Changes in micronutrient and inflammation serum biomarker concentrations after a norovirus human challenge

Effects of Iron Status on Adaptive Immunity and Vaccine Efficacy: A Review

Vaccines can prevent infectious diseases, but their efficacy varies, and factors impacting vaccine effectiveness remain unclear. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency, affecting >2 billion individuals. It is particularly common in areas with high-infectious disease burden and in groups that are routinely vaccinated, such as infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Recent evidence suggests that iron deficiency and low-serum iron (hypoferremia) not only cause anemia but also may impair adaptive immunity and vaccine efficacy. A report of human immunodeficiency caused by defective iron transport underscored the necessity of iron for adaptive immune responses and spurred research in this area. Sufficient iron is essential for optimal production of plasmablasts and IgG responses by human B cells in vitro and in vivo. The increased metabolism of activated lymphocytes depends on the high-iron acquisition, and hypoferremia, especially when occurring during lymphocyte expansion, adversely affects multiple facets of adaptive immunity, and may lead to prolonged inhibition of T-cell memory. In mice, hypoferremia suppresses the adaptive immune response to influenza infection, resulting in more severe pulmonary disease. In African infants, anemia and/or iron deficiency at the time of vaccination predict decreased response to diphtheria, pertussis, and pneumococcal vaccines, and response to measles vaccine may be increased by iron supplementation. In this review, we examined the emerging evidence that iron deficiency may limit adaptive immunity and vaccine responses. We discuss the molecular mechanisms and evidence from animal and human studies, highlight important unknowns, and propose a framework of key research questions to better understand iron-vaccine interactions.

Vitamin A biomarkers were associated with α(1)-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein over the course of a human norovirus challenge infection

Retinol binding protein (RBP) is used as a proxy for retinol in population-based assessments of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) for cost-effectiveness and feasibility. When the cut-off of < 0·7 μmol/l for retinol is applied to RBP to define VAD, an equivalence of the two biomarkers is assumed. Evidence suggests that the relationship between retinol and RBP is not 1:1, particularly in populations with a high burden of infection or inflammation. The goal of this analysis was to longitudinally evaluate the retinol:RBP ratio over 1 month of follow-up among fifty-two individuals exposed to norovirus (n 26 infected, n 26 uninfected), test whether inflammation (measured as α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and C-reactive protein (CRP)) affects retinol, RBP and the ratio between the two and assess whether adjusting vitamin A biomarkers for AGP or CRP improves the equivalence of retinol and RBP. We found that the median molar ratio between retinol and RBP was the same among infected (0·68) and uninfected (0·68) individuals. AGP was associated with the ratio and RBP individually, controlling for CRP, and CRP was associated with both retinol and RBP individually, controlling for AGP over 1 month of follow-up. Adjusting for inflammation led to a slight increase in the ratio among infected individuals (0·71) but remained significantly different from the expected value of one. These findings highlight the need for updated recommendations from the WHO on a cut-off value for RBP and an appropriate method for measuring and adjusting for inflammation when using RBP in population assessments of VAD.

Nutrition in chronic inflammatory conditions: Bypassing the mucosal block for micronutrients

Nutritional Immunity is one of the most ancient innate immune responses, during which the body can restrict nutrients availability to pathogens and restricts their uptake by the gut mucosa (mucosal block). Though this can be a beneficial strategy during infection, it also is associated with non-communicable diseases-where the pathogen is missing; leading to increased morbidity and mortality as micronutritional uptake and distribution in the body is hindered. Here, we discuss the acute immune response in respect to nutrients, the opposing nutritional demands of regulatory and inflammatory cells and particularly focus on some nutrients linked with inflammation such as iron, vitamins A, Bs, C, and other antioxidants. We propose that while the absorption of certain micronutrients is hindered during inflammation, the dietary lymph path remains available. As such, several clinical trials investigated the role of the lymphatic system during protein absorption, following a ketogenic diet and an increased intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, in reducing inflammation and ameliorating disease.

