Green tea supplementation upregulates uncoupling protein 3 expression in severe obese women adipose tissue but does not promote weight loss.

This study aims (i) to verify expression of the UCPs, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 genes in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation with decaffeinated green tea extract, and (ii) to associate findings with clinical parameters. This is a longitudinal study during which 11 women with obesity grade III were submitted to supplementation with 450 mg of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (intervention group); the control group consisted of 10 eutrophic women. Anthropometric parameters [weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)], resting metabolic rate (RMR, measured by indirect calorimetry), and gene expression (measured by real-time PCR, RT-qPCR) were determined before and after supplementation. After 8 weeks, clinical parameters and UCP1, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 expression remained unaltered in the intervention group (p > .05). Genetic analysis also showed that the UCP3 gene was upregulated (p = .026), but its upregulation did not promote weight loss.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Serological Response to Vaccination Against Streptococcus Pneumoniae in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on the antibody titer and the 23-valent pneumococcal seroconversion after vaccination in patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The study included 25 patients undergoing postsurgery chemotherapy for colorectal adenocarcinoma (chemo group). Subjects were assessed in the perioperative period (prevaccination), before chemotherapy (4th wk) and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy (16th wk). Thirty-two healthy volunteers (control group) were included in the study. Participants received the 23-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and capsules containing zinc (Zn) sulfate (70 mg daily) or identical placebo capsules (containing wheat starch with no added Zn) for 16 wk and were randomly allocated on one of the following groups: chemo-Zn (n = 10), chemo-placebo (n = 15), control-Zn (n = 21), and control-placebo (n = 11). The antipneumococcal antibody titer against 6 polysaccharides was analyzed by ELISA and compared using linear mixed models. The seroconversion rate was compared using Fisher's exact test. An immune response to the vaccination against pneumococcus was observed in all participants. In the 16th wk, the polysaccharide 6 concentration was lower in the chemo-Zn group [2.96 (1.74-5.03) µg/mL] compared with the Chemo-Placebo group [10.75 (5.37-21.54) µg/mL] and the seroconversion rate was lower in the chemo-placebo (36%) compared with the control-placebo (85%) (P = 0.027). Zinc supplementation did not change the antibody titer after vaccination. However, the lower seroconversion rate observed in the chemo-placebo suggests an influence of zinc in the vaccinal protection.

ASSESSMENT OF EATING BEHAVIOR AND FOOD NEOPHOBIA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FROM UBERABA-MG.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the eating behavior and food neophobia of children and adolescents from different age groups, body mass index per age, and sex. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample, involving 150 children and adolescents aged 3 to 13 years, of both sexes, treated at a pediatric outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital in the municipality of Uberaba-MG, Brazil. Subscales of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) were used to evaluate eating behavior, and the Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS) was used to evaluate food neophobia. RESULTS: Higher scores were found in the subscales "food responsiveness" (p=0.015), "enjoyment of food" (p=0.002), and "emotional overeating" (p=0.009) among older children and adolescents. Younger children had higher scores in the subscales "satiety responsiveness" (p=0.004) and "slowness in eating" (p=0.001). There was a tendency toward higher scores for "food responsiveness" (p=0.005) and "emotional overeating" (p=0.013) in participants with severe obesity. There were no differences in the scale of food neophobia. Overall, food neophobia positively correlated with lack of interest in food and negatively correlated with interest in food. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed significant differences in some domains of eating behavior among children and adolescents of the sample; however, no differences were found regarding food neophobia. These results may contribute to the improvement of future interventions related to infant eating behavior and food neophobia.

Effects of the Consumption of Milk Biofortified with Selenium, Vitamin E, and Different Fatty Acid Profile on Immune Response in the Elderly.

SCOPE: Nutrition is a major contributing factor for immunocompetence. The aim was to assess the immune status of older people after consuming milk produced by lactating cows fed with one of the following diets: control diet (C), C + vitamin E + selenium (C + A), C + sunflower oil (C + O), and C + sunflower oil + vitamin E + selenium (A + O). METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty elderly people received one of these biofortified milks for 12 weeks. Immune response was assessed by measurement of the expression of COX-1, COX-2, MCP-1, PPAR (δ, α, and ß/δ) genes, neutrophil production of oxygen reactive species induced by immune complexes, neutrophil phagocytosis and lytic activity of the alternative pathway of the complement system, and cytokine levels. Variables were assessed before and after treatment. Our findings showed stability of some inflammatory mediators (complement activity and neutrophils burst) in treatment groups, except complement activity in C + A, and an increase of these markers in C, especially reactive oxygen species production and phagocytic activity. TNF-α was significantly increased in all groups. In C + A, IL-4 and IL-2 increased after treatment, and in the group that received the milk produced by cows fed with "O" diet, CCL20 and IL-27 increased. CONCLUSION: Overall, as compared to C, milk biofortification was associated with stabilization of the activity of alternative complement pathway and the neutrophils burst, and modulated different cytokines levels.

