Plasma essential fatty acid on hospital admission is a marker of COVID-19 disease severity.

It is important for allocation of resources to predict those COVID patients at high risk of dying or organ failure. Early signals to initiate cellular events of host immunity can be derived from essential fatty acid metabolites preceding the cascade of proinflammatory signals. Much research has focused on understanding later proinflammatory responses. We assessed if remodelling of plasma phospholipid content of essential fatty acids by the COVID-19 virus provides early markers for potential death and disease severity. Here we show that, at hospital admission, COVID-19 infected subjects who survive exhibit higher proportions of C20:4n-6 in plasma phospholipids concurrent with marked proinflammatory cytokine elevation in plasma compared to healthy subjects. In contrast, more than half of subjects who die of this virus exhibit very low C18:2n-6 and C20:4n-6 content in plasma phospholipids on hospital admission compared with healthy control subjects. Moreover, in these subjects who die, the low level of primary inflammatory signals indicates limited or aberrant stimulation of host immunity. We conclude that COVID-19 infection results in early fundamental remodelling of essential fatty acid metabolism. In subjects with high mortality, it appears that plasma n-6 fatty acid content is too low to stimulate cellular events of host immunity.

Call for standardization in assessment and reporting of muscle and adipose change using computed tomography analysis in oncology: A scoping review.

Investigators are increasingly measuring skeletal muscle (SM) and adipose tissue (AT) change during cancer treatment to understand impact on patient outcomes. Recent meta-analyses have reported high heterogeneity in this literature, representing uncertainty in the resulting estimates. Using the setting of palliative-intent chemotherapy as an exemplar, we aimed to systematically summarize the sources of variability among studies evaluating SM and AT change during cancer treatment and propose standards for future studies to enable reliable meta-analysis. Studies that measured computed tomography-defined SM and/or AT change in adult patients during palliative-intent chemotherapy for solid tumours were included, with no date or geographical limiters. Of 2496 publications screened by abstract/title, 83 were reviewed in full text and 38 included for extraction, representing 34 unique cohorts across 8 tumour sites. The timing of baseline measurement was frequently defined as prior to treatment, while endpoint timing ranged from 6 weeks after treatment start to time of progression. Fewer than 50% specified the actual time interval between measurements. Measurement error was infrequently discussed (8/34). A single metric (cm2 /m2 , cm2 or %) was used to describe SM change in 18/34 cohorts, while multiple metrics were presented for 10/34 and no descriptive metrics for 6/34. AT change metrics and sex-specific reporting were available for 10/34 cohorts. Associations between SM loss and overall survival were evaluated in 24 publications, with classification of SM loss ranging from any loss to >14% loss over variable time intervals. Age and sex were the most common covariates, with disease response in 50% of models. Despite a wealth of data and effort, heterogeneity in study design, reporting and statistical analysis hinders evidence synthesis regarding the severity and outcomes of SM and AT change during cancer treatment. Proposed standards for study design include selection of homogenous cohorts, clear definition of baseline/endpoint timing and attention to measurement error. Standard reporting should include baseline SM and AT by sex, actual scan interval, SM and AT change using multiple metrics and visualization of the range of change observed. Reporting by sex would advance understanding of sexual dimorphism in SM and AT change. Evaluating the impact of tissue change on outcomes requires adjustment for relevant covariates and concurrent disease response. Adoption of these standards by researchers and publishers would alter the current paradigm to enable meta-analysis of future studies and move the field towards meaningful application of SM and AT change to clinical care.

Muscle and Adipose Wasting despite Disease Control: Unaddressed Side Effects of Palliative Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer.

Muscle and adipose wasting during chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer (aPC) are associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to quantify the contributions of chemotherapy regimen and tumour progression to muscle and adipose wasting and evaluate the prognostic value of each tissue loss. Of all patients treated for aPC from 2013-2019 in Alberta, Canada (n = 504), computed-tomography (CT)-defined muscle and adipose tissue index changes (∆SMI, ∆ATI, cm2/m2) were measured for patients with CT images available both prior to and 12 ± 4 weeks after chemotherapy initiation (n = 210). Contributions of regimen and tumour response to tissue change were assessed with multivariable linear regression. Survival impacts were assessed with multivariable Cox's proportional hazards models. Tissue changes varied widely (∆SMI: -17.8 to +7.3 cm2/m2, ∆ATI: -106.1 to +37.7 cm2/m2) over 116 (27) days. Tumour progression contributed to both muscle and adipose loss (-3.2 cm2/m2, p < 0.001; -12.4 cm2/m2, p = 0.001). FOLFIRINOX was associated with greater muscle loss (-1.6 cm2/m2, p = 0.013) and GEM/NAB with greater adipose loss (-11.2 cm2/m2, p = 0.002). The greatest muscle and adipose losses were independently associated with reduced survival (muscle: HR 1.72, p = 0.007; adipose: HR 1.73, p = 0.012; tertile 1 versus tertile 3). Muscle and adipose losses are adverse effects of chemotherapy and may require regimen-specific management strategies.

