The relationship between prebiotic supplementation and anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with nafld—a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We aim to systematically review the efficacy of prebiotics in reducing anthropometric and biochemical parameters in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A systematic search using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov, Cinahl, and Web of Science of articles published up to 20 March 2020 was performed for randomized controlled trials enrolling >20 adult patients. Random-effect meta-analysis for metabolic outcomes in NAFLD patients was performed for anthropometric data in addition to liver enzyme, carbohydrate, and lipid parameters. We found six trials (comprising a total of 242 patients) with NAFLD, with subjects aged 38–52 years. The mean time of fiber administration varied between 10 and 12 weeks. The main fiber types were psyllium (seeds or powder), Ocimum basilicum (seeds), and high-performance inulin and oligofructose powder at doses of either 10 or 16 g per day. The control group received either maltodextrin (powder or capsules) or crushed wheat (powder). Patients on the diet with added fiber had improvements in body mass index (BMI) (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.494, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.864 to −0.125, p = 0.009); alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD = −0.667, 95% CI: −1.046 to −0.288, p = 0.001); aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD = −0.466, 95% CI: −0.840 to −0.091, p = 0.015); fasting insulin (SMD = −0.705, 95% CI: −1.115 to −0.295, p = 0.001); and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD = −0.619, 95% CI: −1.026 to −0.211, p = 0.003). Hence, the results show that fiber supplements result in favorable changes as reflected in the measurement of anthropometric, metabolic, and liver-related biomarkers, i.e., body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). These effects suggest the potential benefits of fiber consumption for NAFLD populations. More prospective, controlled studies should be conducted to reveal specific details regarding the fiber type, dosage, and duration for optimal intervention

The gut microbiota is associated with the small intestinal paracellular permeability and the development of the immune system in healthy children during the first two years of life

BACKGROUND: The intestinal barrier plays an important role in the defense against infections, and nutritional, endocrine, and immune functions. The gut microbiota playing an important role in development of the gastrointestinal tract can impact intestinal permeability and immunity during early life, but data concerning this problem are scarce. METHODS: We analyzed the microbiota in fecal samples (101 samples in total) collected longitudinally over 24 months from 21 newborns to investigate whether the markers of small intestinal paracellular permeability (zonulin) and immune system development (calprotectin) are linked to the gut microbiota. The results were validated using data from an independent cohort that included the calprotectin and gut microbiota in children during the first year of life. RESULTS: Zonulin levels tended to increase for up to 6 months after childbirth and stabilize thereafter remaining at a high level while calprotectin concentration was high after childbirth and began to decline from 6 months of life. The gut microbiota composition and the related metabolic potentials changed during the first 2 years of life and were correlated with zonulin and calprotectin levels. Faecal calprotectin correlated inversely with alpha diversity (Shannon index, r = − 0.30, FDR P (Q) = 0.039). It also correlated with seven taxa; i.a. negatively with Ruminococcaceae (r = − 0.34, Q = 0.046), and Clostridiales (r = − 0.34, Q = 0.048) and positively with Staphylococcus (r = 0.38, Q = 0.023) and Staphylococcaceae (r = 0.35, Q = 0.04), whereas zonulin correlated with 19 taxa; i.a. with Bacillales (r = − 0.52, Q = 0.0004), Clostridiales (r = 0.48, Q = 0.001) and the Ruminococcus (torques group) (r = 0.40, Q = 0.026). When time intervals were considered only changes in abundance of the Ruminococcus (torques group) were associated with changes in calprotectin (β = 2.94, SE = 0.8, Q = 0.015). The dynamics of stool calprotectin was negatively associated with changes in two MetaCyc pathways: pyruvate fermentation to butanoate (β = − 4.54, SE = 1.08, Q = 0.028) and Clostridium acetobutylicum fermentation (β = − 4.48, SE = 1.16, Q = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The small intestinal paracellular permeability, immune system-related markers and gut microbiota change dynamically during the first 2 years of life. The Ruminococcus (torques group) seems to be especially involved in controlling paracellular permeability. Staphylococcus, Staphylococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridiales, may be potential biomarkers of the immune system. Despite observed correlations their clear causation and health consequences were not proven. Mechanistic studies are required

Abstracts from the 20th International Symposium on Signal Transduction at the Blood-Brain Barriers

https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138963/1/12987_2017_Article_71.pd

