bims-vitmet 2025-07-20 papers

bims-vitmet

Biomed News

on Vitamin metabolism

Issue of 2025–07–20
nine papers selected by
Onurkan Karabulut, Berkeley City College

The Role of Vitamins in Neurodegeneration: A Brief Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Perspectives.
Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review of Risk Reduction Evidence.
Effect of Vitamins B12 and D Deficiency in Thyroid, Skin, Oral, and Respiratory Disease.
Vitamin A and Its Related Diseases.
[A stable mouse model of chronic liver fibrosis induced by vitamin A deficiency and intraperitoneal CCl4 injection].
Shifting Perspectives on the Role of Tocotrienol vs. Tocopherol in Brain Health: A Scoping Review.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)-An Essential Health Regulator.
Effects of Selenium and Other Micronutrient Intake on Human Health.
Vitamin K-Dependent Inhibition Mechanisms in Human Aortic Valve Calcification.

Psychogeriatrics. 2025 Jul;25(4): e70071

The Role of Vitamins in Neurodegeneration: A Brief Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Perspectives.

Alberto Raggi, Raffaele Ferri.

  This review evaluates the role of vitamins in neurodegeneration. Low levels of B vitamins have been associated with cognitive decline. B vitamins may help inhibit amyloid plaque aggregation. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment, correlating with Alzheimer's pathology. Vitamin E may help delay Alzheimer's disease progression and support functional abilities. In Parkinson's disease, vitamin D shows promise in reducing dopaminergic neuron loss and improving motor and cognitive outcomes. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress and preserves neuronal integrity. Vitamin K has gained attention for its role in cognitive health, with studies suggesting that higher levels may be linked to improved cognitive performance. In conclusion, a better understanding of the translational potential of these vitamins may inform preventive and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Clinicians should consider vitamin supplementation for aging-related conditions. Further studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential and clarify underlying mechanisms in neurodegeneration.

Keywords:  Alzheimer's disease; cognitive impairment; neurodegeneration; neuroprotection; oxidative damage; vitamin supplementation

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/psyg.70071
Nutrients. 2025 Jun 25. pii: 2102. [Epub ahead of print]17(13):

Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review of Risk Reduction Evidence.

William B Grant, Barbara J Boucher, Richard Z Cheng, Pawel Pludowski, Sunil J Wimalawansa.

  The role of vitamin D in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remains debated despite growing evidence. Prospective observational studies consistently show that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations (below 40-50 nmol/L [16-20 ng/mL]) are associated with the highest risk of CVD incidence. In addition, a large prospective observational study found that serum 25(OH)D concentration was inversely correlated with CVD mortality rate to over 100 nmol/L. Randomized controlled trials have not generally demonstrated benefit due to faulty study designs, such as enrolling participants with baseline 25(OH)D levels > 50 nmol/L. However, a major trial found that 60,000 IU/month of vitamin D3 supplementation reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events for participants with predicted 25(OH)D concentrations ≥ 50 nmol/L or taking statins or CV drugs by ~13 to ~17%. In addition, vitamin D supplementation studies have found modest reductions in several CVD risk factors. Other observational studies of vitamin D supplementation have reported reduced CVD risks (e.g., ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and myocardial infarction). Temporal ecological studies further support this relationship, revealing that CVD incidence rates are lowest in summer and CVD mortality rates are significantly higher in late winter-when 25(OH)D concentrations are lowest-compared to late summer. A previously reported analysis using eight of Hill's criteria for causality in a biological system further strengthens the biological plausibility of vitamin D's role in CVD risk reduction. Its role in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress, improving endothelial function, and reducing several cardiometabolic risk factors supports its inclusion as part of a comprehensive, multi-modal approach to cardiovascular health. Therefore, vitamin D should be considered an integral component in the prevention and management of CVD. Preferably, it should be used in combination with other nutritional supplements, a heart-healthy diet, and prescription medications to reduce the risk of CVD incidence. People should consider vitamin D3 supplementation with at least 2000 IU/day (50 mcg/day) (more for those who are obese) when sun exposure is insufficient to maintain serum 25(OH)D concentrations above 75 nmol/L. To reduce CVD mortality rates, higher doses to achieve higher 25(OH)D concentrations might be warranted.

Keywords:  25-hydroxyvitamin D; Mendelian randomization; cardiovascular disease; causality; heart; meta-analysis; prospective cohort studies; randomized controlled trials; stroke; vitamin D

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132102
J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025 Jun;17(Suppl 2): S1749-S1751

Effect of Vitamins B12 and D Deficiency in Thyroid, Skin, Oral, and Respiratory Disease.

Praveen K Tagore, Prashant Harit, Manish K Sachan, Mahendra K Bharti, Pratima Singh, Gauri Harit.

