Unlocking liver health: Can tackling myosteatosis spark remission in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease?

Myosteatosis is highly prevalent in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and could reciprocally impact liver function. Decreasing muscle fat could be indirectly hepatoprotective in MASLD. We conducted a review to identify interventions reducing myosteatosis and their impact on liver function. Non-pharmacological interventions included diet (caloric restriction or lipid enrichment), bariatric surgery and physical activity. Caloric restriction in humans achieving a mean weight loss of 3% only reduces muscle fat. Lipid-enriched diet increases liver fat in human with no impact on muscle fat, except sphingomyelin-enriched diet which reduces both lipid contents exclusively in pre-clinical studies. Bariatric surgery, hybrid training (resistance exercise and electric stimulation) or whole-body vibration in human decrease both liver and muscle fat. Physical activity impacts both phenotypes by reducing local and systemic inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity and modulating the expression of key mediators of the muscle-liver-adipose tissue axis. The combination of diet and physical activity acts synergistically in liver, muscle and white adipose tissue, and further decrease muscle and liver fat. Several pharmacological interventions (patchouli alcohol, KBP-089, 2,4-dinitrophenol methyl ether, adipoRon and atglistatin) and food supplementation (vitamin D or resveratrol) improve liver and muscle phenotypes in pre-clinical studies by increasing fatty acid oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. These interventions are effective in reducing myosteatosis in MASLD while addressing the liver disease itself. This review supports that disturbances in inter-organ crosstalk are key pathophysiological mechanisms involved in MASLD and myosteatosis pathogenesis. Focusing on the skeletal muscle might offer new therapeutic strategies to treat MASLD by modulating the interactions between liver and muscles.

The impact of obesity-associated glycine deficiency on the elimination of endogenous and exogenous metabolites via the glycine conjugation pathway.

Background: Glycine is an integral component of the human detoxification system as it reacts with potentially toxic exogenous and endogenously produced compounds and metabolites via the glycine conjugation pathway for urinary excretion. Because individuals with obesity have reduced glycine availability, this detoxification pathway may be compromised. However, it should be restored after bariatric surgery because of increased glycine production. Objective: To examine the impact of obesity-associated glycine deficiency on the glycine conjugation pathway. We hypothesize that the synthesis rates of acylglycines from endogenous and exogenous sources are significantly reduced in individuals with obesity but increase after bariatric surgery. Methods: We recruited 21 participants with class III obesity and 21 with healthy weight as controls. At baseline, [1,2-13C2] glycine was infused to study the glycine conjugation pathway by quantifying the synthesis rates of several acylglycines. The same measurements were repeated in participants with obesity six months after bariatric surgery. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation, and p-value< 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: Baseline data of 20 participants with obesity were first compared to controls. Participants with obesity were significantly heavier than controls (mean BMI 40.5 ± 7.1 vs. 20.8 ± 2.1 kg/m2). They had significantly lower plasma glycine concentration (168 ± 30 vs. 209 ± 50 µmol/L) and slower absolute synthesis rates of acetylglycine, isobutyrylglycine, tigylglycine, isovalerylglycine, and hexanoylglycine. Pre- and post-surgery data were available for 16 participants with obesity. Post-surgery BMI decreased from 40.9 ± 7.3 to 31.6 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Plasma glycine concentration increased from 164 ± 26 to 212 ± 38 µmol/L) and was associated with significantly higher rates of excretion of acetylglycine, isobutyrylglycine, tigylglycine, isovalerylglycine, and hexanoylglycine. Benzoic acid (a xenobiotic dicarboxylic acid) is excreted as benzoylglycine; its synthesis rate was significantly slower in participants with obesity but increased after bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Obesity-associated glycine deficiency impairs the human body's ability to eliminate endogenous and exogenous metabolites/compounds via the glycine conjugation pathway. This impairment is ameliorated when glycine supply is restored after bariatric surgery. These findings imply that dietary glycine supplementation could treat obesity-associated metabolic complications due to the accumulation of intramitochondrial toxic metabolites. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04660513, identifier NCT04660513.

