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HUMAN RESEARCH
1. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003 May;74(5):674-6.
Reversible acute axonal polyneuropathy associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: impaired physiological nerve conduction due to thiamine deficiency?
Ishibashi S, Yokota T, Shiojiri T, Matunaga T, Tanaka H, Nishina K, Hirota H, Inaba A, Yamada M, Kanda T, Mizusawa H.
Japan
Three patients developed acute axonal polyneuropathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy. With thiamine given intravenously the symptoms of neuropathy lessened within two weeks. The authors suggest that this is a new type of peripheral nerve impairment due to thiamine deficiency.
HUMAN RESEARCH
2. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003 Feb;28(1):47-51.
Effect of intravenous infusions of thiamine on the disposition kinetics of thiamine and its pyrophosphate.
Drewe J, Delco F, Kissel T, Beglinger C.
Switzerland
in this study to determine the proper rate of therapeutic intravenous infusion for thiamine deficiency syndromes a slow rate of infusion was found to be superior to a faster rate.
HUMAN RESEARCH
3. Reversal of thiamine deficiency-induced neurodegeneration.
Ke ZJ, DeGiorgio LA, Volpe BT, Gibson GE.
USA
The authors preface their work by saying highlighting the importance of thiamine in neurodegenerative diseases. They say that thiamine deficiency diminishes thiamine dependent enzymes, alters mitochondrial function, impairs oxidative metabolism, and causes selective neuronal death. In this study on mice significant neuron loss, about 1/3rd occurred after 8 to 9 days of thiamine deficiency and reached 90% by days 10 and 11. Thiamine given on day 8 blocked continued neuronal loss and by days 10 and 11 was ineffective.
HUMAN RESEARCH
4. Anti-obesity effects of a mixture of thiamin, arginine, caffeine, and citric acid in non-insulin dependent diabetic KK mice.
Muroyama K, Murosaki S, Yamamoto Y, Odaka H, Chung HC, Miyoshi M.
a mixture of arginine, caffeine have an effect on weight loss in mice. However, when thiamine and citric acid are also added there is much greater loss in adipose tissue weight.
reducing adipose tissue mass as well as improving disorders in lipid metabolism.
HUMAN RESEARCH
5. Anaesthesiol Reanim. 2003;28(1):13-20.
Can alcoholic withdrawal delirium be prevented?
Hensel M, Kox WJ.
Germany
This paper emphasized that the important drugs for successful treatment and prevention of alcohol withdrawal syndrome including potentially life-threatening delirium tremens are benzodiazepines, clonidin, magnesium and vitamin B 1.
HUMAN RESEARCH
6. Cardiology. 2003;99(4):177-81.
Dietary intake of various nutrients in older patients with congestive heart failure.
Gorelik O, Almoznino-Sarafian D, Feder I, Wachsman O, Alon I, Litvinjuk V, Roshovsky M, Modai D, Cohen N.
In a study that assessed dietary intake in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) 57 CHF patients on furosemide were compared with 40 patients without CHF. However, the intake of all patients fell short of recommended allowances in several nutrients: magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, energy, thiamin, riboflavin, and folate.
PMID: 12845243
HUMAN RESEARCH
7. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Dec;56(12):1162-8.
Changes in the intake of vitamins and minerals by men and women with hyperlipidemia and overweight during dietetic treatment.
Grzybek A, Klosiewicz-Latoszek L, Targosz U.
Poland
On a low-fat, low-energy diet in patients with overweight and hyperlipidemia, the levels of magnesium, thiamin and riboflavin were found to be deficient in men.
PMID: 12494300
HUMAN RESEARCH
8. Psychiatr Genet. 2002 Dec;12(4):217-24.
Individual susceptibility to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and alcoholism-induced cognitive deficit: impaired thiamine utilization found in alcoholics and alcohol abusers.
Heap LC, Pratt OE, Ward RJ, Waller S, Thomson AD, Shaw GK, Peters TJ.
UK
This study investigated mechanisms that could trigger alcoholic brain damage. Thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) status was compared in alcoholics, without significant brain damage, to those with severe chronic brain damage. It was found that alcoholics with brain damage may have increased requirements for thiamine secondary to an abnormality of the (thiamine-dependent) transketolase protein that may predispose such patients to alcoholic brain damage. The authors concluded that thiamine deficiency was commonly present in the alcoholic patients, and that a subgroup of patients may be predisposed to even more severe brain damage as a consequence of abnormalities in the transketolase protein.
HUMAN RESEARCH
9. Alcohol Alcohol. 2002 Nov-Dec;37(6):513-21.
The Royal College of Physicians report on alcohol: guidelines for managing Wernicke's encephalopathy in the accident and Emergency Department
Thomson AD, Cook CC, Touquet R, Henry JA; Royal College of Physicians, London.
UK
A Royal College of Physicians (London) report called “Alcohol - Can the NHS Afford It?” recommends that alcoholic patients with a poor diet who present in the ER should be immediately treated with B vitamins intravenously or intramuscularly. This paper presents a review of the scientific foundations for such recommendation.
HUMAN RESEARCH
10. Bras Cardiol. 2002 Nov;79(5):454
Thiamin, selenium, and copper levels in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy taking diuretics.
da Cunha S, Albanesi Filho FM, da Cunha Bastos VL, Antelo DS, Souza MM.
Brazil
In patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy using diuretics, thiamin deficiency was observed in 33% of the patients and in only 10% of the control individuals. In heart disease patients thiamin deficiency was significantly more frequent than controls. The authors suggest that there may be benefits with thiamin replacement in patients taking diuretics.
HUMAN RESEARCH
11. Circ J. 2002 Nov;66(11):1070-2.
Shoshin beriberi with vasospastic angina pectoris possible mechanism of mid-ventricular obstruction: possible mechanism of mid-ventricular obstruction.
Ito M, Tanabe Y, Suzuki K, Kumakura M, Aizawa Y.
Japan
In this case study a 73-year-old heavy drinker with heart failure was admitted to hospital in a state of shock. No improvement was seen even with the maximal dose in catecholamine therapy. However, his condition improved rapidly after vitamin B(1) was administered indicating underlying beriberi as a precipitating factor.
HUMAN RESEARCH
12. Mol Genet. 2002 Nov 1;11(23):2951-60.
Targeted disruption of Slc19a2, the gene encoding the high-affinity thiamin transporter Thtr-1, causes diabetes mellitus, sensorineural deafness and megaloblastosis in mice.
Oishi K, Hofmann S, Diaz GA, Brown T, Manwani D, Ng L, Young R, Vlassara H, Ioannou YA, Forrest D, Gelb BD.
USA
Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome (TRMA) is characterized by diabetes mellitus, megaloblastic anemia and sensorineural deafness. A mouse model was deleloped to give new insights into the disease and provide a way of studying the association between diabetes and thiamine.
HUMAN RESEARCH
13. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2002 Oct 9;1588(1):79-84.
Thiamine-responsive pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency in two patients caused by a point mutation (F205L and L216F) within the thiamine pyrophosphate binding region.
Naito E, Ito M, Yokota I, Saijo T, Matsuda J, Ogawa Y, Kitamura S, Takada E, Horii Y, Kuroda Y.
Japan
Two patients with human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) deficiency were treated with thiamine resulting in a reduction in the serum lactate concentration and clinical improvement.
HUMAN RESEARCH
14. Nutr Rev. 2002 Sep;60(9):277-80.
Acute versus marginal deficiencies of nutrients.
Carpenter KJ.
USA
The author cautions that signs and symptoms of clinical nutrient deficiency may be attenuated over time and not resemble exactly nutrient deficiencies created under experimental conditions.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
15. Ann Neurol. 2002 Aug;52(2):195-204.
Cofactors of mitochondrial enzymes attenuate copper-induced death in vitro and in vivo.
Sheline CT, Choi EH, Kim-Han JS, Dugan LL, Choi DW.
USA
In this paper on treatment of copper toxicity we are told that copper toxicity contributes to neuronal death in Wilson's disease and may be linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and prion diseases. The enzyme dehydrogenase is attacked and may be protected by the addition of it’s cofactors such as thiamine. When 1% thiamine was added to the drinking water of a group of rats with Wilson's disease, the thiamine therapy markedly extended life span from 6-7 months to greater than 16 months.
HUMAN RESEARCH
16. AIDS Read. 2002 May;12(5):222-4.
High doses of riboflavin and thiamine may help in secondary prevention of hyperlactatemia.
McComsey GA, Lederman MM.
This paper reports on preliminary research to investigate the use of riboflavin and thiamine in hyperlactatemia in children.
HUMAN RESEARCH
17. Med Sci Monit. 2002 May;8(5):CR357-63.
Alcohol consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer at low levels of micronutrient intake.
Jedrychowski W, Steindorf K, Popiela T, Wahrendorf J, Tobiasz-Adamczyk B, Kulig J, Penar A.
Poland
the authors found that the higher the consumption of alcohol, when combined with low micronutrient intake, including thiamine, may considerably increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
HUMAN RESEARCH
18. Neurochem Int. 2002 May;40(6):493-504
Interactions of oxidative stress with thiamine homeostasis promote neurodegeneration.
Gibson GE, Zhang H.
USA
This review of thiamine deficiency and subsequent neurodegenerative disease finds that oxidative processes may be at fault. The effects of thiamine deficiency can be reversed with antioxidants, and some forms of oxidative stress can be relieved by thiamine make the authors believe that thiamine may act as an antioxidant at specific sites.
HUMAN RESEARCH
19. Obstet Gynecol. 2002 May;99(5 Pt 2):875-7.
Hyperemesis gravidarum complicated by Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Spruill SC, Kuller JA.
USA
This is a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Parenteral thiamine therapy was started on admission and the patient showed rapid improvement, however ataxia persisted. A spontaneous abortion occurred 2 weeks later. The authors felt that early thiamine replacement may decrease the chances of spontaneous abortion.
HUMAN RESEARCH
20. Proc Nutr Soc. 2002 May;61(2):251-7.
Meeting the challenges of micronutrient deficiencies in emergency-affected populations.
Weise Prinzo Z, de Benoist B.
Switzerland
In disaster relief areas the common nutrient deficiency diseases are:
Fe and vitamin A deficiencies, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), pellagra (niacin and/or tryptophan deficiency) and beriberi (thiamin deficiency).
HUMAN RESEARCH
21. Dig Dis Sci. 2002 Mar;47(3):543-8.
Thiamine deficiency in hepatitis C virus and alcohol-related liver diseases.
Levy S, Herve C, Delacoux E, Erlinger S.
France
This study found that both forms of cirrhosis of the liver, whether alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis C virus-cirrhosis have thiamine deficiency and should be treated with thiamine.
HUMAN RESEARCH
22. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2002 Feb;17(2):189-92.
Using thiamine to reduce post-ECT confusion.
Linton CR, Reynolds MT, Warner NJ.
USA
Post ECT confusion treatment with thiamine was reviewed and the authors concluded that it should be recommended therapeutically
HUMAN RESEARCH
23. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002 Feb;21(1):33-7.
Vitamin profile of 563 gravidas during trimesters of pregnancy.
Baker H, DeAngelis B, Holland B, Gittens-Williams L, Barrett T Jr.
USA
In this study of 563 pregnant women recruited from the obstetrical clinic of New Jersey Medical School and placed on vitamin supplementation. Vitamin levels were assessed and a high percent of combination deficiency of vitamin A, B6, niacin. thiamin and B 12 hypovitaminemia was noted during all pregnancy trimesters. The authors concluded that a vitamin deficit during pregnancy does not occur in isolation.
HUMAN RESEARCH
24. Gastric Cancer. 2002;5(2):77-82.
Reduced thiamine (vitamin B1) levels following gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Iwase K, Higaki J, Yoon HE, Mikata S, Miyazaki M, Kamiike W.
Japan
The authors comment that vitamin B1 deficiency is well known as a possible complication following gastric restrictive surgery for morbid obesity. This study set out to determine if patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer have reduced vitamin B1 levels. The authors found that, in fact, vitamin B1 levels may be reduced in gastrectomized patients, especially within 6 months after operation..
HUMAN RESEARCH
25. J Nutr Health Aging. 2002;6(4):237-42.
Dietary intake analysis in institutionalized elderly: a focus on nutrient density.
Dror Y, Berner YN, Stern F, Polyak Z.
Israel
In this study dietary intake was assessed in 50 institutionalized males and females with an average age of 84 years. It was found that intake of vitamins D, E, B6, thiamin (vitamin B1) and folic acid in all or most of the subjects was low. As a further addition to the study the authors found that in almost all of the 39 studies and reviews, densities of at least two nutrients did not meet the calculated RDA density. The lowest nutrient densities were for vitamins C and E, thiamin, vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin D, as well as of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.
