高龄男性慢性肾病患者血清C-反应蛋白的临床意义

目的探讨慢性肾病(CKD)高龄男性患者血清C-反应蛋白(CRP)与营养指标及CKD进展之间的关系。方法回顾性分析曾在某院住院并门诊随访且尚未透析的72例高龄男性CKD 5期患者,分为高GRP组28例,低GRP组44例,观察血清CRP、营养评估及肾功能指标等,探讨微炎性状态与营养状况及CKD进展之间的关系。结果排除感染、创伤等因素后,所纳入对象的平均血清CRP水平为0.64mg/dl(四分位间距0.32,1.05 mg/dl)。以0.8mg/dl为分割点,将其分为高CRP组(CRP≥0.8mg/dl)和低CRP组(CRP<0.8mg/dl)。高CRP组患者占38.9%,较之低CRP组,高CRP组多伴随心血管及外周动脉粥样硬化等疾病(P<0.05),主观综合营养评估(SGA)评分明显降低(P<0.01),促红细胞生成素(EPO)用量显著增加(P<0.01)。随访18个月后,高CRP组估算肾小球滤过率下降幅度明显(P<0.01),转入透析治疗的例数较多(P<0.05),发生心血管事件的例数也显著增多(P<0.05)。结论进入CKD 5期的高龄CKD患者存在血清CRP值轻度升高的微炎性状态,高CRP患者伴随心血管病及外周动脉粥样硬化的比例显著高于低CRP患者;持续的高CRP水平多伴随营养状况的下降,且易导致EPO效力的降低;CKD的进展与血清高CRP水平具有相关性。     

血清C-反应蛋白与糖尿病性心肌病的关系

目的通过分析糖尿病性心肌病患者血清C-反应蛋白（CRP）的水平,探讨糖尿病性心肌病发生发展的炎性机制。方法采用免疫透射比浊法测定糖尿病性心肌病患者36例和对照组30例血清中CRP的浓度。结果糖尿病性心肌病组CRP浓度均高于对照组[分别为（6.95±1.37）mg/L和（1.89±0.38）mg/L],差别有统计学意义（P〈0.001）。糖尿病性心肌病组CPR水平与血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇呈负相关（r=-0.639,P〈0.01）,与血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇呈正相关（r=0.495,P〈0.05）。结论CRP作为一种重要的炎性因子可能参与了糖尿病性心肌病的发病机制。     

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and the inflammation markers C-reactive protein and ferritin

BACKGROUND: Patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) have above-average risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. High levels of the acute phase reactants C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin have been reported to correlate with various components of MS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The serum CRP, ferritin, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol concentrations of 598 obese or overweight patients were determined, together with relevant anthropometric parameters. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the HOMA method. MS was diagnosed using the ATP III criteria. RESULTS: CRP levels were higher among patients with central obesity than in those without (5.8 vs 3.9 mg/l; P=0.003), and higher among those with fasting plasma glucose concentrations >or=110 mg/dl than in those with lower concentrations (7.4 vs 4.1 mg/l; P=0.01). Serum ferritin levels were higher among patients with triglyceride concentrations >or=150 mg/dl than in those with lower levels (76.8 vs 40.1 ng/ml; P<0.001), and higher among those with fasting plasma glucose concentrations >or=110 mg/dl than in those with lower concentrations (75.7 vs 41.7 ng/ml; P=0.005). The number of MS criteria that were satisfied increased with CRP and ferritin levels. Patients with insulin resistance also had higher CRP and ferritin levels than those without, 7.3 vs 4.3 mg/l for CRP (P=0.032) and 124.5 vs 80.1 ng/ml for ferritin (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MS and insulin resistance are associated with elevated serum CRP and ferritin. Evaluation of subclinical chronic inflammation in patients with MS and/or insulin resistance by determination of these markers might aid in their evaluation as candidates for aggressive intervention against cardiovascular risk factors.     

