1,721,422 research outputs found
Biomarkers of immunity and inflammation for use in nutrition interventions: International Life Sciences Institute European Branch work on selection criteria and interpretation
No full textIn order to gain better insight into meaningful effects of nutrition on immune function, there is a need for guidance on the assessment and interpretation of immune markers. However, there is no consensus as to which markers best represent the various aspects of immunity, including acute, chronic or low-grade inflammation. International Life Sciences Institute European Branch has commissioned several expert groups comprising individuals from different backgrounds including academia, government and the food industry to prepare descriptive and guidance documents on this topic. Two of these considered the markers of the immune response mainly in the context of host defence against pathogens, two considered general markers of inflammation, and one focussed on chronic low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity. This article describes the background to these documents and will summarise the work, findings and recommendations of the expert groups
Lipids for intravenous nutrition in hospitalised adult patients: a multiple choice of options
No full textLipids used in parenteral nutrition provide energy, building blocks and essential fatty acids. Traditionally, these lipids have been based on n-6 PUFA-rich vegetable oils particularly soyabean oil. This may not be optimal because soyabean oil may present an excessive supply of linoleic acid. Alternatives to use of soyabean oil include its partial replacement by medium-chain TAG, olive oil or fish oil, either alone or in combination. Lipid emulsions containing these alternatives are well tolerated without adverse effects in a wide range of hospitalised adult patients. Lipid emulsions that include fish oil have been used in parenteral nutrition in adult patients' post-surgery (mainly gastrointestinal). This has been associated with alterations in patterns of inflammatory mediators and in immune function and, in some studies, a reduction in length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. These benefits are emphasised through recent meta-analyses. Perioperative administration of fish oil may be superior to post-operative administration. Parenteral fish oil has been used in critically ill adults. Here, the influence on inflammatory processes, immune function and clinical endpoints is not clear, since there are too few studies and those that are available report contradictory findings. However, some studies found reduced inflammation, improved gas exchange and shorter length of hospital stay in critically ill patients if they receive fish oil. More and better trials are needed in patient groups in which parenteral nutrition is used and where fish oil may offer benefits
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation
No full textAlthough part of the normal host response to infection or injury, inflammation is involved in many pathological conditions and disease states. Most interest in the influence of fatty acids on inflammatory processes has centred on the opposing actions of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The n-6 PUFA arachidonic acid gives rise to the eicosanoid family of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and related metabolites) and through these regulates the activities of inflammatory cells, the production of inflammatory cytokines, etc. Consumption of long-chain n-3 PUFAs [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] decreases the amount of arachidonic acid in inflammatory cell membranes and so available for eicosanoid production. Thus, consumption of long-chain n-3 PUFAs results in decreased production of eicosanoids from arachidonic acid. EPA acts as an alternative substrate for eicosanoid synthesis giving rise to mediators that are less potent than the analogues produced from arachidonic acid. EPA and DHA give rise to newly discovered families of mediators termed E- and D-resolvins, respectively, which have anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving actions. In addition to this range of effects, long-chain n-3 PUFAs affect cell-signalling processes and gene expression in inflammatory cells, resulting in decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Such long-chain n-3 PUFA-induced effects may be of importance in protecting against the development of and lowering the severity of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. There is good evidence for the efficacy of long-chain n-3 PUFAs in rheumatoid arthritis, with less strong evidence in other inflammatory conditions. The precursor n-3 PUFA, agr-linolenic acid, exerts some anti-inflammatory effects at very high intakes, perhaps reflecting the need for its conversion to EPA to be effective
- …
