Weiqin Li

Dairy consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background/Objectives:Milk intake is widely recommended for a healthy diet. Epidemiological studies have suggested that the consumption of dairy products may be associated with a reduction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A meta-analysis was conducted to elucidate the association between dairy products consumption and T2DM.Subjects/Methods:A systematical literature search was done through the Medline database and seven related cohort studies were identified. The adjusted relative risks (RRs) with the highest and the lowest categories from each study were extracted to calculate the combined RR. A least-square trend estimation was applied to assess the dose-response relationships.Results:A combined RR of 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–0.92) was revealed on T2DM risk associated to dairy intake, with little evidence of heterogeneity. For subgroup analysis, a combined RR was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74–0.90), 1.00 (95% CI, 0.89–1.10), 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86–1.05) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.74–0.93) for the intake of low-fat dairy, high-fat dairy, whole milk and yogurt, respectively. Dose-response analysis showed that T2DM risk could be reduced 5% for total dairy products and 10% for low-fat dairy products.Conclusion:An inverse association of daily intake of dairy products, especially low-fat dairy, with T2DM was revealed, indicating a beneficial effect of dairy consumption in the prevention of T2DM development.

ω-3 Fatty Acids–Supplemented Parenteral Nutrition Decreases Hyperinflammatory Response and Attenuates Systemic Disease Sequelae in Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomized and Controlled Study

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to investigate whether altering the fatty acid (FA) profile by omega-3 FA supplementation affects inflammatory response and systemic disease sequelae in severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS Forty severe acute pancreatitis patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive parenteral nutrition (PN) for 5 days in a double-blind manner. Patients received PN with identical amounts of amino acids (1.25 g/kg/d), glucose (3 g/kg/d), and fat (1 g/kg/d) but different lipid compositions: the control group received a soybean oil (SO; Lipovenos 20%; Fresenius, Germany)-based fat solution and the omega-3 FA group was supplemented with 0.15 - 0.2 g/kg/d fish oil (FO; Omegaven 10%; Fresenius, Germany). Serum concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count, and routine respiratory and renal parameters were measured before PN, and again on day 6 after starting PN. Outcomes such as infection morbidity, mortality, intensive care unit time, and length of hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS Patients treated with FO had a significantly higher EPA concentration (P < .01), lower CRP level (P < .05), and better oxygenation index (P < .05) after 5 days of PN. Moreover, the number of days of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in the omega-3 FAs group was significantly less than that in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS PN supplemented with omega-3 FAs diminishes the hyperinflammatory response by the EPA increase and the proinflammatory cytokine decrease in severe acute pancreatitis. This, together with improved respiratory function and shortened CRRT time, suggests that the systemic response to pancreatic and organ injury is attenuated.

Early gut mucosal dysfunction in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Objectives: A clinical study was made to test the hypothesis that gut mucosal damage happens and correlates with endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, severity of disease, septic complication, and outcome in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients. Methods: Patients were divided into 3 groups according to severity: grade 1 (n = 26, mild), grade 2 (n = 18, severe AP [SAP] without organ dysfunction), and grade 3 (n = 18, SAP with organ dysfunction). Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled as control group. The intestinal lactulose and mannitol absorption ratio, d-xylose absorption, endotoxin, and tumor necrosis factor &agr; were detected in parallel to clinical data collection. Results: Lactulose and mannitol absorption ratio increased in patients with AP, and the increase was more pronounced in SAP (grade 1: 0.044 ± 0.017, grade 2: 0.39 ± 0.16, grade 3: 0.48 ± 0.22, control: 0.024 ± 0.009; P < 0.01 between control and AP, P < 0.01 between mild and severe group). d-Xylose absorption decreased in pancreatitis groups (P < 0.01) especially in severe groups (P < 0.01 between mild and SAP). We also observed a significant positive correlation of mucosal permeability with endotoxin (r = 0.902, P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor &agr; changes (r = 0.862, P < 0.001). The severity and septic complication in AP patients were different accompanied with severity of gut mucosal damage. Conclusions: Intestinal mucosal function is injured in early phase of AP especially in patients with organ dysfunction, which may be a stimulus for development of multiple organ dysfunction and correlate with bad outcome in AP patients.

