Effects of vitamin B6 deficiency on cytokine levels and lymphocytes in mice

The effects of vitamin B6 (B6) deficiency on cytokine levels and proportions of lymphocyte subsets in BALB/c mice were investigated. The proportion of lymphocytes from the thymus and spleen of mice given no B6, that were CD4+ CD8- T cells, was larger than in mice given B6, and the ratio of CD8+ to CD4+ T cells in the thymus of mice given no B6 was lower. The concentrations of interleukin-5 and -10 in spleen cells stimulated in vitro with concanavalin A were significantly higher in the mice with B6 deficiency, as was their plasma corticosterone concentrations. These results suggested that B6 is necessary to maintain cytokine levels and lymphoid function in the thymus and spleen of mice.     

Effects of pulsatile perfusion on human saphenous vein vasoreactivity: a preliminary report

The present study examined alterations in left atrial diameter (LAD) and diastolic left ventricular diameter (LVDd) in 37 patients (72.2 +/- 9.8 years old) who received physiological pacemakers; 22 with atrioventricular (AV) block and 15 with sick sinus syndrome (SSS). After pacemaker implantation, LAD and LVDd were serially measured using echocardiography, and their diameters were expressed per body surface area (LADI and LVDdI; mm/m2). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and cardiac output (CO) were measured in ten patients with SSS and ten with AV block during both right ventricular and AV sequential pacing. After AV sequential pacing, CO increased in 19 of 20 patients (3.2 +/- 0.9 L/min to 3.9 +/- 1.0 L/min; P < 0.001). LADI decreased from 24.9 +/- 4.2 mm/m2 to 21.8 +/- 4.4 mm/m2 (P < 0.001) in 22 patients with AV block and from 24.1 +/- 3.4 mm/m2 to 20.4 +/- 3.8 mm/m2 (P < 0.001) in 15 SSS patients. However, LVDdI did not change significantly in either group of patients. The changes in LAD after the implantation of a physiological pacemaker occurred rapidly, i.e., LAD began to decrease within 1 minute after the procedure, and then reached a plateau. This plateau phase continued for at least 7 days during physiological pacing. There was a positive correlation between the changes in LADI after pacemaker implantation and those in PCWP observed during the AV sequential pacing performed prior to the implantation (r = 0.86; P < 0.001). The reduction in LAD following pacemaker implantation was rapid and seemed to be accompanied by improvement of cardiac function. Thus, it is suggested that the serial measurement of LADI is useful to predict the efficacy of physiological pacemaker implantation.     

Effects of posterior teeth replacement on temporomandibular joint sounds: a preliminary report

Previous reports have shown the prevalence of jaw clicking to be significantly higher in a population with missing posterior teeth compared with an dentulous population. This study presents a 2- to 5-year assessment of the effects of posterior teeth replacement on the amplitude of jaw clicking in subjects who were asymptomatic in all respects except jaw clicking. Patients requiring removable partial dentures (RPDs) were clinically and anamnestically examined and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds were recorded using a modified stethoscope attached to an adjustable headgear. Amplified signals were displayed on a strip chart recorder. The amplitude of TMJ sounds at preinsertion of RPDs were 27.5 +/- 17.7 dB at opening, and 11.1 +/- 12.7 dB at closing. Similar values after prosthesis insertion were 15.8 +/- 17.0 dB and 7.4 +/- 7.5 dB, respectively. Paired t test analyses showed significant differences in the amplitude of sound for opening and closing before inserting the prosthesis (p = 0.003) and for opening before and after treatment (p = 0.014). Following replacement of posterior teeth, the clicking amplitude decreased in 68% of recordings, remained unchanged in 11%, and increased in 21%.     

Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection in multiple sclerosis: a preliminary report

We examined cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and patients with other neurological diseases (OND) for antibody specific for Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and for HHV-6 DNA detectable by PCR. CSF from MS patients had a higher frequency of IgG antibody to HHV-6 late antigens (39.4%) compared with CSF from OND (7.4%). In contrast, the frequency of detectable IgG antibody in CSF from MS patients specific for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) (12.1%) and Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) (6.1%) was much lower. Two of 12 MS CSFs (16.7%) also contained HHV-6 DNA detected by PCR. None of four OND CSF were positive for HHV-6 DNA. Plasma from 16 patients with MS, eight with OND and 72 healthy donors were tested for antibodies by ELISA to HHV-6 early (p41/38) and late (gp110) proteins. Although no differences in anti-gp110 IgG antibody were detected between MS patients, patients with other neurological diseases, and normals, IgG antibody to early protein p41/38 was detected in > 68% of the plasma from MS patients, 12.5% from OND patients and 27.8% of the controls. IgM antibody to p41/38 was present in > 56% of MS patients, 12.5% of OND patients, and 19% of controls. These data suggest that more than half of the MS patients had active, ongoing HHV-6 infections. HHV-6 was also isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 3/5 MS patients who were in relapse or had progressive disease and was identified as HHV-6 Variant B. These preliminary results support the hypothesis that HHV-6 may be a co-factor in the pathogenesis of some cases of MS.     