Selenium deficiency-induced multiple tissue damage with dysregulation of immune and redox homeostasis in broiler chicks under heat stress

Broiler chicks are fast-growing and susceptible to dietary selenium (Se) deficiency. This study sought to reveal the underlying mechanisms of how Se deficiency induces key organ dysfunctions in broilers. Day-old male chicks (n=6 cages/diet, 6 chicks/cage) were fed with a Se-deficient diet (Se-Def, 0.047 mg Se/kg) or the Se-Def+0.3 mg Se/kg (Control, 0.345 mg Se/kg) for 6 weeks. The serum, liver, pancreas, spleen, heart, and pectoral muscle of the broilers were collected at week 6 to assay for Se concentration, histopathology, serum metabolome, and tissue transcriptome. Compared with the Control group, Se deficiency induced growth retardation and histopathological lesions and reduced Se concentration in the five organs. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that dysregulation of immune and redox homeostasis related biological processes and pathways contributed to Se deficiency-induced multiple tissue damage in the broilers. Meanwhile, four metabolites in the serum, daidzein, epinephrine, L-aspartic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, interacted with differentially expressed genes with antioxidative effects and immunity among all the five organs, which contributed to the metabolic diseases induced by Se deficiency. Overall, this study systematically elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Se deficiency-related diseases, which provides a better understanding of the significance of Se-mediated heath in animals.

Impact of Intravenous Iron Substitution on Serum Phosphate Levels and Bone Turnover Markers-An Open-Label Pilot Study

The association between intravenous iron substitution therapy and hypophosphatemia was previously reported in patients with iron deficiency anemia. However, the extent of hypophosphatemia is thought to depend on the type of iron supplementation. We hypothesized that the intravenous application of ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose leads to a different longitudinal adaptation in serum phosphate levels. In this open-label pilot study, a total of 20 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases or iron deficiency anemia were randomly assigned to one of two study groups (group 1: ferric carboxymaltose, n = 10; group 2: iron sucrose, n = 10). Serum values were controlled before iron substitution therapy, as well as 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the last drug administration. The primary objective of the study was the longitudinal evaluation of serum phosphate levels after iron substitution therapy with ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose. The secondary objective was the longitudinal investigation of calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact parathyroid hormone, procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), beta-CrossLaps (CTX), hemoglobin (Hb), iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels. Two weeks after drug administration, phosphate levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in group 1 and ferritin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in group 1. Phosphate levels (0.8-1.45 mmol/L) were below the therapeutic threshold and ferritin levels (10-200 ng/mL for women and 30-300 ng/mL for men) were above the therapeutic threshold in group 1. P1NP (15-59 µg/L) and CTX (<0.57 ng/mL) levels were above the therapeutic threshold in group 2. Four weeks after drug administration, significant differences were still observed between both study groups for phosphate (p = 0.043) and ferritin (p = 0.0009). All serum values except for Hb were within the therapeutic thresholds. Twelve weeks after drug administration, no differences were observed in all serum values between both study groups. Hb values were within the therapeutic threshold in both study groups. Serum 25(OH)D levels did not differ between both study groups throughout the whole study period and remained within the therapeutic threshold.

Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Is Associated with Elevated Hepcidin Levels

EBV and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cause highly prevalent persistent infections as early as in childhood. Both pathogens are associated with gastric carcinogenesis. H. pylori interferes with iron metabolism, enhancing the synthesis of acute-phase proteins hepcidin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and α-1 glycoprotein (AGP), but we do not know whether EBV does the same. In this study, we correlated the EBV antibody levels and the serum levels of hepcidin, CRP, and AGP in 145 children from boarding schools in Mexico City. We found that children IgG positive to EBV antigens (VCA, EBNA1, and EA) presented hepcidin, AGP, and CRP levels higher than uninfected children. Hepcidin and AGP remained high in children solely infected with EBV, while CRP was only significantly high in coinfected children. We observed positive correlations between hepcidin and EBV IgG antibodies (p < 0.5). Using the TCGA gastric cancer database, we also observed an association between EBV and hepcidin upregulation. The TCGA database also allowed us to analyze the two important pathways controlling hepcidin expression, BMP−SMAD and IL-1β/IL-6. We observed only the IL-1β/IL-6-dependent inflammatory pathway being significantly associated with EBV infection. We showed here for the first time an association between EBV and enhanced levels of hepcidin. Further studies should consider EBV when evaluating iron metabolism and anemia, and whether in the long run this is an important mechanism of undernourishment and EBV gastric carcinogenesis.

