Study provides first evidence the brain may control vitamin A balance

Press/Media: Relating to Research

Description

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen have identified significant alterations to vitamin A distribution in the body of rats following alterations of the brain, suggesting the potential involvement of the brain in the body’s vitamin homeostasis.

Period16 Aug 2023

Media coverage

1

Media coverage

  • TitleStudy provides first evidence the brain may control vitamin A balance
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletWilliamReed's NutraIngredients
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryBrazil
    Date16/08/23
    DescriptionVitamin A is a micronutrient essential for vertebrate animals maintained in homeostatic balance in the body; however, little is known about the control of this balance. This study investigated whether the hypothalamus, a key integrative brain region, regulates vitamin A levels in the liver and circulation. Vitamin A in the form of retinol or retinoic acid was stereotactically injected into the 3rd ventricle of the rat brain. Alternatively, retinoids in the mouse hypothalamus were altered through retinol-binding protein 4 (Rbp4) gene knockdown. This led to rapid change in the liver proteins controlling vitamin A homeostasis as well as vitamin A itself in liver and the circulation. Prolonged disruption of Rbp4 in the region of the arcuate nucleus of the mouse hypothalamus altered retinol levels in the liver. This supports the concept that the brain may sense retinoids and influence whole-body vitamin A homeostasis with a possible “vitaminostatic” role.
    Producer/AuthorOlivia Brown
    URLhttps://nutricao.t4h.com.br/noticias/pesquisa-avanca-na-compreensao-do-equilibrio-de-vitaminas-no-corpo/
    PersonsPeter Imoesi
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Keywords

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin A Deficiency
  • Brain
  • Hypothalamic Genes
  • Nutrition