Effects of zinc supplementation on fatigue and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of oral zinc supplementation on fatigue intensity and quality of life of patients during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 24 patients on chemotherapy for colorectal adenocarcinoma in a tertiary care public hospital. The study patients received zinc capsules 35mg (Zinc Group, n=10) or placebo (Placebo Group, n=14) orally, twice daily (70mg/day), for 16 weeks, from the immediate postoperative period to the fourth chemotherapy cycle. Approximately 45 days after surgical resection of the tumor, all patients received a chemotherapeutic regimen. Before each of the four cycles of chemotherapy, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale was completed. We used a linear mixed model for longitudinal data for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The scores of quality of life and fatigue questionnaires were similar between the groups during the chemotherapy cycles. The Placebo Group presented worsening of quality of life and increased fatigue between the first and fourth cycles of chemotherapy, but there were no changes in the scores of quality of life or fatigue in the Zinc Group. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation prevented fatigue and maintained quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer on chemotherapy. OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da suplementação oral de zinco sobre a intensidade da fadiga e a qualidade de vida de pacientes durante a quimioterapia para neoplasia colorretal. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, controlado e duplo-cego conduzido em um hospital universitário público terciário, com 24 pacientes em regime quimioterápico para adenocarcinoma colorretal. Os pacientes receberam cápsulas de zinco 35mg (Grupo Zinco, n=10) ou placebo (Grupo Placebo, n=14) por via oral, duas vezes ao dia (70mg/dia), durante 16 semanas, desde o período pós-operatório imediato até o quarto ciclo de quimioterapia. Todos os pacientes receberam quimioterapia por aproximadamente 45 dias após a ressecção cirúrgica do tumor. A escala Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue foi preenchida antes de cada um dos quatro ciclos de quimioterapia. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear misto para dados longitudinais para análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Os escores de qualidade de vida e de fadiga foram semelhantes entre os grupos de estudo durante os ciclos de quimioterapia. O Grupo Placebo apresentou piora da qualidade de vida e da fadiga entre o primeiro e o quarto ciclos de quimioterapia, mas não houve mudança nos escores de qualidade de vida e fadiga no Grupo Zinco. CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação com zinco previne a fadiga e preserva a qualidade de vida de pacientes em quimioterapia para neoplasia colorretal.

Ângulo de Fase e Estado Nutricional de Crianças em Tratamento Antineoplásico / Phase Angle and Nutritional Status of Children in Antineoplastic Treatment / Ángulo de Fase y Estado Nutricional de los Niños Sometidos a Tratamiento Antineoplásico

Introdução: O câncer infantil gera um grande impacto para a saúde pública. A avaliação da composição corporal pela impedância bioelétrica fornece os valores de ângulo de fase, diretamente relacionados a alterações funcionais na membrana celular e que têm sido usados para avaliar o estado nutricional e o prognóstico. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre o ângulo de fase e os parâmetros do estado nutricional de pacientes oncológicos pediátricos em tratamento. Método: Estudo transversal realizado em um hospital público universitário. O estado nutricional foi verificado por meio das medidas de peso, altura, circunferência do braço, dobra cutânea tricipital, índice de massa corporal e circunferência muscular do braço. O ângulo de fase foi determinado pela impedância bioelétrica. Resultados: Foram incluídos 13 pacientes com média de idade de 103,2±39,7 meses, sendo 61,5% do sexo masculino, com prevalência da leucemia entre os diagnósticos. Constatou-se que a maioria (53,8%) dos pacientes estava em eutrofia. Houve forte correlação do ângulo de fase com os parâmetros de massa magra (r=0,923; p=0,000), massa corporal celular (r=0,911; p=0,000), massa extracelular (r=0,897; p=0,000) e peso corporal (r=0,920; p=0,000). Conclusão: Observaram-se correlações expressivas entre o ângulo de fase e os indicadores antropométricos, reforçando a hipótese de que o ângulo de fase pode antecipar a identificação de alterações na composição corporal, possibilitando uma intervenção nutricional precoce e melhor prognóstico.

Introduction: Child cancer has a major impact on public health. The evaluation of body composition by bioelectric impedance provides the values of phase angle, causally related to functional changes in the cell membrane which have been used to evaluate nutritional status and prognosis. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between phase angle and parameters of the nutritional status of pediatric oncologic patients under treatment. Method: Cross-sectional study performed in a public university hospital. The nutritional status was evaluated by weight, height, arm circumference, triceps skin fold, body mass index and arm muscle circumference. The phase angle was determined by bioelectric impedance. Results: 13 patients were included with a mean age of 103.2±39.7 months, 61.5% males with prevalence of leukemia in the diagnoses. It was found that most (53.8%) of the patients were eutrophic. There was a strong correlation of the phase angle with the parameters of lean mass (r=0.923; p=0.000), cellular body mass (r=0.911; p=0.000), extracellular mass (r=0.897; p=0.000) and body weight (r=0.920; p=0.000). Conclusion: Expressive associations between phase angle and other anthropometric indicators were observed, reinforcing the hypothesis that it can anticipate the identification of changes in body composition, allowing early nutritional intervention and better prognosis.

Introducción: El cáncer infantil tiene un gran impacto en la salud pública. La evaluación de la composición corporal por impedancia bioeléctrica proporciona los valores del ángulo de fase, directamente relacionados con los cambios funcionales de la membrana celular y que se han utilizado para evaluar el estado nutricional y el pronóstico. Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre el ángulo de fase y los parámetros del estado nutricional de los pacientes oncológicos pediátricos en tratamiento. Método: Estudio transversal realizado en un hospital universitario público. El estado nutricional se evaluó por peso, altura, circunferencia del brazo, pliegue de la piel del tríceps, índice de masa corporal y circunferencia muscular del brazo. El ángulo de fase fue determinado por la impedancia bioeléctrica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes con una edad media de 103,2±39,7 meses, de los cuales el 61,5% eran hombres con prevalencia de leucemia entre los diagnósticos. Se descubrió que la mayoría (53,8%) de los pacientes eran eutróficos. Hubo una fuerte correlación del ángulo de fase con los parámetros de masa magra (r=0,923; p=0,000), masa corporal celular (r=0,911; p=0,000), masa extracelular (r=0,897; p=0,000) y peso corporal (r=0,920; p=0,000). Conclusión: Se observaron asociaciones expresivas entre el ángulo de fase y otros indicadores antropométricos, lo que refuerza la hipótesis de que puede anticiparse a la identificación de cambios en la composición corporal, lo que permite una intervención nutricional temprana y un mejor pronóstico.

Avaliação Qualitativa de Cardápios Hospitalares / Qualitative Evaluation of Hospital Menus

Modelo: Estudo caracteriza-se como transversal, qualitativo. Objetivo: Avaliar qualitativamente as preparações de cardápios oferecidos em hospitais no município de Uberaba - MG. Metodologia: A análise foi realizada pelo método "Avaliação Qualitativa de Preparações do Cardápio" dos almoços oferecidos em cinco Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição hospitalares públicas ou particulares durante três semanas alternadas entre os meses de fevereiro a junho de 2018. Avaliou-se as ofertas de frutas, folhosos, repetições de cores, presença de alimentos sulfurados, doces, frituras, carnes gordurosas e frituras + doces na mesma refeição. Resultados: Os itens foram classificados como "ótimo" a baixa oferta de frituras (6,7%), carnes gordurosas (8,0%) e nenhuma oferta de doce + frituras no mesmo dia (0%), "bom" para oferta de folhosos (75%) e doces (22,7%), "regular" para repetição de cores (42.7%), "ruim" quanto aos alimentos sulfurados (56%) e "péssimos" quanto a oferta de frutas (9,3%). Conclusão: Os cardápios possuíam aspectos positivos como ausência de doce + fritura, baixa utilização de frituras e carnes gordurosas, boa oferta de folhosos e doces; os aspectos preocupantes relacionaram-se com a repetição de cores e negativos com a presença de alimentos sulfurados e ausência de frutas. (AU)

Study design: Cross-sectional, qualitative study. Objectives: To qualitatively evaluate the menu preparations offered at hospitals from the city of Uberaba - MG Methods: The analysis was conducted using the method "Qualitative evaluation of menu preparations" to evaluate lunch menus offered at 5 Food and Nutrition Units from public or private Hospitals for 3 weeks alternated between February and June 2018. The offer of fruits, leafy vegetables, sweets, fried food, fatty meats and fried food + sweets in the same meal were evaluated, as well as the color repetitions and the presence of sulphurated food. Results: Items rated as "Excellent" showed low offer of fried food (6.7%), fatty meats (8.0%) and no offer of sweet + fried food on the same day (0%); "Good" showed the offer of leafy vegetables (75%) and sweets (22.7%); "Regular" indicated color repetition (42.7%); "Bad" indicated sulphurated food (56%) and "Very bad" stood for fruit offer (9.3%). Conclusion: The menus had positive aspects such as the absence of sweet + fried food, low presence of fried food and fatty meats, good offer of leafy vegetables and sweets. The worrying aspects were associated with color repetition and the negative aspects were related to the presence of sulphurated food and absence of fruits. (AU)

Perfil clínico e nutricional de crianças com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca / Clinical and nutritional profile of children with cow's milk protein allergy

RESUMO: Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as principais características clínicas e nutricionais apresentadas pelas crianças com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca. Método: Tratou-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, quantitativo e correlacional, com amostra de conveniência, constituída por 22 crianças diagnosticados com alergia em diferentes estágios, na faixa etária de 6 meses a 6 anos, atendidas no ambulatório de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. Resultados: Evidenciou-se eutrofia em 81,8% das crianças, risco de sobrepeso em 4,5%, sobrepeso em 9,1% e obesidade em 4,5%. Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou diagnóstico nutricional de magreza. Os sintomas gastrointestinais (diarreia, vômito e sangue vivo nas fezes) foram os que mais acometeram os pacientes avaliados. Todos os pacientes (100%) com alergia em remissão e alergia resolvida mostraram nível de ferritina sérica normal, porém, 14,3% das crianças em alergia ativa estavam com esse valor abaixo do recomendado para idade. As crianças apresentam desmame precoce do leite materno, alimentação complementar dentro do que é indicado e o uso de fórmulas infantis corretas para atingir as recomendações nutricionais para a idade. Conclusão: Os achados indicam que o perfil clínico e nutricional de crianças com alergia está em conformidade com o esperado no que tange à escolha das fórmulas e desenvolvimento das crianças. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objective: this study aimed to identify the main clinical and nutritional characteristics presented by children with cow's milk protein allergy. Method: this was an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative and correlational study, with a convenience sample, consisting of 22 children diagnosed with allergy in different stages, aged between six months and six years, seen at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro. Results: eutrophy was evident in 81.8% of the children, overweight risk in 4.5%, overweight in 9.1%, and obesity in 4.5%. None of the patients presented a nutritional diagnosis of thinness. Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools) were the most frequent in the evaluated patients. All patients (100%) with allergy in remission and allergy resolved showed a normal serum ferritin level, but 14.3% of the children in active allergy were below the recommended level for their age. The children had early weaning from breast milk, complementary feeding within what is indicated and the use of correct infant formulas to achieve the nutritional recommendations for age. Conclusion: the findings indicate that the clinical and nutritional profile of children with allergy is as expected with regard to the choice of formulas and the children's development. (AU)

Assessment of eating behavior and food neophobia in children and adolescents from uberaba-mg / Avaliação do comportamento alimentar e da neofobia alimentar em crianças e adolescentes do município de uberaba, mg

