Determination of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in foodstuffs by HPLC UV-DAD and LC–MS/MS

In order to generate new data for vitamin D content for the Canadian Nutrient File, a method for the quantification of vitamin D₃ and 25(OH)D₃ in foodstuffs has been modified and improved. Vitamin D₃ was quantified using reverse phase liquid chromatography (LC) with UV-diode array detector (UV-DAD), while 25(OH)D₃ was measured by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (APCI MS/MS). Quantification was by internal standards (IS) using vitamin D₂ and 25(OH)D₂. A Certified Reference Material (CRM-421 containing vitamin D₃) and a control sample (internally generated reference material of ground pork containing both vitamin D₃ and 25(OH)D₃) were used as validation and quality control tools. Limit of detection for both compounds was 0.04 μg/100 g. Accuracy for vitamin D in the CRM-421 was 99% (0.142 mg/kg for a target of 0.143, n = 10). Recovery of vitamin D₃ in ground pork was 97% (88% absolute recovery). For 25(OH)D₃, a recovery of 94% (73% absolute recovery) was obtained. Using this method, data for vitamin D₃ and 25(OH)D₃ content in a variety of foods (pork, beef, eggs, poultry, fish, and dinners) have been generated.     

Infoods Progress on Nomenclature of Foods

Food fortification with iron is effective in combating iron-deficiency anemia. As iron is reactive, it can destroy micronutrients, contribute to poor taste, and discolor the food. Encapsulation could be used to prevent the reaction of iron with food components. The stability of thiamin (vitamin B₁) and its effects on organoleptic properties in Ultra Rice® were investigated in the presence of encapsulated ferrous fumarate. The preparation of simulated rice grains did not affect the solubility of encapsulated ferrous fumarate in simulated gastric juice. After 20 weeks at 40°C/～100% relative humidity, essentially all of the vitamin B₁ and ferrous iron were retained. Antioxidants were effective in preventing the loss of thiamin and retarding oxidative rancidity catalyzed by ferrous iron. This study demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating both iron and vitamin B₁ in a stable Ultra Rice® formulation. Inclusion of other stable B vitamins in the formulation should be also feasible.     

Clinical aspects and outcome of suspected severe pediatric malaria

Objective

The authors had for aim to evaluate diagnosis and treatment practices applied to children with clinically suspected severe malaria, in two referral hospitals of Kisangani.

Patients and methods

A prospective study was carried out between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011 including all children admitted for clinically suspected severe malaria, with at least one of the WHO severity criteria.

Results

One thousand one hundred and fifty-four children were admitted in the two hospitals, 427 (37.0%, n = 1.154) for clinically suspected severe malaria: 155 (36.3%, n = 427) had a positive thick drop examination (TDE), 198 (46.4%, n = 427) a negative one, and 74 (17.3%, n = 427) without thick blood smear examination. Prostration (48.0%) and anemia (40.3%) were the most common severity criteria, while 14.5% and 9.8% presented with convulsions and impaired consciousness respectively. The etiological treatment was quinine infusion. The case specific fatality rate was 19.4% (n = 427), 7.7% (n = 155) in confirmed cases, 9.6% (n = 198) in patients with negative thick blood smear, and 70.3% (n = 74) in patients without any TDE (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Poor technical support and inadequate organization of the patient circuit can result in underestimating the metabolic complications of severe malaria and of other severe infections of early childhood. This is detrimental to the patients, even when effective drugs are available.     

Changes in the content of minerals,B-group vitamins and tocopherols in processed kale leaves

The human body cannot produce minerals, B-group vitamins or tocopherols, so these must be supplied in food. Kale and other Brassica vegetables are good sources of these substances, but food processing can affect their content. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the type of pre-treatment (blanching or cooking), the method of preservation (freezing or canning) and 12-month storage on the content of minerals, vitamins B₁ and B₂, and tocopherols in kale leaves (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala). Pre-processing of kale leaves prior to preservation led to a significant reduction in minerals and vitamins of 26–52 % (blanching) and 29–75 % (cooking). The most abundant macroelements in the products were potassium and calcium, whereas the microelements with the highest values were iron and copper. The highest content of minerals, B group vitamins and tocopherols was observed in frozen products from blanched raw kale leaves. After 12 months storage, the frozen products retained 24–74 % macroelements, 40–71 % microelements, 45–71 % vitamin B₁, 27–47 % vitamin B₂ and 69–85 % total tocopherols, while the canned products (leaves without brine) retained 41–70 %, 31–56 %, 21–23 %, 6–9 % and 44–48 %, respectively.     

Liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and dual parallel mass spectrometric detection for analysis of vitamin D in retail fortified orange juice

Samples of vitamin D fortified orange juice obtained from retail food stores were analyzed for vitamin D₃ content using a method developed by combining the best features of two AOAC methods. Detection by ultraviolet absorption at 265 nm was compared to detection by selected ion monitoring (SIM) using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry (MS). Furthermore, an ion trap (IT) mass spectrometer was employed in a ‘dual parallel MS’ arrangement to simultaneously obtain qualitative APCI-ITMS data. The method was applied to 33 samples of 3 national American orange juice brands and 7 samples of 5 other American brands collected using a statistically designed sampling plan as part of the National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program to provide values for the USDA National Nutrient Databank for Standard Reference. Vitamin D₃ values ranged from 1.071 μg/100 g (43 IU/100 g) to 1.663 μg/100 g (67 IU/100 g), with an average across 55 samples analyzed, including duplicates, of 1.4 ± 0.1 μg/100 g (57 ± 5 IU/100 g). The average of the 38 non-zero uniquely identified samples, using the averages of duplicate sets, was 1.4 ± 0.1 μg/100 g (57 ± 5 IU/100 g), indicating that a typical 8 oz. (∼240 mL = 240 cm³) glass of orange juice provided 3.4 ± 0.3 μg (140 ± 10 IU) vitamin D₃.     

Factors mediating seasonal and influenza A (H1N1) vaccine acceptance among ethnically diverse populations in the urban south

Objective

We examined the acceptability of the influenza A (H1N1) and seasonal vaccinations immediately following government manufacture approval to gauge potential product uptake in minority communities. We studied correlates of vaccine acceptance including attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and influenza immunization experiences, and sought to identify communication approaches to increase influenza vaccine coverage in community settings.

Methods

Adults ≥18 years participated in a cross-sectional survey from September through December 2009. Venue-based sampling was used to recruit participants of racial and ethnic minorities.

Results

The sample (N = 503) included mostly lower income (81.9%, n = 412) participants and African Americans (79.3%, n = 399). Respondents expressed greater acceptability of the H1N1 vaccination compared to seasonal flu immunization (t = 2.86, p = 0.005) although H1N1 vaccine acceptability was moderately low (38%, n = 191). Factors associated with acceptance of the H1N1 vaccine included positive attitudes about immunizations [OR = 0.23, CI (0.16, 0.33)], community perceptions of H1N1 [OR = 2.15, CI (1.57, 2.95)], and having had a flu shot in the past 5 years [OR = 2.50, CI (1.52, 4.10). The factors associated with acceptance of the seasonal flu vaccine included positive attitudes about immunization [OR = 0.43, CI (0.32, 0.59)], community perceptions of H1N1 [OR = 1.53, CI (1.16, 2.01)], and having had the flu shot in the past 5 years [OR = 3.53, CI (2.16, 5.78)]. Participants were most likely to be influenced to take a flu shot by physicians [OR = 1.94, CI (1.31, 2.86)]. Persons who obtained influenza vaccinations indicated that Facebook (χ² = 11.7, p = 0.02) and Twitter (χ² = 18.1, p = 0.001) could be useful vaccine communication channels and that churches (χ² = 21.5, p < 0.001) and grocery stores (χ² = 21.5, p < 0.001) would be effective “flu shot stops” in their communities.

Conclusions

In this population, positive vaccine attitudes and community perceptions, along with previous flu vaccination, were associated with H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance. Increased immunization coverage in this community may be achieved through physician communication to dispel vaccine conspiracy beliefs and discussion about vaccine protection via social media and in other community venues.     

The effects of exercise training and acute exercise duration on plasma folate and vitamin B12

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Energy production and the rebuilding and repair of muscle tissue by physical activity require folate and vitamin B₁₂ as a cofactor. Thus, this study investigated the effects of regular moderate exercise training and durations of acute aerobic exercise on plasma folate and vitamin B₁₂ concentrations in moderate exercise trained rats.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Fifty rats underwent non-exercise training (NT, n = 25) and regular exercise training (ET, n = 25) for 5 weeks. The ET group performed moderate exercise on a treadmill for 30 min/day, 5 days/week. At the end of week 5, each group was subdivided into 4 groups: non-exercise and 3 exercise groups. The non-exercise group (E0) was sacrificed without exercising and the 3 exercise groups were sacrificed immediately after exercising on a treadmill for 0.5 h (E0.5), 1 h (E1), and 2 h (E2). Blood samples were collected and plasma folate and vitamin B₁₂ were analyzed.