HUMAN RESEARCH
26. J Nutr Health Aging. 2002;6(1):75-7.
Reduced serum concentrations of riboflavine and ascorbic acid, and blood thiamine pyrophosphate and pyridoxal-5-phosphate in geriatric patients with and without pressure sores.
Selvaag E, Bohmer T, Benkestock K.
Norway
In a study to determine whether patients with pressure sores had deficient B1, B2, and vitamin C the authors found that all the geriatric patients with or without pressure sores had low thiamine-pyrophosphate levels.
HUMAN RESEARCH
27. Medicina (B Aires). 2002;62(4):331-4.
Acute cardiovascular beriberi (shoshin-beriberi).
Lopez Gaston OD, Malvino ER, McLoughlin D, Osatnik J, Chavez Zambrano MA, Pino C.
Spain
The authors describe two forms of beriberi (BB), one is called “dry” BB with peripheral neuropathy and muscle weakness and “wet” which has heart symptoms. They are both caused by thiamine deficiency. Then, there are two types of “wet” BB, one with manifestations of right-sided heart failure or "shoshin" BB in which both heart chambers are failing and there is severe metabolic acidosis. The authors present a case of “shoshin” BB in 58 year old alcoholic woman who developed dyspnea, oliguria, edema, cardiac failure with high output, metabolic acidosis, renal tubular dysfunction and high serum lactate. She also had peripheral neuropathy in the lower legs and alteration of her mental status. She responded dramatically when treated with a loading dose of 100 mg of intravenous thiamine. The authors suggest that in cases of lactic acidosis with or without hyperdynamic circulation that vitamin B1 deficiency should be considered and thiamine administered.
HUMAN RESEARCH
28. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2002;53(3):243-52.
Changes in vitamins intake in overweight and obese adults after low-energy diets
Pachocka L, Klosiewicz-Latoszek L.
Poland
A group of 96 obese women and men were assessed for their vitamin intake. At baseline in women the lowest intake was found for vitamin B1, at 82.8% of the RDA. The authors found that after 18 weeks of the low-energy diet all assessed nutrients were below the RDA. They concluded that people on low energy diets need to be educated about the nutrient value of foods.
HUMAN RESEARCH
29. Sci Total Environ. 2001 Dec 17;281(1-3):177-82.
Lead poisoning in Indian silver refiners.
Tandon SK, Chatterjee M, Bhargava A, Shukla V, Bihari V.
India
In a group of 50 silver refiners, 31 had high levels of lead in their blood. There was a decrease in blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and thiamine (as pyruvate) level. The workers had anaemia, abdominal colic, blue lining of gum and muscular wasting all symptoms of lead toxicity. Two subgroups were treated with either vitamin B1 (75 mg, once a day) or vitamin C (250 mg. twice a day) for 1 month. The authors reported that treatment with both the vitamins significantly lowered the blood lead levels and reduced blood thiamine and copper deficiency. They recommended that prevention of lead toxicity would follow from daily intake of vitamin B1 and vitamin C.
HUMAN RESEARCH
30. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Dec;74(6):808-13.
Postpartum thiamine deficiency in a Karen displaced population.
McGready R, Simpson JA, Cho T, Dubowitz L, Changbumrung S, Bohm V, Munger RG, Sauberlich HE, White NJ, Nosten F.
Thailand
The authors report that infantile beriberi was the leading cause of infant death in camps for displaced persons of the Karen ethnic minority on Thailand's western border. They designed this study to document thiamine status in pregnant women. Twenty-six women were followed from 30 weeks gestation to 3 months postpartum. Measurements at 3 mo postpartum, showed thiamine deficiency in 57.7%, with 26.9% having severe deficiency. The authors concluded that thiamine deficiency is very common and requires supplementation.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
31. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2001 Dec;47(6):385-6.
Cooperation of divalent ions and thiamin diphosphate in regulation of the function of pig heart pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
Czerniecki J, Czygier M.
Poland
This study produced data that suggests that Mg2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ are associated with thiamin diphosphate as positive regulatory effectors of pig heart.
BASIC RESEARCH
32. Mech Ageing Dev. 2001 Dec;123(1):21-7.
Co-culture with astrocytes or microglia protects metabolically impaired neurons.
Park LC, Zhang H, Gibson GE.
USA
The authors acknowledge that thiamine deficiency leads to chronic impairment of oxidative metabolism and eventually neurodegeneration. In this study thiamine-deficient primary hippocampal neurons were cultured. After 7 days of continued thiamine-deficiency , 50% of the neurons died, and the processes of many of the surviving neurons were severely truncated.
HUMAN RESEARCH
33. Psychiatry Res. 2001 Nov 5;108(1):49-55.
Serial MRI and (1)H-MRS of Wernicke's encephalopathy: report of a case with remarkable cerebellar lesions on MRI.
Murata T, Fujito T, Kimura H, Omori M, Itoh H, Wada Y.
Japan
MRI studies before and after the administration of thiamine were done in a patient with Wernicke's encephalopathy. Before thiamine there were several lesions identified by high signal. After thiamine, the high signal intensity in one region disappeared immediately, while those in three other regions persisted. The authors concluded that serial MRI is the way to study the progression of or the treatment of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
HUMAN RESEARCH
34. Am J Kidney Dis. 2001 Nov;38(5):941-7.
Thiamine deficiency and unexplained encephalopathy in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.
Hung SC, Hung SH, Tarng DC, Yang WC, Chen TW, Huang TP.
China
Encephalopathy and thiamine deficiency are both common in dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease. This study was designed to determine if thiamine deficiency is associated with unexplained encephalopathy. In 10 of 30 dialysis patients with encephalopathy their condition remained undiagnosed. All ten had thiamine deficiency confirmed by a marked response to thiamine supplementation and/or a low serum thiamine concentration. The authors noted that nine patients recovered, but one patient failed to respond because of delayed treatment. They concluded that in regular dialysis patients, unexplained encephalopathy can be mainly attributed to thiamine deficiency. The warn that this condition is fatal if unrecognized but it can be successfully treated with prompt thiamine replacement.
HUMAN RESEARCH
35. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2001 Nov;41(4):453-6.
Wernicke's encephalopathy due to hyperemesis gravidarum: an under-recognised condition.
Togay-Isikay C, Yigit A, Mutluer N.
Turkey
The authors offer a case history of a 25-year-old woman with hyperemesis gravidarum (severe pregnancy nausea) and symptoms of drowsiness, nystagmus, severe ataxia and areflexia, which developed six weeks after admission to an obstetric clinic. She had been treated with intravenous dextrose and electrolyte solutions and antiemetics. An MRI showed signs of Wernicke's encephalopathy. On the third day of thiamine replacement, neurologic signs improved dramatically. The authors then reviewed 29 previously reported cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, and emphasize the importance of thiamine supplementation to women with prolonged vomiting in pregnancy.
HUMAN RESEARCH
36. Harefuah. 2001 Nov;140(11):1062-7, 1117.
Micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) supplementation for the elderly, suggested by a special committee nominated by Ministry of Health
Dror Y, Stern F, Berner YN, Kaufmann NA, Berry E, Maaravi Y, Altman H, Cohen A, Leventhal A, Kaluski DN.
Israel
A committee on nutrition lists the supplements in the suggested preparatory composition that may soon be distributed to the elderly. In mg: vitamin A, 0.450; vitamin D, 0.015; vitamin E, 10; thiamin, 0.6 riboflavin, 0.7; biotin, 0.030; pantothenic acid, 3; niacin, 8; vitamin C, 60; vitamin B6, 0.8; folic acid, 0.120; vitamin B12, 0.0024; choline up to 275; zinc, 8; copper, 0.9; fluorine, 0.5; manganese, 1.2; chromium 0.020; molybdenum, 0.045; selenium, 0.030; and iodine, 0.075. Fat-soluble vitamins should be microencapsulated.
BASIC RESEARCH
37. Surgery. 2001 Nov;130(5):851-8.
Thiamine reverses hyperglycemia-induced dysfunction in cultured endothelial cells.
Ascher E, Gade PV, Hingorani A, Puthukkeril S, Kallakuri S, Scheinman M, Jacob T.
USA
The authors note that high levels of glucose, as in diabetes, have previously been shown to inhibit endothelial cell migration and increase secretion of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), a marker of endothelial cell damage. This study shows that thiamine inhibits this endothelial cell activation and the effects of hyperglycemia on endothelial cell migration. The authors conclude that the data from their study may mean that thiamine intake may act as a preventive in the vascular complications of diabetes.
HUMAN RESEARCH
38. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2001 Oct;14(5):365-70.
Riboflavin deficiency in cystic fibrosis: three case reports.
McCabe H.
UK
in this case report on riboflavin deficiency it was also noted in three cystic fibrosis patients that they had deficiencies of thiamine. The authors conclude that these cases point out vitamin deficiencies that have not been previously reported in the cystic fibrosis population.
BASIC RESEARCH
39. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2001 Sep;281(3):C786-92.
Mechanism of thiamine uptake by human jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles.
Dudeja PK, Tyagi S, Kavilaveettil RJ, Gill R, Said HM.
USA
Thiamine, a water-soluble vitamin, is essential for normal cellular functions, growth and development. Thiamine deficiency leads to significant clinical problems and occurs under a variety of conditions. The authors suggest that little is known about the mechanism of thiamine absorption in the native human small intestine. Their data demonstrate the existence of a sodium-independent, pH-dependent, amiloride-sensitive, electroneutral carrier-mediated mechanism for thiamine absorption in native human small intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles.
HUMAN RESEARCH
40. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2001 Sep;71(3):357-62.
Postgastrectomy polyneuropathy with thiamine deficiency.
Koike H, Misu K, Hattori N, Ito S, Ichimura M, Ito H, Hirayama M, Nagamatsu M, Sasaki I, Sobue G.
Japan
The authors note that polyneuropathy has been reported after gastrectomy. They also cite thiamine deficiency as a cause of this neuropathy and conclude that it is such a common finding that gastrectomy patients should be routinely supplemented with thiamine.
HUMAN RESEARCH
41. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2001 Sep;30(5):273-5.
Effect of multi-micronutrient on heat adaptation and its probable mechanism.
Guo J, Zhao F, Qiu L, Li X.
China
A multi-micronutrient compound composed of ascorbic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn was seen to enhance heat adaptation in Drosophila. The mechanism is thought to be due to improved neuroendocrine regulation and enhancing anti-oxidative function against the damage of free radicals.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
42. Eur J Biochem. 2001 Aug;268(15):4177-82.
The effect of thiamine supplementation on tumour proliferation. A metabolic control analysis study.
Comin-Anduix B, Boren J, Martinez S, Moro C, Centelles JJ, Trebukhina R, Petushok N, Lee WN, Boros LG, Cascante M.
Spain
The authors comment that thiamine deficiency frequently occurs in patients with advanced cancer and therefore thiamine supplementation is used as nutritional support. However, because thiamine stimulates cell growth the authors wanted to address the possibility that thiamine could stimulate cancer tumor growth. Their results in a mouse model show that thiamine supplementation sufficient to correct existing thiamine deficiency stimulates tumour proliferation as predicted. But there is a tumor inhibitory effect at high doses of thiamine which is unexplained and demands further study.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
43. Life Sci. 2001 Jul 27;69(10):1181-91.
Characteristics of depressive behavior induced by feeding thiamine-deficient diet in mice.
Nakagawasai O, Tadano T, Hozumi S, Taniguchi R, Tan-No K, Esashi A, Niijima F, Kisara K.
Japan
This study in a group of thiamine-deficient (TD) mice showed growth decrease by day ten and a mortality rate at 67% on day 30. Administration of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine improved behavioral symptoms and suggest that symptoms of thiamine deficiency involve degeneration of serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons.
HUMAN RESEARCH
44. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001 Jul;132(1):19-26.
Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.
Kuzniarz M, Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Flood VM.
Australia
This study was designed to investigate the association between vitamin supplements and the incidence of cataract. The authors studied 2873 people attending an eye clinic who completed a food diet diary. Specifically, they found that those patients who used thiamine supplements had reduced incidence of nuclear and cortical cataract. They concluded that long-term use of multivitamins, B vitamins, and vitamin A was associated with lowered incidence of both nuclear or cortical cataract.
BASIC RESEARCH
45. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2001 Jul;281(1):G144-50.
Mechanism of thiamine uptake by human colonocytes: studies with cultured colonic epithelial cell line NCM460.
Said HM, Ortiz A, Subramanian VS, Neufeld EJ, Moyer MP, Dudeja PK.
USA
The authors acknowledge that exogenous thiamine is essential for normal cellular functions and growth. Because mammals cannot synthesize thiamine they must absorb it from the diet through the intestines. The data from this study suggests that thiamine synthesized from bacteria in the gut may be a contributor to thiamine nutrition of the host and to cellular nutrition of the local colonocytes.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
46. Eur J Pharmacol. 2001 Jun 15;421(3):157-64.
B vitamins induce an antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid and formaldehyde models of nociception in mice.
