bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of Cisplatin, Ifosfamide, and Irinotecan with rhG-CSF Support for the Treatment of Refractory or Relapsed Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Fujita Akihisa , Takabatake Hirotsugu , Tagaki Shigeru , Sekine Kyuhichiro
Published: April 2003

Objective: This study was conducted in refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer to determine activity and toxicity of the combination of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with rhG-CSF support. Methods: Eighteen patients entered the trial. The median chemotherapy-free interval was 3.1 (range 1.0–14.5) months. Cisplatin (20 mg/m2) and ifosfamide (1.5 g/m2) were administered on days 1–4, and irinotecan (60 mg/m2) was administered on days 1, 8, and 15. In patients who experienced grade 4 hematological toxicity during the prior chemotherapy, the doses of cisplatin and irinotecan were reduced to 15 and 50 mg/m2, respectively. After 10 patients were entered, cisplatin and irinotecan were administered at doses of 15 and 50 mg/m2, respectively. This regimen was repeated every 4 weeks. rhG-CSF was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 50 μg/m2 from days 50 to 18, except on the day of irinotecan treatment. Results: All patients could be assessed for response and toxicity. There were 1 complete and 16 partial responses, and an overall response rate of 94.4%. The median survival time of all patients was 339 days, and the 1-year survival rate was 47.5%. Hematological toxicities were significant. Grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 61 and 33% of the patients, respectively. Diarrhea was mild and transient. There was no treatment-related death. Conclusion: The combination of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with rhG-CSF support was highly active for the treatment of refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer.
Loss of Heterozygosity on the Short Arm of Chromosome 3 in Renal Cancer
Authors: Maestro M.L. , del Barco V. , Sanz-Casla M.T. , Moreno J. , Adrover E. , Izquierdo L. , Zanna I. , Fernández C. , Redondo E. , Blanco J. , Resel L.
Published: April 2003

3% of human cancers are renal cell carcinomas (RCC). The most common chromosome abnormality found in this tumor is loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on the short arm of chromosome 3, which suggests that there must be one or more tumor suppressor genes between 3p14 and 3p21 near the VHL gene which play a relevant role in renal cancer development. DNA from normal and tumor tissue from 40 patients at various stages of RCC was analyzed for LOH at three microsatellites mapped to 3p (3p14.1–14.3; 3p21.2–21.3 and 3p25) by polymerase chain reaction). 42.5% of the tumors studied showed LOH on at least one locus. 30% showed LOH on only one locus; 5% on two loci and 7.5% on the three loci tested. LOH occurred only on nonpapillary tumors (p = 0.03). Interestingly, all the tumors with LOH on 3p21 were ≥25 mm (p = 0.04; relative risk 1.76, confidence interval: 1.3–2.3).
High Frequency of c-Met Expression in Gastric Cancers Producing Alpha- Fetoprotein
Authors: Amemiya Hideki , Kono Koji , Mori Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Akihiro , Ichihara Fumiko , Iizuka Hidehiko , Sekikawa Takayoshi , Matsumoto Yoshiro
Published: April 2003

Gastric cancers producing α-fetoprotein (AFP) have a poor prognosis and a high incidence of liver metastasis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-Met, are known to induce mitosis and cell movement and to promote tumor progression. In the present study, c-Met and HGF expression in AFP-producing gastric cancer was compared with those gastric cancers that do not produce AFP. Twenty-six patients with AFP-producing gastric cancers [AFP(+)] and 26 patients stage-matched gastric cancers without AFP production [AFP(–)] were evaluated for c-Met and HGF expression and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labelling index using immunohistochemical analysis. A higher frequency of c-Met expression was observed in the AFP(+) group than in the AFP(–) group (p < 0.01). A higher expression of c-Met might be one explanation for the poorer prognosis of AFP-producing gastric cancers.
Thymidylate Synthase Expression in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Relationship with Thymidine Phosphorylase Expression and Prognosis
Authors: Fujiwaki Ritsuto , Hata Kohkichi , Nakayama Kentaro , Fukumoto Manabu , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: April 2003

Objective: Thymidylate synthase (TS) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) are important enzymes involved in the de novo DNA synthesis and the salvage pathways for pyrimidine, respectively. Our purpose was to determine whether the gene expression of TS together with TP correlate with prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: TS gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 20 samples from normal ovaries and 56 epithelial ovarian cancers previously studied regarding TP gene expression. TS and TP protein localization was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: TS gene expression was significantly higher in epithelial ovarian cancer than in normal ovaries (p = 0.001). In patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, TS gene expression did not correlate with patient age, clinical stage, histologic type, or histologic grade. High TS gene expression (> median) significantly correlated with a poorer survival (p = 0.02). No significant correlation between TS and TP gene expression and different immunoreactivity patterns were found. Combined analysis of TS and TP gene expression demonstrated that the relative risk of death for tumors with high TS and high TP expression was greater than that for either only high TS or high TP gene expression (p = 0.002). Conclusion: TS and TP combined may indicate a poor prognosis for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Paradoxical Hormone Responses of KPL-1 Breast Cancer Cells in vivo: A Significant Role of Angiogenesis in Tumor Growth
Authors: Kurebayashi Junichi , Kunisue Hironori , Yamamoto Shigeru , Kurosumi Masafumi , Otsuki Takemi , Sonoo Hiroshi
Published: April 2003

In our previous study, the growth of KPL-1 human breast cancer cells was found to be stimulated by an antiestrogen, ICI 182, 780, and inhibited by 17 β-estradiol (E2) in vivo but not in vitro. To investigate the action mechanisms of these paradoxical responses, the effects of E2, ovariectomy (Ovex) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the growth, angiogenesis, apoptosis and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were investigated. E2 stimulated the growth of KPL-1 cells but MPA inhibited it in vitro. In contrast, E2 propionate inhibited the growth of KPL-1 cells in female nude mice but Ovex and MPA stimulated it. E2 propionate suppressed angiogenesis and increased apoptosis in KPL-1 tumors, but Ovex and MPA promoted angiogenesis and decreased apoptosis. Both mRNA expression and secretion of VEGF were stimulated by MPA in KPL-1 cells, but in E2-dependent ML-20 cells they were both inhibited by MPA. E2 did not significantly influence VEGF expression in either cell line. These findings suggest that the abnormal modulation of VEGF expression by MPA and of the other angiogenic factor by E2 are responsible for the paradoxical growth responses of KPL-1 cells in vivo. To support this hypothesis, an antiangiogenic agent, TNP-470, was administered to mice bearing KPL-1 tumors. TNP-470 significantly inhibited the growth of KPL-1 tumors stimulated by MPA. Antiangiogenic agents may be effective for the treatment of hormone-refractory breast cancer.
Temozolomide in Patients with High Grade Gliomas
Authors: Brandes Alba Ariela , Pasetto Lara Maria , Vastola Francesca , Monfardini Silvio
Published: April 2003

The incidence of central nervous system neoplasias ranges from 3.8 to 5.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. First-line treatment of brain tumors consists of surgery associated with radiotherapy, and followed or not by chemotherapy. When used as an adjuvant therapy after surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy prolongs the time to progression and the median survival time. At relapse, chemotherapy is the common therapeutic approach. In recent years, new drugs for the treatment of brain tumors have been tested, and some of them, such as temozolomide, are very promising.
Reduced Expression of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase mRNA May Correlate with Invasiveness in Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Toh Yasushi , Kuninaka Shinji , Mori Masaki , Oshiro Tatsuro , Ikeda Yasuharu , Nakashima Hideaki , Baba Hideo , Kohnoe Shunji , Okamura Takeshi , Sugimachi Keizo
Published: April 2003

Little is known about the expression and antioxidant function of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. To determine the significance of Mn-SOD in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas, Mn-SOD mRNA expression was examined in 45 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and the corresponding normal mucosal tissues by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The tumor/normal (T/N) ratio of 45 patients with esophageal carcinoma was calculated, and the data were clinicopathologically analyzed. The T/N ratio of Mn-SOD mRNA expression was less than 0.5 in 11 (32.4%) of 34 esophageal carcinoma cases without any preoperative treatments, while none of 11 cases who underwent preoperative chemotherapy showed a T/N ratio of <0.5 (p < 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between the Mn-SOD expression level and the degree of venous invasion (p < 0.05) as well as lymphatic invasion (p < 0.05). Furthermore, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma showed significantly lower Mn-SOD mRNA expression levels than well differentiated carcinoma (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that Mn-SOD mRNA was frequently reduced in esophageal carcinoma when compared to the normal mucosa and the reduced expression levels of Mn-SOD mRNA may lead to an accumulation of superoxide radicals in conjunction with the increased invasiveness of esophageal carcinoma.
Growth Characteristics of Rectal Carcinoid Tumors
Authors: Shimizu Toshihiko , Tanaka Shinji , Haruma Ken , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Yoshihara Masaharu , Sumii Koji , Kajiyama Goro , Shimamoto Fumio
Published: April 2003

