OBJECTIVES: Even though several epidemiological studies have observed positive associations between blood lead levels and homocysteine, no study has examined whether this association differs by the levels of micronutrients, such as folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which are involved in the metabolism of homocysteine. In this study, we examined the interactions between micronutrients and blood lead on homocysteine levels. METHODS: This study was performed with 4089 adults aged > or =20 years old in the US general population using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. RESULTS: There were significant or marginally significant interactions between micronutrients and blood lead levels on mean homocysteine levels. Positive associations between blood lead and homocysteine were clearly observed among subjects with low levels of folate or low vitamin B6 (p-trend <0.01, respectively). However, in the case of vitamin B12, there was a stronger positive association between blood lead and homocysteine among subjects with high levels of vitamin B12, compared to those with low levels of vitamin B12. In fact, the levels of homocysteine were already high among subjects low in vitamin B12, irrespective of blood lead levels. When we used hyperhomocysteinemia (homocysteine>15 micromol/L) as the outcome, there were similar patterns of interaction, though p-values for each interaction failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, the association between blood lead and homocysteine differed based on the levels of folate, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 present in the blood. It may be important to keep sufficient levels of these micronutrients to prevent the possible harmful effects of lead exposure on homocysteine levels.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Folic Acid/blood ; Homocysteine/*blood ; Humans ; Lead/*blood ; Male ; Micronutrients/*blood ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Odds Ratio ; United States ; Vitamin B 12/blood ; Vitamin B 6/blood

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of residence types ( parent house, dormitory or boarding home, boarding home w/o food) on the dietary habits and health status of college women (20-23 y). Overall, 46.1% of college women reported that they were economically middle class and spent 200,000-390,000 won. Additionally, 17.4% of college women considered themselves healthy, while 33.8% reported that they were not healthy. Furthermore, 32.0% of college women had experience to control their weight and 39.8% reported that they exercised to control their weight. There were no significant differences in the height and weight of the subjects according to residential type, but the amount of skeletal muscles mass (21.0 +/- 2.6 kg) of the subjects that lived in dormitory or boarding home was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of women who lived at home. Additionally, 30.8% of students that lived in private residences, 25.0% of students that dwelled in dormitory or boarding homes and 27.7% of students that boarding home w/o food had three regular meals every day (p < 0.05). It has been reported that 18.3% of college students eat processed and instant foods due to their convenience. In the present study, intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E and folic acid for the subjects who lived in dormitory or boarding homes was significantly higher than those of students who lived in private residences (p < 0.05). Additionally, intakes of iron, calcium, and zinc were lower in the subjects that boarding home w/o food (p < 0.05). Finally, the blood glucose level was 84.7 +/- 13.0 mg/dL, and differed significantly by residential types (p < 0.05); however, the average glucose levels of all subjects were within the normal range (90-110 mg/dL).
Ascorbic Acid ; Blood Glucose ; Calcium ; Female ; Folic Acid ; Food Habits ; Glucose ; Humans ; Iron ; Meals ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Niacin ; Parents ; Reference Values ; Riboflavin ; Thiamine ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin B 6 ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins ; Zinc

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To investigate the effects of folic acid, vitamin B(6) and B(12) on plasma homocysteine and on learning and memory functions in focal cerebral ischemia rats.

<b>METHODSb>Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. They were sham operation group (Sham OP), middle cerebral artery occlusion model group (MCAO), MCAO + folic acid group (MCAO + FA) and MCAO + compound vitamin (folate, vitamin B(6) and B(12)) group (MCAO + CV). Plasma homocysteine was measured before and after supplementation and after ischemia.

<b>RESULTSb>The level of plasma homocysteine in MCAO + FA and MCAO + CV groups were significantly lower than those in Sham OP and MCAO groups after supplementation and ischemia (6.92 +/- 1.04) micromol/L and (5.49 +/- 1.00) micromol/L vs (9.33 +/- 1.11) micromol/L, (10.90 +/- 2.03 micromol/L), P < 0.05. While in MCAO + CV group was lower than that in MCAO + FA group (5.49 +/- 1.00) micromol/L vs (6.92 +/- 1.04) micromol/L, P < 0.05. The neurological deficit scores and shock times in Y-type maze of MCAO + FA and MCAO + CV groups were lower than those in MCAO group (1.75 +/- 0.46 and 1.38 +/- 0.52 vs 2.62 +/- 0.52; 123.50 +/- 39.77 and 86.25 +/- 21.39 vs 173.25 +/- 46.32, P < 0.05). The correct times of MCAO + CV group in Y-type maze was higher than that in MCAO group (3.75 +/- 0.42 vs 2.12 +/- 0.45, P < 0.05).

