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The growth of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in children with prevalence of endogenous factors of the causes of development has not been decreasing in the Russian Federation and all over the world for the last decades. This determines the relevance of multifaceted study of this pathology. Consequences of PEM suffered in early childhood can have a remote character of realization and influence on human health during the whole life. A separate problem of PEM is the identification of mild forms of pathology, which are often missed. The pathogenesis of PEM is insufficiently studied, in particular, the variability of pathology development depending on gender. The aim of the research was to characterize the peculiarities of the blood metabolic profile of infants at the initial stage of PEM with regard to gender. Material and methods . 38 children (20 boys, 18 girls) aged from 1 to 12 months with the degree I of PEM were examined; the comparison group consisted of 30 children (18 boys, 12 girls) aged from 2 to 12 months. Laboratory monitoring included general and biochemical blood tests with evaluation of such parameters as the content of total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, transferrin, urea, creatinine, glucose, lactate, pyruvate, triglycerides, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, using hematological analyzer (MEDONIC, Boule Diagnostics AB, Japan) and biochemical analyzer (Cobas Integra 400plus, Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland). Results . In children with a mild degree of PEM the blood levels of total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, transferrin didn't differ from that in the comparison group. Against this background, there is an increase in blood serum urea level in all children and a significant increase in creatinine level, which is most pronounced in girls, in whom this indicator is 2.5 fold higher than in the comparison group and by 79% higher than in boys (p≤0.05). In combination with body weight deficiency, this characterizes the development of catabolic stress. A decrease in blood glucose level was detected in all children of the main group; a decrease in triglycerides was revealed in boys (-33%; p≤0.05) with stability of the index in girls. The increase in pyruvate blood serum level in boys (+21%; p≤0.05) with a tendency to decrease in girls is accompanied by a significant elevation in the lactate/pyruvate ratio (by 75% in boys and 3 fold in girls, p≤0.05). Conclusion . There are gender peculiarities of metabolic in children of the first year of life with a mild degree of PEM. In male children there is a decrease in the levels of glucose and triglycerides as energy substrates with the orientation to the ketosis formation. In girls, a more intense character of catabolic stress is observed with stable blood levels of triglycerides with a tendency to develop lactacidosis., Competing Interests: Authors declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright© GEOTAR-Media Publishing Group.)

Background/aim: Low branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) to tyrosine ratio (BTR) is known as an indicator of amino acid imbalance. We elucidated usefulness of newly developed albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score as alternative methods of BTR in patients with naïve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) retrospectively., Materials/methods: In 842 patients with HCC and without BCAA supplementation (71 years, male 614, Child-Pugh A:B:C = 689:116:37), relationships among BTR and clinical features were evaluated. Of those, 438 patients, with Milan criteria HCC, treated curatively were divided into the high-BTR (>4.4) (n = 293) and low-BTR (≤4.4) (n = 145) groups. The prognostic value of BTR was evaluated using inverse probability weighting (IPW) with propensity score., Results: The low-BTR group showed worse prognosis than the other (3-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates: 88.9% vs. 86.3%/70.5% vs. 78.1%/38.1% vs. 52.3%, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox-hazard analysis adjusted for IPW showed elderly (≥65 years) HR 2.314, p = 0.001), female gender (HR 0.422, p < 0.001), ECOG PS ≥2 (HR 3.032, p = 0.002), low platelet count (HR 1.757, p = 0.010), and low BTR (≤4.4) (HR 1.852, p = 0.005) to be significant prognostic factors. Both serum albumin level (r = 0.370, p < 0.001) and ALBI score (r = -0.389, p < 0.001) showed a significant relationship with BTR. Child-Pugh class B, modified ALBI grade (mALBI) 2a, and mALBI 2b predictive values for BTR were 3.589, 4.509, and 4.155 (AUC range: 0.735-0.770), respectively, while the predictive value of ALBI score for low-BTR (≤4.4) was -2.588 (AUC 0.790)., Conclusion: ALBI score -2.588 was a predictor for low-BTR (≤4.4), which was prognostic factors for early HCC patients, and at least patients with mALBI 2b might have an amino acid imbalance., (© 2021 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is associated with adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients. This study compares the simplified creatinine index (SCI) and circulating inflammatory markers as nutritional screening tools for hemodialysis patients. Maintenance hemodialysis patients (230 total patients, 34.8% women, 64.0 ± 14.3 years old) from a tertiary medical center were assessed for demographic data, body composition analysis, biochemistry tests, and circulating inflammatory biomarkers. The SCI was calculated using Canaud's formula. Reduced fat-free mass index (FFMI), a surrogate of lean body mass, was identified according to the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism guidelines. Nutritional status was assessed by the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria. Multivariate logistic regression revealed independent risk factors for low FFMI and malnutrition. Of the patients, 47.4% had low FFMI. Patients with a reduction in FFMI tended to be older females with lower body mass index, SCI, and GNRI scores but significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-8. SCI was found to be an independent predictor for reduced FFMI (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40-0.81) and presence of PEW according to ISRNM criteria (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21-0.68). Although a positive association between systemic inflammatory markers and low FFMI was observed, this association disappeared in multivariate analysis. Moreover, the inflammatory markers examined in this study were not associated with malnutrition after adjusting for potential confounders. Compared with markers of systemic inflammation, SCI achieved better performance in assessing the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients.

Objective: Vitamin D plays a major role in biological processes. Its deficiency is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients who have undergone endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition, and may be at risk for Vitamin D deficiency, due to their age, less sunlight exposure and lower dietary intake. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in PEG-patients, its change under PEG-feeding, and its relationship with serum proteins and risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency., Methods: This was a prospective observational study, over 4 weeks, after gastrostomy. Data were collected at the initial PEG procedure (T0), and after 4 weeks (T1). Initial evaluation included age, gender, underlying disorder, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Vitamin D. At T1 we assessed Vit. D, albumin, and transferrin. Vitamin D was performed with Electrochemiluminescence through Elecsys 2010 assay. Patients were fed with blended homemade meals., Results: 200 patients (118 males), 22-92 years of age, were studied. There were initial low values for Vit. D (181), albumin (96), transferrin (121), and BMI (124). A correlation was found between Vit. D and serum albumin (r=0.49, p=0.005) but not with transferrin (r=0.26, p=0.195). At T1 the subgroup who had Vit. D levels assessed (n=48) was part of the initial study group maintained low levels of Vitamin D despite nutritional intervention., Conclusion: We recommend systematic Vitamin D supplementation of PEG fed patients using homemade meals or at least screening for hypovitaminosis D as a routine part of their care., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between dietary and serum zinc and leptin levels with protein-energy wasting (PEW) in haemodialysis patients., Methods: The study was conducted on 80 volunteer patients aged 19-65 years who received haemodialysis treatment three times a week for at least 1 year. Anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses were performed. Blood samples were collected for serum zinc and leptin and other biochemical parameters. Food consumption of the patients was recorded for 3 days. Malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) was calculated for all patients. PEW was assessed according to the criteria recommended by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM)., Results: According to the ISRNM criteria, 38.1% of male patients and 36.8% of female patients were diagnosed with PEW. The median serum leptin levels of patients with PEW [9.0 (16.9) ng/mL] were significantly lower than those without PEW [20.7 (38.5) ng/mL] (p < 0.05). Dietary zinc intake in patients with PEW was significantly lower than that in patients without PEW (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in serum zinc levels between the patients with and without PEW. In the multivariate analyses, dietary and serum zinc and leptin was associated with PEW. After controlling for several confounding factors these associations disappeared. Dietary zinc intake and serum leptin levels were inversely correlated with MİS. There was no relationship between serum leptin and dietary and serum zinc in these patients., Conclusion: Dietary zinc intake and serum zinc and leptin concentration were not associated with PEW. Low serum leptin levels might be the outcome rather than the cause of PEW in haemodialysis patients.