Gingerols synergize with anthocyanins to induce antioxidant activity in vitro.

Oxidative stress caused by free radicals contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple chronic health conditions. Phytochemicals protect against oxidative stress; however, low bioavailability from dietary sources limits their health benefits. This study aimed to assess the effects of anthocyanins and gingerols' combination on the cellular antioxidant response of Caco-2 cells against oxidative stress. A strong synergism was observed for anthocyanin-gingerol (Ac-G) w/w combined ratios of 8:1 and 2:1 (dosages of (1 + 0.125) and (1 + 0.5) µg/mL) in the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and cytoprotective effects, with synergistic effect indicator (SE) values of 1.41 and 1.61, respectively. The synergism of Ac-G combinations promoted cellular antioxidant defense systems and cytoprotective effects by reducing the induced GPx enzyme activity, protecting SOD enzyme activity, reducing cellular ROS generation, increasing glutathione content, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Thus, Ac-G combinations showed potential in supporting the endogenous antioxidant systems to protect cells from oxidation and restore physiological redox status. The Ac-G formulation is a promising healthy option that can be developed into functional foods or nutraceutical products. Furthermore, it could help address the low bioavailability of these phenolics, as higher effects were achieved when combining the same doses.

Increased Expression of Hepatic Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD)-1 and Depletion of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Content following Cytotoxic Cancer Therapy Are Reversed by Dietary Fish Oil.

Cancer treatment evokes impediments to liver metabolism that culminate in fatty liver. This study determined hepatic fatty acid composition and expression of genes and mediators involved in lipid metabolism following chemotherapy treatment. Female rats bearing the Ward colon tumor were administered Irinotecan (CPT-11) +5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and maintained on a control diet or a diet containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (2.3 g/100 g fish oil). Healthy animals provided with a control diet served as a reference group. Livers were collected one week after chemotherapy. Triacylglycerol (TG), phospholipid (PL), ten lipid metabolism genes, leptin, and IL-4 were measured. Chemotherapy increased TG content and reduced EPA content in the liver. Expression of SCD1 was upregulated by chemotherapy, while dietary fish oil downregulated its expression. Dietary fish oil down-regulated expression of the fatty acid synthesis gene FASN, while restoring the long chain fatty acid converting genes FADS2 and ELOVL2, and genes involved in mitochondrial ß-oxidation (CPT1α) and lipid transport (MTTP1), to values similar to reference animals. Neither leptin nor IL-4 were affected by chemotherapy or diet. Depletion of EPA is associated with pathways evoking enhanced TG accumulation in the liver. Restoring EPA through diet may pose a dietary strategy to attenuate chemotherapy-associated impediments in liver fatty acid metabolism.

Dietary EPA+DHA Mitigate Hepatic Toxicity and Modify the Oxylipin Profile in an Animal Model of Colorectal Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy.

Irinotecan (CPT-11) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are commonly used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, but chemotherapy-associated steatosis/steatohepatitis (CASSH) frequently accompanies their use. The objective of this study was to determine effect of CPT-11+5-FU on liver toxicity, liver oxylipins, and cytokines, and to explore whether these alterations could be modified by dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the form of fish oil (EPA+DHA). Tumor-bearing animals were administered CPT-11+5-FU and maintained on a control diet or a diet containing EPA+DHA (2.3 g/100 g). Livers were collected one week after chemotherapy for the analysis of oxylipins, cytokines, and markers of liver pathology (oxidized glutathione, GSSH; 4-hydroxynonenal, 4-HNE, and type-I collagen fiber). Dietary EPA+DHA prevented the chemotherapy-induced increases in liver GSSH (p < 0.011) and 4-HNE (p < 0.006). Compared with the tumor-bearing animals, ten oxylipins were altered (three/ten n-6 oxylipins were elevated while seven/ten n-3 oxylipins were reduced) following chemotherapy. Reductions in the n-3 fatty-acid-derived oxylipins that were evident following chemotherapy were restored by dietary EPA+DHA. Liver TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were elevated (p < 0.05) following chemotherapy; dietary EPA+DHA reduced IL-6 (p = 0.09) and eotaxin (p = 0.007) levels. Chemotherapy-induced liver injury results in distinct alterations in oxylipins and cytokines, and dietary EPA+DHA attenuates these pathophysiological effects.

