Vitamin B12 and gut-brain homeostasis in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke

Comparison of nutritional profile between plant-based meat analogues and real meat: A review focusing on ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability, and health impacts

In order to fully understand the nutritional heterogeneity of plant-based meat analogues and real meat, this review summarized their similarities and differences in terms of ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability and health impacts. Plant-based meat analogues have some similarities to real meat. However, plant-based meat analogues are lower in protein, cholesterol and VB12 but higher in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, salt and various food additives than real meat. Moreover, some nutrients in plant-based meat analogues, such as protein and iron, are less bioavailable. There is insufficient evidence that plant-based meat analogues are healthier, which may be related to the specific attributes of these products such as formulation and degree of processing. As things stand, it is necessary to provide comprehensive nutrition information on plant-based meat products so that consumers can make informed choices based on their nutritional needs.

Bioinformatics Approach to Identify the Pathogenetic Link of Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is a life-threatening condition that impairs the arteries and causes neurological impairment. The incidence of stroke is increasing year by year with the arrival of the aging population. Thus, there is an urgent need for early stroke diagnosis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can modulate the central nervous system and directly and indirectly impact behavioral and cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the connection between SCFA metabolism and stroke development via bioinformatic analysis. Initially, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed based on RNA data from stroke patients to comprehend the mechanisms governing stroke pathogenesis. The functional analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI), was performed based on the Differentially Expressed Gene (DEG) selected by the limma package. 1220 SCFA metabolism-related genes screened from Genecards databases were intersected with 242 genes in main modules determined by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and the final 10 SCFA key genes were obtained. GO analysis revealed that these genes were involved in immune response processes. Through lasso regression analyses, we established a stroke early diagnosis model and selected 6 genes with diagnostic value. The genes were validated by the area under curve (AUC) values and had a relatively good diagnostic performance. Finally, 4 potential therapeutic drugs targeting these genes were predicted using the Drug Signatures Database (DSigDB) via Enrichr. In conclusion, this paper analyzes the involvement of SCFAs in the complex gut-brain axis mechanism, which contributes to developing new targets for treating central nervous system diseases and provides new ideas for early ischemic stroke diagnosis.

Functional regulation of microglia by vitamin B12 alleviates ischemic stroke-induced neuroinflammation in mice

Ischemic stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and efforts to prevent stroke, mitigate secondary neurological damage, and promote neurological recovery remain paramount. Recent findings highlight the critical importance of microbiome-related metabolites, including vitamin B12 (VB12), in alleviating toxic stroke-associated neuroinflammation. Here, we showed that VB12 tonically programmed genes supporting microglial cell division and activation and critically controlled cellular fatty acid metabolism in homeostasis. Intriguingly, VB12 promoted mitochondrial transcriptional and metabolic activities and significantly restricted stroke-associated gene alterations in microglia. Furthermore, VB12 differentially altered the functions of microglial subsets during the acute phase of ischemic stroke, resulting in reduced brain damage and improved neurological function. Pharmacological depletion of microglia before ischemic stroke abolished VB12-mediated neurological improvement. Thus, our preclinical studies highlight the relevance of VB12 in the functional programming of microglia to alleviate neuroinflammation, minimize ischemic injury, and improve host neurological recovery after ischemic stroke.

Exercise attenuates the perioperative neurocognitive disorder induced by hyperhomocysteinemia in mice

The perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a severe complication that affects millions of surgical patients each year. Homocysteine (Hcy) is known to increase the risk of developing PND in both young and elderly mice. However, whether Hcy alone can induce cognitive deficits in middle-aged mice (12-month-old), whether exercise can attenuate Hcy-induced hippocampus-related cognitive deficits after surgery through suppressing neuroinflammation, synaptic elimination, and the level of Hcy remains unknown. The present study aimed to answer these questions through testing the possibility of establishing a PND model using 12-month-old mice which received homocysteine injections before exploratory laparotomy and the therapeutic mechanism of exercise. In the present study, it was found that levels of serum homocysteine were age-dependently increased in mice with a significant difference between that of 18-month-old mice and 6-week, 6-month, and 12-month-old mice. PND occurred in 18-month but not in 12-month-old mice after exploratory laparotomy under isoflurane anesthesia. Intraperitoneal injection of Hcy for 3 consecutive days before surgery rendered 12-month-old mice to develop PND after abdominal laparotomy under isoflurane anesthesia at a minimal dosage of 20 mg/kg. Neuroinflammation and synaptic elimination was present in 12-month-old preoperative Hcy-injected mice. Preoperative voluntary wheel exercise could prevent PND in 12-month-old mice that have received Hcy injection before surgery, which might be related to the decreased level of serum Hcy. Activation of glial cells, proinflammatory phenotype markers and synaptic elimination were attenuated in the hippocampus of 12-month-old preoperative Hcy-injected mice by this exercise. These results provide direct evidence that hyperhomocysteinemia can induce postoperative cognitive deficits in middle-aged mice. Pre-surgery exercise can effectively prevent Hcy-precipitated postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Exploring clinical indicator variations in stroke patients with multiple risk factors: focus on hypertension and inflammatory reactions