Serum folate and homocysteine levels are associated with colon tumorigenesis in end-stage renal disease patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of folate and homocysteine on colon tumorigenesis by performing colonoscopy and examining serum folate and homocysteine levels in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We performed colonoscopy in 72 ESRD patients who were undergoing hemodialysis and also measured their serum folate and homocysteine levels. Serum folate and homocysteine concentrations of the 72 ESRD patients were 6.0±3.9 μg/l and 37.3±25.5 μmol/l, respectively. Colorectal neoplasia was detected in 47 (65%) of the patients. Compared to a control group, ESRD patients had significantly more and larger neoplasia (P=0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that ESRD patients with lower levels of serum homocysteine had significantly more and larger neoplasia than those with higher levels (P=0.02 and 0.03, respectively). In addition, patients with a shorter duration of hemodialysis were likely to have larger neoplasia. ESRD patients had higher than normal serum homocysteine levels. Interestingly, patients with lower homocysteine levels were likely to carry more and larger colorectal neoplasia. These results suggest that suppression of folate metabolism and an elevated serum homocysteine concentration are inversely associated with colon tumorigenesis in ESRD patients.     

Effects of acute-phase response on nutritional status and clinical outcome of hospitalized patients

OBJECTIVE: We measured the effects of acute-phase response on nutritional status and clinical outcome in hospitalized older patients. METHODS: Four hundred forty-five patients who took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of nutritional supplementation had their nutritional status assessed from anthropometric, hematologic, and biochemical data at baseline, 6 wk, and 6 mo. Outcome measures including disability, length of stay, and 1-y mortality were recorded. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, a marker of acute-phase response, was also measured. Multivariate analysis was used to measure the association between acute-phase response and nutritional assessment variables after adjusting for age, disability, chronic illness, medications, and smoking. RESULTS: Energy intake in the hospital was significantly lower among patients with higher CRP concentrations. Serum albumin, transferrin, plasma ascorbic acid, and hemoglobin concentrations were significantly lower and serum ferritin higher in patients with acute-phase response (CRP > 10 mg/L) than in patients without acute-phase response (CRP < or = 10 mg/L; P < 0.001). Nutritional status deteriorated among patients with acute-phase response in contrast to the improvement seen in patients without acute-phase response. After adjusting for age, disability, and comorbidity in a multivariate analysis, acute-phase response had a significant and independent effect on nutritional status and clinical outcome. The benefit of nutritional support was mainly confined to patients with acute-phase response. CONCLUSION: Acute-phase response is associated with poor nutritional status and poor clinical outcome in older patients. Whether nutritional support removes or mitigates the hazard of poor outcome associated with acute-phase response needs to be determined.     

Evaluation of handgrip strength as a nutritional marker and prognostic indicator in peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Serum albumin has limitations as a nutritional marker in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) in that it is affected by inflammation, systemic disease, overhydration, and urinary and dialysate protein loss. Handgrip strength is a simple, easily performed bedside test that has been shown to correlate with lean body mass in patients close to inception of dialysis. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the associations of handgrip strength with other clinical factors and examined its relations with mortality and cardiovascular death in PD patients. DESIGN: We prospectively enrolled 233 chronic PD patients and assessed handgrip strength and other variables at baseline and then followed the patients for a mean (+/-SD) of 30 +/- 14 mo. RESULTS: Baseline handgrip strength was significantly associated with age, sex, height, diabetes, residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and hemoglobin but not with C-reactive protein (CRP). After adjustment for age, sex, and height, handgrip strength was most strongly correlated with lean body mass on the basis of creatinine kinetics (r = 0.334, P < 0.001), followed by serum albumin and subjective global assessment. Both men and women who died had lower handgrip strengths than did those who remained alive (P < 0.001). After control for age, sex, diabetes, atherosclerotic vascular disease, GFR, hemoglobin, CRP, and serum albumin, greater handgrip strength was predictive of lower all-cause [hazards ratio (HR): 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.99); P = 0.005] and cardiovascular [HR: 0.94 (0.90, 0.98); P = 0.004] mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Handgrip strength not only is a marker of body lean muscle mass but also provides important prognostic information independent of other covariates, including CRP and serum albumin. Our data suggest that handgrip strength may be used in conjunction with serum albumin as a nutrition-monitoring tool in patients undergoing PD.     

