Dietary pattern of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus including date consumption

Aim

Assess the relationship between date palm fruit consumption and diabetic control among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Subjects and methods

Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes (n?=?404, aged 55.3?±?9.7 years) were included in this study. Height, weight and blood pressure were initially measured. Blood glucose levels (fasting and random), glycated hemoglobin HbA_1c, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides were retrieved from the patient’s medical records. The amount and frequency of habitual consumption of date fruits were obtained from patients using a validated dietary questionnaire.

Results

The results revealed that high consumption of date fruits was statistically significantly correlated with lower HbA_1c and fasting blood glucose (p?<?0.01).

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study found an association between high date fruit consumption by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and lower HbA_1c and fasting blood glucose levels. Further studies are required to verify this interesting finding

     

Honey ameliorates influence of hemorrhage and food restriction on renal and hepatic functions,and hematological and biochemical variables

The objectives were to assess the effects of various diets, including total food restriction with 50% honey feeding, total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding or adlibitum (control group) commercial regular diet, on the hematology and biochemical variables, and to assess the effects of the various diets on the influence of acute blood loss on the same parameters. Thirty Sprague–Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups, 10 rats each: group A, fed a commercial regular diet; group B, total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding; and group C, total food restriction with 50% honey feeding. After 8 days of feeding, rats were subjected to acute blood loss (6 ml/kg) and blood investigations were performed. After acute blood loss, the same feedings were continued for a further 8 days and the blood tests were repeated at day 8 post-bleeding. Total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding compared with commercial regular diet reduces hematological and biochemical variables. Total food restriction with 50% honey feeding compared with total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding causes a greater reduction in fasting blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triacylglycerol. Acute blood loss causes elevation of white blood cells, lymphocyte percentage, fasting blood sugar, blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase and triacylglycerol, and a reduction in serum albumen, protein, cholesterol, AST, serum creatinine and hemoglobin; the results are significant (P<0.05) concerning fasting blood glucose, AST, alkaline phosphatase, serum albumin and protein. A significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, white blood cells, BUN, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and triacylglycerol, and a significant elevation of hemoglobin and serum albumin are obtained after acute blood loss in rats on total food restriction with 50% honey feeding as compared with the other two groups. Total food restriction with 50% honey feeding increases serum albumin, serum protein, fasting blood glucose, and causes lower reduction in hemoglobin as compared with the other groups. Conclusively, honey feeding during total food restriction significantly modifies and ameliorates biochemical and hematological changes observed after acute blood loss. This will pave the way to use honey as part of bleeding management and during a food restriction regimen.     

Dietary Milled Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil Improve N-3 Fatty Acid Status and Do Not Affect Glycemic Control in Individuals with Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To determine the effects of dietary consumption of milled flaxseed or flaxseed oil on glycemic control, n-3 fatty acid status, anthropometrics, and adipokines in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Design: Thirty-four participants were randomized into a parallel, controlled trial.

Subjects: The participants were adults with type 2 diabetes (age 52.4 ± 1.5 years, body mass index 32.4 ± 1.0 kg/m², n = 17 men and 17 women).

Interventions: Participants consumed a selection of bakery products containing no flax (control group [CTL], n = 9), milled flaxseed (FXS, n = 13; 32 g/d), or flaxseed oil (FXO, n = 12; 13 g/d) daily for 12 weeks. The FXS and FXO groups received equivalent amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 7.4 g/day).

Measures of Outcome: The primary outcome measures were fasting plasma hemoglobin A_1c, glucose, insulin, and phospholipid fatty acid composition. The secondary outcome measures were fasting circulating leptin and adiponectin, as well as body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference. Dietary intake assessment and calculations for homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and quantified insulin sensitivity check were also completed.

Results: The FXS and FXO groups had increases in plasma phospholipid n-3 fatty acids (ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], or decosapentaenoic acid [DPA], but not docosahexaenoic acid), and the FXO group had more EPA and DPA in plasma phospholipids compared to the FXS group. All groups had similar caloric intakes; however, the CTL group experienced a 4% weight gain compared to baseline (p < 0.05), while both flax groups had constant body weights during the study period. All other parameters, including glycemic control, were unchanged by dietary treatment.