Franca DS, Souza AL, Almeida KR, Dolabella SS, Martinelli C, Coelho MM.
Brazil
In this study thiamine along with B6 and B12 had an inhibitory effect on the perception of pain in mice. The authors found that the method by which this is accomplished is an effect on the synthesis or action of inflammatory mediators.
HUMAN RESEARCH
47. Br J Nutr. 2001 Jun;85(6):741-8.
Vitamin B intake and status in healthy Havanan men, 2 years after the Cuban neuropathy epidemic.
Arnaud J, Fleites-Mestre P, Chassagne M, Verdura T, Garcia Garcia I, Hernandez-Fernandez T, Gautier H, Favier A, Perez-Cristia R, Barnouin J.
France/Cuba
Dietary histories were taken on 199 healthy Cuban males. The results prove that vitamin B complex is deficiency in this otherwise healthy population. The authors stressed the need for preventive multivitamin supplementation and increased dietary sources of B vitamins.
HUMAN RESEARCH
48. Int J STD AIDS. 2001 Jun;12(6):407-9.
Severe lactic acidosis and thiamine administration in an HIV-infected patient on HAART.
Arici C, Tebaldi A, Quinzan GP, Maggiolo F, Ripamonti D, Suter F.
Italy
The authors note that severe lactic acidosis is a potentially fatal complication of HIV treatment that is occurring more frequently. This report is of a case of an asymptomatic HIV-infected woman treated with stavudine, lamivudine and indinavir for one year. She was hospitalized with symptoms of shortness of breath, edema, cyanosis and severe lactic acidosis. She responded dramatically (within a few hours) to empirical treatment with thiamine (100 mg i.v.). The authors note that such rapid response deserves careful attention and thiamine infusion should be considered in similar cases.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
49. Aquat Toxicol. 2001 May;52(3-4):229-39.
The use of thiamine and thiamine antagonists to investigate the etiology of early mortality syndrome in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush).
Fitzsimons JD, Vandenbyllaardt L, Brown SB.
A condition called early mortality syndrome (EMS) is a non-infectious disease affecting lake trout in the Great Lakes. Symptoms are loss of equilibrium, hyperexcitability, anorexia, and eventually death. The authors review the literature and find that EMS is associated with low thiamine. They also report that treatment of eggs or young fry with thiamine-HCl eliminates symptoms and mortality. In this study the authors provide data supporting the hypothesis that a thiamine deficiency in the natural environment is the cause of EMS.
HUMAN RESEARCH
50. Mt Sinai J Med. 2001 May;68(3):216-8.
Wernicke's encephalopathy in a non-alcoholic man: case report and brief review.
Munir A, Hussain SA, Sondhi D, Ameh J, Rosner F.
USA
This is another case of a patient with Wernicke's encephalopathy who improved dramatically within 24 hours of administration of thiamine.
BASIC RESEARCH
51. J Biochem (Tokyo). 2001 Apr;129(4):543-9.
Suppression of the accumulation of triosephosphates and increased formation of methylglyoxal in human red blood cells during hyperglycaemia by thiamine in vitro.
Thornalley PJ, Jahan I, Ng R.
UK
In this cell study the authors found that biochemical changes implicated in the development of diabetic complications were prevented using high dose thiamine. They conclude that there is a biochemical basis for high dose thiamine therapy for the prevention of diabetic complications.
HUMAN RESEARCH
52. Nutrition. 2001 Apr;17(4):351-2.
Severe metabolic acidosis and heart failure due to thiamine deficiency.
Ozawa H, Homma Y, Arisawa H, Fukuuchi F, Handa S.
Japan
This case report is of a male patient with severe metabolic acidosis and heart failure caused by thiamine deficiency. The authors speculated that the patient could be thiamine deficient and found a low thiamine blood level and high lactate. After an infusion of thiamine the acidosis and heart failure disappeared. They concluded that thiamine deficiency should be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of heart failure with severe metabolic acidosis.
From here
HUMAN RESEARCH
53. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001 Mar;96(3):864-8.
Thiamine treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection.
Wallace AE, Weeks WB.
USA
The authors give an overview of chronic hepatitis B, which is an international health concern that causes cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure, and death. They opine that the current treatment options are expensive and have a high incidence of side effects. In this study they followed three patients on daily thiamine. In each patient the hepatitis B viral DNA became undetectable. They suggested further study of this therapy. They feel that thiamine could offer obvious advantages over the current treatments.
HUMAN RESEARCH
54. Public Health. 2001 Mar;115(2):133-8.
Relationships between dietary intake and cognitive function level in Korean elderly people.
Lee L, Kang SA, Lee HO, Lee BH, Park JS, Kim JH, Jung IK, Park YJ, Lee JE.
Korea
In a random sample of 210 men and 239 women in Korea, aged 60 and over, the females with poor cognitive function had significantly lower intakes of total amount of foods, cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk, spices, and also, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, Ca, P, Fe, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin than those of the normal cognitive score group. The authors conclude that consumption of adequate nutrients, by taking sufficient amounts and variety of foods, should be encouraged to help maintain adequate cognitive function in elderly Koreans.
HUMAN RESEARCH
55. Rev Med Liege. 2001 Mar;56(3):155-8.
Shoshin beriberi: myth or reality?
Masset C, Lancellotti P, Nkoghe D.
Belgium
The authors describe a case of shoshin, which is a fulminating form of cardiac beriberi developing in a few hours in a young alcoholic. They know that without specific treatment this condition will evolve into cardiogenic shock, metabolic acidosis and death. They report that treatment by thiamine and alkalinization permits a spectacular and fast recovery.
BASIC RESEARCH
56. Ukr Biokhim Zh. 2001 Mar-Apr;73(2):51-6.
Interaction of rat brain thiamine kinase with thiamine and its derivatives
Pylypchuk Siu, Parkhomenko IuM, Protasova ZS, Vovk AI, Donchenko HV.
Ukraine
In this study thiamine’s intimate action on the synthesis of acetylcholine and function of the nerve cell was confirmed.
HUMAN RESEARCH
57. Brain Research. 2001 Feb 16;892(1):218-27.
Glucose induced IEG expression in the thiamin-deficient rat brain.
Zimitat C, Nixon PF.
Australia
The authors confirmed that a bolus of glucose given to thiamine deficient rats, who are made even more deficient by administration of the anti-vitamin, pyrithiamin, adds to the symptoms of acute neuropathy which is a model for Wernicke’s encephalopathy in man. They conclude that timed acute changes that follow a glucose load administered to thiamin-deficient animals may provide a sequential account of events in the pathogenesis of brain damage.
HUMAN RESEARCH
58. Can J Neurol Sci. 2001 Feb;28(1):89-92.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy following gastroplasty for morbid obesity.
Toth C, Voll C.
In this case study a 35-year-old female developed uncontrollable vomiting, severe weight loss, and low potassium following gastroplasty for morbid obesity and had the surgery reversed. Following reversal, she developed confusion, ataxia, leg weakness and nystagmus. The patient improved slowly over two months on thiamine therapy and according to the authors should be instituted much sooner in the course of this disease.
HUMAN RESEARCH
59. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2001 Jan;25(1):112-6.
Thiamin treatment and working memory function of alcohol-dependent people: preliminary findings.
Ambrose ML, Bowden SC, Whelan G.
Australia
Identifying Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) on clinical examination is difficult but thiamine treatment can rapidly resolve acute symptoms. This study was designed to treat a group of alcoholics with thiamine without diagnosis. Treatment was given to 107 subjects who were detoxifying from alcohol. On the post-treatment assessment, a superior performance was found in the group that received the highest dose of thiamin, compared with four other treatment groups.
HUMAN RESEARCH
60. Ann Nutr Metab. 2001;45(4):175-80.
Nutritional disorders among workers in North China during national turmoil.
Lee BY, Thurmon TF.
USA/China
A unique set of thiamine deficiency symptoms were seen in a Chinese population undergoing the stress of prolonged deprivation and worsened by physical exertion. They had symptoms of great toe pain, heel pain, temporomandibular joint click, and painful click of the knee. The authors found that intramuscular thiamin HCl prevented impending stroke. However, those who did not receive thiamine progressed to fatal stroke.
HUMAN RESEARCH
61. Behav Neurol. 2001-2002;13(3-4):89-94.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome following small bowel obstruction.
Deb S, Law-Min R, Fearnley D.
UK
A 64 year old woman developed Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome following a laparotomy for small bowel obstruction. Because she suffered paralytic ileus after the operation she required total parenteral nutrition for one month. At that point 200 mg of thiamine was given daily with subjective improvement of confusion, confabulation, and anterograde amnesia. However, objective tests showed remaining deficits in cognitive function. A history of alcohol abuse could not be confirmed.
HUMAN RESEARCH
62. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2001 Jan-Feb;27(1):135-8.
Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome: a disorder of high-affinity thiamine transport.
Neufeld EJ, Fleming JC, Tartaglini E, Steinkamp MP.
USA
This paper reviews a medical condition called thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) syndrome, which has distinctive features: megaloblastic anemia with ringed sideroblasts, diabetes mellitus, and progressive sensorineural deafness. The TRMA gene has been mapped and found to be mutated in all TRMA relatives studied to date. This paper also notes that cells from TRMA patients are uniquely sensitive to thiamine depletion to the nanomolar range, while pharmacologic doses of vitamin B1 improve the anemia and diabetes.
HUMAN RESEARCH
63. Br J Nutr. 2001 Jan;85(1):49-58.
Longitudinal vitamin and homocysteine levels in normal pregnancy.
Cikot RJ, Steegers-Theunissen RP, Thomas CM, de Boo TM, Merkus HM, Steegers EA.
Netherlands
The authors comment that the importance of maternal nutritional status on pregnancy outcome has recently been identified. Therefore this study was designed to obtain information on normal blood nutritional values in pregnancy for 102 women. It was found that the concentrations of retinol, thiamin, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, serum folate, and vitamin B12 decreased during pregnancy. The authors conclude that these data have provided valuable reference values for vitamins before, during and after pregnancy.
HUMAN RESEARCH
64. J Int Med Res. 2001 Jan-Feb;29(1):37-40.
Cardiac beriberi among illegal mainland Chinese immigrants.
Chen KT, Chiou ST, Chang YC, Pan WH, Twu SJ.
China
The authors report on two patients with fulminating beriberi; both of whom had been incarcerated at a detention centre for 5 months before hospitalization. The risk factor to their illness was a prolonged monotonous diet, low in thiamine.
HUMAN RESEARCH
65. Rev Environ Health. 2001 Jul-Sep;16(3):213-22.
Risk of colorectal cancer from alcohol consumption at lower vitamin intakes. A hospital-based case-control study in Poland.
Jedrychowski W, Steindorf K, Popiela T, Wahrendorf J, Tobiasz-Adamczyk B, Kulig J, Penar A.
Poland
This study was designed to assess alcohol intake and micronutrients in colorectal cancer. In 180 patients data indicate that with low levels of thiamine there is an increased incidence of colorectal cancer. the risk was worsened with high intake of alcohol.
HUMAN RESEARCH
66. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001 Jun 1;37(7):1765-74.
Chronic heart failure and micronutrients.
Witte KK, Clark AL, Cleland JG.
UK
The authors have found that selective deficiency of selenium, calcium and thiamine can directly lead to the heart failure. This paper reviews the association between micronutrients and heart failure. The authors conclude that there is sufficient evidence to support a large-scale trial of dietary micronutrient supplementation in heart failure.
HUMAN RESEARCH
67. Molecular mechanisms of thiamine utilization.
Singleton CK, Martin PR.
USA
This review paper beings with the statement that thiamine is required for all tissues and is found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle, heart, liver, kidneys and brain. Severe thiamine deficiency occurs after 18 days on a thiamine deficient diet. The most common cause of thiamine deficiency is alcoholism. Thiamine diphosphate is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in carbohydrate catabolism, biosynthesis of a number of cell constituents, including neurotransmitters, and for aspects of the oxidant stress defenses, in biosyntheses, and for synthesis of pentoses used as nucleic acid precursors (in DNA). The major manifestations of thiamine deficiency in humans involve the cardiovascular (wet beriberi) and nervous (dry beriberi, or neuropathy and/or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) systems. A number of inborn errors of metabolism of thiamine occur but are treatable with pharmacological doses of thiamine, such as thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia.
HUMAN RESEARCH
68. J Clin Anesth. 2001 May;13(3):230-8.
Early recognition of acute cardiovascular beriberi by interpretation of hemodynamics
Gabrielli A, Caruso L, Stacpoole PW.
USA.