Post-bariatric pregnancy is associated with vitamin K1 deficiency, a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal obesity is associated with adverse outcome for pregnancy and childbirths. While bariatric surgery may improve fertility and reduce the risk of certain pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal nutritional monitoring and supplementation strategies in pregnancy following bariatric surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on micronutrients in post-bariatric pregnancy and possible differences between gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: In this prospective case control study, we recruited 204 pregnant women (bariatric surgery n = 59 [gastric bypass surgery n = 26, sleeve gastrectomy n = 31, missing n = 2] and controls n = 145) from Akershus university hospital in Norway. Women with previous bariatric surgery were consecutively invited to study participation at referral to the clinic for morbid obesity and the controls were recruited from the routine ultrasound screening in gestational week 17-20. A clinical questionnaire was completed and blood samples were drawn at mean gestational week 20.4 (SD 4.5). RESULTS: The women with bariatric surgery had a higher pre-pregnant BMI than controls (30.8 [SD 6.0] vs. 25.2 [5.4] kg/m2, p < 0.001). There were no differences between groups regarding maternal weight gain (bariatric surgery 13.3 kg (9.6) vs. control 14.8 kg (6.5), p = 0.228) or development of gestational diabetes (n = 3 [5%] vs. n = 7 [5%], p = 1.000). Mean levels of vitamin K1 was lower after bariatric surgery compared with controls (0.29 [0.35] vs. 0.61 [0.65] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multiadjusted regression analyses revealed an inverse relationship between bariatric surgery and vitamin K1 (B -0.26 ng/mL [95% CI -0.51, -0.04], p = 0.047) with a fivefold increased risk of vitamin K1 deficiency in post-bariatric pregnancies compared with controls (OR 5.69 [1.05, 30.77] p = 0.044). Compared with sleeve gastrectomy, having a previous gastric bypass surgery was associated with higher risk of vitamin K1 deficiency (OR 17.1 [1.31, 223.3], p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Post-bariatric pregnancy is negatively associated with vitamin K1 with a higher risk of vitamin K1 deficiency in pregnancies after gastric bypass surgery compared with after sleeve gastrectomy. Vitamin K1 deficiency in post-bariatric pregnancy have potential risk of hypocoaguble state in mother and child and should be explored in future studies.

Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Preoperative Bariatric Patients in a New Zealand Tertiary Centre.

PURPOSE: A potential complication of bariatric surgery is development of nutritional deficiencies. Study aims were to assess prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in preoperative bariatric patients and to examine for ethnic differences. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 573 patients that underwent bariatric surgery at Counties Manukau District Health Board was carried out. Mean preoperative levels of albumin, calcium, phosphate, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, ferritin, iron, and transferrin were calculated. Chi square, fisher exact test, and multiple logistic regression was used to assess for differences in prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across ethnicities. RESULTS: The most common micronutrient deficiency was vitamin D (30.85%). There were statistically significant differences in vitamin D deficiency across ethnicities (p < 0.0001). Asians had the highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (60%), followed by Pacifica (44.57%), and Maori (31.68%). Asians were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to NZ/Other Europeans (OR = 14.93, p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher BMI (OR = 1.05, p = 0.008). The second most common deficiency was iron (21.1%). Asians had the highest prevalence of iron deficiency (44%), followed by Maori (27.95%), and Pacifica (19.57%) (p = 0.0064). Compared to NZ/Other Europeans, Asians (OR = 4.26) and Maori (OR = 1.78) were more likely to be iron deficient (p = 0.004). Female gender was associated with iron deficiency (OR = 2.12, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D and iron are the most common micronutrient deficiencies among preoperative bariatric patients in this cohort and ethnic differences were seen. There may be a role for preoperative supplementation in these at-risk ethnic groups.

Pre-surgical factors related to latent trajectories of 5-year weight loss for a diverse bariatric surgery population.

BACKGROUND: Analyzing trajectories of weight loss may address how particular groups of patients respond to metabolic and bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: The Bariatric Experience Long Term (BELONG) study was designed to use a theoretical model to examine determinants of weight loss and recurrence. SETTING: Large integrated health system in Southern California with 11 surgical practices and 23 surgeons. METHODS: A total of n = 1338 patients who had metabolic and bariatric surgery were surveyed before surgery to measure factors related to median percent total weight loss (%TWL) over 5 years. Longitudinal weight data were available for n = 1024 (76.5% of the sample). Data were analyzed using latent growth mixture models (GMM) to estimate trajectories of weight change separately for gastric sleeve and bypass operations. These trajectories were then described using relevant variables from the baseline survey. RESULTS: For both gastric sleeve (n = 733) and bypass (n = 291) operations, 3 latent trajectories of median %TWL were found corresponding to most, moderate, and least %TWL. Sleeve trajectories were distinguished by body mass index at surgery and geocoded environmental factors. Bypass trajectories varied by self-reported and geocoded environmental factors, comorbidity burden, race, experiential avoidance, and weight control strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should examine the role of the built and perceived environment in surgical weight loss. Bariatric practices should focus less on the presurgical period for predictors of long-term weight loss and begin efforts to monitor real-time patient-reported outcomes to help tailor intervention strategies for patients who either do not lose an expected amount of weight or who begin to experience weight recurrence.

