Topic Review
Vitamin C and Kidney Injury
Vitamin C is an important micronutrient and antioxidant for the human body.  In animal experiments, it can protect the kidneys from injury caused by nephrotoxic drugs.  A major feature of COVID-19 and similar viral infection is the cytokine storm, which causes a rise of multiple cytokines in the blood. Those cytokines result in the oxidative stress in cells, which leads to damage to organs and tissues, including the kidneys.  Here, we reviewed the current literature on kidney damage in COVID-19 patients and analyzed the possible etiology and mechanisms.  In addition, we summarized the potential use of vitamin C in preventing kidney damage in experimental animal models and the underlying mechanisms.  Vitamin C appears to protect and facilitate recovery of kidneys from injuries derived from excessive of oxidative stress, a feature of cytokines storm in people with COVID-19.  Finally, we would like to argue that vitamin C may be protective of the renal functions in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing kidney diseases. 
  • 991
  • 26 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is implicated in various bodily functions due to its unique properties in redox homeostasis. Moreover, vitamin C also plays a great role in restoring the activity of 2-oxoglutarate and Fe2+ dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDD), which are involved in active DNA demethylation (TET proteins), the demethylation of histones, and hypoxia processes. Therefore, vitamin C may be engaged in the regulation of gene expression or in a hypoxic state.
  • 1.4K
  • 05 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Vitamin B6 and Diabetes
Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient for the human health. It is involved in more that 150 metabolic reactions which regulate the metabolism of glucose, lipids, amino acids, DNA, and neurotransmitters. In addition, vitamin B6 is an antioxidant molecule able to  counteracting the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Epidemiological and experimental studies indicated the reduced levels of vitamin B6 can cause diabetes. In contrast other studies show that diabetes decreases vitamin B6 levels. Thus these findings lead to envisage the existence of a vicious circle at the basis of the relationship between vitamin B6 and diabetes. This entry reports the main evidence concerning the role of vitamin B6 in diabetes and examine the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.  
  • 7.6K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Adults
In this entry, we focused our attention on some case reports related to the vitamin B12 deficiency associated to anemia, neurologic disorders, and hyperhomocysteinemia. B12 deficiency reversal is simply achieved by prompt therapy, even though it is not the same for several disorders.
  • 563
  • 08 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, of which pernicious anemia (PA) is a type, is a disease in which not enough red blood cells are produced due to a deficiency of vitamin B12. The most common initial symptom is feeling tiredness and weakness. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, pale skin, feeling like one may pass out (lightheadedness), chest pain, rapid heartbeat, numbness in the hands and feet, poor balance, a frequent fall of blood pressure, loss of appetite, a smooth red tongue, memory problems, poor reflexes, and in severe cases even depression and confusion. Without treatment some of these problems may become permanent. Pernicious anemia refers to anemia that results from lack of vitamin B12. Lack of intrinsic factor is most commonly due to an autoimmune attack on the cells that create it in the stomach. It can also occur following the surgical removal of part of the stomach or from an inherited disorder. Other causes of low vitamin B12 include not enough dietary intake (which can be a risk in a vegan diet), celiac disease, or tapeworm infection. When suspected, diagnosis is made by blood and, occasionally, bone marrow tests. Blood tests may show fewer but larger red blood cells, low numbers of young red blood cells, low levels of vitamin B12, and antibodies to intrinsic factor. Pernicious anemia can be treated with injections of vitamin B12. If the symptoms are severe, injections are typically recommended initially. For those who have trouble swallowing pills, a nasal spray is available. Often, treatment is lifelong. Pernicious anemia due to autoimmune problems occurs in about one per 1000 people. Among those over the age of 60, about 2% have the condition. It more commonly affects people of northern European descent. Women are more commonly affected than men. With proper treatment, most people live normal lives. Due to a higher risk of stomach cancer, those with pernicious anemia should be checked regularly for this. The first clear description was by Thomas Addison in 1849. The term "pernicious" means "deadly", and this term came into use because before the availability of treatment the disease was often fatal.
  • 1.3K
  • 27 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Vitamin B12 Biochemistry and (Patho)-Physiology
Vitamin B12 (B12) is an essential cofactor for two enzymes in human metabolism: methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (catalyzing the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA), and methionine synthase (catalyzing the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine). While an inherited defect of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase causes methylmalonic aciduria, severe acquired B12 deficiency, mostly due to reduced uptake of B12, causes classical pernicious anemia. It may also cause neurological symptoms, most commonly sensory, but also motoric or painful neuropathy, symptoms that are also common in DPN.
  • 658
  • 07 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Vitamin A in Retinal Diseases
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that occurs in various chemical forms. It is essential for several physiological processes. Either hyper- or hypovitaminosis can be harmful. One of the most important vitamin A functions is its involvement in visual phototransduction, where it serves as the crucial part of photopigment, the first molecule in the process of transforming photons of light into electrical signals. In this process, large quantities of vitamin A in the form of 11-cis-retinal are being isomerized to all-trans-retinal and then quickly recycled back to 11-cis-retinal. Complex machinery of transporters and enzymes is involved in this process (i.e., the visual cycle). Any fault in the machinery may not only reduce the efficiency of visual detection but also cause the accumulation of toxic chemicals in the retina. 
  • 1.4K
  • 10 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Vitamin A and Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer (BC) is the tenth most common cancer worldwide with a high recurrence rate, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, chemoprevention and improved treatment of BC are of paramount importance. Epidemiological studies suggest that adequate vitamin A intake may be associated with reduced BC risk. In addition, retinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, are intensively studied in cancer research due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to regulate cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Findings from in vivo and in vitro models of BC show great potential for the use of retinoids in the chemoprevention and treatment of BC. However, translation to the clinical practice is limited.
  • 459
  • 25 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Vital Echocardiographic Data Prior to Ventricular Arrhythmia Ablation
Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Echocardiography is the first widely available imaging tool which guides VA management strategies. Along with other invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques, it provides essential information for identification of VA substrate such as differentiation between ischemic and non-ischemic etiology and identification of structural heart disease. Both classic as well as novel echocardiographic techniques such as left ventricular strain measurement and mechanical dispersion assessment provide prognostic information and assist in risk stratification. Furthermore, intracardiac echocardiography may have an adjunctive role for the VA ablation by providing real-time visualization of cardiac structures, continuous monitoring of catheter location and early recognition of procedural complications.
  • 315
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Visualization Techniques in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Skull base surgery has undergone significant progress following key technological developments. From early candle-lit devices to the modern endoscope, refinements in visualization techniques have made endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) a standard practice for treating a variety of conditions. The endoscope has also been integrated with other technologies to enhance visualization, including fluorescence agents, intraoperative neuronavigation with augmented reality, and the exoscope. 
  • 430
  • 06 May 2023
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