NAFLD at the interface of the mother-infant dyad

This review aims to focus the links existing between several aspects of the mother-child dyad in the intricate playground of obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), including its hepatic component, the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In recent years human and animal model studies have shown that dietary interventions in mothers and offspring can be successful in reducing the risk of NAFLD development. Evidences also concern the new concept of a real intergenerational transmission of predisposition to metabolic disorders. Certain genes, such as SIRT1 and PNPLA3, and some epigenetic modifications, including micro RNAs function, seem to be responsible for fetal reprogramming in the setting of maternal obesity. These modifiers appear to be potential therapeutic targets to reduce the risk of future metabolic dysfunctions. Controlling antepartum hyperglycemia, preventing gestational diabetes, and avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy can help reduce the relentless epidemic of childhood obesity and NAFLD. Also, the composition of the intestinal microbiota seems to be related to the development of metabolic disorders in the offspring. Several studies show that breastfed infants have a microbial signature different from formula-fed infants. Much interestingly, prolonged breastfeeding is beneficial not only for the newborn and his health in adult life, but also for the mothers’ health. Maternal benefits include reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction and NAFLD as well. In conclusion, all above mechanisms appear to intervene synergistically and may act as modifiable risk factors for infant and mother NAFLD

Family assessment and linguistic interaction: analysis of the Camberwell family interview

Expressed Emotion (EE) is a form of assessment of the family environment: it is highly reliable and has proved to be predictive for symptomatologic relapse with schizophrenic subjects. Rating is obtained by offering to relatives living with the schizophrenic patient a structured interview, the Camberwell Family Interview (CFI). In the present study we will undertake a linguistic analysis (with quantitative and semantic evaluation) of 16 CFI, in order to detect communication parameters likely to be correlated with basic EE categories (high and low EE). The results obtained demonstrate that high EE relatives show a more immediate response style and a greater amount of speech. Moreover, these subjects tend to neglect their task during the interview, starting in most cases a self-referred communication

Optic perineuritis: A further cause of visual loss and disc edema in children.

Optic perineuritis is a rare form of orbital inflammatory pseudotumor in which the specific target tissue is the optic nerve sheath. Patients are mainly represented by adult women. Differential diagnosis with demyelinating optic neuritis is essential in terms of prognosis and treatment. Case presentation: An 8-year-old Caucasian girl presented with bilateral loss of vision, disc edema, eye movement impairment, and diplopia. Brain MRI findings were suggestive of optic perineuritis. The patient received steroid pulse therapy followed by prolonged course of oral steroid therapy. The visual acuity recovered dramatically within 2 days. Two months later, a new MRI investigation was normal. No clinical relapse was observed at the follow-up. Discussion: We first report on a child affected by optic perineuritis. Our observation suggests that optic perineurits should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with visual loss and disc edema. An early and correct diagnosis may lead to an appropriate therapeutic approach with very good outcome