Effect of bariatric surgery on nutritional and metabolic parameters: does the type of antidepressant medication matter?

PURPOSE: Depression is prevalent in patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BSx). Long-term use of antidepressant is associated with weight gain, particularly the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Little is known about whether different types of antidepressants affect the response to BSx. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between SSRI use and nutritional and biochemical measurements in those with obesity pre-/post-BSx. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and prospective cohort study. Patients were enrolled pre-BSx and divided into 3 groups: SSRI, non-SSRI and no antidepressant. Nutritional, biochemical and pharmacological data were collected pre- and 6 months post-BSx. RESULTS: Pre-BSx, 77 patients were enrolled: 89.6% female, median age 45 years and body mass index (BMI) of 45.3 kg/m2. 14.3% were taking SSRIs and had a significantly higher BMI (52.1 kg/m2) compared to 62.3% in no antidepressant (46.0 kg/m2) and 23.4% in non-SSRI antidepressants (43.1 kg/m2). At 6 months post-BSx (n = 58), the SSRI group still had significantly higher BMI in comparison to the other two groups. No other significant differences found between groups. CONCLUSION: Despite higher BMI, patients taking SSRI and undergoing BSx had similar responses, based on nutritional and biochemical parameters, to those on non-SSRI or no antidepressants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Effect of Jianpi Shengxue Tablet on Iron Metabolism and Nutritional Status in Patients with Renal Anemia: A Prospective, Randomized, Open, Parallel Controlled and Multicenter Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of the Jianpi Shengxue tablet for treating renal anemia. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with renal anemia from December 2020 to December 2022 were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group were treated with polysaccharide-iron complex, and those in the experimental group were administered Jianpi Shengxue tablet. After 8 weeks of continuous treatment, the therapeutic outcomes regarding anemia were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), reticulocyte percentage (RET), ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI), transferrin saturation (TSAT), and serum albumin (ALB) all increased (P<0.01), and the clinical symptom score and total iron binding capacity decreased (P<0.01) in the experimental group. Moreover, the improvements in RBC, HCT, RET, SF, SI, TAST, ALB, and clinical symptoms (fatigue, anorexia, dull skin complexion, numbness of hands and feet) in the experimental group were significantly greater than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate for treating renal anemia was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The Jianpi Shengxue tablet demonstrates efficacy in treating renal anemia, leading to significant improvements in the laboratory examination results and clinical symptoms of patients with renal anemia.

Does the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to docosahexaenoic acid matter in cancer treatment? A systematic review of their effects on cachexia-related inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of cancer cachexia. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs): eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are known to contribute to the reduction of inflammation, preservation of lean body mass and total body weight, and reduction of cancer-related symptoms, such as anorexia or neuropathy. This systematic review aimed to assess whether the ratio of EPA to DHA used in supplementation in cancer patients matters in the context of the resolution of inflammation and reduction of the risk of cachexia. The analysis included 20 randomized clinical trials with acceptable quality identified from the Pubmed/MEDLINE database. The significant results concerning the resolution of inflammation or improvement in nutritional status were the highest in the case of a low EPA/DHA ratio, i.e., 67%, and decreased, reaching 50% and 36% for the moderate and high ratios, respectively. Most results concerning body weight from high and moderate EPA/DHA ratios showed no benefit or were insignificant. A significant benefit in reducing any reported inflammatory markers was seen in the low EPA/DHA ratio subgroup at 63%, in the moderate at 29%, and in the high ratio subgroup at 11%. The greatest benefit in CRP reduction was obtained by patients during chemotherapy. The review questions the anticachectic and anti-inflammatory effect of ω-3 PUFAs supplementation with doses of EPA higher than DHA. A population that particularly benefits from ω-3 PUFAs supplementation are patients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced cancer.

Immunotoxicity of 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole in BALB/c mice with different vitamin B6 nutritional statuses.

