Tomasz Lesiak

Biochemical and functional indices of malnutrition in patients with operable, non-microcelullar lung cancer

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess non-microcellular lung cancer patients´ nutritional status impact on psychomotor performance, muscle strength and functional activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 60 consecutive patients admitted to the clinic for surgical treatment due to histologically verified non-microcellular lung cancer. The patients were divided, depending on the stage of weight loss, into two groups: relatively well-nourished--29 patients and those with malnutrition--31 patients. History, physical examination, anthropometric data, biochemical parameters as well as functional tests were carefully noted. RESULTS Patients qualified for particular groups differed significantly in age, p<0.002. Mean values of albumin, transferrin and total protein for the well nourished patients ranged within proper values. In the malnourished patients they were respectively: 34.05±0.27 g/l, 1.764±0.27 g/l, 68.90±6.39 g/l and the differences were statistically significant. Total loss of urea nitrogen was significantly higher in malnourished patients 13.32±2.92 g/l (p<0.005). The average percentage weight loss in both groups differed significantly 0.111±0.044 vs. 0.031±0.028 at p<0.0005. In the group of malnourished patients the right hand average strength was 26.52±8.06 kg and the left one amounted to 25.35±6.04 kg, The values were significantly lower than the results recorded in well nourished patients: 34.93±11.27 kg, 32,37±11.72 kg, p<0.001. The tapping test average time of the right hand was 19.24±4.04 vs. 16.72±3.06 and of the left one 19.69±3.59 kg vs. 17.48±2.79 kg and were significantly longer in patients suffering from malnutrition (p<0.01). Simple reaction times for dominating hand were longer in the group of patients with malnutrition, for the visual stimulus 0.50±0.08 s vs. 0.45±0.087 s, (p<0.05) and for auditory one 0.43±0.08 vs. 0.39±0.08 s (non significant). CONCLUSIONS Malnutrition in the course of non-microcellular lung cancer significantly reduces psychomotor function assessed by reaction time to visual and acoustic stimuli as well as efficiency of the functional tests evaluated by tapping test and muscle strength measurement.

Long term regular physical activity as a factor modifying the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in occupationally active men

BACKGROUND Optimal dose of physical activity in the prevention of atherosclerosis remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on selected indices of atherosclerosis in the working-age population of men. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out in a cohort of asymptomatic men participating in follow-up examinations in the Healthy Men Clinic, Medical University of Lodz. Of the 132 men who responded to the invitation to participate in this study, 101 men were eligible for the non-invasive assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis indices. Self-reported PA was assessed by interviewer-administered validated questionnaires. During the latest follow-up subclinical atherosclerosis was measured by assessing the coronary artery calcification (CAC), the carotid inti ma-media thickness (IMT) and the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) using peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT2000). RESULTS Preliminary results have been elaborated in the group of 60 men (mean age: 61.3 +/- 8.85 years). The participants were predominantly white collar workers with low occupational LTPA. The cohort was divided into 3 groups according to the LTPA level. Both dose and energy expenditure of recreational PA significantly correlated with CA, IMT and RHI in the whole cohort. The majority of men maintained their baseline PA throughout the observation period. Men with the highest LTPA level had significantly lower mean CAC, IMT (p < 0.01), and significantly higher mean RHI (p < 0.05) compared to the least active group. On final examination men with high PA had also the most favorable cardiovascular profile. CONCLUSIONS The preliminary results indicate the protective effect of high LTPA level in the context of subclinical atherosclerosis in men.