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Biomedical subjects

J Askanazi

Publications and source records attributed to J Askanazi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Home parenteral lipids in AIDS: a three-month study.

Parenteral nutrition is a part of the nutritional support regimen of patients with AIDS-associated wasting syndrome and gastrointestinal dysfunction. The cholesterol (CHOL) level in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) membrane is very high, and recent lipid formulations with high phospholipid (PL) content have demonstrated the ability to trap CHOL from endogenous sources, modifying the composition of cell membranes. We administered lipid-based home parenteral nutrition for 3 mo to malnourished AIDS patients. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: 23 received the regular 20% fat emulsion formulation, and 27 received a 2% formulation enriched 10-fold with PLs but containing the same amount of triglycerides. All patients gained weight and improved their activity level. Those receiving the high-PL composition showed increased serum CHOL concentrations (from 147 to 241 mg/dL; P < 0.01), but no increase was seen in the number of CD4 cells or improvement in immune function. HIV infectivity was not modified. Patients receiving regular PLs had significantly decreased (P < 0.02) IgA concentrations (from 776 to 300 mg/dL) and improved mitogen response to phytohemagglutinin and to concanavalin A. This formula, too, had no effect on HIV infectivity. We conclude that standard parenteral nutritional influences the nutritional and immune status of malnourished AIDS patients. A PL-enriched parenteral formulation can trap CHOL, but it does not affect the immune profile or HIV infectivity in patients with advanced disease.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

The antinociceptive effects of branched-chain amino acids: evidence for their ability to potentiate morphine analgesia.

The effect of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) on pain threshold was studied in rats. Nociception was induced by the hot-plate analgesia meter, a method measuring supraspinally organized pain responses. After a single intravenous injection of BCAA (320 mg/kg), the percent change in latency time to the pain response significantly increased by 19% in 60 min, and by 22% in 75 min (p < 0.005), as compared to an injection of an equal volume of a standard concentration of an amino acid solution or physiological saline. Subsequently, we studied the interaction of BCAA with opioid-type analgesia. In combination with intravenously injected morphine (3 mg/kg), BCAA significantly potentiated and prolonged the action of morphine using the hot-plate test. From 5 min after morphine injection, the latencies to a pain response were markedly higher with the combination of BCAA and morphine (+80% and +89% at 5 min after morphine injection, if BCAA was administered 45 or 60 min prior to morphine injection, respectively) when compared with the effect of morphine alone (+13% at 5 min; p < 0.005). BCAA demonstrated analgesic effects, which, in combination with morphine, potentiated and prolonged the antinociceptive action of morphine. BCAA may represent a new adjunct treatment modality for acute and chronic pain, and give us further insight into the mechanisms of pain control.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain

The use of an intravenous fish oil emulsion enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in patients with cystic fibrosis.

The effects of parenteral nutrition supplemented with a lipid emulsion enriched with the omega-3 fatty acids (FA), eicosapentaenoate (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoate (22:6n-3), derived from fish oil were compared to a standard lipid emulsion containing omega-6 FA in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients were randomized to receive either Omegavenous 10%, which contains fish oil (IFO), or Liposyn III 10% (control) daily for 1 mo at a dose of 150 mg/kg. There were no observed allergic or toxic reactions, no abnormalities in liver function tests or coagulation parameters. To assess the bioavailability of the lipid administered, measurement of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels were made of the essential FA. There were no adverse changes in plasma levels of the omega-6 FA (18:2n-6, 18:3n-6, 20:3n-6, and 20:4n-6), and plasma levels of the omega-3 FA (20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3) increased significantly during the 1-mo study. There were no significant changes in plasma FFA profiles of the essential FA for the patients receiving the control lipid. The effect of treatment on pulmonary function was also investigated. There were no significant changes in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEV1/ FVC, or FEF25-75 (absolute value or percentage) over the 4 weeks of study in the group receiving IFO or control. This preliminary investigation suggests that intravenous administration of fish oils enriched with long chain omega-3 FA to patients with CF is safe and bioavailable.

