Effect of a Vegan Diet on Alzheimer’s Disease

There is evidence indicating that a vegan diet could be beneficial in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the positive and negative aspects of a vegan diet regarding the risk of AD. Regarding AD prevention, a vegan diet includes low levels of saturated fats and cholesterol, contributing to a healthy blood lipid profile. Furthermore, it is rich in phytonutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, that may help prevent cognitive decline. Moreover, a vegan diet contributes to the assumption of quercetin, a natural inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), which can contribute to maintaining mental health and reducing AD risk. Nonetheless, the data available do not allow an assessment of whether strict veganism is beneficial for AD prevention compared with vegetarianism or other diets. A vegan diet lacks specific vitamins and micronutrients and may result in nutritional deficiencies. Vegans not supplementing micronutrients are more prone to vitamin B12, vitamin D, and DHA deficiencies, which have been linked to AD. Thus, an evaluation of the net effect of a vegan diet on AD prevention and/or progression should be ascertained by taking into account all the positive and negative effects described here.     

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Adipose Tissue Inflammation and NF-κB/AMPK Activation in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Adipose tissue expansion is strongly associated with increased adipose macrophage infiltration and adipocyte-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to obesity-associated low-grade inflammation. Individuals with vitamin D deficiency have an increased prevalence of obesity and increased circulating inflammatory cytokines. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on obesity-induced inflammation remains controversial. Male C57BL/6J mice received a low-fat (10% fat) or high-fat (HF, 60% fat diet) containing 1000 IU vitamin D/kg diet, or HF supplemented with 10,000 IU vitamin D/kg diet for 16 weeks (n = 9/group). Vitamin D supplementation did not decrease HF-increased body weight but attenuated obesity-induced adipose hypertrophy and macrophage recruitment as demonstrated by the number of crown-like structures. Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the mRNA expression of CD11c, CD68, and iNOS, specific for inflammatory M1-like macrophages, and decreased serum levels of NO. In addition, significant reductions in pro-inflammatory gene expression of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNFα and mRNA levels of ASC-1, CASP1, and IL-1β involved in NLRP3 inflammasome were found in obese mice supplemented with vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased obesity-decreased AMPK activity and suppressed HF-increased NF-κB phosphorylation in adipose tissue from obese mice. These observed beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on adipose tissue expansion, macrophage recruitment, and inflammation might be related to AMPK/NF-κB signaling.     

Vitamin D Metabolic Pathway Components in Orthopedic Patientes—Systematic Review

Vitamin D takes part in the functioning of many processes that ensure the homeostasis of the body. In orthopedics, it is indicated as an inseparable element ensuring proper bone growth and functioning, and its deficiencies are indicated in various diseases, mainly in the proper structure and function of the skeleton. In this review, we focus on the most important components of the vitamin D metabolic pathway, in correlation with selected orthopedic conditions. Records were obtained from the PubMed database in a timeline of 2010–2022. The keywords were as follows: vitamin D/cholesterol/vitamin D binding protein/ VDBP/Cytochrome/CYP24A1/CYP 27B1/Vitamin D receptor/VDR/ + diseases (ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff, arthroplasty knee/hip/shoulder). The recent original studies were analyzed, discussed, and the most important data were shown. The vast majority of articles concern the metabolite of vitamin D (25(OH)D), which is measured as a standard in diagnostic laboratories. Even though there is a lot of valuable information in the literature, we believe that the other elements of the vitamin D pathway also deserve attention and suggest their research in correlation with orthopedic disorders to supplement the missing knowledge on this topic.     

Enjoy Carefully: The Multifaceted Role of Vitamin E in Neuro-Nutrition

Vitamin E is often associated with health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects. These properties make its supplementation a suitable therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative disorders, for example, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. However, trials evaluating the effects of vitamin E supplementation are inconsistent. In randomized controlled trials, the observed associations often cannot be substantiated. This could be due to the wide variety of study designs regarding the dosage and duration of vitamin E supplementation. Furthermore, genetic variants can influence vitamin E uptake and/or metabolism, thereby distorting its overall effect. Recent studies also show adverse effects of vitamin E supplementation regarding Alzheimer’s disease due to the increased synthesis of amyloid β. These diverse effects may underline the inhomogeneous outcomes associated with its supplementation and argue for a more thoughtful usage of vitamin E. Specifically, the genetic and nutritional profile should be taken into consideration to identify suitable candidates who will benefit from supplementation. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current knowledge of vitamin E supplementation in neurodegenerative disease and give an outlook on individualized, sustainable neuro-nutrition, with a focus on vitamin E supplementation.     