Background: Malnutrition and chronic inflammation are prevalent complications in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Different nutritional assessment tools are used to identify patients at risk. A composite and comprehensive malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) has been correlated with morbidity and mortality, and appears to be a robust and quantitative tool., Objectives: Determine malnutrition risk profile in a sample of portuguese HD patients; determine the association of clinical and laboratory factors with MIS, and the impact of each parameter on MIS., Methods and Results: We performed, between September 15th of 2015 and January 31st of 2016, a cross sectional analysis of 2975 patients, representing 25% of portuguese HD patients. 59% were men (66.7 ± 14.8 years); 31% diabetic; 79% and 21% performed, respectively, high-flux HD and HDF. A MIS >5 was considered to indicate higher risk and was present in 1489 patients (50%). Amongst all parameters, comorbilities/dialysis vintage, transferrin, functional capacity, changes in body weight and decreased fat stores showed the higher impact, while albumin had one of the lowest impact on the nutritional risk., Multivariable Analysis: Higher age (>75 years, OR 1.71, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 1.25, p = 0.026), lower P levels (OR 1.57,p = 0.001), higher Ca levels (OR 1.51, p < 0.001), higher ERI (OR 1.05, p < 0.001), higher Kt/V (OR 2.14, p < 0.001) and higher CRP (OR 1.01, p < 0.001) were independently associated with a higher risk of MIS>5; higher nPNA (OR 0.29, p < 0.001) and higher Pcreat (OR 0.88, p < 0.001) were associated with a risk reduction of MIS>5 (95% CI)., Conclusions: Routine clinical and analytic parameters were found to be associated with MIS range that might indicate higher risk, and may represent a simple alert sign for the need of further assessments., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Background: It is known that one of the leading causes of morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the anemic syndrome. Although the pathogenic mechanisms of anemia are multiple, erythropoietin deficiency appears as the dominant factor. Patients in hemodialysis (HD) have a high prevalence of protein energy wasting (PEW) that may explains the poor response to Erythropoietin (EPO)., Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients on HD from January to December 2014. The participants were classified according to a diagnostic of PEW using the "Malnutrition Inflammation Score" (MIS) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) measurement of body composition at the start of erythropoietin therapy and after 3 months of follow up. We performed descriptive statistics and analyzed the differences between groups with and without PEW considering their responsiveness. In addition, we calculated the relative risk of EPO resistance, considering p value < 0.05 as statistically significant., Results: Sixty-one patients ended the follow up. Both groups were similar in basal hemoglobin, hematocrit and other hematopoiesis markers (p = NS). Patients without PEW have a decrease risk for poor response to treatment with EPO (RR = 0.562 [95% CI, 0.329-0.961-]) than those with PEW. Finally, hemoglobin concentrations were evaluated at baseline and every four weeks until week 12, finding a statistically significant improvement only in patients without PEW according MIS (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: PEW is an incremental predictor of poor responsiveness to EPO in HD patients, thus, it is important to consider correcting malnutrition or wasting for a favorable response to treatment with EPO.

Purpose: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is highly prevalent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with inflammation who are on haemodialysis treatment. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine that is significantly elevated in ESRD patients. However, the relationship between PEW and IL-18 is unclear. We therefore performed a cross-sectional study on 100 ESRD patients undergoing haemodialysis to clarify this., Methods: PEW was defined according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Inflammation was assessed based on the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-18. We analysed the association between PEW and IL-18 by using logistic analysis and linear regression after adjustment for basic characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory findings., Results: Among the 100 haemodialysis patients who were recruited, 56 had PEW. Even though there was no difference between the PEW group and non-PEW group with regard to disease causes, age, gender, cholesterol, ferritin, and haemoglobin, the levels of inflammation indicators such as CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly higher in the PEW group. Moreover, IL-18 was found to contribute to PEW, but was negatively correlated with pre-albumin after adjustment for possible confounding factors., Conclusions: Thus, the findings indicate that IL-18 is associated with PEW in ESRD patients on haemodialysis, which suggests that IL-18 may be involved in the pathogenesis of PEW in this setting.

Background: Since haemodialysis is a lifesaving therapy, adequate control measures are necessary to evaluate its adequacy and to constantly adjust the dose to reduce hospitalisation and prolong patient survival. Malnutrition is common in haemodialysis patients and closely related to morbidity and mortality. Patients undergoing haemodialysis have a high prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition and inflammation, along with abnormal iron status. The haemodialysis dose delivered is an important predictor of patient outcome., Aim: To evaluate through haemodialysis adequacy, which parameter(s), if any, better predict Kt/V, among those used to assess nutritional status, inflammation response, and iron status., Methods: We retrospectively studied 78 patients undergoing haemodialysis due to end-stage renal disease. As parameters of nutritional status, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), transferrin levels, lymphocyte count, and albumin concentration were analysed. As signs of inflammation, C reactive protein (CRP) levels and ferritin concentrations were studied as well. Iron status was evaluated by both transferrin and ferritin levels, as well as by haemoglobin (Hb) concentration., Results: The core finding of our retrospective study is that transferrin levels predict the adequacy of haemodialysis expressed as Kt/V; the latter is the only predictor ( P = 0.001) when adjusting for CRP concentrations, a solid marker of inflammation, and for ferritin levels considered an iron-storage protein, but also a parameter of inflammatory response., Discussion and Conclusion: In keeping with the results of this study, we underline that the use of transferrin levels to assess haemodialysis quality combine into a single test the evaluation of the three most important factors of protein-energy wasting., Competing Interests: 91613239486© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Aim: Correction of metabolic acidosis in patients with chronic kidney disease has been associated with improvement in thyroid function. We examined whether changes in bicarbonate were associated with changes in thyroid function in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving conventional or more frequent haemodialysis., Methods: In the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trials, the relationship between changes in serum bicarbonate, free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) was examined among 147 and 48 patients with endogenous thyroid function who received conventional (3×/week) or more frequent (6×/week) haemodialysis (Daily Trial) or who received conventional or more frequent nocturnal haemodialysis (Nocturnal Trial). Equilibrated normalized protein catabolic rate (enPCR) was examined to account for nutritional factors affecting both acid load and thyroid function., Results: Increasing dialysis frequency was associated with increased bicarbonate level. Baseline bicarbonate level was not associated with baseline FT3 and FT4. Change in bicarbonate level was not associated with changes in FT3 and FT4 in the Daily Trial nor for FT4 in the Nocturnal Trial (r ≤ 0.14, P > 0.21). While, a significant correlation between change in serum bicarbonate and change in FT3 (r = 0.44, P = 0.02) was observed in the Nocturnal Trial; findings were no longer significant after adjusting for change in enPCR (r = 0.37, P = 0.08). For participants with baseline bicarbonate <23 mmol/L, no association between change in bicarbonate and change in thyroid indices were seen in the Daily Trial; for the Nocturnal Trial, findings were also not significant for change in FT3 and the association between change in bicarbonate and change in FT4 (r = 0.54, P = 0.03) was no longer significant after adjusting for enPCR (r = 0.45, P = 0.11)., Conclusion: Changes in bicarbonate were not associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels after adjusting for enPCR, as a marker of nutritional status. Future studies should examine whether improvement in acid base status improves thyroid function in haemodialysis patients with evidence of thyroid hypofunction., (© 2017 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.)

Introduction: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is prevalent in dialysis patients, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in these patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PEW and its relationship with CVD risk factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Tehran, Iran., Materials and Methods: All eligible PD patients in Tehran peritoneal dialysis centers were included in this cross-sectional study. The diagnosis of PEW was done based on the criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1, malondialdehyde, and lipid profile were measured., Results: The prevalence of PEW was 29% in the PD patients. Significant associations were found between the prevalence of PEW in PD patients and sex (P = .01), age (P = .03), type of PD dialysis solution (P = .04), and microinflammation (P = .03). Serum C-reactive protein (P = .02), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (P = .001), and triglyceride (P = .03) were significantly higher in the PD patients without PEW as compared to those with PEW, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly lower in the PD patients without PEW as compared to those with PEW (P = .003)., Conclusions: Our study shows that PEW is prevalent in Iranian PD patients. In addition, serum concentrations of CVD risk factors are dependent on the amount of glucose absorbed from PD solutions and are more impaired in PD patients without PEW as compared to those with PEW.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate plasma concentrations of leptin and total ghrelin in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and assess their roles in protein-energy wasting (PEW)., Methods: This study consisted of three different CKD populations [CKD group (20 patients with non-dialysis CKD), dialysis group (39 patients on dialysis), and kidney transplant (KTx) group (35 KTx recipients)] and control group (18 healthy children). Plasma leptin and total ghrelin levels were measured. Multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis was used for the assessment of fat and lean mass. PEW was defined using criteria including body mass, muscle mass, growth, serum albumin level, and protein intake., Results: While plasma leptin levels did not differ among the study groups, total ghrelin levels were significantly higher in the dialysis group (P < 0.001). Seven dialysis patients (18%) and one CKD patient (5%) but none of the KTx recipients met the criteria of PEW. Dialysis patients with PEW had lower plasma leptin levels compared to their counterparts (P = 0.018); however, total ghrelin levels did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.10). Low leptin level in dialysis patients was independently associated with lower fat mass index (P < 0.001) and lower height-specific SD scores of BMI (P = 0.019)., Conclusions: PEW is prevalent in dialysis patients. Low levels of leptin seem to be associated with PEW. Our result suggests that low leptin levels may be a consequence rather than a cause of PEW. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate this complex relationship between leptin and PEW in pediatric dialysis patients.