Post-therapy profile of serum total cholesterol, retinol and zinc in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

OBJECTIVE: To assess serum albumin, total cholesterol, retinol, zinc and hemoglobin in children who had completed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). METHODS: The above parameters were analyzed in 105 ALL and NHL and 108 age and sex-matched controls. Serum albumin, serum cholesterol and hemoglobin were estimated by colorimetric methods. Serum retinol was estimated by HPLC and serum zinc was estimated by atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES). Comparisons were made to stage of treatment (maintenance 6 with post-therapy), type of treatment (chemotherapy and radiation with only chemotherapy) and type of malignancy (ALL with NHL). RESULTS: Only serum albumin in patients included at Maintenance(6) was significantly higher (t = 2.31, p = 0.05) than post-therapy patients. No significant difference in serum values was observed by type of treatment. Only total cholesterol was significantly higher in NHL patients than in ALL patients (t = 1.954, p = 0.05). Patients had comparable serum levels to that of controls. However, in patients and controls more than 75% children had deficient serum retinol levels, (< than 0.6989 micromol/l, or 20 microg/dl). Further, 75% patients and 54.7% controls had serum retinol levels less than 0.3439 micromol/l or 10 microg/dl. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that cancer and its treatment did not have any long-lasting effect on serum albumin, total cholesterol, retinol, zinc and hemoglobin. Majority of subjects had low serum retinol suggestive of depleted liver reserves. The deficient serum retinol levels (< than 0.6989 micromol/l, or 20 microg/dl) in at least 75% of the patients and controls probably reflect poor dietary intake. A higher percentage of patients with low serum retinol levels may also be attributed to the possibility of urinary losses of retinol that occur during episodes of infection while on immunosuppressive anti-cancer drug therapy.     

急性脑梗死患者血清C-反应蛋白和神经元特异性烯醇化酶水平变化及相关性研究

目的 观察急性脑梗死(ACI)发病早期血清CRP和神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)水平变化与病情严重程度的关系以及两者的相关关系.方法 检测60例ACI患者(ACI组)以及40例健康体检者(对照组)的血清CRP、NSE水平,采用美国国立卫生院卒中量表(NIHSS)对ACI患者入院时的临床神经功能损害程度进行评价,比较CRP、NSE水平在不同大小梗死灶及不同临床神经功能损害程度中的差异,并与对照组比较.结果 ACI组血清CRP、NSE水平与对照组比较显著增高[(6.95±2.34)mg/L比(2.21±1.05)mg/L,(22.39±4.72)μg/L比(7.16±2.63)μg/L,P均＜0.01].梗死灶越大、临床神经功能损害程度越重,血清CRP、NSE水平越高.血清CRP、NSE水平分别与NIHSS评分呈正相关(r=0.51、r=0.44,P均＜0.01).血清CRP水平与NSE水平呈正相关(r=0.57,P＜0.01).结论 ACI发病早期血清CRP、NSE水平变化可反映梗死灶大小和临床神经功能损害的严重程度.CRP、NSE水平均可作为ACI患者病情评估的重要生物学指标.     

