bims-vitmet Biomed News
on Vitamin metabolism
Issue of 2025–05–11
eleven papers selected by
Onurkan Karabulut, Berkeley City College
  1. Investigating the Role of Vitamin D in the Prevention and Control of Dengue Virus Vectors and Related Diseases: A Systematic Review Study.
  2. Vitamin D and depression in adults: A systematic review.
  3. Henoch-Schonlein purpura successfully treated with a milk-free diet, vitamin D and C: First description.
  4. Updated Meta-Analysis on Vitamin Supplementation for Chronic Pruritus: Expanding Evidence Beyond Vitamin D.
  5. A plethora of laboratory protocols for vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants detection: a systematic review of associations with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
  6. Correction to "The Relationship of Vitamin A and Neonatal Respiratory Diseases: A Meta-Analysis".
  7. Nutritional and growth concerns of vegetarian diets in children.
  8. The role of ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential (Review).
  9. Vitamins and dietary supplements in cancer treatment: is there a need for increased usage?
  10. The effects of various nutritional supplements in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a network meta-analysis.
  11. Gut microbiota mediated regulation of vitamin B homeostasis in autism spectrum disorders.
  1. Epidemiol Rev. 2025 May 02. pii: mxaf006. [Epub ahead of print]
    Investigating the Role of Vitamin D in the Prevention and Control of Dengue Virus Vectors and Related Diseases: A Systematic Review Study.
    Ebrahim Abbasi.
       BACKGROUND: Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV) and transmitted by Aedes aegypti, remains a global health concern with no definitive treatment. Given the challenges in vaccine development and disease management, micronutrients such as vitamin D have emerged as potential adjunctive therapies due to their immunomodulatory properties.
    OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of vitamin D in the prevention and control of dengue fever by evaluating its impact on immune responses, viral replication, and clinical outcomes.
    METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies examining the association between vitamin D and dengue virus infection, disease severity, and immune modulation.
    RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that vitamin D supplementation reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, enhanced macrophage responses, and modulated toll-like receptor activity. Higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower viral replication and milder clinical manifestations of dengue fever.
    CONCLUSION: Vitamin D demonstrates potential as an adjunctive therapy for dengue fever by modulating immune responses and reducing disease severity. Further clinical trials are required to validate its therapeutic efficacy and determine optimal supplementation strategies.
    Keywords:  Dengue virus; cytokine response; dengue fever treatment; immune modulation; viral replication; vitamin D
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/epirev/mxaf006
  2. Biomol Biomed. 2025 Apr 30.
    Vitamin D and depression in adults: A systematic review.
    Vlad Dionisie, Mihnea Alexandru Gaman, Cristina Anghele, Mihnea Costin Manea, Maria Gabriela Puiu, Iulia-Ioana Stanescu-Spinu, Octavian-Ilarian Baiu, Florian Antonescu, Mirela Manea, Adela Magdalena Ciobanu.
      Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Although the pathogenesis of depression remains far from fully understood, current research suggests a potential role for vitamin D due to its involvement in brain functioning. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation has shown promising results in the treatment of patients with depression. Therefore, the present study aimed to systematically review the available research investigating the association between vitamin D levels and the onset of depression. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42024515918). A search was performed across PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases, yielding a total of 8,052 potentially eligible articles. After the removal of duplicates and ineligible records, and exclusion based on title and abstract screening, 297 original full-text articles were assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ultimately, 66 articles were included in this systematic review. Most of the included studies employed a cross-sectional design (N = 46). Overall, the data analyzed in this review indicate an association between depression and vitamin D serum levels, particularly in studies using cross-sectional designs. Only a few longitudinal studies demonstrated that lower vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms or major depressive disorder, highlighting an important research gap. However, it remains to be established through future research whether acute or chronic vitamin D supplementation could have a protective effect against the development of depression.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.17305/bb.2025.12331
  3. North Clin Istanb. 2025 ;12(2): 266-267
    Henoch-Schonlein purpura successfully treated with a milk-free diet, vitamin D and C: First description.
    Jozélio Freire de Carvalho.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2024.31799
  4. Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Apr 18. pii: 3840. [Epub ahead of print]26(8):
    Updated Meta-Analysis on Vitamin Supplementation for Chronic Pruritus: Expanding Evidence Beyond Vitamin D.
    Wu-Hsien Kuo, Ko-Shih Chang, Mu-Hsin Chang, Yao Hsiao, Ru-Yin Tsai.
