Acute Recovery after a Fatigue Protocol Using a Recovery Sports Legging: An Experimental Study.

Enhancing recovery is a fundamental component of high-performance sports training since it enables practitioners to potentiate physical performance and minimise the risk of injuries. Using a new sports legging embedded with an intelligent system for electrostimulation, localised heating and compression (completely embodied into the textile structures), we aimed to analyse acute recovery following a fatigue protocol. Surface electromyography- and torque-related variables were recorded on eight recreational athletes. A fatigue protocol conducted in an isokinetic dynamometer allowed us to examine isometric torque and consequent post-exercise acute recovery after using the sports legging. Regarding peak torque, no differences were found between post-fatigue and post-recovery assessments in any variable; however, pre-fatigue registered a 16% greater peak torque when compared with post-fatigue for localised heating and compression recovery methods. Our data are supported by recent meta-analyses indicating that individual recovery methods, such as localised heating, electrostimulation and compression, are not effective to recover from a fatiguing exercise. In fact, none of the recovery methods available through the sports legging tested was effective in acutely recovering the torque values produced isometrically.

Bioenergetic Analysis and Fatigue Assessment During the Fran Workout in Experienced Crossfitters.

AIM: To quantify the physiological demands and impact of muscle function t of the Fran workout, one of the most popular CrossFit benchmarks. METHODS: Twenty experienced CrossFitters-16 male: 29 (6) years old and 4 female: 26 (5) years old- performed 3 rounds (with 30-s rests in between) of 21-21, 15-15, and 9-9 front squats to overhead press plus pull-up repetitions. Oxygen uptake and heart rate were measured at baseline, during the workout, and in the recovery period. Rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate, and glucose concentrations were assessed at rest, during the intervals, and in the recovery period. Muscular fatigue was also monitored at rest and at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and 24 hours postexercise. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to compare time points. RESULTS: Aerobic (52%-29%) and anaerobic alactic (30%-23%) energy contributions decreased and the anaerobic lactic contribution increased (18%-48%) across the 3 rounds of the Fran workout. Countermovement jump height decreased by 8% (-12 to -3) mean change (95% CI), flight duration by 14% (-19 to -7), maximum velocity by 3% (-5 to -0.1), peak force 4% (-7 to -0.1), and physical performance (plank prone 47% [-54 to -38]) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the Fran workout is a physically demanding activity that recruits energy from both aerobic and anaerobic systems. This severe-intensity workout evokes substantial postexercise fatigue and corresponding reduction in muscle function.

Scientific evidence of the association between oral intake of OMEGA-3 and OMEGA-6 fatty acids and the metabolic syndrome in adolescents: A systematic review.

AIMS: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the scientific evidence of the oral intake of omega-3 and omega-6 FAs and metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents. DATA SYNTHESIS: The study was registered in PROSPERO (number 42020185370). Studies were carried out with adolescents aged 10-19 years, who presented as intervention/exposure the oral intake of omega-3 and/or omega-6 fatty acids (FAs), in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CENTRAL, and PQDT Global e BDTD. The tools used to assess the risk of bias were RoB 2.0, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Fifteen papers retrieved published from 2010 to 2019 were included (n = 3534); nine were randomized studies and controlled clinical trials, four were cross-sectional studies, one was a retrospective cohort study, and one case-control study. No studies have evaluated the effect or association of omega-3 and/or of omega-6 FAs with actual MS, only with its components. The randomized clinical trials identified the effects of omega-3 FA on the decrease in blood pressure (n = 1 out of six), glycemia (n = 2 out of seven), and triglycerides (n = 5 out of eight), and the increase in HDL-c (n = 2 out of eight) considering the comparison between the group that received omega-3 FA and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Scientific evidence is controversial on the association between oral intake of omega-3 FAs and MS in adolescents, due to the heterogeneity between studies and the divergence of results for the same MS component.

Supply of Antioxidants vs. Recruit Firefighters' Cellular Immune Status: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Parallel-Group Trial.