Conclusions: Milled FXS and FXO intake does not affect glycemic control in adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. Possible prevention of weight gain by flax consumption warrants further investigation.     

Probiotic yogurt improves antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients

ObjectiveOxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes. Among various functional foods with an antioxidant effect, probiotic foods have been reported to repress oxidative stress. The objective of this clinical trial was to assess the effects of probiotic and conventional yogurt on blood glucose and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsSixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 30 to 60 y old, were assigned to two groups in this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. The patients in the intervention group consumed 300 g/d of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and those in the control group consumed 300 g/d of conventional yogurt for 6 wk. Fasting blood samples, 24-h dietary recalls, and anthropometric measurements were collected at the baseline and at the end of the trial.ResultsProbiotic yogurt significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P < 0.01) and hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.05) and increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant status (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. In addition, the serum malondialdehyde concentration significantly decreased compared with the baseline value in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant changes from baseline were shown in insulin concentration and erythrocyte catalase activity within either group (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe consumption of probiotic yogurt improved fasting blood glucose and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients. These results suggest that probiotic yogurt is a promising agent for diabetes management.     

Effect of Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetic patients

The present study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. fruit in normal and diabetic human volunteers. The results indicated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in fasting and 2-h post-prandial blood glucose levels on the 21st day in both normal and diabetic subjects receiving 1, 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder per day as compared with their baseline values. Significant (P < 0.05) decreases were also observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides in both normal and diabetic volunteers on day 21 that were given either 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder per day. However, diabetic volunteers receiving only 3 g E. officinalis powder exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in total lipids on day 21. Both normal and diabetic volunteers receiving 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder significantly (P < 0.05) improved high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lowered low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels.     

The effect of education and mobile health management on improvement of blood glucose with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of education and mobile health management on improvement of blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Subjects and methods

A total of 209 patients (91 women, 118 men) with type 2 diabetes mellitus using both basal insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents participated in the study from August to December 2015. They were followed up at week 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16, respectively. During follow-up, patients received education from professional diabetes educator nurses. Meanwhile, patients needed to upload their fasting plasma glucose levels three times or more and their postprandial plasma glucose level on a panel computer. The program duration was 16 weeks.

Results

Compared with baseline, fasting plasma glucose (9.7 mmol/l vs. 6.8 mmol/l, P?<?0.001) and postprandial plasma glucose (10.4 mmol/l vs. 9.5 mmol/l, P?<?0.001) levels had decreased significantly at week 16. The number of patients with hemoglobin A1c < 7% increased significantly from 33 at baseline to 115 at week 16 (P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that education and the mobile health management can effectively improve blood glucose levels of patients with postprandial plasma glucose.

     

Honey ameliorates influence of hemorrhage and food restriction on renal and hepatic functions, and hematological and biochemical variables

The objectives were to assess the effects of various diets, including total food restriction with 50% honey feeding, total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding or adlibitum (control group) commercial regular diet, on the hematology and biochemical variables, and to assess the effects of the various diets on the influence of acute blood loss on the same parameters. Thirty Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups, 10 rats each: group A, fed a commercial regular diet; group B, total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding; and group C, total food restriction with 50% honey feeding. After 8 days of feeding, rats were subjected to acute blood loss (6 ml/kg) and blood investigations were performed. After acute blood loss, the same feedings were continued for a further 8 days and the blood tests were repeated at day 8 post-bleeding. Total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding compared with commercial regular diet reduces hematological and biochemical variables. Total food restriction with 50% honey feeding compared with total food restriction with 50% dextrose feeding causes a greater reduction in fasting blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triacylglycerol. Acute blood loss causes elevation of white blood cells, lymphocyte percentage, fasting blood sugar, blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase and triacylglycerol, and a reduction in serum albumen, protein, cholesterol, AST, serum creatinine and hemoglobin; the results are significant (P<0.05) concerning fasting blood glucose, AST, alkaline phosphatase, serum albumin and protein. A significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, white blood cells, BUN, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and triacylglycerol, and a significant elevation of hemoglobin and serum albumin are obtained after acute blood loss in rats on total food restriction with 50% honey feeding as compared with the other two groups. Total food restriction with 50% honey feeding increases serum albumin, serum protein, fasting blood glucose, and causes lower reduction in hemoglobin as compared with the other groups. Conclusively, honey feeding during total food restriction significantly modifies and ameliorates biochemical and hematological changes observed after acute blood loss. This will pave the way to use honey as part of bleeding management and during a food restriction regimen.     

