High Vitamin C Intake with High Serum β-Cryptoxanthin Associated with Lower Risk for Osteoporosis in Post-Menopausal Japanese Female Subjects: Mikkabi Cohort Study

Role of vitamins in the development and treatment of osteoporosis (Review)

Osteoporosis has escalated into a pressing public health challenge amidst global demographic aging. Conventional diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions demonstrate growing limitations in both risk stratification and epidemiological control. In this context, serological monitoring and targeted nutrient supplementation emerge as promising preventive strategies. Vitamins, fundamental regulators of cellular homeostasis, demonstrate particular significance in bone remodeling processes. The present comprehensive review elucidates the pathophysiological mechanisms through which specific vitamins differentially modulate osteoblastic activity and osteoclastic regulation, summarizing contemporary evidence from the molecular to clinical research levels. While vitamin A exhibits dual effects, other vitamins predominantly show positive impacts on bone homeostasis. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key pathological changes associated with osteoporosis. Vitamins play a protective role by enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, activating antioxidant pathways and inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, thereby mitigating these conditions. Serum vitamin concentrations exhibit significant correlations with bone mineral density alterations and osteoporosis progression, providing predictive biomarkers for fracture risk assessment. However, serum vitamin profiles exhibit marked heterogeneity across osteoporosis risk strata, necessitating population‑specific therapeutic protocols. Precision‑adjusted supplementation strategies effectively attenuate pathological bone resorption while preserving physiological remodeling homeostasis. The present review systematically delineates the therapeutic potential of vitamins in osteoporotic management, underscoring the necessity for evidence‑based precision nutrient protocols tailored to at‑risk populations to prevent disease progression.

Serum vitamin C levels and risk of osteoporosis: results from a cross-sectional study and Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of vitamin C as an antioxidant in guarding against osteoporosis in adults is still debated. This research employs both a cross-sectional study and a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore how serum vitamin C levels correlate with the incidence of osteoporosis among adults.

METHODS

In this study, we utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for the years 2003-2006, and 2017-2018 to conduct both a cross-sectional analysis and MR to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin C levels and the risk of osteoporosis in adults. We adjusted our analyses for essential demographic and lifestyle variables, and applied logistic regression techniques. Genetic determinants of vitamin C levels were analyzed through MR, using methods like inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and MR-Egger to assess causality. Statistical computations were carried out in R, incorporating visual tools such as restricted cubic spline curves (RCS) and forest plots to clarify the dose-response dynamics and variations across different subgroups. This study was approved by the NCHS Ethics Review Board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

RESULTS

In our investigation, we analyzed data from 3,940 participants, among whom 291 were diagnosed with osteoporosis. The logistic regression analysis of serum vitamin C quartiles did not indicate a significant trend. The most adjusted model showed a slight, albeit inconsistent, protective effect in the highest quartile (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-0.99, P = 0.22). Mendelian randomization, employing methods such as IVW, reinforced the absence of a significant causal relationship between serum vitamin C levels and osteoporosis risk (IVW OR = 1.000, 95% CI: 0.999-1.001, P = 0.601).Subgroup analyses, visualized through forest plots and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves, supported the primary findings, showing no significant effects or interactions between vitamin C levels and osteoporosis risk across different demographic and lifestyle subgroups. The RCS analysis particularly highlighted a lack of significant non-linear relationships between serum vitamin C concentration and the odds of osteoporosis (P for nonlinear = 0.840).

CONCLUSIONS

The cross-sectional study revealed that higher serum vitamin C levels do not consistently correlate with a reduced risk of osteoporosis. Meanwhile, the Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed that there is no genetic evidence to suggest a causal relationship between vitamin C levels and osteoporosis risk. Recent research highlights the polygenic nature of osteoporosis, with genetic predispositions playing a significant role in disease risk. The relationship between serum vitamin C and osteoporosis requires further research. This suggests the need for further investigation into the connection between vitamin C and bone health.

EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA), Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, de Henauw S, Hirsch‐Ernst K, Knutsen HK, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Lietz G, Passeri G, Craciun I, Fabiani L, Horvath Z, Valtueña Martínez S, Naska A. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for preformed vitamin A and β-carotene

Following two requests from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for preformed vitamin A and β-carotene. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted for priority adverse health effects of excess vitamin A intake, namely teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity and endpoints related to bone health. Available data did not allow to address whether β-carotene could potentiate preformed vitamin A toxicity. Teratogenicity was selected as the critical effect on which to base the UL for preformed vitamin A. The Panel proposes to retain the UL for preformed vitamin A of 3000 μg RE/day for adults. This UL applies to men and women, including women of child-bearing age, pregnant and lactating women and post-menopausal women. This value was scaled down to other population groups using allometric scaling (body weight0.75), leading to ULs between 600 μg RE/day (infants 4-11 months) and 2600 μg RE/day (adolescents 15-17 years). Based on available intake data, European populations are unlikely to exceed the UL for preformed vitamin A if consumption of liver, offal and products thereof is limited to once per month or less. Women who are planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised not to consume liver products. Lung cancer risk was selected as the critical effect of excess supplemental β-carotene. The available data were not sufficient and suitable to characterise a dose-response relationship and identify a reference point; therefore, no UL could be established. There is no indication that β-carotene intake from the background diet is associated with adverse health effects. Smokers should avoid consuming food supplements containing β-carotene. The use of supplemental β-carotene by the general population should be limited to the purpose of meeting vitamin A requirements.

A molecular index for biological age identified from the metabolome and senescence-associated secretome in humans

Unlike chronological age, biological age is a strong indicator of health of an individual. However, the molecular fingerprint associated with biological age is ill-defined. To define a high-resolution signature of biological age, we analyzed metabolome, circulating senescence-associated secretome (SASP)/inflammation markers and the interaction between them, from a cohort of healthy and rapid agers. The balance between two fatty acid oxidation mechanisms, β-oxidation and ω-oxidation, associated with the extent of functional aging. Furthermore, a panel of 25 metabolites, Healthy Aging Metabolic (HAM) index, predicted healthy agers regardless of gender and race. HAM index was also validated in an independent cohort. Causal inference with machine learning implied three metabolites, β-cryptoxanthin, prolylhydroxyproline, and eicosenoylcarnitine as putative drivers of biological aging. Multiple SASP markers were also elevated in rapid agers. Together, our findings reveal that a network of metabolic pathways underlie biological aging, and the HAM index could serve as a predictor of phenotypic aging in humans.

The role of carotenoids in bone health-A narrative review

Osteoporosis constitutes a serious challenge for public health. Dietary patterns belong to important, modifiable risk factors of this disease. Therefore, what and in what quantities we consume on a daily basis are extremely relevant. It is commonly known that bone health is positively affected by vitamins (e.g., vitamin D and vitamin K) as well as mineral components (e.g., calcium and magnesium). However, the human diet consists of many other groups of compounds that exhibit a potential antiosteoporotic and supporting bone-building effect. These dietary components include carotenoids. This paper presents a broad review of studies on the influence of particular carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene) on bones. The paper discusses up-to-date in vitro experiments and research on animal models and presents how the results translate into clinical effect in humans.

Associations between blood antioxidant levels and femoral neck strength

BACKGROUND

Studies have confirmed that antioxidants contribute to a lower risk of osteoporosis, which is an independent factor for femoral neck fracture (FNF). However, the associations between blood antioxidant levels and femoral neck strength remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that levels of blood antioxidants are positively associated with composite indices of bone strength in femoral neck, which integrate the bending strength index (BSI), compressive strength index (CSI), and impact strength index (ISI), in a population of middle-aged and elderly individuals.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Blood levels of antioxidants were measured and analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, data from 878 participants were analyzed. Results of Spearman correlation analyses indicated that blood levels of 6 antioxidants (total lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, 13-cis-beta-carotene, trans-beta-carotene and total lycopene) were positively associated with CSI, BSI, or ISI in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Conversely, blood gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol levels were negatively associated with CSI, BSI, or ISI scores. Furthermore, linear regression analyses suggested that only blood zeaxanthin levels remained positively associated with CSI (odds ratio, OR 1.27; 95% CI: 0.03, 2.50; p = 0.045), BSI (OR, 0.54; 95% CI: 0.03-1.06; p = 0.037), and ISI (OR, 0.06; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.13; p = 0.045) scores in the study population after adjusting for age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that elevated blood zeaxanthin levels were significantly and positively associated with femoral neck strength (CSI, BSI, or ISI) in a population of middle-aged and elderly individuals. These findings suggest that zeaxanthin supplementation may reduce FNF risk independently.