Background: Physical exercise can affect the immune system. We studied the effect of antioxidants on hematological and immune biomarkers after heavy training. Methods: 24 well-trained and well-fed male firefighters were randomly divided into supplemented and placebo groups, and tested for immunology-related variables using venous blood samples in the fasting state, pre- (M1) and post- (M2) five weeks of daily micronutrient supplementation (15 mg of beta-carotene, 200 mg of vitamin C, 136 mg of vitamin E, 200 µg of selenium, 15 mg of zinc, 100 mg of magnesium). Total leukocytes and a differential count for five populations were determined using standard procedures (MAXM­Beckman Coulter Diagnostics; Brea, CA, USA). Lymphocyte subsets were determined through immunophenotyping. Results: Although all values were within the normal range for healthy adults and athletes in the supplemented group (SG), mean CD3+CD8+, CD8+ and CD16+CD56+ decreased (p < 0.05; small to moderate effects), while mean CD4+, CD19+ and CD4+/CD8+ increased (p < 0.05; small effects) after five-weeks. Regarding the placebo group (PG), higher total leukocyte count (p < 0.05; trivial effect) and natural killer cells percentage (CD16+CD56+; p < 0.05; moderate effect) were observed when comparing M1 and M2. Conclusions: Antioxidants supplementation did not alter well-fed male firefighters recruit firefighters' immune cell response during the five-week physical training program.

Selenium intake is not associated with the metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adolescents: an analysis of the Study of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents.

Se reduces cellular inflammation and lipid peroxides; therefore, its association with CVD and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been studied. We aimed to investigate the association between Se intake and the MetS and its parameters (high waist circumference, hyperglycaemia, high blood pressure, high TAG and low HDL-cholesterol) in Brazilian adolescents between 12 and 17 years old. This research is part of the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), a Brazilian nationwide school-based study with regional and national relevance. We assessed: (1) socio-demographic data (sex, age, type of school and maternal education) using a self-administered questionnaire; (2) dietary intake using a 24-h recall applied for the whole sample and a second one applied to a subsample to allow within-person variability adjustment; (3) anthropometric data (weight, height, waist circumference) and blood pressure using standardised procedures; and (4) biochemical analyses (fasting glucose, TAG and HDL-cholesterol). Logistic regression was applied, basing the analysis on a theoretical model. Median Se intake was 98·3 µg/d. Hypertension and hyperglycaemia were more prevalent among boys, while a high waist circumference was more frequent in girls, and low HDL-cholesterol levels were higher among private school students. The prevalence of the MetS was 2·6 %. No association between the MetS and its parameters and Se intake was found. This lack of association could be due to an adequate Se intake in the studied population.

Triangulation supports agricultural spread of the Transeurasian languages.

The origin and early dispersal of speakers of Transeurasian languages-that is, Japanese, Korean, Tungusic, Mongolic and Turkic-is among the most disputed issues of Eurasian population history1-3. A key problem is the relationship between linguistic dispersals, agricultural expansions and population movements4,5. Here we address this question by 'triangulating' genetics, archaeology and linguistics in a unified perspective. We report wide-ranging datasets from these disciplines, including a comprehensive Transeurasian agropastoral and basic vocabulary; an archaeological database of 255 Neolithic-Bronze Age sites from Northeast Asia; and a collection of ancient genomes from Korea, the Ryukyu islands and early cereal farmers in Japan, complementing previously published genomes from East Asia. Challenging the traditional 'pastoralist hypothesis'6-8, we show that the common ancestry and primary dispersals of Transeurasian languages can be traced back to the first farmers moving across Northeast Asia from the Early Neolithic onwards, but that this shared heritage has been masked by extensive cultural interaction since the Bronze Age. As well as marking considerable progress in the three individual disciplines, by combining their converging evidence we show that the early spread of Transeurasian speakers was driven by agriculture.

Dairying enabled Early Bronze Age Yamnaya steppe expansions.

