myopathy in two Thoroughbred young horses, raised in pastures with low forage availability and no mineral supplementation. From a herd of nine animals of different ages (five adult mares, one three-month-old nursing foal, one mule and two 16- and 17-month-old horses), only the last two were affected. Clinical signs were lateral or sternal recumbency, tachycardia, tachypnea, dehydration and muscle pain. Presumptive diagnosis of nutritional myopathy was made associating clinical signs and epidemiological data. Animal 1 was euthanized five days after the first evaluation due to clinical signs gets worse, and animal 2 recovered with the established treatment. Diagnosis was confirmed with complementary exams, necropsy findings and levels of hepatic selenium. This paper alerts to the risk of nutritional myopathy occurrence in horses, mainly young animals, which are not ingesting good quality hay or green forage and do not receive appropriate mineral supplementation.(AU)

Fibra y capacidad antioxidante de algas comestibles en ratas suficientes o deficientes en vitamina E / Fiber and antioxidant capacity of edible algae in vitamin E sufficient and deficient rats / Fibra e capacidade antioxidante de algas comestíveis em camundongos suficientes e deficientes em vitamina E

Debido a la importancia que han alcanzado las algas en la alimentación de los países occidentales aquí se estudió el potencial de las algas Nori y Wakame como fuentes de fibra y capacidad antioxidante en ratas en crecimiento alimentadas con dietas suficientes o deficientes en vitamina E (vit E) durante 15 días. Hubo 3 grupos de ratas que recibieron dietas: 1. grupo control, 2. grupo Nori y 3 grupo Wakame con vit E y 3 grupos similares sin vit E. En las dietas con vit E, Nori produjo una reducción de crecimiento y las dos algas causaron una acumulación de vit E hepática, una reducción en la vit E plasmática y un aumento en TBARS en plasma e hígado. En contraste, cuando las algas se ofrecieron en dietas exentas de vit E, el grupo Nori recuperó su capacidad de crecer, mantuvo una mayor reserva de vit E en el hígado que el grupo control deficiente en vit E y el consumo de ambas algas resultó en TBARS plasmáticos por debajo de las ratas controles deficientes en vit E, lo que señaló que las algas se comportaron mejor en dietas sin vit E. Adicionalmente, se observó que las algas estimularon la función excretora del intestino sin afectar su capacidad absortiva.

In western countries, edible seaweed consumption has markedly increased in recent years. Accordingly, in this study the antioxidant capacity and fiber value of Nori and Wakame algae were evaluated in growing rats fed with sufficient of deficient vitamin E. There were 3 groups of rats: 1. Control, 2. Nori and 3. Wakame with vitamin E and 3 similar groups without vitamin E. The diet with Nori and sufficient vitamin E caused a reduction in growth and Nori and Wakame were associated with liver vitamin E accumulation, plasma vitamin E reduction and an increase in TBARS in liver and plasma. In contrast, when the same diets were offered without vitamin E, the Nori fed rats recovered their growing capacity, they maintained a higher vitamin E reserve than the control or Wakame fed rats, and the consumption of both algae was associated with lower plasma TBARS than vitamin E deficient rats, indicating that these algae are best accepted when offered without vitamin E. In addition, both algae improved the excretory capacity of the intestine without affecting its absorption function.

Visto que nos países ocidentais revestiu importância o consumo de algas na alimentação, aqui foi estudado o potencial das algas Nori e Wakame como fontes de fibra e capacidade antioxidante em ratos em crescimento, alimentados com dietas suficientes ou deficientes em vitamina E (vit E) durante 15 dias. Houve 3 grupos de ratos que receberam dietas: 1. grupo controle, 2. grupo Nori e 3. grupo Wakame com vit E e 3 grupos similares sem vit E. Nas dietas com vit E, Nori produziu uma redução no crescimento e as duas algas provocaram uma acumulação de vit E hepática, redução da vit E plasmática e aumento em TBARS em plasma e fígado. Em contraste, quando as algas foram oferecidas em dietas sem vitamina E, o grupo Nori recuperou sua capacidade de crescimento, manteve maior reserva de vit E no fígado do que o grupo controle deficiente em vit E e o consumo de ambas as algas resultou em TBARS plasmáticos mais baixos do que nos ratos do grupo controle deficientes em vitamina E, indicando que essas algas são melhor aceitas quando oferecidas sem vit E. E, também, as algas melhoraram a capacidade de excreção do intestino sem afetar sua função de absorção.

