OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electro-scalp acupuncture （ESA） on the expression of microglial markers CD206 and CD32, as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex of rats with ischemic stroke, and to explore the mechanisms of ESA on alleviating inflammatory damage of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Sixty 7-week-old male SD rats were randomly selected, with 15 rats assigned to a sham surgery group. The remaining rats were treated with suture method to establish rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The rats with successful model were randomly divided into a model group, a VitD₃ group, and an ESA group, with 15 rats in each group. In the ESA group, ESA was performed bilaterally at the "top-temporal anterior oblique line" with disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz, and an intensity of 1 mA. Each session lasted for 30 min, once daily, for a total of 7 days. The VitD₃ group were treated with intragastric administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25-VitD₃) solution (3 ng/100 g), once daily for 7 days. The neurological deficit scores and neurobehavioral scores were assessed before and after the intervention. After the intervention, the brain infarct volume was evaluated using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Immunofluorescence double staining was performed to detect the protein expression of CD32 and CD206 in the ischemic cortex. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex. RESULTS: Compared with the sham surgery group, the model group showed increased neurological deficit scores and neurobehavioral scores (P<0.01), increased brain infarct volume (P<0.01), increased protein expression of CD32, IL-6, and IL-1β in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01), and decreased protein expression of CD206 and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the ESA group and the VitD₃ group showed decreased neurological deficit scores and neurobehavioral scores (P<0.01), reduced brain infarct volume (P<0.01), decreased protein expression of CD32, IL-6, and IL-1β in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01), and increased protein expression of CD206 and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01). Compared with the VitD₃ group, the ESA group had lower neurological deficit score (P<0.05), larger brain infarct volume (P< 0.05), and lower protein expression of CD32, CD206, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION ESA could improve neurological function in MCAO rats, and its mechanism may be related to promoting microglial M1-to-M2 polarization and alleviating inflammatory damage.
Male ; Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ischemic Stroke ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Microglia ; Scalp ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Vitamins ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery

Humans ; Vitamins/therapeutic use* ; Iron, Dietary ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Nutrition Surveys ; Diet ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin K

BACKGROUND: Many nutritional supplements and pharmacological agents have been reported to show preventive effects on colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer (CRC). We performed a network meta-analysis to summarize such evidence and assess the efficacy and safety of these agents. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published in English until October 31, 2021 that fit our inclusion criteria. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of candidate agents (low-dose aspirin [Asp], high-dose Asp, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors [coxibs], calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid [UDCA], estrogen, and progesterone, alone or in combination) for preventing colorectal adenoma and CRC. Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was employed to evaluate the quality of each included study. RESULTS: Thirty-two randomized controlled trials (278,694 participants) comparing 13 different interventions were included. Coxibs significantly reduced the risk of colorectal adenoma (risk ratio [RR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-0.79, six trials involving 5486 participants), advanced adenoma (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43-0.92, four trials involving 4723 participants), and metachronous adenoma (RR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.79, five trials involving 5258 participants) compared with placebo. Coxibs also significantly increased the risk of severe adverse events (RR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.13-1.47, six trials involving 7109 participants). Other interventions, including Asp, folic acid, UDCA, vitamin D, and calcium, did not reduce the risk of colorectal adenoma in the general and high-risk populations compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the balance between benefits and harms, regular use of coxibs for prevention of colorectal adenoma was not supported by the current evidence. Benefit of low-dose Asp for chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma still requires further evidence. REGISTRATION PROSPERO, No. CRD42022296376.
Humans ; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors ; Calcium ; Network Meta-Analysis ; Vitamins ; Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Chemoprevention ; Aspirin ; Adenoma/prevention & control* ; Vitamin D

Metformin has robust glucose-lowering effects and multiple benefits beyond hypoglycemic effects. It can also be used in combination with various hypoglycemic drugs and is cost effective. In the absence of the strong indications of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) or sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) for cardiorenal protection, metformin should be used as the first-line pharmacological treatment for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and the basic drug for the combined treatment of hypoglycemic drugs. Metformin does not increase the risk of liver and kidney function damage, but patients with renal dysfunction should adjust the dosage of metformin based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels. Moreover, the correct use of metformin does not increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Because long-term use of metformin is associated with a decrease in vitamin B₁₂ levels, patients with insufficient intake or absorption of vitamin B₁₂ should be regularly monitored and appropriately supplemented with vitamin B₁₂. In view of the new progress made in the basic and clinical research related to metformin, the consensus updating expert group updated the consensus on the basis of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Metformin (2018 Edition).
Humans ; Consensus ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications* ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; Metformin/therapeutic use* ; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Vitamins/therapeutic use* ; China

