The effects of probiotics on mental health and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial in petrochemical workers

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine effects of probiotic yogurt and multispecies probiotic capsule supplementation on mental health and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in petrochemical workers.

Methods: The present randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 70 petrochemical workers. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups to receive 100?g/day probiotic yogurt?+?one placebo capsule (n?=?25) or one probiotic capsule daily?+?100?g/day conventional yogurt (n?=?25) or 100?g/day conventional yogurt?+?one placebo capsule (n?=?20) for 6 weeks. Mental health parameters including general health questionnaire (GHQ) and depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS) scores were measured. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and 6 weeks after the intervention to quantify hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.

Results: After 6 weeks of intervention, a significant improvement of GHQ was observed in the probiotic yogurt (18.0?±?1.5 vs. 13.5?±?1.9, P?=?0.007) and in the probiotic capsule group (16.9?±?1.8 vs. 9.8?±?1.9, P?=?0.001), as well as a significant improvement in DASS scores in the probiotic yogurt (23.3?±?3.7 vs. 13.0?±?3.7, P?=?0.02) and the probiotic capsule group (18.9?±?3.2 vs. 9.4?±?4.0, P?=?0.006). However, there was no significant improvement in the conventional yogurt group (P?=?0.05 for GHQ and P?=?0.08 for DASS).

Discussion: The consumption of probiotic yogurt or a multispecies probiotic capsule had beneficial effects on mental health parameters in petrochemical workers.     

Influence of the addition of different ingredients on the bioaccessibility of glucose released from rice during dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Abstract

Rice represents a primary source of carbohydrates in human nutrition. Upon its consumption, the released sugars are mostly absorbed, categorising rice as a high glycemic index food. Addition of ingredients is common practice when cooking rice, which may affect rice digestibility and influence nutrients absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, enabling a controlled glucose release. In this sense, rice formulations were submitted to a dynamic in vitro GI model, constituted by reactors that simulates peristalsis coupled to filtration membranes, to evaluate carbohydrates hydrolysis and bioaccessibility. Addition of quinoa and wholegrains reduced carbohydrates hydrolysis (i.e. 38.5?±?5.08% and 57.98?±?1.91%, respectively) and glucose bioaccessibility (i.e. 25.92?±?5.70% and 42.56?±?1.39%, respectively) when compared with brown rice (i.e. 63.86?±?2.96% hydrolysed and 44.33?±?1.88% absorbed). Addition of vegetables significantly decreased sample chewiness and resulted in superior hydrolysis (71.75?±?7.44%) and glucose absorption (51.61?±?6.25%).     

Effects of orthodox religious fasting versus combined energy and time restricted eating on body weight,lipid concentrations and glycaemic profile

Abstract

For seven weeks, 37 overweight adults followed a hypocaloric diet based on Orthodox Fasting (OF). A hypocaloric, time restricted eating (TRE) plan (eating between 08:00 to 16:00?h, water fasting from 16:00 to 08:00?h) was followed by 23 Body Mass Index (BMI)-matched participants. Anthropometric, glycaemic and inflammation markers and serum lipids were assessed before and after the diets. Both OF and TRE groups demonstrated reductions in BMI (28.54?±?5.45 vs 27.20?±?5.10?kg/m², p?<?0.001 and 26.40?±?4.11 vs 25.81?±?3.78?kg/m² p?=?0.001, respectively). Following the intervention, the OF group presented lower concentrations of total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, compared with the pre-fasting values (178.40?±?34.14 vs 197.17?±?34.30?mg/dl, p?<?0.001 and 105.89?±?28.08 vs 122.37?±?29.70?mg/dl, p?<?0.001, respectively). Neither group manifested significant differences in glycaemic and inflammatory parameters. Our findings suggest that OF has superior lipid lowering effects than the TRE pattern.     

Green leafy porridges: how good are they in controlling glycaemic response?