Effects of pentoxifylline on sperm motility and hyperactivated motility in vitro: a preliminary report

Previous reports (2, 3) have suggested that pentoxifylline increases sperm motility. In this preliminary report based on five asthenozoospermic and five normal motility semen samples, we were unable to demonstrate any statistically significant effect of pentoxifylline on percent motility of human spermatozoa. However, in vitro exposure to capacitation medium with pentoxifylline may lead to an increase in total hyperactivated motility in asthenozoospermic samples, an effect not evident in the normal motility samples in this study.     

Effect of vitamin B6 supplementation in McArdle's disease: a strategic case study

A patient-blind study into the effect of a 10-week cessation of long-term vitamin B6 supplementation on B6 status and performance in McArdle's disease is reported. Muscle performance was assessed both subjectively and objectively by an ischaemic fatiguing protocol of the adductor pollicis muscle. Nine weeks after withdrawal of supplementation, vitamin B6 status had changed from adequacy to inadequacy and the force loss during the ischaemic fatiguing protocol had increased at all frequencies studied. The patient reported decreased exercise tolerance after 7 weeks and by the tenth week was experiencing an increase in muscle cramps. Vitamin B6 status and muscle performance may be linked in McArdle's disease and there is potential for enhancement of performance by B6 supplementation.     

Facial corrections in male to female transsexuals: a preliminary report on 16 patients

PURPOSE: The need for facial corrective surgery to facilitate passing as a member of the other sex occurs in a relatively low percentage of male-to-female transsexuals. The aim of this study was to explore criteria and techniques for facial corrections in male-to-female transsexuals because little is known on objective measures for meaningful facial alterations in the female direction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the period 1992 to 1994, 16 male-to-female transsexual patients were eligible for bony facial corrections. Several techniques were used to feminize the masculine appearance: mandibular angle reduction, genioplasty, bimaxillary osteotomy, and zygoma onlay and zygoma sandwich osteotomies. RESULTS: Subjectively good results were obtained. Improvement in quality of life was not objectively assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Facial corrective surgery seems to be promising in selected cases of male-to-female transsexualism. Further research is recommended on quantification of the differences in male and female faces for optimal indications and design of this type of surgery. The psychosocial aspects of the facial surgery and long-term stability of the surgical result also need to be further investigated.     

Influence of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in human milk

The influence of the level of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in milk was studied in 19 healthy subjects whose stages of lactation ranged from 3 weeks to 30 months. Total vitamin B6 intakes, including extra-dietary sources of the vitamin, ranged from 1.3 to 12.5 mg per day with six subjects consuming less than the recommended allowance of 2.5 mg per day (RDA, 1974). Subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg of vitamin B6 per day had significantly less vitamin B6/liter milk (129 mug) than groups consuming 2.5 to 5.0 or greater than 5.0 mg per day (239 and 314 mug, respectively). Among subjects consuming greater than 2.5 mg of vitamin per day the stage of lactation did not influence the levels of protein or vitamin B6 in milk. Vitamin B6 intakes two to five times the recommended allowance did not significantly elevate the level of the vitamin in milk compared to values for subjects whose intakes approximated the allowance. The vitamin B6/protein ratio in milk of subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg vitamin B6 per day was 13 mug/g and was significantly lower than that observed for the other two groups (23 and 28 mug/g). Daily and weekly variations of the vitamin B6 and protein content in milk of individuals were small. However, marked diurnal variations in the vitamin B6 content were found in milk of individuals taking daily supplements of the vitamin with peak levels occurring in the afternoon 3 to 5 hr after supplements were taken in the morning.     