Effects of early enteral nutrition on immune function of severe acute pancreatitis patients

AIM To investigate the effects of early enteral nutrition (EEN) on the immune function and clinical outcome of patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS Patients were randomly allocated to receive EEN or delayed enteral nutrition (DEN). Enteral nutrition was started within 48 h after admission in EEN group, whereas from the 8(th) day in DEN group. All the immunologic parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were collected on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 after admission. The clinical outcome variables were also recorded. RESULTS Sixty SAP patients were enrolled to this study. The CD4+ T-lymphocyte percentage, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and the CRP levels in EEN group became significantly lower than in DEN group from the 7(th) day after admission. In contrast, the immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and human leukocyte antigen-DR expression in EEN group became significantly higher than in DEN group from the 7(th) day after admission. No difference of CD8+ T-lymphocyte percentage, IgM and IgA levels was found between the two groups. The incidences of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and pancreatic infection as well as the duration of intensive care unit stay were significantly lower in EEN group than in DEN group. However, there was no difference of hospital mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSION EEN moderates the excessive immune response during the early stage of SAP without leading to subsequent immunosuppression. EEN can improve the clinical outcome, but not decrease the hospital mortality of SAP patients.

Mononuclear Histocompatibility Leukocyte Antigen-DR Expression in the Early Phase of Acute Pancreatitis

Background: In acute pancreatitis (AP), several studies indicated that the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators is more important than the levels of proinflammatory response alone. This balance may be reflected by the expression of monocyte histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, with a low concentration indicating an excess of anti-inflammatory stimuli and relative immunodeficiency. We investigated the time course of HLA-DR expression in the early phase of AP and the relationship to markers of inflammation, severity of the disease, organ function, septic complications and outcome during AP. Methods: The expression of HLA-DR on peripheral monocytes was measured in 74 patients by flow cytometry and serum IL-6 was determined by using an immunochemiluminescence assay obtained 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days after admission in parallel with clinical data collection. 25 patients had mild disease (grade 1), 31 had severe disease but recovered without organ failure (grade 2) and 18 had severe disease and developed organ failure (grade 3). Results: In 49 patients with severe disease, 11 patients suffered from sepsis, and 3 of them died during the hospital stay. During the first 14 days of AP, the percentage of HLA-DR in AP was significantly below the normal range of healthy subjects, it dropped to the lowest level on day 3, but then gradually recovered from the prophase depression. The HLA-DR expression decreased in the order grade 3 < grade 2 < grade 1 (p < 0.001). We also observed a significant inverse correlation between the percentage of HLA-DR+ and AP severity as assessed by APACHE-II scores (r = 0.754, p < 0.001) and MODS score (r = 0.675, p < 0.001). The peak of systemic inflammatory reaction, documented by maximum serum concentration of CRP, coincided with the nadir of HLA-DR suppression. Moreover, IL-6 and CRP serum concentrations were inversely correlated with HLA-DR expression over the entire observation period. Persistent HLA-DR suppression and a second decrease in HLA-DR expression are associated with septic complications and poor outcome. Conclusion: Immune suppression develops early and rapidly in patients with AP, and the degree is parallel with the severity of the disease. Decreases in HLA-DR expression occurred simultaneously with signs of hyperinflammation in the early phase of AP, and persistent HLA-DR suppression and a second decrease in HLA-DR expression are associated with septic complications and poor outcome.