Purpose: Tissue growth depends on both cell proliferation and cell death. This study was designed to examine the growth characteristics of rectal carcinoid tumors. Methods: Fifty rectal carcinoid tumors were studied clinicopathologically and experimentally. Expression of Ki-67, TGF-α, p53, and bcl-2 was examined immunohistochemically, and apoptotic cells were identified by the in situ DNA nick end labeling method. EGF receptor expression was examined by a colorimetric in situ mRNA hybridization technique. Results: The median Ki-67 labeling index (LI) in all lesions was 0.62 ± 0.59%. Ki-67 LI was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in lesions larger than 5 mm than in lesions smaller than 5 mm. TGF-α was expressed more frequently (p < 0.01) in lesions larger than 5 mm (100%) than in lesions smaller than 5 mm (65.2%). Ki-67 LI was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in lesions with TGF-α expression than in lesions without TGF-α expression. The in situ hybridization revealed EGF receptor expression in all 46 lesions with intact mRNA (100%), and coexpression of TGF-α and EGF receptor was found in 39 of the 46 (84.8%) lesions. The median apoptotic index (AI) in all lesions was 0.15 ± 0.12%. AI has increased with tumor size and was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in lesions with a higher Ki-67 LI than in lesions with a lower Ki-67 LI. p53 protein was detected in only 1 patient who had liver metastases, and the gene mutation was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. bcl-2 expression was absent in all lesions. Conclusions: The Ki-67 LI indicated a low cellular proliferative activity in rectal carcinoid tumors. AI was very low, and was significantly correlated with proliferative rate. Inhibition of apoptosis by mutated p53 or bcl-2 may not have occurred in most of these tumors. TGF-α/EGF receptor autocrine mechanisms may play a possible role in tumor growth, and the cellular proliferative activity may increase as tumors grow larger.
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Receiving Systemic Chemotherapy
Authors: Ueno Hideki , Okada Shuichi , Okusaka Takuji , Ikeda Masafumi
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to determine prognostic factors in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) receiving systemic chemotherapy. The relationship between patient characteristics and prognosis was examined in 103 consecutive patients with metastatic PC. The overall median survival time and 1-year survival rate were 3.2 months and 5.6%, respectively. Among the 20 potential prognostic variables investigated, only three variables, a serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level of ≧5 mg/dl, the performance status of 2–3 and a serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level of ≧10,000 U/ml were identified as the factors independently associated with a shorter survival. A prognostic index based on the regression coefficients of these three factors was proposed to classify the patients into three groups, with good, intermediate and poor prognosis. The median survival time for these three groups was 5.2, 2.6 and 1.4 months, respectively. The findings of this study may be useful in determining treatment strategies and in designing future clinical trials of systemic chemotherapy for metastatic PC.
Value of the Serum Alpha-L-Fucosidase Activity in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ayude Daniel , Fernández-Rodríguez Julia , Rodríguez-Berrocal Francisco J. , Martínez-Zorzano Vicenta S. , de Carlos Alejandro , Gil Emilio , Páez de la Cadena María
Published: April 2003

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of the serum levels of α-L-fucosidase activity in the diagnosis of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Using a fluorometric method we analyzed the α-L-fucosidase activity in preoperative sera from 137 colorectal cancer patients and in sera from 232 donors. Results: The enzymatic activity of α-L-fucosidase was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients (4.8 ± 3.09 U/ml) than in donors (10.5 ± 5.46 U/ml). Using the ROC curve, the ideal cut-off for the diagnostic value of α-L-fucosidase activity was determined to be 5.6 U/ml. The diagnostic efficiency for colorectal cancer of α-L-fucosidase activity was higher than that observed for carcinoembryonic antigen (cut-off 5.0 ng/ml), especially for tumors at an early stage. Conclusions: Our results suggest that preoperative serum α-L-fucosidase activity may be used as a cheap and easy complementary test, in addition to standard clinical procedures routinely used for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Cellular Efflux Pump and Interaction between Cisplatin and Paclitaxel in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Kamazawa Shunji , Kigawa Junzo , Minagawa Yukihisa , Itamochi Hiroaki , Shimada Muneaki , Takahashi Masakuni , Sato Shinya , Akeshima Ryouji , Terakawa Naoki
Published: April 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination effect of paclitaxel (PTX) and cisplatin (CDDP) and to determine the mechanisms of interaction between these agents. Methods and Results: We used human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell lines, namely a parent cell line (KF), a CDDP-resistant cell line (KFr) and a PTX-resistant cell line (KFTx).The combination effect of PTX and CDDP was synergistic on KF and KFTx and additive on KFr. The incidence of anaphase or telophase, evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy, decreased with PTX and significantly decreased with PTX and CDDP in KF and KFTx. The concentration of PTX, which was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, was higher in KF and KFTx cells treated with a combination of PTX and CDDP than those treated with PTX alone. Multidrug resistance gene mRNA appeared in KFTx and its expression decreased after exposure to PTX and CDDP. After exposure to CDDP, the expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and the concentration of glutathione increased in KF, but not in KFr or KFTx. MRP expression slightly increased in KF and KFTx after exposure to PTX. In contrast, its expression decreased in KFr. Conclusion: The present study suggests that CDDP enhances PTX accumulation and that the interaction of these agents is synergistic in CDDP-sensitive cells.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Patients with Electric Sensitivity – a Multidisciplinary Approach in a Controlled Study
Authors: Hillert Lena , Kolmodin Hedman Birgitta , Dölling Barbro F. , Arnetz Bengt B.
Published: April 2003

Background: Electric sensitivity is a syndrome that still lacks diagnostic criteria and proven aetiology. The suffering of afflicted persons motivates development and evaluation of effective handling and treatments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with electric sensitivity. Methods: Cognitive behavioural treatment, as part of a multidisciplinary treatment package for patients with electric sensitivity, was evaluated in a controlled trial. Ten patients who received treatment were compared to 12 controls. Outcome measures included different dimensions such as symptoms, beliefs, behaviour, and biochemical measurements of stress-related variables. All outcome measures were collected prior to the study, post-treatment, and after an additional 6-month follow-up. Results: The therapy group rated their electric sensitivity as significantly lower than did the control group at the 6-month follow-up, and reduction of self-rated discomforts from triggering factors was significant in the therapy group. There were no systematic changes in the biochemical variables. The symptom indices were significantly reduced over time, and ability to work continued to be good in both groups. Conclusion: The prognosis for this syndrome is good with early intervention and cognitive therapy may further reduce the perceived hypersensitivity. This may have important implications on handling of patients with electric sensitivity.
Correlates of Vertigo Attacks in Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Hägnebo Christina , Andersson Gerhard , Melin Lennart
Published: April 2003