During the Early Bronze Age, populations of the western Eurasian steppe expanded across an immense area of northern Eurasia. Combined archaeological and genetic evidence supports widespread Early Bronze Age population movements out of the Pontic-Caspian steppe that resulted in gene flow across vast distances, linking populations of Yamnaya pastoralists in Scandinavia with pastoral populations (known as the Afanasievo) far to the east in the Altai Mountains1,2 and Mongolia3. Although some models hold that this expansion was the outcome of a newly mobile pastoral economy characterized by horse traction, bulk wagon transport4-6 and regular dietary dependence on meat and milk5, hard evidence for these economic features has not been found. Here we draw on proteomic analysis of dental calculus from individuals from the western Eurasian steppe to demonstrate a major transition in dairying at the start of the Bronze Age. The rapid onset of ubiquitous dairying at a point in time when steppe populations are known to have begun dispersing offers critical insight into a key catalyst of steppe mobility. The identification of horse milk proteins also indicates horse domestication by the Early Bronze Age, which provides support for its role in steppe dispersals. Our results point to a potential epicentre for horse domestication in the Pontic-Caspian steppe by the third millennium BC, and offer strong support for the notion that the novel exploitation of secondary animal products was a key driver of the expansions of Eurasian steppe pastoralists by the Early Bronze Age.

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 Supplementation on Nutritional and Metabolic Parameters in the Early Postoperative Period after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Studies have suggested that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) causes changes in the intestinal microbiota composition and function due to anatomical and physiological modifications. The role of probiotic supplementation after bariatric procedures remains to be determined. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 supplementation on nutritional and metabolic parameters after RYGB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients were assigned to receive either a probiotic supplement (FloraVantage®) or placebo for three consecutive months, beginning 7 days after surgery. Anthropometric and biochemical indexes were evaluated in the preoperative period and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Following RYGB, serum 25-OH vitamin D increased in both groups compared to baseline; however, this increase was significant only in the probiotic group (p = 0.004). Vitamin B12 levels tended to be higher in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.063), and triglyceride levels showed a significant reduction in the probiotic group only (p < 0.001). In addition, a significant reduction was observed in the anthropometric parameters and glycemic profile (p < 0.05) in both groups. CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation after RYGB improves the vitamin and lipid profile.

Multi-Micronutrient Supplementation and Immunoglobulin Response in Well-Fed Firefighters.

Intensive physical training programs can affect the immune system. This study aims to verify the multi-micronutrient supplementation effects on serum immunoglobulins levels prior to and after a five-week physical training program. Twenty-four male recruit firefighters were randomly allocated into supplemented (with Prisfar Ever-Fit Plus over 35 consecutive days) and placebo groups (n=12 each). Serum immunoglobulins G, A, and M were assessed. Supplementation effect was detected for immunoglobulin G (eta-squared, η 2 : 0.09; p =0.035; power: 0.56), A (η 2 : 0.24; p =0.001; power: 0.95), and M (η 2 : 0.09; p =0.036; power: 0.56). Although immunoglobulin A was different between groups at baseline (mean difference: 42.58; 95%CI: 7.00 to 78.16 mg/dL; p =0.021; d =2.48), within-group (before vs . after five weeks) showed no differences for both supplemented and control groups. In addition, even if immunoglobulin G and M were similar at baseline, immunoglobulin G decreased (mean diff.: 46.4; 95%CI: 6.7 to 86.1 mg/dL; p =0.03; d =0.74) and immunoglobulin M increased (mean diff.: -10.7; 95%CI: -15.8 to -5.5 mg/dL; p =0.001; d =-1.33) in the control group. Although mean values remained within the reference values, changes observed for immunoglobulin G and M may reflect some immune protection for firefighters engaged in recruit training.

Latitudinal gradient in dairy production with the introduction of farming in Atlantic Europe.

The introduction of farming had far-reaching impacts on health, social structure and demography. Although the spread of domesticated plants and animals has been extensively tracked, it is unclear how these nascent economies developed within different environmental and cultural settings. Using molecular and isotopic analysis of lipids from pottery, here we investigate the foods prepared by the earliest farming communities of the European Atlantic seaboard. Surprisingly, we find an absence of aquatic foods, including in ceramics from coastal sites, except in the Western Baltic where this tradition continued from indigenous ceramic using hunter-gatherer-fishers. The frequency of dairy products in pottery increased as farming was progressively introduced along a northerly latitudinal gradient. This finding implies that early farming communities needed time to adapt their economic practices before expanding into more northerly areas. Latitudinal differences in the scale of dairy production might also have influenced the evolution of adult lactase persistence across Europe.

