Taurine-deficient diet up-regulated cystathionine beta-synthase monoallele in hemizygous cystathionine beta-synthase knockout mice.

Impaired cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) causes hyperhomocystinuria and hyperhomocysteinemia, both risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Reduced CBS activity could decrease cysteine and taurine biosyntheses (metabolites of homocysteine degradation) and lead to less taurocholic acid production with a resultant increased cholesterol content. We hypothesized that a deficiency in CBS genetic material and enzyme activity would reduce taurine synthesis, which would lead to an elevated cholesterol concentration.

Total homocysteine, diet, and lipid profiles in type 1 and type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic adolescents.

Background And Research Objective: Limited research is available on the possible differences in the cardiovascular risk factors of total homocysteine (tHcy), dietary energy, and lipids among adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), type 2 DM, or healthy controls. This study's primary aim was to compare the dietary energy and the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients of folate, and vitamins B6 and B12, as well as lipids and tHcy for adolescents with type 1 DM, type 2 DM, and healthy non-DM controls.

Subjects And Methods: This secondary analysis of the merging of 2 datasets included the following adolescents: 50 with type 1 DM, 14 with type 2 DM, and 53 controls.

Elevated plasma 4-pyridoxic acid in renal insufficiency.

Background: Renal insufficiency is associated with altered vitamin B-6 metabolism. We have observed high concentrations of 4-pyridoxic acid, the major catabolite of vitamin B-6 metabolism, in plasma during renal insufficiency.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the renal handling of 4-pyridoxic acid and the effects of renal dysfunction on vitamin B-6 metabolism.