Dietary Polyphenols and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is emerging as a major public health issue worldwide, is characterized by a wide spectrum of liver disorders, ranging from simple fat accumulation in hepatocytes, also known as steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. At present, the pharmacological treatment of NAFLD is still debated and dietary strategies for the prevention and the treatment of this condition are strongly considered. Polyphenols are a group of plant-derived compounds whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are associated with a low prevalence of metabolic diseases, including obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Since inflammation and oxidative stress are the main risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, recent studies suggest that the consumption of polyphenol-rich diets is involved in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. However, few clinical trials are available on human subjects with NAFLD. Here, we reviewed the emerging existing evidence on the potential use of polyphenols to treat NAFLD. After introducing the physiopathology of NAFLD, we focused on the most investigated phenolic compounds in the setting of NAFLD and described their potential benefits, starting from basic science studies to animal models and human trials.

Effects of listening to music in digestive endoscopy: A prospective intervention study led by nursing.

AIMS: To explore whether music can reduce anxiety and pain in patients who underwent diagnostic endoscopic examinations in conscious and deep sedation and to assess degree of satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure. DESIGN: Prospective study led by nursing. METHODS: Between March 2019-June 2019, consecutive outpatients undergoing endoscopic examinations were simple matched into four groups: Group 1: conscious sedation with music; Group 2: conscious sedation without music; Group 3: deep sedation with music and Group 4: deep sedation without music. Ten minutes before the procedure, two trainee nurses applied music. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to evaluate anxiety. RESULTS: Before and at the end of the procedure, patients who listened to music had a lower level anxiety than those who did not listen and, also, reported lower pain intensity during procedure. Only within Group 1 median anxiety, measured after the procedure, is lower than that measured before. In the bivariate logistic regression model, pain and listening to music were independent factors for satisfaction and willingness to repeat procedure. CONCLUSION: music in digestive endoscopy reduce pain and anxiety in conscious sedation, thus could be used to reduce anxiety in support to conscious sedation leading to lower usage of deep sedation and consequently reduction of costs and adverse events. IMPACT: Anxiety in digestive endoscopy limits patients' satisfaction. Music in digestive endoscopy as a specific nursing intervention could reduce anxiety of patients. This nursing intervention study confirms positive effect of music in digestive endoscopy. As part of nursing management, the addition of music to daily care practice in digestive endoscopy may reduce anxiety and increase the patient's degree of satisfaction. Use of music could limit deep sedation use in digestive endoscopy with consequent reduction of risks for patients, execution times, and costs of procedures.