The socioeconomic variables influence in the alpha-tocopherol concentration of the maternal serum / Influência das variáveis socioeconômicas na concentração de alfa-tocoferol do soro materno

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the socioeconomic factors on the alpha-tocopherol concentration in maternal serum. Methods: a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study with the participation of 103 adult parturient volunteers attended at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra (Ana Bezerra University Hospital) in Santa Cruz - Rio Grande do Norte. 5.0 mL of blood was collected from each participant in fasting before the delivery to extract alpha-tocopherol of the serum. Socioeconomic and demographic information were obtained by a previously structured questionnaire. Alpha-tocopherol serum was determined by a High-Performance Chromatography Liquid (Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Results: The average concentration of alpha-tocopherol in the serum was 1281.4 (594.8) µg/dL, and 6% of the women presented vitamin E deficiency (DVE). Most pregnant women aged between 18 and 24 years (59%), marital status was married or consensual marriage (77%), elementary schooling complete (34%), low family income (74%) and living in the urban area (73%). No significant differences were found in the alpha-tocopherol concentration according to socioeconomic characteristics and none of the studied factors were associated to the presence of DVE ( p >0.05). Conclusions: The maternal social characteristics were not determinants for the alpha-tocopherol serum and DVE. Further investigations should be carried out during lactation to assess which factors may be involved in the presence of this deficiency.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos sobre a concentração de alfa-tocoferol no soro materno. Métodos: estudo transversal observacional retrospectivo, com participação de 103 parturientes voluntárias adultas atendidas no Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra em Santa Cruz - Rio Grande do Norte. Foram coletados 5,0 mL de sangue em jejum antes do parto para extração de alfa-tocoferol no soro. As informações socioeconômicas e demográficas foram obtidas por um questionário previamente estruturado. A determinação do alfa-tocoferol sérico foi por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Resultados: a concentração média de alfa-tocoferol no soro foi de 1281,4 (594,8) µg/dL, e 6% das mulheres apresentaram deficiência de vitamina E (DVE). A maioria das parturientes tinha idade entre 18 e 24 anos (59%), estado civil casada ou união estável (77%), com ensino fundamental completo (34%), baixa renda (74%) e moradia localizada na zona urbana (73%). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na concentração de alfa-tocoferol segundo característica socioeconômica, e nenhum dos fatores estudados foi associado a presença da DVE (p>0,05). Conclusões: as características sociais maternas não foram determinantes para o alfa-tocoferol sérico e DVE. Maiores investigações devem ser realizadas durante a lactação para avaliar quais fatores podem estar envolvidos na presença dessa deficiência.

Beneficios de la fibra dietética y poder antioxidante del salvado de arroz en ratas deficientes en Vitamina E / Benefits of fiber and antioxidant power of rice bran in Vitamin E deficient rats / Beneficios da fibra alimentar e poder antioxidante do farelo de arroz em ratos deficientes em Vitamina E

Las recomendaciones de consumo de fibra no se cumplen y hay una necesidad por alimentos con fibra. El salvado de arroz (SA) tiene fibra y propiedades antioxidantes. Aquí se evaluaron estas propiedades en ratas suficientes (+) y deficientes (-) en Vitamina E (VitE) con o sin SA. Las ratas fueron divididas en cuatro grupos. Dos consumieron dietas +VitE y uno tenía SA. Los restantes consumieron dietas -VitE y uno tenía SA. El consumo de alimento, su eficiencia y el crecimiento, fueron similares entre los 4 grupos pero la masa fecal húmeda o seca fue 3 veces superior en los SA+. La hemoglobina en sangre y el hierro hepático fueron similares entre grupos, pero en los grupos (SA-) la VitE hepática fue 10 veces menor en las ratas -VitE que en las +VitE. Sin embargo, en las ratas -VitE/SA+, la VitE hepática fue sólo 2,6 veces menor. Este efecto del SA también se detectó en los eritrocitos, ya que la catalasa y la glutatión reductasa aumentaron en el grupo -VitE/SA-pero no en el grupo -VitE/SA+. El estudio muestra que SA no interfirió con el crecimiento y el metabolismo del hierro, sino que tuvo un efecto laxante y previno parcialmente la deficiencia de VitE.