Green leafy porridges made with leaf water extracts, rice and coconut milk are common Sri Lankan dietary remedies for diabetes. Though water and ethanolic extracts of most leaves elicit hypoglycaemic effects, data are not available on the efficacy when leaf extracts are incorporated into porridges. Thus, an effort was made to evaluate the proximate compositions and glycaemic index (GI) of some commonly consumed green leafy porridges. The GI of rice porridge and coconut milk porridge were measured to evaluate the effect of other ingredients other than the leaf extracts. Rice was the main contributor to carbohydrate (56–68% on dry weight) and water was the main component in porridges (89–93%). Fat and total dietary fibre contents ranged between 2.5–27% and 5–10%, respectively. The GI of all porridges was low (GI ≤ 55), except Cassia auriculata which had a high GI of 77 ± 12. The GIs of coconut milk, Aerva lanata, Hemidesmus indicus, Scoparia dulcis, Asparagus racemosus, Cephalandra indica, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos were 31 ± 5, 32 ± 5, 40 ± 8, 39 ± 8, 37 ± 4, 49 ± 8, 46 ± 8, 44 ± 8 and 50 ± 8, respectively. All porridges had a low or medium glycaemic loads ( ≤ 19). However, peak blood glucose reductions of ≥ 25% were observed in all leafy and coconut milk porridges, except in C. auriculata and Atlantia zeylanica, when compared with the glucose control. Therefore, green leafy porridges, except Cassia, can be recommended as breakfast meals for diabetics due to their low GI, peak blood glucose reduction and presence of other nutrients in green leaves.     

Glycaemic response of proso millet-based (Panicum miliaceum) products

The glycaemic response of millet foods and the effect of processing are not known. Therefore, decorticated proso millet was used to produce four types of common food products (biscuits, couscous, porridge and an extruded snack). Postprandial blood glucose response of these products (all containing 50?g of total starch) was compared to the same foods produced with refined corn, in a crossover human study with 12 healthy male participants (age 26.3?±?3.8?yr; BMI 23.3?±?2.8?kg/m²). Capillary blood samples were collected and glycaemic response was determined; differences were assessed using repeat measures ANOVA. Overall, the mean (±SEM) incremental area under the blood glucose response curve (mmol?min/l) of the proso millet products was different from the corn products, but individual products (couscous?=?66.7?±?11.6, biscuit?=?82.6?±?13.7, extrudate?=?198.7?±?20.9, porridge?=?40.1?±?5.8) were not significantly lower (couscous?=?43.5?±?5.8, biscuit?=?102.0?±?10.3, extrudate?=?198.7?±?20.9, porridge?=?52.2?±?8.1) (p?>?.05). Glycaemic response of the products was not dependent on the grain type, but rather product matrix.     

Comparative analysis of antioxidants against cadmium induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to compare and evaluate the potential benefits of three different antioxidants in reversing cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Rats (n?=?5) weighing 180?±?20?gm were divided into five groups (control, Cd, Cd?+?sulforaphane, Cd?+?vitamin E, and Cd?+?plant extract). Treated groups received CdCl₂ (0.2?mg/kg), sulforaphane (25?µg/rat), vitamin E (75?mg/kg), and plant extract (100?mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples and testicular tissues were obtained for estimation of testosterone, Zn, and Cd concentration and daily sperm production/efficiency of sperm production. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease in final body weight (p?<?0.0001). The plasma concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p?<?0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. The testicular concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p?<?0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease (p?<?0.0001) in plasma testosterone concentrations and daily sperm production as compared to the control group. More significant effects were observed with Cd+sulforaphane, Cd?+?vitamin E, and Cd?+?plant extract treated groups in slashing Cd-induced toxicity. Present findings suggest that Ficus religiosa and sulforaphane are more powerful antioxidants as compared to vitamin E in reversing the oxidative stress and can have a protective role against Cd induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Part of the mechanism involved in this protective role seems to be associated with the antioxidant properties of these agents in reducing reproductive damage.     