Health-promoting foods and food crops of West-Africa origin: The bioactive compounds and immunomodulating potential

The rural communities of the sub-Sahara regions in Africa are rich in diverse indigenous culinary knowledge and foods, food crops, and condiments such as roots/tubers, cereal, legumes/pulses, locust beans, and green leafy vegetables. These food crops are rich in micronutrients and phytochemicals, which have the potentials to address hidden hunger as well as promote health when consumed. Some examples of these are fermented foods such as ogi and plants such as Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Zingiber officinales (garlic), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), and condiments. Food crops from West Africa contain numerous bioactive substances such as saponins, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, and monoterpenoid chemicals among others. These bioresources have proven biological and pharmacological activities due to diverse mechanisms of action such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant activities which made them suitable as candidates for nutraceuticals and pharma foods. This review seeks to explore the different processes such as fermentation applied during food preparation and food crops of West-African origin with health-promoting benefits. The different bioactive compounds present in such food or food crops are discussed extensively as well as the diverse application, especially regarding respiratory diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The plants and herbs summarized here are more easily accessible and affordable by therapists and others having a passion for promising medicinal properties of African-origin plants.The mechanisms and unique metabolic potentials of African food crops discussed in this article will promote their applicability as a template molecule for novel drug discoveries in treatment strategies for emerging diseases. This compilation of antiviral plants will help clinicians and researchers bring new preventive strategies in combating COVID-19 like viral diseases, ultimately saving millions of affected people.

Dietary carotenoid intake and osteoporosis: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2018

Higher intake of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were associated with lower risk of osteoporosis. A very high intake of lutein + zeaxanthin was also associated with lower risk of osteoporosis. These results support the beneficial role of carotenoids on bone health.

PURPOSE

To examine the associations of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin intake with the risk of osteoporosis based on the cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2005-2018.

METHODS

This study identified individuals ≥ 50 years old with valid and complete data on carotenoid intake and bone mineral density (BMD). Intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin was averaged from two 24-h recall interviews. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and converted to T-scores; osteoporosis was defined as a T-score ≤  - 2.5. We used logistic regression models to test the associations between carotenoids and osteoporosis, adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race, and education.

RESULTS

Participants were on average 61.9 years of age, with 57.5% identifying as females. Higher quintiles of β-carotene (odds ratio [OR] for quintile 5 vs. 1:0.33; 95% CI: 0.19-0.59; P for trend = 0.010) and β-cryptoxanthin intake (OR for quintile 5 vs. 1:0.61; 95% CI: 0.39-0.97; P for trend = 0.037) were associated with reduced risk of osteoporosis. Similar and marginally significant results for lutein + zeaxanthin intake was found (OR for quintile 5 vs. 1:0.53; 95% CI: 0.30-0.94; P for trend = 0.076). There was no association of α-carotene and lycopene intake with osteoporosis. These associations did not differ by sex (all P_interaction > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin intake was associated with decreased osteoporosis risk. A very high intake of lutein + zeaxanthin was also associated with lower risk of osteoporosis.

Association of Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity with Bone Mass and Osteoporosis Risk in Korean Women: Analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2011

Antioxidant intake has been suggested to be associated with a reduced osteoporosis risk, but the effect of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on bone health and the risk of osteoporosis remains unclear. We aimed to assess the hypothesis that dietary TAC is positively associated with bone mass and negatively related to the risk of osteoporosis in Korean women. This cross-sectional study was performed using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary TAC was estimated using task automation and an algorithm with 24-h recall data. In total, 8230 pre- and postmenopausal women were divided into four groups according to quartiles of dietary TAC. Dietary TAC was negatively associated with the risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.99; p-value = 0.045) in postmenopausal women, but not in premenopausal women. Dietary TAC was positively associated with bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density of the femoral neck and lumbar spine in postmenopausal women and BMC of the total femur and lumbar spine in premenopausal women. Our study suggests that dietary TAC is inversely associated with the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and positively associated with bone mass in both pre- and postmenopausal women.