Effect of vitamin B6 on the side effects of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive

PURPOSE: To evaluate acquired color vision defects in glaucoma patients and glaucoma suspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 52 subjects (102 eyes) divided into four groups (with primary open angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, ocular hypertension and with glaucoma-like optic disc) were examined with the IF-2 All-Color Anomaloscope. In all cases both the red-green equation of Rayleigh and the blue-green equation of Moreland were tested and three variables were determined: setting (matching) range (SR), calculated mid point (matching mid point) (CMP) and anomalous quotient (AQ) as compared to control group. RESULTS: No significant changes were found in the variables of the Rayleigh equation. However, in the blue-green equation SR was significantly enlarged in all tested groups and CMP was significantly shifted towards the short wavelength end of the match in first three groups. These results indicate a diminution of the color discriminating sensitivity in the short wavelength half of the visible spectrum and diminution of the blue cone sensitivity in glaucoma patients as well as in ocular hypertension (p < 0.001). In patients with glaucoma-like optic disc the setting range was enlarged in less degree (p < 0.01) without changes in the remaining variables (p > 0.05) what may be indicative of early stage of disease before the perimetric changes. CONCLUSION: Blue-green colour vision testing with the anomaloscope may serve as an additional test in the diagnostics of glaucoma. Glaucoma suspects with blue colour vision disturbances require the most careful investigation and if need be the recommendation of early treatment.     

Effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide on wound contraction in denervated and normal rat skin: a preliminary report

The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on wound contraction in both denervated and normal areas. A total of 100 Wistar rats, each of which had a 2 x 2 cm full-thickness skin defect on the back, were divided into two main control groups and six corresponding experimental groups in which 10 x 10(-9) M and 10 x 10(-12) M synthetic rat CGRP were given intraperitoneally and intradermally. Contraction was assessed weekly with planimetry, and mean surface areas (mm2 +/- SD) of related groups were compared. Complete closure took 4 weeks for the normal control group and 8 weeks for the denervated control group (p < 0.05). The 10 x 10(-12) M CGRP with both types of application showed a decrease in the length of time for complete closure to 3 weeks in the normal experimental groups (p < 0.05), but complete closure still took 4 weeks in normal groups in which 10 x 10(-9) M CGRP was given (p < 0.05). Any dosage of CGRP given intraperitoneally showed no change in the closure period in the denervated experimental groups (p > 0.05). CGRP showed a trophic effect on healing by an increased rate of contraction in the rat model. However, the neural supply to the wound area seemed to be intact because of the necessity of axonal transfer of CGRP.     

Animal-experiment studies on the effect of magnesium and vitamin B 6 on calcium-oxalate nephrolithiasis

By chronic intoxication with ethylene glycol or acute intoxication by Na-glyoxalate in the animal experiment a Ca-oxalatenephrolithiasis could be produced. At this model the influence of magnesium, pyridoxine and phosphate was studied. The combination therapy of magnesium and vitamin B6 can completely prevent the formation of Ca-oxalate-microliths in the kidney. The production of a preparation with 200 mg MgO and 10 mg pyridoxine per tablet for the metaphylaxis of oxalate calculi is recommended.     

Feeding experiments of pyridoxine derivatives as vitamin B6

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the safety of the common practice of preparing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits in advance with saline solution priming by analysis of the surfaces of circuit components and analysis of the prime solution for toxic contaminations. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro analysis of eight ECMO circuits exposed to saline prime solution for 0, 2, or 4 weeks was performed with scanning electron microscopy. Prime solution analyzed for contamination with aluminum, silicone, and diethylhexylphthalate. RESULTS: The silicone membrane and heat exchanger demonstrated surface degradation in contact with saline solution. The prime solution showed increasing concentrations of both aluminum and silicone but not diethylhexylphthalate over time. CONCLUSIONS: Advance preparation of ECMO circuits by prepriming with normal saline solution leads to significant circuit degradation. Prepriming should be avoided.     

Letter and category fluency in schizophrenic patients: a meta-analysis

Patients with schizophrenia typically demonstrate impairments on semantic and letter fluency tasks but it is possible that these tests demand subtly different cognitive processing: a lexical search based on phonology or orthography or a semantic search based on organization of semantic networks by dimension or attribute. Differences in the performance between these two tasks may imply whether deficits involve difficulties in accessing or traversing connectivities in the semantic system, as opposed to those based on linguistic units. In this meta-analysis, we reviewed 13 studies (N=915) in an attempt to clarify whether schizophrenic patients are in fact differentially impaired in semantic fluency. Results from analyses indicated that schizophrenic patients are disproportionately deficient in category fluency (d=1.23 for semantic and 1.01 for letter fluency with minimal overlap of confidence intervals of weighted d's) suggesting that compromises the semantic system may be present in schizophrenia and perhaps play a role in the symptomatic anomalies exhibited in this patient population.     