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate and compare the eating behavior and food neophobia of children and adolescents from different age groups, body mass index per age, and sex. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample, involving 150 children and adolescents aged 3 to 13 years, of both sexes, treated at a pediatric outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital in the municipality of Uberaba-MG, Brazil. Subscales of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) were used to evaluate eating behavior, and the Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS) was used to evaluate food neophobia. Results: Higher scores were found in the subscales "food responsiveness" (p=0.015), "enjoyment of food" (p=0.002), and "emotional overeating" (p=0.009) among older children and adolescents. Younger children had higher scores in the subscales "satiety responsiveness" (p=0.004) and "slowness in eating" (p=0.001). There was a tendency toward higher scores for "food responsiveness" (p=0.005) and "emotional overeating" (p=0.013) in participants with severe obesity. There were no differences in the scale of food neophobia. Overall, food neophobia positively correlated with lack of interest in food and negatively correlated with interest in food. Conclusions: The study showed significant differences in some domains of eating behavior among children and adolescents of the sample; however, no differences were found regarding food neophobia. These results may contribute to the improvement of future interventions related to infant eating behavior and food neophobia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar e comparar o comportamento e a neofobia alimentares de crianças e adolescentes de diferentes faixas etárias, índice de massa corporal/idade e sexo. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, com amostra por conveniência, envolvendo 150 crianças e adolescentes com faixa etária entre 3 e 13 anos, de ambos os sexos, atendidas em um ambulatório pediátrico de um hospital escola em Uberaba, MG. Para avaliar o comportamento alimentar, utilizaram-se as subescalas do Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) e para a neofobia alimentar o Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS). Resultados: Verificaram-se pontuações mais altas nas subescalas "resposta à comida" (p=0,015), "prazer em comer" (p=0,002) e "sobreingestão emocional" (p=0,009) em crianças e adolescentes com idades maiores. As crianças com idades menores obtiveram pontuações mais altas nas subescalas como "resposta à saciedade" (p=0,004) e "ingestão lenta" (p=0,001). Observou-se uma tendência à maior pontuação quanto à "resposta à comida" (p=0,005) e à "sobreingestão emocional" (p=0,013) nos participantes com obesidade grave. Não houve diferenças quanto à escala de neofobia alimentar. De modo geral, a neofobia alimentar correlacionou-se positivamente com o desinteresse pela comida e negativamente com o interesse pela comida. Conclusões: O estudo indicou diferenças significantes em alguns domínios do comportamento alimentar entre as crianças e os adolescentes da amostra, porém não houve diferenças em relação à neofobia alimentar. Nesse sentido, esses resultados podem contribuir para o aprimoramento de intervenções futuras referentes ao comportamento e à neofobia alimentares infantis.

Copper-Zinc ratio and nutritional status in colorectal cancer patients during the perioperative period.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine Cu/Zn ratio, nutritional and inflammatory status in patients during the perioperative period for colorectal cancer. METHODS: The study included patients with histological diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma (Cancer Group, n=46) and healthy volunteers (Control Group, n=28). We determined habitual food intake, body composition, laboratory data of nutritional status, serum calprotectin and plasma Cu and Zn concentrations. Mann-Whitney U-test was performed between-group comparisons and Spearman correlation test for correlations between the variables. RESULTS: Individuals in the Cancer Group presented significantly lower BMI, fat mass, plasma hemoglobin, total protein and albumin as compared with the Control Group. Serum calprotectin[70.1 ng/mL (CI95% 55.8-84.5) vs.53.3 ng/mL (40.3-66.4), p=0.05], plasma Cu concentrations [120 µg/dL(CI95% 114-126) vs. 106 µg/dL(CI95% 98-114), p<0.01] and the Cu/Zn ratio [1.59 (CI95% 1.48-1.71)vs. 1.35 (CI95% 1.23-1.46), p=0.01]were higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in controls. Additionally, the Cancer Group showed negative correlations between the Cu/Zn ratio and Zn intake, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and positive correlation between the Cu/Zn ratio and serum calprotectin. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that an increased plasma Cu/Zn ratio and serum calprotectin, and decreased protein values may be a result of the systemic inflammatory response to the tumor process.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Antioxidant Defenses and Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: a Placebo-Controlled, Prospective Randomized Trial.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of oral zinc supplementation on antioxidant defenses and oxidative stress markers during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Twenty-four patients who had undergone surgical resection of colorectal cancer participated in this placebo-controlled, prospective randomized study. The supplementation was started in the perioperative period, in which 10 patients received 70 mg of zinc (zinc group, n = 10) and 14 patients received placebo (placebo group, n = 14) for 16 weeks. Approximately 45 days after surgical resection of tumor, all patients received a chemotherapeutic regimen (capecitabine, capecitabine combined with oxaliplatin or 5-fluorouracil). Vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidation markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostane were determined before the first, second, third, and fourth chemotherapy cycles. Compared with the placebo group, the zinc group presented higher SOD values before the first, second, and fourth chemotherapy cycles and lower GPx values before the third cycle. There were no statistical differences between the study groups in vitamin C, vitamin E, MDA, or 8-isoprostane plasma values. Longitudinal analysis revealed decreased vitamin E concentration in the placebo group before the second and fourth cycles as compared with the initial values. Zinc supplementation during chemotherapy cycles increased SOD activity and maintained vitamin E concentrations. Although no effect of zinc supplementation on oxidative stress markers was observed, the increase in SOD activity indicates a production of stable free radicals, which may have a positive effect in cancer treatment.