Background: Malnourished children show variable growth responses to nutritional rehabilitation. We aimed to investigate whether these differences could be explained by variations in growth and energy-regulating hormones., Methods: Quasi-experimental study: Children aged 6-24 months in rural Gambia were recruited to controls if weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) > -2 (n = 22), moderate acute malnutrition if WHZ < -2 and > -3 (n = 18) or severe acute malnutrition if WHZ < -3 (n = 20). Plasma hormone and salivary CRP levels were determined by ELISA., Results: In univariable analyses, increases in weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) in malnourished children were positively correlated with insulin (F-ratio 7.8, p = 0.006), C-peptide (F-ratio 12.2, p < 0.001) and cortisol (F-ratio 5.0, p = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, only baseline C-peptide (F-ratio 7.6, p = 0.009) predicted the changes in WAZ over 28 days of interventions., Conclusion: In rural Gambian, malnourished children, although it cannot be used in isolation, baseline C-peptide was a predictor of future response to rehabilitation.

Background: Fluid overload and protein-energy wasting (PEW) are common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and lead to a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the volume and nutritional status of ESRD patients and to determine the clinical significance of phase angle (PhA)., Methods: This study was a cross-sectional comparison of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) findings in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 (CKD5-ND, N = 80) and age/sex-matched peritoneal dialysis patients (PD, N = 80). PEW was defined as a PhA less than 4.5°., Results: The PhA was found to be positively associated with a geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI, r = 0.561, p < 0.001), lean tissue index (LTI, r = 0.473, p < 0.001), and albumin ( r = 0.565, p < 0.001) while OH/ECW ( r = -0.824, p < 0.001) showed an inverse correlation. The CKD5-ND group had more overhydration ( p = 0.027). The PD group had significantly higher PhA ( p = 0.023), GNRI ( p = 0.005), hemoglobin ( p < 0.001), and albumin ( p = 0.003) than the CKD5-ND group. The cut-off values predicting PEW were found to be 3.55 g/dL for albumin, 94.9 for GNRI, and 12.95 kg/m² for LTI in PD patients., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PhA could be used as a marker to reflect nutritional status in patients with ESRD. Since BIS can inform both volume and nutritional status, regular monitoring will provide the basis for active correction of fluid overload and nutritional supplementation, which may improve outcomes in patients with ESRD.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is global health concern and priority. It is the 12th leading cause of death worldwide. Protein Energy Wasting occurs in 20-25% of patients with chronic kidney disease and can lead to a high morbidity and mortality rate. We determined the prevalence of protein energy wasting and factors associated among patients with chronic kidney disease at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study recruiting 182 (89 non-CKD patients and 93 CKD patients) consecutively from the outpatient clinic and wards on New Mulago Hospital complex. We took anthropometric measurements including heights, weights, Triceps skin fold (TSF), Mid- Upper Arm circumference (MUAC), Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC). Serum albumin levels and lipid profile levels were also obtained. Following consent of study participants, Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using STATA 14.1. Percentages, frequencies, means, medians, standard deviation and interquartile range were used to summarise data. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regression was performed to assess unadjusted and adjusted effect measures of protein energy wasting due to several factors. Stratification by CKD status was performed during the analysis to minimize confounding., Results: The median age for CKD patients was 39 years compared to 27 years for non-CKD participants (p < 0.001). The prevalence of protein energy wasting (PEW) was 68.6% in this study with 47.3 and 21.3% among CKD and non-CKD participants respectively. Factors which were associated with PEW included CKD age between 18 and 24, being single, catholic religion, CKD stage 4, Hb < 11.5 g/dl and LDL > 160 mg/dl., Conclusion: Protein energy Wasting is prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease and clinicians should routinely screen for it during patient care.

Background: Serum albumin and prealbumin levels, may be more strongly associated with inflammation than with nutrient delivery. Their predictive value has not been extensively described in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients., Methods: We analyzed a registry of adult surgical ICU patients receiving enteral nutrition. Subjects with at least 1 serum albumin, prealbumin, or C-reactive protein (CRP) level were included. Demographic, nutrition, and clinical outcome data were collected., Results: A total 252 subjects were included. A subset had serial measurements: albumin (n = 194), prealbumin (n = 13), CRP (n = 9), white blood cell (WBC) (n = 131), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (n = 86). Serum albumin level was inversely correlated with all 3 inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, ρ = -0.24, P <0.02; WBC, ρ = -0.15, P <0.001; and NLR, ρ = -0.26, P < 0.001). Change in serum albumin level was inversely correlated with change in NLR (ρ = -0.22, P = 0.044) but not with CRP or WBC. Admission serum albumin level was significantly higher in nourished vs. moderately and/or severely malnourished patients (3.2 [2.7-3.7] vs. 2.7 [2.3-3.0], P = 0.004). Admission serum prealbumin level was significantly higher in nourished vs. moderately and/or severely malnourished patients (9 [7-12] vs. 4 [3-5], P = 0.001). Serum albumin level was inversely correlated with Charlson Comorbidity Index (ρ = 0.20, P = 0.001). Calorie and/or protein delivery in the ICU was not correlated with changes in serum albumin or prealbumin levels., Conclusions: In the ICU, initial serum albumin levels and serial trends are inversely correlated with inflammation. Although initial serum albumin levels are reflective of baseline nutrition status, neither serum albumin level nor serum prealbumin level trends correlate with calorie or protein deficits and should not be used to assess adequacy of nutrition delivery., (© 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Introduction: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is associated with increased mortality and differs depending on the chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage and the dialysis technique. The prevalence in non-dialysis patients is understudied and ranges from 0 to 40.8%., Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status of a group of Spanish advanced CKD patients by PEW criteria and subjective global assessment (SGA)., Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 186 patients (101 men) with a mean age of 66.1±16 years. The nutritional assessment consisted of: SGA, PEW criteria, 3-day dietary records, anthropometric parameters and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis., Results: The prevalence of PEW was 30.1%, with significant differences between men and women (22.8 vs. 33.8%, p < 0.005), while 27.9% of SGA values were within the range of malnutrition. No differences were found between the 2methods. Men had higher proteinuria, percentage of muscle mass and nutrient intake. Women had higher levels of total cholesterol, HDL and a higher body fat percentage. The characteristics of patients with PEW were low albumin levels and a low total lymphocyte count, high proteinuria, low fat and muscle mass and a high Na/K ratio. The multivariate analysis found PEW to be associated with: proteinuria (OR: 1.257; 95% CI: 1.084-1.457, p=0.002), percentage of fat intake (OR: 0.903; 95% CI: 0.893-0.983, p=0.008), total lymphocyte count (OR: 0.999; 95% CI: 0.998-0.999, p=0.001) and cell mass index (OR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.992-0.998)., Conclusion: Malnutrition was identified in Spanish advanced CKD patients measured by different tools. We consider it appropriate to adapt new diagnostic elements to PEW criteria., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Low levels of thyroid hormones, total triiodothyronine (T3) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in haemodialysis patients is a marker of malnutrition and inflammation and are predictors of mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome in haemodialysis and its relationship with the thyroid hormones thyrotropin, T3, FT3 and free thyroxine (FT4), as well as to evaluate the prevalence of low FT3 syndrome and its correlation with nutritional and inflammatory markers., Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical and comparative study that enrolled 128 haemodialysis patients: 50.8% females; mean age 45.05±17.01 years; mean time on haemodialysis 45.4±38.8 months; 29.7% diabetics; 79.7% with hypertension. Serum thyroid hormones thyrotropin, T3, FT3 and FT4 concentrations were measured and Malnutritition-Inflammation Score (MIS) was applie to diagnostic., Results: Mean thyroid hormone values were: thyroid hormones thyrotropin 2.48±1.8 mIU/ml (range: 0.015-9.5), T3 1.18±0.39 ng/ml (range 0.67-2.64), FT3 5.21±0.96pmol/l (range: 3.47-9.75); FT4 1.35±0.4 ng/ml (range: 0.52-2.57). Malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome prevalence was 53.9%; 11.7% presented low FT3 levels. Serum T3 and FT3 concentrations inversely correlated with Malnutritition-Inflammation Score (MIS), while FT4 correlated positively with Malnutrition-Inflammation Score. In the linear regression analysis, low FT3 was associated with IL-6 (β= 0.265, p=.031), C-reactive protein (CRP) (β= -0.313, p=.018) and albumin (β= 0.276, p=.002)., Conclusion: Low T3 and FT3 levels are correlated with malnutrition and inflammation parameters. Malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome can affect serum concentrations of thyroid hormones., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