<b>CONCLUSIONb>Folic acid intake could not only reduce plasma homocysteine concentration but also promote the recovery of the learning and memory functions of rats with cerebral ischemia. The effects of folic acid combined with vitamin B(6) and vitamin B(12) on cerebral ischemia rats was better than that of single folate.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; blood ; physiopathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Folic Acid ; pharmacology ; Homocysteine ; blood ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; blood ; physiopathology ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Memory ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vitamin B 12 ; pharmacology ; Vitamin B 6 ; pharmacology ; Vitamin B Complex ; pharmacology

PURPOSE: The authors of the present study investigated whether pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), an active coenzyme of vitamin B6, could inhibit the development of diabetic retinopathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Seven-week-old Spraque-Dawley rats (n = 20) were used in the present study. STZ (70 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Intraperitoneal injections of 5 microg and 50 microg PLP were administered every two days from the second week of induced diabetes. During the third week of PLP injections, the concentration level of plasma homocysteine was measured. In addition, functional status was examined by vitreous fluorophotometer and anatomical status by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining in the retina. RESULTS: Based on vitreous fluorophotometry examination, the PLP injection group proved to have a lower level of fluorescein concentration in the vitreous. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining revealed down-regulation of VEGF expression in the PLP group. In addition, the PLP group had a lower plasma homocysteine concentration. However, an over-dosage injection of PLP did not appear to have any noticeable impact on the treatment of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: PLP, an active coenzyme of vitamin B6, proved to have inhibitory effects on VEGF expression and vascular leakage in the diabetic rat retina.
Animals ; Blood Glucose ; Body Weight ; Diabetic Retinopathy ; Down-Regulation ; Fluorescein ; Fluorophotometry ; Homocysteine ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Plasma ; Pyridoxal ; Rats ; Retina ; Streptozocin ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vitamin B 6

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data for preventing preterm delivery in the aspects of blood pressure and hematic parameters. The blood pressure, hematic parameters, relationship between hematic parameters and nutritional intakes and pregnancy outcomes were compared between a preterm delivery group and a normal term delivery group. The results obtained are summarized as follows. Diastolic blood pressure was statistically higher in the preterm delivery group. White blood cells (p < 0.005) and alanine amino transferase (p < 0.05) of 3rd trimester in pregnancy were statistically higher in the preterm delivery group. Alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.0001) and lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05) were statistically lower in the preterm delivery group. Inverse relationships between niacin, vitamin B6 and zinc intakes and bilirubin (p < 0.05) were shown. Vitamin A intakes (p < 0.05) were significantly negatively correlated with blood protein, but zinc intakes (p < 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with blood protein. Vitamin B6 intakes (p < 0.05) were significantly negatively correlated with blood albumin. Calcium intakes (p < 0.005) and iron intakes (p < 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with blood lactate dehydrogenase. Also, vitamin A intakes (p < 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with blood glucose. Normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (p < 0.005) was statistically lower in the preterm delivery group. Birth weight (p < 0.0001) and birth length (p < 0.005) of the neonates were all statistically lower in the preterm delivery group.
Alanine ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Bilirubin ; Birth Weight ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Calcium ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Iron ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Leukocytes ; Niacin ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Transferases ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin B 6 ; Zinc

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral modification of obese adults who underwent nutritional and physical activity education. Twenty obese females, aged 20–60 years old, with BMIs (Body Mass Index) >30 or body fat (%) >40 were subjected to this study. METHODS: The physical activity education program consisted of doing exercise in a gymnasium together or home exercise. Dietary attitudes and dietary intakes were assessed using weight control, physical activity, and eating habits. The nutrition-exercise educational period was 12 weeks. RESULTS: After the study period, there was significant improvement in physical activity and eating habits score. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the dietary intakes of fiber, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and niacin. Blood pressure, blood glucose, and total cholesterol levels showed a tendency to decrease, but there was no significant difference. BMI, fat mass, abdominal circumference, and visceral fat levels were significantly reduced while muscle mass significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that behavioral modification by nutrition and physical activity education with feedback has positive effects on dietary intake and anthropometric biomarkers in obese adults. Therefore, lifestyle interventions of this kind could be recommended as a method for obesity management.
Adipose Tissue ; Adult ; Behavior Therapy ; Biomarkers ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Cholesterol ; Eating ; Education ; Female ; Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Iron ; Life Style ; Methods ; Motor Activity ; Niacin ; Obesity ; Potassium ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin B 6

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral modification of obese adults who underwent nutritional and physical activity education. Twenty obese females, aged 20–60 years old, with BMIs (Body Mass Index) >30 or body fat (%) >40 were subjected to this study. METHODS: The physical activity education program consisted of doing exercise in a gymnasium together or home exercise. Dietary attitudes and dietary intakes were assessed using weight control, physical activity, and eating habits. The nutrition-exercise educational period was 12 weeks. RESULTS: After the study period, there was significant improvement in physical activity and eating habits score. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the dietary intakes of fiber, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and niacin. Blood pressure, blood glucose, and total cholesterol levels showed a tendency to decrease, but there was no significant difference. BMI, fat mass, abdominal circumference, and visceral fat levels were significantly reduced while muscle mass significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that behavioral modification by nutrition and physical activity education with feedback has positive effects on dietary intake and anthropometric biomarkers in obese adults. Therefore, lifestyle interventions of this kind could be recommended as a method for obesity management.
Adipose Tissue ; Adult ; Behavior Therapy ; Biomarkers ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Cholesterol ; Eating ; Education ; Female ; Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Iron ; Life Style ; Methods ; Motor Activity ; Niacin ; Obesity ; Potassium ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin B 6

