Nutrition
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Lung infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with an exuberant inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and lung damage. Whey protein is a rich source of cysteine, and anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing peptides. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of whey are augmented by hyperbaric pressure treatment. In this study, we tested whether dietary supplementation with pressurized whey protein enhances the host ability to clear P. aeruginosa infection compared with native (i.e., unpressurized) whey. ⋯ Use of nutritionally derived substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as pressurized whey, aids in limiting airway bacterial infection, particularly, under conditions of ongoing oxidative stress.
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The berries of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), including an edible Kamchatka variety (var. kamtschatica Sevast.), are a potential but relatively unknown source of anthocyanins, which are thought to have favorable effects on diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine whether the dietary addition of a Kamchatka honeysuckle berry extract (KHBE, 327 mg anthocyanins/g) is able to limit the disorders related to these diseases induced by a high-fructose diet in rats. ⋯ An anthocyanin-rich Kamchatka honeysuckle berry extract supplemented to an unbalanced diet is able to ameliorate the disturbances in lipid and glucose metabolism that are the fundamental risk factors for CVD and diabetes. Moreover, the extract stimulates enzymatic activity within the gut that seems to be related to the metabolism of polyphenols.
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Editorial Comment
Food frequency questionnaires: Small associations and large errors.
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Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of structured triglyceride versus other lipid emulsions for parenteral nutrition.
Structured triglyceride (STG) is a new emulsion synthesized from long-chain fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids bound to the same glycerol backbone. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of STG for parenteral nutrition. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Chinese Biomedicine Database, with the last search done in May 2012. ⋯ STG significantly affected plasma triglycerides (WMD = -0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.29 to -0.01; P = 0.04), plasma glycerol (WMD = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.01-0.41; P = 0.04), free fatty acids (WMD = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.03-0.39; P = 0.02), nitrogen balance (SMD = 1.13; 95% CI, 0.26-1.99; P = 0.01), AST (WMD = -5.97; 95% CI, -7.17 to -4.76; P < 0.00001), and glucose (WMD = -0.18; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.06; P = 004), but not respiratory quotient, resting energy expenditure, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin, cholesterol, serum creatinine, or vital signs. STG is rapidly metabolized without harming the liver, and positively affects nitrogen balance. STG is at least as safe and effective for parenteral nutrition as other triglycerides.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Short-term folinic acid supplementation improves vascular reactivity in HIV-infected individuals: a randomized trial.
HIV-infected individuals present a cluster of conditions that activate or injure the vascular endothelium. The administration of folates may exert beneficial effects on endothelial function in different populations at risk for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 4 wk of folinic acid supplementation on forearm vascular responses during reactive hyperemia in HIV-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy. ⋯ Short-term folinic acid supplementation improved vascular reactivity in HIV-infected individuals enrolled in the studied. As folate supplementation is safe and relatively inexpensive, long-term clinical trials should be conducted.