Effects of soy isoflavone supplementation on plasma glucose,lipids, and antioxidant enzyme activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study was designed to examine the effects of feeding diets containing different levels of isoflavone on plasma glucose, insulin concentrations, and lipid profiles as well as tissue antioxidant enzyme activities in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in the rats with streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were further assigned to 1 control group and 3 experimental groups (ISO-1, ISO-2, and ISO-8). The control group received a casein-based diet without isoflavone, whereas the ISO-1, ISO-2, and ISO-8 groups received a similar diet but supplemented with 1, 2 and 8 times of isoflavone equivalent of normal human consumption as suggested by the manufacturer. All diets were adjusted to contain identical nutrients and were maintained for 24 days. Fasted and non-fasted blood was drawn after feeding for 21 and 24 days, respectively, and blood chemistry was analyzed. The liver, lung, and kidney were excised after sacrifice, and antioxdiant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation products were measured. The results demonstrate that there were no differences in plasma glucose or insulin levels among groups, irregardless of whether rats had fasted or not. However, hemoglobin A_1c tended to be lower in the ISO-2 group than in the control and the ISO-1 groups. Plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were significantly lower in the ISO-8 group than in the other groups. No differences in plasma triglyceride or high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were observed among groups in the non-fasting state. There were no significant differences in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and malondialdehyde concentrations in liver, lung, and kidney homogenates among groups. These results suggest that 3 doses of isoflavone supplementation had no favorable effect on plasma glucose or insulin concentrations, nor had any influence on attenuating oxidative stress in diabetic rats. However, the ISO-2 group tended to have better chronic glycemic control than did the control and the ISO-1 group. In addition, a larger amount of isoflavone supplementation had beneficial effects on reducing plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels.     

Relationship between serum ferritin and inflammatory biomarkers with insulin resistance in a Persian population with type 2 diabetes and healthy people

Abstract

Background The correlation between body iron stores and inflammation with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes is not thoroughly investigated, especially in the Persian population.

Methods A cross-sectional study was designed in Tehran, Iran. Fifty-four people with type 2 diabetes and 53 matched healthy participants were included. Serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured in both groups.

Results Diabetic patients had higher insulin resistance, hemoglobin A₁C and serum ferritin. Significant positive correlations were observed between insulin resistance with serum ferritin and tumor necrosis factor-α and between serum ferritin and tumor necrosis factor-α in diabetic patients.

Conclusions Inter-relationship between insulin resistance, serum ferritin and TNF-α was found in type 2 diabetic patients. Serum iron even in the normal range had positive correlation with insulin resistance. It may be because the normal ranges determined for serum ferritin are too wide and the criteria for iron overload are too high.     

