Oat Beta-Glucan as a Metabolic Regulator in Early Stage of Colorectal Cancer-A Model Study on Azoxymethane-Treated Rats.

Factors that reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer include biologically active substances. In our previous research, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects of oat beta-glucans in gastrointestinal disease models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an 8-week consumption of a diet supplemented with low-molar-mass oat beta-glucan in two doses on the antioxidant potential, inflammatory parameters, and colonic metabolomic profile in azoxymethane(AOM)-induced early-stage colorectal cancer in the large intestine wall of rats. The results showed a statistically significant effect of AOM leading to the development of neoplastic changes in the colon. Consumption of beta-glucans induced changes in colonic antioxidant potential parameters, including an increase in total antioxidant status, a decrease in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and a reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentration. In addition, beta-glucans decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-12) and C-reactive protein (CRP) while increasing the concentration of IL-10. Metabolomic studies confirmed the efficacy of oat beta-glucans in the AOM-induced early-stage colon cancer model by increasing the levels of metabolites involved in metabolic pathways, such as amino acids, purine, biotin, and folate. In conclusion, these results suggest a wide range of mechanisms involved in altering colonic metabolism during the early stage of carcinogenesis and a strong influence of low-molar-mass oat beta-glucan, administered as dietary supplement, in modulating these mechanisms.

In Vivo Pro-Inflammatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on the Colon Depend on Time and Route of Exposure.

Nanosilver is a popular nanomaterial, the potential influence of which on humans is of serious concern. Herein, we exposed male Wistar rats to two regimens: a repeated oral dose of 30 mg/kg bw silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) over 28 days and a single-dose injection of 5 mg/kg bw of AgNPs. At three different time points, we assessed antioxidant defense, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in the colon, as well as toxicity markers in the liver and plasma. Both experimental scenarios showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the colon. Oral administration seemed to be linked to increased reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation, while the effects induced by the intravenous exposure were probably mediated by silver ions released from the AgNPs. Repeated oral exposure had a more detrimental effect than the single-dose injection. In conclusion, both administration routes had a similar impact on the colon, although the underlying mechanisms are likely different.

Evaluation of spatial PD1 and PD-L1 expression in inflammatory bowel disease samples - a pilot study.

Alterations of PD1/PD-L1 pathway may be associated with an excessive inflammatory response in the intestinal wall in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). To evaluate the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in 4 compartments of intestinal wall (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria and lymphatic follicles), high-resolution immunohistochemically stained slides were obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of 10 Crohn's disease (CD), 9 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 10 unaffected individuals cases. The levels of expression were quantified using the QuPath software. PD-1 was detected in lymphatic follicles in affected and unaffected tissue samples and in inflammatory infiltration in IBD. There was no difference between groups neither in PD-1 overall expression nor in individual compartments, with the exception of the mucosal expression. It was higher in the mucosa of CD patients comparing to controls, however this difference was marginal (p = 0.0461). PD-L1 was expressed in endothelium and mesenteric nervous plexi, consistently in each group. There were no significant differences in PD-L1 immunoreactivity in context of histologic compartment nor clinical diagnosis. The results suggest that PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in intestinal tissue is heterogeneous in the analysed groups, thus it may be dependent on individual characteristics.

Colon Expression of Chemokines and Their Receptors Depending on the Stage of Colitis and Oat Beta-Glucan Dietary Intervention-Crohn's Disease Model Study.

