Nutrition
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The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionally affected a variety of patients with underlying risk factors such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and black race. Vitamin D deficiency, which can result in a compromised immune response, has been also linked to increased risk and increased morbidities associated with COVID-19. In the absence of large-scale longitudinal studies to determine the strength of association between vitamin deficiency and COVID-19, cross-sectional studies of large patient cohorts can be used. ⋯ Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with increased risk for COVID-19.
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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.
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Malnutrition is predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. We investigated prevalence of malnutrition and factors affecting dietary intake in patients with cirrhosis. ⋯ Malnutrition seen in 65% of patients. Total calories and protein intake was significantly low compared with recommendation even in well-nourished patients. Distension of abdomen, social myth about diet, and low sodium in diet were key factors affecting dietary intake in patients with cirrhosis and malnutrition.
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Malnutrition plays a critical role in the onset and progress of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the present study was to explore the association of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) score with the severity of COVID-19 and its predictive value of the severe form of COVID-19. ⋯ Poorer nutritional status predisposed patients infected with COVID-19 to its severe form. Independently associated with the severity of COVID-19, PNI score could serve as a simple, fast, and effective predictor among patients with different sex, age, and BMI.
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The aims of this study was to investigate the association of phase angle (PA) with sarcopenia and its components and to evaluate the effectiveness of PA in sarcopenia diagnosis in older men (>65 y of age) with cancer. ⋯ PA is related to diagnostic components of sarcopenia, HGS and SMI. PA can be useful in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in older male patients with cancer. The cutoff value proposed in this study was 4.25°.