In Japan, parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions are frequently administered to patients in the postoperative short-term period. In these cases, amino acid-containing peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) solutions, amino acid-free maintenance solutions or combinations of the two are used. However, consensus regarding the most beneficial solution for these patients is lacking. Here, we examined the nutritional status and wound healing outcomes in protein-malnourished rats receiving postoperative administrations of PPN solution, maintenance solution or combinations of the two solutions. Protein malnutrition was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding an AIN-93G-based low-protein diet (5% casein) for 2 wk. After laparotomy, dorsal skin incision, and placement of a jugular vein catheter, the rats were divided into 3 groups. Each group was administered 113 kcal/kg/d, with group A receiving maintenance solutions without amino acid, group B receiving PPN with 1.5% amino acid, and group C receiving PPN with 3% amino acid. After 5 d post-operative administration, we measured the tensile strength of the wound area, skeletal muscle weights, and nutritional parameters. Significantly higher plasma nutritional parameters and gastrocnemius and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle weights were observed in groups B and C than in group A. Group C exhibited significantly elevated tensile strength of the wound area along with up-regulation of type I collagen mRNA expression compared to group A. These findings demonstrate the nutritional status and wound healing benefits of short-term postoperative administration of PPN solutions containing amino acids in protein-malnourished rats.

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between early life protein malnutrition-induced redox imbalance, and reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. After weaning, male Wistar rats were submitted to a normal-protein-diet (17%-protein, NP) or to a low-protein-diet (6%-protein, LP) for 60 days. Pancreatic islets were isolated and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) glutathione content, CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and catalase (CAT) gene expression, as well as enzymatic antioxidant activities were quantified. Islets that were pre-incubated with H 2 O 2 and/or N-acetylcysteine, were subsequently incubated with glucose for insulin secretion measurement. Protein malnutrition increased CAT mRNA content by 100%. LP group SOD1 and CAT activities were 50% increased and reduced, respectively. H 2 O 2 production was more than 50% increased whereas GSH/GSSG ratio was near 60% lower in LP group. Insulin secretion was, in most conditions, approximately 50% lower in LP rat islets. When islets were pre-incubated with H 2 O 2 (100 μM), and incubated with glucose (33 mM), LP rats showed significant decrease of insulin secretion. This effect was attenuated when LP islets were exposed to N-acetylcysteine., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The chronic kidney disease (CKD) population is aging. Currently a high percentage of patients treated on dialysis are older than 65 years. As patients get older, several conditions contribute to the development of malnutrition, namely protein energy wasting (PEW), which may be compounded by nutritional disturbances associated with CKD and from the dialysis procedure. Therefore, elderly patients on dialysis are vulnerable to the development of PEW and awareness of the identification and subsequent management of nutritional status is of importance. In clinical practice, the nutritional assessment of patients on dialysis usually includes methods to assess PEW, such as the subjective global assessment, the malnutrition inflammation score, and anthropometric and laboratory parameters. Studies investigating measures of nutritional status specifically tailored to the elderly on dialysis are scarce. Therefore, the same methods and cutoffs used for the general adult population on dialysis are applied to the elderly. Considering this scenario, the aim of this review is to discuss specific considerations for nutritional assessment of elderly patients on dialysis addressing specific shortcomings on the interpretation of markers, in addition to providing clinical practice guidance to assess the nutritional status of elderly patients on dialysis., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.)

Background: Protein-energy wasting is a prevalent disorder in haemodialysis. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) are novel adipokines with recognized lipolytic effects and proposed role in metabolic homoeostasis. This study was conducted to investigate the association of ZAG and ATGL concentrations with malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) and metabolic profile of patients with haemodialysis., Materials and Methods: Eighty-eight patients under regular haemodialysis were divided based on MIS to normal to mild wasting (NMW; n = 35) or moderate wasting (MW; n = 53) group. Anthropometric measurements along with fasting serum concentrations of ZAG, ATGL, free fatty acids (FFAs), albumin, transferrin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), hs-CRP, lipid profile and glucose metabolism were assessed., Results: Adipose triglyceride lipase concentration was significantly higher in MW than NMW group (10·89 ± 5·7 vs. 8·02 ± 3·37 mIU/mL; P = 0·008). The ZAG and FFAs were not significantly different between two groups. ATGL was directly correlated with FFAs in all of the patients (r = 0·284, P = 0·007) and MW (r = 0·32, P = 0·021), and marginally in NMW (r = 0·31, P = 0·057) groups. ATGL and odds of having mild or moderate wasting were significantly correlated (OR = 1·21, P = 0·033). A positive association was observed between ATGL with TG (r = 0·31, P = 0·049) and also with transferrin and TIBC (r = 0·44, P = 0·001) only in MW group. An inverse relationship was observed between ATGL and HDL in all of the participants (r=-0·222, P = 0·04). No significant correlation was observed between ZAG and other parameters., Conclusions: The serum concentrations of ATGL, but not ZAG, were significantly higher in MW compared to NMW group. Each unit increase in ATGL concentrations was correlated with 21% increase in the odds of wasting severity. ATGL might play a role in wasting pathogenesis and metabolic profile in haemodialysis., (© 2017 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.)

Objectives: Anemia and malnutrition are risk factors for frailty in older people but data from multicenter studies among German geriatric inpatients are lacking. This analysis evaluated data from the multicenter study "GerAnaemie2013" commissioned by the German Geriatric Society., Patients and Methods: The study involved an analysis of the 579 geriatric inpatients recruited in the context of the German multicenter study "GeriAnaemie2013". Study parameters: Barthel index (BI), handgrip strength, nutritional data (e.g. loss of appetite, loss of weight and decreased food intake)., Inclusion Criteria: in-patient age ≥70 years, exclusion criteria: current cancer disease or cancer-associated treatment. Anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria., Results: The mean age of patients was 81.9 years, overall prevalence of anemia 55.1 %, mean hemoglobin (Hb) level 11.9 g/dl, average BI 50.8 points and 30.3 % of all patients were at risk of malnutrition. While univariate analysis revealed a significantly lower BI in anemic patients, this association was no longer seen in multivariate analysis. Regression analysis revealed that a drug intake of > 5 drugs/day doubles the chance of suffering from anemia with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.17 (confidence interval (CI) 1.28-3.68, p = 0.004) as well as a serum albumin level below 3.5 g/dl with an adjusted OR of 2.11 (range 1.40-3.19, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Polymedication and low serum albumin were independent risk factors for anemia in geriatric patients, probably reflecting disease severity.

Background: Patients that underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition. Trace elements are required in small quantities and Chromium (Cr) displays a major role in the metabolism., Objective: This study aims to evaluate Cr levels and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and underlying diseases during the first 3 months of PEG feeding., Methods: Prospective observational study during 3-months, when PEG was performed (T0), after 4 (T1), and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, underlying disease, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Cr concentration. At T1 and T3 a blood sample was collected for Cr, albumin and transferrin. A Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess Cr. According with the underlying disease, patients were divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). All patients were fed with homemade meals., Results: A one hundred and twenty-nine patients (80 males), 26-95 years old were studied: HNC-52; ND-77. The observed data included low mean values of BMI from 71 patients; low Cr-8, low albumin-70, low transferrin-85 and 57 with both proteins low. Albumin was associated with survival time ( P =0.024) and there was a significant correlation between albumin and Cr (r=0.217, P =0.012). A good evolution of Cr and proteins values was observed, with no low Cr levels at T3., Conclusion: Low serum Cr is rare in PEG-patients, with no relationship to other studied parameters. For the minority of patients displaying low Cr before gastrostomy, homemade PEG meals seem to be effective.

