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Probiotic Lactobacillus casei: Effective for Managing Childhood Diarrhea by Altering Gut Microbiota and Attenuating Fecal Inflammatory Markers.
Lai, HH, Chiu, CH, Kong, MS, Chang, CJ, Chen, CC
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Acute diarrhoea caused by pathogens may induce gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines), bloody stool, or severe intra-abdominal infections that establish disease and increase the economic burden, especially among infantile and childhood populations. The aim of the study was to determine whether probiotics (Lactobacilluscasei) inhibited gastrointestinal infection and reduced the associated inflammatory response. The study is a prospective, randomized, case-controlled study which enrolled 81 children aged between 6 months and 6 years. The participants were divided into 2 groups (Lactobacilluscasei variety rhamnosus treatment and a no probiotic control). Study results indicate that probiotics can reduce the severity and duration of diarrhoea. Furthermore, probiotic colonisation improved bowel habits and reduced abdominal pain or colic and bloating. Authors conclude that the efficacy of probiotic preparations for the treatment of acute childhood diarrhoea is related to individual bacteria strains. Thus, the population and modulation of intestinal gut/probiotic bacteria can be restored through the reduction of intestinal inflammatory reactions.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and an economic burden for families. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of probiotics on clinical symptoms, intestinal microbiota, and inflammatory markers during childhood diarrhea. METHODS Children (n = 81) aged six months to six years (mean age 2.31 years) hospitalized for acute diarrhea were randomized to receive probiotics (Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus; n = 42) or no probiotics (n = 39) orally twice daily for seven days. Feces samples were also collected to evaluate microbial content using a traditional agar plate and next-generation sequencing. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, and calprotectin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared in different groups. Other clinical symptoms or signs, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloated abdomen, daily intake, appetite, and body weight were also assessed. RESULTS Data were collected from 81 individuals across three different time points. Total fecal IgA levels in fecal extracts of the probiotics group were higher than those in the control group, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). Concentrations of fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin were significantly downregulated in patients with probiotic Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus (Lc) consumption compared to those of the control (p < 0.05). Probiotic Lc administration may be beneficial for gut-microbiota modulation, as shown by the data collected at one week after enrollment. Counts of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species were elevated in stool culture of the probiotic group. Appetite and oral intake, body-weight gain, abdominal pain, bloating, as well as bowel habits (diarrhea) were much better in children receiving probiotics compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSION Fecal IgA increased during acute diarrhea under Lc treatment; in contrast, fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin were downregulated during acute diarrhea under Lc treatment. Probiotic Lc may be a useful supplement for application in children during acute diarrhea to reduce clinical severity and intestinal inflammatory reaction.
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Benefits of different intensity of aerobic exercise in modulating body composition among obese young adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Chiu, CH, Ko, MC, Wu, LS, Yeh, DP, Kan, NW, Lee, PF, Hsieh, JW, Tseng, CY, Ho, CC
Health and quality of life outcomes. 2017;15(1):168
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Background: Based on data from the three of the Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan (NAHSIT), which occurred in 1993–1966, 2005– 2008, and 2013–2014, it was noted that the prevalence of adult obesity had drastically increased from 11.8% to 17.9% to 22.1%, in recent years. Thus, considering the public health impact, and that weight loss is effective for reducing chronic disease risk a study was done on young adult Taiwanese students to measure the impact of aerobic exercise on weight loss. Aims & objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate & compare the effects of different intensities of aerobic exercise and energy expenditure on different anthropometric indices in obese Taiwanese students. Method: In a 12 week exercise programme after initial screening, 48 obese Taiwanese students were randomly assigned into four different aerobic intensity groups. All participants’ demographic data, anthropometric data, anthropometric measurement, blood biochemical parameters and health-related physical fitness components between baseline and week 12 were analysed and compared using a Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Result & conclusion: The study showed that difference in exercise intensities resulted in significant changes in body weight, waist circumference(WC), weight to hip ratio(WHR), and weight to height ratio( WHtR ) amongst the participants of high intensity training group (HITG), medium intensity training group (MITG) and Low intensity training group (LITG). Though, HITG with higher energy expenditure was more effective in improving body composition in comparison to (LITG), even when the diet was not controlled. Thus, intensity may be crucial for modulating abdominal fat and sequentially reducing WC, WHR, and WHtR.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of present study was to compare the effects of different aerobic exercise intensities and energy expenditures on the body composition of sedentary obese college students in Taiwan. METHODS Forty-eight obese participants [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2, age 18-26 years] were randomized into four equal groups (n = 12): light-intensity training group (LITG), 40%-50% heart rate reserve (HRR); middle-intensity training group (MITG), 50%-70% HRR; high-intensity training group (HITG), 70%-80% HRR; and control group (CG). The aerobic exercise training program was conducted for 60 min per day on a treadmill 3 days per week for 12 weeks. All participant anthropometric data, blood biochemical parameters, and health-related physical fitness components were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS At baseline, the anthropometric indices did not differ significantly among the four groups (p > 0.05). After 12-week exercise intervention, the HITG and MITG had significantly more changes in body weight, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) than the LITG. The changes in BMI and body fat percentage differed among all four groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A 12-week high-intensity exercise intervention with high energy expenditure can considerably reduce body weight, body fat, WC, WHR, and WHtR, whereas a light-intensity exercise intervention can significantly reduce body weight and body fat. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials TPECTR09831410900 , registered on 24th Dec 2009.