RESULTS

After exercise training, plasma folate level was significantly lower and vitamin B₁₂ concentration was significantly higher in the ET group compared with the NT group (P < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between plasma folate and vitamin B₁₂ concentrations. In both the NT and ET groups, plasma folate and vitamin B₁₂ were not significantly changed by increasing duration of aerobic exercise. Plasma folate concentration of E0.5 was significantly lower in the ET group compared with that in the NT group. Significantly higher vitamin B₁₂ concentrations were observed in the E0 and E0.5 groups of the ET group compared to those of the NT group.

CONCLUSION

Regular moderate exercise training decreased plasma folate and increased plasma vitamin B₁₂ levels. However, no significant changes in plasma folate and vitamin B₁₂ concentrations were observed by increasing duration of acute aerobic exercise.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in raw cane sugar (rapadura) in Brazil

Rapadura is the commercial name for unrefined dehydrated sugarcane juice. Rapadura is produced in 25 countries, for an estimated total of 13 million tons per year. It is considered a basic food for the School Meals Program (PNAE) in Brazil, which serves 37 million meals to schoolchildren each day. During the production of rapadura, carcinogenic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may enter this food. A simple and rapid method was optimized and validated for the determination of 16 PAHs in commercial rapadura by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FL). PAHs were measured in 80% of the samples (n = 21) at levels ranging from 0.07 to 4.03 μg kg⁻¹. These data reveal a wide variability in PAH concentrations in the samples, indicated that sugar-cane burning and/or production are important for introduction of these contaminants into rapadura. In Brazil, there are no maximum acceptable PAH levels in this food.     

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Are Highly Prevalent in Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease Patients

Malabsorption, weight loss and vitamin/mineral-deficiencies characterize classical celiac disease (CD). This study aimed to assess the nutritional and vitamin/mineral status of current “early diagnosed” untreated adult CD-patients in the Netherlands. Newly diagnosed adult CD-patients were included (n = 80, 42.8 ± 15.1 years) and a comparable sample of 24 healthy Dutch subjects was added to compare vitamin concentrations. Nutritional status and serum concentrations of folic acid, vitamin A, B₆, B₁₂, and (25-hydroxy) D, zinc, haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin were determined (before prescribing gluten free diet). Almost all CD-patients (87%) had at least one value below the lower limit of reference. Specifically, for vitamin A, 7.5% of patients showed deficient levels, for vitamin B₆ 14.5%, folic acid 20%, and vitamin B₁₂ 19%. Likewise, zinc deficiency was observed in 67% of the CD-patients, 46% had decreased iron storage, and 32% had anaemia. Overall, 17% were malnourished (>10% undesired weight loss), 22% of the women were underweight (Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5), and 29% of the patients were overweight (BMI > 25). Vitamin deficiencies were barely seen in healthy controls, with the exception of vitamin B₁₂. Vitamin/mineral deficiencies were counter-intuitively not associated with a (higher) grade of histological intestinal damage or (impaired) nutritional status. In conclusion, vitamin/mineral deficiencies are still common in newly “early diagnosed” CD-patients, even though the prevalence of obesity at initial diagnosis is rising. Extensive nutritional assessments seem warranted to guide nutritional advices and follow-up in CD treatment.     

Randomised, controlled trial of concomitant pneumococcal and meningococcal conjugate vaccines

A randomised, open-label study compared the immunogenicity and safety of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MnCC vaccine) administered concomitantly and individually. Infants received PCV7 + MnCC vaccine (n = 265), PCV7 alone (n = 268) or MnCC vaccine alone (n = 178). PCV7 was administered at 2, 3½, 6 and 12 months, and MnCC vaccine at 2, 6 and 12 months. For the 7 pneumococcal serotypes tested (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F), proportions of subjects with pneumococcal serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody concentrations ≥0.35 μg/mL post-infant series were non-inferior for the PCV7 + MnCC vaccine (91.5–99.6%) and PCV7 (89.0–99.6%) groups. Proportions of subjects achieving serogroup C meningococcal serum bactericidal assay titres ≥1:8 post-infant series were non-inferior for the PCV7 + MnCC vaccine (99.6%) and MnCC vaccine groups (98.8%). Pneumococcal IgG antibody levels were similar in the PCV7 + MnCC vaccine and PCV7 groups at each time point. Post-infant and post-toddler meningococcus C serum bactericidal assay titres and IgG levels were similar in the PCV7 + MnCC vaccine and MnCC groups, although pre-toddler, the levels were lower in the PCV7 + MnCC vaccine group than the MnCC vaccine group. Immune response rates to diphtheria antigen approached 100% for all vaccine groups. Local reactions were mostly similar among the treatment groups. The MnCC vaccine group had lower rates of some systemic events than the PCV7 + MnCC vaccine group. Immune responses to PCV7 + MnCC vaccine were non-inferior compared with those seen with each vaccine administered alone.     