Glial control of sphingolipid levels sculpts diurnal remodeling in a circadian circuit.

Structural plasticity in the brain often necessitates dramatic remodeling of neuronal processes, with attendant reorganization of the cytoskeleton and membranes. Although cytoskeletal restructuring has been studied extensively, how lipids might orchestrate structural plasticity remains unclear. We show that specific glial cells in Drosophila produce glucocerebrosidase (GBA) to locally catabolize sphingolipids. Sphingolipid accumulation drives lysosomal dysfunction, causing gba1b mutants to harbor protein aggregates that cycle across circadian time and are regulated by neural activity, the circadian clock, and sleep. Although the vast majority of membrane lipids are stable across the day, a specific subset that is highly enriched in sphingolipids cycles daily in a gba1b-dependent fashion. Remarkably, both sphingolipid biosynthesis and degradation are required for the diurnal remodeling of circadian clock neurites, which grow and shrink across the day. Thus, dynamic sphingolipid regulation by glia enables diurnal circuit remodeling and proper circadian behavior.

Higher subcutaneous adipose tissue radiodensity is associated with increased mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Background & Aims: Association between sarcopenia and mortality in cirrhosis is well recognised; however, little is known about the clinical implications of adipose tissue radiodensity, indicative of biological features. This study aimed to determine an association between high subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) radiodensity and survival, compare the prevalence of high SAT radiodensity between healthy population and patients with cirrhosis, and identify an association between computed tomography (CT)-measured SAT radiodensity and histological characteristics. Methods: Adult patients with cirrhosis (n = 786) and healthy donors (n = 129) with CT images taken as part of the liver transplant (LT) assessment were included. Abdominal SAT biopsies (1-2 g) were harvested from the incision site at the time of LT from 12 patients with cirrhosis. Results: The majority of patients were male (67%) with a mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of 15 ± 8. SAT radiodensity above -83 HU in females (sub-distribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.20-2.85, p = 0.006) and higher than -74 HU in males (sHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.05-1.18, p = 0.02) was associated with the highest mortality risk after adjusting for confounders in competing risk analysis. The frequency of high SAT radiodensity was 26% for those with cirrhosis, compared with 2% in healthy donors (p <0.001). An inverse correlation was found between SAT radiodensity and the mean cross-sectional area of SAT adipocytes (r = -0.67, p = 0.02). Shrunken, smaller adipocytes with expanded interstitial space were predominant in patients with high SAT radiodensity, whereas larger adipocytes with a thin rim of cytoplasm were observed in patients with low SAT radiodensity (744 ± 400 vs. 1,521 ± 1,035 µm2, p <0.001). Conclusion: High SAT radiodensity frequently presents and is associated with a higher mortality in cirrhosis. SAT morphological rearrangement in patients with high SAT radiodensity might indicate diminished lipid stores and alterations in tissue characteristics. Lay summary: Poor quality of subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat under the skin) is associated with higher mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease. Fat cells are smaller in patients with poor adipose tissue quality.