Protein-Coding Region Derived Small RNA in Exosomes from Influenza A Virus-Infected Cells

Exosomes may function as multifactorial mediators of cell-to-cell communication, playing crucial roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Exosomes released from virus-infected cells may contain RNA and proteins facilitating infection spread. The purpose of our study was to analyze how the small RNA content of exosomes is affected by infection with the influenza A virus (IAV). Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation after hemadsorption of virions and their small RNA content was identified using high-throughput sequencing. As compared to mock-infected controls, 856 RNA transcripts were significantly differentially expressed in exosomes from IAV-infected cells, including fragments of 458 protein-coding (pcRNA), 336 small, 28 long intergenic non-coding RNA transcripts, and 33 pseudogene transcripts. Upregulated pcRNA species corresponded mainly to proteins associated with translation and antiviral response, and the most upregulated among them were RSAD2, CCDC141 and IFIT2. Downregulated pcRNA species corresponded to proteins associated with the cell cycle and DNA packaging. Analysis of differentially expressed pseudogenes showed that in most cases, an increase in the transcription level of pseudogenes was correlated with an increase in their parental genes. Although the role of exosome RNA in IAV infection remains undefined, the biological processes identified based on the corresponding proteins may indicate the roles of some of its parts in IAV replication.

Assessment of Vitamin D status and association with inflammation: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether 25(OH)D concentrations in children and female adults may be influenced by inflammation and thus require adjustment when estimating the population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

OBJECTIVES

We examined correlations between inflammation biomarkers, CRP or alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and serum 25(OH)D concentrations among preschool children (PSC; 6-59 mo) and nonpregnant females of reproductive age (FRA; 15-49 y).

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6 nationally representative nutrition surveys (Afghanistan, Cambodia, Pakistan, UK, USA, and Vietnam) conducted among PSC (n = 9880) and FRA (n = 14,749) from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia project. Rank correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations were examined while taking into account complex survey design effects.

RESULTS

Among both PSC and FRA, correlations between inflammation and vitamin D biomarkers were weak and inconsistent across surveys. For PSC, correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.04 to 0.08, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D ranged from 0.01 to 0.05. Correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D for FRA ranged from -0.11 to 0.14, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.05 to 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the weak and inconsistent correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D, there is no rationale to adjust for these inflammation biomarkers when estimating population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in PSC or FRA.

Micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia associated with body mass index in Australian adults: a cross-sectional study

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia, and their association with body mass index (BMI) categories among Australian adults.

METHOD

We analysed data from the 2011-2013 Australian Health Survey from 3539 participants aged 18 years and over (without known pregnancy) with measured weight and height, and nutrient biomarkers. To address complex sampling, survey weights were used when estimating the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin B₁₂ deficiency; serum vitamin B₁₂<145 pmol/L; iron deficiency; ferritin<30 µg/L and vitamin D deficiency; 25-hydroxyvitamin D<50 nmol/L) and anaemia (haemoglobin <120 g/L for females and <130 g/L for males) and when assessing associations with logistic regression models with adjusted ORs (AORs) for BMI categories: healthy weight (BMI 18.5 to <25.0 kg/m²), reference; overweight (BMI 25.0 to <30.0 kg/m²), obesity class I (BMI 30.0 to <35.0 kg/m²), obesity class II/III (BMI 35.0 kg/m² or more).

RESULT

The prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (range 0.9%─2.8%) and anaemia (range 3.9%─6.7%) were variable across BMI groups. The prevalence of iron deficiency in the obesity class I group was 12.0 percentage points lower than healthy weight group with an AOR of 0.50 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.83). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the obesity class II/III group was 7.9 percentage points higher than the healthy weight group with an AOR of 1.62 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.60). Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and anaemia were not consistently associated with BMI groups.

CONCLUSION

We found a consistent association between severe obesity and vitamin D deficiency in Australian adults. We also found obesity class I was negatively associated with iron deficiency, whereas there was no consistent association between BMI groups and vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and anaemia. Public health strategies are needed to prevent vitamin D deficiency in this high-risk population.

Plasma iron controls neutrophil production and function

Low plasma iron (hypoferremia) induced by hepcidin is a conserved inflammatory response that protects against infections but inhibits erythropoiesis. How hypoferremia influences leukocytogenesis is unclear. Using proteomic data, we predicted that neutrophil production would be profoundly more iron-demanding than generation of other white blood cell types. Accordingly in mice, hepcidin-mediated hypoferremia substantially reduced numbers of granulocytes but not monocytes, lymphocytes, or dendritic cells. Neutrophil rebound after anti-Gr-1-induced neutropenia was blunted during hypoferremia but was rescued by supplemental iron. Similarly, hypoferremia markedly inhibited pharmacologically stimulated granulopoiesis mediated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and inflammation-induced accumulation of neutrophils in the spleen and peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, hypoferremia specifically altered neutrophil effector functions, suppressing antibacterial mechanisms but enhancing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species-dependent NETosis associated with chronic inflammation. Notably, antagonizing endogenous hepcidin during acute inflammation enhanced production of neutrophils. We propose plasma iron modulates the profile of innate immunity by controlling monocyte-to-neutrophil ratio and neutrophil activity in a therapeutically targetable system.