Association between DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and hypertension in adolescents: A cross-sectional school-based study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is considered a healthy dietary pattern, and is recommended for the control of arterial hypertension (AH). However, its role in the adolescent population needs to be better investigated and clarified. The aim of this study is to identify the association between AH and the DASH diet score in a representative sample of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using data from a national, multicenter and schoolbased probabilistic sample of 71,553 Brazilian adolescents who had their blood pressure (BP) measured and completed a 24-hour dietary recall (2013-2014). The components of the DASH score were assessed. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between AH, anthropometric and sociodemographic variables, and the tertile of the DASH score. RESULTS: Approximately 11% of the adolescents who were in the 3rd tertile of the DASH score presented AH, 18% were overweight and 9% were obese. Among the components of the score, the highest intake was sugar-sweetened beverages (92.1%), legumes and oilseeds (68.2%), red and processed meat (64.5%) and the lowest were low-fat dairy (2.2%), whole grains (11.6%) and fruits (18.1%). Sodium intake was above the maximum recommended in all tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: A small proportion of Brazilian adolescents consume foods from the DASH diet. No associations were found between this dietary pattern and AH. Strategies to increase the intake of protective foods in adolescents must be investigated as well as the potential health benefits of the standard DASH diet for this age group over time.

Prebiotics may reduce serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and ghrelin in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Biochemical markers correlate positively with the development and severity of obesity, depression, and anxiety, and can be modulated by changes in intestinal microbiota composition. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of prebiotics or synbiotics on blood biomarkers of obesity, depression, and anxiety (including: ACTH [adrenocorticotropic hormone], cortisol, leptin, ghrelin, TSH [thyroid-stimulating hormone], PTH [parathyroid hormone], vitamin D, BDNF [brain-derived neurotrophic factor], and PCR [polymerase chain reaction]) in individuals with overweight or obesity. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched, along with the reference lists of included articles. Authors were contacted for unpublished data. STUDY SELECTION: RCT in individuals with overweight or obesity, supplemented with prebiotics or synbiotics, assessing any of the outcomes of interest. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted independently by three researchers. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were identified up to March 7, 2018. Regarding outcomes, 1 study assessed leptin, 4 studies assessed ghrelin, and 10 studies assessed CRP (C-reactive protein). Meta-analysis showed reduction in serum concentrations of ghrelin (-37.17 pg/mL; 95%CI = -69.62, -4.73; P = 0.025) and CRP (SMD [standardized mean difference] = -0.31; 95%CI = -0.58, -0.04; P = 0.027) after supplementation of inulin-type fructans. CONCLUSIONS: Prebiotics may help regulate blood concentrations of ghrelin and CRP in overweight or obese individuals.

Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners.

Whey protein (WP) is a dairy food supplement and, due to its effects on fat-free mass (FFM) gain and fat mass (FM) loss, it has been widely consumed by resistance training practitioners. This review analyzed the impact of WP supplementation in its concentrated (WPC), hydrolyzed (WPH) and isolated (WPI) forms, comparing it exclusively to isocaloric placebos. Random effect meta-analyses were performed from the final and initial body composition values of 246 healthy athletes undergoing 64.5 ± 15.3 days of training in eight randomized clinical trials (RCT) collected systematically from five scientific databases. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was statistically significant for FM loss (WMD = -0.96, 95% CI = -1.37, -0.55, p < 0.001) and, in the analysis of subgroups, this effect was maintained for the WPC (WMD = -0.63, 95% CI = -1.19, -0.06, p = 0.030), with protein content between 51% and 80% (WMD = -1.53; 95% CI = -2.13, -0.93, p < 0.001), and only for regular physical activity practitioners (WMD = -0.95; 95% CI = -1.70, -0.19, p = 0.014). There was no significant effect on FFM in any of the scenarios investigated (p > 0.05). Due to several and important limitations, more detailed analyses are required regarding FFM gain.

