Nutrition
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The beneficial effects of pro-, pre-, and synbiotics on obesity with insulin resistance have been reported previously. However, the strain-specific effect of probiotics and the combination with various types of prebiotic fiber yield controversial outcomes and limit clinical applications. Our previous study demonstrated that the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) HII01, prebiotic xylooligosaccharide (XOS), and synbiotics share similar efficacy in attenuating cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in obese-insulin resistant rats. Nonetheless, the roles of HII01 and XOS on gut dysbiosis and gut inflammation under obese-insulin resistant conditions have not yet, to our knowledge, been investigated. Our hypothesis was that pro-, pre-, and synbiotics improve the metabolic parameters in obese-insulin resistant rats by reducing gut dysbiosis and gut inflammation. ⋯ Pro-, pre-, and synbiotics reduced gut dysbiosis and gut inflammation, which lead to improvements in metabolic dysfunction in obese-insulin resistant rats.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) ratios on intestinal cell proliferation and protein metabolism. ⋯ These findings suggest that optimal BCAA ratio (in vivo = 1:0.75:0.75; in vitro = 1:0.25:0.25) would improve intestinal morphology and cell proliferation, increase intestinal AA absorption through mediating expression of intestinal AA transporters, and promote intestinal protein turnover. The findings yield new insights into the use of BCAAs in humans and animals.
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Intestinal mucositis (IM) is a local inflammatory response that causes alterations of the intestinal structure that in turn affect nutrient absorption and a side effect that is commonly associated with cancer treatments. Lactobacillus plantarum CRL2130 is a riboflavin-overproducing strain that has previously been shown to provide antiinflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of this riboflavin-producing strain in a chemically induced murine mucositis model. ⋯ These results indicate that the riboflavin-overproducing strain L. plantarum CRL2130 could be useful to prevent mucositis during cancer treatments and would not affect the primary treatment.
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Observational Study
Percutaneous sonographically assisted endoscopic gastrostomy for difficult cases with interposed organs.
The aim of this retrospective observational study was to clarify the usefulness and safety of percutaneous sonographically assisted endoscopic gastrostomy or duodenostomy (PSEGD) using the introduction method. ⋯ PSEGD using the introduction method is a useful procedure for difficult patients in whom intraperitoneal organ or tissue is suspected to be interposed between the abdominal wall and stomach.
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Patients with advanced cancer often suffer from severe malnutrition and gastrointestinal obstruction. This population could benefit from home parenteral nutrition (HPN). The aim of this study was to observe the outcome of patients with advanced cancer patients who were eligible for HPN. ⋯ These results show that HPN is a relevant palliative therapy for patients with advanced cancer patients without oral or enteral feeding access.