The Relationship Between Ferritin and BMI is Mediated by Inflammation Among Women in Higher-Income Countries, But Not in Most Lower-Income Countries Nor Among Young Children: A Multi-Country Analysis

Background

In the presence of inflammation, the serum or plasma ferritin concentration ("ferritin" hereafter) transiently increases, confounding its interpretation as an iron status marker. The extent to which adiposity-related inflammation may influence ferritin interpretation is uncertain.

Objectives

We describe relationships between weight status, inflammation, and ferritin among nonpregnant women of reproductive age (WRA; 15-49 years) and preschool-age children (PSC; 6-59 months) with normal weight to overweight or obesity (OWOB) in differing geographic settings.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were separately analyzed from 18 surveys (WRA) and 25 surveys (PSC) from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project, excluding observations with underweight, wasting, pregnancy, or malaria. Relationships were assessed between BMI (in WRA) or BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ; in PSC), inflammatory biomarkers of C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), ferritin by linear regression, and potential mediation by CRP and/or AGP in relationships between BMI or BAZ and ferritin with structural equation modeling. Regression and mediation models accounted for complex survey designs. Results were grouped by World Bank income classifications.

Results

In 5 of 6 surveys among WRA from upper-middle and high-income countries, ferritin was significantly positively associated with BMI, and this relationship was partially (or fully, in the United States) mediated by CRP and/or AGP. Mediation was present in 4 of 12 surveys for WRA in low- and lower-middle income countries. Among PSC, ferritin was positively associated with CRP and/or AGP in all surveys, but there were no significant CRP- or AGP-mediated relationships between ferritin and BAZ, except a negative relationship in the Philippines.

Conclusions

Where having OWOB is common among WRA, measurements of inflammatory biomarkers and their uses in interpreting ferritin may improve iron status assessments. While these relationships were inconsistent among PSC, inflammation was common and should be measured to interpret iron status. Included Kenyan trial data are registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01088958.

Hypothesis: Low Vitamin A and D Levels Worsen Clinical Outcomes When Children with Sickle Cell Disease Encounter Parvovirus B19

Human parvovirus B19 causes life-threatening anemia due to transient red cell aplasia (TRCA) in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Children with SCD experiencing profound anemia during TRCA often require red blood cell transfusions and hospitalization. The prevalence of vitamin deficiencies in SCD is high and deficiencies are associated with respiratory and pain symptoms, but the effects of vitamins on acute infection with parvovirus B19 remain unclear. We performed a clinical study in which 20 SCD patients hospitalized with parvovirus B19 infections (Day 0) were monitored over a 120-day time course to query relationships between vitamins A and D and clinical outcomes. There were significant negative correlations between Day 0 vitamin levels and disease consequences (e.g., red blood cell transfusion requirements, inflammatory cytokines). There were significant positive correlations (i) between Day 0 vitamins and peak virus-specific antibodies in nasal wash, and (ii) between Day 0 virus-specific serum plus nasal wash antibodies and absolute reticulocyte counts. There was a significant negative correlation between Day 0 virus-specific serum antibodies and virus loads. To explain the results, we propose circular and complex mechanisms. Low baseline vitamin levels may weaken virus-specific immune responses to permit virus amplification and reticulocyte loss; consequent damage may further reduce vitamin levels and virus-specific immunity. While the complex benefits of vitamins are not fully understood, we propose that maintenance of replete vitamin A and D levels in children with SCD will serve as prophylaxis against parvovirus B19-induced TRCA complications.