Effects of β-Cryptoxanthin on Improvement in Osteoporosis Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Many studies have analyzed the effects of β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) on osteoporosis and bone health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at providing quantitative evidence for the effects of BCX on osteoporosis. Publications were selected and retrieved from three databases and carefully screened to evaluate their eligibility. Data from the final 15 eligible studies were extracted and uniformly summarized. Among the 15 studies, seven including 100,496 individuals provided information for the meta-analysis. A random effects model was applied to integrate the odds ratio (OR) to compare the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related complications between the groups with high and low intake of BCX. A high intake of BCX was significantly correlated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis (OR = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–0.90, p = 0.0002). The results remained significant when patients were stratified into male and female subgroups as well as Western and Asian cohorts. A high intake of BCX was also negatively associated with the incidence of hip fracture (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.94, p = 0.02). The results indicate that BCX intake potentially reduces the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture. Further longitudinal studies are needed to validate the causality of current findings.

Role of Vitamin C in Osteoporosis Development and Treatment-A Literature Review

Osteoporosis and associated low energy fractures are a significant clinical problem, especially in the elderly population. The occurrence of a hip fracture is associated with significant mortality and a high risk of disability. For this, apart from the treatment of osteoporosis, effective prevention of both the development of the disease and related fractures is extremely important. One aspect of osteoporosis prevention is proper dietary calcium intake and normal vitamin D3 levels. However, there is some evidence for a potential role of vitamin C in osteoporosis and fracture prevention, too. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the role of vitamin C in osteoporosis development, prevention and treatment. The PubMed/Medline search on the role of vitamin C in bone metabolism database was performed for articles between 2000 and May 2020. Reports from in vitro and animal studies seem promising. Epidemiological studies also indicate the positive effect of high vitamin C content in the daily diet on bone mineral density. Despite promising observations, there are still few observational and intervention studies and their results do not allow for unequivocal determination of the benefits of high daily intake of vitamin C or its long-term supplementation.

Can Dietary Intake of Vitamin C-Oriented Foods Reduce the Risk of Osteoporosis, Fracture, and BMD Loss? Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses of Recent Studies

Background: Several epidemiological studies have been performed to evaluate the association of dietary intake of vitamin C-oriented foods (DIVCF) with risk of fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) loss, but the results remain controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic meta-analysis to assess this correlation. Methods: We searched EmBase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Chinese database CNKI for relevant articles published up to August 2019. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random- or fixed-effects model. Discrepancies were resolved by consultation with a third expert. Results: A total of 13 eligible articles (including 17 studies) with 19,484 subjects were identified for the present meta-analysis. The pooled RR of hip fracture for the highest vs. lowest category was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.47-0.94) for DIVCF, i.e., people with a greater frequency of Vitamin C uptake had a 34% (95% CI, 6%-53%) lower prevalence of hip fracture. In subgroup analyses stratified by study design, gender, and age, the negative associations were statistically significant. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of the association between DIVCF and risk of osteoporosis (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.92), BMD at the lumbar spine (pooled r, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.09-0.23), and BMD at the femoral neck (pooled r, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.11-0.34) showed beneficial effects of DIVCF. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicates that DIVCF is negatively associated with the risk of hip fracture, osteoporosis, and BMD loss, suggesting that DIVCF decreases the risk of hip fracture, osteoporosis, and BMD loss.