This is a case of a patient with acute fulminant cardiovascular beriberi, which is an acute thiamine deficiency. If not recognized and treated, it can lead to high cardiac output failure and death. The symptoms of acute thiamine deficiency include severe lactacidemia, and the presence of a high cardiac output and extremely low oxygen consumption in a patient who is hemodynamically stable.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
69. Behav Brain Res. 2001 Mar 15;119(2):167-77.
Aging potentiates the acute and chronic neurological symptoms of pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency in the rodent.
Pitkin SR, Savage LM.
USA
This study produced data indicating that age heightens thiamine-deficiency neuropathology.
HUMAN RESEARCH
70. Clin Nephrol. 2001 Mar;55(3):248-53.
Central and extrapontine myelinolysis in a patient in spite of a careful correction of hyponatremia.
Leens C, Mukendi R, Foret F, Hacourt A, Devuyst O, Colin IM.
Belgium
In this case report a 54-year-old alcoholic female patient was hospitalized for neurologic symptoms along with extremely low sodium levels. She had alcohol cravings and was on a thiazide diuretic for high blood pressure. She worsened until therapy was instituted to correct her low sodium and potassium and thiamine deficiency at which point she recovered almost completely. The authors concluded that it is very important in a low sodium alcoholic patient to identify and manage other risk factors such as thiamine deficiency.
HUMAN RESEARCH
71. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2001 Mar-Apr;2(2):71-5.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy: The Subacute Setting as Safety Net.
Buxbaum RC, Yurkofsky M.
USA
The authors review the treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy , which include a safe intervention: parenteral thiamine, which they say is often successful in reversing the neurological manifestations.
HUMAN RESEARCH
72. Pediatr Radiol. 2001 Mar;31(3):167-8.
Wernicke's encephalopathy in a child: case report and MR findings.
Coe M, Carfagnini F, Tani G, Ambrosetto P.
Italy
This is a rare case of Wernicke's encephalopathy in a child diagnosed on MRI. Thiamine treatment was begun immediately on diagnosis.
HUMAN RESEARCH
73. Am J Kidney Dis. 2001 Feb;37(2):427-30.
Chorea induced by thiamine deficiency in hemodialysis patients.
Hung SC, Hung SH, Tarng DC, Yang WC, Huang TP.
China
Thiamine deficiency may occur in chronic dialysis because of dialysis loss and low intake. In this paper two hemodialysis patients developed thiamine deficiency-induced chorea. The authors suggest that thiamine deficiency, which causes dysfunction of the basal ganglia, may induce chorea in HD patients
ANIMAL RESEARCH
74. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2001 Feb;13(2):163-6.
In vivo and in vitro proton NMR spectroscopic studies of thiamine-deficient rat brains.
Lee H, Holburn GE, Price RR.
USA
In an animal model rats deprived of thiamine and fed a thiamine antagonist developed severe reduction in choline. The authors note that their data are compatible with previous research that a decrease in choline compounds is the cause of the biochemical imbalance that leads to neurological damage and symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy.
HUMAN RESEARCH
75. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2001 Jan;20(1):40-3.
Postoperative encephalopathies: thiamine deficiency, an unrecognized etiology
S, Andrianjatovo JJ, Dubau B, Winnock S, Maurette P.
France
this is a case report of a patient who developed postoperative Wernicke encephalopathy eight days after a left hepatectomy performed for metastasis related to a rectal cancer. In the postoperative period the patient’s only nourishment was 5% dextrose solution intravenously. On day eight postop he had an alteration of consciousness, vertical nystagmus, and ataxia, which led to a diagnosis of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine completely treated the clinical symptoms.
HUMAN RESEARCH
76. Ann Hematol. 1999 Feb;78(2):105-7.
Downbeat nystagmus caused by thiamine deficiency: an unusual presentation of CNS localization of large cell anaplastic CD 30-positive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Mulder AH, Raemaekers JM, Boerman RH, Mattijssen V.
Netherlands
In this case study a 24-year-old woman with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and a period of protracted vomiting developed nystagmus, anisocoria, and oscillopsia. She was found to have thiamine deficiency, probably due to the vomiting and to thiamine uptake by the tumor cells. The patient had a very positive reaction to thiamine supplementation.
HUMAN RESEARCH
77. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2000 Mar;68(3):113-20.
Thiamine treatment in psychiatry and neurology
Hinze-Selch D, Weber MM, Zimmermann U, Pollmacher T.
Garmany
This paper reviews the risk/benefit ratio to giving intravenous thiamine for Wernicke-Korsakow-syndrome because of the slight risk of anaphylactic shock of giving synthetic thiamine on an emergency basis. The authors found that 1) Acute mortality of Wernicke-Korsakow-syndrome is about 20%. 2) Oral thiamine is safe. 3) The risk for an anaphylactic shock due to parenteral thiamine administration is below 1 to 100,000. 4) Not only alcohol but any condition with either increased metabolic need (pregnancy, consuming diseases) or deficient nutrition (including eating disorders) can lead to thiamine deficiency. And their direct recommendations were:: 1) Oral thiamine substitution with at least 50 mg per day and supply of a sufficient and complete diet should be given to any person that might be at risk for thiamine deficiency. 2) Any patient suspicious for acute thiamine deficiency needs to be treated under inpatient conditions and there needs to receive 50 to 100 mg thiamine intravenously 3 to 4 times a day. 3) General practitioners, psychiatrists and neurologists should take care of the oral supplementation of thiamine, sufficient nutrition, and they are the physicians to diagnose early stages of thiamine deficiency.
HUMAN RESEARCH
78. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2000;4(3):115-7.
Outcome of thiamine treatment in a child with Leigh disease due to thiamine-responsive pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Di Rocco M, Lamba LD, Minniti G, Caruso U, Naito E.
Italy
This paper is a case study of a child with severe psychomotor retardation, peripheral neuropathy and bilateral abnormal signal in basal ganglia on MRI, consistent with Leigh disease. The authors report on the difficulty of diagnosis but because the child had neurological improvement after treatment with thiamine, more studies were done and a particular enzyme deficiency was diagnosed in the thiamine pathway.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
79. Brain Res Bull. 2000 Jan 1;51(1):47-55.
Immunohistochemical estimation of rat brain somatostatin on avoidance learning impairment induced by thiamine deficiency.
Nakagawasai O, Tadano T, Niijima F, Tan-No K, Kisara K.
Japan
In a rat study it was found that after a certain duration of thiamine deficiency, thiamine deficiency-induced behavioral effects might be reversible, but some neuronal fibers might be irreversibly damaged.
BASIC RESEARCH
80. Ann Vasc Surg. 2000 Jan;14(1):37-43.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) protects against glucose- and insulin-mediated proliferation of human infragenicular arterial smooth muscle cells.
Avena R, Arora S, Carmody BJ, Cosby K, Sidawy AN.
USA
The authors comment that accelerated proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMC) plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis in diabetes particularly with high insulin and glucose levels. Knowing that thiamine is a coenzyme important in intracellular glucose metabolism the authors wanted to determine the effect of thiamine treatment on this condition. Cells from diabetics who had amputations reflecting severe atherosclerosis were used in this study. The authors found that thiamine inhibits human ASMC proliferation induced by high glucose and insulin. They conclude that Vitamin B1 intake may help delay the atherosclerotic complications of diabetes.
HUMAN RESEARCH
81. Acta Haematol. 2000;102(3):157-9.
Graft failure of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation due to acute metabolic acidosis associated with total parenteral nutrition in a patient with relapsed breast cancer.
Sawada M, Tsurumi H, Hara T, Goto H, Yamada T, Oyama M, Moriwaki H.
Japan
This is a case study of a 32-year-old female with relapsed breast cancer and liver metastasis. During high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation she was only on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) without any vitamin support. After a second stem cell transplantation, 28 days after the first, she developed severe metabolic acidosis, heart failure and deep coma. She was immediately given an infusion of thiamine. Her heart failure and coma rapidly improved.
HUMAN RESEARCH
82. Nihon Arukoru Yakubutsu Igakkai Zasshi. 2000 Feb;35(1):19-27.
Alcohol intake and nutrition.
Itokawa Y.
Japan
This survey of alcohol and vitamin status revealed that blood thiamin levels and erythrocyte transketolase activity, a thiamin dependent enzyme, showed a significant drop with excess intake of alcohol.
HUMAN RESEARCH
83. Presse Med. 2000 Feb 12;29(5):240-1.
Right heart failure caused by thiamine deficiency (cardiac beriberi)]
Akpan T, Peschard S, Brinkane AH, Bergheul S, Leroy-Terquem E, Levy R.
France
This is a case report of typical cardiac beriberi. The patient presented with shortness of breath and high output cardiac failure. Echocardiography evidenced severe pulmonary hypertension and high cardiac output. After the more common causes of heart failure were ruled out serum thiamine levels were found to be low and therapeutic thiamine was beneficial.
BASIC RESEARCH
84. J Neurochem. 2000 Jan;74(1):114-24.
Metabolic impairment elicits brain cell type-selective changes in oxidative stress and cell death in culture.
Park LC, Calingasan NY, Uchida K, Zhang H, Gibson GE.
USA
This study was designed to determine the response of different brain cell types to thiamine deficiency in laboratory experiments. The authors found that certain enzymes, especially alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, that are thiamine dependent were affected and caused damage or toxicity in particular cells which housed those enzymes.
HUMAN RESEARCH
85. J Nutr Health Aging. 2000;4(2):69-71.
Diuretic use: a risk for subclinical thiamine deficiency in elderly patients.
Suter PM, Haller J, Hany A, Vetter W.
Switzerland
This prospective study was designed to assess the effect of hospitalization on vitamin status on the over 50 population. It was found that only thiamine levels worsened during hospitalization and predictor of that occurring was the use of diuretics. The authors suggest that their conclusions show that the elderly are at risk for thiamine depletion and low dose supplementation may prevent developing thiamine deficiency symptoms such as cardiac beriberi.
HUMAN RESEARCH
86. Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2000;34 Suppl 8:59-66.
Disturbances of glucose metabolism in epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases
Szutowicz A, Jankowska A, Tomaszewicz M.
Poland
This paper provides evidence that nitric oxide, aluminum toxicity, and thiamine deficiency result in similar disturbances in acetyl-CoA release in rat brain nerve terminals making them more susceptible to injury and resulting in neurodegeneration.
HUMAN RESEARCH
87. No To Shinkei. 2000 Jan;52(1):59-63.
A case of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome with dramatic improvement in consciousness immediately after intravenous infusion of thiamine
Kikuchi A, Chida K, Misu T, Okita N, Nomura H, Konno H, Takase S, Takeda A, Itoyama Y.
Japan
In this case report a 68-year-old man was admitted to hospital with disturbance of consciousness. Three years prior he had a proximal subtotal gastrectomy and reconstructive surgery of the jejunal interposition for gastric cancer. Six months before admission his short term memory was becoming impaired, one month before admission he began developing numbness in the feet, dysphagia, unsteady gait, and diplopia but his brain MRI showed no abnormalities. Finally when he was in semi-coma with total ophthalmoplegia, and absence of doll's eye movement and absent deep tendon reflexes his serum thiamine levels were drawn. They were extremely low and now brain MRI showed Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Within 30 seconds of i infusion of thiamine, his consciousness improved dramatically, but returned to semi-coma after about two minutes.
HUMAN RESEARCH
88. Acta Neuropathol (Berl). 1999 Dec;98(6):614-21.
Changes in serotonergic neurons in the brain of pyrithiamine-induced acute thiamine-deficient mice.
Matsushita H, Takeuchi Y, Kosaka K, Fushiki S, Kawata M, Sawada T.
Japan
This study examined changes in 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT, serotonin) neurons in mice who were given pyrithiamine, a drug that causes severe thiamine deficiency. The thiamine-deficiency caused extensive decreases in 5-HT fibers were detected in many parts of the brain. However increases in intensity of 5-HT was found in the dorsal raphe. The authors conclude that is the first report to demonstrate changes in 5-HT neurons through the brain of thiamine-deficient mice.
HUMAN RESEARCH
89. Clin Nutr. 1999 Dec;18(6):375-8.
Thiamin deficiency in HIV-positive patients: evaluation by erythrocyte transketolase activity and thiamin pyrophosphate effect.
Muri RM, Von Overbeck J, Furrer J, Ballmer PE.
Switzerland.
This study was initiated to assess the thiamine levels in HIV-positive patients. Fifty-five consecutive HIV-positive patients were matched with 22 healthy controls. The authors concluded that thiamin deficiency was higher in HIV-positive patients, even if asymptmatic, than previously reported.
HUMAN RESEARCH
90. Endocr J. 1999 Dec;46(6):787-93.
Gestational thyrotoxicosis with acute Wernicke encephalopathy: a case report.
Ohmori N, Tushima T, Sekine Y, Sato K, Shibagaki Y, Ijuchi S, Akano K.