Objective: Rapid screening and monitoring of nutritional status is mandatory in hemodialysis population because of the increasingly encountered nutritional problems. Considering the limitations of previous composite nutrition scores applied in this population, we tried to develop a standardized composite nutrition score (SCNS) using low lean tissue index as a marker of protein wasting to facilitate clinical screening and monitoring and to predict outcome., Design and Methods: This retrospective cohort used 2 databases of dialysis populations from Taiwan between 2011 and 2014. First database consisting of data from 629 maintenance hemodialysis patients was used to develop the SCNS and the second database containing data from 297 maintenance hemodialysis patients was used to validate this developed score., Results: SCNS containing albumin, creatinine, potassium, and body mass index was developed from the first database using low lean tissue index as a marker of protein wasting. When applying this score in the original database, significantly higher risk of developing protein wasting was found for patients with lower SCNS (odds ratio 1.38 [middle tertile vs highest tertile, P < .0001] and 2.40 [lowest tertile vs middle tertile, P < .0001]). The risk of death was also shown to be higher for patients with lower SCNS (hazard ratio 4.45 [below median level vs above median level, P < .0001]). These results were validated in the second database., Conclusion: We developed an SCNS consisting of 4 easily available biochemical parameters. This kind of scoring system can be easily applied in different dialysis facilities for screening and monitoring of protein wasting. The wide application of body composition monitor in dialysis population will also facilitate the development of specific nutrition scoring model for individual facility., (Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The relationship between protein-energy wasting and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is unknown. In the present prospective cohort study, we evaluated the hypothesis that a combination of low body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin level is associated with rapid CKD progression., Methods: The study cohort comprised 728 predialysis Japanese patients with CKD (stages 2-5) enrolled from 2010 to 2011. Patients were categorized into four groups according to their serum albumin levels and BMI: group 1, low serum albumin level (<4 g/dL) and low BMI (<23.5 kg/m 2 ); group 2, high serum albumin level (≥4 g/dL) and low BMI; group 3, low serum albumin level and high BMI (≥23.5 kg/m 2 ); and group 4, high serum albumin level and high BMI. The primary outcome was a 30 % decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or start of dialysis within 2 years. The secondary outcome was an annual GFR decline (mL/min/1.73 m 2 /year)., Results: Logistic regression analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics (reference, group 4) showed that only group 1 was associated with a significant risk of CKD progression, with adjusted odds ratio of 3.51 [95 % confidence interval (CI) (1.63, 7.56)]. A multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics showed a significant difference in annual eGFR decline between groups 1 and 4 [coefficients β (standard error) -2.62 (0.75), p = 0.001]., Conclusion: This study suggests that combined effects of low BMI (<23.5 kg/m 2 ) and serum albumin level (<4 g/dL) are associated with CKD progression.

Background/aims: Protein energy wasting (PEW) is a common medical phenomenon that is observed in maintenance dialysis patients. PEW also increases morbidity and mortality of these patients. Its pathogenesis is unclear. We hypothesize that serum irisin levels and volume overload may induce PEW in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The aim of this study is to measure serum irisin levels, evaluate volume status of PD patients, and study their correlations with PEW in PD patients., Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study with 160 PD patients from the PD center of Peking University Third Hospital and 35 healthy control subjects. PD patients were divided into PEW group and non-PEW group according to PEW diagnosis criteria. Serum irisin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Volume overload status (volume overload is defined as overhydration value ≥2 liters) of PD patients was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance., Results: The serum irisin levels were significantly lower in PD patients compared with those of the controls (113.2±11.8 ng/ml vs. 464.2±37.4 ng/ml, P<0.01). The serum irisin levels were lower in PD patients with PEW than those of the patients without PEW (106.5±15.2 ng/ml vs. 117.4±17.6 ng/ml, P<0.01). PEW is more prevalent in patients with volume overload than patients without volume overload (62.5% vs. 43.1%, x2=5.756, P=0.016); however, no direct relationship was found between irisin levels and volume overload status. The independent influencing factors of PEW were serum irisin, serum albumin, and volume overload., Conclusion: Our results are the first to provide clinical evidence of the association between serum irisin, volume overload, and PEW in PD patients. PEW may inhibit the release or synthesis of irisin from skeletal muscles, and volume overload may aggravate PEW in PD patients., (© 2017 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of individually tailored dietary counseling on nutritional status among home care clients aged 75 years or older., Design: Non-randomised controlled study., Setting and Participants: The study sample consisted of 224 home care clients (≥ 75 years) (intervention group, n = 127; control group, n = 100) who were at protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) or risk of PEM (MNA score <24 and plasma albumin <35 g/L)., Intervention: Individually tailored dietary counseling; the persons were instructed to increase their food intake with energy-dense food items, the number of meals they ate and their consumption of energy-, protein- and nutrient-rich snacks for six months., Measurements: The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Body Mass Index (BMI) and plasma albumin were used to determine nutritional status at the baseline and after the six-month intervention., Results: The mean age of the home care clients was 84.3 (SD 5.5) in the intervention group and 84.4 (SD 5.3) in the control group, and 70 percent were women in both groups. After the six-month nutritional intervention, the MNA score increased 2.3 points and plasma albumin 1.6 g/L in the intervention group, against MNA score decreased -0.2 points and plasma albumin -0.1 g/L in the control group., Conclusions: Individually tailored dietary counseling may improve nutritional status among older home care clients., Competing Interests: The authors do not have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

Background: Mortality in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains high despite standardized rehabilitation protocols. Two forms of SAM are classically distinguished: kwashiorkor and marasmus. Children with kwashiorkor have nutritional edema and metabolic disturbances, including hypoalbuminemia and hepatic steatosis, whereas marasmus is characterized by severe wasting. The metabolic changes underlying these phenotypes have been poorly characterized, and whether homeostasis is achieved during hospital stay is unclear., Objectives: We aimed to characterize metabolic differences between children with marasmus and kwashiorkor at hospital admission and after clinical stabilization and to compare them with stunted and nonstunted community controls., Methods: We studied children aged 9-59 mo from Malawi who were hospitalized with SAM (n = 40; 21 with kwashiorkor and 19 with marasmus) or living in the community (n = 157; 78 stunted and 79 nonstunted). Serum from patients with SAM was obtained at hospital admission and 3 d after nutritional stabilization and from community controls. With the use of targeted metabolomics, 141 metabolites, including amino acids, biogenic amines, acylcarnitines, sphingomyelins, and phosphatidylcholines, were measured., Results: At admission, most metabolites (128 of 141; 91%) were lower in children with kwashiorkor than in those with marasmus, with significant differences in several amino acids and biogenic amines, including those of the kynurenine-tryptophan pathway. Several phosphatidylcholines and some acylcarnitines also differed. Patients with SAM had profiles that were profoundly different from those of stunted and nonstunted controls, even after clinical stabilization. Amino acids and biogenic amines generally improved with nutritional rehabilitation, but most sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines did not., Conclusions: Children with kwashiorkor were metabolically distinct from those with marasmus, and were more prone to severe metabolic disruptions. Children with SAM showed metabolic profiles that were profoundly different from stunted and nonstunted controls, even after clinical stabilization. Therefore, metabolic recovery in children with SAM likely extends beyond discharge, which may explain the poor long-term outcomes in these children. This trial was registered at isrctn.org as ISRCTN13916953., Competing Interests: 2 Author disclosures: V Di Giovanni, C Bourdon, DX Wang, S Seshadri, E Senga, CJ Versloot, W Voskuijl, RD Semba, I Trehan, R Moaddel, MI Ordiz, L Zhang, J Parkinson, MJ Manary, and RHJ Bandsma, no conflicts of interest., (© 2016 American Society for Nutrition.)