The Role of Vitamin D in Supporting Health in the COVID-19 Era

The genomic activity of vitamin D is associated with metabolic effects, and the hormone has a strong impact on several physiological functions and, therefore, on health. Among its renowned functions, vitamin D is an immunomodulator and a molecule with an anti-inflammatory effect, and, recently, it has been much studied in relation to its response against viral infections, especially against COVID-19. This review aims to take stock of the correlation studies between vitamin D deficiency and increased risks of severe COVID-19 disease and, similarly, between vitamin D deficiency and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Based on this evidence, supplementation with vitamin D has been tested in clinical trials, and the results are discussed. Finally, this study includes a biochemical analysis on the effects of vitamin D in the body’s defense mechanisms against viral infection. In particular, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions are considered in relation to energy metabolism, and the potential, beneficial effect of vitamin D in COVID-19 is described, with discussion of its influence on different biochemical pathways. The proposed, broader view of vitamin D activity could support a better-integrated approach in supplementation strategies against severe COVID-19, which could be valuable in a near future of living with an infection becoming endemic.     

Reviewing the Significance of Vitamin D Substitution in Monoclonal Gammopathies

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is essential for bone mineral metabolism and it has several other effects in the body, including anti-cancer actions. Vitamin D causes a reduction in cell growth by interrupting the cell cycle. Moreover, the active form of vitamin D, i.e., 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, exerts various effects via its interaction with the vitamin D receptor on the innate and adaptive immune system, which could be relevant in the onset of tumors. Multiple myeloma is a treatable but incurable malignancy characterized by the growth of clonal plasma cells in protective niches in the bone marrow. In patients affected by multiple myeloma, vitamin D deficiency is commonly correlated with an advanced stage of the disease, greater risk of progression, the development of pathological fractures, and a worse prognosis. Changes in the vitamin D receptor often contribute to the occurrence and progress of deficiencies, which can be overcome by supplementation with vitamin D or analogues. However, in spite of the findings available in the literature, there is no clear standard of care and clinical practice varies. Further research is needed to better understand how vitamin D influences outcomes in patients with monoclonal gammopathies.     

The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review

Vitamin D has an immune-modulating effect on respiratory tract infections. For this reason, it has been proposed as part of the treatment in COVID-19. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with worse clinical outcomes of this disease. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether vitamin D supplementation modifies the disease course. Therefore, eleven studies involving randomised clinical trials are analysed, in which groups of COVID-19 patients with or without vitamin D supplementation as part of the treatment are compared. A control group was treated with best available therapy, and in some of the clinical trials, also with a placebo. According to the outcomes, it seems that patients benefit from receiving a daily or maintained in time vitamin D dose regardless of vitamin D serum levels at the beginning of the trial. The administration of a single vitamin D dose does not seem to have any effect on the health status of these patients. However, the outcomes are heterogeneous and larger clinical trials are necessary.     

The Role of Vitamin D in Sleep Disorders of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

This review investigates the association between vitamin D and sleep disorders. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient known to play an important role in the growth and bone health of the human body, but it also appears to play a role in sleep. The goal of our review is to examine the association between vitamin D and sleep disorders in children and adolescents. We summarize the evidence about the role and the mechanism of action of vitamin D in children and adolescents with sleep disorders such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and other sleep disorders. Systematic electronic database searches were conducted using Pubmed and Cochrane Library. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed. The studies that met the established inclusion criteria were analyzed and compared. Results suggest a strict relationship between vitamin D deficiency in children and sleep disorders. There is evidence that vitamin D is implicated in the different neurochemical mechanisms involved in sleep regulation and mainly in the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways. This might be responsible for the association of vitamin D deficiency and restless sleep, sleep hyperhidrosis, OSA, and RLS.     

