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Alterations of gut microbiota are associated with blood pressure: a cross-sectional clinical trial in Northwestern China.
Lv, J, Wang, J, Yu, Y, Zhao, M, Yang, W, Liu, J, Zhao, Y, Yang, Y, Wang, G, Guo, L, et al
Journal of translational medicine. 2023;21(1):429
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Hypertension (HTN) is a complex and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and stroke, while a diverse range of endogenous and environmental factors contribute to both HTN onset and progression. The adult gut microbiota (GM) consists of trillions of microorganisms and maintains the gut immunity and whole-body homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the GM characteristics in HTN subjects in Northwestern China, and evaluate the associations of GM with blood pressure levels based on sex differences. This study was a cross-sectional study. Participants were randomly selected for the HTN and control groups. A total of 36 HTN subjects (24 females and 12 males) and 18 controls (9 females and 9 males) were randomly selected for metagenomic analysis. Results showed a positive association between GM characteristics and alterations and HTN in both females and males. Thus, GM dysbiosis underlies HTN pathogenesis. Authors conclude that further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions targeting GM for HTN prevention and management
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human gut microbiota (GM) is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension (HTN), and could be affected by various factors, including sex and geography. However, available data directly linking GM to HTN based on sex differences are limited. METHODS This study investigated the GM characteristics in HTN subjects in Northwestern China, and evaluate the associations of GM with blood pressure levels based on sex differences. A total of 87 HTN subjects and 45 controls were recruited with demographic and clinical characteristics documented. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. RESULTS GM diversity was observed higher in females compared to males, and principal coordinate analysis showed an obvious segregation of females and males. Four predominant phyla of fecal GM included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. LEfSe analysis indicated that phylum unidentified_Bacteria was enriched in HTN females, while Leuconostocaceae, Weissella and Weissella_cibaria were enriched in control females (P < 0.05). Functionally, ROC analysis revealed that Cellular Processes (0.796, 95% CI 0.620 ~ 0.916), Human Diseases (0.773, 95% CI 0.595 ~ 0.900), Signal transduction (0.806, 95% CI 0.631 ~ 0.922) and Two-component system (0.806, 95% CI 0.631 ~ 0.922) could differentiate HTN females as effective functional classifiers, which were also positively correlated with systolic blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS This work provides evidence of fecal GM characteristics in HTN females and males in a northwestern Chinese population, further supporting the notion that GM dysbiosis may participate in the pathogenesis of HTN, and the role of sex differences should be considered. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019191. Registered 30 October 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/ .
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Effect of preoperative immunonutrition on complications after salvage surgery in head and neck cancer.
Mueller, SA, Mayer, C, Bojaxhiu, B, Aeberhard, C, Schuetz, P, Stanga, Z, Giger, R
Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale. 2019;48(1):25
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Surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) are the main treatments for head and neck cancer, but (C)RT has significant side effects on local tissues due to impaired wound healing. Malnutrition is also common in these patients and may add to poor wound healing and recovery. Immunonutrition (IN) are medical dietary formulas designed to provide the essential nutrients for an adequate immune reaction during medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative IN on postoperative complications after salvage surgery in head and neck cancer. Patients in the intervention group received 3 IN units per day for 5 days before surgery. The IN units contained 300 kcal and were enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, RNA-nucleotides and soluble guar fibre. The control group, who did not receive IN, included consecutive patients treated prior to the intervention group. 96 patients were evaluated, of which 51 received IN. The total number of patients suffering any complications was significantly lower in the group receiving IN (35% vs. 58%). There was also a significant reduction in length of hospital stay in the IN group compared to the control group (6 days vs. 17 days). Limitations of this study include the use of a historical control group, and the limited number of patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are at high risk of postoperative complications due to the adverse effects of radiotherapy on wound healing. Malnutrition is an additional risk factor and we tested the hypothesis that preoperative administration of immunonutrition would decrease complications in this high risk population. METHODS This single armed study with historical control included consecutive patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We compared outcomes before and after implementation of preoperative immunonutrition and adjusted the regression analysis for gender, age, body mass index, Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002), tobacco and alcohol consumption, tumor localization, tumor stage, and type of surgery. The primary endpoint was overall complications from surgery within a follow-up of 30 days. RESULTS Ninety-six patients were included (intervention group: 51, control group: 45). Use of preoperative immunonutrition was associated with a significant reduction in overall complications (35% vs. 58%, fully-adjusted odds ratio 0.30 (95%CI 0.10-0.91, p = 0.034). Length of hospital stay was also significantly reduced (17 days vs. 6 days, p = < 0.001). No differences in mortality and hospital readmission were found. These results remained robust in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS In patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, preoperative immunonutrition exhibited favorable effects on the complication rate and consequently reduced the length of hospital stay. By improving both tissue regeneration and immune response, immunonutrition may help to improve surgical outcomes in this high-risk population.
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Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract on antioxidant and inflammatory response to prolonged eccentric exercise.
Zembron-Lacny, A, Gajewski, M, Naczk, M, Siatkowski, I
Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society. 2013;64(2):249-54
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Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a popular culinary and medicinal mushroom. It contains numerous active compounds including ergothioneine which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of shiitake extract in healthy men exposed to exercise-induced muscle damage. Fourteen healthy males participated in this placebo-controlled crossover study. Subjects ingested shiitake extract or placebo for 10 days prior to exercise, with a 30 day period between the two phases of the crossover. Bloods were drawn at 20 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours after exercise. There was no statistically significant difference between the shiitake and the placebo group in the inflammation related parameters measured. But there was a significant change in certain compounds suggesting an increased antioxidant activity in the shiitake group. The authors conclude that shiitake does not affect the inflammatory response following exercise but has antioxidant action, and that further studies are needed to make recommendations for use of shiitake by athletes.
Abstract
The shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract is purported to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties due to presence of many bioactive compounds such as ergothioneine. This study was designed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of shiitake extract in healthy men exposed to exercise-induced skeletal muscles damage. Subjects ingested shiitake mushroom extract (700 mg, two times per day) or placebo for 10 days prior to two separate exercise trials (crossover study). The exercise session involved 90 min run at 65% VO2max (0% gradient) and 15-min eccentric phase at 65% VO2max (-10% gradient). Subjects experienced creatine kinase (peak 461±206 IU/L) and leukocytes (peak 9.82 x 103/μL) elevations indicating muscle damage and inflammation. Exercise altered plasma IL-6 (peak 5.29±0.78 pg/mL), IL-10 (peak 24.75±6.22 pg/mL) and IL-1β (peak 0.54±0.09 pg/mL) levels but did not affect tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level relative to baseline. Shiitake extract did not demonstrate any effect on immune cells number and inflammatory mediators level, with the exception of IL-10. Thiol redox status (GSHtotal-2GSSG/GSSG) and niric oxide (NO) concentration increased after shiitake extract whereas H2O2 and 8-isoprostanes did not change. In conclusion, shiitake mushroom extract had no effect on markers of inflammation following prolonged eccentric exercise but demonstrated an antioxidant activity through the regulation of nitric oxide concentration and thiol redox status.