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Guarino G, Strollo F, Della Corte T, Satta E, Gentile S. Effect of Policaptil Gel Retard on Liver Fat Content and Fibrosis in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes: A Non-invasive Approach to MAFLD. Diabetes Ther 2023; 14:2089-2108. [PMID: 37789214 PMCID: PMC10597984 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-023-01478-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is part of a disease spectrum ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis, and when associated with metabolic syndrome (MS), and overt diabetes is defined as metabolic NAFLD (MAFLD). Some easily available, inexpensive biomarkers have been validated based on common anthropometric and laboratory parameters, including the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), the Fibrosis (FIB)-4 Score (FIB-4), and the NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS). In people with overweight/obesity, MS, and diabetes, the pathogenesis of fatty liver involves parameters known to be positively affected by Policaptil Gel Retard (PGR), a phytocomplex already successfully used in adolescents and adults with MS and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study's primary outcome was to assess PGR's ability to improve indirect validated signs of liver steatosis and fibrosis, i.e., FLI, FIB-4, and NFS Scores; as the secondary outcome, we aimed to confirm PGR's positive effects on anthropometric parameters and lipid levels and to assess any eventually occurring cytolysis liver marker changes in patients with MS/T2DM and MAFLD/NASH. METHODS In this spontaneous, longitudinal, single-blind, randomized clinical study, 245 outpatients with MS/T2DM were enrolled and randomized to PGR or placebo for 24 weeks. All underwent a low-calorie diet (20-25% less than the calories required to maintain current weight) and were encouraged to intensify physical activity. Fat distribution, liver fat content/fibrosis, and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 24 weeks. RESULTS Our data show for the first time in adults with MAFLD that, when added to lifestyle changes including a hypocaloric diet and intensified physical activity, PGR improves lipid and glucose metabolism-related parameters, including insulin-resistance, and significantly reduces not only visceral fat but also liver fat content and related liver fibrosis severity. The prevalence of subjects with severe steatosis (FLI > 60) significantly decreased from 95.08 to 47.53% (p < 0.001) only in the treatment group, which also displayed a significantly decreased prevalence of medium-severe cases (F3-F4) from 83.62% to 52.35% (p < 0.001) and a markedly increased prevalence of low degree cases (F0-F1) from 9.01 to 42.15% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The effect of PGR is related to a reduction in the post-meal blood glucose and insulin peaks. As glucose absorption (GA) directly regulates pancreatic insulin release, the attenuated insulin response is likely due to delayed GA with decreased body weight, visceral fat, and cardiovascular risk. Also, an effect on the intestinal microbiota, already documented in the animal model, cannot be excluded, especially considering the reported PGR-related shift from the Firmicutes, notoriously responsible for increased lipid gut absorption, to the Bacteroides phylum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Guarino
- Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Nefrocenter Research Network & Nyx Research Start-Up, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Ersilia Satta
- Nefrocenter Research Network & Nyx Research Start-Up, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Gentile
- Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
- Nefrocenter Research Network & Nyx Research Start-Up, Naples, Italy.
