Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care
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Expression of defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the cause for cystic fibrosis, affects fatty acid, cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism. This review summarizes recent observations and evaluates current understanding of mechanisms. ⋯ Expression of defective CFTR has profound effects on fatty acid, cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, for which mechanisms are currently poorly understood. Recent studies in different cystic fibrosis models suggest a causal relationship between altered ceramide mass and increased inflammation and susceptibility to infection. Studies in cystic fibrosis knockout mouse models suggest that normalization of ceramide decreases infection and inflammation. Studies that evaluate the diagnostic and clinical relevance of sphingolipids in patients with cystic fibrosis are needed.
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Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care · Mar 2009
ReviewBisphosphonates and metabolic bone disease in the ICU.
The purpose of this review is to discuss the elements of critical illness that predispose to rapid and severe bone loss and illustrate how potent nitrogen containing intravenous bisphosphonates can mitigate this potentially serious disease. ⋯ Metabolic bone disease in the ICU is potentially a devastating consequence of critical illness. Screening with biochemical markers of bone turnover may allow identification of those most likely to have fracture after ICU discharge. Intravenous bisphosphonates are safe and very effective at preventing osteoporotic fracture in other populations. There is likely a subset of individuals who remain critically ill for a prolonged period of time that may benefit from an intravenous infusion of a potent aminobisphosphonate.
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Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care · Nov 2008
ReviewThe impact of music on hypermetabolism in critical illness.
Although the literature on complementary therapy, including music, is vast, there are few studies conducted in a scientific fashion exploring physiologic mechanisms. This review summarizes recent evidence on the effects of music on the hypermetabolic response of critical illness. ⋯ Music may play an important role as an adjunct therapy in critical care. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate how music can be further integrated clinically and the precise underlying mechanisms of its beneficial effects.
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Almost 15 years after its initial proposal, the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle hypothesis still occupies the center stage in research on brain energetics. Recent developments have provided further evidence for its validity and have extended its application to different areas of neuroscience. ⋯ Brain energetics has undertaken its revolution. A new concept based on metabolic compartmentalization between astrocytes and neurons is establishing itself as the leading paradigm that opens new perspectives in areas such as functional brain imaging and regulation of energy homeostasis.
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Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care · Sep 2008
ReviewNoninvasive glycaemia monitoring: background, traditional findings, and novelties in the recent clinical trials.
The noninvasive measurement of glycaemia is a topic of great interest and is rapidly changing; novelties have emerged frequently in the last years. The aim of the present review is to briefly present the main technologies in the field and the devices recently developed based on them. ⋯ The development of reliable methods for noninvasive glycaemia monitoring would have a tremendous impact on diabetes management. The most recent device prototypes appear promising, but because of the failure of previous projects, the assessment of such new devices must be done with extreme caution.