Moderate-intensity constant or high-intensity interval training? Metabolic effects on candidates to undergo bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bariatric surgery is highly effective against obesity. Pre-surgical exercise programs are recommended to prepare the candidate physically and metabolically for surgery-related rapid weight loss. However, the ideal exercise prescription in this population is unknown. This study aimed to compare the metabolic effects of moderate-intensity constant (MICT) vs. a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in candidates to undergo bariatric surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-five candidates (22 women) to undergo sleeve gastrectomy aged from 18 to 60 years old were recruited. At baseline, we measured body composition, physical activity levels, grip strength, and aerobic capacity. Further, we assessed metabolic function through glycemia and insulinemia (both fasting and after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), transaminases, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), apelin, and adiponectin. Afterward, participants were randomized into MICT (n = 14) or HIIT (n = 11). Both training programs consisted of 10 sessions (2-3 times/week, 30 min per session) distributed during 4 weeks before the surgery. After this, all outcomes were measured again at the end of the training programs and 1 month after the surgery (follow-up). A mixed effect with Tukey's post-hoc analysis was performed to compare values at baseline vs. post-training vs. postsurgical follow-up. Both training programs increased aerobic capacity after training (p < 0.05), but only after MICT these changes were kept at follow-up (p < 0.05). However, only MICT decreased fat mass and increased total muscle mass and physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Metabolically, MICT decreased insulinemia after OGTT (p < 0.05), whereas HIIT increased adiponectin after training and GDF15 at follow-up (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both MICT and HIIT conferred benefits in candidates to undergo bariatric surgery, however, several of those effects were program-specific, suggesting that exercise intensity should be considered when preparing these patients. Future studies should explore the potential benefits of prescribing MICT or HIIT in a customized fashion depending on a pretraining screening, along with possible summatory effects by combining these two exercise programs (MICT + HIIT). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry, N° ISRCTN42273422.

Impact of bariatric surgery on oral anticancer drugs: an analysis of real-world data.

PURPOSE: The number of patients with bariatric surgery who receive oral anticancer drugs is rising. Bariatric surgery may affect the absorption of oral anticancer drugs. Strikingly, no specific drug dosing recommendations are available. We aim to provide practical recommendations on the application of oral anticancer drugs in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. METHODS: Patients with any kind of bariatric surgery were extracted retrospectively in a comprehensive cancer center. In addition, a flowchart was proposed to assess the risk of inadequate exposure to oral anticancer drugs in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Subsequently, the flowchart was evaluated retrospectively using routine Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) samples. RESULTS: In our analysis, 571 cancer patients (0.4% of 140.000 treated or referred patients) had previous bariatric surgery. Of these patients, 78 unique patients received 152 oral anticancer drugs equaling an overall number of 30 unique drugs. The 30 different prescribed oral anticancer drugs were categorized as low risk (13%), medium risk (67%), and high risk (20%) of underdosing. TDM plasma samples of 25 patients (82 samples) were available, of which 21 samples post-bariatric surgery (25%) were below the target value. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed flowchart can support optimizing the treatment with orally administered anticancer drugs in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. We recommend performing TDM in drugs that belong to BCS classes II, III, or IV. If more risk factors are present in BCS classes II or IV, a priori switches to other drugs may be advised. In specific cases, higher dosages can be provided from the start (e.g., tamoxifen).

[Pregnancy and bariatric surgery : from pre-conception to postpartum]. / Grossesse et chirurgie bariatrique : du préconceptionnel au postpartum.

Bariatric surgery is regularly offered to women of childbearing age. Pregnancy after such surgery should be planned and requires special attention. Some complications associated with obesity during pregnancy are reduced after bariatric surgery, but reduced dietary intake and malabsorption can cause nutritional deficiencies, that need to be carefully screened for and supplemented. Dietary management is recommended, and any unusual abdominal pain should be referred to a bariatric surgeon. We offer a summary of recommendations for appropriate follow-up of these pregnancies.

La chirurgie bariatrique est régulièrement proposée à des femmes en âge de procréer. Une grossesse après une telle chirurgie devrait être planifiée et demande une attention particulière. Certaines complications liées à l'obésité durant la grossesse sont réduites après une chirurgie bariatrique mais une diminution des apports alimentaires et la malabsorption peuvent engendrer des carences nutritionnelles qui doivent être attentivement dépistées et supplémentées. Une prise en charge diététique est recommandée et toute douleur abdominale inhabituelle doit faire demander l'avis d'un chirurgien bariatrique. Nous proposons une synthèse des recommandations pour un suivi adéquat de ces grossesses.