Caramel color is a widely used food pigment, and 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI) is a by-products of Class III caramel color. Some studies have shown that THI can reduce the number of peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, the comprehensive mechanism of THI immunotoxicity requires further study. In this study, the effects of THI on lymphocyte count, humoral immunity, cellular immunity and nonspecific immunity were determined and the effect of the nutritional status of VB6 on THI immunotoxicity was evaluated. Female BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups and fed chow containing different doses of VB6: VB6-normal (6 mg/kg VB6), VB6-deprived (0.5 mg/kg VB6) or VB6-enhanced (12 mg/kg VB6) feed. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups and treated with THI (0.5, 2.5 or 12.5 mg/kg bw) or the solvent control by gavage for 30 days. The thymic cortical thickness was measured with ViewPoint; the proportions of major immune cells and T cells in peripheral blood and tissues were detected via flow cytometry; the transformation and proliferation abilities of T and B cells were detected via T and B lymphocyte proliferation assays; NK cell activity was assessed via lactate dehydrogenase assays; humoral immune function was assessed via plaque-forming cell assays; and the immune function of T lymphocytes was assessed via delayed type hypersensitivity assays. The results showed that compared with those in the corresponding control group, the white blood cell count and lymphocyte count decreased significantly in all the VB6-deprived groups, in the 2.5 and 12.5 mg/kg VB6 groups, and in the 12.5 mg/kg VB6-enhanced group. With increasing THI dose, the thymic cortical layer became thinner. In the thymus, THI increased the proportions of CD3+ T cells and mature CD8+ T cells and decreased the proportions of immature double-positive, double-negative T cells and CD69-expressing lymphocytes. The proportions of naïve T cells and Tcm (central memory T) cells related to homing decreased. The proportion of mature T cells in the spleen decreased significantly. The proliferation of T cells stimulated by ConA decreased after THI exposure. VB6-deficient mice were more sensitive to THI immunotoxicity, and supplementation with VB6 had a certain protective effect on these mice. The results of the PFC and NK cell activity assays indicated that THI exposure might not affect humoral immune or innate immune function.

Effect of Macronutrients or Micronutrients Supplementation on Nutritional Status, Physical Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Given the importance that a correct and balanced nutrition has on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), supplementation of macro and micronutrients has been proposed, but the results of previous meta-analyses are contrasting. We performed an update of the latest evidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to assess the role of nutritional supplements in improving nutritional status, pulmonary function, physical performance, and quality of life of these patients.We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 01-01-2010 and 11-01-2023 evaluating the effectiveness of nutritional support in patients affected by stable COPD with an intervention of at least 2 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in body mass index (BMI) and fat free mass index (FFMI). Secondary outcomes were exercise tolerance (6-min walking test, 6MWT), quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ) and respiratory function (FEV1). According with supplements type (macronutrients or micronutrients), we calculated the pooled adjusted mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of the selected outcomes, using random-effects models in presence of high heterogeneity (I2>50%) or fixed-effects models otherwise. The risk of publication bias was evaluated with the trim and fill method.From 967 articles, 20 RCTs were included. Macronutrients supplementation improved BMI (MD 1.0 kg/m2, 95%CI 0.21-1.79), FFMI (MD 0.77 Kg/m2, 95%CI 0.48-1.06), 6MQT (MD 68.39 m, 95%CI 40.07-96.71), and SGRQ (MD -5.14, 95% CI -7.31-2.97), while it does not ameliorate respiratory function (MD 0.26% 95%CI -1.87-2.40). Micronutrients supplementation alone did not improve any of the considered outcomes.

Nutritional Status Impairment Due to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Predicts Post-Radical Cystectomy Complications.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is associated with improved patient survival. The impact of NAC on nutritional status is understudied, while the association between malnutrition and poor surgical outcomes is well known. This study aims to examine the association between NAC, nutritional status impairment, and post-operative morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included MIBC patients who underwent RC and received NAC from multiple academic centers in Israel. Cross-sectional imaging was used to measure the psoas muscle area and normalized it by height (smooth muscle index, SMI). Pre- and post-NAC SMI difference was calculated (represents nutritional status change). The primary outcomes were post-RC ileus, infection, and a composite outcome of any complication. Logistic regression models were fit to identify independent predictors of the outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included in the study. The median SMI change was -0.71 (-1.58, -0.06) cm2/m2. SMI decline was significantly higher in patients with post-RC complications (-18 vs. -203, p < 0.001). SMI change was an independent predictor of all complications, ileus, infection, and other complications. The accuracy of SMI change for predicting all complications, ileus, infection, and other complications was 0.85, 0.87, 0.75, and 0.86, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NAC-related nutritional deterioration is associated with increased risk of complications after RC. Our results hint towards the need for nutritional intervention during NAC prior to RC.

Effect on an Oral Nutritional Supplement with ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate and Vitamin D on Morphofunctional Aspects, Body Composition, and Phase Angle in Malnourished Patients.

