scholarly journals Spatial and temporal variability in the response of phytoplankton and prokaryotes to B-vitamin amendments in an upwelling system

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 2807-2823
Author(s):  
Vanessa Joglar ◽  
Antero Prieto ◽  
Esther Barber-Lluch ◽  
Marta Hernández-Ruiz ◽  
Emilio Fernández ◽  
...  

Abstract. We experimentally evaluated the temporal (interday and interseason) and spatial variability in microbial plankton responses to vitamin B12 and/or B1 supply (solely or in combination with inorganic nutrients) in coastal and oceanic waters of the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Phytoplankton and, to a lesser extent, prokaryotes were strongly limited by inorganic nutrients. Interday variability in microbial plankton responses to B vitamins was limited compared to interseason variability, suggesting that B-vitamin availability might be partially controlled by factors operating at seasonal scale. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration and prokaryote biomass (PB) significantly increased after B-vitamin amendments in 13 % and 21 %, respectively, of the 216 cases (36 experiments × 6 treatments). Most of these positive responses were produced by treatments containing either B12 solely or B12 combined with B1 in oceanic waters, which was consistent with the significantly lower average vitamin-B12 ambient concentrations compared to that in the coastal station. Negative responses, implying a decrease in Chl a or PB, represented 21 % for phytoplankton and 26 % for prokaryotes. Growth stimulation by B1 addition was more frequent on prokaryotes than in phytoplankton, suggesting that B1 auxotrophy in the sampling area could be more widespread in prokaryotes than in phytoplankton. Negative responses to B vitamins were generalized in coastal surface waters in summer and were associated with a high contribution of Flavobacteriales to the prokaryote community. This observation suggests that the external supply of B12 and/or B1 may promote negative interactions between microbial components when B-vitamin auxotrophs are abundant. The microbial response patterns to B12 and/or B1 amendments were significantly correlated with changes in the prokaryotic community composition, highlighting the pivotal role of prokaryotes in B-vitamin cycling in marine ecosystems.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Joglar ◽  
Antero Prieto ◽  
Esther Barber-Lluch ◽  
Marta Hernández-Ruiz ◽  
Emilio Fernández ◽  
...  

Abstract. We evaluated the temporal (inter-day and inter-season) and spatial variability in microbial plankton responses to vitamins B12 and B1 supply in coastal and oceanic waters. Inter-day variability in microbial plankton responses to B-vitamins was not of great concern, suggesting that B-vitamins availability was controlled by factors operating at larger temporal scales, such as those driving microbial community seasonal succession. Most positive responses were produced by treatments containing either B12 alone or B12 combined with B1 in oceanic waters, which was consistent with the significantly lower average vitamin B12 ambient concentrations compared to that in the coastal station. Growth stimulation by B1 addition was more frequent on bacteria, which is coherent with their widespread dependence on exogenous sources for this growth factor. Negative responses to B-vitamins were generalized in coastal waters in summer, and were associated to a high contribution of Flavobacteriales to the prokaryote community. This observation suggests that the external supply of B12 and/or B1 may promote negative interactions between microbial components when B-vitamins auxotrophs are abundant. The microbial response patterns to B12 and/or B1 amendments were significantly correlated with changes in the prokaryotic community composition, highlighting the pivotal role of prokaryotes in B-vitamins cycling in marine ecosystems.


1978 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 730-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
MICHAEL N. VOIGT ◽  
RONALD R. EITENMILLER

A comparative review of the specificities of various B-vitamin analysis methods is presented. Methods of vitamin analysis employing protozoa, viz. Tetrahymena and Ochromonas, are compared to the commonly used methods of vitamin assay, including officially accepted methods. Since 1968 the protozoan techniques have routinely been used to evaluate clinical vitamin status. This is due to their more mammalian-like response to the various forms of the vitamins that occur in natural materials. Protozoa have more developed ingestive and digestive systems than bacteria and yeast, which allow them to respond to conjugated forms of the vitamins (e.g. thiamin pyrophosphate and folic acid polyglutamates). Also, fewer problems are encountered with non-specific stimulation (e.g. fatty acid stimulation of the Lactobacillus casei assay for riboflavin or the sparing of the vitamin B12 requirement of Lactobacillus leichmannii by deoxyribosides). Application of the protozoan methods to analysis of foods indicate significantly lower levels of biotin and vitamin B12 than official methods, while significantly higher levels of riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin and pantothenic acid are found in low-acid foods. This review also summarizes extraction methods for the B-vitamins from food samples and indicates the importance of enzymatic hydrolysis in extract preparation.


Author(s):  
Christiane L. Girard ◽  
Mélissa Duplessis

Dairy cow diets are generally balanced for energy and major nutrients with B vitamins generally assumed not to be limiting, in spite of their role as coenzymes, essential to many metabolic reactions in protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Assuming adequacy of B-vitamin supply may explain some of the discrepancies between the outcomes of metabolic prediction models and measured cow performance. In lactating dairy cow, the amount of B vitamins from the diet and synthesized by the ruminal microbiota is generally sufficient to prevent deficiency symptoms and, as such, is assumed to fulfill requirements. However, reports of beneficial effects of B-vitamin supplementation on dairy cow performance suggest that B-vitamin supply is sometimes lower than its needs, as an insufficient B-vitamin supply decreases metabolic efficiency by driving a shift towards alternative metabolic pathways with greater energy cost. Using information on folates and vitamin B12 illustrated how meeting dairy cow needs for B vitamins should not be overlooked in formulation of rations for lactating dairy cattle. The present review discusses current knowledge and indicates areas presently impeded by the lack of research results, especially the limitations on the ability to estimate B vitamin need and supply.


2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 891-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Herrmann ◽  
Heike Schorr ◽  
Rima Obeid ◽  
Julia Makowski ◽  
Brian Fowler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication in patients with type 2 diabetes that may increase atherothrombotic risk. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) further increases the risk in those patients. We studied concentrations of total homocysteine (tHcy) and its related metabolites S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) in relation to B-vitamin status and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes who developed diabetic nephropathy. Methods: The study included 93 patients with renal failure and type 2 diabetes. Chronic kidney disease was classified into four subgroups according to the National Kidney Foundation based on glomerular filtration rate plus pathologic abnormalities or markers of kidney damage. Results: Serum or plasma concentrations of the metabolites increased significantly with worsening of renal function, whereas serum concentrations of the B vitamins (folate, vitamins B12 and B6) did not differ appreciably between the groups. Moreover, plasma concentrations of AdoHcy and AdoMet were markedly increased in patients with kidney failure compared with those in stage 2 (median AdoHcy, 112.7 vs 10.5 nmol/L; median AdoMet, 162.0 vs 80.0 nmol/L). The AdoMet/AdoHcy ratio was more than 80% lower in patients with renal failure compared with stage 2. Vitamin B12 was a significant determinant of concentrations of AdoMet, tHcy, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and cystathionine. Conclusions: Increased plasma concentrations of tHcy and methionine cycle intermediates (AdoMet, AdoHcy) are related to disturbed renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin B12 and/or folate are significant predictors of tHcy, cystathionine, MMA, and AdoMet. The effect of therapeutic doses of the B vitamins on AdoMet, AdoHcy, and their ratio should be tested in renal patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Heffernan ◽  
Leanne C. Doherty ◽  
Roberta Hack Mendes ◽  
Michelle Clarke ◽  
Stephanie Hodge ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Older adults are reported to have sub-optimal B vitamin status; targeted food-based solutions may help to address this. The objectives of the OptiAge food intervention study were to develop and investigate the effectiveness of a B vitamin-fortified drink in improving B vitamin biomarkers in older Irish adults with a primary outcome of change in the B vitamin biomarker status. Methods A double-blinded randomised controlled trial was performed in parallel at University College Dublin and Ulster University. Participants aged > 50 years were recruited following screening for exclusion criteria (i.e. taking medications known to interfere with B vitamin metabolism, supplements containing B vitamins, consuming > 4 portions of B vitamin-fortified foods per week or diagnosed with gastrointestinal, liver or pulmonary disease). Recruited participants meeting the inclusion criteria were randomised (by sex and study centre) to receive daily for 16 weeks either B vitamin-fortified or placebo drinks as developed by Smartfish, Norway. Each B vitamin-fortified drink (200 ml) contained 200 µg folic acid, 10 µg vitamin B12, 10 mg vitamin B6 and 5 mg riboflavin, while the placebo was an identical, isocaloric formulation without added B vitamins. Fasting blood samples were collected pre- and post-intervention which were used to measure the primary outcome of change in B vitamin biomarker levels. Results A total of 95 participants were randomised, of which 81 commenced the trial. Of these, 70 completed (37 in the active and 33 in the placebo groups). Intention to treat (ITT) analysis of the B vitamins demonstrated a significant improvement in all B vitamin biomarkers in the active compared to placebo groups: p < 0.01 for each of serum folate, serum vitamin B12 and plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (vitamin B6) and the functional riboflavin biomarker, erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac). Correspondingly, a significant lowering of serum homocysteine from 11.9 (10.3–15.1) µmol/L to 10.6 (9.4–13.0) µmol/L was observed in response to the active treatment (P < 0.001). Similar results were seen in a per-protocol analysis. Conclusions The results demonstrate that a B vitamin-fortified drink was effective in optimising B vitamin status, making this a useful intervention option to improve B vitamin status in older adults. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN61709781—Retrospectively registered, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN61709781