This study investigated the effects of the nutrition education on body weight, visceral fat and diet quality in the postmenopausal women. The subjects (n = 101) were randomly divided into two groups: Nutrition education + Exercise (NEE) group (n = 51) and Exercise only (EO) group (n = 50). Nutrition education was consisted of counseling in portion control, food selection for low carbohydrate, high fiber food items and for the improvement in micronutrient intakes and diet quality. After 6 months, the reduction in the body weight and visceral fat area was significantly greater in the NEE than in the EO group. The NEE subjects were further divided into two groups according to the amount of visceral fat area reduction; high visceral fat area loss (HVL) group with a visceral fat area reduction 2.35% or greater and low visceral fat area loss (LVL) group with a reduction less than 2.35%. In the HVL group, the reduction in body weight, BMI, percent body fat, waist to hip ratio and visceral fat area was significantly greater than that in the LVL group. We observed a significant increase in the serum HDL-cholesterol level and a decrease in systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sucrose, total and LDL-cholesterol levels in the HVL group compared to the LVL group. The energyadjusted protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E intakes were significantly increased in the HVL compared to LVL group. The index of nutritional quality (INQ) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were also increased in the HVL group compared to the LVL group. These results show that our nutrition education program was an effective intervention measure for the reduction of body weight and visceral fat, blood pressure, glucose and lipid levels in the blood and also for the improvement of nutrient intake and diet quality in postmenopausal women who are overweight.
Adipose Tissue ; Ascorbic Acid ; Blood Pressure ; Body Weight ; Calcium ; Counseling ; Diet ; Fasting ; Female ; Food Preferences ; Glucose ; Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Micronutrients ; Nutritive Value ; Sucrose ; Vitamin B 6 ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins ; Waist-Hip Ratio

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To investigate the effect of plasma homocysteic acid (HCA) reduction on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level in children with Kawasaki disease (KD).

<b>METHODSb>Seventy-six children with KD were divided into 2 equal groups for treatment with aspirin and IVIG, or with vitamin B6 and folic acid besides in addition to aspirin and IVIG. Serum CRP level was tested before and after the treatments, and plasma HCA level was also measured after the treatments.

<b>RESULTSb>Serum CRP level was comparable between the two groups before the treatment, but significantly reduced after vitamin B6 and folic acid treatment (7.56-/+2.94 mg/L vs 12.23-/+4.16 mg/L, P<0.05). Additional vitamin B6 and folic acid treatment significantly lowered plasma HCA level (4.56-/+1.14 micromol/L vs 7.79-/+1.79 micromol/L, P<0.05), and correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between plasma HCA and serum CRP levels (r=0.697, P<0.01).

<b>CONCLUSIONb>Lowering plasma HCA can decrease serum CRP in children with KD to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Aspirin ; therapeutic use ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Folic Acid ; therapeutic use ; Homocysteine ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous ; therapeutic use ; Infant ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; Vitamin B 6 ; therapeutic use

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an abdominal obesity management program on dietary intake, stress index, and waist to hip ratio (WHR) in abdominally obese women. The subjects were 195 adult abdominally obese women (WHR > or = 0.80) who had been participating in a nutrition education (total of nine times) and dietary habits and life style modification programs (total of six times) for 12 weeks. The abdominal obesity management program focused on the nutrition provided by breakfast, lunch, and dinner, proper dietary habits, and practices to improve life style. The subjects were divided into a WHR decrease group and a WHR increase group according to changes in the WHR. Daily nutrient intake was assessed with a 3-day food record, body measurements and blood vessel age, stress index, and a health index that were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. After the intervention, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, WHR, and body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly in the WHR decrease group. Energy intake increased from 1486.2 kcal to 1541.4 kcal with a significant improvement in nutrient density for animal protein, total fat, animal fat, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and saturated fatty acids in the WHR decrease group. Additionally, dietary diversity increased significantly in the WHR decrease group compared to that in the WHR increase group. The WHR decrease group showed a significant improvement in the stress and health indices. Changes in WHR were correlated with changes in nutrient intake (animal protein, total fat, animal fat, plant fat, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate) and medical index profiles (stress and indices) adjusted for age, birth status, baseline BMI, and baseline WHR. These results show that an abdominal obesity management program was effective not only for reducing the WHR but also to improve dietary intake and the stress index in abdominally obese women.
Adult ; Animals ; Ascorbic Acid ; Blood Vessels ; Body Mass Index ; Breakfast ; Calcium ; Energy Intake ; Fatty Acids ; Female ; Food Habits ; Glycosaminoglycans ; Hip ; Humans ; Iron ; Life Style ; Lunch ; Meals ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Parturition ; Phosphorus ; Plants ; Potassium ; Riboflavin ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin B 6 ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins ; Waist Circumference ; Waist-Hip Ratio ; Zinc