The role of vitamin B12 in viral infections: a comprehensive review of its relationship with the muscle-gut-brain axis and implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection

This comprehensive review establishes the role of vitamin B12 as adjunct therapy for viral infections in the treatment and persistent symptoms of COVID-19, focusing on symptoms related to the muscle-gut-brain axis. Vitamin B12 can help balance immune responses to better fight viral infections. Furthermore, data from randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis indicate that vitamin B12 in the forms of methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin may increase serum vitamin B12 levels, and resulted in decreased serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine concentrations, and decreased pain intensity, memory loss, and impaired concentration. Among studies, there is much variation in vitamin B12 doses, chemical forms, supplementation time, and administration routes. Larger randomized clinical trials of vitamin B12 supplementation and analysis of markers such as total vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin, total homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, total folic acid, and, if possible, polymorphisms and methylation of genes need to be conducted with people with and without COVID-19 or who have had COVID-19 to facilitate the proper vitamin B12 form to be administered in individual treatment.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Comorbidity Index Score Is Correlated with Treatment-Related Mortality and Overall Survival following Second Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Children

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can lead to considerable complications and treatment-related mortality (TRM); therefore, a detailed assessment of risks is essential. The Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) can predict both TRM and overall survival (OS). Although the HCT-CI has been validated as a useful tool for first HCT, its potential utility for second HCT has not yet been investigated. Here we aimed to evaluate the utility of the HCT-CI score in assessing the risk of TRM and OS in the setting of a second allogeneic HCT. This was a retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients (age <21 years) who underwent a second allogeneic HCT at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco between 2008 and 2019. According to their HCT-CI, patients were classified as "low risk" with an HCT-CI of 0 or "intermediate-high risk" with an HCT-CI ≥1. A total of 59 patients were included in the study. Our primary endpoint was TRM, observed at 100 days, 180 days, 1 year, and last follow-up following HCT, and our secondary endpoint was OS at 1 year and at 5 years or last follow-up. We also evaluated outcomes of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit based on the HCT-CI score. Seventy-six percent of patients had an HCT-CI of 0. The most frequent comorbidities were pulmonary, seen in 7 patients (12%; 95% CI, 5% to 23%), including 5 (71%) with moderate and 2 (29%) with severe comorbidities. The OS and the cumulative incidence of TRM at 1 year for the entire cohort were 81% (95% CI, 69% to 90%) and 12% (95% CI, 5% to 22%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of TRM and OS at 1 year showed a significant correlation with HCT-CI score; TRM was 4% (95% CI, 1% to 13%) for an HCT-CI of 0 versus 36% (95% CI, 13% to 60%) for an HCT-CI ≥1 (P < .001), and OS was 89% (95% CI, 75% to 99%) for an HCT-CI of 0 versus 57% (95% CI, 28% to 78%) for an HCT-CI ≥1 (P = .003). After adjusting for covariates, HCT-CI continued to be associated with both TRM (P = .004) and OS (P = .003). In addition, comparing patients with malignancies and nonmalignant disorders, disease-free-survival at last follow-up was higher in the nonmalignant disorder group and also was influenced by the HCT-CI score in each group (P = .0035). There also was a significant difference in outcomes of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit; 15 patients (68%) with an HCT-CI of 0 were alive at last follow-up, compared with only two (22%) with an HCT-CI ≥1 (P = .016). HCT-CI has an impact on TRM and OS and may serve as a predictor of outcomes of second allogeneic transplantation. Although this study was conducted in a relatively small sample, it is the first to investigate the utility of the HCT-CI score in predicting outcomes after a second allogeneic HCT in pediatric recipients. © 2021 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Role of Nutrition in COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity of Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Many nutrients have powerful immunomodulatory actions with the potential to alter susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, progression to symptoms, likelihood of severe disease, and survival.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to review the latest evidence on how malnutrition across all its forms (under- and overnutrition and micronutrient status) may influence both susceptibility to, and progression of, COVID-19.

METHODS

We synthesized information on 13 nutrition-related components and their potential interactions with COVID-19: overweight, obesity, and diabetes; protein-energy malnutrition; anemia; vitamins A, C, D, and E; PUFAs; iron; selenium; zinc; antioxidants; and nutritional support. For each section we provide: 1) a landscape review of pertinent material; 2) a systematic search of the literature in PubMed and EMBASE databases, including a wide range of preprint servers; and 3) a screen of 6 clinical trial registries. All original research was considered, without restriction to study design, and included if it covered: 1) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (CoV) 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), or SARS-CoV viruses and 2) disease susceptibility or 3) disease progression, and 4) the nutritional component of interest. Searches took place between 16 May and 11 August 2020.

