The Real-Life Use of a Protein-Sparing Modified Fast Diet by Nasogastric Tube (ProMoFasT) in Adults with Obesity: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet is a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet administered to patients with obesity, which preserves lean mass and suppresses appetite as well as continuous enteral feeding. Thus, we aim to evaluate the effect of the PSMF diet administered continuously by nasogastric tube (NGT) or orally. METHODS: Patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 34.9 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to receive a whey protein PSMF formula through NGT (ProMoFasT) or orally. Data were collected at baseline and after 150 days. The endpoints were assessed in the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS: We enrolled 20 patients in the ProMoFasT group and 24 in the oral group. No differences in body weight, BMI or waist circumference between the two groups were found after 150 days. At follow-up, FFM (%) and MM (%) results were higher in the ProMoFasT group than the oral group (63.1% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.012 and 45.0% vs. 36.1%, p = 0.009, respectively) and FM (kg) and FM (%) were significantly lower in the ProMoFasT group (36.9 kg vs. 44.0 kg, p = 0.033 and 37.4% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.012, respectively). Insulin levels were lower in the ProMoFasT group than the oral group at follow-up (11.8 mU/L vs. 28.0 mU/L, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The ProMoFasT is more effective in improving body composition and glucometabolic markers than the same diet administered orally.

Dysfunction of Inflammatory Pathways and Their Relationship with Anti-Hypothalamic Autoantibodies in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Despite several attempts, the etiopathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) is still unknown. However, the activation of the immune response in neuropsychiatric diseases, including AN, is increasingly evident. We aimed to explore immune response parameters in patients with AN and identify the link between the presence of specific autoantibodies for hypothalamic antigens and the inflammatory response. The relationship between inflammatory markers and the duration of the disease has been also investigated. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with AN were included, and none were under psychopharmacological treatment or suffering from autoimmune conditions. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, and IL-21 were determined by ELISA kits. In addition, autoantibodies against hypothalamic antigens are quantitatively evaluated. RESULTS: IL-6, IL-1 ß, TNF-α, and TGF-ß are significantly increased in patients with AN. A positive correlation with body mass index and with the amount of autoantibody specific for hypothalamic antigens exists. Notably, a progressive reduction of cytokines correlates with the progression of AN. In addition, IL-21 is increased in the blood of patients with AN and negatively correlates with autoantibody concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the increased pro-inflammatory phenotype in patients affected by AN correlates with the concentration of autoantibody specific for hypothalamic antigens. Of interest, the pro-inflammatory state seems to be reduced with duration of AN. In addition, IL-21 could work as a stimulant of the immune response, thus possibly increasing the autoreactivity.

The Association between Blood SIRT1 and Ghrelin, Leptin, and Antibody Anti-Hypothalamus: A Comparison in Normal Weight and Anorexia Nervosa.

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a sensor of cell energy availability, regulating metabolic homeostasis as well as leptin and ghrelin, and it could be considered as a potential plasmatic marker. The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating SIRT1 varies consistently with leptin, ghrelin, body mass index (BMI), and IgG reactive to hypothalamic antigens in anorexia nervosa (AN). Fifty-four subjects were evaluated: 32 with AN and 22 normal-weight control subjects. Serum levels of SIRT1, leptin, ghrelin, and IgG reactive to hypothalamic antigens were evaluated by ELISA. Results showed that serum SIRT1 is increased in patients with AN, and the amount is decreased in relation to the duration of the illness. SIRT1 concentration approaches the values obtained for the control group, although the difference is still statistically significant. A negative correlation between serum SIRT1 values and leptin or BMI values has been found. On the contrary, a positive correlation between SIRT1 and ghrelin or IgG specific for hypothalamic antigens is reported. These findings suggest that a peripheral evaluation of SIRT1 could be a possible clinical/biochemical parameter related to AN. In addition, we can assume that SIRT1 is related to autoantibody production and may correlate with the intensity/severity of AN. Thus, reducing the production of autoantibodies specific for hypothalamic cells could be a sign of improvement of the clinical condition.

Immunonutrition in major oncologic head and neck surgery: Analysis of complications, plasmatic equilibrium, and costs.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition, in patients with solid tumors, is associated with a worse clinical outcome and about 40% of patients affected by head and neck cancers (HNC) are malnourished at the time of cancer diagnosis. We investigated the potential benefit of a standardized immunonutritional protocol (INP) to patients with HNC receiving major ablative surgery. METHODS: An observational study was conducted enrolling 199 patients: 50 treated with the INP and 149 with standard enteral nutrition. Complication rates, need for medications, and costs were considered as outcomes. RESULTS: INP played a protective role in development of major surgical complications (OR 0.23, p = 0.023), albumin administration (RR 0.38, p = 0.018), and antibiotic duration (p < 0.001) and is cost-effective in patients with moderate or severe malnutrition (-6083€ and -11 988€, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the utility of INP, and accurate nutritional screening can help to identify malnourished patients who would receive the most benefits from this protocol.