Effect of Zusanli Acupoint Injection with Anisodamine on Postoperative Recovery Quality of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of anisodamine injection at the Zusanli (ST36) on early postoperative recovery quality in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 141 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly divided into the control group (group C), the normal saline group (group S) and the anisodamine group (group A). Acupuncture point injections were administered after induction of general anesthesia. The quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) scores were documented preoperatively (D0) and on the 1st (D1), 3rd (D3) and 7th (D7) days postoperatively. Additional metrics included: the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), assessment and analgesic consumption 24-h post-extubation and the initial postoperative times for ambulation and anal exhaust. Substance P (SP), ß-endorphin (ß-EP), motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) were quantified at 24-h post-surgery. RESULTS: Compared with group C, group A demonstrated an elevation in QoR-40 scores and physical comfort dimensions during D1-3, and an increased pain scores during D1-7; group S exhibited an augmentation in QoR-40 scores and pain scores on D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with group S, group A improved QoR-40 scores on D1 and pain scores during D1-3 (p < 0.05). SP, ß-EP, MTL and GAS presented significant variances among the groups 24-h post-surgery (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups in NRS pain scores and PONV scores at 24-h postoperatively, dosage of dizocin on the first postoperative day, and time to first anal defecation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The administration of anisodamine via ST36 acupoint injections has been demonstrated to facilitate the recuperation of gastrointestinal functionality, to alleviate postoperative pain and nausea, and substantially to enhance the quality of early postoperative recovery.

Using the 5-Item Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) to Screen for Non-adherence to Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation After Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Poor adherence to recommended vitamin and mineral supplementation after bariatric surgery is common and challenging for healthcare professionals to identify. There are several questionnaires for self-reporting of adherence to chronic medication, but none has so far been evaluated for assessment of adherence to vitamin and mineral supplementation after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the 5-item Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) in measuring adherence to vitamin and mineral supplementation post bariatric surgery (gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy). METHOD: The psychometric properties of MARS-5 for vitamin and mineral supplementation were validated in two cohorts: one at 1 year post bariatric surgery (n = 120) and the other at 2 years post-surgery (n = 211). MARS-5 was compared to pharmacy refill data for vitamin B12 and combined calcium/vitamin D as reference. RESULTS: Correlation analyses demonstrated that the MARS-5 had acceptable validity compared to objectively measured adherence rates from pharmacy refill data (calculated as continuous, multiple-interval measures of medication availability/gaps-coefficient ranged from 0.49 to 0.54). Internal reliability (Cronbach's α) was high: 0.81 and 0.95, respectively. There was a clear ceiling effect where one out of three had a maximum score on MARS-5. CONCLUSION: MARS-5 demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties for assessment of adherence to vitamin and mineral supplementation post bariatric surgery.

Atypical Wernicke's encephalopathy without mental status changes following bariatric surgery in an adolescent patient.

Morbid obesity is a systemic disease which can result in chronic complications, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression, osteoarthritis and low self-esteem in the adolescent population.Bariatric surgery can be indicated to treat more severe forms of obesity, but these procedures are not without long-term risks. Therefore, adequate preoperative and postoperative care, which includes preoperative psychosocial evaluation for compliance, ongoing nutrition counselling and vitamin and micronutrient supplementation, is required for all patients, especially adolescent patients, who generally may not comply with medical therapies and/or be able to developmentally fully appreciate or comprehend the health consequences of their behaviours, prior to as well as after bariatric surgery to prevent complications.Thiamine pyrophosphate, an active form of thiamine (also known as vitamin B1, a water-soluble vitamin), which functions as a coenzyme in glucose and energy metabolism, is one such vitamin that requires supplementation postoperatively. It is mandatory for glucose to be administered concomitantly with thiamine, as glucose alone can precipitate Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) in thiamine-deficient individuals. WE is a medical emergency, with a mortality rate of up to 20%. WE is best understood as a classic triad of mental confusion, gait ataxia and eye movement abnormalities, and atypical WE or Wernicke's syndrome (WS) is seen when the classic triad is not present. Cases that meet some, but do not necessarily meet all three criteria, are referred to as atypical WE or WS which can lead to delayed diagnosis. Atypical WE has an incidence of 19% which can lead to misdiagnosis of a preventable medical emergency with fatal complications.The following case reviews the consequences of post-bariatric thiamine supplementation therapy non-adherence and resulting in a deficiency in an adolescent patient.

Nephrogenic Calciphylaxis Arising after Bariatric Surgery: A Case Series.