Crohn's disease (CD), a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract with alternating periods of exacerbation and remission, is becoming common around the world. This study aimed to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of oat beta-glucans of varying molar masses by modulating the expression of chemokines and their receptors as well as other proteins related to both stages of TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzosulfonic acid)-induced colitis, which is an animal model of CD. The experiment involved 96 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into two main groups: control and TNBS-induced colitis. Both groups of rats were further divided into three dietary subgroups, which were fed with standard feed or feed supplemented with low- or high-molar-mass oat beta-glucans for 3 (reflecting acute inflammation) or 7 days (reflecting pre-remission). The gene expression of chemokines and their receptors in the colon wall was determined by RT-PCR, and the expression of selected proteins in the mucosa was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that acute and pre-remission stages of colitis were characterized by the increased gene expression of seven chemokines and four chemokine receptors in the colon wall as well as disrupted protein expression of CXCL1, CCL5, CXCR2, CCR5, and OPN in the mucosa. The consumption of oat beta-glucans resulted in decreased expression of most of these genes and modulated the expression of all proteins, with a stronger effect observed with the use of high-molar-mass beta-glucan. To summarize, dietary oat beta-glucans, particularly those of high molar mass, can reduce colitis by modulating the expression of chemokines and their receptors and certain proteins associated with CD.

Coating-Dependent Neurotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles-An In Vivo Study on Hippocampal Oxidative Stress and Neurosteroids.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most widely used nanomaterials. The level of exposure to nanosilver is constantly raising, and a growing body of research highlights that it is harmful to the health, especially the nervous system, of humans. The potential pathways through which nanosilver affects neurons include the release of silver ions and the associated induction of oxidative stress. To better understand the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of nanosilver, in this study we exposed male Wistar rats to 0.5 mg/kg body weight of AgNPs coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), or citrate, or to AgNO3 as a source of silver ions for 28 days and assessed the expression of antioxidant defense markers in the hippocampus of the exposed animals after 1 week of spatial memory training. We also evaluated the influence of AgNPs coating on neurosteroidogenesis in the rat hippocampus. The results showed that AgNPs disrupted the antioxidant system in the hippocampus and induced oxidative stress in a coating-dependent manner, which could potentially be responsible for neurodegeneration and cognitive disorders. The analysis of the influence of AgNPs on neurosteroids also indicated coating-dependent modulation of steroid levels with a significant decrease in the concentrations of progesterone and 17α-progesterone in AgNPs(BSA), AgNPs(PEG), and Ag+ groups. Furthermore, exposure to AgNPs or Ag+ resulted in the downregulation of selected genes involved in antioxidant defense (Cat), neurosteroid synthesis (Star, Hsd3b3, Hsd17b1, and Hsd17b10), and steroid metabolism (Ar, Er1, and Er2). In conclusion, depending on the coating material used for their stabilization, AgNPs induced oxidative stress and modulated the concentrations of steroids as well as the expression of genes involved in steroid synthesis and metabolism.

Nanoplastic Impact on the Gut-Brain Axis: Current Knowledge and Future Directions.

The widespread usage of plastic places a significant burden on the environment and impacts numerous aquatic and terrestrial species. Humans in particular can be affected by plastic pollution, predominantly via inhalation and ingestion, as well as trophic transfer along the food chain. Under natural conditions synthetic materials undergo degradation into micro- and nanoparticles, especially prone to interact with biological systems. Organisms exposed to nanoplastic accumulate it in multiple tissues, including the gut and the brain. This phenomenon raises a question about the impact of nanoparticulate plastics on the communication pathways between these organs. The aim of this review is to explore an unsettling possibility of the influence of nanoplastic on the gut-brain axis and provide a comprehensive summary of available data regarding this subject. The scarce but consistent evidence shows that exposure to plastic nanoparticles can indeed affect both the digestive and the nervous system. Reported outcomes include microbiota alterations, intestinal barrier permeability, oxidative stress, inflammation, neurotoxicity and behavioral disturbances. Taking into consideration these alarming observations and the ubiquitous presence of plastics in human environment, more research is urgently needed in order to identify any potential threats that nanoplastic exposure can pose to the functioning of the gut-brain axis.

Silver Nanoparticles Impair Cognitive Functions and Modify the Hippocampal Level of Neurotransmitters in a Coating-Dependent Manner.