Objective:b> To investigate the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level among the elderly over 65 in 9 longevity areas of China. Methods:b> The elderly over 65 years old with complete information on plasma vitamin B₁₂ and plasma uric acid from Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (2017 to 2018) were recruited in this study. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, diet intake, and health status were collected by questionnaire and physical examination; and fasting venous blood was collected to detect the levels of plasma vitamin B₁₂, uric acid and other indicators. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level per interquartile range increase with plasma uric acid level. The association trend of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level was described by restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level stratified by quartiles with hyperuricemia. Results:b> A total of 2 471 participants were finally included in the study, the age was (84.88±19.76) years old, of which 1 291 (52.25%) were female. The M (Q₁, Q₃) level of plasma vitamin B₁₂ was 294 (203, 440) pg/ml and the plasma uric acid level was (341.01±90.46) μmol/L. A total of 422 participants (17.08%) were defined with hyperuricemia. The results of multiple linear regression model showed that there was a positive association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level after adjustment for covariates (P<0.05). An IQR increase in plasma vitamin B₁₂ (237 pg/ml) was associated with a 6.36 (95%CI: 2.00-10.72) μmol/L increase in the plasma uric acid level. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a positive linear association of log-transformed plasma vitamin B₁₂ with uric acid level (P<0.001). Conclusion:b> There is a positive association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level among the elderly over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.
Humans ; Female ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Male ; Vitamin B 12 ; Uric Acid ; Cohort Studies ; Hyperuricemia ; Vitamins ; Folic Acid

Objective:b> To explore the causal effects of the serum Vitamin D levels on the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods:b> A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to infer the causality. Three Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for circulating Vitamin D levels, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25(OH)D₃] and C3-epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [C3-epi-25(OH)D₃] published in 2020, and one GWAS for SLE published in 2015 were utilized to analyze the causal effects of the serum Vitamin D levels on the risk of SLE. MR analyses were conducted using the inverse-variance weighted method (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger methods, MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) method. Results:b> 34, 29 and 6 SNPs were respectively selected as instrumental variables to analyze the causal association of total 25 (OH) D level, 25 (OH) D₃ level and C3-epi-25 (OH) D₃ level with the risk of SLE. The MR results showed that each standard deviation decrease in the level of 25(OH)D₃ would result in 14.2% higher risk of SLE (OR, 0.858; 95%CI, 0.753-0.978; P=0.022). The levels of 25(OH)D and C3-epi-25(OH)D₃ had null associations with risk of SLE (OR, 0.849; 95%CI, 0.653-1.104; P=0.222; OR, 0.904; 95%CI, 0.695-1.176; P=0.452). Conclusion:b> This study have identified a causal effect of 25(OH)D₃ on increased risk of SLE. These findings highlighted the significance of active monitoring and prevention of SLE in population of low Vitamin D levels.
Humans ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Vitamin D ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications* ; Vitamins ; Causality ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis/methods* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Objective:b> To investigate the lifespan of erythrocytes in megaloblastic anemia (MA) patients. Methods:b> A prospective cohort study analysis. Clinical data from 42 MA patients who were newly diagnosed at the Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital from January 2021 to August 2021 were analyzed, as were control data from 24 healthy volunteers acquired during the same period. The carbon monoxide breath test was used to measure erythrocyte lifespan, and correlations between erythrocyte lifespan and laboratory test indexes before and after treatment were calculated. Statistical analysis included the t-test and Pearson correlation. Results:b> The mean erythrocyte lifespan in the 42 newly diagnosed MA patients was (49.05±41.60) d, which was significantly shorter than that in the healthy control group [(104.13±42.62) d; t=5.13,P=0.001]. In a vitamin B₁₂-deficient subset of MA patients the mean erythrocyte lifespan was (30.09±15.14) d, and in a folic acid-deficient subgroup it was (72.00±51.44) d, and the difference between these two MA subsets was significant (t=3.73, P=0.001). The mean erythrocyte lifespan after MA treatment was (101.28±33.02) d, which differed significantly from that before MA treatment (t=4.72, P=0.001). In MA patients erythrocyte lifespan was positively correlated with hemoglobin concentration (r=0.373), and negatively correlated with total bilirubin level (r=-0.425), indirect bilirubin level (r=-0.431), and lactate dehydrogenase level (r=-0.504) (all P<0.05). Conclusions:b> Erythrocyte lifespan was shortened in MA patients, and there was a significant difference between a vitamin B₁₂-deficient group and a folic acid-deficient group. After treatment the erythrocyte lifespan can return to normal. Erythrocyte lifespan is expected to become an informative index for the diagnosis and treatment of MA.
Humans ; Longevity ; Clinical Relevance ; Prospective Studies ; Erythrocytes ; Anemia, Megaloblastic ; Folic Acid ; Bilirubin ; Vitamins