Skeletal Muscle Pathological Fat Infiltration (Myosteatosis) Is Associated with Higher Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Myosteatosis (pathological fat accumulation in muscle) is defined by lower mean skeletal muscle radiodensity in CT. We aimed to determine the optimal cut-offs for myosteatosis in a cohort of 855 patients with cirrhosis. CT images were used to determine the skeletal muscle radiodensity expressed as Hounsfield Unit (HU). Patients with muscle radiodensity values below the lowest tertile were considered to have myosteatosis. Competing-risk analysis was performed to determine associations between muscle radiodensity and pre-transplant mortality. Muscle radiodensity less than 33 and 28 HU in males and females, respectively, were used as cut-offs to identify myosteatosis. In the univariate analysis, cirrhosis etiology, MELD score, refractory ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, sarcopenia and myosteatosis were predictors of mortality. Myosteatosis association with mortality remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors (sHR 1.47, 95% CI 1.17−1.84, p = 0.001). Patients with concurrent presence of myosteatosis and sarcopenia constituted 17% of the patient population. The cumulative incidence of mortality was the highest in patients with concomitant sarcopenia and myosteatosis (sHR 2.22, 95% CI 1.64−3.00, p < 0.001). In conclusion, myosteatosis is common in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with increased mortality. The concomitant presence of myosteatosis and sarcopenia is associated with worse outcomes.

Myosteatosis in Cirrhosis: A Review of Diagnosis, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Potential Interventions.

Myosteatosis, or pathological excess fat accumulation in muscle, has been widely defined as a lower mean skeletal muscle radiodensity on computed tomography (CT). It is reported in more than half of patients with cirrhosis, and preliminary studies have shown a possible association with reduced survival and increased risk of portal hypertension complications. Despite the clinical implications in cirrhosis, a standardized definition for myosteatosis has not yet been established. Currently, little data exist on the mechanisms by which excess lipid accumulates within the muscle in individuals with cirrhosis. Hyperammonemia may play an important role in the pathophysiology of myosteatosis in this setting. Insulin resistance, impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, diminished lipid oxidation in muscle and age-related differentiation of muscle stem cells into adipocytes have been also been suggested as potential mechanisms contributing to myosteatosis. The metabolic consequence of ammonia-lowering treatments and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in reversing myosteatosis in cirrhosis remains uncertain. Factors including the population of interest, design and sample size, single/combined treatment, dosing and duration of treatment are important considerations for future trials aiming to prevent or treat myosteatosis in individuals with cirrhosis.

Alterations in hepatic fatty acids reveal depletion of total polyunsaturated fatty acids following irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil treatment in an animal model of colorectal cancer.

Fatty liver is a side effect of chemotherapy that limits the ability to treat colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in the most effective way. The aim of this study was to determine hepatic fatty acid composition and expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism at two time points following sequential chemotherapy treatment with Irinotecan (CPT-11)+5-fluorouracil (5-FU), agents commonly used to treat human colorectal cancer. Female Fischer 344 rats were provided a semi-purified AIN-76 basal diet with modified fat component. One cycle of chemotherapy consisted of CPT-11+5-FU and was initiated 2 weeks after tumor implantation (D0); a second cycle was given one week later. Two days after each cycle (Day 2 and Day 9), animals were euthanized, and livers collected. Triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipid (PL) fractions were isolated using thin layer chromatography and fatty acids (FAs) were quantified using gas chromatography. Expression of 44 lipid metabolism genes were analyzed by qPCR. Total liver TAG level was lowest after the second cycle D0 and D2 (P = 0.05) characterized by lower content of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). N-6 PUFAs significantly declined with subsequent treatments. Of 44 genes analyzed, 13 genes were altered with CPT-11+5-FU treatment. Expression of genes VLCAD and DGAT1, involved in fatty acid oxidation as well as DGAT1 in TAG synthesis, were significantly elevated after each cycle, whereas expression of genes ELOVL2 and FADS2, involved in fatty acid elongation and desaturation were significantly lower at D9 compared to D2 and D0 (P < 0.03). Hepatic total TAG PUFA was depleted, and genes involved in pathways of PUFA synthesis were down-regulated by chemotherapy treatment. This observation suggests impediments in lipid metabolism in the liver that could potentially impact peripheral availability of essential fatty acids.

Depletion of essential fatty acids in muscle is associated with shorter survival of cancer patients undergoing surgery-preliminary report.