Introduction: During growth, protein deprivation impairs epiphyseal growth plate (EGP) height, bone volume (BV) and endochondral ossification. During catch-up growth, Ca availability becomes essential to ensure the extra amount needed to achieve optimal peak bone mass and strength. GOS and FOS improve mineral absorption in the colon., Purpose: The effect of a mixture of GOS/FOS ® 9:1 added to a 0.5 %Ca (NCa) and a 0.3 %Ca (LCa) diets on Ca, P and Mg absorptions and bone mineralization, density and structure using an experimental model of growing rats recovering from early protein malnutrition was investigated., Methods: To induce protein malnutrition, rats were fed a low protein diet: 4 % (LPD) during 1 week and then were randomly assigned to recovery groups (R) until day 50 (T = 50) as follows: R0.5 %: NCa; RP0.5 %: NCa + 5.3 % GOS/FOS ® ; R0.3 %: LCa and RP0.3 %: LCa + 5.3 % GOS/FOS ® . Control groups received the 0.5 %Ca or 0.3 %Ca diet from weaning until day 40 or 50., Results: Body weight and length increased in C groups throughout the study; both were arrested in all R during LPD consumption and increased immediately after re-feeding. Independently of dietary Ca content, LS counts, β-glucosidase and Ca, P and Mg absorption increased, whereas cecum pH, β-glucuronidase, urease and tryptophanase decreased in RP0.5 %: and RP0.3 %: as compared to the other studied groups (p < 0.01). Prebiotic consumption decreased CTX levels and increased femur Ca, Mg and P contents, total skeleton bone mineral content, proximal tibia and spine BMD, BV, EGP height and hypertrophic zone thickness, stiffness and elastic modulus as compared to recovery groups fed the prebiotic-free diets., Conclusion: Under the present experimental conditions, GOS/FOS ® mixture induced colonic positive effects, which increased Ca, P and Mg absorption. Thus, consuming the prebiotic-containing diet resulted in an extra amount of minerals that improved bone development in growing rats recovering from protein malnutrition.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in our center and determine whether adiponectin and leptin are involved in the development of PEW., Design: Prospective (18 months)., Setting: University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece., Subjects: Seventy-four end-stage-renal-disease patients, 47 on HD and 27 on PD., Main Outcome Measures: At three sequential time points (baseline, 6 and 18 months) anthropometric, nutritional and inflammatory status data were collected. Serum adiponectin and leptin were also assessed at each time point. Patients were allocated to 3 strata according to PEW severity (0, 1-2 and ≥3 criteria for PEW)., Results: Adiponectin and leptin levels were greater among PD compared to HD patients (p≤0.035). Adiponectin levels were incrementally greater across increasing strata of PEW (p≤0.002). Leptin showed the opposite trend, with lower levels in malnourished patients and higher levels in patients with zero PEW criteria (p≤0.042). Alterations of adiponectin levels during the observation period were dependent on PEW stratum (p≤0.021) and mode of dialysis (p≤0.002), after adjustment for age, dialysis vintage, gender and fat mass index. Particularly, adiponectin levels increased over time in HD patients with ≥3 criteria for PEW, whereas adiponectin levels decreased in PD patients with ≥3 criteria for PEW throughout the study. Leptin alterations over time were not affected by dialysis mode or PEW stratification., Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that increased adiponectin and decreased leptin levels are independently associated with PEW and thus, poor prognosis., (Copyright © 2016 SEEN. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Serum hyaluronic acid (HA) is a well-established marker of fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). However, the relationship between serum HA level and protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in patients with CLD is an unknown. We aimed to examine the relationship between serum HA level and PEM in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) compared with the relationships of other serum markers of fibrosis. A total of 298 CHC subjects were analyzed. We defined patients with serum albumin level of ≤3.5 g/dL and nonprotein respiratory quotient <0.85 using indirect calorimetry as having PEM. We investigated the effect of serum HA level on the presence of PEM. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed for calculating the area under the ROC (AUROC) for serum HA level, platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index, FIB-4 index, AST to alanine aminotransferase ratio, and Forns index for the presence of PEM. The median serum HA level in this study was 148.0 ng/mL (range: 9.0-6340.0 ng/mL). In terms of the degree of liver function (chronic hepatitis, Child-Pugh A, B, and C), the analyzed patients were well stratified according to serum HA level (overall significance, P < 0.0001). The median value (range) of serum HA level in patients with PEM (n = 61) was 389.0 ng/mL (43.6-6340.0 ng/mL) and that in patients without PEM (n = 237) was 103.0 ng/mL (9.0-783.0 ng/mL) (P < 0.0001). Among 6 fibrosis markers, serum HA level yielded the highest AUROC with a level of 0.849 at an optimal cut-off value of 151.0 ng/mL (sensitivity 93.4%; specificity 62.0%; P < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, serum HA level was found to be a significant prognostic factor related to the presence of PEM (P = 0.0001).In conclusion, serum HA level can be a useful predictor of PEM in patients with CHC.

Objective: Protein-energy wasting (PEW), a state of decreased bodily protein and energy fuels, is highly prevalent among hemodialysis patients. The best method to determine PEW, however, remains debated. As an independent, negative association between PEW and quality of life (QOL) has been demonstrated, establishing which nutrition-related test correlates best with QOL may help to identify how PEW should preferably be assessed., Design and Methods: Data were used from CONTRAST, a cohort of end-stage kidney disease patients. At baseline, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, composite score on protein-energy nutritional status, normalized protein nitrogen appearance, body mass index, serum albumin, and serum creatinine were determined. QOL was assessed by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 1.3. The present study reports on 2 general and 11 kidney disease-specific QOL scores. Spearman's rho (ρ) was calculated to determine correlations between nutrition-related tests and QOL domains. Twelve months after randomization, a sensitivity analysis was performed to test the robustness of the results., Results: Of 714 patients, 489 representative subjects were available for analysis. All tests correlated with the Physical Component Score, except body mass index. Only SGA and MIS correlated significantly with the Mental Component Score. SGA correlated significantly with 10 of 11 kidney disease-specific QOL domains. The MIS not only correlated significantly with all (11) kidney disease-specific QOL domains but also with higher correlation coefficients., Conclusion: Of the 8 investigated nutrition-related tests, only MIS correlates with all QOL domains (13 of 13) with the strongest associations., (Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a highly prevalent condition in haemodialysis patients (HD). The potential usefulness of nutritional-inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of PEW in chronic kidney disease has not been established completely. We hypothesised that a combination of serum albumin, percentage of mid-arm muscle circumference and standard body weight comprises a better discriminator than either single marker of nutritional status in HD patients., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 80 HD patients. Patients were categorised in two groups: well-nourished and PEW. Logistic regression analysis was applied to corroborate the reliability of the three markers of PEW with all the nutritional-inflammatory markers analysed., Results: PEW was identified in 52.5% of HD patients. Compared with the well-nourished patients, PEW patients had lower body mass index, serum pre-albumin and body cell mass (all P < 0.001) and higher C-reactive protein (s-CRP) (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analyses showed that the combination of the three criteria were significantly related with s-CRP >1 mg dL(-1) , phase angle <4°, and serum pre-albumin <30 mg dL(-1) (all P < 0.05). Other indicators, such as lymphocytes <20% and Charlson comorbidity index, were significantly involved (both P < 0.01). A receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) of 0.86 (P < 0.001) was found., Conclusions: The combined utilisation of serum albumin, percentage of mid-arm muscle circumference and standard body weight as PEW markers appears to be useful for nutritional-inflammatory status assessment and adds predictive value to the traditional indicators. Larger studies are needed to achieve the reliability of these predictor combinations and their cut-off values in HD patients and other populations., (© 2014 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.)