Applications of Metabolomics in Calcium Metabolism Disorders in Humans

The pathogenesis of the disorders of calcium metabolism is not fully understood. This review discusses the studies in which metabolomics was applied in this area. Indeed, metabolomics could play an essential role in discovering biomarkers and elucidating pathological mechanisms. Despite the limited bibliography, the present review highlights the potential of metabolomics in identifying the biomarkers of some of the most common endocrine disorders, such as primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), calcium deficiency, osteoporosis and vitamin D supplementation. Metabolites related to above-mentioned diseorders were grouped into specific classes and mapped into metabolic pathways. Furthermore, disturbed metabolic pathways can open up new directions for the in-depth exploration of the basic mechanisms of these diseases at the molecular level.     

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Accelerate Vascular Calcification in a Model of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Arterial calcification is a common feature of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a disease characterized by ABCC6 mutations, inducing a deficiency in pyrophosphate, a key inhibitor of calcium phosphate crystallization in arteries. Methods: we analyzed whether long-term exposure of Abcc6^−/− mice (a murine model of PXE) to a mild vitamin D supplementation, with or without calcium, would impact the development of vascular calcification. Eight groups of mice (including Abcc6^−/− and wild-type) received vitamin D supplementation every 2 weeks, a calcium-enriched diet alone (calcium in drinking water), both vitamin D supplementation and calcium-enriched diet, or a standard diet (controls) for 6 months. Aorta and kidney artery calcification was assessed by 3D-micro-computed tomography, Optical PhotoThermal IR (OPTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Yasue staining. Results: at 6 months, although vitamin D and/or calcium did not significantly increase serum calcium levels, vitamin D and calcium supplementation significantly worsened aorta and renal artery calcification in Abcc6^−/− mice. Conclusions: vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation accelerate vascular calcification in a murine model of PXE. These results sound a warning regarding the use of these supplementations in PXE patients and, to a larger extent, patients with low systemic pyrophosphate levels.     

Serum 25(OH)D is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome risk profile among urban middle-aged Chinese population

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of chronic metabolic diseases. Limited evidence regarding vitamin D deficiency exists within the Chinese population. The present study aims to examine the association between serum vitamin D concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population METHODS: The cross-sectional relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g., body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, etc.) were evaluated in 601 non-diabetic adults.ResultVitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was present in 66 % of the tested population, and serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in patients who were overweight/obese or suffered metabolic syndrome when compared to individuals of healthy weight without metabolic syndrome (24.08 +/- 8.08 vs 31.70 +/- 11.77 ng/ml, 21.52 +/- 6.9 vs 31.74 +/- 10.21 ng/ml respectively). 25(OH)D was inversely associated with waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and it was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol in a multivariable-adjusted regression model. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is common in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population, with high prevalence in overweight/obese individuals and patients with metabolic syndrome. Low vitamin D concentration was associated with indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the cause-effect relation between vitamin D status, obesity and related metabolic disorders.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials (ISRCTN21527585).     

Plant-Based Nutritional Supplementation Attenuates LPS-Induced Low-Grade Systemic Activation

Plant-based nutritional supplementation has been shown to attenuate and reduce mortality in the processes of both acute and chronic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Low-level systemic inflammation is an important contributor to these afflictions and diets enriched in phytochemicals can slow the progression. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on changes in glucose and insulin tolerance, performance enhancement, levels of urinary neopterin and concentrations of neurotransmitters in the striatum in mouse models. Both acute and chronic injections of LPS (2 mg/kg or 0.33 mg/kg/day, respectively) reduced glucose and insulin tolerance and elevated neopterin levels, which are indicative of systemic inflammatory responses. In addition, there were significant decreases in striatal neurotransmitter levels (dopamine and DOPAC), while serotonin (5-HT) levels were essentially unchanged. LPS resulted in impaired execution in the incremental loading test, which was reversed in mice on a supplemental plant-based diet, improving their immune function and maintaining skeletal muscle mitochondrial activity. In conclusion, plant-based nutritional supplementation attenuated the metabolic changes elicited by LPS injections, causing systemic inflammatory activity that contributed to both systemic and neurological alterations.     