BACKGROUND

Stroke stands as the second leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, extensive research has been conducted on stroke risk factors. However, when stroke patients contend with multiple risk factors, the impact on clinical indicators remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This study seeks to investigate potential significant variations among distinct ranges of clinical indicators in instances where stroke patients experience multiple risk factors and various ischemic stroke subtypes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The research encompassed 440 stroke patients admitted to the First People's Hospital of Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, China. These patients were classified based on the type and quantity of risk factors and subtypes of ischemic stroke they presented. The χ2 test was employed to assess the relationship between the risk of comorbid diseases and clinical indicators in stroke patients.

RESULTS

The results of our study have underscored a significant correlation between various comorbid risk factors in stroke patients and the patients' age (P < 0.010). Furthermore, we observed noteworthy disparities in the plasma levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and INF-γ between patients devoid of risk factors and those presenting with comorbid risk factors associated with stroke. Significant differences in INF-γ were observed between the two subtypes of ischemic stroke, namely lacunar infarction and cardioembolic stroke.

CONCLUSION

Age is correlated with an elevated risk of stroke. Individuals exhibiting multiple stroke risk factors and diverse ischemic stroke subtypes commonly present with abnormal lipid levels and imbalances in Th1/Th2 cytokines. These factors significantly contribute to the onset and progression of stroke. Furthermore, inflammatory responses, particularly those induced by atherosclerosis, play a pivotal role in the genesis of stroke and exert a substantial influence on its prognosis.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and the Nervous System: Beyond Metabolic Decompensation-Comparing Biological Models and Gaining New Insights into Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

Vitamin B12 (VitB12) is a micronutrient and acts as a cofactor for fundamental biochemical reactions: the synthesis of succinyl-CoA from methylmalonyl-CoA and biotin, and the synthesis of methionine from folic acid and homocysteine. VitB12 deficiency can determine a wide range of diseases, including nervous system impairments. Although clinical evidence shows a direct role of VitB12 in neuronal homeostasis, the molecular mechanisms are yet to be characterized in depth. Earlier investigations focused on exploring the biochemical shifts resulting from a deficiency in the function of VitB12 as a coenzyme, while more recent studies propose a broader mechanism, encompassing changes at the molecular/cellular levels. Here, we explore existing study models employed to investigate the role of VitB12 in the nervous system, including the challenges inherent in replicating deficiency/supplementation in experimental settings. Moreover, we discuss the potential biochemical alterations and ensuing mechanisms that might be modified at the molecular/cellular level (such as epigenetic modifications or changes in lysosomal activity). We also address the role of VitB12 deficiency in initiating processes that contribute to nervous system deterioration, including ROS accumulation, inflammation, and demyelination. Consequently, a complex biological landscape emerges, requiring further investigative efforts to grasp the intricacies involved and identify potential therapeutic targets.

PM2.5 induced neurotoxicity through unbalancing vitamin B12 metabolism by gut microbiota disturbance