Nephrogenic calciphylaxis is associated with multiple risk factors including long-term dialysis dependence, hyperphosphatemia, hypercalcemia, parathyroid hormone derangements, vitamin K deficiency, obesity, diabetes mellitus, warfarin use, and female sex. Bariatric surgery is known to cause altered absorption, leading to mineral and hormonal abnormalities in addition to nutritional deficiency. Prior case reports on calciphylaxis development following bariatric surgery have been published, though are limited in number. We report a case series of five bariatric patients from a single institution who developed nephrogenic calciphylaxis between 2012 and 2018. These patients had a history of bariatric surgery, and at the time of calciphylaxis diagnosis, demonstrated laboratory abnormalities associated with surgery including hypercalcemia (n = 3), hyperparathyroidism (n = 2), hypoalbuminemia (n = 5), and vitamin D deficiency (n = 5), in addition to other medication exposures such as vitamin D supplementation (n = 2), calcium supplementation (n = 4), warfarin (n = 2), and intravenous iron (n = 1). Despite the multifactorial etiology of calciphylaxis and the many risk factors present in the subjects of this case series, we submit that bariatric surgery represents an additional potential risk factor for calciphylaxis directly stemming from the adverse impact of malabsorption and overuse of therapeutic supplementation. We draw attention to this phenomenon to encourage early consideration of calciphylaxis in the differential for painful skin lesions arising after bariatric surgery as swift intervention is essential for these high-risk patients.

The Effect of Yoga on Early Clinical Outcomes and Pulmonary Functions in Patients Scheduled for Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: The present research was undertaken to investigate the effect of yoga on pulmonary function and early clinical outcomes in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research with a randomized control group was performed on patients scheduled for bariatric surgery between October 2021 and June 2022 in the General Surgery Clinic of a University Hospital in Eastern Turkey. The sample consists of 100 randomized patients who received yoga breathing exercises and routine care. Pulmonary function test (PFT), posteroanterior chest X-rays (CXR), 6-min walk test, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were applied as a pretest. The researcher practiced yoga for 40 min every day of the week. Post-test measurements were performed at the end of the yoga practice. Control group patients underwent the tests at the same intervals without any modifications to the standard clinical protocol. RESULTS: The difference between the control and experimental groups was significant in terms of post-test PFT measurements (p < 0.001). In the CXR of the patients, a statistically significant improvement was determined in 61.5% of the patients with yoga breathing practice (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant increase in the 6-min walk test and SpO2 values in the experimental group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Yoga practice positively affected the pulmonary function values of the patients.

Twelve-Month Outcomes after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery among Youths Participating in a Structured Preparation and Follow-Up Program: Results of the Youth with Extreme Obesity Study.

INTRODUCTION: While invasive and associated with risks, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) can promote sustained weight loss and substantial health benefits in youths with extreme obesity. The path toward informed decision making for or against MBS is poorly characterized and postoperative follow-up to assess risks and benefits is inconsistent. In youths with extreme obesity, we aimed to evaluate decision making toward MBS, as well as MBS outcomes and adherence with follow-up and recommendations in the setting of a structured pre- and post-MBS program. METHODS: Participants were recruited in the setting of the multicenter "Youth with Extreme Obesity Study" (YES). YES is a cohort study in adolescents and young adults aged 14-24 years with obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2) who were recruited at four medical centers and one job center in Germany between 2012 and 2018. Participants at two medical centers with BMI ≥35 kg/m2, aged 14-24 years, and interested in pursuing MBS were included in the subproject 3 "Safety and effectiveness of weight loss surgery in adolescents with severe obesity within a structured pre- and post-surgery treatment program - an observational study" that comprised a 2-months pre- and 12-months post-MBS program. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 169 youths (17%) with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 were interested in MBS. Twenty-six fulfilled published eligibility criteria for MBS and participated in the structured pre-MBS preparation program. Of these, 9 participants (2 females) decided against, and 17 (n = 11 females) decided for MBS (sleeve gastrectomy). The 12-month follow-up rate was high (16/17 [94%]) and all participants achieved significant weight reduction (ΔBMI: -16.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2). Eleven of 16 participants (69%) reported taking the prescribed dietary supplements in the first year after MBS, but only five of them (31%) did so daily. In contrast to the high 12-month retention rate, follow-up after completion of the structured program was low at 24-months (9/16 [56%]) and at 36-months (5/15 [36%]), respectively. CONCLUSION: Participants demonstrated active decision making for or against MBS and high adherence with the structured pre- and 12 months post-MBS program, but participation was low thereafter. These findings endorse the need for longer term structured post-MBS programs to capture long-term outcomes and provide adequate care in this vulnerable group at the transition to adulthood.