The impact of intestinal resection on the immune function of short bowel syndrome patients.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is characterized by a massive intestinal loss after surgery resection. Likewise, disturbances involving the intestine, which represents a complex immune environment, may result in breakdown of homeostasis and altered responses, thus leading to unpredictable clinical outcomes. However, the consequences of bowel resection were poorly investigated until now. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immunological status of SBS-patients. For this purpose, ten subjects and nine healthy controls were evaluated. Along with some metabolic disturbances, the main results showed higher levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in plasma among SBS-patients. However, there were no differences in the frequency of CD3+, CD3+CD4+ or CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes. An augmented frequency in CD4+ and CD8+ cells producing IFN-γ was also observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), together with elevated percentage of CD4+ cells producing IL-10. No differences were observed in the frequency of total CD4+CD25-, CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes nor in the expression of FoxP3 or GITR. Nevertheless, SBS-patients showed higher frequency of the regulatory T cell population CD4+CD25+CD39+ cells in PBMC. In conclusion, these data pointed to SBS as an important disturbance that compromises not only the intestinal environment but also negatively influences systemic immune components.

Copper and magnesium deficiencies in patients with short bowel syndrome receiving parenteral nutrition or oral feeding.

BACKGROUND: Patients with short bowel syndrome have significant fluid and electrolytes loss. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the mineral and electrolyte status in short bowel syndrome patients receiving intermittent parenteral nutrition or oral feeding. METHODS: Twenty two adults with short bowel syndrome, of whom 11 were parenteral nutrition dependent (PN group), and the 11 remaining had been weaned off parenteral nutrition for at least 1 year and received all nutrients by oral feeding (OF group). The study also included 14 healthy volunteers paired by age and gender (control group). Food ingestion, anthropometry, serum or plasma levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and copper were evaluated. PN group subjects were evaluated before starting a new parenteral nutrition cycle. RESULTS: The levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and zinc were similar between the groups. The magnesium value was lower in the PN group (1.0 ± 0.4 mEq /L) than other groups. Furthermore, this electrolyte was lower in the OF group (1.4 ± 0.3 mEq /L) when compared to the Control group (1.8 ± 0.1 mEq/L). Lower values of copper (69±24 vs 73±26 vs 109±16 µg/dL) were documented, respectively, for the PN and OF groups when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Hypomagnesemia and hypocupremia are electrolyte disturbances commonly observed in short bowel syndrome. Patients with massive intestinal resection require monitoring and supplementation in order to prevent magnesium and copper deficiencies.

Bone mineral density in short bowel syndrome: correlation with BMI and serum vitamins C, E and K.

OBJECTIVE: Bone loss has been established as a major extra-intestinal complication of short bowel syndrome (SBS). The purpose of this study was to correlate bone mineral density (BMD) with body mass index (BMI), serum vitamin and mineral levels in patients with SBS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 13 patients (8 male and 5 female, 54.7 ± 11.4 years) with SBS (residual small bowel length of 10 to 100 cm). We determined the food ingestion, anthropometry, serum levels of vitamins C, A, D, E and K, as well as serum and urinary levels of phosphorus and calcium. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: Osteopenia and osteoporosis was diagnosed in all but one SBS patient. Serum levels of vitamin D were low in all volunteers. Sixty-one percent of patients had vitamin E deficiency; hypovitaminosis A and C occurred in one subject. BMI and C, E and K vitamin serum levels correlated with T-score of BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Osteopenia and osteoporosis were common in SBS patients. There was a correlation between BMD and the serum levels of vitamins C, E and K, an indicative that such vitamins may influence bone health.

Vitamin serum level variations between cycles of intermittent parenteral nutrition in adult patients with short bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: An alternative form of nutrition therapy for patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who do not have home parenteral nutrition (PN) available is the administration of the PN cycle during regular hospital admissions and oral vitamin supplement at home. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of folic acid and vitamins A, B(12), C, and E before and after the PN cycle in patients with SBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was conducted with 10 patients with SBS (less than 15 minutes of total barium transit time) who were receiving the PN cycle and oral vitamin supplement at home. Patients were evaluated regarding total food ingestion and oral vitamin supplement intake. Serum levels of vitamins were evaluated immediately after the end of each PN cycle (phase 1) and before the beginning of the next PN cycle (phase 2). RESULTS: Patients' nutrient ingestion was in accordance with recommendations for healthy individuals. Regarding the oral vitamin supplement intake, 20% of the patients presented low adherence. Although all patients had a normal serum level of folic acid and vitamin B(12), PN vitamin infusion during hospitalization and home oral vitamin supplement were not enough to make the serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E achieve normal values. CONCLUSION: This study documented that patients did not receive an adequate administration of oral vitamin supplements of vitamins A, C, and E through PN. More studies need to be conducted investigating higher doses of vitamin administration (oral or intravenous administration), assessing differences between water and liposoluble supplements.

Clinical and nutritional status in the late postoperative of pancreaticoduodenectomy: influence of pylorus preservation procedure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the nutritional status of patients in the late postoperative period of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and compare the long-term outcome according to pylorus-preserving (PPPD) or the standard technique (SPD) in which the pylorus is resected. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted twelve months prior or more in patients who had underwent PD (PD Group, n=15) and health volunteers (Control Group, n=15). At a post hoc analysis, the PD Group was divided in PPPD Subgroup (n=9) and SPD Subgroup (n=6), according to the PD techniques. Gastrointestinal complaints and nutritional status were evaluated, apart from a biochemical assessment; Student t-test or Mann-Whitney test were used. RESULTS: The patients recovered their body weight and the gastrointestinal complaints were uncommon. The PD Group showed higher energy and protein intake even though BMI was lower than in Control Group. There were no differences in laboratorial data, except for higher glycemia, serum alkaline phosfatase and C-reactive protein in PD Group. There was no difference in the various parameters evaluated when the Subgroups (PPPD and SPD) were compared. CONCLUSION: For long-term pancreaticoduodenectomy, the gastrointestinal symptoms are minimal and the patients had the clinical and nutritional status preserved, regardless of pylorus preservation.

Papillary atrophy of the tongue and nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics.

BACKGROUND: Atrophy of the papillae, mucosa, and dorsum of the tongue are considered classical signs of nutritional deficiencies. OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue. METHODS: This study was performed with 21 hospitalized alcoholics divided into Atrophic Glossitis Group (n=13) and Normal Tongue Group (n=8). Healthy, non-alcoholic volunteers composed the Control Group (n=8). Anthropometry and bioelectric impedance were performed, and serum vitamins A, E, and B12 were determined. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in relation to age (46.7 ± 8.7 vs. 46.8 ± 15.8 years) or gender (92.3% vs. 87.5% male), respectively. Control Group volunteers were also paired in relation to age (47.5 ± 3.1 years) and male predominance (62.5%). In relation to hospitalized alcoholics without atrophic lesions of the tongue and Control Group, patients with papillary atrophy showed lower BMI (18.6 ± 2,5 vs 23.8 ± 3.5 vs 26.7 ± 3,6 kg/m(2)) and body fat content 7.6 ± 3.5 vs 13.3 ± 6.5 vs 19.5 ± 4,9 kg). When compared with the Control Group, alcoholic patients with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue showed lower values of red blood cells (10.8 ± 2.2 vs 11.8 ± 2.2 vs 14.5 ± 1,6g/dL) and albumin (3.6 ± 0.9 vs 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 4.4 ± 0.2g/dL). The seric levels of vitamins A, E, and B12 were similar amongst the groups. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized alcoholics with papillary atrophy of the tongue had lower BMI and fat body stores than controls, without associated hypovitaminosis.

Effects of zinc supplementation on fatigue and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer / Efeitos da suplementação de zinco na fadiga e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer colorretal

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effects of oral zinc supplementation on fatigue intensity and quality of life of patients during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 24 patients on chemotherapy for colorectal adenocarcinoma in a tertiary care public hospital. The study patients received zinc capsules 35mg (Zinc Group, n=10) or placebo (Placebo Group, n=14) orally, twice daily (70mg/day), for 16 weeks, from the immediate postoperative period to the fourth chemotherapy cycle. Approximately 45 days after surgical resection of the tumor, all patients received a chemotherapeutic regimen. Before each of the four cycles of chemotherapy, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale was completed. We used a linear mixed model for longitudinal data for statistical analysis. Results The scores of quality of life and fatigue questionnaires were similar between the groups during the chemotherapy cycles. The Placebo Group presented worsening of quality of life and increased fatigue between the first and fourth cycles of chemotherapy, but there were no changes in the scores of quality of life or fatigue in the Zinc Group. Conclusion Zinc supplementation prevented fatigue and maintained quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer on chemotherapy.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar os efeitos da suplementação oral de zinco sobre a intensidade da fadiga e a qualidade de vida de pacientes durante a quimioterapia para neoplasia colorretal. Métodos Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, controlado e duplo-cego conduzido em um hospital universitário público terciário, com 24 pacientes em regime quimioterápico para adenocarcinoma colorretal. Os pacientes receberam cápsulas de zinco 35mg (Grupo Zinco, n=10) ou placebo (Grupo Placebo, n=14) por via oral, duas vezes ao dia (70mg/dia), durante 16 semanas, desde o período pós-operatório imediato até o quarto ciclo de quimioterapia. Todos os pacientes receberam quimioterapia por aproximadamente 45 dias após a ressecção cirúrgica do tumor. A escala Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue foi preenchida antes de cada um dos quatro ciclos de quimioterapia. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear misto para dados longitudinais para análise estatística. Resultados Os escores de qualidade de vida e de fadiga foram semelhantes entre os grupos de estudo durante os ciclos de quimioterapia. O Grupo Placebo apresentou piora da qualidade de vida e da fadiga entre o primeiro e o quarto ciclos de quimioterapia, mas não houve mudança nos escores de qualidade de vida e fadiga no Grupo Zinco. Conclusão A suplementação com zinco previne a fadiga e preserva a qualidade de vida de pacientes em quimioterapia para neoplasia colorretal.

Serum vitamins in adult patients with short bowel syndrome receiving intermittent parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs after massive intestinal resection, and parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy may be necessary even after a period of adaptation. The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin status in adults with SBS receiving intermittent PN. METHODS: The study was conducted on hospitalized adults with SBS who were receiving intermittent PN therapy (n = 8). Nine healthy volunteers, paired by age and sex, served as controls. Food ingestion, anthropometry, plasma folic acid, and vitamins B(12), C, A, D, E, and K were evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of vitamins A, D, and B(12) in both groups were similar. SBS patients presented higher values of folic acid (21.3 ± 4.4 vs 14.4 ± 5.2, P = .01) and lower values of vitamin C (0.9 ± 0.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL, P = .03), α-tocopherol (16.3 ± 3.4 vs 24.1 ± 2.7 µmol/L, P < .001), and phylloquinone (0.6 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.5 nmol/L, P < .03). Eight-seven percent of patients had vitamin D deficiency, and all patients presented with serum vitamin E levels below reference values. CONCLUSIONS: Despite all efforts to offer all the nutrients mentioned above, SBS patients had lower serum levels of vitamins C, E, and K, similar to those observed in patients on home PN. These findings suggest that the administered vitamins were not sufficient for the intermittent PN scheme and that individual adjustments are needed depending on the patient's vitamin status.

Copper-Zinc ratio and nutritional status in colorectal cancer patients during the perioperative period

PURPOSE : This study aimed to determine Cu/Zn ratio, nutritional and inflammatory status in patients during the perioperative period for colorectal cancer. METHODS: The study included patients with histological diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma (Cancer Group, n=46) and healthy volunteers (Control Group, n=28). We determined habitual food intake, body composition, laboratory data of nutritional status, serum calprotectin and plasma Cu and Zn concentrations. Mann-Whitney U-test was performed between-group comparisons and Spearman correlation test for correlations between the variables. RESULTS: Individuals in the Cancer Group presented significantly lower BMI, fat mass, plasma hemoglobin, total protein and albumin as compared with the Control Group. Serum calprotectin[70.1 ng/mL (CI95% 55.8-84.5) vs.53.3 ng/mL (40.3-66.4), p=0.05], plasma Cu concentrations [120 µg/dL(CI95% 114-126) vs. 106 µg/dL(CI95% 98-114), p<0.01] and the Cu/Zn ratio [1.59 (CI95% 1.48-1.71)vs. 1.35 (CI95% 1.23-1.46), p=0.01]were higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in controls. Additionally, the Cancer Group showed negative correlations between the Cu/Zn ratio and Zn intake, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and positive correlation between the Cu/Zn ratio and serum calprotectin. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that an increased plasma Cu/Zn ratio and serum calprotectin, and decreased protein values may be a result of the systemic inflammatory response to the tumor process.