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Fiore G, Pascuzzi MC, Di Profio E, Corsello A, Agostinelli M, La Mendola A, Milanta C, Campoy C, Calcaterra V, Zuccotti G, Verduci E. Bioactive compounds in childhood obesity and associated metabolic complications: Current evidence, controversies and perspectives. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106599. [PMID: 36503001 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity represents the most frequent chronic disease among children worldwide, with a significant global burden on society. Metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) can affect children since their first years of life, and novel therapeutic strategies to tackle metabolic complications are under investigation. This review focuses on bioactive compounds and their possible beneficial effects on obesity, particularly omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid, vitamin D, biotics, polysaccharide macromolecules, polyphenols, inositols, alpha lipoic acid, and bromelaine. Our aim is to summarize current evidence about bioactive compounds in the treatment of obesity, highlighting recent findings on their use in children and adolescents. Most studied molecules are omega-3 and vitamin D, despite the heterogeneity between the studies. Moreover, given the emerging interest in the gut-brain axis in the link between metabolic health and microbiota, various studies on prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and polysaccharide macromolecules have been considered. Some preclinical studies seem to highlight a possible role of the polyphenols, even if their clinical evidence is still discussed. Lastly, we describe possible effects of inositols and alpha-lipoic acid. Despite some dietary supplements seem to be promising in overweight subjects, only in a few of them a dose/response efficacy has been found in the pediatric age. Innovative, well-designed and targeted clinical trials are then needed to prove the beneficial effects of these compounds that could support the standard behavioral therapy for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiore
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Elisabetta Di Profio
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonio Corsello
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Marta Agostinelli
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Alice La Mendola
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Milanta
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristina Campoy
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Spanish Network of Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada's node, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), San Cecilio University Hospital. Health Sciences Technological Park, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy; Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20144 Milan, Italy; Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Calcaterra V, Verduci E, Vandoni M, Rossi V, Fiore G, Massini G, Berardo C, Gatti A, Baldassarre P, Bianchi A, Cordaro E, Cavallo C, Cereda C, Bosetti A, Zuccotti G. The Effect of Healthy Lifestyle Strategies on the Management of Insulin Resistance in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:4692. [PMID: 36364954 PMCID: PMC9657567 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood obesity is characterized by an increased risk of several metabolic derangements including insulin resistance (IR). The strongest recommendations to prevent obesity and related complications are a balanced and adequate diet and practicing physical activity from early childhood. In this review, we propose to present the effects of healthy lifestyle strategies, including physical exercise and dietary approaches, on the management of IR and related metabolic derangements. All types of exercise (aerobic, resistance and combined training) effectively reduce IR in pediatric patients with obesity; it seems that aerobic and combined training stimulate greater improvements in IR compared to resistance training. Balanced normocaloric or hypocaloric dietary approaches are also valid strategies to address IR; it is not possible to assess the long-term impact of varying macronutrients on cardiometabolic risk. The glycemic index/load evaluation is a useful dietary approach to glucose metabolism control. Similarly, they should adopt the principle of the Mediterranean diet. Randomized studies with longer monitoring are needed to define the benefits of nutritional supplementation on IR. Considering that healthy style acquisition could track to later ages, programs of healthy lifestyle starting with children offer a better preventive strategy to preserve metabolic control and children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiore
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Massini
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gatti
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Baldassarre
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Bianchi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Cordaro
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Cavallo
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, 50, Avenue du Parc des Sports, 4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Neonatal Screening and Metabolic Disorders Unit, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bosetti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
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Stagi S, Papacciuoli V, Ciofi D, Piccini B, Farello G, Toni S, Ferrari M, Chiarelli F. Retrospective Evaluation on the Use of a New Polysaccharide Complex in Managing Paediatric Type 1 Diabetes with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103517. [PMID: 34684518 PMCID: PMC8540288 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Children and adolescents affected by type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of being overweight or obese and of suffering from cardiometabolic symptoms. Aims: To retrospectively evaluate the effects of a new complex of polysaccharide macromolecules, Policaptil Gel Retard® (PGR), on auxological and metabolic parameters, glycaemic variability and control parameters in paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients and Methods: Data for 27 paediatric patients with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in conjunction with obesity and MetS of at least 5 years’ standing were collected and retrospectively studied. Of these, 16 (median age 12.9, range 9.5–15.8 years) had been adjunctively treated with PGR and 11 (median age 12.6, range 9.4–15.6 years) had not been treated with PGR. Auxological, metabolic and glycaemic control and variability parameters and insulin dosing were compared after 6 months in the two groups. Results: PGR significantly reduced BMI standard deviation score (SDS) (p < 0.005), waist SDS (p < 0.005), HbA1c (p < 0.05) and daily mean insulin dose requirement (p < 0.005). A significant improvement was also observed in the metabolic and glycaemic variability parameters of mean daily blood glucose (BG) levels (p < 0.005), SD of daily BG levels (p < 0.0001), mean coefficient of variation (p < 0.05), LBGI (p < 0.0001), HBGI (p < 0.0001), J-index (p < 0.005), total cholesterol (p < 0.005), HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.005) and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.005) and triglycerides (p < 0.05). Conclusions: PGR produces a good auxological and metabolic response in obese patients with MetS who are affected by type 1 diabetes. It led to a significant reduction in BMI SDS, waist SDS and an improvement in glucose control and variability as well as in other MetS parameters. The use of polysaccharide compounds, especially if associated with appropriate dietary changes, may help achieve treatment targets in type 1 diabetes and reduce the risk that patients develop metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stagi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (D.C.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-5662305
| | - Valeria Papacciuoli
- Pediatric Diabetology Unit, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.P.); (B.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Daniele Ciofi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (D.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Barbara Piccini
- Pediatric Diabetology Unit, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.P.); (B.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Giovanni Farello
- Department of Paediatrics, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Sonia Toni
- Pediatric Diabetology Unit, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.P.); (B.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Marta Ferrari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (D.C.); (M.F.)