Emerging studies are reporting associations between skeletal muscle abnormalities and survival in cancer patients. Cancer prognosis is associated with depletion of essential fatty acids in erythrocytes and plasma in humans. However the relationship between skeletal muscle membrane fatty acid composition and survival is unknown. This study investigates the relationship between fatty acid content of phospholipids in skeletal muscle and survival in cancer patients. Rectus abdominis biopsies were collected during cancer surgery from 35 patients diagnosed with cancer. Thin-layer and gas chromatography were used for quantification of phospholipid fatty acids. Cutpoints for survival were defined using optimal stratification. Median survival was between 450 and 500 days when patients had arachidonic acid (AA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in muscle phospholipid below the cut-point compared to 720-800 days for patients above. Cox regression analysis revealed that low amounts of AA, EPA and DHA are risk factors for death. The risk of death remained significant for AA [HR 3.5 (1.11-10.87), p = 0.03], EPA [HR 3.92 (1.1-14.0), p = 0.04] and DHA [HR 4.08 (1.1-14.6), p = 0.03] when adjusted for sex. Lower amounts of essential fatty acids in skeletal muscle membrane is a predictor of survival in cancer patients. These results warrant investigation to restore bioactive fatty acids in people with cancer.

A 16-week randomized controlled trial of a fish oil and whey protein-derived supplement to improve physical performance in older adults losing autonomy-A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Low functional capacity may lead to the loss of independence and institutionalization of older adults. A nutritional intervention within a rehabilitation program may attenuate loss of muscle function in this understudied population. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study assessed the feasibility for a larger RCT of a nutritional supplementation in older adults referred to an outpatient assessment and rehabilitation program. METHODS: Participants were randomized to receive a supplement (EXP: 2g fish oil with 1500 IU vitamin D3 1x/d + 20-30g whey protein powder with 3g leucine 2x/d) or isocaloric placebo (CTR: corn oil + maltodextrin powder) for 16 weeks. Handgrip and knee extension strength (using dynamometry), physical performance tests and plasma phospholipid n-3 fatty acids (using GCMS) were evaluated at weeks 0, 8 and 16; and lean soft tissue mass (using DXA), at weeks 0 and 16. RESULTS: Over 2 years, 244 patients were screened, 46 were eligible (18.9%), 20 were randomized, 10 completed the study (6 CTR, 4 EXP). Median age was 87 y (77-94 y; 75% women) and gait speed was 0.69 m/s; 55% had low strength, and all performed under 420m on the 6-minute walk test, at baseline. Overall self-reported compliance to powder and oil was high (96% and 85%) but declined at 16 weeks for fish oil (55%). The EXP median protein intake surpassed the target 1.2-1.5 g/kg/d, without altering usual diet. Proportions of plasma phospholipid EPA and DHA increased significantly 3- and 1.5-fold respectively, at week 8 in EXP, with no change in CTR. Participants were able to complete most assessments with sustained guidance. CONCLUSION: Because of low eligibility, the pilot study was interrupted and deemed non-feasible; adherence to rigorous study assessments and to supplements was adequate except for long-term fish oil. The non-amended protocol may be applied to populations with greater functional capacity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04454359.

Ganglioside Alters Phospholipase Trafficking, Inhibits NF-κB Assembly, and Protects Tight Junction Integrity.

Background and Aims: Dietary gangliosides are present in human milk and consumed in low amounts from organ meats. Clinical and animal studies indicate that dietary gangliosides attenuate signaling processes that are a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gangliosides decrease pro-inflammatory markers, improve intestinal permeability, and reduce symptoms characteristic in patients with IBD. The objective of this study was to examine mechanisms by which dietary gangliosides exert beneficial effects on intestinal health. Methods: Studies were conducted in vitro using CaCo-2 intestinal epithelial cells. Gangliosides were extracted from milk powder and incubated with differentiated CaCo-2 cells after exposure to pro-inflammatory stimuli. Gut barrier integrity was assessed by electron microscopy, epithelial barrier function was examined by measuring transepithelial electric resistance, and content of HBD-2, IL-23, NF-κB, and sPLA2 was assessed by ELISA. Results: Ganglioside attenuated the decrease in integrity of tight junctions induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli and improved epithelial barrier function (P < 0.05). Ganglioside decreased the basolateral secretion of sPLA2 (P ≤ 0.05), lowered HBD-2 and IL-23 levels (P ≤ 0.05), and inhibited NF-κB activation (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: In summary, the present study indicates that ganglioside GD3 improves intestinal integrity by altering sPLA2 trafficking, and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators is mitigated by decreasing assembly of the NF-κB complex. Dietary gangliosides may have promising potential beneficial effects in IBD as decreased inflammatory signaling, improved intestinal integrity, and maintenance of epithelial barrier function have been demonstrated in vitro.

Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cell Differentiation by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Critical Review.