Aims/introduction: Irisin is a newly identified myokine which can promote energy expenditure. Urotensin II (UII) is identified as the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictor to date. Previous studies showed that UII can aggravate insulin resistance while irisin alleviate insulin resistance. Through this study, it is our aim to elucidate if UII can induce insulin resistance and also have an association with the irisin level in hemodialysis (HD) patients., Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight patients on maintenance hemodialysis treatment and forty healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Blood irisin concentrations and UII concentrations were measured by ELISA and RIA respectively. The body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance., Results: The serum irisin levels and UII levels were both significantly lower in HD patients in comparison to that of the healthy subjects. The serum irisin levels were lower in HD patients with protein energy wasting than those of the patients without protein energy wasting. The independent determinants of circulating Ln (irisin) (the natural logarithm of irisin) were UII lean body mass and patients with protein energy wasting., Conclusions: Our results are the first to provide the clinical evidence of the association among irisin, UII, and protein energy wasting. Our results hint that UII and protein energy wasting might inhibit the release or synthesis of irisin from skeletal muscles in HD patients., (© 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: U.S. military veterans have high rates of chronic disease and social disadvantage, which are risk factors for protein-energy wasting (PEW). It is not known whether this translates into high prevalence of PEW in veterans with end-stage renal disease., Methods: We compared the clinical, socioeconomic, and nutrition status and the diet of 33 veteran and 38 nonveteran clinically stable patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in south-central Texas., Results: The whole cohort included 82% Mexican Americans (MAs), 72% type 2 diabetics, and 73% males. The body mass index was 28.9 ± 6.2, while energy intake was 21.5 ± 8.2 kcal/kg/d and protein intake was 1.0 ± 0.4 g/kg/d. Serum albumin (bromocresol purple) was 3.5 ± 0.4 g/dL, transferrin was 171.9 ± 27.8 mg/d, C-reactive protein was 2.9 (1.4-6.5) mg/L, interleukin-6 (IL-6) was 8.3 (4.2-17.9) pg/mL, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin was 729 (552-1256) ng/mL, and the malnutrition-inflammation score was 8.8 ± 3.0. In group comparison that adjusted for sex and ethnicity, the veterans had better household income, less MAs (60% vs 100%), more males (94% vs 55%), more use of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade (66% vs 33%), and lower IL-6 levels (4.4 [3.1-5.8] vs 15.4 [8.3-20.5] pg/mL; P = .01) than nonveterans. In regression analysis, the lower serum IL-6 level in veterans was independently explained by dialysis clinic, sex, and, possibly, household income (intermediate significance)., Conclusion: In a relatively small cohort of clinically stable MHD patients, the veterans showed equivalent nutrition status and dietary intake and less inflammation than the nonveterans, thus not supporting the possibility that veteran MHD patients may have worse nutrition than the nonveteran counterpart., (© 2015 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a world-wide epidemic with recent estimates indicating that greater than 50% of the global population is at risk. In Uganda, 80% of healthy community children in a survey were found to be vitamin D insufficient. Protein-energy malnutrition is likely to be associated with vitamin D intake deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the associated factors among children admitted with protein-energy malnutrition to the pediatrics wards of Mulago hospital in Kampala, Uganda., Methods: Consecutive sampling was done with 158 children, aged 6-24 months, enrolled in a cross sectional study. One hundred and seventeen malnourished and 41 non malnourished children were enrolled from the Acute Care unit, pediatrics in-patient wards, outpatient and immunization clinics, following informed consent obtained from the children's parents/guardians. Children with protein energy malnutrition were categorized based on anthropometric measurements of weight-for-height and weight for length compared with the recommended WHO reference Z-score. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium and phosphate were assayed., Results: One hundred seventeen malnourished and 41 non malnourished children were enrolled. The majority of study participants were male, 91 (57.6%). The mean serum vitamin D levels among the malnourished was 32.5 mmol/L (±12.0 SD) and 32.2 mmol/L (10.9 SD) among the malnourished, p = 0.868. Fifteen (36.6%) of the non malnourished children and 51 (43.6%) of the malnourished had suboptimal levels, p = 0.689. Malnourished children admitted with meningitis and cerebral palsy had lower serum vitamin D levels than those with other infections., Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in vitamin D values between the malnourished and non malnourished children. Clinicians should actively screen for children for serum vitamin D levels regardless of nutritional status.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between baseline peritoneal transport types and nutritional status in Chinese continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. In the present single-centre, prospective study, incident CAPD patients were included from 15 April 2010 to 31 December 2011 and were followed up for 12 months. According to the results of baseline peritoneal equilibration test, patients were divided into lower peritoneal transport group (lower transporters) and higher peritoneal transport group (higher transporters). Nutritional status was evaluated by both subjective global assessment (SGA) and protein-energy wasting (PEW) score. The body composition parameters were assessed by body impedance analysis. A total of 283 CAPD patients were included in the study, of which 171 (60.4 %) were males with a mean age of 47.0 (sd 14.9) years. Compared with lower transporters (n 92), higher transporters (n 181) had lower levels of serum albumin (37.1 (sd 4.3) v. 39.6 (sd 4.3) g/l, P< 0.001), serum pre-albumin (356 (sd 99) v. 384 (sd 90) mg/l, P= 0.035), phase angle (6.15 (sd 0.39) v. 6.27 (sd 0.47)°, P< 0.05) and higher rate of malnutrition defined by SGA (52.5 v. 25.0%, P< 0.001) and PEW score (37.0 v. 14.1 %, P< 0.001) at 1-year of follow-up. Baseline higher peritoneal transport, analysed by multivariate binary logistic regressions, was independently associated with malnutrition (SGA mild to moderate and severe malnutrition: OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.69, 6.96, P< 0.01; PEW: OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.08, 5.31, P= 0.03). It was concluded that baseline higher peritoneal transport was independently associated with worse nutritional status of CAPD patients in Southern China.

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is strongly associated with high mortality in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. However, its clinical assessment has not been well defined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between combined nutritional indicators and mortality in CAPD patients. In the present retrospective cohort study, a total of 885 incident CAPD patients were enrolled. Nutritional status at the initiation of CAPD was assessed by BMI and biochemical indices (serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, creatinine and total cholesterol). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Principal components factor analysis was used to identify the combined nutritional parameters. Their association with mortality was examined by multivariable-adjusted Cox models. The mean age was 47·4 (SD 14·8) years, 59·2 % (n 524) were male and 24·6 % (n 218) were diabetic. Of the total patients, 130 (14·7 %) had BMI < 18·5 kg/m², 439 (49·6 %) had albumin < 38 g/l ( < 3·8 g/dl), 303 (34·2 %) had prealbumin < 300 mg/l ( < 30 mg/dl), 404 (45·6 %) had transferrin < 2 g/l ( < 200 mg/dl), 501 (56·6 %) had total cholesterol < 5·2 mmol/l ( < 200 mg/dl) and 466 (52·7 %) had creatinine < 707 μmol/l ( < 8 mg/dl). Overall, three components such as visceral proteins, muscle-mass surrogate and BMI were extracted, which explained 69·95 % of the total variance of the nutritional parameters. After adjusting for demographic variables, co-morbid conditions, Hb, TAG and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, the factor score of visceral proteins including albumin, prealbumin and transferrin was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio 0·73, 95 % CI 0·60, 0·89; P= 0·002). Lower visceral protein concentrations may be independently associated with higher mortality in incident CAPD patients. Simultaneous measurements of serum albumin, prealbumin and transferrin could be helpful to monitor PEW.

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) contributes to mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Adipokines regulate energy homeostasis and body weight. Circulating gelsolin can modulate inflammation and is correlated with HD mortality. Whether adipokines and gelsolin play important roles in PEW remains unclear. Based on the criteria proposed by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism, we examined the associations between PEW and biomarkers (gelsolin, leptin, adiponectin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) in 188 stable HD patients. Patients with PEW had significantly lower serum leptin levels, and tended to have higher adiponectin, TNF-α, and lower gelsolin levels. Logistic regression analysis revealed that gelsolin, leptin, adiponectin, and blood urea nitrogen were independently associated with PEW score. Serum creatinine, TNF-α, gender, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, and lipid-lowering agents were not associated with PEW score. Patients on lipid-lowering agents had lower PEW scores and those with RAS blockade had higher PEW scores. Our study confirms that gelsolin, adiponectin, and leptin are significant associates with PEW in HD patients. Further understanding of how these factors contribute to PEW may help design novel therapeutic strategies for PEW in chronic kidney disease., (Copyright © 2014 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Obese sarcopenia characterized by increased fat mass and protein-energy wasting (PEW) is not uncommon in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 patients in whom it is associated with worse outcomes. Serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is associated with obesity in the general population and is increased in CKD patients in whom its association with body composition is not known. We studied the associations between HGF, PEW and body composition, and between HGF and mortality, in CKD stage 5 patients starting dialysis., Methods: In 224 CKD stage 5 patients (139 males, mean age 52 years, mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 6.6 mL/min), blood samples were obtained for analyses of HGF, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), glucose, insulin and lipids. Total fat mass index (FMI), truncal fat mass index (TFMI) and lean body mass index (LBMI) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and PEW assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA) were recorded at baseline. Patients were followed up for 5 years., Results: Serum HGF levels were higher in patients with high TFMI versus low TFMI [3.1 (IQR: 2.4-4.5) versus 2.7 (IQR: 1.9-3.8) ng/mL; P = 0.01] and in those with PEW versus non-PEW [3.4 (IQR: 2.4-3.6) versus 2.8 (IQR: 2.1-3.8) ng/mL; P = 0.03]. Patients with both high TFMI and presence of PEW had significantly (P < 0.001) higher HGF concentration [4.4 (IQR: 3.3-6.6) ng/mL] than other patient groups (high TFMI and non-PEW, low TFMI and PEW or low TFMI and non-PEW). Multivariate linear regression showed that TFMI was an independent predictor of HGF (R(2) = 0.21, P = 0.048). In Cox analysis, patients with high HGF and presence of PEW had worse all-cause mortality after adjusting for age, gender and hsCRP (HR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.19-5.35)., Conclusions: Increased TFMI was an independent predictor of HGF in CKD stage 5 patients. Moreover, an elevated HGF level increased the mortality risk in the presence of PEW. These results suggest a central role of HGF in the metabolic and nutritional alterations in CKD stage 5 patients., (© The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.)

Although the management of malnutrition is a priority in older people, this population shows a resistance to refeeding. Fresh bee pollen contains nutritional substances of interest for malnourished people. The aim was to evaluate the effect of fresh bee pollen supplementation on refeeding efficiency in old malnourished rats. Male 22-month-old Wistar rats were undernourished by reducing food intake for 12 weeks. The animals were then renourished for three weeks with the same diet supplemented with 0%, 5% or 10% of fresh monofloral bee pollen. Due to changes in both lean mass and fat mass, body weight decreased during malnutrition and increased after refeeding with no between-group differences (p < 0.0001). Rats refed with the fresh bee pollen-enriched diets showed a significant increase in muscle mass compared to restricted rats (p < 0.05). The malnutrition period reduced the muscle protein synthesis rate and mTOR/p70S6kinase/4eBP1 activation, and only the 10%-pollen diet was able to restore these parameters. Mitochondrial activity was depressed with food restriction and was only improved by refeeding with the fresh bee pollen-containing diets. In conclusion, refeeding diets that contain fresh monofloral bee pollen improve muscle mass and metabolism in old, undernourished rats.

