Oral nutritional supplement prevents weight loss and reduces side effects in patients in advanced lung cancer chemotherapy.

Weight loss in patients with cancer is caused by cancer cachexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Recent developments in antiemetic drugs have substantially improved nausea and vomiting, but this intervention did not reduce weight loss and other more severe side effects of chemotherapy, like anorexia, weakness, cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nutrition intervention with a food supplement, during chemotherapy in patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients received individualized nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian and were provided with oral supplements of Texidrofolico® for 90 days. Bodyweight and the mentioned other side effects were evaluated at baseline and after 90 days of intervention. To assess the effects of this dietary supplement, a total of 30 patients were retrospectively enrolled as controls, and the bodyweight and change in side effects of chemotherapy were compared with those observed in 30 Texidrofolico®-treated patients. After 90-day intervention, by oral supplement of Texidrofolico®, the patients, during the course of cytotoxic chemotherapy, showed an improved quality of life and not significant weight and BMI loss respect the control group. Furthermore, the number of patients, treated with Texidrofolico® who maintained or increased their body weight, after 90 days of treatment was significantly higher than in the control group. The effects of treatment with the food supplement have also been studied from a metabolic point of view. It was possible to find that one of the known markers of tumor growth, plasma polyamines, was reduced after the treatment. A possible relationship between these biogenic amines and the folate cycle is discussed. In conclusion, early intensive nutrition intervention with oral supplements of Texidrofolico® during chemotherapy of NSCLC patients prevents weight loss and it is beneficial for their quality of life.

Protective effects of persian honey, Apis Mellifera Meda Skorikov on side effects of chemotherapy and ischemia/reperfusion induced testicular injury.

Introduction The aim of the present study was to survey the protective effect of pretreatment with Persian honey on amelioration of side effects of chemotherapy and ischemia/reperfusion induced testicular injury. Materials and methods Forty adult's male wistar rats were divided into four groups of ischemia-reperfusion (IR), honey + ischemia-reperfusion (HIR), Busulfan (B) and Busulfan intraperitoneally+ honey (BH). The seminiferous tubules were rated for their modified spermatogenesis index (SI) by Johnsons score. Detection of single- and double-stranded DNA breaks at the early stages of apoptosis was performed using the in-situ cell death detection kit. Total serum concentration of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) , Luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone was measured using ELISA. All data were expressed as mean ± SD and significance was set at p≤0.05. Results Honey improved SI in the HIR and BH groups and serum levels of FSH and LH in the BH and HIR groups (p<0.001). Also, serum levels of testosterone were significantly higher in BH and HIR groups. But, apoptotic cells in IR and B groups significantly increased (p<0.001), while in HIR and BH groups, the number of apoptotic cells decreased and the positive cells of TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP-X nick end labelling) staining were detected in spermatocytes and spermatid. Discussion Pretreatment with honey protect testis against chemotherapy and testicular IR injury, increase FSH and LH and testosterone and decrease the cellular damage and apoptosis. Honey can decrease the side effects of chemotherapy on reproductive system and prevent sterility.

Elemental diet inhibits pro­inflammatory cytokine production in keratinocytes through the suppression of NF­κB activation.

An elemental diet (ED) has been reported to reduce oral mucositis and dermatitis induced by chemotherapy. However, its molecular mechanism of action as an anti­inflammatory agent is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether ED confers its anti­inflammatory action via reduction of pro­inflammatory cytokine production in keratinocytes in vivo and in vitro. We evaluated the efficacy of ED in the treatment of 5­fluorouracil (5­FU)­induced dermatitis of nude mice, and examined the expression of pro­inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor­α (TNF­α), interleukin (IL)­1ß and IL­6 using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, we assessed the expression and production of these pro­inflammatory cytokines by western blotting and ELISA assays, respectively, in immortalized human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of ED on a major inflammation­related factor, nuclear transcription factor­κB (NF­κB), since it controls many genes involved in the inflammation pathway. Our results indicated that ED reduced the expression of TNF­α, IL­1ß and IL­6. It also inhibited the nuclear transition of p65 NF­κB, which is known to regulate inflammatory cytokine expression in keratinocytes suffering from 5­FU­induced dermatitis. In addition, ED reduced the production of TNF­α, IL­1ß and IL­6 in HaCaT cells. Moreover, ED attenuated 5­FU­induced transcriptional activation of NF­κB. These findings revealed that ED suppresses the expression of pro­inflammatory cytokines by suppressing NF­κB in keratinocytes, suggesting the potential usefulness of ED in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases of the dermal region.