Skeletal muscle is composed of multinuclear cells called myofibres, which are formed by the fusion of myoblasts during development. The size of the muscle fiber and mass of skeletal muscle are altered in response to several pathological and physiological conditions. Skeletal muscle regeneration is primarily mediated by muscle stem cells called satellite cells (SCs). In response to injury, these SCs replenish myogenic progenitor cells to form new myofibers to repair damaged muscle. During myogenesis, activated SCs proliferate and differentiate to myoblast and then fuse with one another to form muscle fibers. A reduced number of SCs and an inability to undergo myogenesis may contribute to skeletal muscle disorders such as atrophy, cachexia, and sarcopenia. Myogenic regulatory factors (MRF) are transcription factors that regulate myogenesis and determines whether SCs will be in the quiescent, activated, committed, or differentiated state. Mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation and oxidative stress play a role in the determination of the fate of SCs. The potential activation and function of SCs are also affected by inflammation during skeletal muscle regeneration. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) show promise to reduce inflammation, maintain muscle mass during aging, and increase the functional capacity of the muscle. The aim of this critical review is to highlight the role of omega-3 PUFAs on the myogenic differentiation of SCs and pathways affected during the differentiation process, including mitochondrial function and inflammation from the current body of literature.

Myopenia and Reduced Subcutaneous Adiposity in Children With Liver Disease Are Associated With Adverse Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined as reduced skeletal muscle mass (SMM) or myopenia and altered muscle function and physical performance. It is unknown whether myopenia in children with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) adversely impacts clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that myopenia was prevalent in children with ESLD and related to suboptimal nutrition intake contributing to gross motor and growth delay, increased hospitalization, and medical complications. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated abdominal imaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) for SMM (total, psoas, paraspinal, abdominal wall muscle; cm2 /height2 ) and adipose tissue (total, visceral, subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT], ) determinations at the third and fourth lumbar vertebrates during liver transplantation (LTx) assessment. ESLD children (n = 30) were age- and gender-matched to healthy controls (n = 24). Myopenia was defined as SMM index z score <-2 and low SAT was defined as SAT index z-score <-1.5. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data (hospitalization, complications, growth, neurodevelopment, energy/protein intake) were collected at LTx assessment, LTx, and post LTx (first hospitalization, 6 months, 12 months). RESULTS: Four distinct body composition phenotypes in children with ESLD were found: (1) myopenia with low SAT (17%;5 of 30), (2) myopenia (3%;1 of 30), (3) low SAT (20%;6 of 30), (4) normal muscle mass and SAT (60%;18 of 30). Myopenia with low SAT was prevalent in older (>2 years), male children and was associated with gross motor delay, reduced energy intake, and increased hospitalization and infections (total/viral/fungal). CONCLUSIONS: Myopenia, accompanied by low SAT in children with ESLD, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Rehabilitation strategies aimed at combating myopenia in children are important.

Myokines in treatment-naïve patients with cancer-associated cachexia.

Cancer-associated cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by weight loss and systemic inflammation. Muscle loss and fatty infiltration into muscle are associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Skeletal muscle secretes myokines, factors with autocrine, paracrine and/or endocrine action, which may be modified by or play a role in cachexia. This study examined myokine content in the plasma, skeletal muscle and tumor homogenates from treatment-naïve patients with gastric or colorectal stages I-IV cancer with cachexia (CC, N = 62), or not (weight stable cancer, WSC, N = 32). Myostatin, interleukin (IL) 15, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1), fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3), irisin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein content in samples was measured with Multiplex technology; body composition and muscle lipid infiltration were evaluated in computed tomography, and quantification of triacylglycerol (TAG) in the skeletal muscle. Cachectic patients presented lower muscle FSTL-1 expression (p = 0.047), higher FABP3 plasma content (p = 0.0301) and higher tumor tissue expression of FABP3 (p = 0.0182), IL-15 (p = 0.007) and irisin (p = 0.0110), compared to WSC. Neither muscle TAG content, nor muscle attenuation were different between weight stable and cachectic patients. Lumbar adipose tissue (AT) index, visceral AT index and subcutaneous AT index were lower in CC (p = 0.0149, p = 0.0455 and p = 0.0087, respectively), who also presented lower muscularity in the cohort (69.2% of patients; p = 0.0301), compared to WSC. The results indicate the myokine profile in skeletal muscle, plasma and tumor is impacted by cachexia. These findings show that myokines eventually affecting muscle wasting may not solely derive from the muscle itself (as the tumor also may contribute to the systemic scenario), and put forward new perspectives on cachexia treatment targeting myokines and associated receptors and pathways.