RESULTS

Across the 13 searches, 2732 articles from PubMed and EMBASE, 4164 articles from the preprint servers, and 433 trials were returned. In the final narrative synthesis, we include 22 published articles, 38 preprint articles, and 79 trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently there is limited evidence that high-dose supplements of micronutrients will either prevent severe disease or speed up recovery. However, results of clinical trials are eagerly awaited. Given the known impacts of all forms of malnutrition on the immune system, public health strategies to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition remain of critical importance. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes will reduce the risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes. This review is registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020186194.

High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C for Preventing The Disease Aggravation of Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia. A Retrospective Propensity Matched Before-After Study

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is continuing to impact multiple countries worldwide and effective treatment options are still being developed. In this study, we investigate the potential of high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) in the prevention of moderate COVID-19 disease aggravation.

Methods: In this retrospective before-after case-matched clinical study, we compare the outcome and clinical courses of patients with moderate COVID-19 patients who were treated with an HDIVC protocol (intravenous injection of vitamin C, 100 mg/kg/day, 1 g/h, for 7 days from admission) during a one-month period (between March 18 and april 18, 2020, HDIVC group) with a control group treated without the HDIVC protocol during the preceding two months (January 18 to March 18, 2020). Patients in the two groups were matched in a 1:1 ratio according to age and gender.

Results: The HDIVC and control groups each comprised 55 patients. For the primary outcomes, there was a significant difference in the number of patients that evolved from moderate to severe type between the two groups (HDIVC: 4/55 vs. control: 12/55, relative risk [RR] = 0.28 [0.08, 0.93], P = 0.03). Compared to the control group, there was a shorter duration of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (P = 0.0004) during the first week and lower SIRS occurrence (2/21 vs 10/22, P = 0.0086) on Day 7 (6–7 days after admission). In addition, HDIVC group had lower C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.005) and higher number of CD4⁺ T cells from Day 0 (on admission) to Day 7 (P = 0.04).” The levels of coagulation indicators, including activated partial thromboplastin time and D-dimer were also improved in the HDIVC compared to the control group on Day 7.

Conclusion: HDIVC may be beneficial in limiting disease aggravation in the early stage of COVID-19 pneumonia, which may be related to its improvements on the inflammatory response, immune function and coagulation function. Further randomized controlled trials are required to augment these findings.

Vitamin A deficiency has declined in Malawi, but with evidence of elevated vitamin A in children

BACKGROUND

Reduction of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in Malawi coincided with introduction of vitamin A-fortified staple foods, alongside continued biannual high-dose vitamin A supplementation (VAS).

OBJECTIVE

We describe coverage of vitamin A interventions and vitamin A status in the 2015-2016 Malawi Micronutrient Survey.

METHODS

Food samples and biospecimens were collected within a representative household survey across 105 clusters. Retinol was measured using ultraviolet excitation fluorescence (sugar) and photometric determination (oil). Preschool children (PSC, aged 6-59 mo, n = 1102), school-age children (SAC, aged 5-14 y, n = 758), nonpregnant women (n = 752), and men (n = 219) were initially assessed for vitamin A status using retinol binding protein (RBP) and modified relative dose response (MRDR). Randomly selected fasted MRDR participants (n = 247) and nonfasted women and children (n = 293) were later assessed for serum retinol, retinyl esters, and carotenoids. Analyses accounted for complex survey design.

RESULTS

We tested sugar and oil samples from 71.8% and 70.5% of the households (n = 2,112), respectively. All of the oil samples and all but one of the sugar samples had detectable vitamin A. National mean retinol sugar and oil contents were 6.1 ± 0.7 mg/kg and 6.6 ± 1.4 mg/kg, respectively. Receipt of VAS in the previous 6 mo was reported by 68.0% of PSC. VAD prevalence (RBP equivalent to <0.7µmol retinol/L) was 3.6% in PSC, and <1% in other groups. One woman and no children had MRDR ≥0.060 indicating VAD. Among fasted PSC and SAC, 18.0% (95% CI: 6.4, 29.6) and 18.8% (7.2, 30.5) had >5% of total serum vitamin A as retinyl esters, and 1.7% (0.0, 4.1) and 4.9% (0.0, 10.2) had >10% of total serum vitamin A as retinyl esters. Serum carotenoids indicated recent intake of vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables.

CONCLUSIONS

Near elimination of VAD in Malawi is a public health success story, but elevated levels of vitamin A among children suggests that vitamin A interventions may need modification.