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Fornari E, Brusati M, Maffeis C. Nutritional Strategies for Childhood Obesity Prevention. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:532. [PMID: 34201017 PMCID: PMC8227398 DOI: 10.3390/life11060532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing the spread of obesity represents a challenge for clinicians in which obesity prevention plays a key role in achieving this purpose. The aim of this review is to analyze the nutritional interventions that can be implemented to prevent childhood obesity. METHODS Searching PubMed and Cochrane Library between 2019 and 2021. Further searching with no date range for articles selected for their specific relevance in the pediatric area or for their scientific relevance. A total of 871 articles were identified and 90 were included. RESULTS We organized the results of the selected articles into age groups, and according to the subjects targeted for interventions or to the site of interventions, reserving an in-depth analysis on specific nutritional aspects. Promotion of breastfeeding, reduction of protein content of formulated milks, and diet of the first 12-24 months, involving family and schools in interventions that promote physical activity and healthy diet, are promising strategies for reduction of the risk of obesity. To increase the efficacy of interventions, a multidimensional approach is crucial. CONCLUSIONS A multidimensional approach, which takes into consideration different areas of intervention, is pivotal for childhood obesity prevention. Integrated programs involving several components (nutrition and physical activity at first) at different levels (individual, family, school, and institutional) are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fornari
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Marco Brusati
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Claudio Maffeis
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
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Guarino G, Della Corte T, Strollo F, Gentile S. Policaptil Gel Retard in adult subjects with the metabolic syndrome: Efficacy, safety, and tolerability compared to metformin. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:901-907. [PMID: 33906073 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policaptil Gel Retard® (PGR), is a new macromolecule complex based on polysaccharides slowing the rate of carbohydrate and fat absorption. It proved to significantly reduce body weight, acanthosis nigricans expression, HbA1c levels, and glucose metabolism abnormalities in obese, hyper-insulinemic adolescents. No such data are available for adults. AIM to compare the effects of PGR vs. metformin in adult subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and T2DM on a Low Glycemic Index diet. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This spontaneous clinical, longitudinal, single-blind, randomized study based on a per-protocol analysis enrolled 100 outpatients with MS and T2DM consecutively referring to our clinic for three months, and randomly assigned to either the active treatment (Group A:, 6 tablets/day) or the comparator (Group B: Metformin tablets, 1500-2000 mg/day in two divided doses during the two main meals, to minimize side effects) to be taken 30 min before each main meal in equally divided doses. Serum lipid profile, anthropometry, HOMA-IR index, and tolerability parameters were evaluated before and after a 6-month follow-up period. RESULTS all parameters improved at a similar rate in both groups but for the lipid profile, which got even better in Group A. Group A also experienced less prominent gastrointestinal side effects than its counterpart. CONCLUSION For the first time, we showed the non-inferiority of PGR compared to metformin in obese adult subjects with the MS and T2DM as for glycemic control and a clear-cut superiority of PGR in terms of both serum lipid-lowering capacity and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Guarino
- Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - T Della Corte
- Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; Nefrocenter Research Network & Nyx Research Start-Up, Naples, Italy.
| | - F Strollo
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - S Gentile
- Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; Nefrocenter Research Network & Nyx Research Start-Up, Naples, Italy
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