Diet Quality, Inflammation, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Pilot Study Data.

BACKGROUND: Modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet quality, could reduce inflammation and improve quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors, but data are inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether diet quality, as measured by Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) score, is associated with inflammation, health status, or functional outcomes affecting QOL in survivors of early-stage breast cancer. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of baseline data collected from breast cancer survivors after completion of primary therapy and before random assignment to a pilot nutritional intervention aimed at reducing side effects of aromatase inhibitor treatment. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Participants were 44 postmenopausal women with stage I to III endocrine receptor-positive breast cancer receiving outpatient care at a midwestern cancer center between November 2011 and October 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were serum proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2 [TNFR-2]). Secondary outcomes included QOL measured by the Stanford Health and Disability Questionnaire and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast with Endocrine Subscale. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship of dietary variables with inflammatory cytokines and QOL measures. RESULTS: A higher overall HEI-2010 score (healthier diet) was associated with lower IL-6 (r=-0.46; P=0.002) and TNFR-2 (r=-0.41; P=0.006); however, associations were attenuated by body mass index (BMI) (IL=6 [r=-0.26; P=0.10]; TNFR-2 [r=-0.30; P=0.06]). In women with prior chemotherapy, a higher HEI-2010 score was strongly associated with lower IL-6 (r=-0.67; P=0.009) and TNFR-2 (r=-0.59; P=0.03) after BMI adjustment. There were no significant correlations between HEI-2010 score and QOL measures after adjustment for BMI. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest the need for more rigorous investigation into the relationship of diet quality, BMI, and inflammation in breast cancer survivors.

A dietary strategy for the management of artemether-lumefantrine-induced cardiovascular and renal toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Unsweetened natural cocoa has antimalarial properties. Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), obtained as a result of the removal of cocoa butter from a cocoa bean protects against malaria episodes. Cocoa powder, which is prepared after removal of the cocoa butter, contains about 1.9 % theobromine and 0.21 % caffeine. Concomitant consumption of cocoa and artemether/lumefantrine (A/L) is a common practice in Ghana, West Africa. This study seeks to determine the elemental composition of UNCP and its protective effect on the heart and kidney against (A/L) administration. METHODS: Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect the quality and quantity of the elemental composition in UNCP. Thereafter, 30 nonmalarious male guinea pigs were divided into five groups of six animals each. One group was administered with 75 mg/kg body weight A/L only and another group distilled water (control group). The rest received 300 mg/kg, 900 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg body weight UNCP for 14 days orally and A/L for the last 3 days (ie day 11 to day 14). Biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out after euthanisation of the animals. RESULTS: A total of thirty-eight (38) micro and macro elements were detected with the ED-XRF. Macro elements like sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), phosphorus (P), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) and micro elements like chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) were identified and evaluated. Biochemical analysis revealed increases in HDL levels (p>0.05) while there were decreases in LDL levels (p>0.05), creatine kinase and AST levels (P<0.05) in animals that received UNCP compared to A/L only administered group. Urea levels reduced significantly by 53 % (p<0.05) in group that received 1500 mg/kg UNCP. Histopathological examinations of the heart and kidney buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. CONCLUSION: The percentage of recommended daily allowance of UNCP for chromium is 3750 % for men and 5250 % for women while % RDA for copper corresponds to 103.6 % in both sexes. UNCP proved to possess cardioprotective and renoprotective potential during artemether-lumefantrine administration.

Administración de citostáticos vía oral: interacciones fármaco-alimento / Oral chemotherapy: food-drug interactions