Hepcidin-Mediated Hypoferremia Disrupts Immune Responses to Vaccination and Infection

BACKGROUND

How specific nutrients influence adaptive immunity is of broad interest. Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide and imparts a significant burden of global disease; however, its effects on immunity remain unclear.

METHODS

We used a hepcidin mimetic and several genetic models to examine the effect of low iron availability on T cells in vitro and on immune responses to vaccines and viral infection in mice. We examined humoral immunity in human patients with raised hepcidin and low serum iron caused by mutant TMPRSS6. We tested the effect of iron supplementation on vaccination-induced humoral immunity in piglets, a natural model of iron deficiency.

FINDINGS

We show that low serum iron (hypoferremia), caused by increased hepcidin, severely impairs effector and memory responses to immunizations. The intensified metabolism of activated lymphocytes requires the support of enhanced iron acquisition, which is facilitated by IRP1/2 and TFRC. Accordingly, providing extra iron improved the response to vaccination in hypoferremic mice and piglets, while conversely, hypoferremic humans with chronically increased hepcidin have reduced concentrations of antibodies specific for certain pathogens. Imposing hypoferremia blunted the T cell, B cell, and neutralizing antibody responses to influenza virus infection in mice, allowing the virus to persist and exacerbating lung inflammation and morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoferremia, a well-conserved physiological innate response to infection, can counteract the development of adaptive immunity. This nutrient trade-off is relevant for understanding and improving immune responses to infections and vaccines in the globally common contexts of iron deficiency and inflammatory disorders.

FUNDING

Medical Research Council, UK.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease, and particularly affects children, premenopausal women, and people in low-income and middle-income countries. Anaemia is one of many consequences of iron deficiency, and clinical and functional impairments can occur in the absence of anaemia. Iron deprivation from erythroblasts and other tissues occurs when total body stores of iron are low or when inflammation causes withholding of iron from the plasma, particularly through the action of hepcidin, the main regulator of systemic iron homoeostasis. Oral iron therapy is the first line of treatment in most cases. Hepcidin upregulation by oral iron supplementation limits the absorption efficiency of high-dose oral iron supplementation, and of oral iron during inflammation. Modern parenteral iron formulations have substantially altered iron treatment and enable rapid, safe total-dose iron replacement. An underlying cause should be sought in all patients presenting with iron deficiency: screening for coeliac disease should be considered routinely, and endoscopic investigation to exclude bleeding gastrointestinal lesions is warranted in men and postmenopausal women presenting with iron deficiency anaemia. Iron supplementation programmes in low-income countries comprise part of the solution to meeting WHO Global Nutrition Targets.

Adjusting iron and vitamin A status in settings of inflammation: a sensitivity analysis of the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) approach

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of iron and vitamin A status is needed to inform public health decisions, but most population-level iron and vitamin A biomarkers are independently influenced by inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the reproducibility of the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) regression approach to adjust iron [ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)] and vitamin A [retinol-binding protein (RBP), retinol] biomarkers for inflammation (α-1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein).

METHODS

We conducted a sensitivity analysis comparing unadjusted and adjusted estimates of iron and vitamin A deficiency using the internal-survey regression approach from BRINDA phase 1 (16 surveys in children, 10 surveys in women) and 13 additional surveys for children and women (BRINDA phase 2).

RESULTS

The relations between inflammation and iron or vitamin A biomarkers were statistically significant except for vitamin A biomarkers in women. Heterogeneity of the regression coefficients across surveys was high. Among children, internal-survey adjustments increased the estimated prevalence of depleted iron stores (ferritin <12 µg/L) by a median of 11 percentage points (pp) (24 pp and 9 pp in BRINDA phase 1 and phase 2, respectively), whereas estimates of iron-deficient erythropoiesis (sTfR >8.3 mg/L) decreased by a median of 15 pp (15 pp and 20 pp in BRINDA phase 1 and phase 2, respectively). Vitamin A deficiency (RBP <0.7 µmol/L or retinol <0.7 µmol/L) decreased by a median of 14 pp (18 pp and 8 pp in BRINDA phase 1 and phase 2, respectively) in children. Adjustment for inflammation in women resulted in smaller differences in estimated iron deficiency than in children.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are consistent with previous BRINDA conclusions that not accounting for inflammation may result in an underestimation of iron deficiency and overestimation of vitamin A deficiency. Research is needed to understand the etiology of the heterogeneity in the regression coefficients before a meta-analyzed regression correction can be considered.