Sarcopenia in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a prospective study exploring prevalence, associated factors and diagnostic approach.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia gained importance in the evaluation of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), since it may impact negatively on clinical outcomes. AIM: Aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia, defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) 2019 definition, and to evaluate the prevalence of the single criteria that define the EWGSOP2 definition (muscle strength, muscle quantity and physical performance), in a cohort of consecutive patients with IPF prospectively followed up in 9 hospitals in Northern Italy between December 2018 and May 2021. METHODS: Enrolled patients underwent an extensive pulmonary and nutritional assessment, including bioelectrical impedance analysis, dynamometry and 4-m gait speed test, both at IPF diagnosis and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Out of the 83 patients (81% males, mean age 72.5 years) with IPF at disease diagnosis enrolled in the study, 19 (22.9%) showed sarcopenia, including 2 (2.4%) with severe sarcopenia, 5 (6.0%) with confirmed sarcopenia and 12 (14.5%) with probable sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was associated with a significantly higher severity of the disease and sedentary lifestyle, while no differences were observed in regards to body mass index, history of weight loss and comorbidities between patients with and without sarcopenia. Out of the 64 patients without sarcopenia at baseline, 16 cases showed alteration of muscle quantity and/or physical performance. In the 51 patients with complete data at 6-month follow-up, there were no cases of severe sarcopenia, 1 case (2.0%) showed confirmed sarcopenia, while the prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 19.6% (10 cases). No differences in regards to antifibrotic treatment received and onset of gastrointestinal side effects were observed between patients with and without sarcopenia at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with IPF both at diagnosis and at 6-month follow-up was low but not negligible and was associated with higher severity of the disease and sedentary lifestyle. In IPF patients, a comprehensive diagnostic work-up including all the criteria defining the EWGSOP2 definition might be more useful than a series testing for prompt recognition of nutritional and physical performance abnormalities.

Safety and Efficacy of Eucaloric Very Low-Carb Diet (EVLCD) in Type 1 Diabetes: A One-Year Real-Life Retrospective Experience.

A eucaloric very low carbohydrate diet (EVLCD) is a diet with a daily caloric intake equal to the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) with a carbohydrate content of <50 g/day. The literature on very low carbohydrate diets (VLCD) in type 1 diabetes (DM 1) is limited, although recently published scientific studies have highlighted their safety and efficacy in managing DM 1. In this retrospective analysis, we report the clinical data of 33 patients affected by DM 1 carrying out insulin therapy who switched voluntarily from their usual diet (high carb, low fat) to an EVLCD. Our aim is to evaluate the glycemic control, the amount of insulin needed in order to maintain glycemic control and safety of EVLCD. The switch improved glycemic control (mean glycated hemoglobin decreased from 8.3% to 6.8% (p < 0.01). The number of patients who reached a glycated hemoglobin value of <7% increased statistically from 12% to 57% (p < 0.01), and there was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the units of daily insulin (from 36.7± 14.9 IU to 28.9 ±9.1 IU) A reduction from 54% to 24% in clinical level 2 hypoglycemia episodes was reported. No cases of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis were observed. The results of the study support that EVLCD in DM 1 seems safe and effective when adopted under tight medical supervision.

Nutritional assessment in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a prospective multicentre study.

Background: Nutritional status impacts quality of life and prognosis of patients with respiratory diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there is a lack of studies performing an extensive nutritional assessment of IPF patients. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and to identify nutritional phenotypes in a cohort of IPF patients at diagnosis. Methods: Patients underwent a thorough pulmonary and nutritional evaluation including questionnaires on nutritional status, and physical activity, anthropometry, body impedance, dynamometry, 4-m gait speed and blood tests. Results: 90 IPF patients (78.9% males, mean age 72.7 years) were enrolled. The majority of patients were classified as Gender-Age-Physiology Index stage 2 (47, 52.2%) with an inactive lifestyle according to International Physical Activity Questionnaire score (39, 43.3%), and had mean forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 86.5% and 54.2%, respectively. In regards to nutritional phenotypes, the majority of patients were normally nourished (67.8%, 95% CI 58.6-77.7%), followed by non-sarcopenic obese (25.3%, 95% CI 16.1-35.2%), sarcopenic (4.6%, 95% CI 0.0-14.5%) and sarcopenic obese (2.3%, 95% CI 0.0-12.2%). Among the normally nourished, 49.2% showed early signs of nutritional and physical performance alterations, including body mass index ≥30 kg·m-2 in 4.3%, history of weight loss ≥5% in 11.9%, and reduction of gait speed and hand grip strength in 11.9% and 35.6%, respectively. Low vitamin D values were observed in 56.3% of cases. Conclusions: IPF patients at diagnosis are mainly normally nourished and obese, but early signs of nutritional and physical performance impairment can already be identified at this stage.