Rola szkolnej edukacji seksualnej w promocji zdrowia

Sexuality is an integral part of personality of each human being. No earnestly conducted sex education is a common cause of engaging in risky sexual behaviours. The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of sex education in health promotion and to present the results of the studies of the effects of school sex education on sexual behaviour of young people. The period of adolescence is characterized by a more frequent risk-taking behaviour. Among adolescents it is observed that the average age of sexual initiation has decreased, the frequency of making sexual contact and a number of sexual partners has increased, as well as the insufficient dissemination of the use of condoms and other methods of contraception every time sexual intercourse takes place. The task of health promotion is to influence determinants of health, among others, through sex education. Research confirms the positive impact of complex sex education, carried out in accordance with the recommendations of international organizations, on a lower frequency of engaging in risky sexual behaviour. It seems appropriate to take action to disseminate appropriate for the level of psychosexual development sex education in schools.Seksualność jest nieodłącznym elementem osobowości każdego człowieka. Brak rzetelnie prowadzonej edukacji seksualnej w tym zakresie jest częstą przyczyną podejmowania ryzykownych zachowań seksualnych. Celem pracy jest ocena roli edukacji seksualnej w promocji zdrowia oraz zaprezentowanie wyników badań oceniających wpływ szkolnej edukacji seksualnej na zachowania seksualne młodzieży. Okres adolescencji charakteryzuje się częstszym podejmowaniem ryzykownych zachowań. Wśród adolescentów obserwowany jest spadek średniego wieku inicjacji seksualnej, zwiększenie częstości podejmowania kontaktów seksualnych oraz liczby partnerów seksualnych, a także niedostatecznie rozpowszechnienie korzystania z prezerwatyw i innych metod antykoncepcji przy każdym stosunku seksualnym. Zadaniem promocji zdrowia jest wpływanie na uwarunkowania zdrowia m.in. poprzez edukację seksualną. Badania potwierdzają pozytywny wpływ złożonej edukacji seksualnej, prowadzonej zgodnie z rekomendacjami organizacji międzynarodowych, na mniejszą częstotliwość podejmowania ryzykownych zachowań seksualnych. Właściwe wydaje się być podjęcie działań mających na celu rozpowszechnianie właściwej dla poziomu rozwoju psychoseksualnego edukacji seksualnej w szkołach

Health education in rural environment - study of opinions and expectations of junior high and secondary school adolescents

Wprowadzenie i cel pracy. Edukacja zdrowotna stanowić winna jedno z nadrzędnych zadań systemu szkolnictwa. Zdobycie we wczesnym okresie rozwoju podstawowej wiedzy dotyczącej zachowań zdrowotnych może korzystnie wpłynąć na stan zdrowia społeczeństwa. Zapewnienie uczniom dostępu do wiedzy na temat zdrowia może stanowić wyzwanie, niemniej korzyści są niepodważalne. Celem pracy jest określenie stanowiska młodzieży na temat pomysłu wprowadzenia do szkół edukacji zdrowotnej oraz oczekiwań, co do treści i metod nauczania takiej tematyki. Materiał i metody. Badaniem objęto 200 respondentów: 100 chłopców oraz 100 dziewcząt. Wśród nich było 100 gimnazjalistów oraz 100 licealistów. Rozkład respondentów według zmiennych umożliwia porównanie wyników uzyskanych w gimnazjach i liceach. Zastosowano autorski kwestionariusz składający się z 15 pytań zamkniętych oraz jednego otwartego. Wyniki. 91% gimnazjalistów i 83% licealistów wie, czym jest edukacja zdrowotna. Najistotniejsze źródła informacji o zdrowiu dla gimnazjalistów i licealistów to odpowiednio: rodzice, rodzina: 26% i 24%, Internet: 20% i 23%, szkoła: 16%, i 12%. Edukację zdrowotną w szkole za potrzebną uważa 72% gimnazjalistów i 65% licealistów. 13 respondentów z gimnazjum oraz 21 z liceum nie miało styczności z żadną formą edukacji zdrowotnej. Wnioski. W szkołach zaniedbywane jest przekazywanie treści związanych ze zdrowiem. Należy dołożyć starań, aby ta tematyka była omawiana w szerszym zakresie. Należy szukać nowych sposobów prowadzenia zajęć z edukacji zdrowotnej, angażować odpowiednio do tego przygotowane osoby oraz nie powtarzać tych samych treści. Nieprzestrzeganie tych warunków powoduje, iż odbiorcy nie czerpią z zajęć pożądanych korzyści.Introduction and objective. Health education should be one of the primary tasks of the education system. An acquisition of basic knowledge concerning health behaviours during an early period of development may exert a positive effect on the state of health of society. The provision of schoolchildren with access to knowledge pertaining to health may constitute a challenge; nevertheless, the benefits are undeniable. The objective of the study was the determination of adolescents’ attitudes concerning the introduction of health education in schools, and their expectations with respect to contents and methods of education within this scope of problems. Material and methods. The study covered 200 respondents, 100 boys and 100 girls, including 100 junior high and 100 secondary school adolescents. The respondents’ distribution according to variables enables the comparison of the results obtained in junior high and secondary schools. The study was conducted using a questionnaire designed by the author, consisting of 15 closed questions and 1 open question. Results. As many as 91% of adolescents attending junior high school, and 83% of those from secondary school, knew the meaning of health education. The most important sources of information concerning health for adolescents attending junior high and secondary schools were: parents, family – 26% and 24%, the Internet – 20% and 23%, school – 16%, and 12%, respectively. 72% of junior high and 65% of secondary school adolescents considered health education at school as necessary, whereas 13 respondents from junior high school, and 21 from secondary school had no contact with any form of health education. Conclusions. At schools, the imparting of knowledge related with health is neglected. Efforts should be undertaken in order to more comprehensively discuss this cope of problems. It is necessary to seek new methods of conducting classes in health education, engage properly prepared persons, and not to repeat the same contents. Due to the lack of observance of these conditions the recipients do not derive the desired benefits from classes