Ethnic differences in the cardiac responses to aerobic exercise

Background: Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects North American Indigenous populations. Ethnic differences in cardiac responses to exercise are known, though Indigenous populations response is unknown. To evaluate cardiac responses to aerobic exercise among Canadian Indigenous and European adults.

Methods: Indigenous (N?=?12, 4 females, 1 male incomplete) and European (N?=?12, all completed) Canadian age and sex-matched adults 19–40 years and free of cardiovascular disease or diabetes completed a cycle ergometer maximal aerobic power test and 30?min at 60% maximal aerobic capacity on two separate days. Echocardiographic assessments preceded and immediately followed exercise.

Results: Responses to maximal exercise were similar among ethnicities including decreases in stroke volume index, cardiac output index and ejection fraction, and increases in arterial-ventricular coupling. However, following submaximal exercise, only Indigenous adults demonstrated reductions in end systolic volume, end diastolic volume (154.8?±?40.6?mL to 136.5?±?33.0?mL, p?=?0.01, vs. 149.4?±?22.4?mL to 147.1?±?27.0?mL; p?=?0.81), stroke volume index (44.9?±?8.7?mL?m^?2 to 38.0?±?6.5?mL?m^?2, p?=?0.002, vs. 46.4?±?7.1?mL?m^?2 to 44.0?±?6.5?mL?m^?2; p?=?0.28) and arterial compliance.

Conclusion: Indigenous and European adults demonstrated similar cardiac responses to maximal exercise, though only Indigenous adults demonstrated cardiac responses to submaximal exercise.     

The association between dietary glycemic index,glycemic load and diet quality indices in Iranian adults: results from Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

To assess the association between dietary glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL) and dietary quality indices in Iranian adults. This cross section was conducted among 1571 Iranian adults aged ≥19 years. GI, GL and diet quality indices were estimated by 24-h recall and DDS was calculated using a validated 48-item food frequency questionnaire. Participants who were in the top tertile of GI had lower healthy eating index (HEI) (57.2?±?7.8 versus 55.6?±?8.7; p?p?2. Individuals in the lowest tertile of GL had lower HEI, MAR and NARs for Zn, vitamin B₂, B₃, B₆, B₁₂, vitamin D. Both GI and GL were positively related to dietary diversity score (DED) (p?相似文献   

A Pilot Study of Amino Acids in Unresectable Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy: A Randomized Serial N-of-1 Trials Design

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of amino acids (AAs) on immune function and inflammation level in patients with NSCLC receiving chemotherapy. We conducted a series of randomized, multiple-crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled N-of-1 trials comparing AAs with isocaloric glucose in unresectable NSCLC patients and combined the individual results using Bayesian statistical modeling. 25 patients completed two cycles of chemotherapy. The baseline total blood albumin (ALB) level in all patients was 28?±?3.3?g/l, and the mean total ALB level in patients receiving AAs supplementation and isocaloric glucose was 29.2?±?2.2 and 28.1?±?3.7?g/l, respectively (P?=?0.028). Patients’ baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 4?±?1.2?mg/l, the mean total CRP level in patients receiving AAs supplementation and isocaloric glucose was 11?±?2.8 and 13?±?3.2?mg/l, respectively (P?=?0.028). The baseline total blood CD4⁺ T cells level was 36?±?7.8%. The percentage of CD4⁺ T cells in patients receiving AAs supplementation and isocaloric glucose was 42?±?6.4 and 33.7?±?17.3, respectively (P?=?0.034). Our preliminary results indicated that AAs improve immune status and suppress inflammation in unresectable NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy.     

Using text messages to promote health in African-Americans: #HeartHealthyandCancerFree*

Objectives: African-Americans are vulnerable to both cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to intricately connected risk factors. Use of text messages is an innovative method to provide health information to reduce these risks. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention to reduce CVD and cancer risk factors in African-Americans.

Design: We developed an intervention using text messages culturally tailored for African-Americans over age 50 who were at risk (one or more modifiable risk factors) for CVD and/or cancer. Sociodemographic data, biologic measures, cancer screening practices, and general health status were assessed. Group interviews were conducted to assess feasibility and acceptability.