Background: Ménière’s disease is a medical condition that involves hearing loss, tinnitus and attacks of vertigo. The attacks can be severely disabling with nausea, dizziness, and aural sensations. Method: Three scales assessing the correlates of vertigo attacks in Ménière’s disease were developed and completed by 514 subjects diagnosed with the disease. The three scales measured were somatic sensations (SOM), psychological state (PSYCHOL), and situational characteristics (SIT) associated with an attack. Results: Psychometric properties of the three scales were investigated showing Cronbach’s alphas of 0.76, 0.80, and 0.62 for the three scales respectively. The results on the scales were related to disease progression. Principal components factor analyses showed that the SOM scale could be divided into two subscales: dizziness/vertigo/anxiety and sensations in the ear. The PSYCHOL scale showed an energy/awareness factor and a negative emotional state factor. The SIT scale, finally, showed two factors: environmental disturbances and stressful conditions. Conclusions: Knowledge of somatic, psychological and situational premonitory characteristics of attacks in Ménière’s disease could lead to improved therapy and counselling.
Anxiety and Hope during the Course of Three Different Medical Illnesses: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Heszen-Niejodek Irena , Gottschalk Louis A. , Januszek Maciej
Published: April 2003

Background: Somatic illness and its consequences evoke strong emotions of various kinds. They may affect the course of illness and the treatment results through their physiological components. The purpose of the study was to explore emotional reactions to different kinds of illnesses and changes of these emotions over time. Methods: Subjects were 259 medical patients suffering from: primary hypertension, myocardial infarction and cancer of the lungs or pharynx. The study was longitudinal and consisted of three phases. The first was performed immediately after the patient was diagnosed, the second was done 5 weeks later and the third about half a year after the onset of illness. The patients’ emotional state was evaluated with the Gottschalk-Gleser Content Analysis Scales: the Anxiety and the Hope Scales. Results: Significant effects of the kind of illness and of its interaction with the phase of the study were found. In the hypertension group, both anxiety and hope were slightly elevated immediately after diagnosis, then slightly lowered. The myocardial infarction group exhibited a low level of these emotions in the first phase, an increase in the second and then a little decrease. Cancer patients manifested high anxiety and relatively low hope in the initial phase, then a decrease in anxiety and an increase in hope. Conclusions: Both anxiety and hope accompany the illness in its consecutive phases, reflecting properties of illness as a source of psychological stress and the coping process.
Assessment and Treatment of Dementia in Medical Patients
Authors: Foy Julia M. , Starr John M.
Published: April 2003

The incidence of dementia rises rapidly with age. Elderly people commonly have significant medical conditions that impact on cognition and functional ability. The diagnosis of dementia requires both a decline in cognition and loss of functional ability. Assessment of dementia in medical patients requires a holistic approach that encompasses the spectrum of disease from measuring impairment of specific mental abilities to evaluating handicap in the patient’s normal social setting. Similarly, treatment can be aimed at any point in this spectrum. Recent licensing of new cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has introduced specific problems in the treatment of medical patients with dementia. This review provides a framework for clinicians to assess and treat dementia in medical patients and describes a practical approach to the prescribing of cholinesterase inhibitors in patients with concomitant medical conditions.
Qualitative Analysis of Human Milk Produced by Women Consuming a Maize-Predominant Diet Typical of Rural Mexico
Authors: Villalpando Salvador , Butte Nancy F. , Flores-Huerta Samuel , Thotathuchery Mary
Published: April 2003

The milk composition of women on a typical rural Mexican diet was compared with that secreted by American women, consuming a diet typical of affluent countries. Milk concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesterol, total amino acids, and selected key minerals were analyzed at 4 or 6 months postpartum. The total milk fat concentration was lower in the Otomi (22.7 ± 6.7 mg/g milk) than in the American women (31.3 ± 5.4 mg/g milk, p = 0.001). Although the absolute concentration did not differ, cholesterol, expressed in terms of total lipid, was higher in the Otomi milk (3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 3.1 ± 0.7 mg/g fat, p = 0.005). Saturated medium-chain (C10:0–C14:0) and unsaturated intermediate-chain fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:2) were higher in the Otomi than in the American milk (p < 0.03). The concentrations of C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 were significantly lower in Otomi than in American milk. The milk concentrations of protein and nonprotein nitrogen were comparable between the two groups. The concentrations of serine, proline, cystine, methionine, and tryptophan were higher in the Otomi than in the American milk (p < 0.05–0.001). The concentrations of valine and isoleucine were significantly lower in the Otomi milk (p = 0.05). Expressed per gram of milk protein, the cystine, methionine, lysine, and tryptophan concentrations were higher, and the glutamine/glutamate, valine, isoleucine, and arginine levels were lower in the Otomi milk. The concentrations of phosphorus and copper were lower in the Otomi than in the American milk at 4 months postpartum (p = 0.05). These differences in milk fatty acid and amino acid patterns and mineral content are unlikely to affect infant growth, but may have other biological consequences yet to be ascertained.
Triglyceride Turnover, Lipoprotein Lipase Activity, and Fat Cell Size in Adipose Tissue of Rats during the First 2 Weeks of Pregnancy
Authors: Sohlström Annica , Petterson Ulrika , Forsum Elisabet
Published: April 2003