Focus on Pivotal Role of Dietary Intake (Diet and Supplement) and Blood Levels of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Obtaining Successful Aging

Numerous specific age-related morbidities have been correlated with low intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols. We performed a review in order to evaluate the extant evidence regarding: (1) the association between intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols and age-related pathologies (osteoporosis, sarcopenia and cognitive impairment); and (2) the optimum diet therapy or supplementation with tocopherols and tocotrienols for the treatment of these abnormalities. This review included 51 eligible studies. The recent literature underlines that, given the detrimental effect of low intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols on bone, muscle mass, and cognitive function, a change in the lifestyle must be the cornerstone in the prevention of these specific age-related pathologies related to vitamin E-deficient status. The optimum diet therapy in the elderly for avoiding vitamin E deficiency and its negative correlates, such as high inflammation and oxidation, must aim at achieving specific nutritional goals. These goals must be reached through: accession of the elderly subjects to specific personalized dietary programs aimed at achieving and/or maintaining body weight (avoid malnutrition); increase their intake of food rich in vitamin E, such as derivatives of oily seeds (in particular wheat germ oil), olive oil, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and cereals rich in vitamin E (such as specific rice cultivar rich in tocotrienols) or take vitamin E supplements. In this case, vitamin E can be correctly used in a personalized way either for the outcome from the pathology or to achieve healthy aging and longevity without any adverse effects.     

Vitamin D–VDR Novel Anti-Inflammatory Molecules—New Insights into Their Effects on Liver Diseases

There is consistent evidence that vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with liver dysfunction, disease severity, and poor prognosis in patients with liver disease. Vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) contribute to the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The presence of genetic variants of vitamin D- and VDR-associated genes has been associated with liver disease progression. In our recent work, we summarized the progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in vitamin D–VDR signaling and discussed the functional significance of VDR signaling in specific cell populations in liver disease. The current review focuses on the complex interaction between immune and liver cells in the maintenance of liver homeostasis and the development of liver injury, the interplay of vitamin D and VDR in the development and outcome of liver disease, the role of vitamin D- and VDR-associated genetic variants in modulating the occurrence and severity of liver disease, and the therapeutic value of vitamin D supplementation in various liver diseases. The association of the vitamin D–VDR complex with liver dysfunction shows great potential for clinical application and supports its use as a prognostic index and diagnostic tool.     

The Gestational Effects of Maternal Bone Marker Molecules on Fetal Growth,Metabolism and Long-Term Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review

Fetal exposure in adverse environmental factors during intrauterine life can lead to various biological adjustments, affecting not only in utero development of the conceptus, but also its later metabolic and endocrine wellbeing. During human gestation, maternal bone turnover increases, as reflected by molecules involved in bone metabolism, such as vitamin D, osteocalcin, sclerostin, sRANKL, and osteoprotegerin; however, recent studies support their emerging role in endocrine functions and glucose homeostasis regulation. Herein, we sought to systematically review current knowledge on the effects of aforementioned maternal bone biomarkers during pregnancy on fetal intrauterine growth and metabolism, neonatal anthropometric measures at birth, as well as on future endocrine and metabolic wellbeing of the offspring. A growing body of literature converges on the view that maternal bone turnover is likely implicated in fetal growth, and at least to some extent, in neonatal and childhood body composition and metabolic wellbeing. Maternal sclerostin and sRANKL are positively linked with fetal abdominal circumference and subcutaneous fat deposition, contributing to greater birthweights. Vitamin D deficiency correlates with lower birthweights, while research is still needed on intrauterine fetal metabolism, as well as on vitamin D dosing supplementation during pregnancy, to diminish the risks of low birthweight or SGA neonates in high-risk populations.     

Assessment of the Effects of Dietary Vitamin D Levels on Olanzapine-Induced Metabolic Side Effects: Focus on the Endocannabinoidome-Gut Microbiome Axis