Results: Participants were primarily female (69%), aged 58?±?5 years, who were married (59%) and worked full time (56%). In terms of feasibility and acceptability, themes of encouragement through text messages received and a desire for a longer study period emerged from group interviews with participants. Participants experienced significant decreases in waist circumference (41?±?5 vs 40?±?5, p?=?.002), systolic blood pressure (147?±?25?mmHg vs 138?±?20?mmHg, p?=?.009), diastolic blood pressure (87?±?16?mmHg vs 82?±?10?mmHg, p?=?.02), total cholesterol (194?±?35?mg/dL vs 173?±?32?mg/dL, p?p?=?.015). Five participants had colorectal cancer screening, two had prostate cancer screening, and four had mammograms.

Conclusions: Use of text messages was widely accepted among participants. Significant CVD risk reductions and increased cancer screenings were noted. Future studies should incorporate innovative strategies such as text messaging in promoting health in vulnerable populations.     

Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on plasma glucose level,HbA1c and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Zingiber officinale on some biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetic (DM2) patients. In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial, 64 patients with DM2 were assigned to ginger or placebo groups (receiving 2?g/d of each). A 3?d diet record, anthropometric measurements and concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FPG), HbA1c, lipid profile (including total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein) and also the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were determined before and after 2 months of intervention. Ginger supplementation significantly lowered the levels of insulin (11.0?±?2.3 versus 12.1?±?3.3; p?=?0.001), LDL-C (67.8?±?27.2 versus 89.2?±?24.9; p?=?0.04), TG (127.7?±?43.7 versus 128.2?±?37.7; p?=?0.03) and the HOMA index (3.9?±?1.09 versus 4.5?±?1.8; p?=?0.002) and increased the QUICKI index (0.313?±?0.012 versus 0.308?±?0.012; p?=?0.005) in comparison to the control group; while, there were no significant changes in FPG, TC, HDL-C and HbA1c (p?>?0.05). In summary, ginger supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and some fractions of lipid profile in DM2 patients. Therefore it may be considered as a useful remedy to reduce the secondary complications of DM2.     

Hydration Status over 24-H Is Not Affected by Ingested Beverage Composition

Objective: To investigate the 24-h hydration status of healthy, free-living, adult males when given various combinations of different beverage types.

Methods: Thirty-four healthy adult males participated in a randomized, repeated-measures design in which they consumed: water only (treatment A), water+cola (treatment B), water+diet cola (treatment C), or water+cola+diet cola+orange juice (treatment D) over a sedentary 24-h period across four weeks of testing. Volumes of fluid were split evenly between beverages within each treatment, and when accounting for food moisture content and metabolic water production, total fluid intake from all sources was equal to 35 ± 1 ml/kg body mass. Urine was collected over the 24-h intervention period and analyzed for osmolality (U_osm), volume (U_vol) and specific gravity (USG). Serum osmolality (S_osm) and total body water (TBW) via bioelectrical impedance were measured after the 24-h intervention.

Results: 24-h hydration status was not different between treatments A, B, C, and D when assessed via U_osm (590 ± 179; 616 ± 242; 559 ± 196; 633 ± 222 mOsm/kg, respectively) and U_vol (1549 ± 594; 1443 ± 576; 1690 ± 668; 1440 ± 566 ml) (all p > 0.05). A -difference in 24-h USG was observed between treatments A vs. D (1.016 ± 0.005 vs. 1.018 ± 0.007; p = 0.049). There were no differences between treatments at the end of the 24-h with regard to S_osm (291 ± 4; 293 ± 5; 292 ± 5; 293 ± 5 mOsm/kg, respectively) and TBW (43.9 ± 5.9; 43.8 ± 6.0; 43.7 ± 6.1; 43.8 ± 6.0 kg) (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Regardless of the beverage combination consumed, there were no differences in providing adequate hydration over a 24-h period in free-living, healthy adult males. This confirms that beverages of varying composition are equally effective in hydrating the body.     

Coffee does not modify postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses induced by carbohydrates

Background

Strong epidemiological evidence suggests that coffee consumption is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. In postprandial studies, however, caffeine consumption has been associated with impaired glucose regulation.

Aim of the study

To study the acute effects of coffee and caffeine-containing soft drinks on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses.

Design

Twelve healthy volunteers were served each test food once and the reference glucose solution twice, containing 50?g of available carbohydrates, after an overnight fast at 1-week intervals in a random order. Capillary blood samples were drawn at 15–30?min intervals for 2?h after each study meal. The incremental areas under the curve (IAUC), glycaemic index (GI) and insulinaemic index (II), were calculated to estimate the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses.

Results

Glucose and insulin responses of coffees with glucose containing 150 or 300?mg of caffeine did not differ from responses of pure glucose solution; the GIs were 104 and 103, and the IIs were 89 and 92, respectively. When a bun or sucrose and milk were consumed together with coffee, lower GI values and insulin responses were observed, reflecting the carbohydrate quality and protein content of the accompaniments. Sucrose-sweetened cola produced a high GI value of 90 and an II of 61.

Conclusions

Coffee does not modify glycaemic and insulinaemic responses when ingested with a carbohydrate source. Therefore, there is no need to avoid coffee as a choice of beverage in GI testing.     

Glycaemic index of three Indian rice varieties

Three commonly consumed Indian rice varieties (Sona Masuri, Ponni and Surti Kolam) were tested for their glycaemic index (GI). Healthy volunteers were recruited and after an overnight fast were given a 50 g available carbohydrate portion of glucose (reference food) or different varieties of cooked rice (test foods) on separate occasions. The fasting as well as postprandial capillary blood glucose response was determined over 2 h, and the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) was calculated. The GI was calculated as the IAUC of the test food/IAUC of the reference food (glucose) × 100. The differences between the GI values for Sona Masuri (72.0 ± 4.5), Ponni (70.2 ± 3.6) and Surti Kolam (77.0 ± 4.0) rice varieties were non-significant (p = 0.606) and are all classified as high GI varieties of rice. There is an urgent need to study the GI of other commonly consumed rice varieties and to develop rice of a lower GI value.     

Alpha-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibiting activities of polyphenol-rich extracts from six common bean cultivars of Southern Italy,before and after cooking

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a good source of nutrients and phenolic compounds with versatile health benefits. Polyphenol-rich extracts of six ecotypes of P. vulgaris were analysed to determine their phenolic profiles and assayed in vitro for inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes relevant to carbohydrates and lipids metabolism. The extracts inhibited enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner. IC 50 values ranged from 69?±?1.9 to 126?±?3.2?μg/mL and from 107.01?±?4.5 to 184.20?±?5.7?μg/mL, before and after cooking, for α-amylase, from 39.3?±?4.4 to 74.13?±?6.9?μg/mL and from 51?±?7.7 to 122.1?±?5.2?μg/mL for α-glucosidase and from 63.11?±?7.5 to 103.2?±?5.9?μg/mL and from 92.0?±?6.3 to 128.5?±?7.4?μg/mL for lipase. Results suggest encouraging their consumption, being natural sources of enzyme inhibitors important for type-2 diabetes and obesity prevention/control. Well-monitored in vivo studies would help to establish their beneficial effects, making them worthwhile of further consideration as functional foods.     

Glycemic index of selected carbohydrate-based foods consumed in Qatar

This study determined the glycemic index (GI) of selected carbohydrate-rich foods consumed in Qatar. Recruited volunteers (n = 19) consumed two reference foods, glucose and white bread, and 10 test foods. The foods tested for their GI were Fatayer (cheese, Zaatar, spinach), Tanour white bread, white basmati rice, Shearia, Muhalabea, Sago Awama and Qurs Aquili. Results of the study indicated that all of the foods tested had high GIs (>?70). Shearia had the highest GI (84.0 ± 1.85) using the glucose scale, and Fatayer Spinach had the lowest GI (77.6 ± 2.00). There was no significant correlation between the GI of all test foods, using glucose or white bread as standard foods, and the age or the body mass index of the volunteers (P >?0.05). The study provides data on the GIs of carbohydrate-based foods consumed in Qatar and other Arabian Gulf countries that have not been reported before.     