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere is easily accompanied by toxic and harmful substances, causing serious harm to human health, including cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 (VitB12) is an essential micronutrient that is synthesized by bacteria and contributes to neurotransmitter synthesis as a nutrition and signaling molecule. However, the relationship between VitB12 attenuation of cognitive impairment and intestinal microbiota regulation in PM2.5 exposure has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that PM2.5 caused behavioral defects and neuronal damage in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), along with significant gene expression changes in neurotransmitter receptors and a decrease in VitB12 content, causing behavioral defects and neuronal damage in C. elegans. Methylcobalamin (MeCbl), a VitB12 analog, alleviated PM2.5-induced neurotoxicity in C. elegans. Moreover, using in vivo and in vitro models, we discovered that long-term exposure to PM2.5 led to changes in the structure of the gut microbiota, resulting in an imbalance of the VitB12-associated metabolic pathway followed by cognitive impairment. MeCbl supplementation could increase the diversity of the bacteria, reduce harmful substance contents, and restore the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and neurotransmitters to the level of the control group to some degree. Here, a new target to mitigate the harm caused by PM2.5 was discovered, supplying MeCbl for relieving intestinal and intracellular neurotransmitter disorders. Our results also provide a reference for the use of VitB12 to target the adjustment of the human intestinal microbiota to improve metabolic disorders in people exposed to PM2.5.

Low vitamin B12 levels may predict the risk of ischemic stroke: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

To examine serum vitamin B12 concentrations in relation to the risk of ischemic stroke among hospitalized patients in the Department of Neurology.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study involving 2,212 inpatients discharged from the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from January 2020 to January 2022. The results of laboratory assays such as serum vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folate levels were measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between serum vitamin B12 concentrations and ischemic stroke, with adjustment for a number of relevant demographic and lifestyle factors and comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 961 (43.4%) patients had an ischemic stroke. In the fully adjusted model, logistic regression analysis suggested a positive association between serum vitamin B12 levels<150 pg/mL (aOR: 1.42; 95% CI 1.02-1.97; p = 0.035), serum vitamin B12 150-300 pg/mL (aOR: 1.37; 95% CI 1.11-1.68; p = 0.003) and the prevalence of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, an inverse association was observed between serum vitamin B12 levels ≥ 900 pg/mL (aOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.19-0.77; p =0.007) and the prevalence of ischemic stroke. Moreover, the cut-off value of vitamin B12 concentration was 316.4 pg/mL and the discrimination power of the score evaluated by AUC-ROC was 0.71 (95%CI 0.68-0.73, p<0.001) in the vitamin B12 and ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that low vitamin B12 levels may predict the risk of ischemic stroke, early and timely supplementation of vitamin B12 can improve the short-term prognosis of ischemic stroke patients.

Application of Prognostic Nutritional Index in the Predicting of Prognosis in Young Adults with Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

The incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults (18-45 years old) is increasing gradually. However, performing nutritional assessment in stroke patients is often challenging due to the lack of an accepted standard for nutritional assessment.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty young stroke patients were recruited in this study and 144 cases in the good prognosis group and 116 cases in the poor prognosis group were scored according to the modified Rankin scale 90 days after treatment. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was performed on admission and discharge of patients. Serum interleukin 6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were detected at patient presentation. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was assessed on admission. Calculation formula of PNI score: serum albumin (g/L) + 5× total lymphocyte count (109/L).

RESULTS

The PNI at admission of young stroke patients with poor prognosis was higher than that of those with good prognosis. PNI at admission was significantly negatively correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge and modified Rankin scale score after 90 days in young stroke patients. PNI at admission was also significantly negatively correlated with serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin -6 at admission.

CONCLUSIONS

PNI has a statistically predictive value for the 90-day prognosis of young stroke patients.

Effect of the Probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE-CA9TM on Fecal Scores, Serum Oxidative Stress Markers and Fecal and Serum Metabolome in Healthy Dogs

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in the use of Bacillus species as probiotics since their spore-forming ability favors their survival in the acidic gastric environment over other probiotic species. The subsequent germination of B. subtilis to their vegetative form allows for their growth in the small intestine and may increase their beneficial effect on the host. B. subtilis strains have also previously been shown to have beneficial effects in humans and production animals, however, no reports are available so far on their use in companion animals.

STUDY DESIGN

The goal of this study was therefore to investigate the daily administration of 1 × 109 cfu DE-CA9TM orally per day versus placebo on health parameters, fecal scores, fecal microbiome, fecal metabolomics, as well as serum metabolomics and oxidative stress markers in ten healthy Beagle dogs in a parallel, randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled design over a period of 45 days.