Micronutrient Status in Female University Students: Iron,Zinc, Copper,Selenium, Vitamin B12 and Folate

Young women are at an increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly due to higher micronutrient requirements during childbearing years and multiple food group avoidances. The objective of this study was to investigate biomarkers of particular micronutrients in apparently healthy young women. Female students (n = 308; age range 18–35 year; Body Mass Index 21.5 ± 2.8 kg/m²; mean ± SD) were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Blood samples were obtained from participants in the fasted state and analysed for biomarkers of iron status, vitamin B₁₂, folate, homocysteine, selenium, zinc, and copper. The results show iron deficiency anaemia, unspecified anaemia, and hypoferritinemia in 3%, 7% and 33.9% of participants, respectively. Low vitamin B₁₂ concentrations (<120 pmol/L) were found in 11.3% of participants, while 4.7% showed sub-clinical deficiency based on serum methylmalonic acid concentrations >0.34 μmol/L. Folate concentrations below the reference range were observed in 1.7% (serum) or 1% (erythrocytes) of participants, and 99.7% of the participant had erythrocyte-folate concentrations >300 nmol/L. Serum zinc concentrations <10.7 μmol/L were observed in 2% of participants. Serum copper and selenium concentrations were below the reference range in 23% and 11% of participants, respectively. Micronutrient deficiencies including iron and vitamin B₁₂, and apparent excess of folate are present in educated Australian female students of childbearing age, including those studying nutrition. The effects of dietary behaviours and food choices on markers of micronutrient status require further investigation.     

Vitamin B12 as a potential compliance marker for fish intake

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the following four markers: vitamin B₁₂, selenium, vitamin D, and parvalbumin may be used as compliance markers for fish intake.

Methods

Blood samples from a randomized cross-over herring intervention study (n = 32) were analysed by HPLC and immunochemistry. The criteria were that plasma or serum concentrations of candidate compliance markers after the herring diet should increase significantly compared to starting concentrations. In addition, the reference meat diet should not yield an increase in plasma concentration of the candidate marker.

Results

Vitamin B₁₂ and selenium met the set criteria for indicating a correlation between the marker and fish intake with significant increases in serum concentrations at 8.9 % (p = 0.008) and 4.6 % (p = 0.02), respectively, after a 6-week herring intervention (5 meals a week). Parvalbumin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D₃ levels did not increase significantly after the herring interventions.

Conclusions

Vitamin B₁₂ may be suitable as a compliance marker for fish intake. Although selenium also met the criteria, the change in selenium serum concentrations was small compared to the change in vitamin B₁₂ levels.     

Vitamins and iron blood biomarkers are associated with blood pressure levels in European adolescents. The HELENA study

ObjectivesPrevious research showed that low concentration of biomarkers in the blood during adolescence (i.e., iron status; retinol; and vitamins B₆, B₁₂, C, and D) may be involved in the early stages of development of many chronic diseases, such as hypertension. The aim was to evaluate if iron biomarkers and vitamins in the blood are associated with blood pressure in European adolescents.MethodsParticipants from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence cross-sectional study (N = 1089; 12.5–17.5 y; 580 girls) were selected by complex sampling. Multilevel linear regression models examined the associations between iron biomarkers and vitamins in the blood and blood pressure; the analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for contextual and individual potential confounders.ResultsA positive association was found in girls between RBC folate concentration and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = 3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–5.77), although no association between the vitamin serum biomarkers concentrations and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was found. In boys, retinol was positively associated with DBP (β = 3.84; 95% CI, 0.51–7.17) and vitamin B₆ was positively associated with SBP (β = 3.82; 95% CI, 1.46–6.18). In contrast, holotranscobalamin was inversely associated with SBP (β = −3.74; 95% CI, −7.28 to −0.21).ConclusionsLevels of RBC folate and vitamin B₆ in blood may affect BP in adolescents. In this context, programs aimed at avoiding high BP levels should promote healthy eating behavior by focusing on the promotion of vegetable proteins and foods rich in vitamin B₁₂ (i.e., white meat and eggs), which may help to achieve BP blood control in adolescents.     