中国成年人血糖水平现状及其与体质指数和腰围的关系

目的 描述我国成年人血糖水平现状,探讨BMI、腰围与血糖水平的关系。方法 数据源于2018年中国慢性病及危险因素监测,采用多阶段分层整群随机抽样方法在全国31个省（自治区、直辖市）的298个监测区（县）选取≥18岁常住居民,以面对面问卷调查、身体测量和实验室检查方法收集人口学基本信息、慢性病危险因素信息、BMI、腰围和血糖水平等。对数据进行复杂加权后,分组描述不同特征人群的血糖水平,并利用多重线性回归分析不同特征人群的BMI及腰围与FPG及糖化血红蛋白的关系。结果 共纳入177 816名研究对象,我国成年人FPG和糖化血红蛋白分别为（5.73±1.46）mmol/L、（5.37±0.83）%,其中,均以≥60岁年龄组最高,男性均高于女性（P<0.001）,城市的平均糖化血红蛋白略高于农村（P<0.001）;平均FPG和平均糖化血红蛋白均随BMI和腰围的增长而增高（P<0.001）。多重线性回归校正混杂因素后,BMI每增加1 kg/m²,未诊断为糖尿病、新诊断为糖尿病和自报已诊断为糖尿病的FPG分别增加0.019 mmol/L（P<0.001）、0.021 mmol/L（P=0.163）和0.028 mmol/L（P=0.088）;糖化血红蛋白分别增加0.015%、0.050%和0.033%（均P<0.001）。腰围每增加1 cm,亚人群的FPG分别增加0.008 mmol/L（P<0.001）、0.014 mmol/L（P=0.004）、0.023 mmol/L（P<0.001）;糖化血红蛋白分别增加0.006%、0.019%、0.019%（均P<0.001）。腰围的标准化β值均高于BMI。结论 未被诊断为糖尿病且BMI或腰围高于正常值的成年人是重点防控人群。腰围预测血糖水平的能力高于BMI,应加大举措提高腰围知晓率,有助于实现各人群维持血糖正常。     

血脂水平对血压正常高值人群脉搏波传导速度的影响

目的 探讨血脂和脂蛋白比值对血压正常高值人群脉搏波传导速度的影响.方法 选择11 611名血压正常的健康体检者,分为正常血压值组(血压＜ 120/80 mmHg)和血压正常高值组(血压为120 ～ 139/80 ～ 89 mmHg).应用全自动动脉硬化仪测定人选者肱踝脉搏波传导速度(baPWV),同时测量身高、体重、FPG、TC、TG、HDL-C、LDL-C等指标,并计算HDL-C和TC/HDL-C比值、LDL-C/HDL-C比值.分析血脂和脂蛋白比值异常情况对不同血压组脉搏波传导速度的影响.结果 血压正常高值组的baPWV异常率均高于血压正常组.血压正常组中除HDL-C外,TC、TG、LDL-C、TC/HDL-C、LDL-C/HDL-C的升高均使baPWV的异常率显著增加(P＜0.001).血压正常高值组中,TC和LDL-C的升高使baPWV的异常率显著增加(P＜0.001).多元logistic回归分析显示,除年龄、BMI、FPG外,TC/HDL-C异常是血压正常组动脉僵硬度增高的独立危险因子(OR=1.732),TG异常是血压正常高值组的独立危险因素(OR=1.301).结论 在正常血压不同水平下,血脂和脂蛋白比值的异常是动脉僵硬度增高的独立危险因素.     

Biophysiologic outcomes of the Enhancing Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes (ENHANCE) trial

BackgroundBehavioral research to improve lifestyle in broadly defined populations of patients with type 2 diabetes is limited.ObjectiveWe evaluated a behavioral intervention featuring technology-based self-monitoring on biophysiologic outcomes of glycemic control and markers of cardiovascular risk.DesignIn this single-site, randomized clinical trial, participants were stratified by good and poor glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin <8% or ≥8%) and absence or presence of kidney disease, (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 or <60 mL/min) and randomized within strata. Measurements were obtained at 0, 3, and 6 months.Participants/settingSelf-referred, community-dwelling adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.InterventionThe intervention group received Social Cognitive Theory-based counseling paired with technology-based self-monitoring, and results were compared with an attention control group.Main outcome measuresGlycated hemoglobin, fasting serum glucose, lipid levels, blood pressure, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were evaluated.Statistical analyses performedMean differences within and between randomization groups were compared over time. Intervention effects over time were estimated using random intercept models.ResultsTwo hundred ninety-six subjects were randomized, 256 (86.5%) completed 3-month and 246 (83.1%) completed 6-month assessments. Glycated hemoglobin was reduced in the intervention group by 0.5% at 3 months and 0.6% at 6 months (P<0.001 for each), and the control group by 0.3% (P<0.001) at 3 months and 0.2% (P<0.05) at 6 months; but between-group differences were not significant. In those with baseline glycated hemoglobin ≥8% and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min, glycated hemoglobin was reduced in the intervention group by 1.5% at 3 months and 1.8% at 6 months (P<0.001 for each), and the control group by 0.9% (P<0.001) at 3 months and 0.8% (P<0.05) at 6 months; but between-group differences were not significant. In random intercept models, the estimated reduction in glycated hemoglobin of 0.29% was not significant.ConclusionsTwo behavioral approaches to improving general lifestyle management in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were effective in improving glycemic control, but no significant between-group differences were observed.     