Introducción: el uso de citostáticos orales está cada vez más extendido en oncología. Presenta ventajas importantes, como la comodidad para el paciente, pero también supone nuevos retos que no se planteaban con la terapia intravenosa. Algunos de estos fármacos presentan interacciones con los alimentos, dando lugar a cambios en su biodisponibilidad. Al tratarse de fármacos de estrecho margen terapéutico, pueden dar lugar a alteraciones en su eficacia y/o toxicidad. Objetivos: evaluar el nivel de conocimiento sobre el modo de administración por parte de los pacientes que acuden a la consulta de pacientes externos de oncohematología del hospital de aquellos citostáticos orales que presentan alguna restricción respecto a su consumo con alimentos (deben tomarse o bien en ayunas. o bien con alimentos). Minimizar al máximo la administración incorrecta de los citostáticos dispensados y el riesgo de que se produzcan interacciones con los alimentos, proporcionando información a los pacientes acerca del modo correcto de administración. Material y métodos: una vez identificados los citostáticos orales con restricciones respecto a su consumo con alimentos, además de la información aportada por farmacia, se preguntó a los pacientes la información que habían recibido por parte del médico acerca de cómo debía administrarse el fármaco, el modo en que se lo tomaban finalmente y, en caso de no hacerlo adecuadamente, se les reforzó la información pertinente. En el siguiente ciclo se confirmó si efectivamente el paciente se lo administraba correctamente, en caso de hacerlo previamente de forma incorrecta (intervención aceptada/no aceptada). Resultados y conclusiones: un 40% de los pacientes entrevistados se administraban el fármaco incorrectamente. Los resultados muestran una gran diversidad en función del fármaco dispensado. Se realizaron un total de 39 intervenciones, que fueron aceptadas en un 95%. Los datos obtenidos sugieren la necesidad de reforzar la información que el paciente recibe más allá de la primera visita para asegurarnos de que ha comprendido las condiciones en las que el fármaco debe administrarse (AU)

Introduction: oral chemotherapy is increasingly used in Oncology. It has important advantages. such as patient comfort. but it also brings new challenges which did not exist with the intravenous therapy. Some of these drugs have interactions with food. leading to changes in their bioavailability. As they are drugs of narrow therapeutic margin. this can lead to alterations in their efficacy and/or toxicity. Objectives: A. Assessing the level of knowledge on the administration of oral cytostatics that present restrictions with meals (drugs that have to be taken with/without food) among the outpatients. B. Minimizing the incorrect administration and the risk of food-drug interactions. providing patients with information as to how and when drugs have to be administrated. Methods: once the oral cytostatics with food restrictions were identified. we asked the patients in treatment about the information they had received from the doctor and the way they were taking the medication. We provided those who were taking the drug incorrectly with the right information. In the following visit, it was confirmed if the patients that had been previously taking the cytostatic incorrectly. were taking them in a correct way (intervention accepted/not accepted). Results and conclusions: 40% of the patients interviewed used to take the drug incorrectly. We detected a great diversity depending on the dispensed drug. 95% of the 39 interventions made were accepted. The data obtained suggest the need to reinforce the information that the patient receives. It is important to make sure that the patient understands how and when the oral cytostatic should be administered (AU)

Efecto del tratamiento farmacológico en el estado nutricional del paciente neurológico / Effect of pharmacologic treatment of the nutritional status of neurologic patients

Las manifestaciones clínicas que acompañan a las enfermedades neurológicas son muy variadas, afectando a múltiples órganos. Los pacientes con ciertas patologías neurológicas como son el ictus, la enfermedad de Alzheimer, Parkinson, Epilepsia y Esclerosis Múltiple pueden ver su estado nutricional alterado a causa de determinados síntomas relacionados con el curso de la enfermedad, como el déficit de determinados micronutrientes (ácido fólico, zinc, vitaminas B6 y B12, vitamina D, vitaminas E y vitamina C), alteraciones del gasto energético, disminución de la ingesta, alteraciones gastrointestinales y disfunción de la masa ósea. A estas circunstancias, hay que añadir el efecto de otros factores: edad avanzada, múltiples comorbilidades, polifarmacia, la utilización de fitoterapia, hábitos sociales, la dieta y el efecto de los tratamientos farmacológicos (AU)

Clinical manifestations accompanying neurological diseases are diverse and affect multiple organs. Nutritional status of patients with certain neurological diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis can be altered because of symptoms associated with disease course, including certain micronutrient deficiency (folic acid, zinc, vitamin B6 and B12, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C), changes in energy expenditure, intake decreased, gastrointestinal disorders and dysfunction of the bone mass. Also, we have to take in account other factors as: advanced age, multiple co morbidities, polypharmacy, the use of herbal products, social habits, diet and pharmacological treatments effect. An assessment of the factors related to neurological treatment that cause alterations in metabolic and nutritional status was performed: side effects of anti-Parkinson drugs, antiepileptic drugs, and multiple sclerosis drugs; drugnutrient interactions; and nutrient-drug interactions (AU)

Nutrición en el paciente con radioterapia / No disponible

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