Modifying Serum Plant Sterol Concentrations: Effects on Markers for Whole Body Cholesterol Metabolism in Children Receiving Parenteral Nutrition and Intravenous Lipids

Quality, Key Production Factors, and Consumption Volume of Niche Edible Oils Marketed in the European Union

Consumer’s awareness of the health-promoting aspects of food and their search for products with high nutritional value is driving increased interest in niche oils. Such oils are produced on a small scale due to limited access to raw material and its low oil content. The aim of this multi-criteria analysis was to position niche oils. Data for the study were collected based on a literature review regarding twenty-three niche oils available on the European Union market. Analysis of quality parameters, key production factors, waste reusability, and average annual consumption volume in 2015–2020 was performed. Based on the research, it was concluded that linseed (flaxseed) oil, hemp oil, mustard oil, raspberry seed oil, and sesame oil should be of the most interest to consumers. They are characterized by the highest content of tocopherols, sterols, polyphenols, and carotenoids, a favorable ratio of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pro-ecological and sustainable production technology. Based on the results of the study, the need for empirical research was identified, the key to filling the knowledge gaps in the area of edible niche oils.

What is the optimal lipid emulsion for preventing intestinal failure-associated liver disease following parenteral feeding in a rat model of short-bowel syndrome?

PURPOSE

Composite lipid emulsion (CLE) has been used for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) to compensate for the disadvantages of soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE) or fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE). However, the influence of its administration is unclear. We evaluated the effects of these emulsions on IFALD using a rat model of the short-bowel syndrome.

METHODS

We performed jugular vein catheterization and 90% small bowel resection in Sprague-Dawley rats and divided them into four groups: control (C group), regular chow with intravenous administration of saline; and total parenteral nutrition co-infused with SOLE (SOLE group), CLE (CLE group) or FOLE (FOLE group).

RESULTS

Histologically, obvious hepatic steatosis was observed in the SOLE and CLE groups but not the FOLE group. The liver injury grade of the steatosis and ballooning in the FOLE group was significantly better than in the SOLE group (p < 0.05). The TNF-α levels in the liver in the FOLE group were significantly lower than in the SOLE group (p < 0.05). Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) was not observed in any group.

CONCLUSION

Fish oil lipid emulsion attenuated hepatic steatosis without EFAD, while CLE induced moderate hepatic steatosis. The administration of CLE requires careful observation to prevent PN-induced hepatic steatosis.

Linking phytosterols and oxyphytosterols from food to brain health: origins, effects, and underlying mechanisms

Phytosterols and their oxidation products, namely oxyphytosterols, are natural compounds present in plant foods. With increased intake of phytosterol-enriched functional food products, the exposure of both phytosterols and oxyphytosterols is rising. Over the past ten years, researches have been focused on their absorption and metabolism in human body, as well as their biological effects. More importantly, recent studies showed that phytosterols and oxyphytosterols can traverse the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. As brain health problems resulting from ageing being more serious, attenuating central nervous system (CNS) disorders with active compounds in food are becoming a hot topic. Phytosterols and oxyphytosterols have been shown to implicated in cognition altering and the pathologies of several CNS disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. We will overview these findings with a focus on the contents of phytosterols and oxyphytosterols in food and their dietary intake, as well as their origins in the brain, and illustrate molecular pathways through which they affect brain health, in terms of inflammation, cholesterol homeostasis, oxidative stress, and mitochondria function. The existing scientific gaps of phytosterols and oxyphytosterols to brain health in knowledge are also discussed, highlighting research directions in the future.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: The Earlier the Better? A Review of Plant Sterol Metabolism and Implications of Childhood Supplementation

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of major cardiovascular events. The development of atherosclerotic plaques begins early in life, indicating that dietary interventions in childhood might be more effective at preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) than treating established CVD in adulthood. Although plant sterols are considered safe and consistently effective in lowering plasma cholesterol, the health effects of early-life supplementation are unclear. Studies suggest there is an age-dependent effect on plant sterol metabolism: at a younger age, plant sterol absorption might be increased, while esterification and elimination might be decreased. Worryingly, the introduction of low-cholesterol diets in childhood may unintentionally favor a higher intake of plant sterols. Although CVD prevention should start as early as possible, more studies are needed to better elucidate the long-term effects of plant sterol accumulation and its implication on child development.

Predictive Factors and Microbial Spectrum for Infectious Complications after Hepatectomy with Cholangiojejunostomy in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Background: Despite advances in surgical techniques and peri-operative management, post-operative infectious complications still are common after perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). This study investigated the predictive factors and microbial spectrum for infections after hepatectomy with cholangiojejunostomy performed to treat PHCC. Methods: A total of 70 consecutive patients, who underwent hepatectomy with cholangiojejunostomy by the same surgeons at a tertiary referral medical center between September 2010 and January 2019, were enrolled. Clinical data were reviewed for multivariable analysis to find independent risk factors for infectious complications. Microorganisms isolated from bile and infection sites were counted to explore the microbial spectrum. Results: A total of 43 patients (61.4%) suffered post-operative infections (33 with surgical site infection [SSI], four with bacteremia, three with pneumonia, 10 with cholangitis, and two with fungus infectious stomatitis), and 28 of them (65.1%) had a positive bile culture. Four independent risk factors were identified: male sex (odds ratio [OR] 12.737; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.298-70.611; p = 0.004), red blood cell (RBC) count <3.8 × 10¹²/L (OR 5.085; 95% CI 1.279-20.211; p = 0.021), total cholesterol (TC) <2.90 mmol/L (OR 5.715; 95% CI 1.534-21.299; p = 0.009), and serum Na⁺ >145 mmol/L (OR 10.387; 95% CI 1.559-69.201; p = 0.016) on post-operative day (POD) 1. A total of 217 and 196 microorganisms were cultured from 311 and 627 specimens, respectively, collected from pre-/intra-operative bile and possible infection sites. Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, and Escherichia were the most common findings of bile culture. The first five organisms most frequently isolated from infection sites were Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, and Candida. A total of 18 patients (64.3%) had at least one species isolated from infection sites that had appeared in a previous bile culture. Conclusions: Male sex, erythrocytopenia, hypocholesterolemia, and hypernatremia on POD 1 are independent risk factors for infectious complications. For patients without positive bile cultures, third-generation cephalosporins could be considered as the prophylactic antibiotic. It is important to monitor the pathogens throughout the hospital stay.