The Cost-Effectiveness of Lanthanum Carbonate in the Treatment of Hyperphosphatemia in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of lanthanum carbonate (LC) as a second-line therapy for hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients not achieving target phosphorus levels. METHODS: A cohort of ESRD patients not adequately maintained on calcium carbonate (CC) and three subgroups of patients with baseline phosphorus levels of 5.6 to 6.5 mg/dl, 6.6 to 7.8 mg/dl, and more than 7.9 mg/dl were modeled. The following policy options were considered: continued CC (Policy 1); LC trial-if successful continue LC, if unsuccessful switch to CC (Policy 2). The survival benefit of using second-line LC to improve phosphorus control has been extrapolated from the relationship between hyperphosphatemia and mortality. Lifetime UK National Health Service drug and monitoring costs, expected survival, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were examined (discounting at 3.5% per annum). RESULTS: Policy 2 had a cost-effectiveness ratio (cost/QALY) of pound25,033 relative to Policy 1. The results show it is particularly cost-effective to treat patients with phosphorus levels above 6.6 mg/dl. The outcomes did not vary significantly during the one-way sensitivity analysis carried out on important model parameters and assumptions except when the utility value for ESRD was decreased by more than 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a cost-effectiveness threshold of pound30,000 per QALY, the model shows it is cost-effective to follow current treatment guidelines and treat all patients who are not adequately maintained on CC (serum phosphorus above 5.6 mg/dl) with second-line LC. This is particularly the case for patients with serum phosphorus above 6.6 mg/dl. Our estimates are probably conservative as the possible compliance difference in favor of LC and the reduced number of hypercalcemic events with LC relative to CC was not considered.     

Obstruction in patients with colorectal cancer increases morbidity and mortality in association with altered nutritional status

Intestinal obstruction aggravates the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis of nutritional status and inflammatory response in CRC patients with or without intestinal obstruction. The study was carried out on 43 patients with CRC. Twenty-three of these patients had intestinal obstruction. Anthropometric measurements, serum protein content, acute phase reactants, and diagnostic and risk nutritional indices were analyzed. The presence of intestinal obstruction reduced albumin (31 +/- 5.2 vs. 36 +/- 4.2 g/l; P = 0.0025) and prealbumin (0.13 +/- 0.047 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.042 g/l; P = 0.0001) and increased C-reactive protein (49 +/- 43.8 vs. 14 +/- 16.7 mg/l; P = 0.006) and alpha1-antitrypsin (189 +/- 34.7 vs. 148 +/- 35.4 mg/dl; P = 0.0011). Intestinal obstruction was related to malnutrition (86% vs. 33%; P = 0.019) and Mullen's prognostic nutritional index (48 +/- 21.7 vs. 31 +/- 17.9; P = 0.038) in CRC patients. Mullen's nutritional risk index was inversely correlated to total cholesterol (r = -0.51; P = 0.0002) and albumin (r = -0.81; P = 0.0001). No correlation was found between Duke's tumor stages and acute phase response, inflammatory parameters, and malnutrition. In conclusion, intestinal obstruction occurred more frequently in CRC patients with malnutrition. The increased morbidity and mortality of CRC patients was also associated with acute phase response, inflammation, and low serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentration.     

Prognostic significance of serum cholesterol in nursing home men

Serum cholesterol was measured in 129 men (average age 70.6; range 41-96) of a Veterans Administration Nursing Home, and was correlated with other items in an extensive clinical data base. Serum cholesterol was less than 150 mg/dl in 13% of the subjects, and was less than 160 mg/dl in 18%. Cholesterol greater than 280 mg/dl occurred in 8%. Serum cholesterol varied directly (p less than 0.02) with: body weight, serum albumin, serum total protein, serum sodium, ability to walk, and ability to feed oneself; and indirectly (p less than 0.02) with death rate, degree of functional dependence, and serum SGOT and LDH. Nursing home men with cholesterol less than 150 mg/dl had a death rate of 63% during the 14 months after the cholesterol analysis, compared to a death rate of 9% in men with cholesterol greater than 150 mg/dl (p less than 0.05). Death rate during the year after the analysis was 52% if cholesterol was below 160 mg/dl, compared to 7% if it was above this threshold (p less than 0.05).     

Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms

OBJECTIVES: a) To evaluate the effect of Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) on C-reactive protein (CRP) on patients with chronic inflammation and b) to evaluate the effectiveness of NKO on arthritic symptoms. METHODS: Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. Ninety patients were recruited with confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and/or rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis and with increased levels of CRP (>1.0 mg/dl) upon three consecutive weekly blood analysis. Group A received NKO (300 mg daily) and Group B received a placebo. CRP and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis score were measured at baseline and days 7, 14 and 30. RESULTS: After 7 days of treatment NKO reduced CRP by 19.3% compared to an increase by 15.7% observed in the placebo group (p = 0.049). After 14 and 30 days of treatment NKO further decreased CRP by 29.7% and 30.9% respectively (p < 0.001). The CRP levels of the placebo group increased to 32.1% after 14 days and then decreased to 25.1% at day 30. The between group difference was statistically significant; p = 0.004 at day 14 and p = 0.008 at day 30. NKO showed a significant reduction in all three WOMAC scores. After 7 days of treatment, NKO reduced pain scores by 28.9% (p = 0.050), reduced stiffness by 20.3% (p = 0.001) and reduced functional impairment by 22.8% (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study clearly indicate that NKO at a daily dose of 300 mg significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days.     

Inflammation in ESRD: causes and potential consequences.

Malnutrition in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by hypoalbuminemia, decreased serum creatinine and prealbumin, and decreased subjective global assessment (SGA) scores. Markers of malnutrition predict mortality and correlate closely with inflammatory markers, including serum cytokines and acute phase proteins. After multiple regression analysis, markers of inflammation become stronger predictors of mortality than nutritional markers, suggesting that malnutrition is a result of inflammation. The etiology of inflammation is variable and includes vascular access infection, bioincompatible dialyzers, back filtration of nonsterile dialysate, periodontal disease, urinary tract infections, and other pyogenic infections. Renal failure also may serve to promote inflammation through protein carbonylation. Differences in care patterns of ESRD patients and genetics may contribute to inflammation as evidenced by lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in Asian populations. Inflammation results in loss of muscle mass and hypoalbuminemia as a consequence of its decreased synthesis and increased catabolism. Vascular disease occurs partly because of changes in lipoprotein structure and function, including oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and modification of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by serum amyloid A (SAA) and loss of apolipoprotein A-I. Leukocyte adhesion is promoted by changes in endothelial structure and function, whereas plasma proteins associated with cardiovascular disease (fibrinogen, lipoprotein[a]; SAA) are increased. Consequences of inflammation in ESRD patients include muscle wasting, erythropoetin resistance, and vascular disease. Whereas improvements in nutrition can increase serum albumin and creatinine levels, identification and removal of the underlying cause of inflammation should be one treatment goal.     

Nutritional status and the role of diabetes mellitus in hemodialysis patients

This study was aimed to investigate the nutritional status and the role of diabetes mellitus in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary assessments for HD 110 patients (46 males and 64 females) were conducted. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.1 kg/m² and prevalence of underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m²) was 12%. The hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dl) was found in 15.5% of the subject, and hypocholesterolemia (<150 mg/dl) in 46.4%. About half (50.9%) patients had anemia (hemoglobin: <11.0 g/dL). High prevalence of hyperphosphatemia (66.4%) and hyperkalemia (43.5%) was also observed. More than 60 percent of subjects were below the recommended intake levels of energy (30-35 kcal/kg IBW) and protein (1.2 g/kg IBW). The proportions of subjects taking less than estimated average requirements for calcium, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin C, and folate were more than 50%, whereas, about 20% of the subjects were above the recommended intake of phosphorus and potassium. Diabetes mellitus was the main cause of ESRD (45.5%). The diabetic ESRD patients showed higher BMI and less HD adequacy than nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients also showed lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Diabetic ESRD patients had less energy from fat and a greater percentage of calories from carbohydrates. In conclusion, active nutrition monitoring is needed to improve the nutritional status of HD patients. A follow-up study is needed to document a causal relation between diabetes and its impact on morbidity and mortality in ESRD patients.     

