Effect of vitamin A and fish oil on Inflammatory bowl disease
Vitamin A is an antioxidant and activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptors (PPARs). The target genes of PPARs are known to participate in fatty acid uptake, binding, oxidation & transport.
In collaboration with Dr Ram Reifen at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, we have investigated the effect of vitamin A deprivation on membrane DHA levels in experimental animals. The study demonstrates that membrane DHA is reduced by vitamin A deficiency. DHA is vital for the structure and function of visual and neural systems. Our finding will be relevant to nutritional management of vitamin A deficient communities.
Published Papers
Zhou D, Ghebremeskel K, Crawford MA, Reifen R (2008) Chapter 11. The effect of vitamin A deficiency and inflammation on long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in rat colon and liver membranes. In: Malnutrition Research Advances, Editor Vesler L.W. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., p183-212
Zhou D, Ghebremeskel K, Crawford MA, Reifen R (2006) Vitamin A deficiency enhances liver and colon membrane docosahexaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids in rats fed alpha-linolenic acid adequate diet. Lipids 41(3):213-219.
Zhou D, Zaiger G, Ghebremeskel K, Crawford MA, Reifen R (2004) Vitamin A deficiency reduces liver and colon docosahexaenoic acid levels in rats fed high linoleic and low alpha-linolenic acid diet. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 71:383-389.
Uritski R, Barshack I, Bilkis I, Ghebremeskel K, Reifen R (2004) Dietary iron affects the inflammatory status of colitis. J Nutr 2004; 134(9): 2251-2255.
Reifen R, Nur T, Ghebremeskel K, Zaiger G, Urizky R and Pines M (2002) Vitamine A defeciency exacerbates inflammation in a rat model of colitis through activiation of nuclear factor-kB and collagen formation. J Nutr 132: 2743-2747.