Effect of a common missense variant in LIPA gene on fatty liver disease and lipid phenotype: New perspectives from a single-center observational study.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by hypoalphalipoproteinemia, mixed hyperlipemia, and fatty liver (FL) due to mutations in LIPAse A, lysosomal acid type (LIPA) gene. The rs1051338 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in LIPA gene, in vitro, could adversely affect the LAL activity (LAL-A). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often associated with metabolic syndrome, and the diagnosis requires the exclusion of excess of alcohol intake and other causes of hepatic disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of rs1051338 rare allele on lipid phenotype, severity of FL, and LAL-A in patients suffering from dyslipidemia associated with NAFLD. We selected 74 subjects with hypoalphalipoproteinemia or mixed hyperlipemia and evaluated transaminases, liver assessment with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), LAL-A, rs1051338 SNP genotype. The presence of rare allele caused higher levels of triglycerides and hepatic transaminase and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Multivariate analysis highlighted independent association between rare allele and FL severity in subjects with NAFLD. The rs1051338 SNP may modulate FL severity and atherogenic dyslipidemia in patients suffering from NAFLD.

A Clinical Perspective of Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diets: A Narrative Review.

Low carbohydrates diets (LCDs), which provide 20-120 g of carbohydrates per day, have long been used as therapeutic options in the treatment of severe obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other morbid conditions, with good results in terms of weight loss and control of the main metabolic parameters, at least in the short and medium term. According to the caloric content and the macronutrient composition, we can classify LCDs in hypocaloric, normoproteic diets [such as the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) or the protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF)], hypocaloric, hyperproteic and hyperlipidic diets (e.g., Atkins, Paleo diets…) and normocaloric, normo-/hyperproteic diets (eucaloric KD), the latter mainly used in patients with brain tumors (gliomas) and refractory epilepsy. In addition to LCD diets, another interesting dietary approach which gained attention in the last few decades is fasting and its beneficial effects in terms of modulation of metabolic pathways, cellular processes and hormonal secretions. Due to the impossibility of using fasting regimens for long periods of time, several alternative strategies have been proposed that can mimic the effects, including calorie restriction, intermittent or alternating fasting, and the so-called fasting mimicking diets (FMDs). Recent preclinical studies have shown positive effects of FMDs in various experimental models of tumors, diabetes, Alzheimer Disease, and other morbid conditions, but to date, the scientific evidence in humans is limited to some opens studies and case reports. The purpose of our narrative review is to offer an overview of the characteristics of the main dietary regimens applied in the treatment of different clinical conditions as well as of the scientific evidence that justifies their use, focusing on low and zero-carb diets and on the different types of fasting.

The Role of Dysbiosis in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

In late December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) quickly spread worldwide, and the syndrome it causes, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has reached pandemic proportions. Around 30% of patients with COVID-19 experience severe respiratory distress and are admitted to the intensive care unit for comprehensive critical care. Patients with COVID-19 often present an enhanced immune response with a hyperinflammatory state characterized by a "cytokine storm," which may reflect changes in the microbiota composition. Moreover, the evolution to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may increase the severity of COVID-19 and related dysbiosis. During critical illness, the multitude of therapies administered, including antibiotics, sedatives, analgesics, body position, invasive mechanical ventilation, and nutritional support, may enhance the inflammatory response and alter the balance of patients' microbiota. This status of dysbiosis may lead to hyper vulnerability in patients and an inappropriate response to critical circumstances. In this context, the aim of our narrative review is to provide an overview of possible interaction between patients' microbiota dysbiosis and clinical status of severe COVID-19 with ARDS, taking into consideration the characteristic hyperinflammatory state of this condition, respiratory distress, and provide an overview on possible nutritional strategies for critically ill patients with COVID-19-ARDS.