   Background: Vitamin B12 and vitamin D play crucial roles in maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis. Deficiencies in these vitamins have been linked to multiple systemic and localized disorders, including thyroid dysfunction, dermatological conditions, oral pathologies, and respiratory diseases.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 participants aged 20-50 years, divided into two groups: individuals with vitamins B12 and D deficiencies (n = 100) and healthy controls (n = 100). Serum vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels were assessed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, and T4), dermatological assessments, oral health indices (DMFT index, oral mucosal examination), and pulmonary function tests (spirometry) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with a significance level set at P < 0.05.
Results: Vitamins B12 and D deficiencies were significantly associated with hypothyroidism (P = 0.003), increased prevalence of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (P = 0.021), higher incidence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and burning mouth syndrome (P = 0.017), and impaired pulmonary function with reduced FEV1/FVC ratio (P = 0.038). Mean vitamin B12 levels in the deficient group were 180 ± 45 pg/mL, while mean vitamin D levels were 12.4 ± 3.7 ng/mL.
Conclusion: Deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D contribute to multiple systemic disorders, affecting thyroid function, skin integrity, oral health, and respiratory function. Early detection and supplementation may help mitigate these adverse effects.

Keywords:  Deficiency; oral health; respiratory diseases; skin disorders; thyroid dysfunction; vitamin B12; vitamin D

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_300_25
Food Sci Nutr. 2025 Jul;13(7): e70630

Vitamin A and Its Related Diseases.

Shuhan Rao, Tiewei Li, Xiaojuan Li, Ligong Hou, Wan Sun.

  Vitamin A (VA), an essential micronutrient, plays a pivotal role in human growth, development, immune function, and vision. Vitamin A deficiency not only affects children's vision and growth, but also increases their susceptibility to infectious diseases, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Deficiency in vitamin A not only disrupts growth and development in children but also increases susceptibility to infectious diseases, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. From an immunological standpoint, vitamin A is essential for the proper development and function of the immune system, with its deficiency impairing immune responses. Emerging evidence also suggests a role for vitamin A in the pathogenesis of systemic diseases, including metabolic and autoimmune disorders. Therefore, monitoring and managing vitamin A levels are of great significance in disease prevention and treatment. To fully understand the mechanism of vitamin A in various clinical diseases, it is important to provide a theoretical basis for improving the nutritional status of vitamin A to reduce the incidence of diseases and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords:  autoimmune diseases; eye diseases; infectious diseases; metabolic diseases; vitamin A

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70630
Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2025 Jul 20. pii: 1673-4254(2025)07-1527-08. [Epub ahead of print]45(7): 1527-1534

[A stable mouse model of chronic liver fibrosis induced by vitamin A deficiency and intraperitoneal CCl4 injection].

Tingting Yang, Li Zhao.

   OBJECTIVES: To prepare a stable mouse model of chronic liver fibrosis induced by dietary vitamin A (VA) deficiency combined with CCl4 injections.
METHODS: A total of 126 Balb/c mice were randomized into 3 groups for feeding with a normal VA diet or a VA-deficient diet containing 500 or 200 IU/kg VA. After 4 weeks of feeding, half of the mice in each group were given intraperitoneal injections of 5% CCl4 (10 mL/kg, twice a week) for 8 weeks. Serum retinol, ALT/AST and liver index of the mice were examined, liver tissue pathologies were observed with HE and Masson staining, and liver fibrosis score and oxidative stress level were evaluated.
RESULTS: Four weeks of VA-deficient feeding, especially at 200 IU/kg, significantly lowered serum retinol level of the mice. CCl4 injections for 8 weeks obviously increased liver index and ALT/AST and caused obvious liver fibrosis in all the mice, but liver pathologies were more severe in the 2 VA-deficient groups; severe liver necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in 200 IU/kg VA group, where 2 mice died. After discontinuation of CCl4, the mice with normal dietary VA showed gradual recovery of the liver index, ALT/AST, liver cord structure and liver fibrosis; the mice with VA deficiency, however, showed no significant improvements in these parameters, and the mice with 200 IU/kg VA still had serious abdominal adhesion, false lobules and massive inflammatory cell infiltration with a fibrosis stage score of 3. The oxidative damage index 8-OHdG was significantly higher in 500 IU/kg VA group than in normal VA group after CCl4 modeling.
CONCLUSIONS: Feeding with diet containing 500 IU/kg VA for 4 weeks and 10 mL/kg CCl4 injections for 8 weeks can result in stable moderate to severe liver fibrosis in mice without spontaneous reversal at 8 weeks of drug withdrawal.

Keywords:  CCl 4; animal models; chronic liver fibrosis; vitamin A deficiency

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2025.07.20
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jun 30. pii: 6339. [Epub ahead of print]26(13):

Shifting Perspectives on the Role of Tocotrienol vs. Tocopherol in Brain Health: A Scoping Review.