New Plant Breeding Techniques in Citrus for the Improvement of Important Agronomic Traits. A Review

New plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) aim to overcome traditional breeding limits for fruit tree species, in order to obtain new varieties with improved organoleptic traits and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, and to maintain fruit quality achieved over centuries by (clonal) selection. Knowledge on the gene(s) controlling a specific trait is essential for the use of NPBTs, such as genome editing and cisgenesis. In the framework of the international scientific community working on fruit tree species, including citrus, NPBTs have mainly been applied to address pathogen threats. Citrus could take advantage of NPBTs because of its complex species biology (seedlessness, apomixis, high heterozygosity, and long juvenility phase) and aptitude for in vitro manipulation. To our knowledge, genome editing in citrus via transgenesis has successful for induced resistance to Citrus bacterial canker in sweet orange and grapefruit using the resistance gene CsLOB1. In the future, NPBTs will also be used to improve fruit traits, making them healthier. The regeneration of plants following the application of NPBTs is a bottleneck, making it necessary to optimize the efficiency of current protocols. The strengths and weaknesses of using explants from young in vitro plantlets, and from mature plants, will be discussed. Other major issues addressed in this review are related to the requirement for marker-free systems and shortening the long juvenility phase. This review aims to summarize methods and approaches available in the literature that are suitable to citrus, focusing on the principles observed before the use of NPBTs.

Vitamin C intake in relation to bone mineral density and risk of hip fracture and osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

We aimed to systematically review available data on the association between vitamin C intake and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as risk of fractures and osteoporosis, and to summarise this information through a meta-analysis. Previous studies on vitamin C intake in relation to BMD and risk of fracture and osteoporosis were selected through searching PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar databases before February 2017, using MeSH and text words. To pool data, either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model was used, and for assessing heterogeneity, Cochran's Q and I 2 tests were used. Subgroup analysis was applied to define possible sources of heterogeneity. Greater dietary vitamin C intake was positively associated with BMD at femoral neck (pooled r 0·18; 0·06, 0·30) and lumbar spine (pooled r 0·14; 95 % CI 0·06, 0·22); however, significant between-study heterogeneity was found at femoral neck: I 2=87·6 %, P heterogeneity<0·001. In addition, we found a non-significant association between dietary vitamin C intake and the risk of hip fracture (overall relative risk=0·74; 95 % CI 0·51, 1·08). Significant between-study heterogeneity was found (I 2=79·1 %, P heterogeneity<0·001), and subgroup analysis indicated that study design, sex and age were the main sources of heterogeneity. Greater dietary vitamin C intake was associated with a 33 % lower risk of osteoporosis (overall relative risk=0·67; 95 % CI 0·47, 0·94). Greater dietary vitamin C intake was associated with a lower risk of hip fracture and osteoporosis, as well as higher BMD, at femoral neck and lumbar spine.

Adipogenic and Lipolytic Effects of Ascorbic Acid in Ovariectomized Rats

PURPOSE

Ascorbic acid has been reported to have an adipogenic effect on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, while evidence also suggests that ascorbic acid reduces body weight in humans. In this study, we tested the effects of ascorbic acid on adipogenesis and the balance of lipid accumulation in ovariectomized rats, in addition to long-term culture of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Murine 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and ovariectomized rats were treated with ascorbic acid at various time points. In vitro adipogenesis was analyzed by Oil Red O staining, and in vivo body fat was measured by a body composition analyzer using nuclear magnetic resonance.

RESULTS

When ascorbic acid was applied during an early time point in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) in rats, adipogenesis and fat mass gain significantly increased, respectively. However, lipid accumulation in well-differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed a significant reduction when ascorbic acid was applied after differentiation (10 days after induction). Also, oral ascorbic acid administration 4 weeks after OVX in rats significantly reduced both body weight and subcutaneous fat layer. In comparison to the results of ascorbic acid, which is a well-known cofactor for an enzyme of collagen synthesis, and the antioxidant ramalin, a potent antioxidant but not a cofactor, showed only a lipolytic effect in well-differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, not an adipogenic effect.

CONCLUSION

Taking these results into account, we concluded that ascorbic acid has both an adipogenic effect as a cofactor of an enzymatic process and a lipolytic effect as an antioxidant.

Pectin structure and particle size modify carotenoid bioaccessibility and uptake by Caco-2 cells in citrus juices vs. concentrates

Pectin changes from a citrus-based product modify bioaccessibility and carotenoid uptake by intestinal cells.