Effects of an Iron or Iron and Vitamin D–Fortified Flavored Skim Milk on Iron Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Trial in Iron-Deficient Women

Objectives: Iron deficiency anemia and vitamin D deficiency are considered global pandemics. The aim of this study was to determine whether the consumption of a dairy product fortified with iron and vitamin D, compared to the equivalent with only added iron, exerts an additional effect on iron metabolism in iron-deficient menstruating women.

Methods: The design was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial of 16 weeks’ duration. Subjects were randomized into 2 groups that consumed, as part of their usual diet, 500 mL/day of an iron (n = 54) or iron- and vitamin D–fortified (n = 55) flavored skim milk. At baseline and monthly, dietary intake, body weight, and hematological and iron metabolism biomarkers were determined. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was analyzed at baseline and weeks 8 and 16. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) of repeated measures for time and Time×Group interaction effects.

Results: A total of 109 volunteers completed the study. Calcium and iron intakes increased during the intervention (p < 0.001 for both groups). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D significantly increased in Fe + D group during the assay (p < 0.001) and at week 16 it was higher compared to the Fe group (p < 0.05). Serum ferritin, serum transferrin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red blood cell distribution width showed significant time effects but no Time×Group interaction. Higher values of erythrocytes (p = 0.01), hematocrit (p = 0.05), and hemoglobin (p = 0.03) at week 8 were observed in the Fe + D group compared to the Fe group.

Conclusion: Iron-fortified flavored skim milk does not improve iron status in iron-deficient menstruating women. However, vitamin D fortification slightly enhances erythropoiesis and iron status.     

Consumption of green tea alters glial fibriliary acidic protein immunoreactivity in the spinal cord astrocytes of STZ-diabetic rats

Abstract

We examined the effect of green tea consumption on glial fibriliary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in spinal cord of streptozotocin (STZ) treated rats. Three groups (n = 10) were used in this study: (i) controls; (ii) STZ-induced diabetic rats given tap water; and (iii) an STZ-induced diabetic group given green tea. Immunohistochemistry showed a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the number of GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes in spinal cord sections of diabetic rats compared to non-diabetic controls. Diabetic rats treated with green tea showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the number GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in all the spinal cord gray areas as compared to water-drinking diabetic rats. Immunoblotting confirmed that the diabetic spinal cord tissue expressed 71.0 ± 7.0% less GFAP compared to non-diabetic controls and that the GFAP content in diabetic rats increased up to 86.34 ± 18.74% compared to non-diabetic controls after 12 weeks of green tea consumption. In conclusion, consumption of green tea may represent an achievable adjunct therapy for improving changes seen in diabetic spinal cord.     

5-aminolevulinic acid,a precursor of heme,reduces both fasting and postprandial glucose levels in mildly hyperglycemic subjects

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid phosphate (ALA-P) and iron on the glycemic index in mildly hyperglycemic adults.MethodsThis double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial comprised 212 subjects (ages 35–70 y, fasting plasma glucose 105–125 mg/dL or hemoglobin (Hb)A_1c 6.1%–7.1%). These participants were randomly assigned to four groups receiving either one of three doses of ALA-P and iron as sodium ferrous citrate (5 mg and 0.6 mg, 5 mg and 1.8 mg, or 15 mg and 1.8 mg, respectively) or a placebo, administered orally once a day over a 12-wk period.ResultsFifteen mg ALA-P plus 1.8 mg iron decreased the fasting plasma glucose level (2.32 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–4.42, P = 0.029), serum glycoalbumin (0.22%, 95% CI, 0.02–0.42; P = 0.031), and 2h-oral glucose tolerance test levels (14.2 mg/dL, 95% CI, 1.8–26.6; P = 0.025) more than the placebo. However, the levels of HbA_1c, fasting insulin, serum 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol, and Homeostasis Model of Assessment-Insulin Resistance showed no appreciable changes. The participant numbers with impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose decreased in the highest dosage group of ALA-P plus iron compared with the placebo group.ConclusionAn oral intake of ALA would be a novel approach to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Zinc Concentrations in Term Infants during the First Month of Life