Effects of B vitamin injections on plasma B vitamin concentrations of feed-restricted beef calves infected with bovine herpesvirus-1

For nonruminants, stress and disease greatly increase requirements for vitamin B6, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and ascorbate. The effects of feed restriction, virus infection, and vitamin injections on plasma concentrations of B vitamins critical to the immune response were evaluated. Twelve beef steer calves, 6 to 8 mo of age, were fed below maintenance for 17 d and deprived of food for 3 d during a 20-d period after weaning. They then were inoculated intranasally with live attenuated bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1). Six calves received saline injections and six received injections of a B vitamin mixture and ascorbate every 48 h for 14 d before and 14 d after inoculation. A mild respiratory infection developed in all calves 4 to 5 d after inoculation. In control calves, restricted intake and food deprivation decreased plasma vitamin B6 and pantothenate and increased vitamin B12 but did not affect folic acid and ascorbate concentrations. Vitamin injections increased plasma concentrations of vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, and ascorbate (P < .002). Plasma concentrations of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, and ascorbate, but not folic acid, were markedly reduced in all calves during the BHV-1 infection (P = .001). The vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, vitamin B12, and ascorbate status of stressed calves may affect their immune response to vaccination or infection.     

Effect of oral contraceptives and vitamin B6 supplements on alanine and glycine metabolism

Plasma alanine or glycine concentrations and blood pyruvate were studied before and after oral administration of the two amino acids to women using estrogen-containing oral contraceptives and to a control group of women. Thirty oral contraceptive users and 14 controls received alanine loads (200 mg/kg of body weight). The two groups had similar fasting plasma alanine levels, but the fasting blood pyruvate was elevated in the contraceptive steroid-treated women. After alanine ingestion, the increases in plasma alanine were significantly lower in the oral contraceptive users. Both groups showed a rise in blood pyruvate; there were no differences in the increments above fasting values. Treatment with pyridoxine hydrochloride, 25 mg for 4 weeks, had not effect on the responses of 11 oral contraceptive users to alanine loading. Twenty-four oral contraceptive users and 14 controls were studied before and after a glycine load (140 mg/kg of body weight). The fasting plasma glycine levels were similar, but lesser increases after ingestion of the amino acid occurred in the oral contraceptive-treated group. Blood pyruvate concentrations in both oral contraceptive users and controls were unaffected by oral glycine loads.     

The effect of a subnormal dose of vitamin B6 on plasma lipid in the rat

In order to understand the mechanisms by which capsaicin at high concentrations affects the micturition reflex and detrusor contractility, in vivo and in vitro whole bladder studies were conducted using ganglionic blockers and a neurokinin receptor antagonist. Thirty-eight adult rats were divided into control (normal saline cystometry) and experimental (1,000 microM capsaicin cystometry) groups. Both groups were subdivided to receive pretreatment with intravesical hexamethonium, perivesical hexamethonium, or intravesical spantide ([D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-substance P). After in vivo cystometry, the bladders were removed and in vitro whole bladder contractility studies using electrical field stimulation as well as bethanechol and KCl stimulations were performed. In the bladders pretreated with perivesical hexamethonium, the amplitudes of contractions and in vitro detrusor contractility under electrical stimulation were decreased. Other bladder preparations showed no significant differences from the controls. However, when 1,000 microM capsaicin was infused into the bladders, both control and experimental bladders showed an initial excitation and a final inhibition with an elevated basal intravesical pressure and retention. Capsaicin at 100 microM did not have this effect. The results of this study conclude that blockage of perivesical ganglia or neurokinin receptors in the submucosa did not influence the depressant effects of 1,000 microM capsaicin on the micturition reflex and detrusor contractility in rats. Nonspecific toxic effects on detrusor muscle or nerves is likely when intravesical high-concentration capsaicin is administered.     

Effects of dynamometer tension on stimulus generalization in schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic patients.

Replicated and extended an earlier study, to test the prediction from the W. E. Broen and L. H. Storms theory that under certain conditions schizophrenics will display an arousal-produced decrement at the training stimulus on a generalization gradient. 14 acute schizophrenics and 10 nonschizophrenics were taught to press a lever to the left when a large square was projected and to the right for a small square. These squares and 6 graded squares of intermediate size were presented during test trials, while Ss gripped a dynamometer at 0, 1/6th, and 1/3rd of maximum tension. Heart rate and skin conductance were recorded. As predicted, schizophrenics showed a significant decrement at the training stimulus under 1/3rd maximum tension but no decrement at the most remote generalization stimulus with the same dominant response. Nonschizophrenics showed no decrement at any stimuli. Heart rate but not skin conductance showed a significant increase with increased muscle tension in both groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Structure, evolution and action of vitamin B6-dependent enzymes

The number of known three-dimensional structures of vitamin B6-dependent enzymes has doubled in the past two years. A fourth type of fold for B6-dependent enzymes, involving a TIM-barrel domain, has been discovered. Alanine racemase is the first known representative of this new fold. Significant progress has been made in understanding the allosteric effects in the tryptophan synthase reaction.