This is a retrospective study of data from clinical practice to observe the effect of a high-calorie, high-protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) with ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) on nutritional status, body weight, and muscle-related parameters in 283 adult patients with or at risk of malnutrition under standard of care, 63% being cancer patients. They were recommended to increase physical activity and energy and protein intake from regular diet plus two servings per day of a specialized ONS enriched with HMB or standard ONS for up to 6 months. Dietary records, adherence and tolerance to ONS, nutritional status, body composition, handgrip strength, and blood analysis at the beginning and the end of the intervention were recorded. This program improved nutritional status from 100% malnourished or at risk of malnutrition at baseline to 80% well-nourished at final visit. It also increased body weight by 3.6-3.8 kg, fat-free mass by 0.9 to 1.3 kg, and handgrip strength by 4.7 to 6.2 kg. In a subgroup of patients (n = 43), phase angle (PhA), and body cell mass (BCM) increased only in the patients receiving the ONS enriched with HMB (0.95 (0.13) vs. -0.36 (0.4), and 2.98 (0.5) vs. -0.6 (1.5) kg, mean difference (SE) from baseline for PhA and BCM, respectively), suggesting the potential efficacy of this supplement on muscle health.

Vitamin D Status and Physical Activity during Wintertime in Forensic Inpatients-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to gain deeper knowledge about the relationship between vitamin D and physical activity in a sample of forensic inpatients. Sixty-seven male forensic inpatients participated. Participants were randomly assigned into an Intervention group (vitamin D) or a Control group (placebo). The Physical Activity-Rating (PA-R) questionnaire was used to measure physical activity from January to May. Vitamin D status was measured as 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) pre- and post-intervention. The results revealed that vitamin D status at post-test was positively correlated with physical activity, but there was no effect of vitamin D supplementation looking at the two randomized groups. However, controlling for body mass index (BMI), the results showed an effect of BMI and a main effect of groups with a higher level of physical activity in the Intervention group. No interaction effects were found. Participants were also assigned into High and Low vitamin D groups based on the vitamin D status at post-test; i.e., the upper (75.1 nmol/L) and lower quartile (46.7 nmol/L). T-tests revealed that participants with a vitamin D status above 75 nmol/L showed significantly higher levels of physical activity than participants with a vitamin D status below 46.7 nmol/L. Thus, a vitamin D status above 75 nmol/L seems to be an optimal level.

The Impact of Multispecies Probiotics on Calcium and Magnesium Status in Healthy Male Rats.

Although probiotics have been discovered in numerous diseases in the last decade, there is little consensus on the relationship between probiotic properties and minerals balance and their distribution in the organism. This research aimed to evaluate the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) status in rats on a diet containing multispecies probiotics. Thirty male 10-week-old Wistar rats were selected and divided into three groups (n = 10 rats)-a group fed a standard diet (C), a group fed a low-dose of multispecies probiotics with 2.5 × 109 CFU per day (LD), and a group fed high-dose of multispecies probiotics 1 × 1010 CFU per day (HD) for 6 weeks. The results revealed that HD intake significantly increased the Ca concentration in hair and Mg concentration in femur bones. A significant positive correlation was found between calcium and magnesium levels in hair. The Ca/Mg molar ratio was lower in testicles in the groups with probiotics. In conclusion, multispecies probiotics altered the Ca concentration in hair and Mg level in femur bone, and also changed the molar ratio of these elements in testicles in male rats.

Association between COVID-19 and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with the spotlight on zinc: an opinion.

In the setting of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the search for innovative therapeutics is desperately sought after. As we learn more about the characteristics and metabolic health of patients and as our understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology and treatment progresses, so is our understanding of medication effects that might increase disease severity. As of late, ACE inhibitors have been under investigation for a potential increase in illness severity due to ACE2 upregulation. Given our knowledge of other nutrient-pharmaceutical interactions, could the ACE inhibitor impact on COVID be due to something else? In this paper, we discuss the possibility that ACE inhibitors might be affecting COVID-19 patients by causing zinc insufficiency.KEY MESSAGESZinc deficiency caused by chronic ACE inhibitor usage may exacerbate the pathogenicity of COVID-19 in susceptible patients.A multi-center study is needed to assess the zinc levels of patients with COVID-19 who are taking ACE inhibitors and other medications that may result in low zinc levels.