Over the past few years, we have observed increasing consumption of inappropriate plant milks as an alternative to infant milk formula. Some families believe that foods labeled as natural are the most healthy and an appropriate nutritional choice. However, their composition does not respect European recommendations. They are always hypocaloric and protein, vitamin, and mineral concentrations are inadequate. The aim of this study was to report severe nutritional complications after inappropriate plant milk consumption. Between 2008 and 2011, we studied severe nutritional deficiencies caused by consumption of plant milks bought in health food stores or online shops. Infants were identified in our centers and examined through medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Nine cases of infants aged from 4 to 14 months were observed. In all cases, these milks were used as an alternative to milk formulas for supposed cow's milk allergy. At diagnosis, four patients were aged 6 months or less. They had received plant milk exclusively for 1-3 months. The beverages consumed were rice, soya, almond and sweet chestnut milks. In three cases, infants presented severe protein-calorie malnutrition with substantial hypoalbuminemia (<20 g/L) and diffuse edema. In the other cases, the nutritional disorders were revealed by a refractory status epilepticus related to severe hypocalcemia (one case), growth arrest of both height and weight secondary to insufficient caloric intake (five cases), and severe cutaneous involvement (one case). Five children had severe iron deficiency anemia (<70 g/L), three children had a very low 25-hydroxy vitamin D level (nutritional rickets), and two had severe hyponatremia (<130 mmoL/L). Milk alternative beverages expose infants to severe nutritional deficiencies. Serious complications can occur. Early, exclusive, and extended use is riskier. These diseases are preventable, and parental education should be provided. Statutory measures forbidding their use in young infants should be organized to slow down the progress of this social trend., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: India has the highest prevalence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Severe anemia is one of the comorbidities responsible for increased mortality in severely malnourished children, yet it has not received the attention it should. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and type of anemia and to evaluate the possible etiologies for severe anemia, in these children., Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with SAM in a tertiary care hospital in northern India over a period of 12 mo from Sept. 1, 2010 to Aug. 31, 2011 was conducted. We observed the prevalence of severe anemia (hemoglobin < 7 g/dL), morphologic type of anemia, number of patients requiring blood transfusion, hematologic profile of mothers, nature of feeding, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and the demographic profile of these patients., Results: Included in the study were 131 cases of SAM. The age group varied between 6 and to 59 mo. Of patients with SAM, 67.3% had severe anemia; 13.8% had moderate anemia. Of these patients, 25% required packed red blood cell transfusion. The most common type of anemia was microcytic (38.6%) followed by megaloblastic (30.5%)., Conclusions: A high incidence of severe anemia in SAM with a large proportion (25%) requiring blood transfusion is a pointer toward nutritional anemia being a very common comorbidity of SAM requiring hospital admission. Because megaloblastic anemia closely followed microcytic anemia, supplementation with vitamin B12 in addition to iron and folic acid would be recommended., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This work studied the effect of protein malnutrition on the hemato-immune response to the respiratory challenge with Streptococcus pneumoniae and evaluated whether the dietary recovery with a probiotic strain has a beneficial effect in that response. Three important conclusions can be inferred from the results presented in this work: a) protein-malnutrition significantly impairs the emergency myelopoiesis induced by the generation of the innate immune response against pneumococcal infection; b) repletion of malnourished mice with treatments including nasally or orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 are able to significantly accelerate the recovery of granulopoiesis and improve innate immunity and; c) the immunological mechanisms involved in the protective effect of immunobiotics vary according to the route of administration. The study demonstrated that dietary recovery of malnourished mice with oral or nasal administration of L. rhamnosus CRL1505 improves emergency granulopoiesis and that CXCR4/CXCR12 signaling would be involved in this effect. Then, the results summarized here are a starting point for future research and open up broad prospects for future applications of probiotics in the recovery of immunocompromised malnourished hosts.

Rational: Among the alternatives to reverse chronic hemodialysis protein-energy malnutrition is the enhancement of intradialytic oral nutritional therapy. Although foods of animal origin are a source of nutrients and represent a feasible diet, there is uncertainty about their health consequences., Objectives: We assessed the relationship of intradialytic high-protein red meat snack supplementation with patient inflammatory status and protein losses (nitrogen) during this supplementation. Fourteen patients submitted to low-flux chronic hemodialysis for one month were divided into two groups receiving 2 g (group 1) and 29 g (group 2) of oral intradialytic protein during the initial phase, respectively. In the subsequent phase, group 1 was supplemented with 27 g protein (a red meat snack) for a total of 29 g per dialysis. Group 2 continued to receive 29 g protein. Nutritional status, total nitrogen losses through the dialysate and acute inflammatory phase protein (CRP) were assessed before and after dialysis. Reuse of the dialyzer was also determined on each occasion., Main Findings: Red meat supplementation did not interfere with CRP, nitrogen loss through the dialysate (18 ± 7 to 19 ± 4 g in group 1, ns, and 20 ± 7 to 21 ± 4 g in group 2, ns) or with nutritional status. However, the data showed a positive correlation between pre- and post-hemodialysis CRP values (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) in both groups, suggesting an increase of the values after ultrafiltration. Reuse of the dialyzer was not correlated with CRP values., Principle Conclusions: The results suggest that snacks were not acutely correlated with increased inflammatory levels and indicated that a protein-rich red meat snack may be beneficial for chronic hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: Protein-energy malnutrition and inflammation are common and overlapping conditions in hemodialysis patients, which are associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Adiponectin is an adipocytokine exclusively produced by adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the association between serum adiponectin levels and the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients., Materials and Methods: Seventy-three patients on hemodialysis for at least 3 months, three times weekly, without any acute illness, were divided into 2 groups of well-nourished (n = 25) and malnourished (n = 48) based on their nutritional status, measured by the subjective global assessment. Serum levels of adiponectin, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine; body mass index; and the malnutrition-inflammation score were measured in all patients. These values were compared between well-nourished and malnourished patients. The correlations of nutritional variables with serum levels of adiponectin were determined, as well., Results: Except for the malnutrition-inflammation score, which was significantly higher in the malnourished patients compared to the well-nourished ones (11.1 +/- 3.6 versus 4.2 +/- 2.0, P < .001), no other significant differences were found between the two groups. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between the serum levels of adiponectin and subjective global assessment scores (r = 0.25, P = .03)., Conclusions: The results of our study point to potential utility of serum adiponectin level as an indicator of nutritional status in hemodialysis patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of malnutrition in hemodialysis patients.

Background and Aims: Protein malnutrition affects resistance to infection by impairing the inflammatory response, modifying the function of effector cells, such as macrophages. Recent studies have revealed that glutamine-a non-essential amino acid, which could become conditionally essential in some situations like trauma, infection, post-surgery and sepsis-is able to modulate the synthesis of cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glutamine on the expression of proteins involved in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway of peritoneal macrophages from malnourished mice., Methods: Two-month-old male Balb/c mice were submitted to protein-energy malnutrition (n = 10) with a low-protein diet containing 2 % protein, whereas control mice (n = 10) were fed a 12 % protein-containing diet. The haemogram and analysis of plasma glutamine and corticosterone were evaluated. Peritoneal macrophages were pre-treated in vitro with glutamine (0, 0.6, 2 and 10 mmol/L) for 24 h and then stimulated with 1.25 μg LPS for 30 min, and the synthesis of TNF-α and IL-1α and the expression of proteins related to the NF-κB pathway were evaluated., Results: Malnourished animals had anaemia, leucopoenia, lower plasma glutamine and increased corticosterone levels. TNF-α production of macrophages stimulated with LPS was significantly lower in cells from malnourished animals when cultivated in supraphysiological (2 and 10 mmol/L) concentrations of glutamine. Further, glutamine has a dose-dependent effect on the activation of macrophages, in both groups, when stimulated with LPS, inducing a decrease in TNF-α and IL-1α production and negatively modulating the NF-κB signalling pathway., Conclusions: These data lead us to infer that the protein malnutrition state interferes with the activation of macrophages and that higher glutamine concentrations, in vitro, have the capacity to act negatively in the NF-κB signalling pathway.