RESULTS

DE-CA9TM decreased the oxidative status compared to controls for advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMS), suggesting an antioxidant effect of the treatment. Fecal metabolomics revealed a significant reduction in metabolites associated with tryptophan metabolism in the DE-CA9TM-treated group. DE-CA9TM also significantly decreased phenylalanine and homocysteine and increased homoserine and threonine levels. Amino acid metabolism was also affected in the serum metabolome, with increased levels of urea and cadaverine, and reductions in N-acetylornithine in DE-CA9TM compared to controls. Similarly, changes in essential amino acids were observed, with a significant increase in tryptophan and lysine levels and a decrease in homocysteine. An increase in serum guanine and deoxyuridine was also detected, with a decrease in beta-alanine in the animals that ingested DE-CA9TM.

CONCLUSIONS

Data generated throughout this study suggest that the daily administration of 1 × 109 cfu of DE-CA9TM in healthy Beagle dogs is safe and does not affect markers of general health and fecal scores. Furthermore, DE-CA9TM administration had a potential positive effect on some serum markers of oxidative stress, and protein and lipid metabolism in serum and feces.

Fermented foods and beverages: a potential in situ vitamin B12 biofortification - a literature review

Millions of dollars have been increasingly spent on plant-based diets. Considering that vitamin B12 is obtained from the consumption of animal-derived foods, new sources of vitamin B12 and methods of food fortification are being eagerly sought. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate advances in situ fermentation processes of food and beverages produced on a large scale and industrial applications for obtaining cobalamin-rich products. Bibliometric analysis was performed and revealed that several studies report a great capacity for in situ biofortification of B12 in foods, mostly on the use of propionic (PB) and lactic (LAB) bacteria. In this context, market potentials for such products, the main microorganisms, including simultaneous cultures, and their respective applications have been presented herein. Although knowledge on potential applications is still limited, field research has been increasingly conducted, thus revealing scientific and technological opportunities, both for the production and the stability of B12 found in plant-based foods.

The gastrointestinal-brain-microbiota axis: a promising therapeutic target for ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is a highly complex systemic disease characterized by intricate interactions between the brain and gastrointestinal tract. While our current understanding of these interactions primarily stems from experimental models, their relevance to human stroke outcomes is of considerable interest. After stroke, bidirectional communication between the brain and gastrointestinal tract initiates changes in the gastrointestinal microenvironment. These changes involve the activation of gastrointestinal immunity, disruption of the gastrointestinal barrier, and alterations in gastrointestinal microbiota. Importantly, experimental evidence suggests that these alterations facilitate the migration of gastrointestinal immune cells and cytokines across the damaged blood-brain barrier, ultimately infiltrating the ischemic brain. Although the characterization of these phenomena in humans is still limited, recognizing the significance of the brain-gastrointestinal crosstalk after stroke offers potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. By targeting the mutually reinforcing processes between the brain and gastrointestinal tract, it may be possible to improve the prognosis of ischemic stroke. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the clinical relevance and translational potential of these findings.

Effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on risk and outcome of ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent form of stroke and has a high incidence in older adults, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, disability, and recurrence rate. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is prevalent in the elderly and has been reported to be associated with ischemic stroke. The mechanisms maybe include the disorder of methylation metabolism, accumulation of toxic metabolites, immune dysfunction, affecting gut microbial composition and gut-brain immune homeostasis, and toxic stress responses to the brain. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency may lead to cerebral artery atherosclerosis, change myelination, influence the metabolism and transmission between nerve tissue, and ultimately causes the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. This paper reviews the correlation between vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and ischemic stroke, looking forward to improving clinicians' understanding and providing new therapeutic directions for ischemic stroke.

Fabrication of a Polysaccharide-Protein/Protein Complex Stabilized Oral Nanoemulsion to Facilitate the Therapeutic Effects of 1,8-Cineole on Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a systemic disease characterized by lipid deposition in the blood vessel wall that urgently requires effective and safe therapeutic drugs for long-term treatment. An essential oil monomer-1,8-cineole (CIN) with ameliorative effects on vascular injuries has considerable potential for preventing the progression of AS because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and cholesterol regulatory effects. However, the high volatility and instability of CIN result in low oral bioavailability and a short half-life, thereby limiting its clinical application. We formulated a nanoemulsion using a polysaccharide-protein/protein complex (dextran-bovine serum albumin/protamine, DEX_5k-BSA/PTM) as an emulsifier, with vitamin B12 (VB₁₂) as the ligand to facilitate the transportation across the small intestine. An emulsion preparation method using a microjet followed by ultraviolet irradiation was developed to obtain the CIN-loaded oral nanoemulsion CIN@DEX_5k-BSA/PTM/VB₁₂. The nanoemulsion improved the stability of CIN both in vitro and in vivo, prolonged the retention time in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and enhanced the permeability across the mucus layer and intestinal epithelial cells to increase oral bioavailability and plaque accumulation of CIN. Validated in an AS mouse model, CIN@DEX_5k-BSA/PTM/VB₁₂ achieved prominent therapeutic efficacy combating AS. This study highlights the advantages of DEX_5k-BSA/PTM and VB₁₂ in the development of nanoemulsions for CIN and provides a promising oral nanoplatform for the delivery of essential oils.