Due to their potent antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industry and medicine. However, they can cross the brain-blood barrier, posing a risk to the brain and its functions. In our previous study, we demonstrated that oral administration of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated AgNPs caused an impairment in spatial memory in a dose-independent manner. In this study, we evaluated the effects of AgNPs coating material on cognition, spatial memory functioning, and neurotransmitter levels in rat hippocampus. AgNPs coated with BSA (AgNPs(BSA)), polyethylene glycol (AgNPs(PEG)), or citrate (AgNPs(Cit)) or silver ions (Ag+) were orally administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. to male Wistar rats for a period of 28 days, while the control (Ctrl) rats received 0.2 mL of water. The acquisition and maintenance of spatial memory related to place avoidance were assessed using the active allothetic place avoidance task, in which rats from AgNPs(BSA), AgNPs(PEG), and Ag+ groups performed worse than the Ctrl rats. In the retrieval test assessing long-term memory, only rats from AgNPs(Cit) and Ctrl groups showed memory maintenance. The analysis of neurotransmitter levels indicated that the ratio between serotonin and dopamine concentration was disturbed in the AgNPs(BSA) rats. Furthermore, treatment with AgNPs or Ag+ resulted in the induction of peripheral inflammation, which was reflected by the alterations in the levels of serum inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, depending on the coating material used for their stabilization, AgNPs induced changes in memory functioning and concentration of neurotransmitters.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Oat Beta-Glucans in a Crohn's Disease Model: Time- and Molar Mass-Dependent Effects.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) is increasing worldwide, and it has currently become a serious public health issue in society. The treatment of CD continues throughout a patient's lifetime, and therefore, it is necessary to develop new, effective treatment methods, including dietotherapy. The present study aimed to determine the effects of consumption of oat beta-glucans with different molar mass on colon inflammation (colitis) in the early stages of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD in an animal model. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (control and TNBS-induced CD) were divided into three dietary groups and fed for 3 days (reflecting acute inflammation) or 7 days (reflecting remission) with a feed containing 1% low (ßGl) or high (ßGh) molar mass oat beta-glucan or a feed without this polysaccharide. The level of colon inflammatory markers and the expression of cytokines and their receptor genes were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR methods, respectively. RESULTS: Acute inflammation or remission (3 or 7 days after TNBS administration, respectively) stages of experimentally induced CD were characterized by an increase in the level of inflammatory markers (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, CRP, MPO, COX, and PGE2) and the disruption of some cytokine signaling pathways as well as macro- and microscopic changes of colon tissue. The consumption of oat beta-glucans reduced the level of inflammatory markers and recovered the signaling pathways and histological changes, with stronger effects of ßGl after 7 days of colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary oat beta-glucans can reduce colitis at the molecular and organ level and accelerate CD remission.

Oral administration of oat beta-glucan preparations of different molecular weight results in regulation of genes connected with immune response in peripheral blood of rats with LPS-induced enteritis.

PURPOSE: Beta-glucans are biologically active polysaccharides having antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiinflammatory properties. This study investigated the transcriptomic profile in peripheral blood of rats with LPS-induced enteritis, which were fed a diet supplemented with high- (G1) and low- (G2) molecular-weight oat beta-glucans. METHODS: Two-color rat gene expression microarrays were applied and the analysis was performed using a common reference design to provide easy means of comparing samples from various experimental conditions against one another. Common reference sample was labeled with cyanine 3 (Cy3) and investigated samples from each experimental group: C-G0 (control group fed semi-synthetic diet), LPS-G0 (LPS-challenged group fed semi-synthetic diet), LPS-G1 (LPS-challenged group fed G1 beta-glucan enriched diet), and LPS-G2 (LPS-challenged group fed G2 beta-glucan enriched diet) were labeled with cyanine 5 (Cy5). Each microarray was performed in quadruplicate. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (p < 0.05). A multiple testing correction was performed using Benjamini and Hochberg False Discovery Rate < 5%. A quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed to verify the expression of chosen transcripts. RESULTS: The microarray analyses revealed differentially expressed transcripts between: the LPS-G0 and the control groups: C-G0 (138 genes), the LPS-G1 and LPS-G0 groups (533 genes), and the LPS-G2 and LPS-G0 groups (97 genes). Several differentially expressed genes in the beta-glucan-supplemented groups encoded proteins belonging to TLR and NLR signaling pathways, as well as prostaglandin synthesis and regulation pathways. Both beta-glucans up-regulated the expression of Atg10, which belongs to the family of autophagy-related genes, suggesting a possible link between autophagy induction and beta-glucan supplementation. CONCLUSION: The changes in gene expression observed in the peripheral blood indicate that oat beta-glucans exerted a protective effect in rats with an induced inflammatory state caused by LPS challenge. The greater number of differentially expressed genes was observed in group supplemented with G1 beta-glucan, pointing at the differences in the mode of action of high- and low-molecular-weight beta-glucans in the organism.

