Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 2571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inter-Individual Responses to a Blueberry Intervention across Multiple Endpoints

by Yueyue Wang, Crystal Haskell-Ramsay, Jose Lara Gallegos and John K. Lodge

Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060895 - 20 Mar 2024

Viewed by 851

Inter-individual variation exists in response to diet and in the endpoints related to vascular diseases and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the evaluation and characterisation of responses to a dietary intervention targeting these endpoints is important. A dietary intervention with 37 participants has been performed [...] Read more.

Inter-individual variation exists in response to diet and in the endpoints related to vascular diseases and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the evaluation and characterisation of responses to a dietary intervention targeting these endpoints is important. A dietary intervention with 37 participants has been performed comparing two forms of blueberry, either whole fresh blueberry (160 g), freeze-dried blueberry powder (20 g) or a placebo control (microcrystalline cellulose), in a 1-week single-blinded cross-over randomised controlled trial (RCT) in a healthy population. The response to the intervention was calculated for each endpoint using the percentage change (±%) compared to the baseline. Extensive inter-individual variation was found in vascular health parameters (−141 to +525%) and cognitive domains (−114 to +96%) post-intervention, but there was no consistent response following the two interventions between and within participants for each endpoint measured. No significant putative discriminating urinary metabolites between interventions were found using supervised multivariate analysis. Although several discriminatory metabolites were found between the responder and non-responder groups, it was not possible to identify predictors of the response using receiver operating curve analysis. To conclude, this is the first blueberry intervention applying quartile divisions to characterise individual responses in vascular and cognitive endpoints following a specific dietary intervention; however, we did not find any consistency in the individual responses to the interventions, and we could not identify a predictive urinary metabolite as a potential biomarker for differentiation between responders and non-responders. However, the overall approach of defining a metabolic signature of response could be used in the future for tailored personalised nutritional advice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Plasma DHA-Containing Phosphatidylcholine PCaa C38:6 and Tetradecanoyl-Carnitine as an Early Biomarker for Assessing the Mortality Risk among Sarcopenic Patients

by Hung-Yao Ho, Yuan-Ho Chen, Chi-Jen Lo, Hsiang-Yu Tang, Su-Wei Chang, Chun-Ming Fan, Yu-Hsuan Ho, Gigin Lin, Chih-Yung Chiu, Chih-Ming Lin and Mei-Ling Cheng

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050611 - 23 Feb 2024

Viewed by 750

Abstract

The coming of the hyper-aged society in Taiwan prompts us to investigate the relationship between the metabolic status of sarcopenic patients and their most adverse outcome–death. We studied the association between any plasma metabolites and the risk for mortality among older Taiwanese sarcopenic [...] Read more.

The coming of the hyper-aged society in Taiwan prompts us to investigate the relationship between the metabolic status of sarcopenic patients and their most adverse outcome–death. We studied the association between any plasma metabolites and the risk for mortality among older Taiwanese sarcopenic patients. We applied a targeted metabolomic approach to study the plasma metabolites of adults aged ≥65 years, and identified the metabolic signature predictive of the mortality of sarcopenic patients who died within a 5.5-year follow-up period. Thirty-five sarcopenic patients who died within the follow-up period (Dead cohort) had shown a specific plasma metabolic signature, as compared with 54 patients who were alive (Alive cohort). Only 10 of 116 non-sarcopenic individuals died during the same period. After multivariable adjustment, we found that sex, hypertension, tetradecanoyl-carnitine (C14-carnitine), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing phosphatidylcholine diacyl (PCaa) C38:6 and C40:6 were important risk factors for the mortality of sarcopenic patients. Low PCaa C38:6 levels and high C14-carnitine levels correlated with an increased mortality risk; this was even the same for those patients with hypertension (HTN). Our findings suggest that plasma PCaa C38:6 and acylcarnitine C14-carnitine, when combined, can be a better early biomarker for evaluating the mortality risk of sarcopenia patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Odimet^®: A Pioneering Tele-Health Tool to Empower Dietary Treatment and the Acute Management of Inborn Errors of Metabolism—An Assessment of Its Effectiveness during the COVID Pandemic

by Paula Sánchez-Pintos, María José Camba-Garea, Beatriz Martin López-Pardo and María L. Couce

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030423 - 31 Jan 2024

Viewed by 857

Abstract

Strict adherence to a diet is an essential pillar of long-term treatment for many inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Tools that educate patients about dietary management can positively condition adherence and prevent morbidity. We designed a free online dietary calculation program (Odimet^® [...] Read more.