Nutritional assessment indications of postburn complications

This study evaluates the use of nutritional assessment indexes measured on the fifth day after injury to predict subsequent wound infections, episodes of septicemia, and other infectious complications in burned patients. Nutritional assessment data collected included anthropometric measurements (weight, height, triceps skinfold, and upper-arm circumference); biochemical testing (serum albumin concentration, serum transferrin concentration, total lymphocyte count, creatinine/height index, and nitrogen balance); and recall skin antigen testing. Seventy-four adult patients (mean age of 35 years) who had burn injuries ranging from 10% to 96% total body surface were studied. Indexes predictive of imminent wound infection include serum transferrin concentrations less than 150 mg/dl (p = .0006) and anergy to the skin test battery (p = .01). Those indexes were also prognostic of the development of septicemia (p = .0002 and p = .0001, respectively). Although statistically insignificant, total lymphocyte count also showed a similar trend toward predicting complications. Serum albumin concentration (less than 3.0 gm/dl), creatinine/height index (less than 60% standard), percent ideal body weight (less than 80%), percent weight change, and nitrogen balance did not contribute to group discrimination. Severe depletion of the visceral protein compartment was documented in a large percentage of patients on the fifth postburn day. Serum transferrin concentration and recall skin antigen testing can be helpful in identifying thermally injured patients who are at high risk of infectious complications.     

神经元特异性烯醇化酶和C反应蛋白对急性脑梗死病情及预后的评价

目的 探讨急性脑梗死患者血清神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)和C反应蛋白(CRP)对其病情和预后的评估价值.方法 测定92例急性脑梗死患者(观察组)和45例健康对照者(对照组)血清NSE和CRP水平,并分析观察组NSE和CRP水平与神经功能损害程度及梗死部位的关系.结果 观察组血清NSE和CRP水平明显高于对照组(P<0.01).观察组采用美国国立卫生院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分,重型者NSE和CRP水平[(35.63±7.12)μg/L、(13.82±3.57)mg/L]显著高于轻、中型者[分别为(17.24±5.32)μg/L、(5.61±2.35)mg/L和(26.08±5.91)μg/L、(9.07±2.14)mg/L](P<0.01).不同梗死部位患者血清NSE、CRP水平比较差异无统计学意义.结论 NSE和CRP是反映脑内神经元损伤或坏死的客观指标,可作为脑梗死早期判断病情和预后的指标.     

Effect of Dehulling and Cooking of Lentils (Lens Culinaris, L.)on Serum Glucose and Lipoprotein Levels in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of lentils on serum glucose and serum lipid levels in diabetic rats. Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, 12 weeks of age weighing 220-290g, were used. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin at a level of 35 mg/kg intra-peritoneally. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, eight animals each: a casein diet (control), raw whole lentil (RWL), cooked whole lentil (CWL), raw dehulled lentil (RDL) and cooked dehulled lentil (CDL). Animals were fed with experimental diets for six weeks, sacrificed and blood samples were taken. Serum glucose level of the CDL group (387.9 ± 53.3 mg/dl) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of the control, RDL and RWL groups (529.0 ± 11.7, 538.6 ± 45.0, 542.1 ± 32.2 mg/dl respectively). In addition, HDL concentration of CWL group (66.3 ± 1.9 mg/dl) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of the control, RWL and RDL groups (54.9 ± 3.5, 50.8 ± 4.2, 54.0 ± 3.4 mg/dl respectively). However, there was no significant difference in serum glucose and serum HDL between the CDL and CWL groups. No significant differences (p>0.05) were detected in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol among the experimental groups. It is concluded that cooked lentils rather than raw lentils was more effective in lowering blood glucose and improving HDL cholesterol in diabetic rats. There was no difference between whole and dehulled lentils with regard to effects on blood glucose and HDL cholesterol levels.     