The Effect of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension Incorporating Severe Acute Pancreatitis in a Porcine Model

Introduction Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and intra abdominal hypertension(IAH) are common clinical findings in patients with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP). It is thought that an increased intra abdominal pressure(IAP) is associated with poor prognosis in SAP patients. But the detailed effect of IAH/ACS on different organ system is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of SAP combined with IAH on hemodynamics, systemic oxygenation, and organ damage in a 12 h lasting porcine model. Measurements and Methods Following baseline registrations, a total of 30 animals were divided into 5 groups (6 animals in each group): SAP+IAP30 group, SAP+IAP20 group, SAP group, IAP30 group(sham-operated but without SAP) and sham-operated group. We used a N2 pneumoperitoneum to induce different levels of IAH and retrograde intra-ductal infusion of sodium taurocholate to induce SAP. The investigation period was 12 h. Hemodynamic parameters (CO, HR, MAP, CVP), urine output, oxygenation parameters(e.g., SvO2, PO2, PaCO2), peak inspiratory pressure, as well as serum parameters (e.g., ALT, amylase, lactate, creatinine) were recorded. Histological examination of liver, intestine, pancreas, and lung was performed. Main Results Cardiac output significantly decreased in the SAP+IAH animals compared with other groups. Furthermore, AST, creatinine, SUN and lactate showed similar increasing tendency paralleled with profoundly decrease in SvO2. The histopathological analyses also revealed higher grade injury of liver, intestine, pancreas and lung in the SAP+IAH groups. However, few differences were found between the two SAP+IAH groups with different levels of IAP. Conclusions Our newly developed porcine SAP+IAH model demonstrated that there were remarkable effects on global hemodynamics, oxygenation and organ function in response to sustained IAH of 12 h combined with SAP. Moreover, our model should be helpful to study the mechanisms of IAH/ACS-induced exacerbation and to optimize the treatment strategies for counteracting the development of organ dysfunction.

Percutaneous catheter drainage for infective pancreatic necrosis: is it always the first choice for all patients?

Objective To learn the clinical outcome of percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) for patients with infective pancreatic necrosis and the possible influencing factors. Methods A retrospective review of medical records of patients with infective pancreatic necrosis who received PCD as the first choice for treatment in the recent 2 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) PCD success group and (2) PCD alteration group. Characteristics, complications, and PCD process were compared. Results In this study, 19 of 34 patients were cured by PCD alone (55.9%), whereas open necrosectomy were needed for 15 patients (44.1%). Between these 2 groups, most baseline and clinical characteristics did not show any statistical difference, including the number and size of catheter used and the bacterial culture result. The PCD alteration group had higher mean computed tomographic density (P = 0.012) and larger distribution range of infected pancreatic necrosis (4.53 ± 1.35 vs 5.93 ± 1.62; P = 0.009) than the PCD success group (P < 0.01). The logistic regression analysis revealed the same facts. Conclusion The mean computed tomographic density and distribution range of infective pancreatic necrosis could significantly influence the success rate of PCD; higher values of them indicate less appropriate for PCD; thus, it should be considered seriously before the treatment decision.

Effects of continuous high-volume hemofiltration on experimental severe acute pancreatitis in pigs.

Objective: To compare the effects of different doses of hemofiltration on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in pigs. Methods: The animal model of SAP was produced by intraductal injection of sodium taurocholate and trypsin. Animals in group 1 served as SAP control. Animals in group 2 received (20 mL/kg per hour) continuous low-volume hemofiltration (LVHF), and animals in group 3 received (100 mL/kg per hour) continuous high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) immediately after the induction of SAP. After the instrumentation of the animals by arterial and Swan-Ganz catheters, hemodynamic indexes were monitored intermittently at different times. The rectal temperature and the concentration of amylase and cytokines in serum were measured at the same time. Results: The survival time of HVHF group was significantly prolonged (P < 0.01). The initial elevation of body temperature and the hypothermia in the late course of experiments were significantly ameliorated by HVHF (P < 0.01). Six hours after the induction of pancreatitis, the urine output of animals in HVHF group was obviously higher than that in control group (P < 0.05), which stayed behind 36 hours later (P < 0.05). The major hemodynamic finding was that pancreatitis-induced hypotension was significantly attenuated by HVHF (P < 0.01). The development of hyperdynamic circulatory failure was simultaneously attenuated, as reflected by a limited increase in CI, an attenuated decrease in systemic vascular resistance index. Plasma amylases in the HVHF group were significantly lower than those in control and LVHF groups (P < 0.01). The serum concentrations of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor &agr; (TNF-&agr;), interleukin (IL) 6, and IL-10 all decreased significantly in treatment groups (P < 0.01), and those of HVHF group were less significant than the HVHF group (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The HVHF was associated with a better hemodynamic profile, a less hyperkinetic state, and more prolonged survival than that of LVHF, which may result from the HVHF that can remove the inflammatory cytokines more efficiently.

