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Zhu J, Saikia G, Zhang X, Shen X, Kahe K. One-Carbon Metabolism Nutrients, Genetic Variation, and Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Metab J 2024; 48:170-183. [PMID: 38468500 PMCID: PMC10995489 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2023.0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects about 9.3% of the population globally. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of DM, owing to its promotion of oxidative stress, β-cell dysfunction, and insulin resistance. HHcy can result from low status of one-carbon metabolism (OCM) nutrients (e.g., folate, choline, betaine, vitamin B6, B12), which work together to degrade homocysteine by methylation. The etiology of HHcy may also involve genetic variation encoding key enzymes in OCM. This review aimed to provide an overview of the existing literature assessing the link between OCM nutrients status, related genetic factors, and incident DM. We also discussed possible mechanisms underlying the role of OCM in DM development and provided recommendations for future research and practice. Even though the available evidence remains inconsistent, some studies support the potential beneficial effects of intakes or blood levels of OCM nutrients on DM development. Moreover, certain variants in OCM-related genes may influence metabolic handling of methyl-donors and presumably incidental DM. Future studies are warranted to establish the causal inference between OCM and DM and examine the interaction of OCM nutrients and genetic factors with DM development, which will inform the personalized recommendations for OCM nutrients intakes on DM prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Gunjana Saikia
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Xiaotao Zhang
- Institute for Translational Epidemiology & Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoxi Shen
- Department of Mathematics, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Ka Kahe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physician and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Munteanu C, Schwartz B. The Effect of Bioactive Aliment Compounds and Micronutrients on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040903. [PMID: 37107278 PMCID: PMC10136128 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current review, we focused on identifying aliment compounds and micronutrients, as well as addressed promising bioactive nutrients that may interfere with NAFLD advance and ultimately affect this disease progress. In this regard, we targeted: 1. Potential bioactive nutrients that may interfere with NAFLD, specifically dark chocolate, cocoa butter, and peanut butter which may be involved in decreasing cholesterol concentrations. 2. The role of sweeteners used in coffee and other frequent beverages; in this sense, stevia has proven to be adequate for improving carbohydrate metabolism, liver steatosis, and liver fibrosis. 3. Additional compounds were shown to exert a beneficial action on NAFLD, namely glutathione, soy lecithin, silymarin, Aquamin, and cannabinoids which were shown to lower the serum concentration of triglycerides. 4. The effects of micronutrients, especially vitamins, on NAFLD. Even if most studies demonstrate the beneficial role of vitamins in this pathology, there are exceptions. 5. We provide information regarding the modulation of the activity of some enzymes related to NAFLD and their effect on this disease. We conclude that NAFLD can be prevented or improved by different factors through their involvement in the signaling, genetic, and biochemical pathways that underlie NAFLD. Therefore, exposing this vast knowledge to the public is particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Munteanu
- Department of Plant Culture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Betty Schwartz
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The School of Nutritional Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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The effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on metabolic profile of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14047. [PMID: 35982162 PMCID: PMC9388548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study is the first effort to evaluate the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on the serum level of liver enzymes, homocysteine, grade of hepatic steatosis, and metabolic profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Forty patients with NAFLD were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial to receive either one oral tablet of vitamin B12 (1000 µg cyanocobalamin) or a placebo per day for 12 weeks. We investigated serum levels of homocysteine, aminotransferases, fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipids, malondialdehyde (MDA), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The grade of liver steatosis and fibrosis was measured by real-time 2-dimensional shear wave elastography. Vitamin B12 supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of homocysteine compared to placebo (medians: - 2.1 vs. - 0.003 µmol/l; P = 0.038). Although serum alanine transaminase (ALT) in the vitamin B12 group decreased significantly, this change did not reach a significant level compared to the placebo group (medians: - 7.0 vs. 0.0 IU/l; P > 0.05). Despite the significant within-group decrease in FBG, MDA, and liver steatosis in the vitamin B12 group, between-group comparisons did not reveal any significant difference. Vitamin B12 supplementation might decrease serum levels of homocysteine in patients with NAFLD. The fasting blood glucose and serum levels of MDA were significantly improved in the trial group who received vitamin B12. However, these changes did not reach a significant level compared to the placebo group. In this respect, further studies with larger sample sizes, different doses, and types of vitamin B12 will reveal additional evidence.Trial Registration: At http://irct.ir/ as IRCT20120718010333N5 on December 25, 2019.