Rabiatul Adawiyah Razali, Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, Suzana Makpol, Daijiro Yanagisawa, Tomoko Kato, Ikuo Tooyama.

  Vitamin E has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective properties, with increasing evidence supporting its broader roles in brain health. This scoping review aims to systematically identify, analyze, and synthesize evidence of the existing literature over the last 10 years on tocotrienol and tocopherol supplementation in humans. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost yielding 42 eligible articles. Findings suggest that tocopherols, especially α- and γ-forms, are associated with improved cognitive performance, reduced neuroinflammation, and preservation of synaptic proteins. Despite tocotrienol's lower plasma bioavailability, tocotrienol availability in selective brain regions has been associated with structural protection, particularly in white matter. Both compounds exhibit complementary effects, suggesting a potential advantage of combined supplementation. However, heterogeneity in study designs, subject characteristics, dosage, duration, and assessment methods limit direct comparisons and generalizability of findings. Based on our review's findings, further research such as dose-optimization, long-term exposures, and delivery methods on human studies should be performed. This review highlights the multifaceted roles of vitamin E in brain health and underscores the urgent need for well-designed studies to clarify the distinct and synergistic effects of tocopherols and tocotrienols, particularly in human populations.

Keywords:  cognitive function; dietary supplementation; neuroprotection; vitamin E isomers

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136339
Nutrients. 2025 Jul 02. pii: 2206. [Epub ahead of print]17(13):

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)-An Essential Health Regulator.

Julia Kaźmierczak-Barańska, Krzysztof Halczuk, Bolesław T Karwowski.

  Thiamine (vitamin B1) is key in maintaining cellular health and energy metabolism. Thiamine is required for proper functioning of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, which is critical for providing energy to cells. This energy is essential for various cellular processes, including DNA repair mechanisms. In addition, it is a prerequisite for the functioning of key enzymes in the biosynthesis of pentose sugars, which are essential in the synthesis of nucleic acids. Additionally, thiamine has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress in cells; thus, by relieving this stress, thiamine indirectly supports the maintenance of DNA integrity. Ensuring adequate thiamine intake through diet or supplements can support overall cellular health and potentially aid in DNA repair processes. This review aims to highlight the essential role of vitamin B1 in supporting metabolic health, especially given that deficiencies can develop in patients with disease-related malnutrition as well as in those with an inadequate diet.

Keywords:  antioxidant; mitochondria/ROS; oxidative stress; thiamine

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132206
Nutrients. 2025 Jul 07. pii: 2239. [Epub ahead of print]17(13):

Effects of Selenium and Other Micronutrient Intake on Human Health.

Shuang-Qing Zhang.

Since its discovery in 1817, selenium had long been considered toxic, until 1957, when the element was demonstrated to protect vitamin E-deficient rats against liver necrosis and recognized as an essential micronutrient [...].

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132239
Maedica (Bucur). 2025 Mar;20(1): 99-105

Vitamin K-Dependent Inhibition Mechanisms in Human Aortic Valve Calcification.

Symeon-Evangelos Mavroudeas, Anastasios Apostolos, Despoina Spyropoulou, George Matthaiopoulos, Odysseas Katsaros, Nikolaos Kafkas, Evangelos Tsiambas, Konstantina Aggeli, Dimitrios Tousoulis, Constantinos Tsioufis, Konstantinos Toutouzas.

Introduction: Stenosis of the aortic valve is a leading cause of severe cardiovascular lesions. Progressive calcification, rheumatic modifications and also congenital events are the main etiopathogenetic factors. Extended fibrotic changes and aberrant ectopic calcification of the specific aortic valve interstitial cells are the most recognizable histopathological features. In fact, the previously referred cells are transformed from their initial myofibroblast phenotype to an osteoblast-like cell formation mediated by an inflammatory process. Concerning the potentially effective anti-calcification, inhibition strategies, some molecules are under investigation. Among them, vitamins seem to be involved in this process by preventing aortic wall extensive calcification. Objective: The purpose of the current review was to explore the involvement of Vitamin K complex in the inhibition mechanisms of the human aortic valve calcification process. Material and method: A systematic retrospective review of the literature was carried out based on PubMed international medical database. The following keywords were used: vitamin, calcification, cardiovascular, stenosis, aorta. Results: A broad spectrum of seventy (n=70) significant articles - focused on the vitamin K complex structural and functional aspects and its implication in anti-calcification mechanisms - were selected for the current review study. The majority of medical data referred to after 2015 published articles, whereas specific references of great importance and value were also included. Conclusions: Specific vitamin K members play a crucial role by regulating the activity of proteins such as osteocalcin that induces endothelial calcification. Interestingly, vitamin K also modifies the function of the matrix-Gla proteins that are implicated in this process. In fact, vitamin K-related molecular and biochemical mechanisms in the human aortic valve calcification inhibition are crucial and represent an interesting field for research.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26574/maedica.2025.20.1.99