Dietary Modelling to Explore the Impact of Potassium Chloride Replacement for Sodium in Bread for Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Food manufacturers are increasingly substituting potassium chloride (KCl) in food products so as to reduce the sodium chloride content. Bread and bread products are common staple foods in many Western households and are a target for recipe reformulation using KCl. Given that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a medical condition of global importance that requires dietary potassium restriction in the later stages, we sought to evaluate the impact and safety of varying levels of KCl substitution in bread products. We undertook a secondary analysis of dietary data from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-2012 for 12,152 participants (154 participants with CKD). The sodium chloride content in bread and bread-based products was substituted with 20%, 30%, and 40% of KCl. The contribution of these alterations in the dietary potassium intake to the total daily potassium intake were then examined. The replacement of sodium in bread with varying amounts of KCl (20%, 30%, and 40%) resulted in one third of people with CKD exceeding the safe limits for dietary potassium consumption (31.8%, 32.6%, and 33%, respectively). KCl substitution in staple foods such as bread and bread products have serious and potentially fatal consequences for people who need to restrict dietary potassium. Improved food labelling is required for consumers to avoid excessive consumption.

Dietary citrulline does not modify rat colon tumor response to chemotherapy, but failed to improve nutritional status.

During cancer therapy many patients experience significant malnutrition, leading to decreased tolerance to chemotherapy and decreased survival. Dietary citrulline supplementation improves nutritional status in situations such as short bowel syndrome and aging, and is of potential interest in oncology. However, a mandatory prerequisite is to test this amino acid for interaction with tumor growth and chemotherapy response. Dietary citrulline (Cit; 2%), or an isonitrogenous mix of non-essential amino acids (control), was given to Ward colon tumor-bearing rats the day before chemotherapy initiation. Chemotherapy included 2 cycles, one week apart, each consisting of one injection of CPT-11 (50 mg/kg) and of 5-fluorouracil (50 mg/kg) the day after. Body weight, food intake and tumor volume were measured daily. The day after the last injection, rats were killed, muscles (EDL, gastrocnemius), intestinal mucosa, tumor, spleen and liver were weighed. Muscle and intestinal mucosa protein content were measured. Phosphorylated 4E-BP1 was measured in muscle and tumor as a surrogate for biosynthetic activation. FRAPS (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) and thiols in plasma, muscle and tumor were evaluated and plasma amino acids and haptoglobin were measured. Numerous parameters did not differ by diet overall: a) response of tumor mass to treatment, b) tumor antioxidants and phosphorylated 4E-BP1 levels, c) relative body weight and relative food intake, d) weight of EDL, gastrocnemius, intestinal mucosa, spleen and liver and e) plasma haptoglobin concentrations. Moreover, plasma citrulline concentration was not correlated to relative body weight, only cumulated food intake and plasma haptoglobin concentrations were correlated to relative body weight. Citrulline does not alter the tumor response to CPT-11/5FU based therapy but, has no effect on nutritional status, which could be due to the anorexia and the low amount of citrulline and protein ingested.

Brain on food: The neuroepigenetics of nutrition.

Humans have known for millennia that nutrition has a profound influence on health and disease, but it is only recently that we have begun mapping the mechanisms via which the dietary environment impacts brain physiology and behavior. Here we review recent evidence on the effects of energy-dense and methionine diets on neural epigenetic marks, gene expression, and behavior in invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. We also discuss limitations, open questions, and future directions in the emerging field of the neuroepigenetics of nutrition.

The Effects of Oral Energy-Dense Supplements on Nutritional Status in Nondiabetic Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fat-based energy-dense nutritional supplements may offer benefits over protein- or carbohydrate-dense supplements for patients receiving dialysis because of the adverse metabolic consequences of the latter. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of the short-term use of a fat-based nutritional supplement on various measures of nutritional status in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis who have low dietary energy intake. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We enrolled nondiabetic patients receiving hemodialysis for >3 months who had inadequate dietary energy intake (<30 kcal/kg per day). The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive an oral fat-based energy-dense supplement (300 kcal daily) or routine care for 12 weeks (n=120 per group). The primary outcome was the change in phase angle measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, a marker of cell integrity and body cell mass, from the baseline to week 12. The secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life. Other outcomes included laboratory nutritional indicators and physical examinations. RESULTS: The average age of the total population was 47 (SD: 12) years, and 55% were men. The median of dialysis vintage was 43.4 (22.5-76.3) months; 240 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=120) or control group (n=120). In total, 228 (95%) participants completed the trial. The change in phase angle did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups (estimate, 0.0; 95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 0.1 versus estimate, 0.0; 95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 0.1; estimated difference, 0.0; 95% confidence interval -0.2 to 0.2; P=0.99). None of the 19 domains of quality of life differed between the groups. Adverse events were reported in 23 (19%) participants in the control group and 40 (33%) participants in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: In nondiabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis, short-term administration of fat-based energy-dense nutritional supplement has no clinically significant effect on nutritional status as measured by phase angle. PODCAST: This article contains a podcast at https://https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2021_08_03_CJN16821020.mp3.

