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Ten different dietary fibers have significantly different effects on serum and liver lipids of cholesterol-fed rats.

The comparative effects of 10 different dietary fibers on serum and liver lipids were investigated by feeding male Sprague-Dawley rats diets containing 10 g cholesterol + 2 g cholic acid/kg diet, with 60 g fiber/kg diet. Diets were fed for 3 wk; cellulose was the control fiber. Rats fed psyllium (rich in soluble fiber) had the lowest serum and liver cholesterol concentrations. Rats fed other soluble fiber-rich fibers (oat gum, guar gum and pectin) also had significantly lower serum and liver cholesterol concentrations than rats fed cellulose. Although feeding diets containing both soluble and insoluble fibers (soybean fiber and oat bran) did not significantly alter serum cholesterol, liver cholesterol values were significantly lower than those of cellulose-fed rats. Rats fed rice bran, predominantly an insoluble fiber source, had significantly higher liver cholesterol and significantly lower body weight gains and serum triglyceride concentrations than cellulose-fed rats. Values for serum and liver cholesterol were similar for rats were fed insoluble-rich fibers (corn bran, cellulose and wheat bran). These observations indicate that feeding dietary fibers rich in soluble fiber produces lower serum and liver cholesterol concentrations than does feeding commonly available sources of water-insoluble fiber.

Analysis of Variance↗

Gender and hormonal status affect the hypolipidemic mechanisms of dietary soluble fiber in guinea pigs.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of gender on the secondary mechanisms by which dietary soluble fiber lowers plasma LDL cholesterol. For that purpose, male, female and ovariectomized (to mimic menopause) guinea pigs (8-10 per group) were allocated to two dietary treatments. Diets were identical in composition except for the fiber source: the control diet contained 10 g/100 of cellulose and 2.5 g/100 g of guar gum, while the soluble fiber (SF) diet contained 5 g/100 of psyllium, 5 g/100 of pectin and 2.5 g/100 g of guar gum. SF intake resulted in 44% lower plasma LDL cholesterol, 64% lower apo B and 22% lower plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations (P < 0.01) compared to guinea pigs fed the control diet. However, ovariectomized guinea pigs had higher plasma cholesterol, apo B and TAG concentrations (P < 0.01) compared to males and females, even those fed SF. Plasma HDL-cholesterol was higher in females than in males (P < 0.05). LDL size, as measured by LDL composition and fast protein liquid chromatography, was larger in females than males. Guinea pigs fed SF had smaller LDL than controls. LDL susceptibility to oxidation was 80% lower in male and females fed the SF diet (P < 0.001) than in controls, while there was no effect of diet in ovariectomized guinea pigs. Hepatic free cholesterol and TAG were lower, and activities of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase were higher in guinea pigs fed SF (P < 0.05) than in controls. These results indicate that gender plays an important role in the metabolic responses to dietary soluble fiber and that estrogen deprivation leads to a detrimental lipoprotein profile.

Analysis of Variance↗

Citrucel (methylcellulose/bulk-forming laxative).

Poor compliance from patients who require the use of a bulk laxative for chronic constipation is cited as a clinical problem. Many patients are dissatisfied with the taste and/or grittiness of psyllium seed products. Citrucel, made from methylcellulose, is completely soluble in water and may result in improved compliance from improved palatability. As with any medication, nursing should take an active role in patient instruction and teaching regarding the use of laxatives. Currently indicated in the treatment of constipation associated with a number of conditions, Citrucel may also be found to have a beneficial effect on serum cholesterol levels.

Constipation↗

Steakhouse spasm.

Sudden esophageal obstruction after eating poorly chewed meat has been called the Steakhouse syndrome. Some cases have demonstrable esophageal narrowing above which food impacts, but in many patients with identical symptoms no underlying obstruction is demonstrated. We report four patients with acute dysphagia who were unable to swallow liquids or solids for as long as 72-96 h. Onset occurred after eating meat in three patients and after taking psyllium in one. All had a structurally normal esophagus demonstrated by x-ray and endoscopy, but motor disorders were defined by manometry in three. We hypothesize that an underlying motor abnormality led to food impaction and call this presumed spastic variant "Steakhouse spasm." We suspect that this is a common but frequently unrecognized manifestation of esophageal dysmotility.

Adult↗

Traumatic solitary rectal ulcer in Saudi Arabia. A distinct entity?

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a perplexing condition with a complex multifactorial pathophysiology. Inappropriate contraction of the puborectalis muscle and rectal mucosal prolapse have been commonly implicated, although self-induced trauma has been suspected in some cases. Eight patients who presented with rectal bleeding with excessive mucus were found to have an isolated rectal ulcer on proctosigmoidoscopy. Constipation, straining at stools, and pain in the anal region were present in seven of eight cases. All of them confessed to rectal digitation. Most of them had consulted more than two physicians and half of them had had barium enema and colonoscopy in the past. An ulcer was present on the anterior wall at 6-8 cm from the anal verge in seven of eight patients and none of them had either external or internal rectal prolapse. Rectal biopsy performed in six of eight showed histological findings consistent with the diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer. Patients were convinced to stop finger evacuation and were given psyllium supplements. There was endoscopic healing with symptomatic improvement in the six patients who followed up for an average period of 38 weeks. We conclude that traumatic solitary rectal ulcer due to rectal digitation is a distinct entity and response to avoidance of this habit is good.

Adolescent↗

Dietary fibre and blood lipids.

Sources of dietary fibre can be divided into three groups according to their effect on plasma lipids in humans: (1) a cholesterol-lowering effect demonstrated repeatedly by pectin, guar gum, psyllium and oat bran (sources of soluble fibre); (2) a possible, but not adequate, cholesterol-lowering effect by legumes, barley, rice bran and several types of gum; and (3) those sources that do not lower plasma cholesterol, such as wheat fibre, cellulose and lignin.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

Viscous and nonviscous fibres, nonabsorbable and low glycaemic index carbohydrates, blood lipids and coronary heart disease.

Viscous fibres such as guar, glucomannans, pectins, oat betaglucan and psyllium continue to be seen as hypocholesterolaemic. Nevertheless, in large cohort studies, ironically it is the insoluble cereal fibre that has been demonstrated to relate negatively to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, despite an absence of effect on fasting lipids or postprandial glycaemia. In general, resistant or nonabsorbable starch is lipid neutral, whereas some nonabsorbable sugars or oligosaccharides may raise serum cholesterol, possibly through providing more acetate after colonic fermentation by colonic microflora. On the other hand, fructo-oligosaccharides appear to reduce serum triglycerides for reasons that are not entirely clear. Of possibly greater recent interest have been the carbohydrates that are not so much resistant to absorption, but rather are slowly absorbed. They possess some of the features of dietary fibre in providing a substrate for colonic bacterial fermentation. In the small intestine, however, they form lente or sustained release carbohydrate. In the form of low glycaemic index foods, lente carbohydrate consumption has been shown to relate to improved blood lipid profiles in hyperlipidaemic individuals and improved glycaemic control in diabetes. In larger cohort studies, low glycaemic index foods or low glycaemic load diets have been associated with higher HDL-cholesterol levels and reduced incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Blood Glucose↗

Systematic review: the role of different types of fibre in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Both high-fibre dietary advice and the prescription of fibre as a bulking agent are very common in primary and secondary care management of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome patients with constipation may have delayed intestinal transit. Therefore, fibres that accelerate intestinal transit may be beneficial in these patients. The uncertain benefits reported in several clinical studies, however, have led us to reappraise the value of fibre in irritable bowel syndrome management. AIM: To quantify the effect of different types of fibre on global and symptom relief from irritable bowel syndrome. METHODS: Using a structured literature search in MEDLINE (1966-2002), we selected randomized controlled trials involving irritable bowel syndrome patients treated with fibre. Analyses were performed for the total group and for trials using soluble and insoluble fibre separately. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. None investigated primary care irritable bowel syndrome patients. Fibre, in general, was effective in the relief of global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms [relative risk, 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19-1.50]. Irritable bowel syndrome patients with constipation may receive benefit from fibre treatment (relative risk, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.21-2.02), but there was no evidence that fibre was effective in the relief of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome. Soluble and insoluble fibre, separately, had different effects on global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Soluble fibre (psyllium, ispaghula, calcium polycarbophil) showed significant improvement (relative risk, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.35-1.78), whereas insoluble fibre (corn, wheat bran), in some cases, worsened the clinical outcome, but there was no significant difference compared with placebo (relative risk, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72-1.11). CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of fibre in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome are marginal for global irritable bowel syndrome symptom improvement and irritable bowel syndrome-related constipation. Soluble and insoluble fibres have different effects on global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Indeed, in some cases, insoluble fibres may worsen the clinical outcome. Future clinical studies evaluating the effect and tolerability of fibre therapy are needed in primary care.

Colonic Diseases, Functional↗

Randomized, controlled study comparing sitz-bath and no-sitz-bath treatments in patients with acute anal fissures.