Clinical efficacy of eucaloric ketogenic nutrition in the COVID-19 cytokine storm: A retrospective analysis of mortality and intensive care unit admission.

OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to explore the effect of a eucaloric ketogenic diet (EKD) on mortality, admission to the intensive care unit, and need for non-invasive ventilation in hospitalized patients with COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19), in comparison to a eucaloric standard diet. Secondary objectives were verification of the safety and feasibility of the diet and its effects on inflammatory parameters, particularly interleukin-6. METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of 34 patients fed with an EKD in comparison to 68 patients fed with a eucaloric standard diet, selected and matched using propensity scores 1:2 to avoid the confounding effect of interfering variables. Our hypothesis was that an EKD would reduce mortality, admission to the intensive care unit, and need for non-invasive ventilation in patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: The preliminary multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference in survival (P = 0.046) and need for the intensive care unit (P = 0.049) for the EKD compared with a eucaloric standard diet. Even considering the EKD start day as a time-dependent variable, the results maintain a positive trend for application of the diet, and it is not possible to reject the null hypothesis (P < 0.05). Interleukin-6 concentrations between t0 and t7 (7 d after the beginning of the diet) in the ketogenic nutrition group show a trend that is almost significant (P = 0.062). The EKD was safe and no adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a possible therapeutic role of an EKD in the clinical management of COVID-19. Currently, a prospective controlled randomized trial is running to confirm these preliminary data.

Effects of a Mediterranean Diet, Dairy, and Meat Products on Different Phenotypes of Dyslipidemia: A Preliminary Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is one of the major causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and a Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recommended for its prevention. The objectives of this study were to evaluate adherence to an MD at baseline and follow-up, in a cohort of dyslipidemic patients, and to evaluate how different food intakes can influence lipid profile, especially how different sources of saturated fatty acids impact lipid phenotype. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 106 dyslipidemic patients. Clinical characteristics, lipid profile, and food habits data were collected at baseline and after three months of follow-up with counseling. Adherence to an MD was evaluated with a validated food-frequency questionnaire (MEDI-LITE score). RESULTS: The cross-sectional analysis showed that higher consumption of dairy products correlated independently with higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and with lower triglycerides (TG) levels. Instead, lower HDL-C and TG levels and higher TC levels were independently associated with higher consumption of meat products. Adherence to an MD significantly improved after the follow-up period, from a mean value of 10 ± 3 (median 10, IQR 8-12) to 13 ± 2 (median 14, IQR 12-15), p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Dyslipidemic patients benefit from counseling for improving their adherence to an MD. The high intake of dairy products was associated with less atherogenic hyperlipidemia, which was characterized by higher levels of TC and HDL-C as compared withs the intake of an excessive amount of meat products, which was associated with higher levels of TC and TG and lower levels of HDL-C.

Induction of ketosis as a potential therapeutic option to limit hyperglycemia and prevent cytokine storm in COVID-19.

The severe form of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is characterized by cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Diabetes, obesity, and hypertension have, as minor common denominators, chronic low-grade inflammation and high plasma myeloperoxidase levels, which could be linked to pulmonary phagocytic hyperactivation and CSS. The hyperactivation of M1 macrophages with a proinflammatory phenotype, which is linked to aerobic glycolysis, leads to the recruitment of monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets from circulating blood and plays a crucial role in thrombo-inflammation (as recently demonstrated in COVID-19) through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps and monocyte-platelet aggregates, which could be responsible for DIC. The modulation of glucose availability for activated M1 macrophages by means of a eucaloric ketogenic diet (EKD) could represent a possible metabolic tool for reducing adenosine triphosphate production from aerobic glycolysis in the M1 macrophage phenotype during the exudative phase. This approach could reduce the overproduction of cytokines and, consequently, the accumulation of neutrophils, monocytes, and platelets from the blood. Second, an EKD could be advantageous for the metabolism of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages because these cells predominantly express oxidative phosphorylation enzymes and are best fed by the oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondria. An EKD could guarantee the availability of free fatty acids, which are an optimal fuel supply for these cells. Third, an EKD, which could reduce high lactate formation by macrophages due to glycolysis, could favor the production of interferon type I, which are inhibited by excessive lactate production. From a practical point of view, the hypothesis, in addition to being proven in clinical studies, must obviously take into account the contraindications of an EKD, particularly type 1 or 2 diabetes treated with drugs that can cause hypoglycemia, to avoid the risk for side effects of the diet.