Strict adherence to a diet is an essential pillar of long-term treatment for many inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Tools that educate patients about dietary management can positively condition adherence and prevent morbidity. We designed a free online dietary calculation program (Odimet^®, version 2.1.) for IEMs patients in 2008, updated in 2022, that provides detailed information on the content of amino acids, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in >3000 food products, including specific medical foods for IEM. We analyzed the statistics on visits to Odimet^® to evaluate its usefulness for long-term dietary management during a 5-year period focusing on three periods: pre-pandemic (15 March 2018–14 March 2020); pandemic 1 (15 March 2020–14 March 2021); and pandemic 2 period (15 March 2021–15 March 2023), in 120 patients with the following distribution: 84 patients with phenylketonuria (PKU); 12 with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD); 11 with urea cycle disorders (UCDs); and 13 with classical galactosemia. The evolutionary levels of their specific metabolic markers were evaluated, showing that globally, both pediatric and adult patients maintain a good metabolic control, even during a pandemic (median levels of phenylalanine in pediatric PKU patients 213.4 µmol/L and 482.3 µmol/L in adults; of leucine in MSUD patients: 144.2 µmol/L; of glutamine in UCDs: 726.8 µmol/L; and of galactose 1-phosphate levels in galactosemia: 0.08 µmol/L). The proportion of patients using Odimet^® ranges from 78–100%. An increase in the number of diets being calculated was observed during COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, 14,825 products have been introduced (3094 from the general database, and 11,731 added by users to their own profiles). In 2023 63 emergency dietary adjustments in the studied intoxication-type pathologies were calculated in Odimet^®. Our results suggest that its regular use contributes to maintaining metabolic stability in IEMs patients, allowing them to adapt their menus to their lifestyle, and represents a powerful complementary tele-health tool which can be used to perform remote real-time dietary follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Anorexia in Cancer and Its Association with Autonomic Nervous System Activity Assessed by Heart Rate Variability

by Alessio Molfino, Carmen Gallicchio, Giovanni Imbimbo, Michele Melena, Silvia Antonini, Antonietta Gigante and Maurizio Muscaritoli

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4936; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234936 - 28 Nov 2023

Viewed by 885

Abstract

Alterations in the central nervous system in cancer patients are pivotal in determining appetite dysregulation and body weight loss (BWL). Autonomic nervous system activity was tested by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) in cancer patients presenting with anorexia. We considered inpatients with different [...] Read more.

Alterations in the central nervous system in cancer patients are pivotal in determining appetite dysregulation and body weight loss (BWL). Autonomic nervous system activity was tested by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) in cancer patients presenting with anorexia. We considered inpatients with different types of cancer and investigated anorexia using their FAACT scores. HRV was evaluated by a three-channel Holter ECG. The domains of low frequencies (LF, sympathetic activity) and high frequencies (HF, parasympathetic activity) were calculated. Also, SDNN (autonomic activity) and RMSSD (parasympathetic activity) were assessed. We enrolled 56 patients with cancer and 23 controls. In cancer patients, RMSSD and SDNN were lower than in controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009). Sympathetic activity (LF nu) was lower in cancer patients than in controls (p = 0.023), including sympathovagal balance (LF/HF nu ratio) (p = 0.025). RMSSD was reduced in anorexic (p < 0.001) and non-anorexic (p = 0.003) cancer patients compared to controls. The SDNN was lower in anorexic cancer patients than in non-anorexic cancer patients (p = 0.025), and it was lower in anorexic cancer patients than in controls (p = 0.001). LF nu was lower in anorexic cancer patients than in controls (p = 0.015), as was LF/HF (p = 0.031). SDNN was negatively correlated with BWL in the cancer group (rho = −0.40; p = 0.007). Our data support the hypothesis that autonomic nervous system dysregulation exists in patients with cancer presenting with anorexia, with implications for its diagnosis and treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