Objective: We analyzed the influence of IUGR on the concentrations of plasma (Znpl) and erythrocyte (Zne) zinc and on the ratios of Zne to Znpl (Zne:Znpl) and Zne to hemoglobin (Zne:Hb) in term infants during the first month of life.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary Care Neonatal Unit.

Subjects: Exclusively breastfed term newborns (n = 84) were divided into 3 groups: group I, without IUGR (n = 41), group II, with mild to moderate IUGR (n = 12), and group III, with severe IUGR (n = 31). IUGR was defined as birth weight under the 5th percentile of the Alexander et al curve and as a Kramer Index (KI; ratio of birth weight to estimated weight for each gestational age) <0.85. Severe IUGR was defined as a KI <0.75. Znpl, Zne, and Hb were measured at birth, 3 days, and 1 month of life.

Results: Znpl tended to decrease (P = 0.073), Zne and Zne:Znpl increased (P < 0.001), and Hb decreased (P < 0.001) during the first month of life. There was not Znpl, Zne and Zne:Znpl time by group interaction. Zne:Hb increased (P < 0.001) during the first month of life and was lower in Group II at 1 month of age. Differences between Groups I and II (P = 0.017); and Groups II and III at 1 month of age (P = 0.011) were detected.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that IUGR did not have association with erythrocyte zinc and Zne:Hb ratio at birth. However, neonatal nutrition could have influenced zinc incorporation during this period, through Zne increase.     

Octreotide promotes weight loss via suppression of intestinal MTP and apoB48 expression in diet-induced obesity rats

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to investigate the effect of octreotide on the expression of intestinal fat absorption-associated apolipoproteinB48 (apoB48), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and apolipoproteinAIV (apoAIV) in a high-fat diet-induced obesity rat model.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were placed into a control or high-fat diet group. Obese rats from the high-fat diet group were further divided into an obese group and an octreotide-treated group. Rats in the octreotide-treated group were subcutaneously injected with octreotide (40 μg/kg body weight) twice daily for 8 d. Body weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. Intestinal MTP, apoB48, and apoAIV expression levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis.ResultsWe found high-fat diet-induced obesity rats express more apoB, MTP, and apoAIV mRNA as well as apoB48 and MTP protein in the intestine than normal chow-fed rats. This observation occurred along with increased body weight, FPG, TG, TC, fasting serum insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment value. Octreotide intervention significantly decreased body weight and blood parameters, and down-regulated expression of apoB mRNA and apoB48 protein, as well as MTP mRNA and proteins. However, apoAIV mRNA was not significantly different between obese and octreotide-treated rats although it was decreased by 47%.ConclusionHigh-fat diet-induced obesity is associated with increased expression of apoB48, MTP, and apoAIV in the intestine. Octreotide intervention inhibited the overexpression of apoB48 and MTP, and consequently brought about reduced fat absorption and weight loss.     