β-Cryptoxanthin Inhibits Angiogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Through Retinoic Acid Receptor

SCOPE

β-Cryptoxanthin is an abundant carotenoid in fruits and vegetables that can be quantified in human blood serum. Yet, contrary to other carotenoids, its effects on endothelial cells and angiogenesis remain unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are treated with 0.01, 0.1, or 1 μm of β-cryptoxanthin. Antioxidant activity is determined by its free radical scavenging and oxygen-radical absorbance capacity. The effect on migration and formation of tubular structures is studied. Additionally, effect on angiogenesis is also analyzed using an in vivo model. β-Cryptoxanthin exhibits scavenging ability, having an antioxidant effect on HUVEC. Interestingly, β-cryptoxanthin reduces their migration and angiogenesis, even in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, such carotenoid inhibits in vivo angiogenesis induced by VEGF. In addition, treatment of HUVEC with LE540 (retinoic acid receptor [RAR] panantagonist) inhibits β-cryptoxanthin antiangiogenic effect on HUVEC.

CONCLUSION

β-Cryptoxanthin inhibits angiogenesis through RAR. Thus, this carotenoid and food containing it may be useful for the prevention and treatment of angiogenic pathologies. That includes tumoral growth and wet macular degeneration associated with aging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the antioxidant effect and antiangiogenic activity of this carotenoid on HUVEC, both in vitro and in vivo.

Draft Sequencing of the Heterozygous Diploid Genome of Satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) Using a Hybrid Assembly Approach

Satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) is one of the most abundantly produced mandarin varieties of citrus, known for its seedless fruit production and as a breeding parent of citrus. De novo assembly of the heterozygous diploid genome of Satsuma ("Miyagawa Wase") was conducted by a hybrid assembly approach using short-read sequences, three mate-pair libraries, and a long-read sequence of PacBio by the PLATANUS assembler. The assembled sequence, with a total size of 359.7 Mb at the N₅₀ length of 386,404 bp, consisted of 20,876 scaffolds. Pseudomolecules of Satsuma constructed by aligning the scaffolds to three genetic maps showed genome-wide synteny to the genomes of Clementine, pummelo, and sweet orange. Gene prediction by modeling with MAKER-P proposed 29,024 genes and 37,970 mRNA; additionally, gene prediction analysis found candidates for novel genes in several biosynthesis pathways for gibberellin and violaxanthin catabolism. BUSCO scores for the assembled scaffold and predicted transcripts, and another analysis by BAC end sequence mapping indicated the assembled genome consistency was close to those of the haploid Clementine, pummel, and sweet orange genomes. The number of repeat elements and long terminal repeat retrotransposon were comparable to those of the seven citrus genomes; this suggested no significant failure in the assembly at the repeat region. A resequencing application using the assembled sequence confirmed that both kunenbo-A and Satsuma are offsprings of Kishu, and Satsuma is a back-crossed offspring of Kishu. These results illustrated the performance of the hybrid assembly approach and its ability to construct an accurate heterozygous diploid genome.

The Effect of Vitamin A on Fracture Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

This meta-analysis evaluated the influence of dietary intake and blood level of vitamin A (total vitamin A, retinol or β-carotene) on total and hip fracture risk. Cohort studies published before July 2017 were selected through English-language literature searches in several databases. Relative risk (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the risk. Heterogeneity was checked by Chi-square and I² test. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also performed. For the association between retinol intake and total fracture risk, we performed subgroup analysis by sex, region, case ascertainment, education level, age at menopause and vitamin D intake. R software was used to complete all statistical analyses. A total of 319,077 participants over the age of 20 years were included. Higher dietary intake of retinol and total vitamin A may slightly decrease total fracture risk (RR with 95% CI: 0.95 (0.91, 1.00) and 0.94 (0.88, 0.99), respectively), and increase hip fracture risk (RR with 95% CI: 1.40 (1.02, 1.91) and 1.29 (1.06, 1.57), respectively). Lower blood level of retinol may slightly increase total fracture risk (RR with 95% CI: 1.11 (0.94, 1.30)) and hip fracture risk (RR with 95% CI: 1.27 (1.05, 1.53)). In addition, higher β-carotene intake was weakly associated with the increased risk of total fracture (RR with 95% CI: 1.07 (0.97, 1.17)). Our data suggest that vitamin A intake and level may differentially influence the risks of total and hip fractures. Clinical trials are warranted to confirm these results and assess the clinical applicability.