Japan
This case study is of a 35-year-old pregnant hyperthyroid woman who developed nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, nystagmus and mental disturbance, and was thought to be experiencing a thyroid crisis. was referred to our hospital with a suspected diagnosis of thyroid storm. Not all criteria were met for this diagnosis and Wernicke encephalopathy was suspected. Vitamin B1 was given immediately on the first day of admission and her consciousness became nearly normal on day two.
HUMAN RESEARCH
91. Am Fam Physician. 1999 Oct 1;60(5):1468-76.
Management of the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.
Matz R.
USA.
The author reports that 50 to 75 percent patients who have uncontrolled diabetes when admitted to hospital have significant hyperosmolarity resulting in an altered state of consciousness. Furthermore patients with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome are often chronically ill, with vitamin and mineral depletion that may include: potassium, phosphate and magnesium, as well as B-complex vitamins (especially thiamine). The author concluded that these deficits require therapeutic correction.
HUMAN RESEARCH
92. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1999 Oct;16(10):733-5.
Thiamine for the treatment of nucleoside analogue-induced severe lactic acidosis.
Schramm C, Wanitschke R, Galle PR.
Germany
In HIV patients a side effect of nucleoside analogue medication is - lactic acidosis, which can be fatal. This case study describes a 30-year-old female with AIDS with nucleoside analogue-induced lactic acidosis who deteriorated shortly after beginning total parenteral nutrition and reversed within hours after the addition of thiamine. The authors conclude that this case supports the hypothesis that vitamin deficiency is an important cofactor in the development of this rare condition. They recommend that high dose B-vitamins should be given to any patient presenting with lactic acidosis under nucleoside analogue treatment.
HUMAN RESEARCH
93. Nippon Rinsho. 1999 Oct;57(10):2362-5.
Diabetes and vitamin levels
Tamai H.
Japan
This review of vitamin levels in diabetes found that plasma vitamin B1 in diabetics is usually marginally deficient. And vitamin B6 plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and has been associated with impairments in gluconeogenesis and abnormal glucose intolerance. The author concludes that administration of vitamins to diabetic patients reduces insulin requirement and improves vascular complications, playing a nutritional and a pharmacological role in treatment.
HUMAN RESEARCH
94. Acta Neurol Belg. 1999 Sep;99(3):198-201.
Acute axonal polyneuropathy in chronic alcoholism and malnutrition.
Vandenbulcke M, Janssens J.
Belgium
This is a case report on a man with long standing alcohol abuse who, instead of a slow progression of polyneuropathy, developed motor weakness and sensory loss in all four limbs within four days. He did have severe thiamine deficiency
HUMAN RESEARCH
95. J Lab Clin Med. 1999 Sep;134(3):238-43.
Urinary loss of thiamine is increased by low doses of furosemide in healthy volunteers.
Rieck J, Halkin H, Almog S, Seligman H, Lubetsky A, Olchovsky D, Ezra D.
Isreal
The authors are aware of thiamine loss with furosamide diuretics. They conclude that the present study confirms prior results in animal models indicating that sustained diuresis, greater than 100 milliliters per hour creates a significant increase in urinary loss of thiamine in human subjects. They recommend that thiamine supplements should be considered in patients undergoing sustained diuresis, when diet is not adequate to ensure replacement.
HUMAN RESEARCH
96. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 1999 Sep;58(9):946-58.
Oxidative stress is associated with region-specific neuronal death during thiamine deficiency.
Calingasan NY, Chun WJ, Park LC, Uchida K, Gibson GE.
USA.
The authors comment that thiamine deficiency (TD) serves as a model of chronic impairment of oxidative metabolism and selective neuronal loss because it leads to neuronal death and elevation of nitric oxide synthase in macrophages/microglia in mouse brain. In this study they concluded that thiamine-deficiency provides a useful model to help clarify neuron-microglial interaction in neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress.
HUMAN RESEARCH
97. Metab Brain Dis. 1999 Sep;14(3):137-48.
The relationship between thiamine deficiency and performance of a learning task in rats.
Terasawa M, Nakahara T, Tsukada N, Sugawara A, Itokawa Y.
Japan
The authors commented that they were involved with investigating the relationship between learning and thiamine. The first taught rats to press a lever turning a switch off to escape from the pain of electrical stimulation. Then they examined the relationship between learning and the thiamine concentration in various portions of the brain. They found that rats fed a thiamine-deficient diet showed a slower response time and a longer running time than the rats fed the normal diet. In a second study they divided the rats fed the normal diet into two groups, one group trained to switch off a lever and the other group not trained. They found that the thiamine concentration in the blood of the rats in the trained group was significantly higher than that in the group without training in spite of an identical diet.
HUMAN RESEARCH
98. Public Health Nutr. 1999 Sep;2(3A):403-9.
The effects of nutrients on mood.
Benton D, Donohoe RT.
UK
The authors review the effects of nutrients on mood in the literature. They found that deficiency of many vitamins is associated with psychological symptoms. Thiamine supplementation, for example, was found in four double-blind studies to be associated with improved mood.
HUMAN RESEARCH
99. Neurosci Lett. 1999 Aug 13;271(1):33-6.
Cerebrospinal fluid levels of thiamine in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Jimenez-Jimenez FJ, Molina JA, Hernanz A, Fernandez-Vivancos E, de Bustos F,Barcenilla B, Gomez-Escalonilla C, Zurdo M, Berbel A, Villanueva C.
Spain
It is well known that thiamine is an essential cofactor for several important enzymes involved in brain oxidative metabolism, one of which is decreased in the substantia nigra of Parkinson’s patients. Four types of thiamine were measured in cerebrospinal (CSF) in 24 Parkinson’s patients and 40 matched controls. The main difference was a lower CSF free thiamine levels in the Parkinson’s group. The authors suggest that low CSF free thiamine levels could be related with the risk for PD.
HUMAN RESEARCH
100. Pediatr Radiol. 1999 Aug;29(8):581-4.
Reversible MRI abnormalities in an unusual paediatric presentation of Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Sparacia G, Banco A, Lagalla R.
Italy
This case report on a 12-year-old boy with chronic gastrointestinal disease and Wernike’s encephalopathy diagnosed on MRI. He was given IV thiamine for four days and recovered from his neurological symptoms and signs. One month later there was no abnormality on MRI.
HUMAN RESEARCH
101. No To Shinkei. 1999 Jul;51(7):638-40.
Vitamin B1 deficiency polyneuropathy presenting homolateral imitative synkinesia.
Sasaki I, Fujii S, Ichihara N, Hatanaka Y.
Japan
This is a case report of a 56-year-old woman with vitamin B1 polyneuropathy, showing bilateral involuntary movements. Muscle testing with electromyogram revealed neurogenic changes. Nerve biopsy showed marked loss of myelinated fibers, and severe axonal degeneration. MRI of the spine and brain revealed no abnormalities.
HUMAN RESEARCH
102. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 1999 Jun;101(2):118-21.
Wernicke's encephalopathy associated with hemodialysis: report of two cases and review of the literature.
Ihara M, Ito T, Yanagihara C, Nishimura Y.
Japan
The authors report on two rare cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) in non-alcoholic patients on hemodialysis (HD). They presented with WE symptoms of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and disturbance of consciousness. Moreover, intravenous infusion of thiamine led to complete elimination of these manifestations and they had low plasma levels of thiamine before infusion. The authors concluded from the low thiamine levels that HD can deplete thiamine.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
103. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1999 May 19;258(3):703-7.
Thiamine deficiency in vivo produces fiber cell degeneration in mouse lenses.
Frederikse PH, Farnsworth P, Zigler JS Jr.
USA
The report that thiamine deprivation (TD) is considered a classic model of systemic oxidative stress and is linked with degenerative diseases. Specifically thiamine deficiency in mice and rats produces symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Cataracts are also linked with thiamine and oxidative stress. In a group of rats made thiamine deficient, on day 12 days, lens fiber cell degeneration was observed along with increased expression of Alzheimer precursor proteins.
HUMAN RESEARCH
104. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999 May;58(2):427-33.
Optimum nutrition: thiamin, biotin and pantothenate.
Bender DA.
UK
In this paper on the aspects of nutrition the authors agree that the metabolism of glucose is disturbed in thiamin deficiency. They report the theory that Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is associated with a genetic variant of an enzyme, transketolase, which requires a higher than normal concentration of thiamin diphosphate for activity. The possibility that there is a population that has a higher than average requirement for thiamin, has yet to be proven.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
105. Toxicology. 1999 Apr 15;133(2-3):105-13.
Lead induced thiamine deficiency in the brain decreased the threshold of electroshock seizure in rat.
Cheong JH, Seo DO, Ryu JR, Shin CY, Kim YT, Kim HC, Kim WK, Ko KH.
South Korea.
In lead toxic animals, concurrent thiamine deficiency increases the symptoms of neurological disorders. The aim of this study is to test whether lead intoxication could decrease the thiamine status and thresholds of electroshock seizure in rats. It was noted that thiamine contents and transketolase activity were significantly lowered by lead intoxication and thiamine deficiency. And seizure thresholds were significantly decreased. When thiamine supplementation was given it reversed these signs and decreased the brain lead concentration in the lead treated group. The authors concluded that increased seizure susceptibility induced by lead intoxication in rats may be mediated at least in part through the changes of thiamine status.
HUMAN RESEARCH
106. Am J Med Sci. 1999 Apr;317(4):261-2.
Lactic acidosis caused by thiamine deficiency in a pregnant alcoholic patient.
Mukunda BN.
USA
The authors note that metabolic acidosis from excessive lactic acid build up is relatively common and occasionally caused by thiamine deficiency. In this case report a pregnant alcoholic patient was admitted with protracted vomiting and acidosis. She was also tested for thiamine levels which were low. Her symptoms resolved after thiamine infusion.
HUMAN RESEARCH
107. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 1999 Apr;18(4):445-50.
Severe lactic acidosis and thiamine deficiency during parenteral nutrition in a child.
Remond C, Viard L, Paut O, Giraud P, Camboulives J.
France
This is a case report of a leukemic child treated with chemotherapy and parenteral (IV) nutrition for three weeks, who developed a severe lactic acidosis. Symptoms of digestive and neurological condition obscured the diagnosis. Finally a thiamine deficiency was suspected because no vitamins were being given. IV infusion of thiamine immediately treated the lactic acidosis and clinical symptoms. The authors conclude that thiamine deficiency must be suspected in case of severe lactic acidosis during parenteral nutrition and can be prevented by proper vitamin adminstration.
HUMAN RESEARCH
108. Clin Nutr. 1999 Apr;18(2):87-91.
The thiamin, riboflavin and pyridoxine status of patients on emergency admission to hospital.
Jamieson CP, Obeid OA, Powell-Tuck J.
UK
authors designed to assess the prevalence of thiamin, riboflavin and pyridoxine deficiencies at time of admission to an acute hospital. A random selection of 120 adults to an Emergency department provided the test subjects and compared with 80 healthy blood The prevalence of deficiency states in the inpatient group were 21% for thiamine, 2.7% for riboflavin, and 32% for pyridoxine. Almost half the subjects were deficient in one or more vitamins.
HUMAN RESEARCH
109. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999 Apr;18(2):171-8.
Breakfast type, daily nutrient intakes and vitamin and mineral status of French children, adolescents, and adults.
Preziosi P, Galan P, Deheeger M, Yacoub N, Drewnowski A, Hercberg S.
France
In this study high-energy breakfasts and cereal consumption were associated with lower serum cholesterols and improved nutritional biochemistry. It was found that serum concentrations of vitamin B1 (in children and adolescents), vitamin B2, and beta-carotene (in adults) were significantly linked to the level of energy provided by breakfast. The authors concluded that consumption of breakfast cereals appears to have a positive impact on nutritional status regardless of age.
HUMAN RESEARCH
110. J R Soc Med. 1999 Apr;92(4):183-5.
Vitamin B status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Heap LC, Peters TJ, Wessely S.
UK
To study the effects of vitamins on chronic fatigue patients the functional status of several B vitamins, pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamine was tested in 12 vitamin-untreated CFS patients and in 18 healthy controls. The authors found that their data provide preliminary evidence of reduced functional B vitamin status CFS patients.
HUMAN RESEARCH
111. Pediatr Neurol. 1999 Apr;20(4):289-94.
Early diagnosis of pediatric Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Vasconcelos MM, Silva KP, Vidal G, Silva AF, Domingues RC, Berditchevsky CR.
Brazil
Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is a deficiency of thiamine, may be fatal if untreated. The authors suspect that Wernicke's encephalopathy is underdiagnosed in children, therefore they designed this study to assess the frequency of overlooked diagnosis and identify findings that could help identify this condition. From the available literature 31 patients were found. Eleven patients had malignancy, 13 died undiagnosed, 16 recovered with thiamine. Only six presented with the classical signs of Wernicke's encephalopathy, although nine eventually demonstrated this triad. The authors conclude that the high rate of patients diagnosed only at postmortem examination (41.9%) confirms that Wernicke's encephalopathy is underdiagnosed in children. They recommend thiamine therapy if any component of the Wernicke's encephalopathy is present in a hospital setting.