AIM: To determine the efficacy and safety of sitz baths in the management of acute anal fissures. METHOD: Individual patients were randomized to either receive sitz baths or no sitz baths for 4 weeks in addition to oral psyllium husk. Patients were asked to soak their hips and buttocks in a tub containing plain lukewarm water for 10 min, once after defecation in the morning and again at bedtime. Each week, the patients were called to assess pain scores and healing of fissures, whereas the level of satisfaction was recorded at the end of 4 weeks. Main outcome measures were validated pain scores and levels of satisfaction. RESULTS: Fifty-eight subjects were recruited for this study. In all, 52 of them completed the trial (27 in the sitz bath group and 25 in the control group). Although the pain score was lesser in the sitz bath group than in the control group, it failed to reach statistical significance. There were no significant differences in fissure healing between the two groups over the 4-week study period. However, patients in the sitz bath group reported better satisfaction levels than the control group (P < 0.01). Although no serious adverse effects were observed, two patients from sitz bath group developed perianal skin rash. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that sitz baths improve patient satisfaction in acute anal fissures. However, the healing and overall pain relief was not significant enough to attract attention. It was also found to be associated with adverse effects in few patients.

Adolescent↗

Adverse events of herbal food supplements for body weight reduction: systematic review.

Herbal weight-loss supplements are marketed with claims of effectiveness. Our earlier systematic review identified data from double-blind, randomized controlled trials for a number of herbal supplements. The aim of this systematic review was to assess all clinical evidence of adverse events of herbal food supplements for body weight reduction for which effectiveness data from rigorous clinical trials exist. We assessed Ephedra sinica, Garcinia cambogia, Paullinia cupana, guar gum, Plantago psyllium, Ilex paraguariensis and Pausinystalia yohimbe. Literature searches were conducted on Medline, Embase, Amed and The Cochrane Library. Data were also requested from the spontaneous reporting scheme of the World Health Organization. We hand-searched relevant medical journals and our own files. There were no restrictions regarding the language of publication. The results show that adverse events including hepatic injury and death have been reported with the use of some herbal food supplements. For herbal ephedra and ephedrine-containing food supplements an increased risk of psychiatric, autonomic or gastrointestinal adverse events and heart palpitations has been reported. In conclusion, adverse events are reported for a number of herbal food supplements, which are used for reducing body weight. Although the quality of the data does not justify definitive attribution of causality in most cases, the reported risks are sufficient to shift the risk-benefit balance against the use of most of the reviewed herbal weight-loss supplements. Exceptions are Garcinia cambogia and yerba mate, which merit further investigation.

Anti-Obesity Agents↗

'Fiber 7' supplement as an alternative to laxatives in a nursing home.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation is a common and bothersome problem in elderly nursing home patients. Although fibre has a known role in the treatment of constipation, laxatives are still widely used in nursing home patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the addition of a fibre supplement to oral diet can reduce the use of laxatives in a long-term care facility. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Oral diet of 92 nursing home residents (all older than 65) on chronic laxatives (docusate, milk of magnesia with Cascara, psyllium) was supplemented with 'Fiber 7', a natural powder fibre (7 g per meal twice a day). During the next 2.5 years discontinuation of laxatives was attempted. RESULTS: Laxatives were successfully discontinued in 63 of the 92 patients (68.5%, 95% confidence interval 59-78%). The fibre supplement was well tolerated. The cost of care was decreased by dollar 3.5 per patient every month or by dollar 220/month for the 63 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Use of 'Fiber 7' allowed discontinuation of laxatives in 63 of 92 nursing home residents. The fibre supplement was a safe and convenient alternative to laxatives and decreased the cost of medical care.

Aged↗

Ulceration and stricture of the right dorsal colon after phenylbutazone administration in four horses.

Four cases of ulceration and stricture of the right dorsal colon were encountered. Ulceration of the right dorsal colon is generally associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) toxicosis but there are few reports of stricture following ulceration. All four horses had recent phenylbutazone use: three had been given doses well in excess of the recommended dose and in one the dose was marginally above those recommended but was combined with administration of other NSAIDs. All four horses presented with intermittent low-grade colic, weight loss and ventral oedema. Diarrhoea was also seen in three of them. All had hypoproteinaemia due to severe hypoalbuminaemia, and hyperfibrinogenaemia. Hypoalbuminaemia was less severe in one horse and this horse was successfully managed medically. Two cases were definitively diagnosed at exploratory celiotomy and two at necropsy. Exploratory celiotomy was performed in two horses: one was euthanased at surgery and one was managed successfully with medical treatment and remained normal 1 year after surgery. Medical management included feeding of a low-roughage pelleted ration, corn oil, psyllium mucilloid, and discontinuation of NSAID administration.