Nutritional Status and Bone Microarchitecture in a Cohort of Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by initial microvascular damage, immune system activation and progressive fibrosis with insufficiency of internal organs. Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is characterized by atrophy of the smooth muscle and small bowel hypomotility, mainly resulting from an autonomic nerve dysfunction. These modifications significantly affect gut transit and nutrient absorption, thus leading to malnutrition deficit induced by malabsorption. Nutritional deficit induced by malabsorption might also lead to bone alterations. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between malnutrition and bone status. Thirty-six postmenopausal female patients fulfilling the ACR 2013 criteria for SSc underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DXA) to detect quantitative lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) analysis to detect bone quality. Data from DXA also allow to assess body composition and provide several quantitative parameters, including free fat mass index (FFMI) that identifies the patient with malnutrition (values <15 kg/m2 in women and 17 kg/m2 in men), according to the ESPEN criteria. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all SSc patients and every patient completed a diary reporting GI symptoms. Two groups of SSc patients with or without diagnosed malnutrition according to FFMI parameter were identified. Malnourished SSc patients showed significantly lower weight (p = 0.01) and BMI (p = 0.001), as well as lower serum levels of hemoglobin (p = 0.009), albumin (p = 0.002), PTH (p = 0.02) and 25OH-vitamin D (p = 0.008). DXA analysis showed significantly lower lumbar L1-L4 T-score (p = 0.009) and BMD values (p = 0.029) in malnourished SSc patients. Consistently, TBS values were significantly lower in malnourished patients (p = 0.008) and correlated with BMD (at any site) and serum albumin levels (p = 0.02). In addition, FFMI positively correlated with bone parameters as well as with symptoms of intestinal impairment in malnourished SSc patients. Finally, GI symptoms significantly correlated with BMD but not with TBS. This pilot study shows that in malnourished SSc patients (2015 ESPEN criteria: FFMI<15 kg/m2), an altered bone status significantly correlates with GI involvement, in terms of symptoms being mainly due to intestinal involvement together with the presence of selected serum biomarkers of malnutrition.

Low Protein Diets and Plant-Based Low Protein Diets: Do They Meet Protein Requirements of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?

A low protein diet (LPD) has historically been used to delay uremic symptoms and decrease nitrogen (N)-derived catabolic products in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In recent years it has become evident that nutritional intervention is a necessary approach to prevent wasting and reduce CKD complications and disease progression. While a 0.6 g/kg, high biological value protein-based LPD has been used for years, recent observational studies suggest that plant-derived LPDs are a better approach to nutritional treatment of CKD. However, plant proteins are less anabolic than animal proteins and amino acids contained in plant proteins may be in part oxidized; thus, they may not completely be used for protein synthesis. In this review, we evaluate the role of LPDs and plant-based LPDs on maintaining skeletal muscle mass in patients with CKD and examine different nutritional approaches for improving the anabolic properties of plant proteins when used in protein-restricted diets.

Disordered eating and weight loss after bariatric surgery.

PURPOSES: Aberrant eating patterns are frequently observed in bariatric patients. Since bariatric operations produce alterations in food transit and in appetite/satiety balance, postoperative eating behavior changes are not surprising. METHODS: 88 consecutive obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP, 50 cases) and Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG, 38 cases) were retrospectively evaluated. Beside anthropometric data measurement, eating behavior was assessed by direct interview prior to the operation and at the first and second postoperative years: patients were considered as eating disordered (ED) when referred habitual occurrence of binge eating and nibbling/grazing. Weight loss was assessed by percent of BMI loss (% Δ BMI). Together with standard follow-up, patients received additional behavioral/dietetic support upon request. RESULTS: Postoperative ED patients showed lower % Δ BMI than the not ED ones at one (30.7% ± 8,5 vs. 26.8% ± 10, p < 0.02) and two (32% ± 10.3 vs. 27.4% ± 12.9, p < 0.05) years after operation, the follow-up rate being 82% and 76%, respectively, without differences between RYGBP and SG group. After RYGBP, an improvement of eating behavior was observed (ED patients from 75 to 28% at 1 year and to 27% at 2 years), while no changes were observed after SG. In SG patients, the number of additional behavioral/dietetic support sessions throughout the follow-up was positively associated with % Δ BMI. DISCUSSION: The postoperative normalization of eating pattern has a role in weight loss after bariatric surgery. Behavioral/dietetic support is indicated in all SG patient, while after RYGBP is useful only when weight loss is unsatisfactory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III: retrospective cohort study.