Usual intake and dietary sources of Selenium in adolescents: A cross-sectional school-based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Selenium is a mineral that constitutes selenoproteins and, therefore, has been studied, especially in cardiovascular diseases. Some risk factors for the development of these diseases, such as obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia, have been observed early in life, including in childhood and adolescence, and food and nutrient intake is an important associated factor for their development. The aim of this study was to assess usual intake of selenium (Se) and dietary inadequacies regarding the consumption of this mineral, and to identify the main dietary sources of Se among 12-17 year-old Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents, performed countrywide in the years 2013 and 2014, were used to estimate inadequate Se dietary intake. The National Cancer Institute's method was used, considering two days of 24 h dietary recall (24hR). The contribution of each food group to the total intake of Se was determined using a single 24hR, and was defined as a ratio between the total intake of Se and the percentage of Se in each food group, until reaching 95%. Food mentioned by adolescents were categorized into 39 food groups, according to macronutrient similarities. RESULTS: Data from 76,957 adolescents aged from 12-17 years (49.7% girls) from public and private schools were assessed. Selenium intake was according to recommendation levels. Mean Se intake ranged from 84.3 to 105.9 µg among sex and age groups. Considering the whole sample, meat, pasta, poultry, and fish were the food groups that contributed with the greatest amount of Se (representing 57.9% of total Se). Brazil nuts are consumed in bigger quantity only by 14-17 year-old girls, contributing to 1.6% of the Se in their diets. CONCLUSION: Brazilian adolescents have an adequate Se intake because of the high consumption of meat, pasta, and poultry. Although Brazil nuts are the most important dietary source of Se, adolescents consume them in very small amounts, leading to a small contribution in the total intake.

Target therapy versus dacarbazine in first-line treatment of advanced non-surgical and metastatic melanoma: budget impact analysis from the perspective of the Brazilian National Health System, 2018-2020. / Terapia-alvo versus dacarbazina no tratamento de primeira linha do melanoma avançado não cirúrgico e metastático: análise de impacto orçamentário na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde, 2018-2020.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the incremental budget impact of target therapy for first-line treatment of advanced non-surgical and metastatic melanoma compared to dacarbazine treatment. METHODS: budget impact analysis, from the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) perspective; based on demographic data and incidence estimates, the population over a three-year time horizon (2018-2020) was delimited and the direct medical costs were estimated; the reference scenario was treatment with dacarbazine, and the alternative scenarios were target therapy with vemurafenib, dabrafenib, vemurafenib + cobimetinib and dabrafenib + trametinib; uncertainty assessment was conducted through scenario analysis. RESULTS: the incremental budget impact ranged from R$ 451,867,881.00 to R$ 768,860,968.00, representing 0.70 to 1.53% of total SUS annual outpatient drugs expenditure; in best and worst scenario, results ranged from R$ 289,160,835.00 to R$ 1,107,081,926.00. CONCLUSION: the use of target therapy compared to dacarbazine implies an excessive impact on the budget, this bring unfovorable to its possible incorporation.

Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic syndrome is a multi-causal disease. Its treatment includes lifestyle changes with a focus on weight loss. This systematic review assessed the association between Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Data were collected mainly from four databases: PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane), Scopus and Web of Knowledge. Keywords related to metabolic syndrome, selenium, as well as metabolic syndrome features were searched. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. A systematic review protocol was registered at PROSPERO (n. 42016046321). Two reviewers independently screened 2957 abstracts. Six studies were included to perform data extraction with standardized spreadsheets. The risk of bias was assessed by using specific tools according to the design of the relevant studies. An assessment was carried out based on the appropriateness of the study reports accordingly to STROBE and the CONSORT-based checklist for each study design. RESULTS: Three studies found no association between Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome; two of them found an inverse association; and one study found a direct association between Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome. One study also showed an inverse association between Selenium intake and the prevalence of high waist circumference, high diastolic blood pressure, and hyperglycaemia in women. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, based on the argumentation and results of this study, it is possible to conclude that Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome are not clearly associated in adults and elderly.