Dietary fiber requirements are met by only a small fraction of the population. There is need for supplemented foods to fill this gap. Rice bran (RB) is high in fiber and has antioxidant properties. The effects of rice bran fiber on several metabolic indicators and the antioxidant capacity of rice bran in rats was reported. Rats were divided into 4 dietary groups: Vitamin E-sufficient with (+VitE/RB+) or without (+VitE/RB-) rice bran; Vitamin E-deficient with (-VitE/RB+) or without (-VitE/RB-) rice bran. Food intake, growth and feed efficiency were similar in all groups but wet and dry fecal mass of the RB+ groups were 3 times higher than the RB- groups. Blood hemoglobin and liver iron were also similar among all groups. However, the liver VitE concentration of the rats of (-VitE/RB-) group was 10x lower than the (+VitE/RB-) group. In contrast, liver VitE of the rats (-VitE/RB+) was only 2.6x lower. This effect of RB was also seen in erythrocytes since, catalase and glutathione reductase increased in the VitE deficient rats but RB prevented this increase. This study shows that dietary RB did not interfere with growth, feed efficiency and iron metabolism, it provided dietary fiber and laxation and partially prevented VitE deficiency.

As recomendações de ingestão de fibras não são cumpridos e existe uma necessidade de alimentos ricos em fibras. Farelo de arroz (FA) tem fibra e propriedades antioxidantes. Aqui, estas propriedades foram avaliadas em ratos suficientes (+) e pobres (-) em Vitamina E (VitE) com ou sem FA. Os ratos foram divididos em 4 grupos. Dois consumiram dietas +VitE e um tinha FA. Os restantes consumiram dietas -ViteE e um tinha FA. O consumo de alimento, sua eficiência e crescimento foram semelhantes entre os 4 grupos, mas nos grupos (FA-) a VitE hepática foi 10 vezes menor nos ratos -VitE que nos +VitE. Entretanto, nos ratos -VitE/FA+, a VitE hepática foi apenas 2,6 vezes menor. Este efeito do FA também foi detectado nos eritrócitos, visto que catalase e glutationa redutase aumentaram no grupo -VitE/FA-, mas não no grupo -VitE/FA+. O estudo mostra que FA não interferiu no crescimento ou no metabolismo do ferro, porém teve um efeito laxante e impediu parcialmente a deficiência de VitE.

Vitamin E status of 20- to 59-year-old adults living in the Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and functions primarily as a lipid antioxidant. Inadequate vitamin E status may increase risk of several chronic diseases. Thus, the objectives of this study were to estimate intake and plasma concentration of each tocopherol and to evaluate vitamin E status of Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Three consecutive 24-h food recalls and fasting blood samples were collected from healthy 20- to 59-y-old adults (33 males and 73 females) living in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Korea. alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherol intakes and plasma concentrations of tocopherols (alpha-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherol) were analyzed by gender. RESULTS: Dietary vitamin E and total vitamin E intake (dietary plus supplemental vitamin E) was 17.68 +/- 14.34 and 19.55 +/- 15.78 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents, respectively. The mean daily alpha-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol intakes were 3.07 +/- 2.27 mg and 5.98 +/- 3.74 mg, respectively. Intakes of total vitamin E and each tocopherol of males were significantly higher than those of females (P or = 0.05). Plasma alpha-tocopherol was negatively correlated with gamma-tocopherol intake (P < 0.05). Twenty-three percent of the subjects had plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations < 12 micromol/L indicating a biochemical deficiency of vitamin E. Approximately 8% and 9% of these participants had plasma alpha-tocopherol:total lipid ratio less than 1.59 micromol/mmol and plasma alpha-tocopherol:total cholesterol ratio less than 2.22 micromol/mmol, respectively, which are also indicative of vitamin E deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E intakes of Korean adults were generally adequate with the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin E. However, alpha-tocopherol intake was lower than that reported in other countries, and 23% of the subjects in the current study were vitamin E deficient based on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations.

Vitamin E status of 20- to 59-year-old adults living in the Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and functions primarily as a lipid antioxidant. Inadequate vitamin E status may increase risk of several chronic diseases. Thus, the objectives of this study were to estimate intake and plasma concentration of each tocopherol and to evaluate vitamin E status of Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Three consecutive 24-h food recalls and fasting blood samples were collected from healthy 20- to 59-y-old adults (33 males and 73 females) living in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Korea. alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherol intakes and plasma concentrations of tocopherols (alpha-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherol) were analyzed by gender. RESULTS: Dietary vitamin E and total vitamin E intake (dietary plus supplemental vitamin E) was 17.68 +/- 14.34 and 19.55 +/- 15.78 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents, respectively. The mean daily alpha-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol intakes were 3.07 +/- 2.27 mg and 5.98 +/- 3.74 mg, respectively. Intakes of total vitamin E and each tocopherol of males were significantly higher than those of females (P or = 0.05). Plasma alpha-tocopherol was negatively correlated with gamma-tocopherol intake (P < 0.05). Twenty-three percent of the subjects had plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations < 12 micromol/L indicating a biochemical deficiency of vitamin E. Approximately 8% and 9% of these participants had plasma alpha-tocopherol:total lipid ratio less than 1.59 micromol/mmol and plasma alpha-tocopherol:total cholesterol ratio less than 2.22 micromol/mmol, respectively, which are also indicative of vitamin E deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E intakes of Korean adults were generally adequate with the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin E. However, alpha-tocopherol intake was lower than that reported in other countries, and 23% of the subjects in the current study were vitamin E deficient based on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations.

Alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and colostrum of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus / Concentración de ?-tocoferol en el suero y calostro de madres con diabetes mellitus gestacional / Concentração de ?-tocoferol no soro e colostro de mães com diabetes melito gestacional

To evaluate and compare the levels of α-tocopherol in colostrum and in the serum of healthy and diabetic mothers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 51 volunteer mothers, 20 with the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and 31 without associated diseases. Serum and colostrum samples were collected in fasting in the immediate postpartum period and α-tocopherol was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In order to define the nutritional status of vitamin E, the cutoff point for the serum (697.7µg/dL) was adopted. Student's t-test for independent variables compared the average concentrations of α-tocopherol in the serum and in the colostrum between control and gestational diabetes mellitus groups. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the relationship between the concentration of α-tocopherol in serum and colostrum for both groups. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: The α-tocopherol concentration in colostrum was 1,483.1±533.8µg/dL for Control Group and 1,368.8±681.8µg/dL for diabetic women, without differences between groups (p=0.50). However, α-tocopherol concentration in the serum was 1,059.5±372.7µg/dL in the Control Group and 1,391.4±531.5µg/dL in the diabetic one (p<0.01). No correlation was found between the concentration of α-tocopherol in the serum and in the colostrum for control and diabetic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The groups had adequate nutritional status of vitamin E. Gestational diabetes was not associated with changes in α-tocopherol concentration in colostrum...

Evaluar y comparar la concentración de α-tocoferol en la leche calostro y en el suero de madres diabéticas y sanas. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, realizado con 51 parturientes voluntarias, siendo 20 diagnosticadas con diabetes mellitus gestacional y 31 sin cualquier enfermedad asociada. Se recogieron las muestras de suero y de calostro en ayuno en el postparto inmediato y se analizó el α-tocoferol por cromatografía líquida de alta eficiencia (CLAE). Para definir el estado nutricional de vitamina E, se adoptó el punto de corte sérico (697,7µg/dL). El análisis estadístico se realizó con la prueba t de Student para variables independientes a fin de comparar las concentraciones medianas de α-tocoferol en el suero entre los grupos control y con diabetes mellitus gestacional. Ese análisis también fue realizado para comparar los promedios de α-tocoferol en el calostro en los grupos estudiados. Se utilizó la correlación de Pearson para evaluar la relación entre la concentración de α-tocoferol en el suero y en el calostro para ambos grupos. Las diferencias fueron consideradas significativas cuando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Las concentraciones de α-tocoferol en el calostro fueron 1.483,1±533,8µg/dL para las mujeres del Grupo Control y 1.368,8±681,8µg/dL para las diabéticas, no habiendo diferencias (p=0,50). Sin embargo, en el suero de las puérperas control, la concentración de α-tocoferol fue 1.059,5±72,7µg/dL y, en las diabéticas, 1.391,4±531,5µg/dL, con p<0,01). No hubo correlación entre la concentración de α-tocoferol en el suero y en el calostro para el Grupo Control. Resultado semejante fue encontrado para el grupo con diabetes mellitus gestacional. CONCLUSIONES: Los grupos presentaron estado nutricional adecuado respecto...

Avaliar e comparar a concentração de α-tocoferol no leite colostro e no soro de mães diabéticas e saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, realizado com 51 parturientes voluntárias, sendo 20 diagnosticadas com diabetes melito gestacional e 31 sem nenhuma doença associada. Coletaram-se as amostras de soro e de colostro em jejum no pós-parto imediato e o α-tocoferol foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). Para definir o estado nutricional de vitamina E, adotou-se ponto de corte sérico (697,7µg/dL). O teste t de Student para variáveis independentes comparou as concentrações médias de α-tocoferol no soro e no colostro entre os grupos controle e com diabetes melito gestacional. A correlação de Pearson testou a relação entre a concentração de α-tocoferol no soro e no colostro para ambos os grupos. As diferenças foram consideradas significantes quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: As concentrações de α-tocoferol no colostro foram 1.483,1±533,8µg/dL para as mulheres do Grupo Controle e 1.368,8±681,8µg/dL para as diabéticas, não havendo diferenças (p=0,50). Entretanto, no soro das puérperas controle, a concentração de α-tocoferol foi 1.059,5±372,7µg/dL e, nas diabéticas, 1.391,4±531,5µg/dL, com p<0,01. Não houve correlação entre a concentração de α-tocoferol no soro e no colostro para o Grupo Controle. Resultado semelhante foi encontrado para o grupo com diabetes melito gestacional. CONCLUSÕES: Os grupos apresentaram estado nutricional adequado quanto à vitamina E. Não houve associação entre diabetes melito gestacional e mudanças na concentração de α-tocoferol no colostro...

Avances en el tratamiento de las ataxias crónicas / [Therapeutic developments in chronic ataxias].

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias belong to a broader group of disorders known as inherited ataxias. In most cases onset occurs before the age of 20. These neurological disorders are characterized by degeneration or abnormal development of the cerebellum and spinal cord. Currently, specific treatment is only available for some of the chronic ataxias, more specifically those related to a known metabolic defect, such as abetalipoproteinemia, ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, and cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. Treatment based on a diet with reduced intake of fat, supplementation of oral vitamins E and A, and the administration of chenodeoxycholic acid could modify the course of the disease. Although for most of autosomal recessive ataxias there is no definitive treatment, iron chelators and antioxidants have been proposed to reduce the mitochondrial iron overload in Friederich’s ataxia patients. Corticosteroids have been used to reduce ataxia symptoms in ataxia telangiectasia. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency associated with ataxia may be responsive to Co Q10 or ubidecarenone supplementations. Early treatment of these disorders may be associated with a better drug response.

Vitamina E e gravidez / Vitamin E and pregnancy

A vitamina E é considerada um antioxidante biológico por manter a integridade das membranas celulares.Em adultos saudáveis a deficiência de vitamina E é raramente observada.Deficiências de vitamina E podem ser vistas em crianças prematuras ou de baixo peso e naqueles com dificuldades na absorção de gorduras.A suplementação de vitamina E na gravidez é desnecessária e somente deve ser realizada em casos raríssimos.

Relación entre lípidos séricos y estado de las vitaminas C y E como antioxidantes en adultos mayores venezolanos / Relationship between serum lipids and status of vitamin C and E as antioxidants in venezuelan elderly people

En el envejecimiento se observa tendencia a hiperlipidemias, cambios en la distribución de lipoproteínas y una declinación del sistema de defensa antioxidante del organismo. El objetivo de este estudio fue relacionar concentraciones séricas de colesterol total, fracciones, triglicéridos y Vitaminas C y E. Se evaluaron 61 adultos mayores de 60 años de edad, de enero-marzo, 2006. Se diagnosticó estado nutricional por IMC; se determinaron niveles séricos de triglicéridos (TG), colesterol total (CT) y fracciones (HDL-c y LDL-c), (método enzimático), Vitamina C (método colorimétrico) y Vitamina E (HPLC). Se utilizaron valores de ATPIII como referencia para riesgo de TG, CT, HDL, LDL-c; vitamina C: > 0,9 mg/dL (normal), < 0,9mg/dL (déficit); vitamina E: >1300 µg/dL (normal), =1300 µg/dL (déficit). Se calculó consumo dietario de vitaminas C y E por método de pesada directa tres días/semana. Según IMC, 19,7 por ciento presentó déficit nutricional, 39,3 por ciento sobrepeso y 11,5 por ciento obesidad. TG, CT, LDL-c en riesgo para el sexo femenino y HDL-c para ambos sexos. La prevalencia de riesgo para enfermedades cardiovasculares fue: TG (45,2 por ciento), HDL-c (51,1 por ciento), LDL-c (52,5 por ciento), deficientes de vitamina C (9,8 por ciento) y E (90,2 por ciento). El consumo y niveles séricos de vitamina E en déficit en ambos sexos. No hubo asociación entre las variables. Correlación significativa y positiva entre TG, CT, LDL-c, vitamina E sérica e IMC. El grupo femenino presentó sobrepeso, hipertrigliceridemia e hipercolesterolemia, HDL-c y LDL-c en riesgo y el grupo total estado de vitamina E deficiente, importantes factores de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular en este grupo etario.

During aging there is a tendency towards hyperlipidemia and changes in the distribution of lipoproteins. A decline in the functioning of the body’s antioxidant defense system is also observed at this time. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between serum concentrations of total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, and Vitamins C and E. 61 adults over 60 years of age were evaluated from January to March, 2006. Nutritional status was diagnosed by BMI (WHO); serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and fractions (HDL-c and LDL-c) were determined by enzyme method; Vitamin C (colorimetric method) and Vitamin E by HPLC. ATPIII values were used as a reference for risk of TG, TC, HDL, LDL-c, vitamin C:> 0.9 mg/dL (normal), <0.9 mg/dL (deficit); vitamin E: =1300 µg/dL (normal), 1300 = µg /dL (deficit). Consumption of vitamins C and E were estimated by the direct weighing method 3 days per week. According to BMI, 19.7 percent had nutritional deficit, 39.3 percent overweight, and 11.5 percent obesity. TG, TC, LDL-c levels were at risk in females, and HDL-c in both genders. Prevalence of risk for heart disease was: TG (45.2 percent), HDL-c (51.1 percent), and LDL-c (52.5 percent). Consumption and serum levels of vitamin E were low in both genders. There was no association between variables. A significant and positive correlation between TG, TC, LDL-C, serum vitamin E, and BMI was observed. The female group showed overweight, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, HDL-c and LDL-c at risk, and vitamin E deficiency, all of which are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease in this age group.

Antioxidant vitamin levels in sickle cell disorders.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disorder is a haemoglobinopathy prevalent in the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra, central India. With recent evidence of oxidative stress in sickle haemoglobinopathy, a possible deficiency of antioxidant vitamins was suspected. METHODS: We measured plasma vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene levels in persons with heterozygous (n=80) and homozygous sickle cell state (n=20), and suitable healthy controls for these groups (n=100 and 66, respectively) in a community-based study in the villages near our institution. RESULTS: Subjects with heterozygous sickle cell trait had lower vitamin E levels than their respective controls (p < 0.05). Subjects with homozygous sickle cell disease had lower levels of all three vitamins (p < 0.05). Vitamins E and C levels showed a significant positive correlation in both forms of sickle cell disorder. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is depletion of the antioxidant vitamins, particularly in severe forms of sickle cell disorder. A trial of administration of therapeutic doses of vitamin E in this condition is warranted.

Alpha-Tocopherol Transfer Protein (alpha-TTP): Insights from Alpha-Tocopherol Transfer Protein Knockout Mice

Alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP) is a liver cytosolic transport protein that faciliates alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) transfer into liver secreted plasma lipoproteins. Genetic defects in alpha-TTP, like dietary vitamin E deficiency, are associated with infertility, muscular weakness and neurological disorders. Both human and alpha-TTP deficient (alpha-TTP-/-) mice exhibit severe plasma and tissue vitamin E deficiency that can be attenuated by sufficient dietary alpha-T supplementations. In this review, we summarize the literature concerning studies utilizing the alpha-TTP-/- mice. Levels of vitamin E in the alpha-TTP-/- mice do not appear to be directly related to the amounts of dietary alpha-T or to the levels of alpha-TTP protein in tissues. The alpha-TTP-/- mice appear to present a good model for investigating the specific role of alpha-T in tissue vitamin E metabolism. Furthermore, alpha-TTP-/- mice appear to be useful to elucidate functions of alpha-TTP beyond its well recognized functions of transferring alpha-T from liver to plasma lipoprotein fractions.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in cardiovascular diseases in population of western Nepal.

OBJECTIVES: To observe if there is any connectivity between oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients suffering from different cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, ischemic heart disease, rheumatic heart disease) attending Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara and strictly matched controls were selected for this study. Oxidative stress (OS) was measured by plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) where as antioxidant status was measured by estimating vitamin E, vitamin C and total antioxidant activity (TAA) in plasma. RESULTS: The mean level of TBARS, TAA, vitamin C and E were 2.20+0.43 nmol/ml, 547+98 mol/l, 0.88+0.15 mg/dl and 0.75+0.20 mg/dl respectively in patients. The respective values in controls were 1.86+0.43 nmol/ml, 859+139 mol/l, 0.94+0.15 mg/dl and 1.10+0.30 mg/dl. Although the OS seems to be raised in patients, is practically insufficient to oxidize biomolecules and induce CVDs. Despite vitamin C and E levels being well within normal limits, the TAA was significantly and considerably lower in patients. This is a highly interesting observation suggesting that dietary antioxidants other than these vitamins were preferentially consumed to control OS because procedure for TAA used in this study practically measures only total dietary antioxidants. CONCLUSION: OS does not appear to be an etiological factor for the cardiovascular diseases; rather slightly raised OS in patients seems to be a consequence. Further the raised OS was not due to lower nutrient antioxidant (vit. C and vit. E) in the local population studied herein.

Zinc and antioxidant vitamin deficiency in patients with severe sickle cell anemia

Patients with severe sickle cell anemia [SCA] have a higher potential for oxidative damage due to chronic redox imbalance in red blood cells that often leads to hemolysis, endothelial injury and recurrent vaso-occlusive episodes. This study evaluated the plasma levels of vitamins A, C and E as indicators of antioxidant status. In addition, serum levels of zinc and copper were also estimated. Twenty-five adult patients with severe sickle cell anemia [12 males and 13 females aged 29.72 +/- 12.94 years] and 25 matched controls were studied. Plasma levels of vitamins A, C and E were measured by HPLC technique. Serum zinc and copper levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. There was a significant decrease in plasma levels of vitamins A, C and E and in serum levels of zinc in patients with SCA as compared with controls [P<0.0001]. Serum copper levels were significantly elevated compared with controls [P<0.0001]. These findings emphasize the significant deficiencies of the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and the trace element zinc along with the significant elevation of serum copper in patients with severe sickle cell disease. Further studies are needed to find out whether supplementation of antioxidant vitamins and zinc may ameliorate some sickle cell disease complications

La diarrea inducida con lactosa estimula la condición oxidativa y es más severa en ratas deficientes en vitamina E / Lactose-induced diarrhea increases oxidative stress and it is more severe in rats deficient in vitamin E

La diarrea es una enfermedad con alta frecuencia en el mundo y es causa de mortalidad y desnutrición en los niños de países en desarrollo. Esto justifica el estudio de la alimentación durante la diarrea. Debido a las dificultades económicas y éticas del estudio de la diarrea infantil, es conveniente usar modelos de diarrea en animales. En estudios previos, se demostró que la diarrea inducida con lactosa en ratas, está asociada con una reducción de los niveles tisulares de vitamina E y también con evidencias de una respuesta inflamatoria a nivel intestinal. En consecuencia, en este estudio se produjo esta diarrea en ratas suficientes y deficientes en vitamina E, con el fin de establecer su efecto en los niveles de estrés oxidativo. Los resultados mostraron que en un lapso de 23 días la concentración de vitamina E tisular disminuyó en todas las ratas con diarrea, pero esta disminución fue sustancialmente mayor en las ratas deficientes en esta vitamina. Al mismo tiempo se observó que la severidad de la diarrea en las ratas deficientes en vitamina E fue un 60 por ciento mayor que en las ratas con diarrea pero suficientes en vitamina E. Tanto la diarrea como la deficiencia de vitamina E se asociaron con cambios en las concentraciones de malonaldehido y en la actividad de la superóxido dismutasa en varios tejidos. Sin embargo, los cambios más resaltantes asociados con la diarrea estuvieron relacionados a un aumento en los niveles plasmáticos de malonaldehido de casi 100 por ciento y una actividad de la superóxido dismutasa en los eritrocitos de las ratas con diarrea, que fue entre 8 y 11 veces mayor que la detectada en las ratas controles. Estos cambios no invasivos correlacionaron directamente con la severidad de la diarrea. El estudio muestra que la diarrea inducida con lactosa aumenta los niveles de estrés oxidativo y que la deficiencia de vitamina E se asocia con diarreas más severas

Cerebellar ataxia due to isolated vitamin E deficiency.

Ataxia is a common and important neurological finding in medical practice. Severe deficiency of Vitamin E can profoundly affect the central nervous system and can cause ataxia and peripheral neuropathy resembling Friedreich's ataxia. Vitamin E deficiency can occur with abetalipoproteinemia, cholestatic liver disease or fat malabsorption. Ataxia with isolated Vit E deficiency (AVED) is an Autosomal Recessive genetic disorder with a mutation in the alpha tocopherol transfer protein gene (TTPA). This condition responds to high dose of Vit E and is one of the important causes of treatable ataxia. We report a young patient with Ataxia with isolated Vit E deficiency (AVED) who responded partially to replacement of Vitamin E.

Factores que influyen en las deficiencias de vitaminas E y C en embarazadas y recién nacidos / Factors that influence vitamin E and C deficiencies in pregnant women and newborn infants

En el embarazo los hábitos tóxicos, como el fumar y la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas, incrementan la producción de especies reactivas del oxígeno que pueden influir en la aparición y el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus gestacional. La situación nutricional de la madre es decisiva en el estado vitamínico del recién nacido y las cantidades deficientes de vitaminas E y C en suero pueden incidir en una respuesta insuficiente al estrés oxidativo que representan el parto y en la recuperación posterior del niño. Fue objetivo de este trabajo establecer el efecto de diferentes factores sobre los niveles de las vitaminas E y C en suero de las embarazadas, y determinar cómo afectan al recién nacido. Se diseñó un estudio transversal de 203 casos durante un año de estudio. Se realizó una encuesta epidemiológica donde se evaluaron indicadores nutricionales, frecuencia de anemia referida, hábito de fumar, ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, condiciones patológicas desarrolladas en el embarazo, problemas presentados durante el parto, peso al nacer y alteraciones en la evolución del recién nacido. Se preparó una variable en la cual se dividieron las concentraciones de a tocoferol y ácido ascórbico del recién nacido entre los valores de su madre y se evaluaron los niveles medios de las vitaminas E y C en el niño atendiendo a los niveles que presentaba la madre. Se utilizó el riesgo relativo (RR) y un intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95(por ciento)como medidas de asociación de los factores estudiados y las deficiencias de vitaminas E y C. Para evaluar el efecto de los factores que pudieran influir en la concentración de vitamina E en el recién nacido se ajustó una ecuación de regresión lineal. No se encontraron asociaciones que resultaran significativas entre los factores registrados con las deficiencias de vitaminas antioxidantes. Solo se encontró asociación débilmente significativa con las afectaciones en el desarrollo normal del embarazo y las concentraciones deficientes de vitamina C en la embarazada. El análisis del cociente obtenido al dividir las concentraciones de a tocoferol y ácido ascórbico del recién nacido entre los valores de concentración de su madre mostró que la mayor parte de los casos se clasificaban de acuerdo con los valores esperados y la variación del cociente estaba determinada por los valores de las concentraciones de la madre