The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diets.

The article is a summary of Dra. Carmen Gómez Candela's presentation at the Science in Nutrition 3rd International Congress in Milan, March 2014. The article covers omega-3 fatty acids use in different medical areas and several institutions' opinions in relation to the topic. Omega-3 acids are essential fatty acids. A certain amount of omega-3 is needed in our daily diet; however, the usual consumption is generally less than the recommended amount. Changes in dietary patterns in the course of history have led to deficit levels of omega-3 in the human body. Currently, there is increasing evidence of the benefits of omega-3 in different medical specialities. There are still some gaps regarding its role in illnesses such as dementia, psychiatric disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, stronger evidence is being proved in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This article provides a reflection on possible ways to increase omega-3 daily consumption and the constraints associated with food with high contents of heavy metals, which, in turn, are also rich in omega-3s.

Impact of triple transmembrane regulator therapy on glucose metabolism in cystic fibrosis related diabetes during clinical practice.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) therapy on Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) glycemic control and insulin treatment in patients with CFRD during clinical practice. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective observational study of 23 adult patients with CFRD who started treatment with ETI. They had, at least, one F508del mutation. Data were collected before ETI initiation and 3, 6, and 12 months after. RESULTS: Glycemic control measured by HbA1c significantly improved by 0.3 % (0.1-0.5) after 3 months of ETI therapy (p = 0.004) and kept this improvement during follow-up (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients needing multiple daily injections of insulin was reduced by 16 % (p = 0.023). Total daily insulin dose dropped by 0.12 (0.05-0.18) UI/kg/day (p < 0.001). Data derived from Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for patients treated with insulin stayed unchanged after insulin reduction, except for a significant 8 % (0.3-15.6) increase in the Time In Tight Range (TITR) between 70 and 140 mg/dL (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: ETI therapy impacted CFRD in clinical practice reducing insulin needs and improving glycemic control measured by HbA1c and CGM. The improvements can be observed from the first 3 months of treatment.

Nutritional assessment by ultrasound of the rectus femoris and preperitoneal adipose tissue as predictors of hospitalized patient complications.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are associated with increased risk of adverse events and worse outcome in hospitalised patients. Ultrasonography is a useful tool in the assessment of body composition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients admitted to a hospital ward were recruited. Ultrasonographic variables of muscle tissue and adipose tissue were collected, as well as their variation during admission. These were correlated with anthropometric, clinical and analytical data. RESULTS: We observed a correlation of ultrasound measurements with length of hospitalisation (maximum preperitoneal fat -0.585, rectus femoris thickness - RF -0.539, RF area -0.540), frailty (RF -0.599) and dependency (RF 0.628). RF contractile capacity correlated with reported weekly exercise (0.642). CONCLUSION: RF and preperitoneal fat thickness correlate with the number of days of admission and functional capacity, emerging as prognostic variables.

Self-limited acute hepatotoxicity caused by pegvisomant.

We present a case of acute severe hepatitis in a patient with acromegaly receiving combination therapy with somatostatin analogs and pegvisomant. Hepatitis resolved completely 18 weeks after diagnosis of hypertransaminasemia without discontinuation of therapy and with a close clinical and biochemical follow-up. In this case, despite the severity of the hepatitis, therapy could be continued as hypertransaminasemia was gradually decreasing after the maximum peak. We also review the literature on toxic hepatitis associated to pegvisomant therapy analyzing the etiology, clinical predisposing factors and natural evolution.

Impact of cooked functional meat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status; a randomised, double-blind, crossover study.

BACKGROUND & AIM: n-3 fatty acid intake has been associated with inflammatory benefits in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Functionalising meat may be of great interest. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of functional meat containing n-3 and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status markers in subjects with risk for CVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was undertaken to compare the effects on the above markers of consuming functional or control meat products. 43 volunteers with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD were randomly assigned to receive functional meat (FM) or control meat (CM) over 12-weeks with a 4-week wash-out interval before crossover. Functional effects were assessed by examining lipid profile, CRP, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinogen (inflammatory markers), and TBARS, FRAP and 8-iso-PGF2 (oxidative status markers). 33 subjects (24 women) aged 50.7±8.8 years completed the study. In FM treatment, PAI-1, fibrinogen and 8-iso-PGF2 decreased significantly after 12 weeks, while FRAP significantly increased. In contrast, in CM treatment, a significant increase was seen in PAI-1, while FRAP significantly declined. Significant differences were also seen between the FM and CM treatments after 12 weeks in terms of the change observed in PAI-1, FRAP and 8-iso-PGF2 values. No significant differences were seen in anthropometric variables nor were adverse effects reported. CONCLUSION: The consumption of FM containing n-3 and rosemary extract improved oxidative and inflammatory status of people with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD. The inclusion of such functional meat in a balanced diet might be a healthy lifestyle option.