25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in patients with high risk resected melanoma treated in an adjuvant bevacizumab trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating a relationship of vitamin D in patients with primary melanoma have consistently identified an inverse correlation with Breslow thickness, but an inconsistent impact on survival. Vitamin D in later stages of melanoma has been less studied. METHODS: Vitamin D was measured in serum from 341 patients with resected stage IIB-IIIC melanoma recruited to the AVAST-M adjuvant melanoma randomised trial, collected prior to randomisation, then at 3 and 12 months. Vitamin D levels were compared with patient demographics, known melanoma prognostic factors, disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 73% patients had stage III melanoma, 32% were enroled (and therefore tested) >1 year after primary melanoma diagnosis. Median pre-randomisation vitamin D level was 56.5 (range 12.6-189.0 nmol/L). Vitamin D levels did not significantly vary over 12 months (p = 0.24). Individual pre-randomisation vitamin D levels did not differ significantly for Breslow thickness, tumour ulceration, or disease stage. Neither did pre-randomisation vitamin D predict for DFI (HR = 0.98 per 10 nmol/L increase; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93-1.04, p = 0.59) or OS (HR = 0.96 per 10 nmol/L increase, 95% CI 0.90-1.03, p = 0.31). For stage II patients, DFI improved with higher pre-randomisation vitamin D levels for those on bevacizumab (HR = 0.74 per 10 nmol nmol/L increase; 95% CI 0.56-0.97), but not for the observation arm (HR = 1.07 per 10 nmol/L increase; 95% CI 0.85-1.34). CONCLUSIONS: In this stage II/III melanoma cohort, vitamin D did not correlate with known prognostic markers, nor predict for DFI or OS, but there was some evidence of benefit for patients with stage II disease treated with bevacizumab.

A meta-analysis of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids effects on circulating acute-phase protein and cytokines in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic inflammation is related with cancer and leads to worsening prognosis in cancer patients. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation has been proposed as adjuvant treatment in cancer due anti-inflammatory properties. In the present meta-analysis, we pooled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of n-3 PUFAs (from fish oil isolated or added in an immunonutrition formula) on inflammatory markers in gastric cancer. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in Medline, Scopus, Cochrane library, Science Direct and Web of Science, besides GOOGLE Scholar and a hand searching of reference lists, through July 2016. We pooled the effect size from individual studies using a random-effect model and carried out heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Nine trials (698 patients) fulfilled the entry criteria and were included in the synthesis of the systematic review. Eight were carried out in surgical patients and one in patients that received chemotherapy. Four used only fish oil as intervention and five used an immunonutrition formula. Global meta-analysis demonstrated higher albumin (7 studies, SMD 0.28; 95% CI 0.07, 0.48) and prealbumin (4 studies, SMD 0.56; 95% CI 0.12, 1.00) concentrations, and lower IL-6 (2 studies, SMD -0.71; 95% CI -1.15, -0.27) and TNF-α (2 studies, SMD -0.92; 95% CI -1.58, -0.26) concentrations in patients of the intervention group as compared to control group. However, total protein, transferrin and CRP concentrations were not improved by n-3 PUFAs supplementation. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that n-3 PUFAs supplementation from fish oil or added an immunonutrition formula has favorable effects on inflammatory markers in gastric cancer patients undergoing surgical procedures.

Relationship between acute phase proteins and serum fatty acid composition in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is considered a low-grade inflammatory state and has been associated with increased acute phase proteins as well as changes in serum fatty acids. Few studies have assessed associations between acute phase proteins and serum fatty acids in morbidly obese patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between acute phase proteins (C-Reactive Protein, Orosomucoid, and Albumin) and serum fatty acids in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: Twenty-two morbidly obese patients were enrolled in this study. Biochemical and clinical data were obtained before bariatric surgery, and fatty acids measured in preoperative serum. RESULTS: Orosomucoid was negatively correlated with lauric acid (P = 0.027) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (P = 0.037) and positively with arachidonic acid (AA) (P = 0.035), AA/EPA ratio (P = 0.005), and n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (P = 0.035). C-Reactive Protein (CRP) was negatively correlated with lauric acid (P = 0.048), and both CRP and CRP/Albumin ratio were negatively correlated with margaric acid (P = 0.010, P = 0.008, resp.). Albumin was positively correlated with EPA (P = 0.027) and margaric acid (P = 0.008). Other correlations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that serum fatty acids are linked to acute phase proteins in morbidly obese patients.