三种干预方法在急性淋巴细胞白血病大剂量甲氨蝶呤化疗性口腔黏膜炎中的应用及临床经济学评价

目的 探讨蜂蜜、低温氧气雾化及常规漱口水对急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)患者化疗性口腔黏膜炎(CIOM)的临床效果和成本效益。方法 选取2023年2—5月宁夏银川市某三甲医院血液内科住院治疗且符合纳入排除标准的129例ALL患者,随机分为蜂蜜组、低温氧气雾化组和常规漱口水组,每组43例。化学治疗期间,蜂蜜组用蜂蜜涂抹于口腔黏膜表面;低温氧气雾化组以粒细胞刺激因子为雾化液,经低温氧气雾化吸入;常规漱口水组用医嘱漱口水漱口。结果 蜂蜜组、低温氧气雾化组和常规漱口水组分别有7例(16.28%)、9例(20.93%)和20例(46.51%)患者发生CIOM,三组患者CIOM发生率及严重程度比较,差异具有统计学意义(H=11.598,P=0.003)。蜂蜜与低温氧气雾化对ALL患者CIOM的预防与治疗效果均优于常规漱口水(均P<0.05),但蜂蜜与低温氧气的预防与治疗效果比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。蜂蜜组的成本低于低温氧气雾化组及常规漱口水组(均P<0.05),低温氧气雾化组虽有一定治疗效果,但成本远高于蜂蜜组与常规漱口水组(均P<0.05)。结论 蜂蜜对ALL...     

Metabolic effects of aloe vera gel complex in obese prediabetes and early non-treated diabetic patients: Randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe metabolic effects of an aloe vera gel complex (Aloe QDM complex) on people with prediabetes or early diabetes mellitus (DM) are unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of Aloe QDM complex on body weight, body fat mass (BFM), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin, and Homeostasis Model of Assessment - Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in obese individuals with prediabetes or early DM who were not on diabetes medications.MethodsParticipants (n = 136) were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group and evaluated at baseline and at 4 and 8 wk.ResultsThe study lost six participants in the control group and eight in the intervention group. At 8 wk, body weight (P = 0.02) and BFM (P = 0.03) were significantly lower in the intervention group. At 4 wk, serum insulin level (P = 0.04) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.047) were lower in the intervention group; they also were lower at 8 wk but with borderline significance (P = 0.09; P = 0.08, respectively). At 8 wk, FBG tended to decrease in the intervention group (P = 0.02), but the between-group difference was not significant (P = 0.16).ConclusionIn obese individuals with prediabetes or early untreated DM, Aloe QDM complex reduced body weight, BFM, and insulin resistance.     

Protein Redistribution From Skeletal Muscle to Splanchnic Tissue on Fasting and Refeeding in Young and Older Healthy Individuals

BackgroundDuring aging, a shift of protein metabolism from muscle to splanchnic tissue contributes to increased muscle protein loss after a period of metabolic stress (eg, fasting).ObjectiveTo study the adaptation of protein metabolism in the whole body and tissue (ie, skeletal muscle and splanchnic area) to metabolic stress, such as short-term fasting and refeeding, in aged people.Design and participantsWe studied splanchnic and muscle protein metabolism after 38 hours of fasting and refeeding in 7 young (5 men/2 women, 24.4 ± 2.0 years) and 8 elderly individuals (6 men/2 women, 70.6 ± 3.1 years).MeasurementsWe used intravenous (IV) L-[¹³C₆]phenylalanine, IV L-[²H₃]leucine, and oral L-[¹³C₁]leucine to obtain (1) whole-body protein kinetics, (2) muscle and albumin fractional synthesis rate (FSR, %/d; ¹³C₆-Phe, and ¹³C₁-Leu), and (3) splanchnic extraction during fasting and refeeding (%, ²H₃- and ¹³C₁-Leu).ResultsWhole-body protein breakdown was activated during fasting in young and older individuals (P < .01 vs fasted state). Muscle FSR remained unchanged in both groups and not stimulated by refeeding in either group with either IV ¹³C Phe or oral ¹³C Leu, probably because of high plasma levels of essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Splanchnic extraction of leucine was 42% higher in the elderly individuals (P = .03 vs young) and was associated with an increased albumin synthesis rate in elderly individuals in the fed state (P < .05 vs young).ConclusionSplanchnic protein metabolism is modified by age, but this metabolic change is not associated with a lower synthesis rate of muscle protein, provided high plasma levels of essential EAAs are maintained. Our data also suggest that splanchnic protein synthesis is a metabolic priority during recovery after metabolic stress in healthy elderly persons and that it might be even more affected in polymedicated older individuals having chronic diseases.