No Changes in Body Composition and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet after a 12-Week Aerobic Training Intervention in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The EJERCITA-LES Study

by Blanca Gavilán-Carrera, Alba Ruiz-Cobo, Francisco José Amaro-Gahete, Alberto Soriano-Maldonado and José Antonio Vargas-Hitos

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4424; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204424 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease linked to high cardiovascular risk. To reach an adequate body composition status while maintaining proper dietary habits are effective strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk, both being potentially modified through exercise. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease linked to high cardiovascular risk. To reach an adequate body composition status while maintaining proper dietary habits are effective strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk, both being potentially modified through exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week aerobic training intervention on anthropometry, body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in women with SLE. A total of 58 women with SLE were assigned to either an exercise group (EG; n = 26) or a comparison group (CG; n = 32) in this non-randomized controlled trial. The EG comprised 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (two sessions/week) between 40–75% of the individual’s heart rate reserve (calculated as maximum heart rate − resting heart rate) and the CG received usual care. At baseline and after the intervention, the anthropometry (i.e., weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index) and body composition (i.e., fat mass and lean mass) were assessed using a stadiometer, an anthropometric tape, and a bioimpedance device, respectively. Dietary habits were assessed with the Mediterranean Diet score. There were no between-group differences in neither anthropometric nor body composition parameters (all p > 0.05). Similarly, no between-group differences were obtained in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet after the exercise intervention (all p > 0.05). Contrary to the initial hypothesis, these results suggest that the 12-week aerobic training intervention performed in this study did not improve anthropometry, body composition or adherence to the Mediterranean diet in women with SLE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cholecystectomy Significantly Alters Gut Microbiota Homeostasis and Metabolic Profiles: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Fusheng Xu, Ruimin Chen, Chengcheng Zhang, Hao Wang, Zhijie Ding, Leilei Yu, Fengwei Tian, Wei Chen, Yongping Zhou and Qixiao Zhai

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4399; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204399 - 17 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1607

Abstract

Cholecystectomy (CCE) is a standard clinical treatment for conditions like gallstones and cholecystitis. However, its link to post-CCE syndrome, colorectal cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has raised concerns. Additionally, studies have demonstrated the disruptive effects of CCE on gut microbiota homeostasis and [...] Read more.

Cholecystectomy (CCE) is a standard clinical treatment for conditions like gallstones and cholecystitis. However, its link to post-CCE syndrome, colorectal cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has raised concerns. Additionally, studies have demonstrated the disruptive effects of CCE on gut microbiota homeostasis and bile acid (BA) metabolism. Considering the role of gut microbiota in regulating host metabolic and immune pathways, the use of dietary and probiotic intervention strategies to maintain a stable gut ecosystem after CCE could potentially reduce associated disease risks. Inter-study variations have made it challenging to identify consistent gut microbiota patterns after CCE, a prerequisite for targeted interventions. In this study, we first meta-analyzed 218 raw 16S rRNA gene sequencing datasets to determine consistent patterns of structural and functional changes in the gut microbiota after CCE. Our results revealed significant alterations in the gut microbiota’s structure and function due to CCE. Furthermore, we identified characteristic gut microbiota changes associated with CCE by constructing a random model classifier. In the validation cohort, this classifier achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.713 and 0.683 when distinguishing between the microbiota of the CCE and healthy groups at the family and genus levels, respectively. Further, fecal metabolomics analysis demonstrated that CCE also substantially modified the metabolic profile, including decreased fecal short-chain fatty acid levels and disrupted BA metabolism. Importantly, dietary patterns, particularly excessive fat and total energy intake, influenced gut microbiota and metabolic profile changes post-CCE. These dietary habits were associated with further enrichment of the microbiota related to BA metabolism and increased levels of intestinal inflammation after CCE. In conclusion, our study identified specific alterations in gut microbiota homeostasis and metabolic profiles associated with CCE. It also revealed a potential link between dietary patterns and gut microbiota changes following CCE. Our study provides a theoretical basis for modulating gut microbiota homeostasis after CCE using long-term dietary strategies and probiotic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