Efficacy of ceftriaxone and doxycycline in the treatment of early syphilis

Introduction

An increase of syphilis cases has been recorded in the past few decades, especially among HIV-infected patients. These patients often present with concomitant primary and secondary lesions or extensive presentations of syphilis.

Objective

Our goal was to compare alternative regimens to the recommended penicillin treatment.

Method

We retrospectively studied 116 patient files (80% HIV1-infected) treated for a first episode of early syphilis.

Results

Patients mainly presented with symptoms of secondary syphilis. In 15.5% of the cases patients were asymptomatic and 17.2% of patients with secondary syphilis presented with neurologic or ophthalmic symptoms. Some less usual clinical presentations included diffuse polyadenopathy or isolated fever. The time to serological response was similar among those treated with benzathine-penicillin (n = 52), ceftriaxone (n = 49), or doxycycline (n = 15).

Conclusion

Ceftriaxone and doxycycline could be suitable alternatives to penicillin in the treatment of early syphilis in HIV-infected patients. These two treatments have a concomitant effectiveness even for asymptomatic forms of neurosyphilis.     

Effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure and serum lipids and carotenoids: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,clinical trial

PurposeTo estimate the effects of calcium or vitamin D supplementation or a combination of both on blood pressure and serum lipid and carotenoid levels.MethodsNinety-two colorectal adenoma patients were randomized in a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of supplemental vitamin D₃ 800 IU and elemental calcium 2.0 g (as calcium carbonate) alone or in combination in divided doses twice daily with meals over 6 months.ResultsRelative to placebo, mean serum triglycerides decreased 30% (P = .10) and 32% (P = .10) in the calcium and calcium plus vitamin D₃ treatment groups, respectively. When the two calcium intervention groups were pooled and compared with the pooled noncalcium groups, the estimated supplemental calcium treatment effects were statistically significant for triglycerides (P = .04). Similar but nonstatistically significant decreases (5%–7%) were observed for serum total cholesterol levels. Mean systolic blood pressure increased 6% (P = .08) in the calcium group; otherwise, there were no appreciable changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressures in any active treatment group. Mean serum total carotenoid levels decreased 14% (P = .07) in the calcium and 9% (P = .10) in the calcium plus vitamin D₃ groups.ConclusionsOur results suggest that supplemental calcium alone or combined with vitamin D₃ but not vitamin D₃ alone may reduce serum lipids and lipophilic micronutrients.     

Rotavirus vaccine RIX4414 efficacy sustained during the third year of life: a randomized clinical trial in an Asian population

RIX4414 (Rotarix™), has shown high efficacy during the first 2-years of life. A 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan was extended for another year. Infants (6–17 weeks) received 2-doses (1–2 months apart) of RIX4414 (n = 5359) or placebo (n = 5349). During the third-year follow-up, 4359 (RIX4414) and 4328 (placebo) infants were monitored. 64 (1.2%) and 2 (0.04%) infants in the placebo and RIX4414 groups, respectively, reported severe rotavirus–gastroenteritis (RVGE), resulting in a vaccine efficacy of 96.9% (95% CI [88.3–99.6]). Efficacy was 100% (67.5–100) in the third-year. RIX4414 was efficacious against G1 (100.0% [84.8–100]) and pooled non-G1 RV types (94.9% [80.2–99.4]). This study shows that the vaccine is highly efficacious, regardless of circulating RV-types, up to the first 3 years of life in affluent Asian urban populations.     

Safety and immunogenicity of different two-dose regimens of an investigational hepatitis B vaccine (hepatitis B surface antigen co-administered with an immunostimulatory phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotide) in healthy young adults

Background

Previous studies have shown that two doses of an investigational hepatitis B vaccine consisting of hepatitis B surface antigen combined with an immunostimulatory phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotide adjuvant (HBV-ISS) given 8 weeks apart provides seroprotection sooner than 3 doses of a licensed hepatitis B vaccine over 24 weeks. A more rapid schedule with a 4-week interval could provide earlier protection and potentially greater compliance.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind study, healthy adults received two doses of HBV-ISS at 0 and 4 or 0 and 8 weeks; saline placebo was given at week 8 for the 0–4 schedule and at week 4 for the 0–8 schedule). Adverse events were collected after each dose. Antibodies were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 32 weeks.

Results

Participants were randomized to the 0–4 (n = 18) or 0–8 (n = 23) weeks schedule. Rates of adverse events were similar in the two groups after the HBV-ISS injections regardless of the schedule, but more frequent than after the placebo injections. By 4 weeks post-dose-2, 94.1% of 0–4 and 100% of 0–8 recipients had protective antibody levels; geometric mean concentrations were 244 mIU/mL and 3217 mIU/mL respectively. By 32 weeks, the difference in antibody concentration had decreased (GMC 439 mIU/mL vs. 863 mIU/mL, respectively; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

A 0–4 weeks, two-dose regimen of HBV-ISS was well-tolerated and induced an antibody response that was similar to a 0–8 weeks schedule.     

Sustained viral load reduction in treatment-naive HCV genotype 1 infected patients after therapeutic peptide vaccination

Background

Novel antivirals augment treatment efficacy in chronic HCV infection, to overcome limitations on safety profile alternative approaches are warranted. The effect of a therapeutic peptide vaccine on HCV viral load was investigated in treatment-naïve genotype 1 HCV patients.

Methods

Fifty patients received 8 intradermal IC41 vaccinations biweekly with topical application of the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (Group A). In Group B, 21 patients received a condensed schedule of 16 subcutaneous vaccinations weekly without imiquimod.

Results

At Week 16 Group A (n = 44) showed a statistically significant (p = 0.0013) HCV viral load decline of 0.21 log. 24 weeks after the last vaccination the viral load decreased by 0.47 log (p < 0.0001) in 34 subjects. This effect was more pronounced in 17 patients with high baseline HCV (>2 × 10⁶ IU/ml) with a 0.61 log decline, which was statistically significant (p < 0.02) starting two weeks after the third vaccination. No apparent effect on HCV viral load was observed in Group B (n = 21). In Group A eight patients (24%) showed a viral load response defined as a decline of >0.8 log. Overall, about 30–55% of patients showed T cell responses during the vaccination series and up to six months in both groups. No significant correlations between the HCV viral load decrease and T cell immune response were detected.

Conclusions

This is the first report on a significant antiviral effect of a peptide vaccine in HCV infected patients. Response kinetics with increased HCV RNA decline 24 weeks after the last IC41 vaccination is encouraging.     

Evaluation of vitamin B6 intake and status of 20- to 64-year-old Koreans

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Recent research regarding vitamin B₆ status including biochemical index is limited. Thus, this study estimated intakes and major food sources of vitamin B₆; determined plasma pyridoxal 5''-phosphate (PLP); and assessed vitamin B₆ status of Korean adults.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Three consecutive 24-h diet recalls and fasting blood samples were collected from healthy 20- to 64-year-old adults (n = 254) living in the Seoul metropolitan area, cities of Kwangju and Gumi, Korea. Vitamin B₆ intake and plasma PLP were analyzed by gender and by vitamin B₆ supplementation. Pearson''s correlation coefficient was used to determine associations of vitamin B₆ intake and plasma PLP.

RESULTS

The mean dietary and total (dietary plus supplemental) vitamin B₆ intake was 1.94 ± 0.64 and 2.41 ± 1.45 mg/day, respectively. Median (50th percentile) dietary intake of men and women was 2.062 and 1.706 mg/day. Foods from plant sources provided 70.61% of dietary vitamin B₆ intake. Only 6.3% of subjects consumed total vitamin B₆ less than Estimated Average Requirements. Plasma PLP concentration of all subjects was 40.03 ± 23.71 nmol/L. The concentration of users of vitamin B₆ supplements was significantly higher than that of nonusers (P < 0.001). Approximately 16% of Korean adults had PLP levels < 20 nmol/L, indicating a biochemical deficiency of vitamin B₆, while 19.7% had marginal vitamin B₆ status. Plasma PLP concentration showed positive correlation with total vitamin B₆ intake (r = 0.40984, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, vitamin B₆ intake of Korean adults was generally adequate. However, one-third of subjects had vitamin B₆ deficiency or marginal status. Therefore, in some adults in Korea, consumption of vitamin B₆-rich food sources should be encouraged.