Proteinaceous Residue Removal from Oat ß-Glucan Extracts Obtained by Alkaline Water Extraction.

Background: Wet methods of 1-3, 1-4 -ß-D-glucan isolation from cereals differ mainly in the type of grain fraction used as raw material, the solid-liquid ratio of ß-glucan in raw material vs. solvent used, and the type of aqueous solvent modification (alkali, neutral or acidic). All these factors impact the characterization of the residues finally found in extracts. Oat bran is a rich source of globulin fraction which can be transferred into the extracts, especially when a high pH is employed. Methods: A multi-stage (enzymatic and acidic) purification procedure was performed to remove the residues, especially starch and protein, from ß-glucan isolates from oat of different molar mass. Pancreatin, thermostable α-amylase, amyloglucosidase, and papain were used for consecutive residue removal. Three levels of low pH = 4.5, 3.5 and 3.0 were also tested for effective protein precipitation. Results: The starch hydrolysis and liquefaction significantly facilitate the proteinaceous matter removal although papain usage showed an intensive unfavorable impact on ß-glucan molar mass. Soluble protein content was significantly decreased after pancreatin and α-amylase treatment, while the significant reduction of amine nitrogen was noted after complete starch hydrolysis and a second acidification step. Conclusions: A complex procedure employing different enzymes is needed to successfully reduce the possibly bioactive residues in isolated oat ß-glucan fractions.

Beneficial Effects of Oat Beta-Glucan Dietary Supplementation in Colitis Depend on its Molecular Weight.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases are an important health problem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the impact of isolated oat beta-glucan fractions of low and high molecular weight, taken as dietary supplementation, on inflammatory markers in the colitis model. METHODS: Two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats-control and with experimentally induced colitis-were subsequently divided into three subgroups and fed over 21 days feed supplemented with 1% of low (ßGl) or high (ßGh) molecular weight oat beta-glucan fraction or feed without supplementation. The level of colon inflammatory markers, cytokines, and their receptors' genes expressions and immune cells numbers were measured by ELISA, RT-PCR, and by flow cytometry methods, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed moderate inflammation affecting the colon mucosa and submucosa, with significant changes in the number of lymphocytes in the colon tissue, elevated cytokines and eicosanoid levels, as well as disruption of the main cytokine and chemokine cell signaling pathways in colitis rats. Beta-glucans supplementation caused a reverse in the percentage of lymphocytes with stronger effects of ßGh and reduction of the levels of the inflammatory markers, and improvement of cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways with stronger effects of ßGl supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the therapeutic effect of dietary oat beta-glucan supplementation in the colitis in evident relation to the molecular weight of polymer.

Dietary and Pharmacological Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the developed world. Simple hepatic steatosis is mild, but the coexistence of steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Proper dietary and pharmacological treatment is essential for preventing NAFLD progression. The first-line treatment should include dietary intervention and increased physical activity. The diet should be based on the food pyramid, with a choice of products with low glycemic index, complex carbohydrates in the form of low-processed cereal products, vegetables, and protein-rich products. Usage of insulin-sensitizing substances, pro- and prebiotics, and vitamins should also be considered. Such a therapeutic process is intended to support both liver disease and obesity-related pathologies, including insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and blood hypertension. In the pharmacological treatment of NAFLD, apart from pioglitazone, there are new classes of antidiabetic drugs that are of value, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 analogs and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 antagonists, while several other compounds that target different pathogenic pathways are currently being tested in clinical trials. Liver biopsies should only be considered when there is a lack of decline in liver enzymes after 6 months of the abovementioned treatment. Dietary intervention is recommended in all patients with NAFLD, while pharmacological treatment is recommended especially for those with NASH and showing significant fibrosis in a biopsy.