Author(s):  
Ertugrul Agirbas ◽  
Ali Muzaffer Feyzioglu ◽  
Ulgen Kopuz ◽  
Carole A. Llewellyn

The phytoplankton community structure and abundance in the south-eastern Black Sea was measured from February to December 2009 using and comparing high performance liquid chromatography pigment and microscopy analyses. The phytoplankton community was characterized by diatoms, dinoflagellates and coccolithophores, as revealed by both techniques. Fucoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, peridinin and 19′-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin were the main accessory pigments showing significant correlation with diatom-C r2 = 0.56–0.71, P < 0.05), diatom-C (r2 = 0.85–0.91, P < 0.001), dinoflagellate-C (r2 = 0.39–0.88, P < 0.05) and coccolithophore-C (r2 = 0.80–0.71, P < 0.05), respectively. Microscopy counts indicated a total of 89 species, 71% of which were dinoflagellates, 23% were diatoms and 6% other species (mainly coccolithophores). Pigment-CHEMTAX analysis also indicated the presence of pico- and nanoplankton. Phytoplankton carbon (phyto-C) concentrations were highest in the upper water column, whereas chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) showed a deep maximum. Average phyto-C was higher at the coastal station (291 ± 66 µg l−1) than at the offshore station (258 ± 35 µg l−1), not statistically different (P > 0.05). The coastal station also had higher Chl-a concentrations (0.52–3.83 µg l−1) compared to the offshore station (0.63–2.55 µg l−1), not significant (P > 0.05). Our results are consistent with other studies and indicate that the southern Black Sea is shifting towards mesotrophy with the increasing prevalence of dinoflagellates compared to diatoms.


Author(s):  
Thomas Perli ◽  
Dewi P.I. Moonen ◽  
Marcel van den Broek ◽  
Jack T. Pronk ◽  
Jean-Marc Daran

AbstractQuantitative physiological studies on Saccharomyces cerevisiae commonly use synthetic media (SM) that contain a set of water-soluble growth factors that, based on their roles in human nutrition, are referred to as B-vitamins. Previous work demonstrated that, in S. cerevisiae CEN.PK113-7D, requirements for biotin could be eliminated by laboratory evolution. In the present study, this laboratory strain was shown to exhibit suboptimal specific growth rates when either inositol, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) or thiamine were omitted from SM. Subsequently, this strain was evolved in parallel serial-transfer experiments for fast aerobic growth on glucose in the absence of individual B-vitamins. In all evolution lines, specific growth rates reached at least 90 % of the growth rate observed in SM supplemented with a complete B-vitamin mixture. Fast growth was already observed after a few transfers on SM without myo-inositol, nicotinic acid or pABA. Reaching similar results in SM lacking thiamine, pyridoxine or pantothenate required over 300 generations of selective growth. The genomes of evolved single-colony isolates were re-sequenced and, for each B-vitamin, a subset of non-synonymous mutations associated with fast vitamin-independent growth were selected. These mutations were introduced in a non-evolved reference strain using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. For each B-vitamin, introduction of a small number of mutations sufficed to achieve substantially a increased specific growth rate in non-supplemented SM that represented at least 87% of the specific growth rate observed in fully supplemented complete SM.ImportanceMany strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a popular platform organism in industrial biotechnology, carry the genetic information required for synthesis of biotin, thiamine, pyridoxine, para-aminobenzoic acid, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid and inositol. However, omission of these B-vitamins typically leads to suboptimal growth. This study demonstrates that, for each individual B-vitamin, it is possible to achieve fast vitamin-independent growth by adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). Identification of mutations responsible for these fast-growing phenotype by whole-genome sequencing and reverse engineering showed that, for each compound, a small number of mutations sufficed to achieve fast growth in its absence. These results form an important first step towards development of S. cerevisiae strains that exhibit fast growth on cheap, fully mineral media that only require complementation with a carbon source, thereby reducing costs, complexity and contamination risks in industrial yeast fermentation processes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. Ellsworth-Bowers ◽  
E. J. Corwin