HUMAN RESEARCH
112. CMAJ. 1999 Mar 9;160(5):675-80.
Diagnosis and management of acute alcohol withdrawal.
Holbrook AM, Crowther R, Lotter A, Cheng C, King D.
Canada
The authors overview the use of vitamins in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. They routine administration of thiamine, but not necessarily other vitamins..
HUMAN RESEARCH
113. Acta Neurol Scand. 1999 Mar;99(3):196-8.
Wernicke's encephalopathy induced by hyperemesis gravidarum.
Gardian G, Voros E, Jardanhazy T, Ungurean A, Vecsei L.
Hungary
This is a report of a 25-year-old pregnant patient with Wernicke's encephalopathy secondary to hyperemesis gravidarum who presented at 11 weeks of pregnancy. Neurological examination 8 weeks later demonstrated obtunded sensations, nystagmus and ataxia of gait. MRI suggested a diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy. The patient was treated with intramuscular vitamin B1 followed by oral thiamine until she delivered a healthy male. The authors did a literature review and found 20 cases in the past 30 years of Wernicke's encephalopathy induced by hyperemesis gravidarum. Unfortunately only half of these pregnancies resulted in the birth of a normal infant.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
114. Br Poult Sci. 1999 Mar;40(1):127-30.
Effects of thiamine and clenbuterol on body composition, plasma metabolites and hepatic oxygen consumption in broiler chicks.
Hamano Y, Okada S, Tanaka T.
Japan
The authors examined the effects of thiamine-hydrochloride (10 mg/kg body weight) and a beta-agonist on energy expenditure. The found that thiamine-induced energy expenditure results not only from thermogenesis in the liver, but also from increasing energy utilisation for muscle hypertrophy and this vitamin supplementation facilitates the lipolytic effects of the beta-agonist.
HUMAN RESEARCH
115. Mayo Clin Proc. 1999 Mar;74(3):259-63.
Metabolic acidosis and thiamine deficiency.
Romanski SA, McMahon MM.
USA
This case report describe a 19-year-old patient who was receiving home parenteral nutrition in whom lactic acidosis developed. It appears that her home parenteral nutrition formula contained no multivitamins, most significantly thiamine. After thiamine administration, the acidosis resolved, and the patient experienced pronounced clinical improvement. The authors warn that clinicians must be aware that thiamine is essential for normal glucose metabolism and that thiamine deficiency can lead to lactic acidosis. They also warn that thiamine deficient deaths have occurred due to lactic acidosis and therefore any patient receiving parenteral nutrition must also receive adequate vitamin supplementation.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
116. Metab Brain Dis. 1999 Mar;14(1):1-20.
Glucose loading precipitates acute encephalopathy in thiamin-deficient rats
Zimitat C, Nixon PF.
USA
The authors report that giving glucose repeatedly to thiamine deficient rats significantly increased the rate of progression of acute encephalopathy when compared with untreated thiamine-deficient rats. The authors suggest that their model may be useful for the further investigation of the pathogenesis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy at the molecular level.
HUMAN RESEARCH
117. Lancet. 1999 Feb 13;353(9152):546-9.
Thiamine deficiency and malaria in adults from southeast Asia.
Krishna S, Taylor AM, Supanaranond W, Pukrittayakamee S, ter Kuile F, Tawfiq KM, Holloway PA, White NJ.
Thailand
The authors note that thiamine deficiency (beriberi) is common in some parts of southeast Asia but symptoms of acute thiamine deficiency can be confused with symptoms of malaria, such as encephalopathy and lactic acidosis. In this study the prevalence of thiamine deficiency in adults admitted to hospital with malaria was studied. In 77 patients tested thiamine deficiency was more severe in patients with cerebral malaria than in those with uncomplicated malaria and the controls. The authors concluded that thiamine deficiency commonly complicates acute malaria, is worse in severe infections, and could contribute to dysfunction of the central nervous system.
HUMAN RESEARCH
118. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997 Oct;66(4):925-8.
The response to treatment of subclinical thiamine deficiency in the elderly.
Wilkinson TJ, Hanger HC, Elmslie J, George PM, Sainsbury R.
Zealand
In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial the significance of subclinical thiamine deficiency in the elderly was determined by assessing response to thiamine supplementation. The authors found that all subjects randomly assigned to receive thiamine showed increases in thiamine levels compared with control subjects. Those subjects with persistently low thiamine levels showed subjective benefits from treatment with improvements in quality of life, decrease in systolic blood pressure, and decrease in weight when compared with subjects given placebo. There were also benefits in sleep and energy.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
119. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1997 Oct;58(2):461-70.
Both ethanol toxicity and thiamine deficiency are necessary to produce long-term memory deficits in the young chick.
Crowe SF, Kempton S.
Australia
This study on the effects of alcohol and thiamine deficiency on chicks suggest that preexistent thiamine deficiency may make the subject susceptible to the neurotoxicological effects of alcohol on memory function.
HUMAN RESEARCH
120. Biochem Pharmacol. 1997 Sep 1;54(5):575-82.
Thiamine deficiency in cardiac cells in culture.
Zangen A, Shainberg A.
Israel.
The authors found that rat heart cells in culture were a unique model for studying biochemical and pharmacological aspects of thiamine deficiency. When thiamine was excluded from the growth medium, the following effects were observed: (1) “On days 10-11 spontaneous contractions ceased, accompanied by initiation of cell degeneration; (2) Intensive degeneration and cell death were observed after 14-16 days. (3) Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) concentration in thiamine-deprived cells was decreased gradually, with an elimination half-life of 4-5 days. (4) [3H]deoxyglucose uptake by the cells was increased, even after 1 day of thiamine deprivation. (5) ATP level decreased after 8 days and reached 50% of control cells after 10 days. (6) In thiamine-deprived cells, thiamine addition caused a 60% rise in contraction amplitude but contraction rate was not altered significantly. (7) All these effects were reversible if thiamine was supplied before the initiation of the degeneration processes.”
HUMAN RESEARCH
121. J Pediatr. 1997 Sep;131(3):450-2.
Concomitant administration of sodium dichloroacetate and vitamin B1 for lactic acidemia in children with MELAS syndrome.
Kuroda Y, Ito M, Naito E, Yokota I, Matsuda J, Saijo T, Kondo S, Yoneda Y, Miyazaki M, Mori K, Iwamoto H.
Japan.
This is a case history of two siblings with MELAS syndrome (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and strokelike syndrome). They developed myoclonic seizures, intractable abdominal pain, and headaches, which resolved during the concomitant administration of sodium dichloroacetate and vitamin B1.
HUMAN RESEARCH
122. J Am Coll Nutr. 1997 Aug;16(4):366-75.
Nutritional disorders in a concentration camp.
Lee BY, Thurmon TF.
USA.
This paper makes observations on nutritional disorders in a concentration camp before and during the Great Starvation in China. The authors state that many unique abnormalities should be considered as a part of clinical picture of malnutrition, such as mucocutaneous pigmentation, nail layering phenomena and intranail hemorrhage, palmar/plantar fissures, vegetative system crisis, a avitaminostic fevers, multiple premature beats, and enlargement of cartilage, lymph nodes, and submandibular glands. However, thiamine deficiency should be also considered as one, if not the only, etiologic factor of several common disorders, including submandibular gland cyst, Baker's cyst, stenosing tenosynovitis, direct inguinal hernia, among others.
HUMAN RESEARCH
123. Alcohol Alcohol. 1997 Jul-Aug;32(4):493-500.
Thiamine deficiency in head injury: a missed insult?
Ferguson RK, Soryal IN, Pentland B.
UK
The authors found that there was no clear policy on the use of thiamine in head-injury patients also at risk for Wernicke-Korsakoff. The authors describe a 2 year retrospective study of 218 admissions where alcohol was ingested shortly before sustaining head injury. It was found that a minority (20.6%) had been given thiamine and just over half (56.1%) of those documented as alcoholic received this treatment. It was also determined that the amount and timing of thiamine given was mostly inadequate. The authors comment that treatable conditions are being missed with this failure to ensure that head injury patients at risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome receive appropriate thiamine prophylaxis.
BASIC RESEARCH
124. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1997 Jul;61(7):1221-4.
Thiamine increases expression of yeast gene.
Ichikawa K, Shiba Y, Yamazaki M, Serizawa N.
Japan
The authors found that thiamine generally increases the expression of yeast genes, since the expression of the luciferase gene that was artificially constructed was also increased to some extent by thiamine in S. cerevisiae.
HUMAN RESEARCH
125. Cancer Causes Control. 1997 Jul;8(4):575-90.
Plant foods and colon cancer: an assessment of specific foods and their related nutrients (United States).
Slattery ML, Potter JD, Coates A, Ma KN, Berry TD, Duncan DM, Caan BJ.
USA
This study found that in women who had a high intake of plant foods containing vitamin B6, thiamin, and niacin there was an association with lower rate of colon cancer.
BASIC RESEARCH
126. J Med Chem. 1997 Jun 20;40(13):1969-76.
Zinc ejection as a new rationale for the use of cystamine and related disulfide-containing antiviral agents in the treatment of AIDS.
McDonnell NB, De Guzman RN, Rice WG, Turpin JA, Summers MF.
USA
The author report that a literature search identified a form of vitamin B1, thiamine disulfide, cystamine, and disulfiram as compounds that have been shown to inhibit HIV-1 replication.
HUMAN RESEARCH
127. Brain Dev. 1997 Jun;19(4):262-7.
Treatment of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with a combination of cytochrome C and vitamins B1 and B2.
Tanaka J, Nagai T, Arai H, Inui K, Yamanouchi H, Goto Y, Nonaka I, Okada S.
Japan
The authors studied the therapeutic efficacy of a regimen consisting of intravenous injection of Cardiocrome, containing cytochrome c, flavin mononucleotide and thiamine diphosphate for mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (MEM). Nine patients received treatment and eight were improved clinically in the muscle symptoms of easy fatigability, motor disability and severity of stroke-like episodes, as well as in various other symptoms such as phosphate, tinnitus, headache, corneal edema, chilblains, thalamic pain, respiratory failure, and nystagmus. By giving intermittent injections this improvement was maintained for more than 1 year. The authors conclude this therapy was fairly effective for the management of patients with MEM.
PMID: 9187476
HUMAN RESEARCH
128. Endocr J. 1997 Jun;44(3):447-52.
Gestational thyrotoxicosis manifesting as wernicke encephalopathy: a case report.
Otsuka F, Tada K, Ogura T, Hayakawa N, Mimura Y, Yamauchi T, Inoue N, Makino H, Kudo T.
Japan.
This is a case report of a patient with "gestational transient thyrotoxicosis” who also had protracted vomiting and was developing symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy. The authors thought that the thyrotoxicosis and a catabolic state due to the vomiting had induced a vitamin B1 deficiency, causing the encephalopathy. They cautioned that pregnant patients with protracted vomiting should undergo careful endocrinological and neurological evaluations.
HUMAN RESEARCH
129. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1997 Jun;17(3):190-3.
A treatment for tardive dyskinesia and some other extrapyramidal symptoms.
Cowen MA, Green M, Bertollo DN, Abbott K.
USA
In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced two-period cross-over study with initial baselines and intervening washout periods the authors studied the effects of the administration of acetazolamide and thiamine (A + T) on the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and parkinsonism of 8 elderly and 25 younger chronic hospitalized mental patients. All patients were maintained on their own medications throughout the study. The elderly group received 1.5 g acetazolamide and thiamine per day in three divided doses for 3 weeks. The younger group received 1.5 g thiamine and 2.0 g acetazolamide per day in divided doses for 2 months. The results showed that both groups had a significant decrease in scores on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (TD) and the Simpson-Angus Neurological Rating Scale (parkinsonism) while on A + T.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
130. Z Ernahrungswiss. 1997 Jun;36(2):169-75.
Dietary thiamin supply during lactation influences thiamin status in lactating rats and their offspring and the thiamin level in milk.
Roth-Maier DA, Trubswetter N, Stangl GI, Kirchgessner M.
Germany
This study examined the effect of dietary thiamin, ranging from non-existent to excessive supplies, on thiamin status of lactating rats and their offspring, and the thiamin level in milk. Rat dams were divided into eight groups of 10 each, and were fed diets with 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 40, 350 and 3500 mg/kg thiamin over a total of 13 days during lactation. Milk for determining the thiamin concentration was obtained from day 6 and 13 of lactation. The authors found that lactating rat dams fed a thiamin-free diet and their offspring were classified as thiamin-deficient on the basis of growth retardation and a lower activity of transketolase in blood, liver and brain. In the eight groups the concentration of thiamin in milk ranged between 0.1 and 19 mg/kg. The findings show that dietary thiamin had the strongest effect on thiamin in milk obtained from day 6 and 13 of lactation. The authors concluded that this means there was no thiamine reserve in the mother that transferred to the milk.