Adolescent

Effects of valine, leucine, isoleucine, and a balanced amino acid solution on the seizure threshold to picrotoxin in rats.

During infusion of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in humans, changes in ventilatory drive, sleeping pattern, and appetite have been reported. The mechanism by which BCAA exerts their effects on CNS remains unclear. An infusion of a BCAA solution (300 mg/kg) has previously been found to increase the seizure threshold in rats to the proconvulsant drug picrotoxin, an antagonist on the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. In this study, each of the BCAAs given separately (valine, leucine, isoleucine; 300 mg/kg) (n = 10) increased the mean latency time to onset of seizures vs. placebo as an indication of an increased seizure threshold. A balanced amino acid solution (Vamin-Glucose) had no effect on the seizure threshold. Thus, these CNS effects are specific for BCAAs and occur with all three.

Amino Acids

Gastric emptying in humans: influence of different regimens of parenteral nutrition.

Intravenous administration of nutrients can suppress oral food intake. Inhibition of gastric emptying (GE) is a potential explanation for this process. Inhibition of GE during parenteral nutrition (PN) and attenuation of this by parenteral nutrition enriched with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) was examined in nine healthy males maintained on standard liquid diets for 6 d before each of three GE studies. GE was measured by scintigraphy after ingestion of a liquid test meal, at weekly intervals, after a 6-h infusion of Ringer lactate solution (RL), peripheral PN, or PN with half the amino acids replaced with BCAAs (BCPN). With PN, gastric emptying during the first 50 min was delayed by 38% compared with RL infusion; BCPN attenuated the effect, suggesting that postabsorptive control of food intake may act through changes in GE. These findings have clinical potential to reduce interference with appetite and to optimize food intake during PN administration.

Adult

[Enteral nutrition of critically ill patients].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the facilities of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients. DATA SOURCES: Review articles as well as original papers are the main sources for this contribution. SELECTION CRITERIA: Pathophysiologic conditions of intestinal substrate assimilation during hypermetabolism are described. The resulting consequences for enteral alimentation are discussed. Practical aspects such as classification and different indications of formulas, performance of enteral nutrition as well as management of tube feeding complications are further subjects of this review. RESULTS: Paying attention to tolerance, enteral nutrition can be started early in the postoperative or posttraumatic course. Jejunal substrate application, however, reveals to be a major issue for successful management. CONCLUSION: Clinical performance as well as efficiency of enteral nutrition seem to be essentially dependent on the intestinal blood flow. New methods for estimating intestinal blood flow, such as tonometry, will have to be evaluated especially in critically ill patients to improve the indications for enteral nutrition.

Contraindications

[The non-energetic importance of enteral nutrition of critically ill patients].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to describe recently discussed nonenergetic effects of enteral nutrition. DATA SOURCES: Results of current animal and clinical studies are summarized and the place of enteral nutritional regimen in critically ill patients is discussed. SELECTION CRITERIA: The possible protective effect of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients concerning stress ulcus prophylaxis, infections, and the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure is gaining particular attention in this review. RESULTS: The reduction of intestinal bacterial translocation and the decline of catabolism during enteral substrate application seems to be proven by animal experiments. CONCLUSION: The relevance of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients, however, needs to be investigated in further clinical studies.

Animals

Branched-chain amino acids increase the seizure threshold to picrotoxin in rats.

During infusion of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in humans, changes in ventilatory drive, appetite, and sleep have been reported. The mechanism by which BCAAs exert their effects on CNS remains unclear. Picrotoxin is a proconvulsant drug, acting as an antagonist on the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. Twenty rats were randomized to receive either an IP injection with 4% BCAAs (300 mg/kg; 8 ml/kg) (n = 10) or placebo (saline 8 ml/kg) (n = 10). The mean latency time from injection to onset of seizures was recorded as an indication of the seizure threshold. Latency time was significantly longer for BCAAs than for placebo, 11.2 (+/- 1.9) vs. 8.3 (+/- 1.8) min. Thus, a BCAA injection increased the seizure threshold to picrotoxin (p < 0.03). This suggests that BCAA infusion may exert effects on the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain

Hypercaloric glycerol in injured patients.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the effects of glycerol as a fuel source in the hypermetabolic patient (after injury). METHODS: Twenty-two patients were studied after multiple trauma and randomly assigned to either glucose or glycerol as the carbohydrate source (220 gm glycerol or 320 gm dextrose) during a lipid-based system of parenteral nutrition. In the immediate postoperative period, measurements were made of nitrogen balance, substrates, energy expenditure, insulin, glucagon, and liver function tests. RESULTS: In the glycerol group glucose concentrations in plasma were significantly lower, whereas glycerol levels increased nearly twentyfold. Insulin and glucagon levels increased in both groups; however, the rise in insulin level was greater in the glucose group, whereas glucagon increased in both groups to a similar degree. Nitrogen balance was restored to equilibrium in the glycerol group while remaining negative in the glucose group. No abnormalities in liver function test results or differences in serum albumin levels were noted in either group. A 12% thermic effect was noted in the glucose group but not in the glycerol group. CONCLUSIONS: Glycerol seems to be a viable fuel source in the traumatized patient, being associated with nitrogen retention and minimal thermal effect. A marked rise in plasma levels of glycerol does occur, but this does not appear to have any associated toxicity.

Adolescent

Branched-chain amino acid in chronic renal failure patients: respiratory and sleep effects.

Sleep disorders, including a high incidence of sleep apnea, have been recognized as a significant problem in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. In a preliminary study, we examined CRF patients on maintenance hemodialysis for three nights; one control night, and thereafter randomized to infusion of saline (placebo) for one night and 4% branch-chain amino acid (BCAA) solution for one night. Polysomnographic and respiratory data [respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2)] was recorded continuously throughout the nights and data from each hour compared with baseline (awake) values. The patients studied were characterized by reduced sleep quality and decreased amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The BCAA infusion was associated with a return of REM sleep to normal and a significant decrease in ETCO2 during both REM and non-REM sleep (P less than 0.05). Our findings demonstrate respiratory stimulation during sleep with infusion of BCAA; this stimulatory effect on respiration (in contrast to many respiratory stimulants) is associated with an increased amount of REM sleep.

Adult

Effects of glucose on nitrogen balance during high nitrogen intake in malnourished patients.

1. The effects of increasing glucose intake on nitrogen balance, energy expenditure and fuel utilization were measured in 12 malnourished adult patients receiving parenteral nutrition with constant, very high nitrogen intake (500 mg of N/kg), high (105 kJ/kg) or low (30 kJ/kg) glucose intake and constant fat intake (7 kJ/kg). Each patient received each diet for 8-day periods in random order. 2. Energy balance and nitrogen balance were determined daily. Blood samples, taken at admission, during 5% (w/v) dextrose (D-glucose) infusion and at the end of days 7 and 8 of each diet, were analysed for urea, glucose, lactate, triacylglycerols, fatty acids, glycerol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, insulin and glucagon. 3. The effect of increasing glucose intake was to increase nitrogen balance by 0.60 +/- 0.25 (SEM) mg/kJ. At zero energy balance, nitrogen balance was 48 mg day-1 kg-1. This confirms findings of previous studies: that the effects of glucose on nitrogen balance are greater at high than at low nitrogen intakes, and that, in malnourished patients, unlike in normal adults, markedly positive nitrogen balance can be achieved at zero or negative energy balances. 4. Changes in nitrogen balance were due almost entirely to changes in urea excretion. 5. The high nitrogen intake markedly increased plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations and reduced glycerol, fatty acid and 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, independent of any glucose effect. Glucagon concentrations were significantly decreased by added glucose intake, an effect not previously seen at low nitrogen intakes. At this high nitrogen intake, the effects of added glucose appear to be mediated by both insulin and glucagon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid

Effects of glucose on fuel utilization and glycerol turnover in normal and injured man.