Influence of dietary carbohydrates and glycaemic response on subjective appetite and food intake in healthy elderly persons

Increased satiety and decreased food intake are reported following the consumption of low glycaemic index (GI) foods, which gradually increase blood glucose. This observation, however, is not uniformly supported and few studies have examined the impact of different GI foods on satiety and intake in the elderly. After an overnight fast, 10 men and 10 women (aged 60-82 years) consumed similar amounts of available carbohydrate as high (glucose drink or potatoes) or low (barley) GI foods or a non-energy placebo drink on four mornings. Blood glucose and subjective appetite were measured throughout a 120 min post-ingestion period, followed by consumption of an ad libitum lunch. Differences in plasma glucose after test food ingestion (glucose > potatoes > barley > placebo; P < 0.03) did not predict subjective appetite or lunch intake. Potatoes increased subjective satiety the most, followed by barley, then glucose, which trended towards greater satiety than placebo. Potatoes led to less hunger than placebo (P = 0.0023) and less prospective consumption than the other three foods (P < 0.0083), and potatoes and barley led to greater fullness than glucose and placebo (P < 0.0001). Lunch intake was decreased, compared with placebo (502 ± 47 kcal, P < 0.031), by potatoes (405 ± 40 kcal) and barley (441 ± 41 kcal); however, only potatoes (41.9 ± 12.3%) led to greater compensation at lunch for test food ingestion compared with glucose (11.9 ± 9.5%, P = 0.016). These results suggest that elderly subjects are sensitive to the effects of different foods on subjective appetite and food intake, and that the GI of the foods tested did not predict their effects on satiety and food intake.     

Glycaemic index of four commercially available breads in Malaysia

This study was carried out to determine the blood glucose response and glycaemic index (GI) values of four types of commercially available breads in Malaysia. Twelve healthy volunteers (six men, six women; body mass index, 21.9±1.6 kg/m²; age, 22.9±1.7 years) participated in this study. The breads tested were multi-grains bread (M-Grains), wholemeal bread (WM), wholemeal bread with oatmeal (WM-Oat) and white bread (WB). The subjects were studied on seven different occasions (four tests for the tested breads and three repeated tests of the reference food) after an overnight fast. Capillary blood samples were taken immediately before (0 min) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after consumption of the test foods. The blood glucose response was obtained by calculating the incremental area under the curve. The GI values were determined according to the standardized methodology. Our results showed that the M-Grains and WM-Oat could be categorized as intermediate GI while the WM and WB breads were high GI foods, respectively. The GI of M-Grains (56±6.2) and WM-Oat (67±6.9) were significantly lower than the reference food (glucose; GI = 100) (P < 0.05). No significant difference in GI value was seen between the reference food and the GI of WM (85±5.9) and WB (82±6.5) (P > 0.05). Among the tested breads, the GI values of M-Grains and WM-Oat were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of WM and WB. There was no relationship between the dietary fibre content of the bread with the incremental area under the curve (r = 0.15, P = 0.15) or their GI values (r = 0.17, P = 0.12), indicating that the GI value of the test breads were unaffected by the fibre content of the breads. The result of this study will provide useful nutritional information for dieticians and the public alike who may prefer low-GI over high-GI foods.     

Associations of smoking with cardiometabolic profile and renal function in a Romanian population-based sample from the PREDATORR cross-sectional study

Background: The impact of smoking on morbidity is well known, but in Romania, limited data are available regarding the smoking prevalence and relationship with cardiometabolic profile and kidney function.