Nutrition status of adults with phenylketonuria treated with pegvaliase.

BACKGROUND: Pegvaliase is an enzyme substitution therapy that reduces blood phenylalanine (Phe) in adults with phenylketonuria (PKU), and often allows normalization of protein intake (≥0.8 g protein/kg). Here we examine the nutrition status of adults with PKU consuming a normal protein intake without medical food after being treated with pegvaliase for ≥1 year. METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluating nutritional intake (3-day food record and food frequency questionnaire), anthropometrics, laboratory indices of protein, micronutrient, and essential fatty acid (EFA) status, and questionnaires evaluating food neophobia and Epicurean eating pleasure. RESULTS: Participants (n = 18, 61% female) started pegvaliase 4.9 ± 2.1 years prior to enrollment and were aged 38.2 ± 8.8 years with a mean BMI of 29.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2. Participants consumed a mean of 73.2 ± 17.6 g protein/d (1.0 ± 0.3 g/kg/d). Eleven participants had low blood Phe (<30 µmol/L) with adequate protein intake and normal indices of protein status. Micronutrient and EFA concentrations were normal except for mildly low vitamin D (<30 ng/mL, n = 12). Intakes of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars exceeded recommendations for healthy adults, though mean diet quality was comparable to a US adult reference population. Lower food neophobia scores correlated with an increased aesthetic appreciation of food. However, 53% of participants self-reported having moderate (n = 6) to high (n = 3) food neophobia. DISCUSSION: Participants treated with pegvaliase consumed an unrestricted diet with adequate dietary protein and, overall, had normal protein, micronutrient, and fatty acid status. Despite low blood Phe, protein nutriture was not compromised. While nutritional deficiencies were not identified, diet quality was suboptimal and some participants reported food neophobia. Nutrition education remains an important component of care as patients adapt to a normal diet.

Essential concepts for interpreting the dose-response of low-level arsenic exposure in epidemiological studies.

Scientifically robust selections of epidemiological studies and assessments of the dose-response of inorganic arsenic in the low-dose range must consider key issues specific to arsenic in order to reduce risk of bias. The abundance of toxicological, mechanistic, and epidemiological evidence on arsenic enables a nuanced assessment of risk of bias in epidemiological studies of low-level arsenic, as opposed to a generic evaluation based only on standard principles. Important concepts in this context include 1) arsenic metabolism and mode of action for toxicity and carcinogenicity; 2) effects of confounding factors such as diet, health status including nutritional deficiencies, use of tobacco and other substances, and body composition; 3) strengths and limitations of various metrics for assessing relevant exposures consistent with the mode of action; and 4) the potential for bias in the positive direction for the observed dose-response relationship as exposure increases in the low-dose range. As an example, evaluation of a recent dose-response modeling using eight epidemiological studies of inorganic arsenic and bladder cancer demonstrated that the pooled risk estimate was markedly affected by the single study that was ranked as having a high risk of bias, based on the above factors. The other seven studies were also affected by these factors to varying, albeit lesser, degrees that can influence the apparent dose-response in the low-dose range (i.e., drinking water concentration of 65 µg/L or dose of approximately ≤1 µg/kg-day). These issues are relevant considerations for assessing health risks of oral exposures to inorganic arsenic in the U.S. population, and setting evidence-based regulatory limits to protect human health.

Nutrition, one-carbon metabolism and arsenic methylation.