HUMAN RESEARCH
131. Psychiatry Res. 1997 May 30;70(3):165-74.
Beneficial effects of thiamine on recognition memory and P300 in abstinent cocaine-dependent patients.
Easton CJ, Bauer LO.
USA
This double blind study reports results on memory task performance and event-related electroencephalographic potentials in eight abstinent cocaine-dependent patients who were given thiamine vs. placebo. Patients were given 5 g of thiamine and 5 g of a lactose placebo on two separate days 1 week apart. The authors found that thiamine significantly improve drecognition accuracy and electroencephalographic potentials. They recommend that these results call for further studies of thiamine's effects on central nervous system cholinergic function, and the direct and indirect effects of cocaine abuse.
HUMAN RESEARCH
132. Acta Paediatr. 1997 May;86(5):448-53.
Evaluation of full-term infants fed an evaporated milk formula.
Friel JK, Andrews WL, Simmons BS, L'Abbe MR, Mercer C, MacDonald A, McCloy UR.
Canada
This study was designed to compare nutritional status of full-term infants who were fed human milk (29infants), formula (30 infants) or evaporated milk formulae (30 infants) for at least 3 months. On testing the infants there were more (13%) abnormal thiamin assays in the EM group at 6 months than in the breast fed and formula fed infants (0%). The authors concluded that infants fed evaporated milk formula receive adequate copper but may not receive enough thiamin or selenium and unless supplemented from birth with medicinal iron, intakes of iron will be inadequate.
HUMAN RESEARCH
133. Alcohol Alcohol. 1997 May-Jun;32(3):207-9.
Parenteral thiamine and Wernicke's encephalopathy: the balance of risks and perception of concern.
Thomson AD, Cook CC.
UK
The authors review the use of thiamine for preventing and treating the serious condition of Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is common in alcoholics. Intravenous thiamine in high doses is a very effective therapy. The authors acknowledge that there have been very rare reports of anaphylactoid reactions, which has served to diminish the use of this important therapy and possibly led to increased morbidity and mortality. They call for proper education of doctors in the treatment of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
HUMAN RESEARCH
134. Alcohol Alcohol. 1997 May-Jun;32(3):281-5.
Increasing incidence of Korsakoff's psychosis in the east end of Glasgow.
Ramayya A, Jauhar P.
UK
In this retrospective analysis of all admissions between 1990 and 1995 in a population of 160,000 a total of 47 new cases of Korsakoff's psychosis was identified. Of that number only seven has symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy. The authors speculate that the increasing incidence may be due to reporting of thiamine anaphylaxis and subsequent withdrawal of high-potency parenteral multivitamins with thiamine.
HUMAN RESEARCH
135. Ann Epidemiol. 1997 May;7(4):285-93.
Vitamin intake: a possible determinant of plasma homocyst(e)ine among middle-aged adults.
Shimakawa T, Nieto FJ, Malinow MR, Chambless LE, Schreiner PJ, Szklo M.
USA
The authors acknowledge the many epidemiologic studies that have identified elevated plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and thromboembolic disease. Dietary data in this case-control study was collected from 322 middle-aged individuals with atherosclerosis in the carotid artery and 318 control subjects without evidence of this disease. The authors found that as plasma homocysteine went down the intake certain nutrients went up: thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The authors concluded that among vitamin users plasma homocysteine was 1.5 mumol/L lower than that among nonusers. The authors recommended further studies.
HUMAN RESEARCH
136. Arch Dis Child. 1997 May;76(5):416-20.
Relation between dietary fat and energy and micronutrient intakes.
Tonstad S, Sivertsen M.
Norway
The authors acknowledged the concern being raised about the energy and nutrient adequacy of low fat diets for children in order to prevent cardiovascular disease. The diets of 174 schoolchildren aged 8-12 years from middle and high socioeconomic groups were assessed to determine their nutrient composition in relation to fat intake. The authors found that energy intake from fat was 31% and from saturated 13%. 44% of all children reported consuming less than 30% of their energy from fat. Consequently a decreased fat intake was associated with an increased sugar intake, but also with increased nutrient densities of thiamin, niacin, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron, which meant an increased intake of fruit, vegetables, and grains.
HUMAN RESEARCH
137. Rev Med Chil. 1997 May;125(5):582-5.
Wernicke's encephalopathy as a complication of chronic hemodialysis: report of one case.
Sandoval E, Borja H, Gatica A.
Spain
This case study of Wernicke encephalopathy, due to the depletion of thiamine, shows that this condition can be a complication of chronic hemodialysis. A 43 year old diabetic male in chronic hemodialysis, two weeks amputation of his left leg, was admitted to the hospital after five days of abdominal pain and an episode of vomiting. He was conused and had eye signs of Wernicke's encephalopathy. After giving IV thiamine his confusion ceased. The authors advise that dialysis can be a predisposing factor for Wernicke encephalopathy and this diagnosis must be considered in confused patients.
HUMAN RESEARCH
138. Ukr Biokhim Zh. 1997 May-Jun;69(3):48-53.
Blood vitamin levels in various population groups in the Ukraine suffering from sequelae to the accident at the Chernobyl power plant
Donchenko HV, Chernukhina LO, Kuz'menko IV, Parkhomenko IuM.
Ukraine
This paper states that all those who suffered from the catastrophe at Chernobyl exhibit polyhypovitaminosis. The treatment given to all is adequate multivitamin therapy.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
139. Vopr Med Khim. 1997 May-Jun;43(3):158-64.
Influence of lead on metabolism of vitamins B group in alimentary iron deficient rats.
Khotimchenko SA, Kodentsova VM, Alekseeva IA, Vlaskina SG, Vrzhesinskaia OA, Sokol'nikov AA, Kharitonchik LA, Aleshko-Ozhevskii IP, Sheviakova LV.
Russia
The authors acknowledge that experimentally induced lead poisoning especially under simultaneous iron deficit leads to the development of secondary thiamine insufficiency. With treatment of lead poisoning there is an increased excretion of riboflavin, 4-pyridoxic acid and 1-vtthylnicotinamide in rats fed with adequate diet. Thus lead intoxication and iron deficiency influence the metabolism of vitamin B complex.
HUMAN RESEARCH
140. Aust N Z J Public Health. 1997 Apr;21(2):141-6.
Dietary intake of Australian smokers and nonsmokers.
English RM, Najman JM, Bennett SA.
Australia
This study reports on the 1983 National Dietary Survey of Adults and the 1983 Risk Factor Prevalence Survey with regard to the nutrient intakes of smokers (1024 men and 785 women) and nonsmokers (1974 men and 2421 women). The results were that both men and women, nonsmokers had a significantly higher intake of starch, dietary fibre (g/day and g/1000 kJ), thiamin, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium than smokers, who also had a significantly higher intake of alcohol. The authors suggest that nonsmokers consume a more nutritious diet than smokers, in regard to having a higher intake of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals and milk and milk products.
HUMAN RESEARCH
141. Brain Dev. 1997 Apr;19(3):205-8.
Recurrent pain attacks in a 3-year-old patient with myoclonus epilepsy associated with ragged-red fibers (MERRF): a single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) and electrophysiological study.
Tanaka S, Osari S, Ozawa M, Yamanouchi H, Goto Y, Matsuda H, Nonaka I.
Japan
This is a case report of a 3-year-old girl with myoclonus epilepsy who experienced recurrent pain attacks and allodynia (pain from clothing) on the right side of the body. there were some changes on MRI and on SPECT scan there was hypoperfusion in the thalamus. Somatosensory evoked potentials showed delayed early cortical responses, particularly on right median nerve stimulation. The intravenous administration of cytochrome c with flavin mononucleotide and thiamine diphosphate abolished the intolerable pain and SPECT scan returned to normal.
HUMAN RESEARCH
142. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 1997 Mar;26(2):122-5.
Relationship between dietary nutrients intakes and human prostate cancer
Du S, Shi L, Zhang H, He S.
China
In this study the relationship between dietary nutrients intakes and prostate cancer was assessed. The authors designed a case-control study with 102 patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 102 healthy controls. It was found that vitamin C and vitamin B1 decreased the risk of prostate cancer. The authors discussed the possible mechanism of dietary nutrients contributing to the risk of prostate cancer.
HUMAN RESEARCH
143. Nutrition. 1997 Feb;13(2):110-7.
Clinical and biochemical aspects of thiamine treatment for metabolic acidosis during total parenteral nutrition.
Nakasaki H, Ohta M, Soeda J, Makuuchi H, Tsuda M, Tajima T, Mitomi T, Fujii K.
Japan
The authors describe six cases of total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated lactic acidosis. What was common in the patients was severe gastrointestinal disease, very little food intake prior to surgery and TPN postoperatively with no food intake and no vitamin supplements. Within four weeks they developed hypotension, Kussmaul's respiration, and clouding of consciousness, and abdominal pain. Lactic acidosis was found on blood testing but there was no response to sodium bicarbonate treatment. After the first case thiamine deficiency was suspected and serum levels were lot in 5 patients. Thiamine infusion of 100 mg every 12 hours resulted in clinical improvement in 3 patients. The authors reviewed 11 relevant papers published from 1982-1992 discussing this condition. They strongly recommend the need to supplement TPN with thiamine and monitor thiamine levels during TPN and to immediately use IV thiamine in cases of lactic acidosis.
HUMAN RESEARCH
144. Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 1997;90(2):113-6.
Neuromyelopathy in the population of Noir-marron of Saint-Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana
Sainte-Foie S, Bourhis V, Joly F, Petit-Bon J.
Guadeloupe
The authors report on a total of ten people with neurological signs and symptoms related to thiamine deficiency due to a limited diet of cassava. Neurological symptoms included retrobulbar optic neuropathy, spastic paraparesis, sensitive ataxia and cerebellar ataxia, and psychiatric symptoms. Other organs affected were cardiovascular, digestive, cutaneous or endocrinologic (thyroid). The authors reported that thiamin deficiency has been observed several times and there was clinical improvement after thiamin was given.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
145. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1997;67(4):248-54.
Dietary thiamin supply during gestation effects thiamin status of lactating rats and their suckling offspring.
Kirchgessner M, Trubswetter N, Stangl GI, Roth-Maier DA.
Germany
This is a two-generational study of the effect of dietary thiamin supply during gestation on body thiamin status of lactating rats and their suckling offspring. Rat dams were not given adequate thiamine gestation and their offspring were thiamin-deficient. While lactating the dams were fed a regular diet which included thiamine and the level of thiamine in the milk increased over time. The authors conclude that an adequate thiamin supply during lactation can not completely compensate for an inadequate thiamin supply during gestation, and that necessitates a constant thiamin intake.
HUMAN RESEARCH
146. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1997 Jan;129(1):66-71.
Thiamine supplementation mood and cognitive functioning.
Benton D, Griffiths R, Haller J.
UK
In a this clinical trial one hundred and twenty young adult females took either a placebo or 50 mg thiamine, each day for 2 months. Testing done before and after taking the tablets assessed mood, memory and reaction times. The authors observed that an improvement in thiamine status was associated with self-reports of being more clearheaded, composed and energetic. Althoughtaking of thiamine had no influence on memory, reaction times were faster following supplementation. The authors make special note that these changes occurred in patients whose thiamine status, according to the traditional criterion, was adequate.
HUMAN RESEARCH
147. Vopr Pitan. 1997;(4):6-8.
Indicators of thiamine content and energy homeostasis in alcoholic psychosis
Bolko EP, Sidorov PI, Solov'ev AG, Kirpich IA.
Russia
The authors find that in acute alcoholic psychoses, with delirium and hallucinosis, there is substantial thiamine deficiency and tissue deterioration that can not be totally reversed.
HUMAN RESEARCH
148. Am J Gastroenterol. 1996 Dec;91(12):2555-9.
Thiamine status in patients receiving long-term home parenteral nutrition.
Schiano TD, Klang MG, Quesada E, Scott F, Tao Y, Shike M.
USA
The authors acknowledge that clinical thiamine deficiency can occur in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) without thiamine supplementation. This study set out to determine the amount of thiamine to be used in TPN and the results show that the currently recommended 3 mg of thiamine hydrochloride added to TPN solutions is adequate to maintain normal thiamine status. This level should prevent the development of thiamine deficiency even in patients with compromised intestinal thiamine absorption, and in the presence of bisulfite-containing amino acid solutions.
HUMAN RESEARCH
149. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1996 Dec;82(6):634-6.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and thiamine deficiency.