Understanding the biological function of the fat retained during pregnancy is important when estimating energy needs during reproduction. Women as well as rats are often considered to gain fat at specific anatomical sites during pregnancy and use this fat as a source of energy during lactation. However, mobilized body fat covers only a minor part of the energy needed by the lactating rat dam. In this paper, fat cell size, lipoprotein lipase activity, as well as triglyceride turnover in parametrial and subcutaneous adipose tissues were studied during the first 2 weeks of gestation and in virginal controls to further explore the metabolic and physiological basis for changes in body fat during reproduction in rats. Pregnancy increased the size of parametrial but not of subcutaneous adipocytes. The lipoprotein lipase activity in subcutaneous adipocytes was not increased by pregnancy. The accumulation in adipose tissue of 14C from orally administered 14C-oleic acid was higher in virginal than in pregnant rats. No effect of pregnancy on the rate of lipid turnover in parametrial or subcutaneous adipocytes was found. The findings are in accordance with the contention that body fat gained during rat pregnancy, to a large extent, is a consequence of a general growth of maternal tissues rather than the result of a stimulating effect of pregnancy on fat accumulation by adipocytes from specific body sites.
Validation of Predicted Total Body Water and Extracellular Water by Multi-Frequency Impedance in Young Indonesian Adults
Authors: Bartz Michaela , Küpper Jutta , Schultink Werner , Lukito Widjaja , Deurenberg Paul
Published: April 2003

To investigate the validity of the prediction of body water compartments by multi-frequency impedance in Indonesians, 42 adults (19 males and 23 females) were recruited in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Extracellular water (ECW) and total body water (TBW) were measured with dilution techniques and predicted from body impedance at 1 and 100 kHz, respectively, using prediction formulas developed in a Dutch population. Furthermore, body weight, body height and body density were measured and as a measure of body build TBW/height and ECW/height were calculated. Percent ECW of body weight in both males (26 ± 3%) and females (23 ± 2%) was higher compared to the Dutch reference population, and also the body water distribution (ECW/TBW) was higher (0.46 ± 0.04) compared to the reference population. TBW/height and ECW/height appeared to be considerably lower in the Indonesian group compared to the reference group, indicating a more slender body shape. TBW was overestimated by 1.8 ± 2.4 and 2.5 ± 1.3 kg in males and females, respectively. ECW was underestimated in males by 0.1 ± 1.2 kg and slightly overestimated in females (0.1 ± 1.0 kg). After corrections for differences in body build and body water distribution the bias of the predicted TBW was markedly reduced from 2.2 ± 1.9 to 1.3 ± 1.8 kg (males and females combined). For ECW the bias after correction for body water distribution and body build was 0.3 ± 0.6 kg (males and females combined). It is concluded that multi-frequency impedance is suitable for the prediction of body water compartments at the population level but, due to differences in body build and body water distribution, validation in a larger group of Indonesian subjects is needed to avoid systematic prediction errors.
Fatty Acid Composition of the Belgian Diet: Estimates Derived from the Belgian Interuniversity Research on Nutrition and Health
Authors: Staessen L. , de Bacquer D. , de Henauw S. , de Backer G. , van Peteghem C.
Published: April 2003

The major objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition of the Belgian diet. Food consumption data from a large representative sample (n = 11,302) of the Belgian population between 25 and 74 years of age (BIRNH study) were analyzed with regard to the intake of fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of the major fat sources in the Belgian diet was determined and used to calculate average intakes for fatty acids from C4 to C22. In addition, results are compared to other studies and to guidelines for n–3 and n–6 fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids provide 17% of the energy intake in the Belgian diet, polyunsaturated fatty acids 7%, and monounsaturated fatty acids 14%. The intake of total n–6 fatty acids is very high (6 en%), particularly of linoleic acid. The intake of n–3 fatty acids is low, only 0.8 en%, which results in a low ratio of n–3 to n–6 (0.15). The most important sources of n–6 and n–3 fatty acids are margarine and meat, respectively.
Absorption of Cholesterol Oxidation Products from Ordinary Foodstuff in Humans
Authors: Linseisen Jakob , Wolfram Günther
Published: April 2003