Objectives: To assess the association of smoking with cardiometabolic traits and kidney function, in a Romanian population-based sample from the PREDATORR study.

Methods: PREDATORR was an epidemiological cross-sectional study. Between 2012 and 2014, participants were randomly selected from the lists of general practitioners and enrolled if they were aged 20 to 79 years, born and living in the past 10 years in Romania. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires.

Results: Overall, 2704 participants were included in the analysis, 18% of them being current smokers and 30.8% former smokers. Current smokers compared to non-smokers had higher total cholesterol (220.6?±?50.4 versus 213.9?±?86.8?mg/dl, P?=?0.017), LDL-cholesterol (137.8?±?45.2 versus 130.7?±?83.7?mg/dl, P?=?0.004) and glomerular filtration rate (96.9?±?16.8 versus 90.7?±?19.1?ml/min/1.73?m², P?<0.001) in women and higher triglycerides (170.7?±?129.8 versus 144.3?±?94.2?mg/dl, P?=?0.007), glomerular filtration rate (97.6?±?17 versus 90.3?±?18?ml/min/1.73?m², P?P?=?0.002) in men. Active smoking was associated with hypercholesterolaemia [OR: 1.40 (95% CI: 1.01–1.96), P?=?0.04] and low HDL-cholesterolaemia [OR: 1.39 (95% CI: 1.01–1.91), P?=?0.04] and negatively associated with overweight/obesity [OR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.48–0.94), P?=?0.02]. Male former smokers had higher prevalence of abdominal obesity (82.4% versus 76.4%, P?=?0.02), hypertriglyceridaemia (43.6% versus 35.6%, P?=?0.01), hypertension (64% versus 56.4%, P?=?0.01) and ischaemic vascular disease (40.5% versus 30.9%, P?=?0.003) than male non-smokers.

Conclusion: The PREDATORR study showed a high prevalence of smoking in the adult Romanian population providing data on the association of smoking with cardiometabolic traits.     

The Impact of the Disease Trend on the Macro and Micro-Nutrients Intake in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Background: Disease-related malnutrition, as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, is very common in patients with gastric cancer (GC). Malnutrition in cancer patients was reported to have important adverse effects, including a decreased response and tolerance to treatment, a decrease of performance, shorter survival, and lower quality of life. The treatment approaches involving chemotherapy is known to develop various acute and chronic symptoms that restrict eating and, thereby, exert a profound impact on nutritional status.

Method: In this study, 82 patients with GC with an average age of 48.33?±?10.74 were enrolled. Patients were followed up for 6 months without any nutritional intervention and/or education. A 168 item semi-quantities food frequency questioner was completed by a trained nutritionist at the beginning of the study and six months after the start of chemotherapy.

Results: Intake of vitamin A (T₀:585.52?±?203.34 vs. T₆:529.48?±?138.91, t?=?2.96), Thiamin (T₀:2.09?±?0.76 vs. T₆:1.80?±?0.72, t?=?2.81), vitamin B6 (T₀:2.03?±?0.53 vs. T₆:2.29?±?0.73, t?=?2.56), and vitamin B12 (T₀:5.79?±?3.96 vs. T₆:4.48?±?2.20, t?=?2.43) significantly decreased after 6 months of receiving chemotherapy. On the other intake of beef (T0:17.79?±?25.48 vs. T6:12.58?±?16.66, t?=?2.06), low-fat milk (T0:52.57?±?69.80 vs. T6:29.18?±?45.89, t?=?2.95), cream (T0:2.42?±?4.16 vs. T6:1.06?±?1.68, t?=?2.88), and raw vegetable (T0:6.54?±?9.55 vs. T6:3.85?±?5.23, t?=?2.54) significantly decreased.

Conclusion: Nutritional deterioration is an important part of the pathogenesis of cancer and its treatment that can occur at any point in the timeline of cancer diagnosis, treatment or support. Therefore nutritional counseling and supportive services are needed for cancer patients, especially when their disease is diagnosed.