Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) has been implicated in modulating the gut microbiota. However, chronic high-fat diet (HFD) consumption impairs ApoA-IV signaling and disrupts gut microbial balance, contr Show more
Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) has been implicated in modulating the gut microbiota. However, chronic high-fat diet (HFD) consumption impairs ApoA-IV signaling and disrupts gut microbial balance, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the role of ApoA-IV in shaping the gut microbiota and associated metabolic profiles throughout the lifespan of mice exposed to an HFD. Fecal samples were collected from ApoA-IV knockout (KO) and wild-type mice at five time points for microbiota and metabolite profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Lifespan was longest in ApoA-IV-KO mice on a normal diet, while the HFD reduced survival across genotypes. Microbiota analysis revealed diet- and age-dependent shifts, including an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, altered abundance of Show less
The increased plasma level of homocysteine have been shown to be the sensitive marker for the folate, vitamin B6 and cobalamins deficiency and an independent risk factor for the cardiovascular disease Show more
The increased plasma level of homocysteine have been shown to be the sensitive marker for the folate, vitamin B6 and cobalamins deficiency and an independent risk factor for the cardiovascular disease, neutral tube defects and a potential causal risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders. The blood and plasma homocysteine levels except for genetic defects are influenced by age, gender, efficiency of detoxication systems, one or more unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as high alcohol consumption, low nutritional intake of vitamins, high coffee consumption, acquired disorders and lack of physical exercise. Many studies confirm that active tobacco smoking and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) have been significantly associated with hiperhomocysteinemia. In metabolic pathway of homocysteine the important role played folic acid, as a donor of methyl group in re-methylated reaction to methionine and vitamin B6. It acts as the cofactor in transsuphuration reactions of homocysteine to cystathionine and cysteine. Hence, the aim of this work was to compare the plasma folate and vitamin B6 concentrations in smokers and passive smokers with a hiperhomocysteinemia (> 15 micromol/L). It was observed that the plasma folate levels in active (n = 30) and passive smokers (n = 29) groups decrease statistically significant (P < 0.001) in comparison to non-smokers (n = 37). The calculated Spaermann's correlations coefficient of total plasma homocysteine level and plasma folate concentrations in the non-smoker group indicated a weak, statistically insignificant correlation (r = -0.103, P = 0.542). However, the above relationship in passive and active smokers were statistically significant (r = -0.495, P 0 0.01; r = -0.672, P < 0.001, respectively). The decrease of vitamin in B6 plasma was observed in all active smokers group (P < 0.01) and men smokers comparing to non-smokers (P < 0.001). There was no observed significant correlations between hiperhomocysteinemia and vitamin B6 in all studied groups. The results indicated that hiperhomocysteinemia have strong negative impact on folate levels in active and passive smokers. The tobacco smoke exposure have negative influence on the status of vitamin B6. The lack of significant correlation between increased homocysteine levels and vitamin B6 status confirmed hypothesis that hiperhomocysteinemia is not depended on vitamin B6 concentrations in plasma. Show less
Cigarette smoking is associated with oxidative stress and increased risk of many chronic diseased. Smoking inducts depletion of cellular antioxidant and is also known to be associated with an increase Show more
Cigarette smoking is associated with oxidative stress and increased risk of many chronic diseased. Smoking inducts depletion of cellular antioxidant and is also known to be associated with an increased homocysteine level. Exposure to tobacco smoke has negative impact on the folic acid level. Folic acid is cofactor by demethyla-tion of homocysteine to non toxic methionine. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of total plasma homocysteine and 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid in active and non smokers and to evaluate the influence of the tobacco smoke exposure on urinary cotinine levels. The results indicated significant increase of total plasma homocysteine in smokers, than non smokers. We also investigated the negative influence of tobacco smoke on the level of folic acid in plasma and it suggests, that additional supplementation of folic acid in smokers is necessary. Show less