n-3 PUFA-Enriched Diet Preserves Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function and Redox State and Prevents Muscle Mass Loss in Mice with Chronic Heart Failure

by Gianluca Gortan Cappellari, Aneta Aleksova, Matteo Dal Ferro, Antonio Cannatà, Annamaria Semolic, Alberto Guarnaccia, Michela Zanetti, Mauro Giacca, Gianfranco Sinagra and Rocco Barazzoni

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3108; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143108 - 11 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1414

Abstract

Rationale and Methods: Skeletal muscle derangements, potentially including mitochondrial dysfunction with altered mitochondrial dynamics and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, may lead to protein catabolism and muscle wasting, resulting in low exercise capacity and reduced survival in chronic heart failure (CHF). We [...] Read more.

Rationale and Methods: Skeletal muscle derangements, potentially including mitochondrial dysfunction with altered mitochondrial dynamics and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, may lead to protein catabolism and muscle wasting, resulting in low exercise capacity and reduced survival in chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that 8-week n-3-PUFA isocaloric partial dietary replacement (Fat = 5.5% total cal; EPA + DHA = 27% total fat) normalizes gastrocnemius muscle (GM) mitochondrial dynamics regulators, mitochondrial and tissue pro-oxidative changes, and catabolic derangements, resulting in preserved GM mass in rodent CHF [Myocardial infarction (MI)-induced CHF by coronary artery ligation, left-ventricular ejection fraction <50%]. Results: Compared to control animals (Sham), CHF had a higher GM mitochondrial fission-fusion protein ratio, with low ATP and high ROS production, pro-inflammatory changes, and low insulin signalling. n-3-PUFA normalized all mitochondrial derangements and the pro-oxidative state (oxidized to total glutathione ratio), associated with normalized GM cytokine profile, and enhanced muscle-anabolic insulin signalling and prevention of CHF-induced GM weight loss (all p < 0.05 vs. CHF and p = NS vs. S). Conclusions: n-3-PUFA isocaloric partial dietary replacement for 8 weeks normalizes CHF-induced derangements of muscle mitochondrial dynamics regulators, ROS production and function. n-3-PUFA mitochondrial effects result in preserved skeletal muscle mass, with potential to improve major patient outcomes in clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Treatment with Liraglutide Early after Surgical Intervention on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Observational “Real-Life” Study

by Fabio Dario Merlo, Umberto Aimasso, Marta Ossola, Mirko Ippolito, Leila Cravero, Valentina Ponzo and Simona Bo

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2740; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122740 - 14 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1317

Abstract

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, has been shown to have beneficial effects on fecal output in short bowel syndrome (SBS) by small human studies. Its potential effects early after gut resection are not known. In this pilot observational study, we described the 1- [...] Read more.

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, has been shown to have beneficial effects on fecal output in short bowel syndrome (SBS) by small human studies. Its potential effects early after gut resection are not known. In this pilot observational study, we described the 1- and 6-month liraglutide effects in 19 adult patients with a new SBS diagnosis within 1 month after surgical resection. Stomal/fecal and urinary outcomes, serum/urinary electrolytes, and body composition were assessed. Both within-group differences and between-group comparisons with 20 SBS patients refusing liraglutide treatment were evaluated. The main liraglutide-related side effect was mild nausea, except in one patient, who experienced severe nausea/vomiting. The median ostomy/fecal output was significantly reduced by −550 mL/day after 6 months of treatment (vs. −200 mL/day in untreated, p = 0.04). The number of patients reaching a ≥20% output reduction was 10/19 (52.6%) treated vs. 3/20 (15.0%) untreated patients (p = 0.013) at 1 month and 12/19 (63.2%) vs. 6/20 (30.0%) (p = 0.038) at 6 months, respectively. Participants with a clinically relevant output reduction at 6 months had a significantly lower baseline weight and BMI. Energy parenteral supply significantly decreased, while infused volumes, oral energy, and fluid intakes slightly decreased, though not significantly. This pilot study supports liraglutide benefits in ostomy/fecal output early after surgical gut resection in SBS patients, particularly in those with lower baseline weight values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insights and Evidence on “Food Intolerances”: Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Nickel Allergic Contact Mucositis