Gene expression changes in rat brain regions after 7- and 28 days inhalation exposure to exhaust emissions from 1st and 2nd generation biodiesel fuels - The FuelHealth project.

While the impact of emissions from combustion of fossil fuel on human health has been extensively studied, current knowledge of exhaust exposure from combustion of biofuels provides limited and inconsistent information about its neurotoxicity. The objective of the present work was to compare the gene expression patterns in rat frontal cortex and hippocampus after exposure to diesel exhaust emissions (DEE) from combustion of two 1st generation fuels, 7% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) (B7) and 20% FAME (B20), and a 2nd generation 20% FAME/hydrotreated vegetable oil (SHB20: synthetic hydrocarbon biofuel), with and without diesel particulate filter (DPF). The Fisher 344 rats (n = 7/treatment) were exposed to DEE for 7 days (6h/day), and for 28 days (6h/day, 5 days/week) in whole body exposure chambers. The controls were breathing room air. Brain histological examinations did not reveal any adverse exposure-related effects of DEE in frontal cortex or in hippocampus. Gene expression analysis showed that several genes associated with antioxidant defenses and inflammation were statistically differently expressed in DEE exposed animals versus control. In addition, the gene expression changes between the exposure groups were compared, where the observed rank order in frontal cortex was B7 > B20 > SHB20 after 7 days of exposure, and SHB20 > B7 = B20 after 28 days of exposure. In the hippocampus, the rank order was B7 > SHB20 > B20. Effect of DPF treatment was observed for Tnf only. Overall, moderate increases in bio-components in diesel blends do not appear to result in dramatic alterations in gene expression or adverse histopathological effects.

[Influence of body mass loss and insufficient nutrition on the quantity and type of complications occurring 3, 6 and 12 months after hospitalization]. / Wplyw utraty masy ciala i niedostatecznego zywienia na liczbe i rodzaj powiklan wystepujacych po 3, 6 i 12 miesiacach od czasu hospitalizacji.

Body mass loss and insufficient nutrition are common phenomena among hospitalized elderly patients. These abnormalities can lead to malnutrition, which in turn is associated with frequent complications and increased mortality. AIM: The aim of study was to check the relationship between body mass loss and insufficient nutrition of patients over 65 with the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and the duration of their hospitalization and the incidence of complications over 3, 6 and 12 months since hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 76 patients with cardiovascular conditions were involved in the study. The patients were over 65 years of age. During the study, data on insufficient nutrition and body mass loss of patients were collected. Within 3, 6 and 12 months of observation data concerning the number of re-hospitalizations, the use of antibiotics and the presence of infections and other diseases were gathered. RESULTS: During the 3 months preceding the study, 75% of patients had a restriction in food intake, and 64% of respondents lost their body mass. It has been demonstrated that the body mass loss of patients has a significant correlation with an increased frequency of complications mainly with those which had occurred within 3 months prior its recording. Whereas insufficient nutrition has a significant predictive value for prolonged hospitalization and is associated with increased frequency of complications, both these occurring over 3 months before its recording and those identified later (excluding the first stage of the study). CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient nutrition of patients is characterized by a higher predictive value for their prolonged hospitalization and occurrence of complications in comparison with body mass loss.

No adverse lung effects of 7- and 28-day inhalation exposure of rats to emissions from petrodiesel fuel containing 20% rapeseed methyl esters (B20) with and without particulate filter - the FuelHealth project.

Increased use of biofuels raises concerns about health effects of new emissions. We analyzed relative lung health effects, on Fisher 344 rats, of diesel engine exhausts emissions (DEE) from a Euro 5-classified diesel engine running on petrodiesel fuel containing 20% rapeseed methyl esters (B20) with and without diesel particulate filter (DPF). One group of animals was exposed to DEE for 7 days (6 h/day), and another group for 28 days (6 h/day, 5 days/week), both with and without DPF. The animals (n = 7/treatment) were exposed in whole body exposure chambers. Animals breathing clean air were used as controls. Genotoxic effects of the lungs by the Comet assay, histological examination of lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) markers of pulmonary injury, and mRNA markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were analyzed. Our results showed that a minor number of genes related to inflammation were slightly differently expressed in the exposed animals compared to control. Histological analysis also revealed only minor effects on inflammatory tissue markers in the lungs, and this was supported by flow cytometry and ELISA analysis of cytokines in BALF. No exposure-related indications of genotoxicity were observed. Overall, exposure to DEE with or without DPF technology produced no adverse effects in the endpoints analyzed in the rat lung tissue or the BALF. Overall, exposure to DEE from a modern Euro 5 light vehicle engine run on B20 fuel with or without DPF technology produced no adverse effects in the endpoints analyzed in the rat lung tissue or the BALF.

[Non-alcoholic liver disease - diagnosis and treatment]. / Stluszczeniowa niealkoholowa choroba watroby ­ diagnostyka i leczenie.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease in the developed world (15% to 40% of the adult population). Introduction of lifestyle changes including dietary intervention and increased physical activity is most often the first-line treatment and is intended to support not only the treatment of liver disease, but also for diseases associated with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and dyslipidemia. In addition to well-known metformin, there are new classes of antidiabetic drugs, including GLP-1analog, SGLT-2 antagonist, pioglitazon. In addition, statins, vitamin E and pentoxyfiline are also recommended. In the absence of improvement of liver enzymes during the 6 months of treatment, liver biopsy should be considered. Simple hepatic steatosis (NAFL) is mild, but steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis chance the prognosis and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is higher.

[Dietetary recommendation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]. / Zalecenia zywieniowe dla chorych z niealkoholowa stluszczeniowa choroba watroby.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease in the developed world. Nowadays, in the adult population of Europe it is estimated at 14% to 21%. Its most important risk factors are obesity and metabolic syndrome. Introducing lifestyle changes such as: dietary intervention and increased physical activity are the first-line treatment and are intended to support not only NAFLD but also associated diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Dietary management focuses on weight reduction of overweight or obese people by decreasing energy in diet. It is recommended to limit the intake of saturated fats and trans fatty acids as well as cholesterol. Instead, it is important to increase the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid diets, mainly from the n-3 family, which exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. It is also beneficial to eat nuts, despite their high energy value, as a source of alpha linolenic acid, which lowers LDL cholesterol. It is important to increase the share of vegetable protein (eg. soya) and limit the intake of fat meat, milk and the dairy products. A key role in the treatment and prevention of NAFLD is also a reduction of simple sugars and total exclusion of added sugar in the diet. The rise of NAFLD in developed countries is analogous to the increase of fructose consumption, which high intake is directly indicated as the main cause of the disease. Choosing foods with high fiber content, low glycemic index and meals composed with low glycemic load, is conducive to weight reduction. An important role in supporting NAFLD treatment is also attributed to vitamin D, C and E supplementation and some probiotic bacteria, as well as cinnamon and turmeric, which improve insulin sensitivity. Daily physical activity is strongly recommended as the supplement of healthy lifestyle.