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) among infertile females and their predictive impacts on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Totally 756 infertile females treated with assisted reproductive technology were enrolled and divided into three groups according to their vitamin D levels (group A with serum 25(OH)D≤10 μg/L, group B with serum (10-20) μg/L, and group C with serum ≥20 μg/L). The serum AMH levels were detected. The differences among the groups were analyzed, as well as the correlation between vitamin D levels and serum AMH levels in various infertility types (fallopian tube/male factor, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovulation disorders excluded PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and others). Also, the predictive roles of vitamin D and AMH in pregnancy outcome in all the infertile females were discussed. RESULTS: (1) 87.7% of the enrolled females were insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. (2) The serum AMH levels in the three groups with different vitamin D levels were 1.960 (1.155, 3.655) μg/L, 2.455 (1.370, 4.403) μg/L, 2.360 (1.430, 4.780) μg/L and there was no significant difference in serum AMH levels among the three groups (P>0.05). (3) Serum 25(OH)D and AMH levels presented seasonal variations (P < 0.05). (4) There was no prominent correlation between the serum AMH level and serum 25(OH)D level in females of various infertility types after adjusting potential confounding factors [age, body mass index (BMI), antral follicle count (AFC), vitamin D blood collection season, etc.] by multiple linear regression analysis (P>0.05). (5) After adjusting for confounding factors, such as age, BMI, number of transplanted embryos and AFC, the results of binary Logistics regression model showed that in all the infertile females, the serum AMH level was an independent predictor of biochemical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05) while the serum 25(OH)D level might not act as a prediction factor alone (P>0.05). In the meanwhile, the serum 25(OH)D level and serum AMH level were synergistic predictors of biochemical or clinical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Based on the current diagnostic criteria, most infertile females had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, but there was not significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D and ovarian reserve. While vitamin D could not be used as an independent predictor of pregnancy outcome in infertile females, the serum AMH level could predict biochemical pregnancy outcome independently or jointly with vitamin D.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone ; Infertility, Female/etiology* ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Vitamin D ; Vitamins

Objective:b> To understand the current status of taking nutrient supplements for residents aged 18 to 79 years old in Beijing and its related factors. Methods:b> Data were gathered from the 2017 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Program. Multiple classified cluster sampling method was used, and participants aged 18-79 were sampled from 16 districts. The questionnaire included chronic diseases and related risk factors, health knowledge, and oral nutritional supplements within 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were established to analyze associated factors that affect the intake of nutrient supplements. Results:b> The weighted prevalence of supplements use was 13.1% among 12 696 subjects within the past 12 months. The proportions of multivitamins (4.7%), B vitamins (4.5%), and folic acid (3.2%) were higher. The prevalence of supplement use of young people (18-39 years old) and the elderly (60-79 years old) was higher than middle-aged people (40-59 years old) (χ²=54.09, P<0.001). Except for the age group of 70-79 years old, the consumption rate of women was significantly higher than that of men (P<0.05). After adjusting age and sex, among patients with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia, the control rates of blood pressure, glucose and lipids of patients who take nutrient supplements were higher than those who do not (P<0.05). And participants who took nutrient supplements had a more heightened awareness rate of health knowledge, such as the hazards of smoking and second-hand smoke, and recommended amount of salt per day (P<0.001). The multi-factor logistic analysis found that nutrient supplement-related factors include women, old age, higher education level, living in urban, insufficient physical activity, sleeping problems, active physical examination, blood pressure control among patients, and health knowledge (P<0.05). Conclusions:b> The factors of nutrient supplements use were related to sex, age, education level, health status, and health literacy. We should pay attention to key populations and guide them to establish the correct concept of taking nutrient supplements.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Beijing/epidemiology* ; Dietary Supplements ; Female ; Folic Acid ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Smoking/adverse effects* ; Vitamin B Complex ; Young Adult

Objective:b> To explore current vitamin D status and influential factors of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among children under 7 years of age in 11 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities of China. Methods:b> According to the "province-city-hospital" sampling technical route, a total of 1 531 healthy children under 7 years of age were sampled from 11 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities in China by the cluster random sampling method from November 2020 to November 2021. The demographic information, family conditions, behavior and living habits and feeding behaviors were collected using unified questionnaire. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D) levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Serum 25(OH)D<30 nmol/L was considered deficient and 30-50 nmol/L was considered insufficient. With 25(OH)D≤50 nmol/L as the dependent variable, multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the association between vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and potential influential factors. Results:b> The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among children under 7 years of age in 11 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities of China was 14.0% (215/1 531), 3.8% (25/664) and 21.9% (190/867) in 0-<3 and 3-<7 of age years, respectively. Compared to children aged 0-<3 years, children aged 3-<7 years had a 2.6-fold increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency (OR=3.60, 95%CI 1.93-6.72, P<0.001). Frequent sunlight exposure (OR=0.46, 95%CI 0.29-0.73, P=0.001), vitamin D supplementation (sometimes, OR=0.33, 95%CI 0.21-0.51, P<0.001; daily, OR=0.20, 95%CI 0.11-0.36, P<0.001) and infant formula intake(4-7 times per weeks, OR=0.43, 95%CI 0.28-0.68, P<0.001) were protective factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Conclusion:b> Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common among children under 7 years of age in 11 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities of China, which is affected by age, sunlight exposure, vitamin D supplementation and infant formula intake.
Child ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Vitamin D ; Vitamin D Deficiency/epidemiology* ; Vitamins