Effects of the Postoepartive Dietetic/Behavioral Counseling on the Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Weight outcomes after bariatric surgery are due to an adequate adjustment of eating behavior to the new gastrointestinal conditions created by operation. The efficacy of dietary/behavior counseling for promoting weight loss and maintenance in a growing number of bariatric patients was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-six non-diabetic obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were investigated. The first group (CO, 88 subjects, 16 male) attended a standard surgical follow-up, while in the second (DIET, 88 subjects, 15 male) the surgeon was supported by a dietitian, and patients received behavioral-dietary sessions on individual request. Data prior to the operation and at 2 years were considered, the weight outcome being regarded as successful when postoperative body mass index (BMI) value was lower than 30 kg/m2. RESULTS: Weight results were better (p < 0.01) in the RYGBP than in the SG patients. In comparison to CO, in the DIET group a greater adherence to the bariatric program was observed (76% vs. 41%, < 0.01), while body weight data and prevalence of successful cases at 2 years (87 ± 23 vs. 83 ± 16 kg and 27% vs.33%, respectively) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: After RYSG and SG, postoperative dietetic/behavioral sessions delivered on patient's request does not influence weight results. The dietetic intervention promotes the adherence to bariatric program and prevents postoperative follow-up loss. In a dietitian/behavioral strategy after RYGBP and SG, a cognitive reinforcement of the compliance to bariatric program and a strengthening of the motivation to changes could promote better weight results.

Ramadan Fasting Exerts Immunomodulatory Effects: Insights from a Systematic Review.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting. All Muslim adults are expected to fast; nevertheless certain subgroups, including sick, frail subjects, and pregnant women, among others, are exempted. Ramadan fasting has been shown to impact on body systems in different manners. The influence of Ramadan fasting on immune system regulation remains elusive; however, immune system changes, such as the modulation of body response to various infectious, stressful, and other harmful events, are of great interest during fasting. In this paper, we performed an extensive systematic literature review of different scholarly databases (ISI/Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed,/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, EbscoHOST, Scirus, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest), using the following key words: "fasting," "Ramadan," "Islam," and "immunity." Conclusions drawn from these findings included: (1) Ramadan fasting has been shown to only mildly influence the immune system and the alterations induced are transient, returning to basal pre-Ramadan status shortly afterward. (2) Ramadan fasting during the second trimester of pregnancy was shown to be safe and did not result in negative fetal outcomes, or maternal oxidative status alterations. (3) In cardiac patients, Ramadan fasting can have beneficial effects including lipid profile improvement and alleviation of oxidative stress. (4) In asthmatic patients as well as in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and autoimmune disorders, fasting was safe. (5) In psychiatric patients, such as those suffering from schizophrenia, fasting could increase immunologic markers. (6) Fasting Muslim athletes who maintain intensive training schedule during Ramadan showed fluctuations of immunologic markers.

Appetite control and gastrointestinal hormonal behavior (CCK, GLP-1, PYY 1-36) following low doses of a whey protein-rich nutraceutic.

Whey proteins represent the most satiating nutrients. In particular, their effects are due to enterohormonal changes (CCK, GLP-1 and PYY 1-36) observed after their exclusive ingestion. Glucomannan has important satiety property due to volume increase following gelification. The aim of the study is the evaluation of subjective rate of hunger and enterohormone concentrations (CCK, GLP-1, PYY 1-36) following oral loading of a mixture containing WP (8 g) or casein (8 g) plus glucomannan (1 g) (Colordiet®, Inpha DUEMILA Srl Lecco, Italy). The study was conducted as a double-blind crossover with five healthy volunteers (BMI 22-26 kg/m2 aging 18-65 years) in acute and a wash-out period of 1 week between the first and the second evaluation. From the analysis of the data, we observe that the load with WP induces a significant decrease in the desire to eat after 90 min (P < 0.0446) when compared with casein. As far as plasma hormones are concerned, there was a significant increase only in GLP-1 at 90 min after WP (P < 0.00166) and 180 min after casein (T0 vs. T180 P = 0.000129). There is a significant correlation between the increase in GLP-1 and decrease of desire to eat (R = -0.93). There is a tendency to the increasing of CCK after 90 min, which is not significant (P = 0.091). These results could be due to (a) the low number of cases or (b) the low dose of protein used. The present study suggests that a mixture of WP plus glucomannan exerts a decrease in the desire to eat which is correlated to enterohormonal modification (GLP-1 increase) despite the low content of protein (8 g) and the presence of glucomannan, which could reduce the fast absorption of WP in relation to the net forming during the gelification of the gastric environment.