Haisraeli-Shalish M, Livneh A, Katz J, Doolman R, Sela BA.
Israel
the authors acknowledge that recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a disease of unknown cause. The designed this study to examine whether recurrent aphthous stomatitis may be caused by thiamine deficiency. Thiamine levels were studied in 70 patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and in 50 people in the control group. The authors found low levels of vitamin B1 in 49 patients but in only two members of the control group. The authors concluded that there may be an association between thiamine deficiency and recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
HUMAN RESEARCH
150. J Stud Alcohol. 1996 Nov;57(6):581-4.
Thiamine absorption in alcoholic delirium patients.
Holzbach E.
Germany
The author acknowledges that the study of thiamine deficiency in alcoholics is usually confined to Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome. However the relationship between delerium tremens (DTs) and thiamine is contradictory. Seventy male patients with DTs
Were compared to 13 controls both confined to hospital. The findings showed that absorption of vitamin B1 was minimally lower in the case of the delirium patients in comparison with the nonalcoholics. However, there was a considerably greater range of scattering of vitamin B1 absorption in the delirium patients, which improved greatly in the 4 weeks after delirium as did clinical symptoms. Incidentally patients with visual hallucinations showed lower thiamine absorption than patients without such symptoms,
HUMAN RESEARCH
151. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996 Sep;64(3):347-53.
Biochemical evidence of thiamine depletion during the Cuban neuropathy epidemic, 1992-1993.
Macias-Matos C, Rodriguez-Ojea A, Chi N, Jimenez S, Zulueta D, Bates CJ.
Cuba
This paper is a report on the epidemic outbreak of neuropathy in Cuba during 1992-1993. Blood and urine samples were collected from 107 persons with confirmed neuropathy, and from 106 control subjects without clinical abnormality and from another 537 unmatched subjects, also without symptoms. Measurements of urinary thiamine and blood transketolase and its activation with thiamine pyrophosphate were made. Levels of thiamine in all groups showed a high prevalence of depletion affecting 30-70%. In the neuropathy group, thiamine was lower the more the alcohol intake. The authors conclude that both thiamine deficiency and alcohol intake may have been contributory factors to the epidemic. But they do suggest that thiamine supplementation or food fortification may be necessary in Cuba.
HUMAN RESEARCH
152. Z Ernahrungswiss. 1996 Sep;35(3):266-72.
Can megadoses of thiamine prevent ethanol-induced damages of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurones?
Wenisch S, Steinmetz T, Fortmann B, Leiser R, Bitsch I.
Germany
The authors wanted to evaluate whether high doses of thiamine can compensate or prevent alcohol-induced damages of rat hippocampus CA1 pyramids. They concluded that megavitamin therapy with thiamine supports neuron carbohydrate metabolism and therefore could be able to prevent or reduce alcohol-induced damages of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells in rat central nervous system.
HUMAN RESEARCH
153. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1996 Aug;50(8):549-55.
Subclinical beriberi polyneuropathy in the low income group: an investigation with special tools on possible patients with suspected complaints
Djoenaidi W, Notermans SL, Verbeek AL.
Indonesia
The authors set out to determine the prevalence rate of subclinical beriberi polyneuropathy (PNP) in a low income population and present new methods for early detection. A prospective, randomized observational study assessed 53 low-income patients and 56 from the mid- and high-income groups. The patients diet and blood thiamine were analyzed. The authors found that subclinical beriberi PNP was 66% in the apparently healthy subjects of the low income group compared with 12.5% among the mid and high income groups. On analysis of the diet of the low income group there was inadequacy of thiamine and the authors concluded that their carbohydrate rich and non fat calories in the diet with low thiamine intake may provoke beriberi.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
154. Alcohol Alcohol. 1996 Jul;31(4):421-7.
Thiamine deficiency as predisposition to, and consequence of, increased alcohol consumption.
Zimatkin SM, Zimatkina TI.
Grodno
In this study on rats their only fluid intake was 15% ethanol for 6 months over which time the thiamine -dependent enzyme, transketolase (TK), was decreased (down to 61-79% of control). It took one month after ethanol was withdrawn for the enzyme to gradually be restored. In another experiment the authors confirmed findings in the literature that thiamine deficiency can be both predisposing to and a consequence of, increased alcohol consumption.
HUMAN RESEARCH
155. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1996 Jul;50 Suppl 2:S77-85.
Longitudinal changes in the intake of vitamins and minerals of elderly Europeans. SENECA Investigators.
Amorim Cruz JA, Moreiras O, Brzozowska A.
Portugal
This study assessed changes in intake of vitamins and minerals in elderly Europeans. Initially there was a significant decrease in the median intake of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C and iron in several towns. The authors concluded that over the 4-year follow-up period, the proportion of elderly people with nutrient intakes below the lowest European RDI's increased for various nutrients in most towns leaving them at increased risk for malnutrition. The proportion of elderly people taking nutrient supplements varied from less than 5% to 60% in various towns.
HUMAN RESEARCH
156. Ir Med J. 1996 Jul-Aug;89(4):145-6.
Wernicke's encephalopathy presenting in the puerperium.
Byrne BM, Stronge JM.
Ireland
This paper is a case presentation of Wernicke's encephalopathy presenting in the time after delivery in a patient. There was dramatic reversal of the symptoms and signs following the administration of intravenous thiamine supporting the clinical diagnosis. The authors were unable to find a similar case report review of the literature.
HUMAN RESEARCH
157. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1996 Jul;51(4):B261-9.
Longitudinal assessment of the nutritional status of elderly veterans.
Chapman KM, Ham JO, Pearlman RA.
USA
This study followed the nutritional status 209 male veterans, over 65 years of age for two years. At onset they had no acute disease-related nutritional risk factors. Diet recall, physical examination, and lab tests were done. The authors found that 25% of subjects consumed inadequate amounts of thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.
HUMAN RESEARCH
158. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1996 Jun;46(2):122-7.
Nutritional status of institutionalised elderly in Ecuador.
Barclay DV, Heredia L, Gil-Ramos J, Montalvo MM, Lozano R, Mena M, Dirren H.
Switzerland/Ecuador-Study done by Nestle Research Centre, Nestec Ltd, Lausunne, Switzerland.
This study evaluated the nutritional status of 111 elderly men and women aged 60 to 99 years in two institutions in the Ecuadorian Andes using dietary, anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The authors found that intake of of zinc, vitamin A, niacin and thiamine were low.
HUMAN RESEARCH
159. J Am Coll Nutr. 1996 Jun;15(3):231-6.
Plasma and erythrocyte thiamin concentrations in geriatric outpatients.
Chen MF, Chen LT, Gold M, Boyce HW Jr.
USA
This study was designed to determine the plasma and red cell thiamin levels in geriatric outpatients and using the rat model, to evaluate the sensitivity of plasma thiamin concentration. The authors found that about 50% of geriatric outpatients in this study had low plasma thiamin levels. The authors concluded that the long-term effect of a low plasma thiamin level on cognitive functions needs to be investigated.
HUMAN RESEARCH
160. Tijdschr Gerontol Geriatr. 1996 Jun;27(3):97-101.
Failure in self care and heart failure, thiamine deficiency in geriatric patients
te Water W, Jellesma-Eggenkamp MJ, Bruijns E.
Holland
This is a case report of two patients admitted to a geriatric ward with cardiac failure was due to thiamine deficiency (wet beri-beri). After supplementation with thiamine they recovered completely. The authors noted that the first patient had poor nutrition and ate only canned food and the second patient was an alcoholic and did not take proper nutrients. They concluded that doctors should not hesitate to supplement thiamine in case of cardiac failure because of possible thiamine deficiency.
HUMAN RESEARCH
161. Acta Paediatr. 1996 May;85(5):625-8.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency in a child responsive to thiamine treatment.
Pastoris O, Savasta S, Foppa P, Catapano M, Dossena M.
Italy
This is a case report of a 4-year-old child who was investigated for a suspected metabolic disorder but was later diagnosed as having a pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency. Results of a muscle biopsy was performed and the data obtained suggested thiamine treatment which resulted in a regression of the clinical findings and a return to normal values of blood lactic and pyruvic acids. The interruption of thiamine supplementation after 1 year of treatment led to a prompt recurrence of the previous clinical and biochemical symptoms.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
162. Behav Neurosci. 1995 Dec;109(6):1209-14.
Pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency impairs object recognition in rats.
Mumby DG, Mana MJ, Pinel JP, David E, Banks K.
Canada
The authors of this paper set out to prove that pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency (PTD) in rats is a useful model for Korsakoff’s disease. They found that the PTD rat model of Korsakoff's disease is valid by demonstrating that PTD rats display object-recognition deficits that are similar to those reported patients with Korsakoff’s disease.
HUMAN RESEARCH
163. Ann Neurol. 1996 May;39(5):585-91.
Brain thiamine, its phosphate esters, and its metabolizing enzymes in Alzheimer's disease.
Mastrogiacoma F, Bettendorff L, Grisar T, Kish SJ.
Canada
The authors acknowledge clinical data that suggest high-dose thiamine may have a mild beneficial effect in some patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). They wanted to determine if this effect was association with a brain thiamine deficiency. They measured several different metabolites of thiamine and thiamine-dependent enzymes in 18 autopsied AD cadavers and 20 matched controls. Levels of thiamine diphosphate were significantly reduced by 18 to 21% in all three cortical brain areas examined. The authors concluded that a chronic subclinical TDP deficiency could contribute to impaired brain function in AD and may explain the mild beneficial improvement by thiamine in cognitive status of some patients with AD.
ANIMAL RESEARCH
164. Vet Rec. 1996 Apr 6;138(14):327-9.
Sulphur-induced polioencephalomalacia in lambs.
Low JC, Scott PR, Howie F, Lewis M, FitzSimons J, Spence JA.
Scotland
This is a report of an outbreak of polioencephalomalacia that affected 16 of 46 Swaledale lambs and 5 of 25 Scottish blackface lambs 15 to 32 days after initiation of a diet containing 0.43 per cent sulphur. The lambs exhibited depression, central blindness and head-pressing, but no hyperaesthesia, nystagmus, dorsiflexion of the neck or opisthotonos. Treatment of the affected lambs with vitamin B1, dexamethasone and antibiotics was associated with a prolonged recovery period. No further cases were seen after vitamin B1 had been given by injection to all the lambs at risk.
HUMAN RESEARCH
165. Aust N Z J Public Health. 1996 Apr;20(2):181-7.
Preventing the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in Australia: cost-effectiveness of thiamin-supplementation alternatives.
Connelly L, Price J.
Australia
The authors acknowledge that slcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy has been commonplace in Australia for many years. They felt that since the syndrome is caused by a dietary deficiency of thiamine it should be preventable. The authors created a ranking system to and identified the most cost-effective thiamin-supplementation alternative as that of enriching bread-making flour with thiamin.
HUMAN RESEARCH
166. Indian J Med Res. 1996 Apr;103:227-31.
Curative treatment of primary (spasmodic) dysmenorrhoea.
Gokhale LB.
India
The author designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 556 girls aged 12-21 yr, having moderate to very severe spasmodic dysmenorrhoea to prove the efficacy of oral vitamin B1. Thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1) was given in a dose of 100 mg orally or a placebo daily for 90 days. The results in the treatment group showed that 87% were completely cured, 8% relieved (pain almost nil to reduced) and 5% showed no improvement. The effects were maintained two months when no drug was administered. The author comments that most current treatments are suppressive in nature however, thiamine is a curative treatment that directly treats the cause, is free from side effects, is inexpensive and easy to administer.
HUMAN RESEARCH
167. Rev Neurol. 1996 Apr;24(128):456-8.
Neuropathic beriberi as a complication of surgery of morbid obesity
Munoz-Farjas E, Jerico I, Pascual-Millan LF, Mauri JA, Morales-Asin F.
Spain
This is a case report of a 22-year old woman with a history of gastroplasty (as treatment for morbid obesity). After four weeks of nausea and vomiting she was admitted to hospital and treated with intravenous dextrose but without vitamin supplementation. One week later she complained of diplopia, paresthesia and weakness of the limbs, however, all investigations were normal. Eventually a deficiency state was suspected, probably Wernicke's encephalopathy and treatment with high doses of parenteral thiamine, other vitamins and a suitable diet was begun. The patient recovered completely. The authors emphasize the
HUMAN RESEARCH
168. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1996 Mar 7;220(1):113-
Thiamine pyrophosphate and pyridoxamine inhibit the formation of antigenic advanced glycation end-products: comparison with aminoguanidine.
Booth AA, Khalifah RG, Hudson BG.
USA
The authors comment that proteins bound by excess glucose (glycation) cause toxic and immunogenic advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that may manifest as diabetes mellitus, aging, and, possibly, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. This in vitro study tested whether certain nutrients such as vitamin B1 and B6 w |