[A Nutritional Supplement with a High Blend Ratio of ω-3 Fatty Acids(Prosure®) Reduces Severe Oral Mucositis and Body Weight Loss for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Chemoradiotherapy].

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis and body weight loss are the most critical conditions known to lead to the discontinuation of chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. We investigated the effect of a nutritional supplement with a high blend ratio of w-3 fatty acids(Prosure®)on body weight loss, oral mucositis, and the completion rate of chemoradiotherapy in patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer who were treated with concomitant cisplatin and 70 Gy of radiotherapy. These patients received 2 packs of Prosure®per day during chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included in this study. The reduction in body weight was significantly improved compared with that in the historical control group that did not receive Prosure®(7.3% vs 10.3%, p<0.01), and the rate of Grade 3-4 oral mucositis was significantly reduced for the patient groups that received Prosure®(CTCAE v3.0 GradeB3; 24% vs 58%, p<0.05). The completion rate of chemoradiotherapy was not significantly different between both groups(77% vs 60%, NS). CONCLUSIONS: A nutritional supplement with a high blend ratio of w-3 fatty acids(Prosure®)had effects on oral mucositis and body weight loss in head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy.

Association of peripheral total and differential leukocyte counts with obesity-related complications in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated leukocytes in adults and children. This study assessed the associations between peripheral total and differential leukocyte counts and obesity-related complications in young adults. METHODS: 12 obese (median age 21.5 (range 19-28) years, median BMI 35.7 (range 32.0-44.9) kg/m(2)) and 11 normal (median age 23 (range 18-27) years, median BMI 19.5 (range 18.1-21.7) kg/m(2)) adults were enrolled. Complete blood count and serum levels of liver enzymes, fasting blood glucose, insulin and lipids were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was calculated. Fat mass was calculated using a bioimpedance analysis device, and ultrasonography was performed to measure fat thickness and to detect fatty change of the liver. RESULTS: Total leukocyte and monocyte counts were significantly increased in obese young adults. Total leukocyte count was associated with liver enzyme levels, insulin resistance as well as visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness. Neutrophil count was associated with insulin resistance. Lymphocyte count was associated with serum liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Monocyte count was associated with serum liver enzyme, insulin resistance, visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness, body fat mass, and percentage body fat. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that chronic low-grade systemic inflammation is associated with obesity-related complications such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in young adults.