Animals↗

Effects on serum lipids of adding fruits and vegetables to prudent diet in the Indian Experiment of Infarct Survival (IEIS).

In a randomized, single-blind and controlled trial, the effects of the administration of fruits and vegetables (mean 582 vs. 188 g/day) for 12 weeks were compared as adjuncts to a prudent diet in the management of 202 group A and 204 group B patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Fruits and vegetables decreased total serum cholesterol level (26.4 vs. 13.8 mg/dl, p less than 0.01) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (20.0 vs. 9.8 mg/dl, p less than 0.01), triglycerides (20.6 vs. 10.6 mg/dl, p less than 0.01) and fasting blood glucose (22.4 vs. 12.6 mg/dl, p less than 0.01) levels more significant in the intervention group than changes in the control group. Adherence to dietary advice was assessed by questionnaires. Total adherence score in group A was significantly higher than in group B. Group A patients also had a significantly smaller rise in lactate dehydrogenase cardiac enzyme which indicates that the protective effects of such a diet may be observed within 1 week. There was a significantly greater decrease in mean blood pressure in group A than changes in group B. These data suggest that fruits and vegetables, because of their high soluble dietary fibre and possibly high antioxidant contents, may be a useful and safe adjunct to a prudent diet in the treatment of patients with AMI. The use of fruits and vegetables may be preferred over oat bran, psyllium and guar gum because of their high content of vitamins and minerals.

Cholesterol↗

Dietary protein and soluble fiber reduce ambulatory blood pressure in treated hypertensives.

In population studies, higher blood pressure has been associated with lower intake of protein and, possibly, lower fiber consumption. In the present randomized controlled trial, we sought to determine whether dietary protein and fiber had additive effects on blood pressure reduction in hypertensives. Treated hypertensive patients changed for 4 weeks (familiarization) to a diet low in protein (12.5% energy) and fiber (15 g/d). Patients (n=41) were then randomized to 1 of 4 groups in an 8-week factorial study of parallel design in which they continued the low-protein, low-fiber diet alone or had supplements of soy protein to increase protein intake to 25% energy, of psyllium to provide an additional 12 g soluble fiber/d, or of both protein and fiber. The 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure was compared from the end of familiarization to the end of intervention. In the 36 subjects who provided complete data, protein and fiber had significant additive effects to lower 24-hour and awake systolic blood pressure. Relative to control subjects, the net reduction in 24-hour systolic blood pressure was 5.9 mm Hg with fiber and with protein. Findings were independent of age, gender, and change in weight, alcohol intake, or urinary sodium and potassium. Relative to reduced fiber and protein intake, dietary protein and soluble fiber supplements lower blood pressure additively in hypertensives. These findings have important implications for the prevention and management of hypertension, particularly in populations in which high blood pressure is prevalent in association with diets low in protein, fiber, or both.

Blood Pressure↗

Harry M. Vars award. Glutamine or fiber supplementation of a defined formula diet: impact on bacterial translocation, tissue composition, and response to endotoxin.

Despite provision of adequate calories, defined formula diets in rats lead to bacterial translocation (BT), fatty infiltration of the liver, and an increased susceptibility to endotoxin. These deleterious effects may be due in part to a loss of intestinal barrier integrity resulting from bowel atrophy. Defined formula diets lack both glutamine and fiber, substances which may help maintain intestinal mass. To determine whether supplementation of defined formula diets with either glutamine or fiber might prevent bowel atrophy and, thus, BT, hepatic steatosis, and the altered response to endotoxin, Wistar rats were fed (1) defined formula diet ad libitum (DFD), (2) (DFD + 2% (w/v) glutamine, (GLUT), or (3) DFD + 2% (w/v) psyllium (FIBER). Rats given standard food isocalorically pair-fed to DFD were used as controls. Nutritional status was assessed by daily weight gain, as well as the ability to maintain serum albumin, hematocrit and white blood counts. After 2 weeks of these feeding regimens, animals were sacrificed, and organ weights and composition were determined, with rates of bacterial translocation determined by mesenteric lymph node, abdominal viscera, and cecal cultures. Additional animals receiving the same experimental diets were subsequently challenged with endotoxin and observed for mortality with rates of post-endotoxin BT and the responses of acute phase proteins and cytokines measured. All dietary regimens resulted in equivalent weight gain and other nutritional parameters. Both glutamine and fiber supplementation maintained small bowel mass, but only GLUT preserved normal jejunal mucosal architecture. Neither fiber nor glutamine supplementation prevented cecal bacterial overgrowth or BT, resulting from the DFD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

IgE-mediated food allergy--extensive review of the literature.