Composition differences between organic and conventional meat: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Demand for organic meat is partially driven by consumer perceptions that organic foods are more nutritious than non-organic foods. However, there have been no systematic reviews comparing specifically the nutrient content of organic and conventionally produced meat. In this study, we report results of a meta-analysis based on sixty-seven published studies comparing the composition of organic and non-organic meat products. For many nutritionally relevant compounds (e.g. minerals, antioxidants and most individual fatty acids (FA)), the evidence base was too weak for meaningful meta-analyses. However, significant differences in FA profiles were detected when data from all livestock species were pooled. Concentrations of SFA and MUFA were similar or slightly lower, respectively, in organic compared with conventional meat. Larger differences were detected for total PUFA and n-3 PUFA, which were an estimated 23 (95 % CI 11, 35) % and 47 (95 % CI 10, 84) % higher in organic meat, respectively. However, for these and many other composition parameters, for which meta-analyses found significant differences, heterogeneity was high, and this could be explained by differences between animal species/meat types. Evidence from controlled experimental studies indicates that the high grazing/forage-based diets prescribed under organic farming standards may be the main reason for differences in FA profiles. Further studies are required to enable meta-analyses for a wider range of parameters (e.g. antioxidant, vitamin and mineral concentrations) and to improve both precision and consistency of results for FA profiles for all species. Potential impacts of composition differences on human health are discussed.

Higher PUFA and n-3 PUFA, conjugated linoleic acid, α-tocopherol and iron, but lower iodine and selenium concentrations in organic milk: a systematic literature review and meta- and redundancy analyses.

Demand for organic milk is partially driven by consumer perceptions that it is more nutritious. However, there is still considerable uncertainty over whether the use of organic production standards affects milk quality. Here we report results of meta-analyses based on 170 published studies comparing the nutrient content of organic and conventional bovine milk. There were no significant differences in total SFA and MUFA concentrations between organic and conventional milk. However, concentrations of total PUFA and n-3 PUFA were significantly higher in organic milk, by an estimated 7 (95 % CI -1, 15) % and 56 (95 % CI 38, 74) %, respectively. Concentrations of α-linolenic acid (ALA), very long-chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA+DPA+DHA) and conjugated linoleic acid were also significantly higher in organic milk, by an 69 (95 % CI 53, 84) %, 57 (95 % CI 27, 87) % and 41 (95 % CI 14, 68) %, respectively. As there were no significant differences in total n-6 PUFA and linoleic acid (LA) concentrations, the n-6:n-3 and LA:ALA ratios were lower in organic milk, by an estimated 71 (95 % CI -122, -20) % and 93 (95 % CI -116, -70) %. It is concluded that organic bovine milk has a more desirable fatty acid composition than conventional milk. Meta-analyses also showed that organic milk has significantly higher α-tocopherol and Fe, but lower I and Se concentrations. Redundancy analysis of data from a large cross-European milk quality survey indicates that the higher grazing/conserved forage intakes in organic systems were the main reason for milk composition differences.

Evaluation of conducting a screening assessment of nutritional status of hospitalized patients. Presentation of main goals and objectives of the global health project "NutritionDay".

INTRODUCTION: European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) commenced in 2004 a global health project named "NutritionDay" aiming to promote awareness of proper nutritional status of hospitalized patients and to draw attention to the need for early detection of malnutrition among patients. Under the Polish law--pursunat to the regulation of the Minister of Health dated September 15, 2011 (amendment as of 27.12.2013)--a nutritional status of each patient should be assessed at the time of a hospital admission. THE AIM: of this study was to analyze the fulfilment of the mandatory questionnaire assessment of nutritional status at selected wards of one of Warsaw's clinical hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included an analysis of medical records of patients hospitalized within 6 months (n = 26375). The correct fulfilment of screening questionnaire assessing nutritional status (NRS 2002 survey) and the information about patients' body weight as well as the results assessment of nutritional status were subject to the analysis. RESULTS: NRS 2002 questionnaire was present in only 67,14% medical records of patients, however 49.24% of them were unfilled. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results confirming low degree of NRS 2002 questionnaires' fulfilment in one of the Warsaw clinical hospitals draws attention to the need for education of hospital personnel in the field of significance of screening of nutritional assessment and its regulations. The "NutritionDay" project is an interesting form to attract attention of the aforementioned problem and its global extent additionally encourage medical units to participate in the project.