Microarray analysis of pancreatic gene expression during biotin repletion in biotin-deficient rats.

Biotin is a B vitamin involved in multiple metabolic pathways. In humans, biotin deficiency is relatively rare but can cause dermatitis, alopecia, and perosis. Low biotin levels occur in individuals with type-2 diabetes, and supplementation with biotin plus chromium may improve blood sugar control.

Antihypertensive and neuroprotective actions of pyridoxine and its derivatives.

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the nervous system as the amino acid decarboxylases involved in the synthesis of all putative neurotransmitters requires the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate. Vitamin B6 in its various forms has antioxidant properties. Pyridoxal phosphate has a role in regulating cellular calcium transport through both the voltage-mediated and ATP-mediated purinergic mechanisms of cellular calcium influx and, hence, has a role in the control of hypertension.

Vitamins and their derivatives in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome diseases (diabetes).

A cluster of inter-related conditions such as central obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism, and hypertension is referred to as Metabolic Syndrome, which is a risk factor for the development of type-2 diabetes. The micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes contribute to its morbidity and mortality. In addition to its calcitropic effect, vitamin D is a regulator of gene expression as well as cell proliferation and differentiation.

Biotin--a regulator of gene expression.

The role of biotin as the prosthetic group of the four biotin-dependent carboxylases in higher organisms is well recognized. Based on the roles of these carboxylases in metabolism, the requirement of biotin for cell viability, growth and differentiation was established. Biotin seems to have a role in cell functions other than as the prosthetic group of biotin enzymes.