Nutrition
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The beneficial influence of a vegetarian diet in reducing the risk for metabolic syndrome has been demonstrated. However, adiponectin production and secretion are scarcely studied in vegetarians, despite their important role in recovering metabolic homeostasis by reducing visceral obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a vegetarian diet on serum adiponectin levels and its association with the established biomarkers of insulin sensitivity and inflammation in healthy, non-obese individuals. ⋯ A vegetarian diet resulted in improved β-cell function. Favorable adiponectin and insulin sensitivity responses in women reveal a distinct effect of diet-to-metabolic homeostasis, indicating an interesting pattern of sexual dimorphism regarding the beneficial metabolic effect of a vegetarian diet.
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The aim of this study was to identify which anthropometric measurement (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], or waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]) is a better predictor of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in the Chilean population. ⋯ WHtR was a better predictor of hypertension and diabetes than BMI and WC in Chile. The definition of cutoff points specific for the Chilean population could be implemented in future screening programs aiming to identify high-risk individuals.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the quality of nutritional care among Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey. ⋯ The findings of this study indicated that significant differences exist in the prevalence, identification and treatment of malnutrition, and the fulfillment of structural quality indicators. Standards and guidelines need to be developed that can be used by all countries. The severity of the malnutrition situation in hospitals needs further attention in future management policies.
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Obese patients have an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which in turn predisposes to malnutrition. Obesity has been associated with improved survival in critically ill patients (obesity paradox), but this effect seems to disappear when adjusting for malnutrition. How obesity and malnutrition interplay to affect mortality in critically ill patients with AML has not been addressed and was the objective of this study. ⋯ Critically ill patients with AML have a high prevalence of malnutrition and obesity, which are sometimes associated. Malnutrition, but not obesity, was associated with hospital mortality.
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Uncontrolled ingestion of alcohol has dramatic consequences on the entire organism that are also associated with the oxidation process induced by alcohol and elevate radical oxygen species. Resveratrol, a nonflavonoid phenol, shows well-documented antioxidant properties. We investigated the potential antioxidant ability of this natural compound in a mouse model of alcohol addiction. ⋯ The consumption of resveratrol through metabolite formation may play a protective role by decreasing free radical formation and modulating the BDNF involved in hepatic disruption induced by chronic alcohol consumption. Further investigation into the mechanism underlying the protective effect could reinforce the potential use of resveratrol as a dietary supplement to prevent damage associated with chronic alcohol abuse.