Adverse reactions to food, i.e. food allergy and intolerance have gained considerable attention. This overview focuses on the diagnosis and management of IgE-mediated food allergy that is believed to be responsible for most immediate-type food-induced hypersensitivity reactions. Clinically, these reactions are characterised by a variety of signs and symptoms that occur within minutes or hours after consumption of the offending food. Reactions may be limited or more generalised with involvement of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or lungs. In more severe cases, cardiovascular symptoms including hypotension, shock, cardiac dysrhythmias and death can occur. In food-allergic individuals, IgE is produced against naturally occurring food components, primarily glycoproteins that usually retain their allergenicity after heating and/or proteolysis. While adults tend to be allergic to fish, crustaceans, peanuts and tree nuts, children tend to be allergic to cow's milk, egg white, wheat and soy more frequently. "Emerging" food allergens include tropical fruits, sesame seeds, psyllium, spices and condiments. These allergies frequently represent a cross-allergy to an allergen derived from another source, e.g. pollens or natural rubber latex. The evaluation of IgE-mediated food allergy relies on a careful history, physical examination, appropriate skin testing or in vitro testing with food extracts, and/or double blind, placebo-controlled food challenges. Avoidance remains the mainstay of therapy. However, allergens may be "hidden" and labelling can be non-precise or misleading, thereby severely hampering prevention. Patients with severe allergies should keep at hand an emergency kit with adrenaline, an antihistamine and an injectable rapid onset-of-action corticosteroid. At present there is no evidence to support the use of immunotherapy, except for research purposes. Production of "hypoallergenic" food is hampered by incomplete methods for assessing the allergenic potential of such novel foods.

Allergens↗

Effectiveness of step-wise intervention plan for managing nelfinavir-associated diarrhea: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of a step-wise diarrhea management strategy for nelfinavir-associated diarrhea. METHOD: HIV-infected adults (CD4 count > 100 cells/mm3, and no evidence of enteric pathogens) developing symptoms of diarrhea after initiation of nelfinavir for a duration of > or = 1 month were enrolled into this 9-week prospective pilot study. Step-wise interventions, reviewed and adjusted additively at 2-week intervals, included nutritional counseling (+/- lactase and/or psyllium), calcium carbonate, and loperamide. Outcome measure included stool-form consistency, bowel movement frequency, and incidents of associated morbidity (urgency, incontinence) daily. Patient quality of life was also assessed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients completed the study. Mean daily bowel movement frequency decreased by 32%, from 2.98 to 2.03 (p = .005). Mean daily stool form shifted from a rating of 4.24 to 2.37 (p = .0001), representing a shift to firmer stools. Period prevalence of incontinence (28%) and urgency (33%) decreased to 6% each, respectively. Quality of life ratings relating to gastrointestinal disturbance and overall physical/psychosocial function were improved. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study demonstrated that a step-wise intensified approach may be successful in managing nelfinavir-associated diarrhea and will need to be validated in a larger scale, randomized controlled trial.

Adolescent↗

Validation of an exposure system to particles for the diagnosis of occupational asthma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We previously described a closed-circuit system for exposure to particles in humans. This system has three components: a particle generator, an exposure chamber connected to an orofacial mask, and monitors. We describe results of challenges in 56 subjects who underwent challenges with the apparatus using occupational sensitizers in particles. SUBJECTS: Fifty-six consecutive subjects referred for the investigation of occupational asthma to occupational sensitizers in particles were included. The agents were the following: flour and grains (n = 19), cedar (n = 10), psyllium (n = 9), guar gum (n = 9), drugs (n = 3), persulfate (n = 2), and miscellaneous (n = 4). INTERVENTION: The duration of exposure was progressive and varied from one breath to a maximum of 180 min depending on the reaction. When no significant fall in FEV1 occurred after exposure with the aerosolization device, the standard approach of tipping particles from one tray to another was used. RESULTS: Twenty-nine subjects (52 percent) had a significant (greater than or equal to 20 percent) fall in FEV1 after exposure. This includes 18 subjects with isolated immediate reactions, four with dual asthmatic reactions, and two with atypical reactions. In 20/24 instances (83 percent), the percentage of fall in FEV1 did not exceed 30 percent, thus showing that dose-response curves can generally be obtained in a safe way. In all instances except one (26/27 cases), subsequent exposures using the traditional method did not result in significant falls in FEV1. CONCLUSION: This new procedure results in safe tests in terms of the percentage of changes in FEV1 during the immediate reactions and very rare false-negative challenges.

Aerosols↗