Rates of fat mobilization (glycerol turnover), and fuel utilization and energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry) were measured in normal subjects and injured or septic patients maintained on high or low iv intakes of glucose as their sole nutrient source during 3-day periods. Regimens were given consecutively to each subject in random order. Concentrations of glucose, glycerol, fatty acids, 3-hydroxybutyrate, urea, insulin, and glucagon were determined in plasma, and of epinephrine and norepinephrine in urine. In normal subjects, there was no increase in energy expenditure with increasing glucose, although estimated costs of glucose storage as glycogen or fat could account for an increase of 4%. Thus, storage costs of glucose do not necessarily constitute an obligatory increase in energy expenditure. Rates of glycerol turnover and fat oxidation, and plasma glycerol concentrations were lower with the high than the low rate of glucose infusion, and lower than values reported by others during fasting or glucose infusion. Rates of fat oxidation were higher and glucose oxidation lower in patients than in controls, even though insulin concentrations were more than twice as high in patients. This confirms previous studies comparing injured and septic patients to depleted patients or historical controls. Triglyceride cycle activity was higher in the injured and septic patients than in normal subjects, and could account for from 6% to 15% of the increase in energy expenditure, in agreement with reports for burn patients.

Adolescent

Respiratory and sleep patterns during nocturnal infusions of branched chain amino acids.

In the awake, normal subject, infusions of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) alter the ventilatory response to CO2. If this effect extends to the sleep state, it could contribute to our understanding of the neurophysiology of the sleep state as well as having clinical utility in ameliorating or preventing apnea syndromes. This study examined the effect of nocturnal BCAA infusion on sleep patterns (as measured by EEG, chest wall motion, Sao2 and end-tidal CO2) in five normal male subjects. Subjects were monitored with a polysomnograph from 21.00 to 7.00. Each subject was studied double-blind in random order on three occasions: a) baseline, no infusion (B); b) control, with normal saline infusion (S); and c) treatment, infusion of BCAA (BCAA). Sleep pattern analysis did not demonstrate any measurable effect of the BCAA infusion. End-tidal CO2 levels during BCAA infusion were lower than during baseline or control nights (mean +/- s.d.; BCAA: 5.8 +/- 0.7 kPa vs. B: 6.9 +/- 0.1 kPa, P less than 0.01 and S: 6.7 +/- 0.4 kPa, P less than 0.05). This study demonstrates that nocturnal BCAA infusions have effects on respiratory control during sleep; further clinical studies are required to determine whether these data have implications for disease states.

Adult

Growth hormone and pulmonary disease. Metabolic effects in patients receiving parenteral nutrition.

Six severely malnourished patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were maintained for 3 days with infusions of 5% dextrose in water followed by 12 days of eucaloric total parenteral nutrition. On days 8 through 11, they received 30 micrograms/d of growth hormone and twice this amount on days 11 through 15. Growth hormone had no significant effects on the plasma concentration of glucose, cortisol, or glucagon but caused a 50% increase in insulin and a 250% increase in somatomedin C concentrations. A positive nitrogen balance of 2 g/d due to growth hormone was probably mediated by insulin. Growth hormone-induced increases in energy expenditure and fat oxidation and decrease in glucose oxidation cannot be accounted for by insulin. The ability of growth hormone to improve nitrogen balance may be particularly important for malnourished patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who, because of their pulmonary insufficiency, are intolerant of excess nutrients.

Aged

Reassessing intensive care for patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

The number of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) admitted to hospitals is increasing dramatically. Treatments such as zidovudine, aerosolized pentamidine, and nutritional support are being administered to subacutely ill patients with increasing effectiveness. The number of patients with AIDS treated in intensive care units, on the other hand, has been decreasing progressively, perhaps as a result of a mortality rate close to 90%. However, because recent data demonstrate (1) a lower mortality rate in patients with AIDS who receive mechanical ventilation and (2) the ability to reverse the wasting syndrome in selected groups, we propose a reassessment of the criteria for intensive care unit admission of patients with AIDS.

AIDS-Related Complex