The inhibitory effect of vitamin D on myocardial homocysteine levels involves activation of Nrf2-mediated methionine synthase

BACKGROUND

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a synthetic amino acid containing sulfhydryl group, which is an intermediate product of the deep metabolic pathway of methionine and cysteine. The abnormal increase in fasting plasma total Hcy concentration caused by various factors is called hyperhomocysteine (HHcy). HHcy is closely relevant to the occurrence and progression of diverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, etc. Vitamin D/vitamin D receptor (VDR) pathway is pointed out that prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing serum homocysteine levels. Our research is designed to explore the potential mechanism of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of HHcy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Hcy and 25(OH)D₃ levels in mouse myocardial tissue, serum or myocardial cells were detected using ELISA kits. The expression levels of VDR, Nrf2 and methionine synthase (MTR) were observed using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). General information of the mice, including diet, water intake and body weight, was recorded. Vitamin D up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and MTR in mouse myocardial tissue and cells. CHIP assay determined that the combination of Nrf2 binding to the S1 site of the MTR promoter in cardiomyocytes using traditional PCR and real time PCR. Dual Luciferase Assay was applied to detect the transcriptional control of Nrf2 on MTR. The up-regulation effect of Nrf2 on MTR was verified by Nrf2 knockout and overexpression in cardiomyocytes. The role of Nrf2 in vitamin D inhibition of Hcy was revealed using Nrf2-knockdown HL-1 cells and Nrf2 heterozygous mice. Western blotting, real time PCR, IHC staining and ELISA showed that Nrf2 deficiency could restrain the increase in MTR expression and the decrease in Hcy level induced by vitamin D. The transcriptional activities of Nrf2/MTR were activated by vitamin D/VDR with a decrease in Hcy.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D/VDR upregulates MTR in an Nrf2-dependent manner, thereby reducing the risk of HHcy.

Bacterial gut microbiome differences in adults with ADHD and in children with ADHD on psychostimulant medication

Recent evidence suggests that there is a link between neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the gut microbiome. However, most studies to date have had low sample sizes, have not investigated the impact of psychostimulant medication, and have not adjusted for potential confounders, including body mass index, stool consistency and diet. To this end, we conducted the largest, to our knowledge, fecal shotgun metagenomic sequencing study in ADHD, with 147 well-characterized adult and child patients. For a subset of individuals, plasma levels of inflammatory markers and short-chain fatty acids were also measured. In adult ADHD patients (n=84), compared to controls (n=52), we found a significant difference in beta diversity both regarding bacterial strains (taxonomic) and bacterial genes (functional). In children with ADHD (n=63), we found that those on psychostimulant medication (n=33 on medication vs. n=30 not on medication) had (i) significantly different taxonomic beta diversity, (ii) lower functional and taxonomic evenness, (iii) lower abundance of the strain Bacteroides stercoris CL09T03C01 and bacterial genes encoding an enzyme in vitamin B₁₂ synthesis, and (iv) higher plasma levels of vascular inflammatory markers sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. Our study continues to support a role for the gut microbiome in neurodevelopmental disorders and provides additional insights into the effects of psychostimulant medication. However, additional studies are needed to replicate these findings and examine causal relationships with the disorder.

Comparison of the characteristics of gut microbiota response to lead in Bufo gargarizans tadpole at different developmental stages

In amphibians, lead (Pb) exposure could alter the composition and structure of gut microbiota, but changes involving microbiota of several successive phases following Pb exposure have been less studied. In the present study, we compared the effects of Pb exposure on morphological parameters and gut microbiota of Bufo gargarizans at Gosner stage (Gs) 33, Gs36, and Gs42. Our results showed that total length (TL), snout-vent length (SVL), and body wet weight (TW) of B. gargarizans at Gs33, as well as TL and SVL at Gs42, were significantly increased after Pb exposure. In addition, high-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that gut microbiota has distinct responses to Pb exposure at different developmental stages. The diversity of gut microbiota was significantly reduced under Pb exposure at Gs33, while it was significantly increased at Gs42. In terms of community composition, Spirochaetota, Armatimonadota, and Patescibacteria appeared in the control groups at Gs42, but not after Pb treatment. Furthermore, functional prediction indicated that the relative abundance of metabolism pathway was significantly decreased at Gs33 and Gs36, and significantly increased at Gs42. Our results fill an important knowledge gap and provide comparative information on the gut microbiota of tadpoles at different developmental stages following Pb exposure.

Vitamin B12 Ameliorates the Pathological Phenotypes of Multiple Parkinson's Disease Models by Alleviating Oxidative Stress

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. The etiology of PD has yet to be elucidated, and the disease remains incurable. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is the key causative factor of PD. Due to their capacity to alleviate oxidative stress, antioxidants hold great potential for the treatment of PD. Vitamins are essential organic substances for maintaining the life of organisms. Vitamin deficiency is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as PD. In the present study, we investigated whether administration of vitamin B12 (VB12) could ameliorate PD phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that VB12 significantly reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cellular PD model. In a Parkin gene knockout C. elegans PD model, VB12 mitigated motor dysfunction. Moreover, in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse PD model, VB12 also displayed protective effects, including the rescue of mitochondrial function, dopaminergic neuron loss, and movement disorder. In summary, our results suggest that vitamin supplementation may be a novel method for the intervention of PD, which is safer and more feasible than chemical drug treatment.

Gut microbiota contributes to the methionine metabolism in host

Methionine (Met) metabolism provides methyl groups for many important physiological processes and is implicated in multiple inflammatory diseases associated with the disrupted intestinal microbiota; nevertheless, whether intestinal microbiota determines Met metabolism in the host remains largely unknown. Here, we found that gut microbiota is responsible for host Met metabolism by using various animal models, including germ-free (GF) pigs and mice. Specifically, the Met levels are elevated in both GF pigs and GF mice that mainly metabolized to S-adenosine methionine (SAM) in the liver. Furthermore, antibiotic clearance experiments demonstrate that the loss of certain ampicillin- or neomycin-sensitive gut microbiota causes decreased Met in murine colon. Overall, our study suggests that gut microbiota mediates Met metabolism in the host and is a prospective target for the treatment of Met metabolism-related diseases.

Intermediate role of gut microbiota in vitamin B nutrition and its influences on human health

Vitamin B consists of a group of water-soluble micronutrients that are mainly derived from the daily diet. They serve as cofactors, mediating multiple metabolic pathways in humans. As an integrated part of human health, gut microbiota could produce, consume, and even compete for vitamin B with the host. The interplay between gut microbiota and the host might be a crucial factor affecting the absorbing processes of vitamin B. On the other hand, vitamin B supplementation or deficiency might impact the growth of specific bacteria, resulting in changes in the composition and function of gut microbiota. Together, the interplay between vitamin B and gut microbiota might systemically contribute to human health. In this review, we summarized the interactions between vitamin B and gut microbiota and tried to reveal the underlying mechanism so that we can have a better understanding of its role in human health.

Advances of Cobalt Nanomaterials as Anti-Infection Agents, Drug Carriers, and Immunomodulators for Potential Infectious Disease Treatment

Infectious diseases remain the most serious public health issue, which requires the development of more effective strategies for infectious control. As a kind of ultra-trace element, cobalt is essential to the metabolism of different organisms. In recent decades, nanotechnology has attracted increasing attention worldwide due to its wide application in different areas, including medicine. Based on the important biological roles of cobalt, cobalt nanomaterials have recently been widely developed for their attractive biomedical applications. With advantages such as low costs in preparation, hypotoxicity, photothermal conversion abilities, and high drug loading ability, cobalt nanomaterials have been proven to show promising potential in anticancer and anti-infection treatment. In this review, we summarize the characters of cobalt nanomaterials, followed by the advances in their biological functions and mechanisms. More importantly, we emphatically discuss the potential of cobalt nanomaterials as anti-infectious agents, drug carriers, and immunomodulators for anti-infection treatments, which might be helpful to facilitate progress in future research of anti-infection therapy.

Unveiling of dietary and gut-microbiota derived B vitamins: Metabolism patterns and their synergistic functions in gut-brain homeostasis

Nutrition-gut cross-talk holds a vital position in sustaining intestinal function, and micronutrient metabolism has emerged as the foremost metabolic pathway to preserve gut homeostasis. Among micronutrients, B vitamins have evolved prior to DNA/RNA and are known for their vital roles for major evolutionary transitions in extant organisms. Despite their universal requirement and critical role, not all the three domains of life are endowed with a natural ability for de novo B vitamins synthesis. The human gut microbiome constitutes prototrophs and auxotroph which are entirely dependent on dietary intake and gut microbial production of B vitamins. The syntrophic metabolism involving cross-feeding of B vitamins and community-wide exchange between commensal bacteria elicit important changes in the diversity and composition of the human gut microbiome. Hereto, we discuss the B-vitamins sharing among prototrophic and auxotrophic gut bacteria, their absorption in small intestine and transport in distal gut, functional role in relation to the gut homeostasis and symptoms linked to their deficiency. We also briefly explore their potential involvement as psychobiotics in brain energetic metabolism (kynurenines/tryptophan pathway) for neurological functions and highlight their deficiency related malfunctioning.

Hyperhomocysteinemia Is a Predictor for Poor Postoperative Angiogenesis in Adult Patients With Moyamoya Disease

Background and Purposes

The risk factors of poor postoperative angiogenesis in moyamoya disease (MMD) patients remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and postoperative angiogenesis of adult patients with MMD.

Methods

A total of 138 adult patients with MMD were prospectively recruited from July 1 to December 31, 2019. After excluding 10 patients accepting conservative therapy and 77 individuals without postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA), all 51 MMD patients were enrolled, and 28 patients received bilateral operations separately. Patients were grouped according to postoperative angiogenesis and HHcy presentation, respectively. Clinical data and laboratory examinations were compared. Potential risk factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Nomogram was further performed. The biological functions of homocysteine (Hcy) were explored in vitro.

Results

Comparing to the normal, patients with poor postoperative angiogenesis were higher in serum Hcy (p = 0.004), HHcy ratio (p = 0.011), creatinine (Cr) (p < 0.001), uric acid (UA) (p = 0.036), Triglyceride (p = 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.009), ApoA (p = 0.022), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (p = 0.013). Furthermore, HHcy was more common in men (p = 0.003) than women. Logistic analysis results showed that Hcy (OR = 0.817, 95% CI = 0.707–0.944, p = 0.006) was an independent risk factor. HHcy and Cr were significantly associated with poor postoperative angiogenesis in MMD patients. Further, Hcy could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), which can be reversed by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Conclusion

The HHcy was significantly correlated with poor postoperative angiogenesis in adult patients with MMD. Hcy significantly inhibits HBMECs proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Furthermore, VEGF could reverse the inhibition effect induced by Hcy. Lowering the level of Hcy may be beneficial for postoperative MMD patients. Focusing on the pathophysiology and mechanism of HHcy might help to guide postoperative clinical management.

Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Vascular Hyperintensity as a Potential Predictor for the Prognosis of Acute Stroke Patients After Intravenous Thrombolysis

Background

Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensity (FVH) can reflect the collateral status, which may be a valuable indicator to predict the functional outcome of acute stroke (AS) patients.

Methods

A total of 190 AS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) were retrospectively investigated. All patients completed a 6-month follow-up and their modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were recorded at 1, 3, and 6 months after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Based on their mRS at 3 months, patients were divided into two groups: poor prognosis (131 patients; 68.9% of all subjects) and favorable prognosis (59 patients; 31.1% of all subjects). The death records of 28 patients were also analyzed in the poor prognosis group.

Results

(1) Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, higher fasting blood glucose, and lower FVH score were independent risk factors to predict the poor prognosis of IVT. (2) Survival analysis indicated that FVH score was the only baseline factor to predict the 6-month survival after IVT. (3) Baseline FVH score had great prediction performance for the prognosis of IVT (area under the curve = 0.853). (4) Baseline FVH score were negatively correlated with the NIHSS score at discharge and mRS score at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Conclusion

Among various baseline clinical factors, only the FVH score might have implications for 3-month outcome and 6-month survival of AS patients after IVT. Baseline FVH score showed great potential to predict the prognosis of the AS patients.