Objetivos: La ingesta de omega-3 se ha asociado con efectos antinflamatorios relacionados con la prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Desarrollar productos cárnicos funcionales podría ser de gran interés para la población. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de una carne funcional con omega-3 y extracto de romero sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación en personas con riesgo cardiovascular. Pacientes y métodos: Se diseñó un ensayo clínico cruzado y doble-ciego para estudiar el efecto del consumo de un producto cárnico funcional sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación. Se incluyeron 43 voluntarios con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado, indicando riesgo de ECV. Fueron asignados aleatoriamente en 2 grupos que consumieron en cruzado carne funcional (CF) o carne control (CC) durante 12 semanas con un periodo de lavado de 4 semanas entre ellos. Al finalizar el estudio se evaluó: perfil lipídico, marcadores de inflamación (PCR, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinógeno) y marcadores de oxidación (TBARS, FRAP, 8-iso-PGF2). Resultados: Completaron el estudio 33 personas (24 mujeres) con edad media de 50.7±8.8 años. Tras consumir CF durante 12 semanas se observó una disminución significativa del PAI-1, fibrinógeno y 8-iso-PGF2, mientras que el FRAP incrementó significativamente. Sin embargo, con CC incrementó PAI-1 y disminuyó FRAP significativamente. Además se observaron diferencias significativas entre los cambios producidos tras consumir uno u otro producto de los marcadores PAI-1, FRAP y 8-iso-PGF2. Al final de cada intervención no se observaron cambios en variables antropométricas ni efectos adversos. Conclusiones: El consumo de CF con omega-3 y extracto de romero mejora el estado inflamatorio y oxidativo de personas con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado. La inclusión de estas CF en una dieta equilibrada podría ser una opción más para mantener un estilo de vida saludable. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0199088.

Nutritional intervention in oncohematological patient.

BACKGROUND: Oncohematological diseases such as lymphoma or leukaemia affect an increasing number of newly diagnosed patients in Spain and other countries. Both disease and treatment may have a negatively impact in the nutritional status of the patient. Malnutrition is not uncommon among oncohematological patients. This situation can compromised the course of the disease, the clinical response of the treatment and the patient's quality of life. METHOD: The implementation of a multidisciplinary approach and a systematic and protocolled nutritional assessment would be useful when dealing with haematological malignancies. RESULTS: We present a proposal of protocol for nutritional intervention in oncohematological patients. This proposal is been developed from the analysis of the published literature as well as clinical practice of a multi-disciplinary team specialized in the management of patients with haematological malignancies.

[Hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers in a group of overweight and obese women]. / Parámetros hormonales e inflamatorios en un grupo de mujeres con sobrepeso/obesidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the hormonal and inflammatory status of a group of overweight/obese women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample studied was a crosssectional cohort of women > 18 years of age, BMI ≥ 25 < 40 kg/m², prior to starting a weight control program. Data collected were: demographic characteristics, blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, physical activity data, and biochemical, hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: The study involved 104 women with a mean age of 48.4 ± 9 years and a BMI of 29.8 ± 3.5 kg/m². Some 48% of the women studied were in menopause. Some 8.9% had hyperinsulinemia. The mean ghrelin value was 38.8 ± 33.6 pg/ml; there was no correlation between ghrelin levels and anthropometric and biochemical variables. CRP, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, IL6, IL10, and PAI1 were 3.0 ± 2.7 mg/dl, 36.3 ± 19.5 ng/ml, 8.3 ± 4.5 mg/ml, 24.3 ± 23.2 ng/ml, 51.6 ± 93.6 pg/ml, 10.0 ± 34.2 pg/ml and 22.3 ± 30.6 ng/ml, respectively. Obese patients had significantly higher mean values of resistin and PAI 1 than those who were overweight. These levels correlated significantly with anthropometric and biochemical variables; however, the correlations were weak. Age, menopause or the regular practice of physical activity had no effect on mean values. CONCLUSIONS: The group of women studied had altered inflammatory biomarkers in relation to people of normal weight. The study shows the inflammatory status of overweight/ obese individuals, and the values obtained may help to establish standard ranges for these markers.