Background: Information on the absorption of cholesterol oxidation products (COP) from ordinary foodstuff in humans is scarce. Methods: Five healthy young men were offered a salami- and Parmesan-containing meal naturally rich in COP. Plasma and lipoprotein COP concentrations were measured over the following 9 h. Results:  The mean plasma free (nonesterified) COP concentration showed its maximal increase 3 and 5 h after meal consumption. In contrast, the raise in plasma total COP concentration began 6 h after the meal with a maximum at 8 h and was statistically significant for 7α- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol. The increase in plasma total cholesterol concentration was comparable to that of total COP. Comparing the COP composition of the chylomicrons and the test meal, cholestanetriol, 7-ketocholesterol, and to a lesser extent cholesterol-α-epoxide were underrepresented in the chylomicrons as was the opposite for 7β-hydroxycholesterol. In very-low-density lipoprotein, a steady increase in the COP:cholesterol ratio was observed from 6 h on. Conclusion: COP from ordinary foodstuff were absorbed in the human intestinal tract but differences in the bioavailability of the single COP compounds were found.
Effect of Training on Zinc Metabolism: Changes in Serum and Sweat Zinc Concentrations in Sportsmen
Authors: Córdova Alfredo , Navas Francisco J.
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of daily physical training on serum and sweat zinc concentrations in professional sportsmen between October and December, during the competing season. Twelve volleyball players and another 12 control subjects have participated in this study. Tests were made in October and December which consisted of a progressive bicycle ergometer test (increasing 30 W every 3 min to reach maximum tolerated power). Blood samples were obtained at rest and immediately after exercise. Total serum zinc increased significantly after maximal exercise in both sportsmen and control subjects. In athletes, the change after exercise was significantly higher in December than in October. The percentage of ultrafiltrable zinc (ZnUf) in October was similar in sportsmen and in controls. In December, however, after exercise, the percentage of ZnUf was higher in athletes. With respect to sweat zinc, it was in the same range both in controls and in sportsmen in October. In December, however, sweat zinc was significantly higher in athletes as compared with the situation in October and with respect to the control group. In October, the zinc concentration of urine was similar for sportsmen and controls. In December, the sportsmen showed an increase in urinary zinc excretion with respect to control subjects. Cortisol in athletes increased significantly after exercise in December. In conclusion, a daily and maintained practice of exercise is probably responsible for an alteration of zinc metabolism. The results suggest that ZnUf control, zinc supplementation and/or stress control appear to be indicated in athletes to prevent the diminution of active ZnUf. In our practical opinion we think that alterations in zinc metabolism with increases in zinc excretion and stress levels lead to a situation of latent fatigue with a decreased endurance.
Nutritional Characteristics of Oil Containing Conjugated Octadecatrienoic Fatty Acid
Authors: Dhar P. , Bhattacharyya D.K.
Published: April 2003

The nutritive value of conjugated octadecatrienoic fatty acid (C18:3 Δ9,11,13α-elaeostearic acid) as occurs in karela seed (Momordica charantia) oil was studied. When rats were fed at the 20% level for 6 weeks, the growth pattern of rats and the food efficiency ratio showed a slightly significant difference compared to the group raised on linseed oil with non-conjugated octadecatrienoic acid (C18:3 Δ9,12,15α-linolenic acid) as control. The concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and LDL/HDL-cholesterol in serum were significantly higher in karela oil than in linseed oil. The liver lipid profile showed no difference. The total lipid as well as phospholipid concentrations of heart lipid were significantly higher in karela oil. The brain weight of the linseed oil group was significantly higher than the karela group. The brain phospholipid concentration of the karela oil group was significantly higher than that of the linseed oil group.
LDL Oxidizability and Antioxidative Status of Plasma in Vegetarians
Authors: Nagyová Anna , Kudláčková Marica , Grančičová Elena , Magálová Tatiana
Published: April 2003

Vegetarian food with a higher content of natural antioxidants may decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The objectives of this study were to investigate in vitro resistance of LDL against oxidation and antioxidative status of plasma in 19 lactoovovegetarians and nonvegetarians (n = 19). The kinetics of conjugated diene formation (lag time and maximal rate of oxidation, Vmax) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) were determined as indices of LDL oxidation. No significant differences in lag time and Vmax were observed between vegetarians and nonvegetarians, while TBARS in native and oxidatively modified LDL were significantly lower in vegetarians. Plasma vitamin (C, E, β-carotene) levels were increased in vegetarians, but only the vitamin C increase was statistically significant. Vegetarians also had a significantly increased plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and molar ratio vitamin E/cholesterol which indicates a more effective protection of lipoproteins against oxidation. A significant positive correlation was observed between lag time and plasma TAS in both vegetarians and nonvegetarians. We conclude that although the resistance of LDL to in vitro oxidation, as measured by the kinetics of conjugated diene formation was not altered in vegetarians, the effect of vegetarian nutritional habits favorably affected TBARS levels in LDL and total plasma antioxidant capacity.
Traditional Fermentation Increases Goitrogenic Activity in Pearl Millet
Authors: Elnour A. , Liedén S.-Å. , Bourdoux P. , Eltom M. , Khalid S.A. , Hambraeus L.
Published: April 2003

Epidemiological evidence suggests that millet might play a role in the etiology of endemic goiter. Recently, we showed that a traditional fermentation procedure of two pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Lecke) cultivars grown in Sudan modified their effects on the weight of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone profile in rats. In the present study, we report that this fermentation procedure reduced the ash contents of millet by about 40% and removed considerable amounts of Mg (>50%), Zn (27–39%) and K (45%). Other minerals (Ca, Fe, Cu) were not affected. Feeding of one fermented cultivar resulted in significant reduction in bone Mg and Zn contents, whereas feeding of the other fermented cultivar resulted in reduction of bone Mg only. Dietary Mg intake and bone Mg contents correlated negatively with serum T3. Groups fed the millet diets had higher serum Se level compared to those fed wheat or casein diets and feeding of fermented millet resulted in a further increase in serum Se level. Thus our data indicate that in rats the enhanced effects of millet on the thyroid induced by fermentation is likely related to removal of minerals from millet and/or chemical transformation of the goitrogens contained in millet.
Protein Malnutrition: Some Aspects of the in vitro Adhesion of Peritoneal Mouse Macrophages
Authors: Borelli P. , Souza I.P. , Borojevic R. , Dagli M.L.Z. , Kang H.C.
Published: April 2003