      Chronic pruritus is a distressing condition associated with various dermatological and systemic diseases, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. While conventional treatments such as antihistamines and corticosteroids offer relief, their efficacy varies, and long-term use may lead to adverse effects. Emerging evidence suggests that certain vitamins, including vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B12, and niacinamide (B3), may play a role in alleviating pruritus through their anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, and skin barrier-enhancing properties. However, the effectiveness of these vitamins in managing chronic pruritus remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to update and expand the evaluation of vitamin supplementation in reducing pruritus severity across different underlying conditions, extending the scope beyond vitamin D to include vitamins B and E. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to January 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of vitamin supplementation on chronic pruritus. A total of 21 RCTs (n = 1723) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to placebo, vitamin supplementation demonstrated a significant reduction in pruritus severity (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]: -0.578, 95% CI: -0.736 to -0.419, p = 0.000; I2 = 53.630, p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis revealed that topical vitamin B12 and vitamin D3 showed the most pronounced antipruritic effects, particularly in patients with atopic dermatitis and chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings; however, potential publication bias was suggested by Egger's regression test (p = 0.00979), indicating that the overall effect may be influenced by small-study effects or underreporting of negative results. This meta-analysis indicates that vitamin B, D, and E supplementation may serve as effective adjunct therapies for managing chronic pruritus. However, the variability among the included studies highlights the necessity for well-structured, long-term RCTs to determine the ideal dosage, treatment duration, and target patient populations that would derive the greatest benefit from vitamin-based interventions.
    Keywords:  chronic non-communicable diseases; cytokine; health prevention; inflammation; niacinamide; vitamin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083840
  5. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 May 06. 25(1): 539
    A plethora of laboratory protocols for vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants detection: a systematic review of associations with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
    Yakubu Ibrahim, Nurul Iftida Basri, Amilia Afzan Mohd Jamil, Norshariza Nordin.
       INTRODUCTION: Genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have been inconsistently linked to hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) across different populations. This systematic review aims to evaluate the laboratory protocols of VDR detection and association with HDP.
    METHODS: We performed a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline and conducted an article search using the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost (MEDLINE and CINAHL) databases. We included all studies involving one or more of the major VDR gene variants (FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) and association with HDP.
    RESULTS: Of the 9 studies evaluated, 6 (67%) studies were reported from Asia, 2 (22%) from Europe, and 1 (11%) from Latin America. Our analysis of VDR variant detection protocols revealed that approximately 6 (67%) studies used polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), of which 3 (33%) reported a significant association with FokI variant. Two (22%) of studies used TaqMan PCR and found an association with FokI variant. Only 1 (11%) study utilised allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) for ApaI variant genotyping. For association analysis of the variants with HDP in populations, 4 studies (44%) reported an association with FokI variant in Asians. Two studies (22%) reported BsmI variant in Caucasians. TaqI variant was not associated with HDP in all the populations studied.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest an association between VDR genetic variation and HDP across different populations. To enhance consistency in these associations, future studies should use reliable detection methods and strict adherence to quality control measures. This could help in the identification of population-specific biomarkers, prevalent variants, and support personalized management strategies to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality related to HDP.
    Keywords:  Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; Polymorphisms; Pregnancy; VDR gene variants; VDR genotyping methods; Vitamin D receptor gene
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07510-6
  6. Clin Respir J. 2025 May;19(5): e70078
    Correction to "The Relationship of Vitamin A and Neonatal Respiratory Diseases: A Meta-Analysis".
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/crj.70078
  7. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 May 08.
    Nutritional and growth concerns of vegetarian diets in children.
    Kanika Puri, Erik Andrewski, Grace Murray, Elizabeth Cooley, Charles Vanderpool.
      
    Keywords:  calcium deficiency; eating disorders; iron deficiency; nutritional deficiencies; plant‐based meat alternatives; polyunsaturated fatty acids; vegan; vitamin B12 deficiency; vitamin D deficiency
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/jpn3.70067
  8. Mol Med Rep. 2025 Jul;pii: 192. [Epub ahead of print]32(1):
    The role of ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential (Review).
    Heng Zeng, Zhaohui Jin.
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by insidious onset and progressive symptom deterioration. It extends beyond a simple aging process, involving irreversible and progressive neurological degeneration that impairs brain function through multiple etiologies. Iron dysregulation is implicated in the pathophysiology of AD; however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Additionally, vitamin E and selenium are key in regulating ferroptosis through their antioxidant properties. The present review examined the mechanistic pathways by which ferroptosis contributes to AD, the regulatory roles of vitamin E, selenium, ferrostatin‑1, N‑acetylcysteine and curcumin, and their potential as therapeutic agents to mitigate neurodegeneration.
    Keywords:  Alzheimer's disease; drug; ferroptosis; pathophysiology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13557
  9. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2025 May 07. 1-24
    Vitamins and dietary supplements in cancer treatment: is there a need for increased usage?
    Teresa Esposito, Francesca Pentimalli, Antonio Giordano, Salvatore Cortellino.
       INTRODUCTION: Vitamins are essential for homeostasis and proper functioning of organisms. These micronutrients prevent tumor onset by functioning as antioxidants and enzymatic cofactors involved in anti-stress and immune responses, modulating epigenetic regulators, and shaping the microbiota composition. Unbalanced diets and sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity, associated with increasing cancer risk. Cancer patients often exhibit vitamin deficiencies due to chronic inflammation, anticancer therapies, and tumor-induced metabolic changes, leading to malnutrition and cachexia.
    AREAS COVERED: This review critically analyzes preclinical and clinical studies, sourced from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, that investigate the potential benefits of vitamin supplementation and dietary interventions, such as intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets, in mouse tumor models and cancer patients. This analysis elucidates the limitations of such interventions and suggests optimal dietary strategies to prevent cancer and enhance patients' quality of life and prognosis.
