Nutrition
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Liver cirrhosis is often accompanied by portal hypertension and malnutrition, two common complications that seriously affect treatment efficacy and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on body mass index (BMI) and metabolism in individuals with cirrhotic portal hypertension, and the risk factors that affect changes of BMI. ⋯ This study suggests that individuals with cirrhosis treated with TIPS may see improvement in overall clinical and physical status, as measured by increased weight and BMI. Our data also indicate that pre-TIPS blood ammonia is positively associated with post-TIPS BMI.
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People who are critically ill have high rates of endotoxemia that can significantly decrease bile flow and increase bile cytokines, the latter of which might worsen their condition. Bile acids are nutrient-signaling hormones that have a significant impact on gut barrier function and motility, and the gut is considered the origin of systemic inflammation. Therefore, healthy exogenous bile could be a promising gut nutrient for critical illness, so the biomedical role of bile in endotoxemia was investigated in this study. ⋯ Bile is a promising gut nutrient that inhibits gut bacterial translocation and promotes gut motility via an IL-6-related pathway in experimental endotoxemia.
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Although consumption of vegetable and 100% fruit juices are an acceptable alternative for vegetable and fruit intake, information about their actual effects on kidney function is sparse. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the consumption of vegetable and fruit juices and changes in kidney function in a Japanese population over a 5-y period. ⋯ This 5-y prospective study suggested an association between self-reported moderate consumption of vegetable juice and changes (possibly smaller decline) in kidney function in a relatively healthy Japanese population.
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Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have an increased risk for loss of skeletal muscle mass. Ultrasonography (US) is a safe and promising method to evaluate muscle mass. In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency and clinical associations of low muscle mass status in patients with SSc, investigate the correlations between muscle mass sonographically measured regional muscle thicknesses (MTs), and explore the utility of US in predicting low muscle mass. ⋯ Low muscle mass is prevalent in SSc and patients with diffuse disease are at particular risk for this condition. US measurement of abdominal and calf MTs may be used as a screening method to detect low muscle mass due to its high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
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Continuous postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with the onset of cardiovascular disease. In recent years, the mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes has been shown to be induced by an increase in blood glucose levels. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the expression of inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes in response to an increase in blood glucose from individuals who consumed two kinds of breakfast meals with different glycemic indexes (GIs). ⋯ The intake of a low-GI breakfast for 1 wk in healthy Japanese men resulted in lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, which were accompanied by a reduced expression of inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes.