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[Decrease in serum levels of retinol and its binding protein (RBP) in infection]
Insights
Infections significantly lower blood serum levels of retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP), particularly in children. This highlights a critical public health concern for vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition and Metabolism
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Low serum retinol levels are prevalent in underdeveloped regions, especially among children.
- Infectious episodes can exacerbate nutritional deficiencies, posing significant health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various infections on serum retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels.
- To assess changes in other blood serum components, including carotene, proteins, albumin, and globulins, during infection.
Main Methods:
- Studied 24 children and 30 adults experiencing infections like chickenpox, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infections.
- Measured serum levels of retinol, RBP, carotene, total proteins, albumin, and globulins before and during infection.
Main Results:
- Infections markedly reduced serum retinol levels, often by over 20-30 micrograms/dl.
- Serum RBP levels showed a significant positive correlation with retinol, decreasing proportionally with infection.
- Serum albumin decreased during infections, while children's globulin levels increased; carotene levels remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Infectious episodes significantly deplete serum retinol and RBP, increasing the risk of clinical vitamin A deficiency, especially in children with pre-existing low levels.
- Fever intensifies the negative effects of infections on these crucial nutrient levels.
- Findings underscore the public health importance of managing infections to prevent severe vitamin A deficiency in at-risk populations.
Abstract:
The main purpose of the present study was to determine the qualitative and quantiative effect of various infectious epsiodes on the blood serum levels of retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Twenty-four children and 30 adult subjects were studied. The infections studied included chickenpox (n = 7); bronchitis (n = 9) upper respiratory infection (n = 30); tonsillitis (n = 2); diarrhea (n = 2) and one case each of: febrile stomatitis, nonspecific gastrointestinal alteration, urinary infection and shigellosis. In addition to retinol and RBP, the study determined changes in serum carotene, proteins, albumin and globulins. The results clearly demonstrate the marked depressing effect of infections on serum retinol, with a magnitude which in many cases reached more than 20 micrograms/dl, and in others more than 30 micrograms/dl. The RBP levels were significantly correlated with retinol, decreasing proportionally with infection. Serum albumin also decreased in most instances; and the globulin levels of the children, but not of the adults, were significantly higher during the infections. Carotene did not show important variations. The effects were more intense when fever accompanied the infectious episodes. These results are considered of great public health significance, in view of the large majorities, mainly children, who ordinarily subsist with very low serum retinol levels in the underdeveloped regions of the world. As infections attack these underpriviledged children, their serum retinol and RBP levels will likely drop a magnitude similar to that observed in the subjects of this study. They may then reach even more critically deficient retinol levels and be in serious danger of developing a severe acute state of clinical vitamin A deficiency.