    EXPERT OPINION: To date, clinical studies have found no substantial benefit of over-the-counter vitamin supplements and dietary interventions on cancer patients' health and prognosis. To prevent the spread of useless and potentially harmful products by the nutraceutical industry, establishing a regulatory authority is necessary to monitor and ensure product quality and validity before commercialization.
    Keywords:  Vitamin supplement; cachexia; cancer treatment; healthy diet; periodic fasting
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/14737140.2025.2501077
  10. BMC Pulm Med. 2025 May 08. 25(1): 220
    The effects of various nutritional supplements in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a network meta-analysis.
    Jia Zeng, Jing Cheng, Liangdong Zhu, Sufang Tang.
       OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of various nutritional supplements as interventions for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) using network meta-analysis.
    METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials on nutritional supplements for COPD patients, with the search updated to March 24, 2025. The risk of bias for each included study was assessed using appropriate tools, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Data synthesis was performed using R software, employing network meta-analysis methods to compare the relative efficacy of different nutritional interventions.
    RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies involving 1975 COPD patients and 21 different nutritional supplements were analyzed. Butyrate [MD = 2.7, 95% CrI (1.0, 4.4)], Nanocurcumin [MD = 13, 95% CrI (5.4, 21)], and probiotics [MD = 7.1, 95% CrI (5.2, 9.1)] significantly improved Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1). Nanocurcumin also slowed the decline in the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) [MD = 12, 95% CrI (5.5, 18)]. For exercise endurance, coenzyme Q10 combined with creatine [MD = 63, 95% CrI (36, 90)], Melatonin (MLT) [MD = 46, 95% CrI (1.3, 92)], Nitrate [MD = 30, 95% CrI (19, 41)], and whey proteins [MD = 11, 95% CrI (9.2, 13)] significantly improved 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Regarding dyspnea reduction, MLT [MD = -0.90, 95% CrI (-1.6, -0.21)] and Yam-Epimedium [MD = -1.3, 95% CrI (-1.9, -0.67)] significantly lowered modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scores. In terms of quality of life, MLT [MD = -8, 95% CrI (-12, -4.2)], Vitamin D (VD) [MD = -2.5, 95% CrI (-3.1, -1.9)], and whey proteins [MD = -0.70, 95% CrI (-0.99, -0.41)] reduced COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores. Additionally, AKL1 [MD = -9.2, 95% CrI (-18, -0.41)], creatine [MD = -9.6, 95% CrI (-17, -2.8)], and Yam-Epimedium [MD = -24, 95% CrI (-34, -13)] lowered St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores. The Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) analysis showed Nanocurcumin ranked highest for improving FEV1/FVC, coenzyme Q10 combined with creatine for 6MWD, Yam-Epimedium for reducing dyspnea and SGRQ, and MLT for lowering CAT scores.
    CONCLUSION: This analysis indicates that various nutritional supplements, including Nanocurcumin, butyrate, probiotics, coenzyme Q10 combined with creatine, MLT, nitrate, whey proteins, VD, AKL1, creatine, and Yam-Epimedium, can potentially benefit COPD patients, demonstrating differing levels of effectiveness. Specifically, Nanocurcumin may be the best choice for improving lung function; coenzyme Q10 combined with creatine may be the most effective for enhancing exercise endurance; Additionally, Yam-Epimedium is the most likely supplement to reduce the symptoms of dyspnea in COPD patients. Yam-Epimedium and MLT may be the most effective for improving quality of life and overall health status.
    Keywords:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Dietary supplement; Network meta-analysis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-025-03667-0
  11. Brain Res. 2025 May 03. pii: S0006-8993(25)00220-3. [Epub ahead of print]1860 149661
    Gut microbiota mediated regulation of vitamin B homeostasis in autism spectrum disorders.
    Esma Karahmet Farhat, Ines Banjari, Amina Džidić-Krivić, Malik Ejubović, Emina Karahmet Sher.
      The exact cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is yet unknown, although possible causes include early childhood, foetal development, gestation, delivery mode, genetics, and environmental variables. Approximately 1% of children worldwide have ASD, and this percentage is rising. The immunological, endocrine, gut microbiota and brain-gut axis quality influence the intensity of ASD symptoms. Deficits in the composition and diversity of gut microbiota are common in children with ASD, accounting for 9-90% of these illnesses, including elevated inflammatory cytokines, inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, and pathological microflora growth. Dysbiosis can be made worse by eating issues that are prevalent in ASD. B vitamins, such as cobalamin and folate, which are essential methyl donors for DNA epigenetic changes, are usually produced by a healthy gut microbiota. 50% of people with ASD have a vitamin B deficit. This work summarises research on the impact of gut microbiota on DNA methylation and B vitamin synthesis in ASD, as well as etiological variables connected to dysbiosis. Probiotics, postbiotics, and vitamin B therapies in kids with ASD should be investigated in future studies.
    Keywords:  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Epigenetics; Gut; Gut microbiota; Methyl donors; Vitamin B
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2025.149661
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