Protein calorie malnutrition and disease are frequently associated. Protein malnutrition modifies both the specific and nonspecific resistance of the organism to infectious agents. The exact mechanisms underlying these findings are not clear. Cellular adhesion is a crucial step in the process of phagocytosis as well as cellular migration. The effect of a low-protein diet on adhesion of macrophages was studied using an experimental murine model. We used malnourished mice that had lost 30% of their initial body weight. We then injected them with a suspension of sodium caseinate and harvested the peritoneal macrophages after 5 days. The cells were then allowed to adhere to cover slips in the presence or absence of 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in the medium for time periods of 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Macrophage adhesion to glass slips whose surface had been covered with type I collagen was performed only for 90 min. The expression of fibronectin was studied using an immunohistochemical technique only in the 90-min assay. The results indicate that (1) protein malnutrition impairs the activation potential of macrophages, decreasing their adhesion and expression of fibronectin; (2) when FCS is present in the medium, there is a decrease in the number of adhered cells.
Serum and Urine Selenium Concentrations in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and Relationship to Other Nutritional Indexes
Authors: Navarro-Alarcón Miguel , López-Garcia de la Serrana Herminia , Pérez-Valero Vidal , López-Martínez Carmen
Published: April 2003

Serum and urine selenium levels were determined in patients with cardiovascular diseases by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean serum Se concentrations measured in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n = 32) or with ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 50) were significantly lower than those determined in control groups. In AMI patients, serum triglyceride levels showed a positive significant correlation with the serum Se concentration (r = 0.59, p < 0.05). This result reinforces the important role of Se as an antioxidant agent in this disease. Mean urine Se concentrations of AMI patients (n = 33) were also significantly lower to those determined in the control group (p < 0.05). This reaction of the organism contributes to regulate the Se homeostasis to keep the body Se status as high as possible.
Consequences of a Long-Term Raw Food Diet on Body Weight and Menstruation: Results of a Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Koebnick C. , Strassner C. , Hoffmann I. , Leitzmann C.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To examine the relationship between the strictness of long-term raw food diets and body weight loss, underweight and amenorrhea. Methods: In a cross-sectional study 216 men and 297 women consuming long-term raw food diets (3.7 years; SE 0.25) of different intensities completed a specially developed questionnaire. Participants were divided into 5 groups according to the amount of raw food in their diet (70–79, 80–89, 90–94, 95–99 and 100%). A multiple linear regression model (n = 513) was used to evaluate the relationship between body weight and the amount of raw food consumed. Odds of underweight were determined by a multinomial logit model. Results: From the beginning of the dietary regimen an average weight loss of 9.9 kg (SE 0.4) for men and 12 kg (SE 0.6) for women was observed. Body mass index (BMI) was below the normal weight range (< 18.5 kg/m2) in 14.7% of male and 25.0% of female subjects and was negatively related to the amount of raw food consumed and the duration of the raw food diet. About 30% of the women under 45 years of age had partial to complete amenorrhea; subjects eating high amounts of raw food (> 90%) were affected more frequently than moderate raw food dieters. Conclusions: The consumption of a raw food diet is associated with a high loss of body weight. Since many raw food dieters exhibited underweight and amenorrhea, a very strict raw food diet cannot be recommended on a long-term basis.
Basal Metabolic Rates of Turkish Women during Pregnancy
Authors: Çıkrıkçı Emine , Gökbel Hakkı , Bediz Cem Şeref
Published: April 2003

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the basal metabolic rates (BMRs) of pregnant Turkish women and to compare them with values from other countries. Twenty-four pregnant women (aged 24.8 ± 5.7 years) were studied longitudinally from early pregnancy through to the end of pregnancy. BMR values were measured in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters by indirect calorimetry. While the measured BMR significantly increased (279 ± 212 kcal/day between the 1st and 3rd trimesters), no change was found when BMR was expressed per unit of body weight. BMR in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters showed a significant correlation with body weight. The BMR increase in pregnant Turkish women was close to that reported in developed countries, and higher than that reported in developing countries. Knowing the metabolic changes of the pregnant women may contribute to dietary recommendations for them.
Effect of Antioxidant Vitamin E as a Protective Factor in Experimental Atherosclerosis in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Sharma N. , Desigan B. , Ghosh S. , Sanyal S.N. , Ganguly N.K. , Majumdar S.
Published: April 2003

Atherosclerosis has been known for many years, yet its etiology remains unknown. Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. The mechanism by which it triggers endothelial injury is not known. Since the role of the antioxidant vitamin E on experimental atherosclerosis is inconsistent, the present study was undertaken to evaluate platelet lipid peroxidation and the role of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) as protective factor in atherosclerosis in rhesus monkeys. A significant decrease in serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels was found in the group of animals which were reverted to stock diet along with vitamin E injections after 9 months of atherogenic diet feeding. Decreases in malonyldialdehyde levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were less significant in animals continued on an atherogenic diet feeding along with vitamin E as compared with animals fed a stock diet with vitamin E supplementation. The overall observations in this study suggest that antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation could be partly restored with vitamin E supplementation in experimental atherosclerosis. Damage to endothelial cells destroys their antithrombotic status and leads to fatal thrombosis. α-Tocopherol offers the best hope, but the question is how much of it should be administered for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Growth in Human Milk-Fed Very Low Birth Weight Infants Receiving a New Human Milk Fortifier
Authors: Porcelli Peter , Schanler Richard , Greer Frank , Chan Gary , Gross Steven , Mehta Nitin , Spear Michael , Kerner John , Euler Arthur R.
Published: April 2003