Sarcopenia Severity Based on Computed Tomography Image Analysis in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Standardized sex-specific cut-offs for sarcopenia in cirrhosis are needed to identify the risk of clinical complications and to discriminate the severity of sarcopenia. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics between patients with cirrhosis categorized according to the severity of sarcopenia. Computed tomography images were taken at the 3rd lumbar vertebra from 603 patients with cirrhosis and 129 adult donors for living liver transplantation. Patients with skeletal muscle index (SMI) two standard deviations (SD) below the sex-specific mean value of young donors (18-40 years old) were categorized as having severe sarcopenia whereas patients with SMI between -1 and -2 SD of the sex-specific young adult mean values were categorized as having sarcopenia. In the cirrhosis group, 408 patients (68%) were male with the mean age of 57 ± 0.4 years, and MELD score of 14 ± 0.4. Patients were divided into three groups: severe-sarcopenic (SMI < 30 cm2/m2 in females and <42 cm2/m2 in males), sarcopenic (30 ≤ SMI < 37 cm2/m2 in females and 42 ≤ SMI < 50 cm2/m2 in males) and non-sarcopenic (SMI ≥ 37 cm2/m2 in females and ≥50 cm2/m2 in males). Patients with cirrhosis and severe sarcopenia had lower muscle radiodensity and higher plasma neutrophil as well as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio levels than both non- and sarcopenic groups. The frequency of alcohol-induced cirrhosis, refractory ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, CRP > 20 mg/mL, and severe malnutrition was also higher in severe-sarcopenic patients. The interval between sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia may reflect a window of opportunity in which to intervene and mitigate muscle wasting to improve patient outcomes.

Fish oil supplementation and maintaining muscle mass in chronic disease: state of the evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Providing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in the form of fish oils, to benefit muscle is an emerging area of interest. The aim of this work was to evaluate the current literature that has assessed muscle mass as an outcome during a fish oil intervention in any chronic disease. RECENT FINDINGS: The vast majority of studies published in the last 3 years (12 of 15) have been conducted in the oncological setting, in patients undergoing treatment for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, head and neck, lung, cervix, and hematological cancers. Three studies were conducted in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fish oil was provided as part of nutrient mixtures in 12 studies and as capsules in three studies. SUMMARY: Overall, the evidence for an effect of fish oil supplementation on muscle mass in patients with cancer undergoing treatment and in COPD remains unequivocal and reveals limited new knowledge in the area of fish oil supplementation in the cancer setting. Recent literature continues to provide mixed evidence on the efficacy of fish oil on muscle mass and function. The present review highlights challenges in comparing and interpreting current studies aimed at testing fish oil supplementation for muscle health.

N - 3 fatty acids during chemotherapy: toward a higher level of evidence for clinical application.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recommendations for intakes of n - 3 fatty acids (FAs) in patients who are receiving chemotherapy for cancer are based on weak evidence. This review highlights themes within the emergent literature to suggest improvements in the design of studies that provide n - 3 FA supplements concurrent with cytotoxic agents. RECENT FINDINGS: Following earlier research in animal models and human pilot studies, recent human studies have evaluated the effect of providing n - 3 FAs during delivery of single agent and multiagent chemotherapy regimens for breast and gastro-intestinal cancers. Regimens were based on platinum compounds, fluoropyrimidines or both, and a variety of additional agents. Tumor location and stage, supplement dose and duration, and endpoints were dissimilar across studies. Overall, the recent research continues to support the safety and tolerability of n - 3 FA supplementation with chemotherapy and provides additional evidence, albeit weak, for enhanced tumor response, maintenance of weight and muscle, and reduction in inflammation and toxicities in the host across multiple cancer sites and chemotherapy regimens. SUMMARY: The barriers to implementation in practice remain small study sizes, variations in supplement dosage and methodology, and differences in primary endpoints. Randomized, blinded trials with a justifiable sample size, adequate doses, monitored compliance and measures of clinically important endpoints are required to move these findings to a higher level of evidence for implementation into clinical practice.