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor mental health and dysmetabolism. Several metabolic abnormalities are associated with psychotic diseases, which can be compounded by atypical antipsychotics that induce weight gain and insulin resistance. These side-effects may be affected by vitamin D levels. The gut microbiota and endocannabinoidome (eCBome) are significant regulators of both metabolism and mental health, but their role in the development of atypical antipsychotic drug metabolic side-effects and their interaction with vitamin D status is unknown. We studied the effects of different combinations of vitamin D levels and atypical antipsychotic drug (olanzapine) exposure on whole-body metabolism and the eCBome-gut microbiota axis in female C57BL/6J mice under a high fat/high sucrose (HFHS) diet in an attempt to identify a link between the latter and the different metabolic outputs induced by the treatments. Olanzapine exerted a protective effect against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, largely independent of dietary vitamin D status. These changes were concomitant with olanzapine-mediated decreases in Trpv1 expression and increases in the levels of its agonists, including various N-acylethanolamines and 2-monoacylglycerols, which are consistent with the observed improvement in adiposity and metabolic status. Furthermore, while global gut bacteria community architecture was not altered by olanzapine, we identified changes in the relative abundances of various commensal bacterial families. Taken together, changes of eCBome and gut microbiota families under our experimental conditions might contribute to olanzapine and vitamin D-mediated inhibition of weight gain in mice on a HFHS diet.     

Effects of Maternal Resveratrol Intake on the Metabolic Health of the Offspring

Maternal nutritional imbalances, in addition to maternal overweight and obesity, can result in long-term effects on the metabolic health of the offspring, increasing the risk of common non-communicable disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This increased disease risk may also be transmitted across generations. Unfortunately, lifestyle interventions have shown reduced compliancy and limited efficacy. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound reported to have pleiotropic beneficial actions including a possible protective effect against the metabolic programming induced by poor dietary habits during development. However, studies to date are inconclusive regarding the potential metabolic benefits of maternal resveratrol supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the offspring. Moreover, the responses to metabolic challenges are suggested to be different in males and females, suggesting that the effectiveness of treatment strategies may also differ, but many studies have been performed only in males. Here we review the current evidence, both in humans and animal models, regarding the possible beneficial effects of maternal resveratrol intake on the metabolic health of the offspring and highlight the different effects of resveratrol depending on the maternal diet, as well as the differential responses of males and females.     

The effect of modest vitamin E supplementation on lipid peroxidation products and other cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients

Among many factors, elevated lipids and lipid peroxide levels in blood are major risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. This study has examined whether oral supplementation of vitamin E, an antioxidant, has any effect on blood lipid peroxidation products (LP) and lipid profile of diabetic patients. Thirty-five diabetics(D) were supplemented withdl-α-tocopherol (E) capsule (orally, 100 IU/d) or placebo (P) for three months in double-blind clinical trials. Plasma E was analyzed by HPLC and LP by the thiobarbituric acid-reactivity; serum lipids by auto-analyzer. Data were analyzed using pairedt-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Vitamin E supplementation significantly lowered LP and lipid levels in diabetic patients; there were no differences in these parameters after P supplementation. There were no differences in the duration of diabetes and ages of D between P-and E-supplemented groups. This study suggests that vitamin E supplementation significantly lowers blood LP and lipid levels in diabetic patients.     

Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo

Caloric restriction induces mitochondrial biogenesis and improves physical fitness in rodents. We aimed to provide evidence of how caloric restriction affects the body composition and physical performance of trained athletes and to evaluate the possible impact of an every-other-day feeding diet on nutritional deficiencies of micronutrients and essential fatty acids. The study was performed with 12 healthy male athletes by carrying out a 33% caloric restriction with respect to their usual diet. Athletes performed a maximal exercise stress test both before and after the caloric restriction period. Blood samples were taken before and after the caloric restriction at basal conditions and 30 min post-exercise. Although energy intake was reduced by about 33%, the contribution of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids to total energy intake during the caloric restriction was similar to the original diet. The caloric restriction reduced the daily specific micronutrient intake to values lower than 90% of recommended dietary allowances. No effects were observed in blood parameters related to iron metabolism and tissue damage, glucose levels, lipid profiles, or erythrocyte fatty acid composition. In addition, oxidative damage markers decreased after the nutritional intervention. The caloric restriction intervention significantly reduced body weight and trunk, arm, and leg weights; it also caused a decrease in fat and lean body mass, the energy expenditure rate when performing a maximal exercise stress test, and the energy cost to run one meter at various exercise intensities. Furthermore, the intervention ameliorated the onset of the anaerobic phase of exercise. A caloric restriction improves athletes’ performance and energy efficiency, but reduces the daily intake of micronutrients; so, when caloric restriction programs are implemented micronutrient supplementation should be considered. The project was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02533479).