Seriate prealbumin and C-reactive protein measurements in monitoring nutritional intervention in hospitalized patients: a prospective observational study

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in hospitalized patients is associated with poor outcomes. Prealbumin (PAB) has been shown to be a potentially useful tool in PEM assessment. PAB plasma concentrations are closely related to nutritional state and nutritional intervention. However, PAB is also inversely correlated to C-reactive protein (CRP), making difficult the interpretation of PAB changes during tratment of severely ill patients with inflammation and/or infection. Methods: To assess the confounding role of CRP we investigated the role of two seriate measures of PAB and CRP in monitoring the response to nutritional intervention in 83 hospitalized patients enrolled in a nutritional care program (group 1). Data were also collected from 60 patients with low PAB not enrolled in any nutritional program (group 2). Results: When nutritional needs were not satisfied (nutritional intake/needs ratio <75%) we found no PAB increase, whereas there was a significant PAB increase in patients with adequate intake (mean delta-PAB 4.2 mg/dL). Covariance analysis showed a statistically significant mean PAB increase of 2.38 mg/dL in the adequate intake subset, value controlled for the confounder delta-CRP (p < 0.005). In the inadequate intake subset and in group 2 an improvement in CRP status was not associated with a proportional improvement in PAB levels. Conclusions: Although the complex interplay between PAB and inflammation cannot be completely solved, we suggest that in subjects receiving an adequate nutritional support a significant improvement of PAB can be considered, at least partially, a real marker of nutrional improvement.     

Nutritional status of diabetic and nondiabetic patients after renal transplantation

To assess whether there was improvement in the nutritional status of Type I insulin-dependent diabetics treated with renal transplantation as compared with dialysis, 24 diabetics and 21 nondiabetics were studied 22.6 +/- 23.8 mo after transplantation. Nutritional assessment included weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, midarm muscle circumference (MAMC), serum albumin, and transferrin. Mean age of the 28 males and 17 females was 37.1 +/- 9.4 yr. Weight of diabetics increased from 55.6 +/- 8.4 kg to 61.5 +/- 9.5 kg (p less than 0.05); weight for height, from 81 +/- 8% to 95 +/- 9% (p less than 0.001); and serum albumin, from 3.8 +/- 0.5 gm/dl to 4.3 +/- 0.4 gm/dl (p less than 0.001). Weight also increased significantly in nondiabetics from 64.5 +/- 10.5 kg to 72.1 +/- 13.5 kg (p = 0.05); weight for height, from 96 +/- 15% to 108 +/- 16% (p less than 0.05); but not albumin, 4.1 +/- 0.7 gm/dl to 4.4 +/- 0.6 gm/dl (p greater than 0.05). Serum transferrin was 210 +/- 62 mg/dl in diabetics and 226 +/- 52 mg/dl in nondiabetics. Forty-two percent of diabetics and 29% of nondiabetics had a MAMC less than 5th percentile, indicating protein-calorie malnutrition. Results suggest a significant improvement in nutritional status after transplantation in both diabetics and nondiabetics, but particularly in the diabetic group.     

An evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1 as an indicator of nutritional status

This study evaluated the usefulness of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as a marker of nutritional status in 185 hospitalised patients compared with conventional biochemical (albumin) and anthropometric parameters. C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as a biochemical marker of underlying illness. 77 (42%) patients were normally nourished or overweight and 108 (58%) were nutritionally depleted. IGF-1 and albumin were significantly lower in the malnourished patients as a group. However, in the malnourished patients with normal CRP, there was no correlation between albumin or anthropometric measurements and IFG-1. In malnourished patients with a raised CRP, there was no relationship between malnutrition determined by body mass index and anthropometry and either albumin of IGF-1 concentrations. In normally nourished patients with a raised CRP, there was a relationship between albumin and CRP; and IGF-1 and CRP and between albumin and IGF-1. IGF-1 was related to age in all groups of patients. We conclude that neither albumin nor IGF-1 can be reliably used to assess nutritional status.