Background/Aims: Human milk fortification has been advocated to enhance premature infants’ growth. We, therefore, undertook this study of a new human milk fortifier containing more protein than a reference one. Methods: Open, randomized, controlled, multiclinic trial, with weekly growth parameters and safety evaluations in premature infants <1,500 g. Results: The 2 groups did not differ in demographic and baseline characteristics. The adjusted daily milk intake was significantly higher in the infants fed reference human milk fortifier (n = 29; 154.2 ± 2.1 vs. 144.4 ± 2.5 ml/kg/day, mean ± SE; p < 0.05). Both human milk fortifiers produced increases over baseline in weight, length, and head circumference, with greater gains observed in the new human milk fortifier-fed infants for the former two parameters (weight gain 26.8 ± 1.3 and 20.4 ± 1.2 g/day, p < 0.05; head circumference 1.0 ± 0.1 and 0.8 ± 0.1 cm/week; length 0.9 ± 0.1 and 0.8 ± 0.1 cm/week, respectively). Serum chemistries were normal and acceptable for age. Study events were typical for premature infants and similar in both groups. Conclusions: This new human milk fortifier had comparable safety to the reference human milk fortifier and promoted faster weight gain and head circumference growth.
Dietary Supplementation of a Natural Isomer Mixture of Beta-Carotene Inhibits Oxidation of LDL Derived from Patients with Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Levy Yishai , Zaltsberg Haya , Ben-Amotz Ami , Kanter Yoram , Aviram Michael
Published: April 2003

Background: Accelerated atherosclerosis is common in patients with diabetes mellitus which may be linked to increased lipid peroxidation. Therefore, we compared the oxidation of LDL derived from patients with diabetes to normoglycemic controls and followed-up the effect of dietary β-carotene supplementation on LDL oxidation. Methods: Twenty patients with long-standing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were studied in comparison with age- and sex-matched control subjects. Dunaliella bardawil-derived β-carotene was supplemented to the patients for 3 weeks, 60 mg daily dose. LDL oxidation was analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxides (PD), and conjugated dienes (CD) generation in response to CuSO4-induced oxidation. LDL lipid composition and the LDL associated vitamins A, E and carotenoids were also measured. Results: LDL susceptibility to oxidation by CuSO4 was increased in the patients by 40% with a 35% shorter lag time required for the initiation of LDL oxidation, i.e. 56 ± 6 min in patients vs. 85 ± 9 min in controls (p <0.01). Patients showed increased cholesterol/phospholipid and polyunsaturated/saturated ratios, as well as reduced content of LDL associated vitamins. Upon β-carotene supplementation, there was a significant elevation in plasma and in LDL all-trans β-carotene [from 0.296 ± 0.020 to 0.968 ± 0.133 μg/mg LDL protein (p < 0.01)] paralleled by a significant reduction in LDL susceptibility to oxidation, as exhibited by increased lag time up to 115 ± 10 min (p < 0.01) and reduction in MDA and PD generation (by 25 and 40%), respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Increased susceptibility to oxidation of LDL derived from patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormal LDL lipid composition and antioxidant content. Natural β-carotene dietary supplementation normalizes the enhanced LDL oxidation and consequently may be of importance in delaying accelerated development of atherosclerosis in these patients.
Dietary Habits and Cardiovascular Risk in the Spanish Population: The DRECE Study (I)
Authors: Ballesteros-Pomar M.D. , Rubio-Herrera M.A. , Gutiérrez-Fuentes J.A. , Gómez-Gerique J.A. , Gómez-de-la-Cámara A. , Pascual O. , Gárate I. , Montero R. , Campiña S.
Published: April 2003

Backgrounds/Aims: To investigate dietary habits and their evolution with regard to cardiovascular risk status in Spain. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed in two phases in 1991 and 1996 in 43 primary care clinics. One thousand and two hundred people classified as ‘with cardiovascular risk’ and 600 ‘without risk’ were studied. Each participant answered a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The risk group did not change oil, cereals and dairy products consumption, decreased egg, legume and meat, and increased fish, fruits and vegetables intake. The control group differed in increasing dairy products and not decreasing eggs and vegetables consumption. A small decrease in energy intake happened, from 11,315.1 to 10,941.5 kJ in the risk group (p < 0.05). Carbohydrates intake showed a not statistically significant falling trend from 41.3 to 40.6% in people at risk and 41.8 to 40.7% in those without risk. Protein intake increased in both groups up to 16.5% and fat consumption kept at around 42.9% in both groups. The decrease in saturated fat and increase in polyunsaturated fat were statistically significant in people at risk (p = 0.000). High cholesterol intakes were found. Conclusion: People with cardiovascular problems changed their dietary habits in a ‘healthier’ way than people without risk.