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Asbaghi O, Ashtary-Larky D, Bagheri R, Moosavian SP, Olyaei HP, Nazarian B, Rezaei Kelishadi M, Wong A, Candow DG, Dutheil F, Suzuki K, Alavi Naeini A. Folic Acid Supplementation Improves Glycemic Control for Diabetes Prevention and Management: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072355. [PMID: 34371867 PMCID: PMC8308657 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a growing interest in the considerable benefits of dietary supplementations, such as folic acid, on the glycemic profile. We aimed to investigate the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycemic control markers in adults. Methods: Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycemic control markers published up to March 2021 were detected by searching online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and ISI web of science, using a combination of related keywords. Mean change and standard deviation (SD) of the outcome measures were used to estimate the mean difference between the intervention and control groups at follow-up. Meta-regression and non-linear dose-response analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between pooled effect size and folic acid dosage (mg/day) and duration of the intervention (week). From 1814 detected studies, twenty-four studies reported fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as an outcome measure. Results: Results revealed significant reductions in FBG (weighted mean difference (WMD): −2.17 mg/dL, 95% CI: −3.69, −0.65, p = 0.005), fasting insulin (WMD: −1.63 pmol/L, 95% CI: −2.53, −0.73, p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (WMD: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.70, −0.09, p = 0.011) following folic acid supplementation. No significant effect was detected for HbA1C (WMD: −0.27%, 95% CI: −0.73, 0.18, p = 0.246). The dose-response analysis showed that folic acid supplementation significantly changed HOMA-IR (r = −1.30, p-nonlinearity = 0.045) in non-linear fashion. However, meta-regression analysis did not indicate a linear relationship between dose, duration, and absolute changes in FBG, HOMA-IR, and fasting insulin concentrations. Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation significantly reduces some markers of glycemic control in adults. These reductions were small, which may limit clinical applications for adults with type II diabetes. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Asbaghi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416753955, Iran;
| | - Damoon Ashtary-Larky
- Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran;
| | - Reza Bagheri
- Department of Exercise Physiology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran;
| | - Seyedeh Parisa Moosavian
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran;
| | - Hadi Pourmirzaei Olyaei
- Department of Nutrition, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1584743311, Iran;
| | - Behzad Nazarian
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad 6813833946, Iran;
| | - Mahnaz Rezaei Kelishadi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran;
| | - Alexei Wong
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Marymount University, Arlington, VA 22207, USA;
| | - Darren G. Candow
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S OA2, Canada;
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Preventive and Occupational Medicine, Université Clermont Auvergne, WittyFit, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Katsuhiko Suzuki
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa 359-1192, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Amirmansour Alavi Naeini
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran;
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (A.A.N.)
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Kim HJ, Lee SM, Lee JS, Lee SY, Chung EH, Cho MK, Lee SH, Kim JE. Homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in patients on isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris: A meta‐analysis. J Cosmet Dermatol 2019; 19:736-745. [DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine Korea University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Seung Min Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Jong Suk Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Cheonan Korea
| | - Sung Yul Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Cheonan Korea
| | - Euy Hyun Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Cheonan Korea
| | - Moon Kyun Cho
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Bucheon Korea
| | - Jung Eun Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Cheonan Korea
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Lind MV, Lauritzen L, Kristensen M, Ross AB, Eriksen JN. Effect of folate supplementation on insulin sensitivity and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr 2019; 109:29-42. [PMID: 30615110 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various mechanisms link higher total homocysteine to higher insulin resistance (IR) and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Folate supplementation is recognized as a way to lower homocysteine. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show inconsistent results on IR and T2D outcomes. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the effect of folate supplementation on IR and T2D outcomes. Design We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE and prior systematic reviews and meta-analyses and identified 29 RCTs (22,250 participants) that assessed the effect of placebo-controlled folate supplementation alone or in combination with other B vitamins on fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), or risk of T2D. The meta-analysis was conducted using both random- and fixed-effects models to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) or risk ratios with 95% CIs. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention type (folate alone or in combination with other B vitamins), as well as analysis based on population characteristics, duration, dose, and change in homocysteine. Results When compared with placebo, folate supplementation lowered fasting insulin (WMD: -13.47 pmol/L; 95% CI: -21.41, -5.53 pmol/L; P < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.57 units; 95% CI: -0.76, -0.37 units; P < 0.0001), but no overall effects were observed for fasting glucose or HbA1c. Heterogeneity was low in all meta-analyses, and subgroup analysis showed no signs of effect modification except for change in homocysteine, with the most pronounced effects in trials with a change of >2.5 µmol/L. Changes in homocysteine after folate supplementation correlated with changes in fasting glucose (β = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.14; P = 0.025) and HbA1c (β = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.85; P = 0.02). Only 2 studies examined folate supplementation on risk of T2D, and they found no change in RR (pooled RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.04; P = 0.16). Conclusion Folate supplementation might be beneficial for glucose homeostasis and lowering IR, but at present there are insufficient data to conclusively determine the effect on development of T2D. This trial was registered on the Prospero database as CRD42016048254.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Vendelbo Lind
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lotte Lauritzen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Mette Kristensen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Alastair B Ross
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jane Nygaard Eriksen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Zhao JV, Schooling CM, Zhao JX. The effects of folate supplementation on glucose metabolism and risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ann Epidemiol 2018; 28:249-257.e1. [PMID: 29501221 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Observationally, homocysteine is associated with higher risk of diabetes. Folate, which reduces homocysteine, is promising for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Previous meta-analysis of three trials suggested folate might lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). METHODS An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials was conducted. We searched PubMed using ("folate" or "folic acid") and trial and ("glucose" or "diabetes" or "insulin" or "hemoglobin A1c" or "HbA1c") in any field until February 3, 2017. We also conducted a bibliographic search of selected studies and relevant reviews. Relative risk of diabetes and mean differences in indicators of glucose metabolism between folate and placebo were summarized in a meta-analysis using inverse variance weighting with random effects. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and risk of bias were also assessed. RESULTS Eighteen trials of 21,081 people with/without diabetes were identified. Folate decreased fasting glucose (-0.15 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.29 to -0.01), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (-0.83, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.34), and insulin (-1.94 μIU/mL, 95% CI -3.28 to -0.61) but had no clear effect on diabetes or HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a potential benefit of folate on insulin resistance and glycemic control; the latter requires examination in more high-quality trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie V Zhao
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China.
| | - C Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China; School of Urban Public Health, Hunter College, CUNY School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Jia Xi Zhao
- School of Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
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Grigoletti SS, Guindani G, Moraes RS, Ribeiro JP, Sprinz E. Short-term folinic acid supplementation improves vascular reactivity in HIV-infected individuals: a randomized trial. Nutrition 2014; 29:886-91. [PMID: 23660169 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2012] [Revised: 01/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV-infected individuals present a cluster of conditions that activate or injure the vascular endothelium. The administration of folates may exert beneficial effects on endothelial function in different populations at risk for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 4 wk of folinic acid supplementation on forearm vascular responses during reactive hyperemia in HIV-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effects of 4 wk of daily ingestion of 5 mg of folinic acid (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15). Participants had to have been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 mo before enrollment, with undetectable viral load, and CD4 cell count >200 cells/mm(3). Vascular function was evaluated with venous occlusion plethysmography at baseline and after 4 wk, for the determination of brachial artery reactive hyperemia, and after isosorbide dinitrate administration. RESULTS The groups were comparable. The mean age of patients was 45 y; there were eight women in each group. There was no difference regarding ART regimen. The supplementation of folinic acid produced a significant improvement in reactive hyperemia (from 14.9 to 21.2 mL•min•100 mL). The same was not observed in placebo group (from 15.3 to 14.6 mL•min•100 mL; group P, 0.017; time P < 0.001; interaction P < 0.001). Endothelium-independent responses remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Short-term folinic acid supplementation improved vascular reactivity in HIV-infected individuals enrolled in the studied. As folate supplementation is safe and relatively inexpensive, long-term clinical trials should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana S Grigoletti
- Exercise Pathophysiology Research Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Folic acid and vitamin B(12) supplementation lowers plasma homocysteine but has no effect on serum bone turnover markers in elderly women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutr Res 2013; 33:211-9. [PMID: 23507227 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
An elevated homocysteine level is a newly recognized risk factor for osteoporosis. Older individuals may have elevated homocysteine levels due to inadequate folate intake and/or lower absorption of vitamin B(12). The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an impact of folic acid and vitamin B(12) supplementation on homocysteine levels and, subsequently, on bone turnover markers in older women with mildly to moderately elevated homocysteine levels. It is hypothesized that supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B(12) will improve homocysteine levels and, in turn, positively modify bone turnover markers in this population. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 31 women (65 to 93 years) with homocysteine levels greater than 10 μmol/L. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily folic acid (800 μg) and vitamin B(12) (1000 μg) (n = 17) or a matching placebo (n = 14) for 4 months. The results showed significantly lower homocysteine concentrations in the vitamin group compared to the placebo group (10.6 vs 18.5 μmol/L, P = .007). No significant difference in serum alkaline phosphatase or C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen was found between the vitamin and placebo groups before or after supplementation. The use of folic acid and vitamin B(12) as a dietary supplement to improve homocysteine levels could be beneficial for older women, but additional research must be conducted in a larger population and for a longer period to determine if there is an impact of supplementation on bone turnover markers or other indicators of bone health.
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Cau SBA, Carneiro FS, Tostes RC. Differential modulation of nitric oxide synthases in aging: therapeutic opportunities. Front Physiol 2012; 3:218. [PMID: 22737132 PMCID: PMC3382417 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular aging is the term that describes the structural and functional disturbances of the vasculature with advancing aging. The molecular mechanisms of aging-associated endothelial dysfunction are complex, but reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and altered vascular expression and activity of NO synthase (NOS) enzymes have been implicated as major players. Impaired vascular relaxation in aging has been attributed to reduced endothelial NOS (eNOS)-derived NO, while increased inducible NOS (iNOS) expression seems to account for nitrosative stress and disrupted vascular homeostasis. Although eNOS is considered the main source of NO in the vascular endothelium, neuronal NOS (nNOS) also contributes to endothelial cells-derived NO, a mechanism that is reduced in aging. Pharmacological modulation of NO generation and expression/activity of NOS isoforms may represent a therapeutic alternative to prevent the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, this review will focus on drugs that modulate NO bioavailability, such as nitrite anions and NO-releasing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones (dehydroepiandrosterone and estrogen), statins, resveratrol, and folic acid, since they may be useful to treat/to prevent aging-associated vascular dysfunction. The impact of these therapies on life quality in elderly and longevity will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefany B A Cau
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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