[Effect of gestational weight gain in a cohort of pregnancy women with obesity operated and not operated for bariatric surgery]. / Efecto de la ganancia ponderal gestacional en una cohorte de gestantes con obesidad operadas y no operadas de cirugía bariátrica.

Introduction: Objective: to determine the effect of gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes in obese women who underwent and did not undergo bariatric surgery. Material and methods: a retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. The gestational weight gain was classified as insufficient, adequate or excessive according to the guidelines of the United States Institute of Medicine: 4.99-9.07 kg for body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2. Weight gain was calculated as the difference between the weight at the first visit of the 1st trimester and the weight at the visit of the 3rd trimester. Outcomes examined included antepartum variables (gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, placental abruption, intrauterine growth retardation, chorioammionitis, spontaneous abortion), intrapartum variables (induced delivery, vaginal delivery, vacuum, forceps delivery, cesarean section, shoulder dystocia), postpartum variables (postpartum hemorrhage, need for postpartum transfusion, postpartum anemia, need for emergency care, maternal death, postpartum tear, postpartum thrombosis) and neonatal variables (preterm delivery, weight percentile > 90, weight percentile < 10, Apgar score < 7, malformations). Using the statistical package SPSS 22.0, a statistical analysis of the data was performed. Results: two hundred and fifty-six women were recruited; 38 (14.58 %) were pregnant after bariatric surgery and 218 (85.15 %) were pregnant women with obesity who had not been operated on. Of the pregnant women with obesity who had not been operated on, 119 (46.68 %) had grade 1 obesity (BMI 30-34.9), and 99 (38.67 %) had grade 2 and 3 obesity (BMI > 35). A global and subgroup analysis was performed. In the overall analysis, 78 (30.46 %) had insufficient gain, 117 (45.70 %) had adequate gain, and 61 (23.82 %) excessive gain. Overall, insufficient weight gain was associated with a lower probability of gestational hypertension (p < 0.015) and forceps delivery (p < 0.000) and large for gestational age newborn (p < 0.000). On the other hand, insufficient weight gain was associated with a higher probability of intrauterine growth retardation (p 0.044), peripartum infection (0.022), preterm delivery (0.006), and delivery < 35 weeks (p 0.016). Excessive weight gain was associated with a higher probability of gestational hypertension (p 0.025), induced labor (p 0.009), forceps delivery (p 0.011) and large for gestational age newborn (p 0.006). Pregnancies after bariatric surgery had fewer overall complications compared to the other groups. Conclusions: insufficient and excessive weight gain worsens perinatal outcomes. Adequate weight gain does not increase complications and produces some benefits.

Introducción: Objetivo: determinar el efecto de la ganancia de peso gestacional y los resultados perinatales en mujeres con obesidad operadas y no operadas de cirugía bariátrica. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional de cohortes. La ganancia ponderal gestacional fue clasificada como insuficiente, adecuada o excesiva según las guías del Instituto de Medicina de Estados Unidos: 4,99-9,07 kg para índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 30 kg/m2. La ganancia ponderal se calculó con la diferencia entre el peso de la primera visita del primer trimestre y el peso en la visita del tercer trimestre. Los resultados examinados incluyeron variables anteparto (diabetes gestacional, hipertensión gestacional, preeclampsia, ruptura prematura de membranas, placenta previa, desprendimiento prematuro de placenta, retraso de crecimiento intrauterino, corioamnionitis, aborto espontáneo), intraparto (parto inducido, parto vaginal, ventosa, fórceps, cesárea, distocia de hombros), posparto (hemorragia posparto, necesidad de trasfusión posparto, anemia posparto, necesidad de asistencia a Urgencias, muerte materna, desgarro posparto, trombosis posparto) y neonatales (parto pretérmino, percentil peso > 90, percentil peso < 10, puntuación Apgar < 7, malformaciones). Mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS 22.0 se realizó un análisis estadístico de los datos. Resultados: se reclutaron 256 mujeres; 38 (14,58 %) eran gestantes poscirugía bariátrica y las 218 (85,15 %) restantes eran gestantes con obesidad no operadas. De las gestantes con obesidad no operadas, 119 (46,68 %) tenían obesidad grado 1 (IMC 30-34,9) y 99 (38,67 %) tenían obesidad grados 2 y 3 (IMC > 35). Se realizó un análisis global y por subgrupos. En el análisis global tuvieron ganancia insuficiente 78 (30,46 %), ganancia adecuada 117 (45,70 %) y excesiva 61 (23,82 %). En conjunto, la ganancia ponderal insuficiente se asoció con menor probabilidad de hipertensión arterial (HTA) gestacional (p 0,015) y parto con fórceps (p 0,000) y grande para edad gestacional (p 0,000). Por otro lado, la ganancia ponderal insuficiente se asoció a mayor probabilidad de retraso de crecimiento intrauterino (p 0,044), infección periparto (0,022), parto pretérmino (0,006) y parto < 35 semanas (p 0,016). La ganancia ponderal excesiva se asoció a mayor probabilidad de HTA gestacional (p 0,025), parto inducido (p 0,009), parto por fórceps (p 0,011) y grande para edad gestacional (p 0,006). Las gestaciones poscirugía bariátrica tuvieron menos complicaciones globales respecto al resto de grupos. Conclusiones: la ganancia ponderal insuficiente y excesiva empeora los resultados perinatales. La ganancia ponderal adecuada no aumenta las complicaciones y produce algunos beneficios.