Complement Depletion Deteriorates Clinical Outcomes of Severe Abdominal Sepsis: A Conspirator of Infection and Coagulopathy in Crime?

Background The complement depletion commonly occurred during sepsis, but it was often underestimated compared with severe infection or coagulation dysfunction. Objective This study was designed to investigate the alteration of complement system in patients with severe abdominal sepsis and evaluate the role of complement depletion in prognosis of such patients. The relationship between complement depletion and infection or coagulopathy was also explored. Methods Forty-five patients with severe abdominal sepsis were prospectively conducted among individuals referral to SICU. Currently recommended treatments, such as early goal-directed resuscitation, source control and antibiotics therapy, were performed. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and sepsis related organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were employed to evaluate severity. Plasma levels of C3, C4, CRP, PCT, D-dimer and other parameters were detected within eight times of observation. The 28-day mortality, length of stay, and postoperative complications were compared between complement depletion and non-complement depletion groups. Results Within the study period, eight (17.8%) patients died, five of them suffering from complement depletion. The overall incidence of complement depletion was 64.4%. At admission, mean complement C3 and C4 levels were 0.70 and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Using ROC analysis for mortality prediction, the area under the curve of C3 was 0.926 (95% CI, 0.845–0.998, P<0.001), with optimal cutpoint value of 0.578 mg/mL. Complement C3 depletion was shown to be no correlation to severity scores, however, strongly correlated with elevated D-dimer, PCT concentrations and increased postoperative complications. Conclusions Complement C3 depletion was found to be connected to poor prognosis in severe abdominal sepsis. This depletion seems to be associated with coagulopathy and aggravated infection during sepsis, which should be paid close attention in critical care. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01568853

The importance of timing of decompression in severe acute pancreatitis combined with abdominal compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND Surgical decompression is widely considered as an important treatment in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Until now, the indication and optimal time of decompression remain unknown, and no experimental data exist, although extremely high mortality has been repeatedly reported in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different time points for decompression in a 24-hour lasting porcine model. METHODS Following baseline registrations, 32 animals were divided into four groups (8 animals each group) as follows: one SAP-alone group and three SAP + ACS groups, which received decompression at 6, 9, and 12 hours. We used a N2 pneumoperitoneum to increase the intra-abdominal pressure to 25 mm Hg and retrograde intra-ductal infusion of sodium taurocholate to induce SAP. Global hemodynamic profiles, urine output, systemic oxygenation, and serum biochemical parameters of the animals were studied. At the end of the experiment, histologic examination of the intestine and lung was performed. RESULTS The survival time of the 12-hour group was significantly shortened (p = 0.037 vs. 9 hours and p = 0.008 vs. 6 hours). In SAP + ACS animals, decompression at 6 hours restored systemic hemodynamics, oxygen-derived parameters, organ function, and inflammatory intensity to a level comparable with that of the SAP-alone group. In contrast, animals in the 9 hours and 12 hours developed more severe hemodynamic and organ dysfunction. The histopathologic analyses also revealed higher grade injury of the intestine and lung in animals receiving delayed decompression. CONCLUSION Well-timed decompression in a porcine model of SAP incorporating 25-mm Hg intra-abdominal hypertension/ACS was associated with significantly reduced mortality, improved systemic hemodynamics and organ function, as well as alleviated histologic injury and inflammatory intensity. According to our results and previous reports, both too early and too late decompression should be avoided owing to significant morbidity for the former and unfavorable outcomes for the latter.