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a relatively common and often severe mood disorder that develops in women after childbirth. The aetiology of PPD is unclear, although there is emerging evidence to suggest a psychoneuroimmune connection. Additionally, deficiencies in n-3 PUFA, B vitamins, vitamin D and trace minerals have been implicated. This paper reviews evidence for a link between micronutrient status and PPD, analysing the potential contribution of each micronutrient to psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms of PPD. Articles related to PPD and women's levels of n-3 PUFA, B vitamins, vitamin D and the trace minerals Zn and Se were reviewed. Findings suggest that while n-3 PUFA levels have been shown to vary inversely with PPD and link with psychoneuroimmunology, there is mixed evidence regarding the ability of n-3 PUFA to prevent or treat PPD. B vitamin status is not clearly linked to PPD, even though it seems to vary inversely with depression in non-perinatal populations and may have an impact on immunity. Vitamin D and the trace minerals Zn and Se are linked to PPD and psychoneuroimmunology by intriguing, but small, studies. Overall, evidence suggests that certain micronutrient deficiencies contribute to the development of PPD, possibly through psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms. Developing a better understanding of these mechanisms is important for guiding future research, clinical practice and health education regarding PPD.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaja Sharma ◽  
Nicola Gillies ◽  
Shikha Pundir ◽  
Chantal A. Pileggi ◽  
James F. Markworth ◽  
...  

B-vitamin deficiency is common in ageing populations either due to altered dietary habits or altered digestive and metabolic functions. There is limited data on the acute circulating concentrations of B-vitamins and their various forms (vitamers), following ingestion of realistic meals. This study compared the acute circulating B-vitamin and vitamer responses to either an energy-dense (ED) or a nutrient-dense (ND) breakfast meal, consumed in a randomized cross-over sequence, in older and younger adults (n = 15 and 15, aged 67.3 ± 1.5 and 22.7 ± 0.5 years (mean ± SEM), respectively). Eleven differing B-vitamins and vitamers were determined in plasma samples by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, in the fasting and postprandial state (hourly for 5 h). While postprandial thiamine concentration increased following both meals, riboflavin increased only following a ND meal in both age groups. Many vitamins including nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal-5’phosphate, and 4-pyridoxic acid remained unaltered, and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), nicotinamide and nicotinuric acid concentrations reduced following both meals. Biological age and food composition had minimal impact on postprandial B-vitamin concentrations, yet the differences between the ED and ND meals for riboflavin highlight the importance of riboflavin intake to achieve adequacy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (10) ◽  
pp. 4837-4847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsty M Porter ◽  
Mary Ward ◽  
Catherine F Hughes ◽  
Maurice O’Kane ◽  
Leane Hoey ◽  
...  

AbstractContextEmerging evidence suggests that deficiencies of folate-related B vitamins can arise with metformin treatment and are independently linked with cognitive dysfunction, a comorbidity of diabetes.ObjectiveTo determine the impact of hyperglycemia and metformin use on relevant B vitamin biomarkers and cognitive outcomes in older adults.Setting and ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling older adults (74.1 ± 8.3 years, n = 4160) without dementia, recruited to the Trinity, Ulster and Department of Agriculture cohort study in 2008 to 2012, were classified as normoglycemic (n = 1856) or hyperglycemic, based on HbA1c ≥5.7% (39 mmol/mol), either with (n = 318) or without (n = 1986) metformin treatment.Main Outcome MeasuresBiomarkers of folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and riboflavin were measured. Cognitive assessments included the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB).ResultsMetformin use was associated with higher risk of deficiency of vitamin B12 (combined B12 index ≤−1; OR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.02) and vitamin B6 (plasma pyridoxal 5-phosphate <30.0 nmol/L; OR 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.15). Fortified foods when eaten regularly had a positive impact on all relevant B vitamin biomarkers, even with hyperglycemia. After adjustment for relevant covariates, metformin use was associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction as assessed with the RBANS (OR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.80) and FAB (OR 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.74).ConclusionsUse of metformin by older adults is associated with poorer cognitive performance; B vitamin deficiency may be implicated. Fortified foods can optimize B vitamin status and may be beneficial for maintaining better cognitive health in older people with or at risk for diabetes.


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