Popularity of Surgical and Pharmacological Obesity Treatment Methods Searched by Google Users: the Retrospective Analysis of Google Trends Statistics in 2004-2022.

PURPOSE: Many individuals search for obesity treatment options on the Internet. We aimed to analyze the popularity of pharmacological and surgical obesity treatment methods searched by Google users. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used Google Trends to identify topics representing the following: recommended surgical methods (n = 9), recommended pharmacological methods (n = 10), and not recommended pharmacological methods (n = 34). The data was generated for 2004-2022 and 2020-2022. Relative search volume (RSV) was adjusted using "Gastric bypass surgery" as a benchmark. We analyzed the geographical and temporal trends of the topics. RESULTS: In 2004-2022, the topics representing recommended surgical methods numerically gained the most popularity among Google users, but in 2020-2022 the recommended drugs exceeded other obesity treatment methods. The most popular individual topics since 2004 were "flaxseed," "Spirulina," "Carnitine," "Bariatric surgery," and "Orlistat." The most dynamic increases of searches since 2004 were observed for "Sleeve gastrectomy," "Curcumin," "Psyllium," and "Bupropion/Naltrexon." Since 2018, topics representing GLP-1 analogs such as "Semaglutide" and "Saxenda" revealed exponential increases in RSV, causing that "Semaglutide" to become the fourth most popular topic in 2020-2022. CONCLUSIONS: Google users across the world were the most interested in topics representing bariatric surgery, but recently recommended drugs for the treatment of obesity gained the most attention. The most popular individual topics were dietary supplements with uncertain effects on weight loss.

PROMISE: effect of protein supplementation on fat-free mass preservation after bariatric surgery, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Protein malnutrition after bariatric surgery is a severe complication and leads to significant morbidity. Previous studies have shown that protein intake and physical activity are the most important factors in the preservation of fat-free mass during weight loss. Low protein intake is very common in patients undergoing bariatric surgery despite dietary counseling. Protein powder supplements might help patients to achieve the protein intake recommendations after bariatric surgery and could therefore contribute to preserve fat-free mass. This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled intervention study aims to assess the effect of a daily consumed clear protein powder shake during the first 6 months after bariatric surgery on fat-free mass loss in the first 12 months after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Inclusion will take place at the outpatient clinic of the bariatric expertise center for obesity of the Maasstad Hospital. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group before surgery. The intervention group will receive a clear protein powder shake of 200 ml containing 20 g of whey protein dissolved in water which should be taken daily during the first 6 months after LRYGB on top of their normal postoperative diet. The control group will receive an isocaloric, clear, placebo shake containing maltodextrine. Postoperative rehabilitation and physiotherapeutical guidance will be standardized and similar in both groups. Also, both groups will receive the same dietary advice from specialized dieticians. The main study parameter is the percentage of fat-free mass loss 6 months after surgery, assessed by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol, version 2 (February 20, 2022) has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committees United (MEC-U) (NL 80414.100.22). The results of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05570474. Registered on October 5, 2022.

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery: Etiology, Risk Factors, and How to Manage It.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is a reality of the 21st century and therefore is essential that all obstetricians know how to manage it. The most prevalent nutritional deficiency is iron deficiency and, consequently, anemia. Although bariatric surgery and pregnancy are already risk factors for anemia, we evaluated in our study if there were any other risk factors and actions to improve hemoglobin levels in this population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, and performed frequency measurements and analyzes of odds ratio, X2 and Fisher exact test to evaluate the risk factors. RESULTS: We evaluated 44 pregnancies after bariatric surgery, with an incidence of anemia of 62%, and the only identifiable risk factor for anemia was being black. As for the treatment, the iron salt used for oral supplementation did not associate with anemia risk, and in 27% of the patients, the adjustment of the oral dosage was enough for improvement in hemoglobin levels, but in 36% supplementation with intravenous iron was necessary. CONCLUSION: Being black is a risk factor for anemia. The type of iron salt does not correlate with the incidence of anemia, and for the treatment and improvement of iron dosages, it seems an effective increase in iron intake.

OBJETIVO: A gestação após cirurgia bariátrica é uma realidade do século XXI e, portanto, é de suma importância que os obstetras saibam conduzir o pré-natal dessas gestantes. A deficiência nutricional mais prevalente nessa população é a deficiência de ferro, que tem como consequência a anemia. Apesar da própria gestação e da cirurgia serem fatores de risco para anemia ferropriva, realizamos um estudo para avaliar se existem outros fatores que são de risco e quais condutas podem melhorar os níveis de hemoglobina nessa população. MéTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte retrospectiva, e foram realizadas medidas de frequência e análise odds ratio, X2, e teste de exato de Fisher para a avaliação dos fatores de risco. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 44 gestações após cirurgia bariátrica com incidência de anemia de 62%, sendo que o único fator de risco identificado foi a etnia preta. O sal de ferro utilizado na reposição não se associou com o risco de anemia. Em somente 27% das gestantes o ajuste da dose oral de ferro foi suficiente para corrigir a anemia, enquanto em 36% foi necessária a suplementação com ferro endovenoso. CONCLUSãO: Ser de etnia preta foi fator de risco para anemia após cirurgia bariátrica e o tipo de sal de ferro para suplementação não se correlacionou com a incidência de anemia. Para o tratamento da anemia, somente o ajuste da dose da medicação parece ser suficiente para a resolução desta.

Nutritional Implications of Bariatric Surgery on Pregnancy Management-A Narrative Review of the Literature.

One in three women of reproductive age is obese. The mainstay treatment for obesity is bariatric surgery, and the following weight reduction results in a decrease in pregnancy adverse effects, including gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and macrosomia. However, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract after bariatric surgery are associated with an increase in the risk of fetal growth retardation and small for gestational-age neonates. The purpose of this review was to analyze the available recent literature on the subject of the management of pregnancy after bariatric surgery. We searched for available articles from 2007 to 2023 and chose articles of the greatest scientific and clinical value. Micronutrient, vitamin, and protein supplementation is recommended in the prenatal period and throughout the pregnancy. It is advised that pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery should be provided with regular specialist dietary care. There is still a lack of recommendations about the optimum gestational weight gain after different types of bariatric surgery and for patients of different metabolic statuses. Women of reproductive age undergoing bariatric procedures should be provided with appropriate counseling about adequate contraception, the recommended time-to-conception interval, and the positive and negative influence of bariatric surgery on perinatal outcomes.

Bariatric surgery and calcifediol treatment, Gordian knot of severe-obesity-related comorbidities treatment.

Background: Obesity (OB) is a chronic metabolic disease with important associated comorbidities and mortality. Vitamin D supplementation is frequently administered after bariatric surgery (BS), so as to reduce OB-related complications, maybe including chronic inflammation. Aim: This study aimed to explore relations between vitamin D metabolites and components of the inflammasome machinery in OB before and after BS and their relations with the improvement of metabolic comorbidities. Patients and methods: Epidemiological/clinical/anthropometric/biochemical evaluation was performed in patients with OB at baseline and 6 months after BS. Evaluation of i) vitamin-D metabolites in plasma and ii) components of the inflammasome machinery and inflammatory-associated factors [NOD-like-receptors (NLRs), inflammasome-activation-components, cytokines and inflammation/apoptosis-related components, and cell-cycle and DNA-damage regulators] in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed at baseline and 6 months after BS. Clinical and molecular correlations/associations were analyzed. Results: Significant correlations between vitamin D metabolites and inflammasome-machinery components were observed at baseline, and these correlations were significantly reduced 6 months after BS in parallel to a decrease in inflammation markers, fat mass, and body weight. Treatment with calcifediol remarkably increased 25OHD levels, despite 24,25(OH)2D3 remained stable after BS. Several inflammasome-machinery components were associated with improvement in metabolic comorbidities, especially hypertension and dyslipidemia. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of vitamin D on OB-related comorbidities after BS patients are associated with significant changes in the molecular expression of key inflammasome-machinery components. The expression profile of these inflammasome components can be dynamically modulated in PBMCs after BS and vitamin D supplementation, suggesting that this profile could likely serve as a sensor and early predictor of the reversal of OB-related complications after BS.