Exposure to arsenic (As) is a major public health concern globally. Inorganic As (InAs) undergoes hepatic methylation to form monomethyl (MMAs)- and dimethyl (DMAs)-arsenical species, facilitating urinary As elimination. MMAsIII is considerably more toxic than either InAsIII or DMAsV, and a higher proportion of MMAs in urine has been associated with risk for a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Efficiency of As methylation differs substantially between species, between individuals, and across populations. One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a biochemical pathway that provides methyl groups for the methylation of As, and is influenced by folate and other micronutrients, such as vitamin B12, choline, betaine and creatine. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that OCM-related micronutrients play a critical role in As methylation. This review will summarize observational epidemiological studies, interventions, and relevant experimental evidence examining the role that OCM-related micronutrients have on As methylation, toxicity of As, and risk for associated adverse health-related outcomes. There is fairly robust evidence supporting the impact of folate on As methylation, and some evidence from case-control studies indicating that folate nutritional status influences risk for As-induced skin lesions and bladder cancer. However, the potential for folate to be protective for other As-related health outcomes, and the potential beneficial effects of other OCM-related micronutrients on As methylation and risk for health outcomes are less well studied and warrant additional research.

Carbohydrates effects on nutrition and health functions in pigs.

The greatest improvement in carbohydrates studies on pig nutrition and health is that carbohydrates are classified more clearly, which is based not only on their chemical structure but also on their physiological characteristics. Besides its primary energy source, different types and structures of carbohydrates are a benefit for nutrition and health functions in pigs, which are involved in promoting growth performance and intestinal functions, regulating the community of gut microbiota, and modulating the lipids and glucose metabolism. The underlying mechanism of carbohydrates regulates the lipids and glucose metabolism through their metabolites (short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs]) and mainly via the SCFAs-GPR43/41-PYY/GLP1, SCFAs-AMP/ATP-AMPK, and SCFAs-AMPK-G6Pase/PEPCK pathways. Emerging research had evaluated an optimal combination in different types and structures of carbohydrates, which could enhance growth performance and nutrient digestibility, promote intestinal functions, and increase the abundances of butyrate-producing bacteria in pigs. Overall, compelling evidence supports the notion that carbohydrates play important roles in both nutrition and health functions in pigs. Moreover, identifying the carbohydrates combinations will be of both theoretical and practical values for developing the technology of carbohydrates balance in pigs.

Conventional chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia in older adults: Impact on nutritional, cognitive, and functional status.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of conventional treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on the nutritional, cognitive, and functional status of elderly patients is seldom studied. This assessment was performed in the context of the LAMSA 2007 trial. METHODS: The trial enrolled 424 patients with de novo AML. Among them, 316 benefited from geriatric assessment (GA) including nutritional, cognitive, and functional status and were scored according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and sorror for the prediction of treatment toxicity, morbidity, and mortality. Patients were investigated at diagnosis for three times during follow-up. RESULTS: This study showed that AML and its treatment have no impact on cognitive (P = .554) nor functional status (P = .842 for Activity of Daily Living and P = .087 for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living). The nutritional status improved over time (P = .041). None of these three parameters at baseline, associated or not with ECOG and sorror scores, impacted survivals or toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: The cognitive, functional, and nutritional status had no impact in this cohort of fit elderly AML patients without unfavorable cytogenetics. The GA tools used provided no additional information compared with ECOG and sorror scores, to predict toxicity, morbidity, or mortality due to intensive chemotherapy.

An observational study on nutrition status in gastric cancer patients receiving ramucirumab plus taxane: BALAST study.

Limited data are available regarding the efficacy of nutrition support in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients receiving a standard second-line combination chemotherapy. The BALAST study is conducted as a prospective, multicenter observational study to evaluate the efficacy of nutrition support for patients with AGC treated with ramucirumab plus taxane as second-line treatment. As part of the routine care, patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition will receive nutrition support from dietitians. We will enroll a total of 26 patients to estimate weight control rate at 12 weeks as primary end point. This study will generate valuable data reinforcing the role of nutrition support therapy for AGC patients receiving second-line chemotherapy.

Lay abstract Various guidelines recommend that nutrition support therapy should be considered if cancer patients are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Several studies have revealed that body weight loss, which is an important factor in determining the nutrition status, may predict survival during second-line standard chemotherapy with ramucirumab and a taxane for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients. However, limited data are available regarding the efficacy of nutrition support in AGC patients receiving ramucirumab and a taxane. This study is conducted as a prospective, multicenter observational study to evaluate the efficacy of nutrition support for Japanese patients with AGC treated with ramucirumab and a taxane. This study will generate valuable data reinforcing the role of nutrition support therapy for AGC patients in second-line treatment. Clinical trial registration: UMIN000037867.