by Nicoletta Greco, Annalinda Pisano, Laura Mezzatesta, Marta Pettinelli, Arianna Meacci, Maria Gemma Pignataro, Carla Giordano and Antonio Picarelli

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102353 - 17 May 2023

Viewed by 2027

Abstract

The clinical examination of patients often includes the observation of the existence of a close relationship between the ingestion of certain foods and the appearance of various symptoms. Until now, the occurrence of these events has been loosely defined as food intolerance. Instead, [...] Read more.

The clinical examination of patients often includes the observation of the existence of a close relationship between the ingestion of certain foods and the appearance of various symptoms. Until now, the occurrence of these events has been loosely defined as food intolerance. Instead, these conditions should be more properly defined as adverse food reactions (AFRs), which can consist of the presentation of a wide variety of symptoms which are commonly identified as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, systemic manifestations such as neurological, dermatological, joint, and respiratory disorders may also occur in affected patients. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of some of them are already known, others, such as non-celiac gluten sensitivity and adverse reactions to nickel-containing foods, are not yet fully defined. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ingestion of some foods and the appearance of some symptoms and clinical improvements and detectable immunohistochemical alterations after a specific exclusion diet. One hundred and six consecutive patients suffering from meteorism, dyspepsia, and nausea following the ingestion of foods containing gluten or nickel were subjected to the GSRS questionnaire which was modified according to the “Salerno experts’ criteria”. All patients underwent detection of IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase, oral mucosal patch tests with gluten and nickel (OMPT), and EGDS, including biopsies. Our data show that GSRS and OMPT, the use of APERIO CS2 software, and the endothelial marker CD34 could be suggested as useful tools in the diagnostic procedure of these new pathologies. Larger, multi-center clinical trials could be helpful in defining these emerging clinical problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 13099 KiB

Open AccessReview

3D Printing of Dietary Products for the Management of Inborn Errors of Intermediary Metabolism in Pediatric Populations

by Paola Carou-Senra, Lucía Rodríguez-Pombo, Einés Monteagudo-Vilavedra, Atheer Awad, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Abdul W. Basit, Alvaro Goyanes and María L. Couce

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010061 - 25 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1617

Abstract

The incidence of Inborn Error of Intermediary Metabolism (IEiM) diseases may be low, yet collectively, they impact approximately 6–10% of the global population, primarily affecting children. Precise treatment doses and strict adherence to prescribed diet and pharmacological treatment regimens are imperative to avert [...] Read more.

The incidence of Inborn Error of Intermediary Metabolism (IEiM) diseases may be low, yet collectively, they impact approximately 6–10% of the global population, primarily affecting children. Precise treatment doses and strict adherence to prescribed diet and pharmacological treatment regimens are imperative to avert metabolic disturbances in patients. However, the existing dietary and pharmacological products suffer from poor palatability, posing challenges to patient adherence. Furthermore, frequent dose adjustments contingent on age and drug blood levels further complicate treatment. Semi-solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing technology is currently under assessment as a pioneering method for crafting customized chewable dosage forms, surmounting the primary limitations prevalent in present therapies. This method offers a spectrum of advantages, including the flexibility to tailor patient-specific doses, excipients, and organoleptic properties. These elements are pivotal in ensuring the treatment’s efficacy, safety, and adherence. This comprehensive review presents the current landscape of available dietary products, diagnostic methods, therapeutic monitoring, and the latest advancements in SSE technology. It highlights the rationale underpinning their adoption while addressing regulatory aspects imperative for their seamless integration into clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Hot Topics in Clinical Nutrition (2nd Edition)

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI