Body Weight Increment Research Articles

Abstract 12966: Combination of Urine Sodium Concentration and Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Level Best Predicted the Clinical and Hemodynamic Effects of Tolvaptan Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure

Purpose: We identified the best predictors of clinical response to simple add-on tolvaptan (TLV) therapy in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 60 HF patients with excess fluid retention despite receiving adequate medical therapy including oral diuretics. All patients received simple add-on TLV (median of 7.5mg/day). They underwent right heart catheterization at baseline and after 7-day treatment. Results: Although the majority of patients were successfully treated with simple add-on TLV therapy (Group 1), but 22% (Group 2) were defined as being unsuccessfully treated because 1) HF symptom score worsened or 2) HF symptom score >6, and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) >18 mmHg and mean right atrial pressure (RAP) >10 mmHg after TLV therapy. Although the degrees of body weight reduction and increment of urine volume were similar between the two groups, HF symptom score and mean PCWP and RAP improved, and plasma BNP level decreased only in the group 1 after TLV therapy. The group 2 had lower urine sodium/creatinine ratio (UNa/UCr) and higher plasma BNP level than responders at baseline, and they were identified as the independent predictors of unsuccessful TLV therapy by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that UNa/UCr was the strongest predictor of unsuccessful TLV therapy with cut-off point of 46.5 mEq/gCr (AUC 0.847, 95% CI; 0.718-0.976, sensitivity 77%, specificity 81%, P<0.001). Furthermore, combination with UNa/UCr 778 pg/ml best predicted unsuccessful TLV therapy with sensitivity of 54%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 89%, and accuracy of 90%. Conclusion: Simple add-on tolvaptan therapy ameliorated HF symptoms and provided hemodynamic improvement in majority of patients with HF, and the measurements of UNa/UCr and BNP level can help clinicians tailor HF treatment.

Mediterranean and Nordic diet scores and long-term changes in body weight and waist circumference: results from a large cohort study.

Dietary patterns, which represent a broader picture of food and nutrient consumption, have gained increasing interest over the last decades. In a cohort design, we followed 27 544 women aged 29-49 years from baseline in 1991-1992. We collected data from an FFQ at baseline and body weight (BW) and waist circumference (WC) data both at baseline and at follow-up in 2003. We calculated the Mediterranean diet score (MDS, ranging from 0 to 9) and the Nordic diet score (NDS, ranging from 0 to 6). We used linear regression to examine the association between MDS and NDS (exposures) with subsequent BW change (ΔBW) and WC change (ΔWC) (outcomes) both continuously and categorically. Higher adherence to the MDS or NDS was not associated with ΔBW. The multivariable population average increment in BW was 0·03 kg (95 % CI -0·03, 0·09) per 1-point increase in MDS and 0·04 kg (95 % CI -0·02, 0·10) per 1-point increase in NDS. In addition, higher adherence to the MDS was not associated with ΔWC, with the multivariable population average increment per 1-point increase in MDS being 0·05 cm (95 % CI -0·03, 0·13). Higher adherence to the NDS was not significantly associated with gain in WC when adjusted for concurrent ΔBW. In conclusion, a higher adherence to the MDS or NDS was not associated with changes in average BW or WC in the present cohort followed for 12 years.

Enteral refeeding is useful for promoting growth in neonates with enterostomy before stoma closure

BackgroundEnterostomy may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, or impaired absorption of nutrition followed by impairment of growth. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of enteral refeeding (ER) in premature and full-term neonates. MethodsA retrospective database of all consecutive neonates who had enterostomy during 2000–2014 in a regional center was analyzed. Thirteen patients with ER (ER group) and 14 patients without ER (control group) were included. Detailed clinical data were evaluated with reference to the increment in body weight during ER. ResultsThe ER group had a significantly higher rate in weight gain compared with the control group (P=0.0012), despite the gestational age (<37weeks: P=0.0012, ≥37weeks: P=0.029). ER starting at a lower body weight was also associated with a higher weight gain (P=0.0002). Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that only the ER procedure (P<0.0001) and birth weight (P=0.049) were significantly independent predictors of good weight gain. ConclusionsUsing ER, low-birth-weight infants may have benefits, such as better acceleration of growth, than normal-birth-weight infants. We do not hesitate to perform ER, even in low-birth-weight neonates or those with low body weight, when starting ER.

Relationship between the weight gain in the first and second trimesters and gestational glucose metabolism

Objective To study the difference of body weight gain in the first and second trimesters between pregnant women with abnormal gestational glucose metabolism and those with normal gestational glucose metabolism. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of pregnant women visited the obstetric clinic of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2010 to May 2011, with or without abnormal glucose metabolism. The data of body weight gain in the first and second trimesters, body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, BMI in the end of second trimester, age, obesity history, diabetes family history, insulin level in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and lipid profile of these women were collected. Results Altogether 216 pregnant women with abnormal glucose metabolism (case group) and 230 pregnant women with normal glucose metabolism (control group) were included in this study. In the case group, the increment of body weight in the first and second trimesters was 10.0(8.1, 12.5)kg, and the increment of BMI was (4.01±1.43)kg/m2, BMI in the end of the second trimester was (25.84±3.14)kg/m2; in comparison, the increments of body weight and BMI in the first and second trimesters were 9.5 (7.0, 11.5)kg and (3.60±1.43)kg/m2, respectively, BMI in the end of the second trimester was (25.1 ±3.00)kg/m2 in the control group, all significantly lower than in the case group (all P 0.05). Compare with the control group, the case group had older age [(33.17±3.65)years vs. (31.68±3.36)years], higher fasting insulin level [11.2 (7.1, 16.3)mU/L vs. 8.9 (6.5, 13.7)mU/L], higher peak insulin level in OGTT [135.3(99.7, 208.0)mU/L vs. 104.9(75.6, 144.4)mU/L], higher homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)[2.40(1.49, 3.47) vs. 1.82(1.28, 2.71)], and triglyceride [2.62(2.04, 3.31)mmol/L vs. 2.18(1.81, 2.81)mmol/L], all with significant differences (all P 0.05). Conclusions The body weight gain is higher in the pregnant women with abnormal glucose metabolism than in those with normal glucose metabolism in the first and second trimesters. Large increment of body weight is likely to be a risk factor for abnormal gestational glucose metabolism. Key words: Gestational diabetes mellitus; Gestational weight gain; Body mass index

Clinical efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in the management of myelofibrosis: A single institution experience in Taiwan

Objective: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a pathologic entity of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by bone marrow fibrosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis, splenomegaly, and constitutional symptoms that severely affect the quality of life accompanied with the risk of leukemia development. Conventional treatment is usually ineffective and has limited impact on prolongation of survival. Dysregulated Janus kinase (JAK) signaling is common in MPN. In two randomized controlled trials, ruxolitinib, a potent pan-JAK inhibitor, has been shown to be highly effective in patients with intermediate- and high-risk MF.Method: We retrospectively analyzed the therapeutic outcome of 10 MF patients treated with ruxolitinib in our institute. Basic clinical data, JAK2V617F mutational status and Myelofibrosis Symptoms Assessment Form (MF-SAF) to evaluate disease-related symptoms were recorded initially, and at every visit.Result: Among these patients, only half of the patients harbored JAK2V617F mutation. After treatment with ruxolitinib, all patients had reduction of splenic size and reached nadir by week 24. Nine patients had body weight increment, and four of them had body weight increment more than 10%. Seven patients had their total symptom score reduced by more than 50% after therapy. The efficacy of ruxolitinib was irrelevant to JAK2V617F mutational status. Adverse events were mainly hematological and easily manageable.Discussion and conclusion: Ruxolitinib is both safe and efficacious in a cohort of Asian patients with MF. The efficacy of ruxolitinib is irrelevant to the mutational status of JAK2V617F

Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng on High‐Fructose induced Metabolic Syndrome

The red ginseng (RG), a widely used traditional herbal medicine, was reported with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant activity. Aim in the present study was to investigate that the effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) on high‐fructose (HF) diet induced metabolic disorders, and those effects were compared to RG and losartan. Treatment with FRG was significantly suppressed the increments of body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight and adipocyte size. Moreover, FRG significantly prevented the development of the metabolic disturbances such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Staining with Oil‐red‐o demonstrated marked increase of hepatic accumulation of triglycerides, and this increases was prevented by FRG. FRG ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by down‐regulation of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and adhesion molecules in the aorta. In addition, FRG induced markedly up‐regulation of IRS‐1 and Glut4 in the muscle. These results indicate that FRG ameliorates obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and fatty liver in HF diet rats. Thus the pharmacological activity of RG was enhanced by fermentation on HF diet induced metabolic disorders. Taken together, fermentated red geinseng might be a beneficial therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome.

Effect of Temperature on Biochemical Composition, Growth and Reproduction of the Ornamental Red Cherry Shrimp Neocaridina heteropoda heteropoda (Decapoda, Caridea)

The effect of water temperature on biochemical composition, growth and reproduction of the ornamental shrimp, Neocaridina heteropoda heteropoda, was investigated to determine the optimum temperature for its culture. The effect of embryo incubation temperature on the subsequent performance of juveniles was also evaluated. Ovigerous females and recently hatched juveniles (JI) were maintained during egg incubation and for a 90-day period, respectively, at three temperatures (24, 28 and 32°C). Incubation period increased with decreasing water temperature, but the number and size of JI were similar among treatments. At day 30 of the 90-day period, body weight and growth increment (GI) at 24°C were lower than those at 28 and 32°C. On subsequent days, GI at 24°C exceeded that at 28 and 32°C, leading to a similar body weight among treatments. These results suggest growth was delayed at 24°C, but only for 30 days after hatching. The lipid concentration tended to be lowest, intermediate and highest at 28, 32 and 24°C, respectively, possibly as a consequence of the metabolic processes involved in growth and ovarian maturation. Protein and glycogen concentrations were similar among treatments. Both the growth trajectory and biochemical composition of shrimps were affected by the temperature experienced during the 90-day growth period independently of the embryo incubation temperature. During the growth period, shrimps reached sexual maturity and mated, with the highest proportion of ovigerous females occurring at 28°C. All the females that matured and mated at 32°C lost their eggs, indicating a potentially stressful effect of high temperature on ovarian maturation. Based on high survival and good growth performance of shrimps at the three temperatures tested over the 90-day period it is concluded that N. heteropoda heteropoda is tolerant to a wide range of water temperatures, with 28°C being the optimum temperature for its culture.

Fatty Acid Profile of Young Leaflets of Cycas circinalis L. and the Effect on Selected Serum Parameters in Wistar Rats

Young leaflets of Cycas circinalis L. (Cycadaceae) are used as a delicacy and a medicine in Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. However, only few pharmacological or chemical studies have been done to evaluate the reported medicinal importance of the species. In the present study, albino Wistar rats were tested against the young leaflets of C. circinalis to determine the changes in the activities of specific liver enzymes such as Alanine amino transferase (ALT), Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatinine. The fatty acid constituents present were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). When the albino Wistar rats were fed daily with 1.0 g of young leaflets of C. circinalis over a period of four weeks, the body weight increment was significantly higher in test group than the control. Slight elevation of ALP and GGT levels were observed, however, the difference was non-significant. The AST concentration was found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) in test group than the control (55.1±3.7 U/L). The ALT activity in rats fed with C. circinalis leaflets was slightly lower than those of the control. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The n-Hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid) was found to be one of the most abundent fatty acids present in young C. circinalis leaves. Palmitic acid has been shown to alter aspects of the central nervous system responsible for the secretion of insulin and to suppress the body's natural appetite-suppressing signals from leptin and insulin - the key hormones involved in weight regulation. It could be suggested that the weight gain by albino Wistar rats fed with young C. circinalis leaves may be due to the presence of high level of palmitic acid or their derivatives in the leaves. Keywords: creatinine, enzyme, liver, n-Hexadecanoic acid, plant

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy in antibody deficiency syndromes: are we really doing enough?

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy in antibody deficiency syndromes: are we really doing enough?

Association between Timing of Adiposity Rebound and Body Weight Gain during Infancy

To investigate whether increments of weight gain in early infancy are related to the timing of adiposity rebound (AR). A total of 271 children (147 boys and 124 girls) in 1 community were enrolled in the study. Serial measurements of body mass index were carried out at the ages of 4, 8, and 12 months and 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 years, based on which the age of AR was determined. We also calculated body weight increments in 3 separate periods: birth to 4 months, 4-8 months, and 8-12 months. There was no significant relationship between weight gain in any period of infancy and the age of AR. Weight gain between birth and 4 months was positively correlated only with body mass index at 7 years of age. We could not find an association between body weight gain during infancy and the timing of AR. This suggests that infantile weight gain is not related to childhood obesity through AR.

Efficiency of various vitamin doses for polyhypovitaminosis correction in rats.

A 5-fold decrease of the content of vitamin mixture in the ration and exclusion of vitamin E from this mixture over 4 weeks led to a significant growth delay in rats initially weighing 58.1±0.5 g, but was inessential for the growth rates of animals weighing 107.1±1.1 g. The decrease in the levels of vitamins A and B2 in the liver and of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the plasma of younger rats was more significant, this indicating their higher sensitivity to alimentary vitamin deficit. The increase in vitamin content in the ration to 100% over 5 days led to a significant body weight increment but did not restore vitamin levels in the liver, restoring, however, plasma levels of vitamins E and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Addition of 50% vitamin content of the vitamin mixture for controls to vitamin-deficient rations of older rats for 2 weeks improved the levels of vitamins B1 and B2, but was virtually inessential for the liver content of vitamins A and E. High dose (158-200%) vitamins in animals of both age groups repaired the deficit of all vitamins, except vitamin A, despite the fact that its doses were the highest. These results validate long-term vitamin consumption for repair of their deficit.

Acute Effects of the Glucagon‐Like Peptide 2 Analogue, Teduglutide, on Intestinal Adaptation in Short Bowel Syndrome

Neonatal short bowel syndrome following massive gut resection is associated with malabsorption of nutrients. The intestinotrophic factor glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) improves gut function in adult patients with short bowel syndrome, but its effect in pediatric patients remains unknown. Our objective was to test the efficacy of the long-acting synthetic human GLP-2 analogue, teduglutide (ALX-0600), in a neonatal piglet jejunostomy model. Two-day-old pigs were subjected to resection of 50% of the small intestine (distal part), and the remnant intestine was exteriorized on the abdominal wall as a jejunostomy. All pigs were given total parenteral nutrition for 7 days and a single daily injection of the following doses of teduglutide: 0.01 (n = 6), 0.02 (n = 6), 0.1 (n = 5), or 0.2 mg · kg · day (n = 6), and compared with placebo (n = 9). Body weight increment was similar for all 4 teduglutide groups but higher than placebo (P < 0.05). There was a dose-dependent increase in weight per length of the remnant intestine (P < 0.01) and fractional protein synthesis rate in the intestine was increased in the 0.2 mg · kg · day group versus placebo (P < 0.001); however, functional and structural endpoints including activity of digestive enzymes, absorption of enteral nutrients, and immunohistochemistry (Ki67, villin, FABP2, ChgA, and GLP-2R) were not affected by the treatment. Teduglutide induces trophicity on the remnant intestine but has limited acute effects on functional endpoints. Significant effects of teduglutide on gut function may require a longer adaptation period and/or a more frequent administration of the peptide. In perspective, GLP-2 or its analogues may be relevant to improve intestinal adaptation in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome.

Effects of liposomes with polyisoprenoids, potential drug carriers, on the cardiovascular and excretory system in rats

BackgroundThe unpredictable side effects of a majority currently used drugs are the substantial issue, in which patients and physicians are forced to deal with. Augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of drugs may prove more fruitful than searching for the new ones. Since recent studies show that new cationic derivatives of polyisoprenoid alcohols (APrens) might exhibit augmenting properties, we intend to use them as a component of liposomal drug carriers. In this study we investigate if these compounds do not per se cause untoward effects on the living organism. MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats received for four weeks daily injections (0.5ml sc) of liposomes built of dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), liposomes built of DOPE and APren-7 (ratio 10:1) or water solvent. Weekly, rats were observed in metabolic cages (24h); blood and urine were sampled for analysis; body weight (BW) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were determined. After chronic experiment, kidneys and heart were harvested for histological and morphometric analysis. ResultsThe 4-week BW increments were in the range of 97±4 to 102±4%, intergroup differences were not significant. Microalbuminuria was the lowest in the group receiving liposomes with APren-7 (0.22±0.03mg/day). Water and food intake, plasma and urine parameters were similar in all groups. ConclusionsNewly designed liposomes containing APren-7 did not affect functions of the excretory and cardiovascular systems, and renal morphology; therefore we find them suitable as a component of liposomal drug carriers.

Renoprotective effect of Egyptian cape gooseberry fruit (Physalis peruviana L.) against acute renal injury in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the renoprotective effect of Physalis peruviana L. extract (PPE) on acute renal injury in rats. Adult male rats (n = 36) were divided into six groups that were fed with basal diet throughout the experiment (33 days). The first group was normal group, the second and the third groups were administered orally with 100 and 150 mg PPE/kg body weight (BW) respectively, the fourth group was injected intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg BW cisplatin once on the 28th day to induced ARI, and the fifth and sixth groups were treated like the second and the third groups and were injected with cisplatin on the 28th day. Many bioactive compounds were found in PPE. PPE did not cause any changes in the second and third groups compared to normal control group. Administration of PPE prior to cisplatin injection caused significant reduction in relative kidney weight, serum creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, and significant increments in body weight, feed intake, total protein, albumin, and total globulin compared to cisplatin group. Pretreatment with PPE improved kidney histology and diminished the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and enhanced other antioxidant enzymes in kidney homogenate compared to cisplatin group.

Decaffeinated green coffee bean extract attenuates diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice.

This study investigated whether decaffeinated green coffee bean extract prevents obesity and improves insulin resistance and elucidated its mechanism of action. Male C57BL/6N mice (N = 48) were divided into six dietary groups: chow diet, HFD, HFD-supplemented with 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.9% decaffeinated green coffee bean extract, and 0.15% 5-caffeoylquinic acid. Based on the reduction in HFD-induced body weight gain and increments in plasma lipids, glucose, and insulin levels, the minimum effective dose of green coffee bean extract appears to be 0.3%. Green coffee bean extract resulted in downregulation of genes involved in WNT10b- and galanin-mediated adipogenesis and TLR4-mediated proinflammatory pathway and stimulation of GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane in white adipose tissue. Taken together, decaffeinated green coffee bean extract appeared to reverse HFD-induced fat accumulation and insulin resistance by downregulating the genes involved in adipogenesis and inflammation in visceral adipose tissue.

Evaluation of antiarthritic activity on Luffa echinata Roxb. fruits on rats

Luffa Echinata Roxb. fruits popularly known, as ‘Bindal’ in Hindi is a slender herb belonging to the Cucurbitaceae which grows widely in India. In traditional system of medicine, Luffa echinata Roxb. fruits were used for various ailments including inflammation, diabetes etc. To investigate the folkloric use of the fruits the present study was carried out on Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic rats. The present study states the effect of the aqueous extract (LEFAE) and the alcoholic extract (LEFEE) of Luffa echinata Roxb. fruits on the Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritic rat paw edema, body weight changes and alterations in haematological and biochemical parameters in both developing and developed phases of arthritis. Histopathology of proximal interphalangeal joints and radiology of hind legs were studied. In FCA induced arthritic rats, there was significant increase in rat paw volume and decrease in body weight increment, whereas LEFEE and LEFAE treated groups, showed significant reduction in paw volume and normal gain in body weight. The altered haematological parameters (Hb, RBC, WBC and ESR) in the arthritic rats were significantly brought back to near normal by the LEFEE and LEFAE treatment at the dose of 250 mg/kg/p.o in both developing and developed phases of arthritis. Further the histopathological and radiological studies revealed the antiarthritic activity of LEFEE and LEFAE by indicating fewer abnormalities in these groups when compared to the arthritic control group. The results of the current investigation concluded, ethanol extract of Luffa echinata Roxb. Fruits, extract possess a significant anti-arthritic activity against adjuvant induced arthritis and justifying its therapeutic role in arthritic condition. The observed antiarthritic activity may be due to the presence of phytoconstituents such as irridiod glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

The new therapeutic modalities for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: insulin detemir added to liraglutide

he literature data on the effectiveness and safety of the essentially new scheme of hypoglycemic therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus are presented, The large-scale 52 week study has demonstrated that the addition of insulin detemir to the preceding treatment with liraglutide makes it possible to reach and maintain glycated hemoglobin percentage at the desired level of 7% in 43% of the patients. The risk of development of hypoglycemia was estimated at 0.286 episodes per patient per year in the absence of body weight increment. The combination of these two medications was found to produce pronounced hypoglycemic effect without affecting the pharmacokinetic properties of each other.

Artemisia iwayomogiExtract Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Decreasing the Expression of Genes Associated with Adipogenesis in Mice

The objective of the present study was to determine whether Artemisia iwayomogi (AI) extract reduces visceral fat accumulation and obesity-related biomarkers in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and if so, whether these effects are exerted by modulation of the expression of genes associated with adipogenesis and inflammation. AI extract supplementation for 11 weeks significantly prevented HFD-induced increments in body weight, visceral adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and plasma levels of lipids and leptin. Additionally, AI extract supplementation resulted in downregulation of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ2 and C/EBPα) and their target genes (CD36, aP2, and FAS) in epididymal adipose tissue compared to the HFD alone. The AI extract effectively reversed the HFD-induced elevations in plasma glucose and insulin levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index. Furthermore, the extract significantly decreased gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, MCP1, IL-6, IFNα, and INFβ) in epididymal adipose tissue and reduced plasma levels of TNFα and MCP1 as compared to HFD alone. In conclusion, these results suggest that AI extract may prevent HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disorders, probably by downregulating the expression of genes related to adipogenesis and inflammation in visceral adipose tissue.

Nemeth-Kellner Lymphoma Is a Valid Experimental Model in Testing Chemical Agents for Anti-Lymphoproliferative Activity*

Scheme of detection and investigation of antitumor activity of chemical substances by use of experimental murine Nemeth-Kellner lymphoma (NK/Ly) are described. It includes monitoring of growth of NK/Ly ascites by everyday weighting of animals in course of intraperitoneal application of tested substance in 24 or 48 hours after inoculation of 107 tumor cells. The inhibitory effect became distinct on the 6th-8th day of experiment, and 3 types of response were observed: 1) complete suppression of ascites development, corresponding to high antitumor activity of tested substance; 2) partial suppression of ascites growth (weak antitumor activity); 3) insignificant effect on ascites growth (lack of activity, at least towards hematoblastoses). As compared with leukemia L1210 or P388 lymphoma NK/Ly provides more distinct daily increment of body weight due to tumor growth. Clinical pattern of tumor development was supported by cytomorphological investigations of tumor cells which included: 1) cells count in ascites; 2) measuring cell dimensions and ratio of enlarged cells in a population (diameter over 17 μm in case of NK/Ly); 3) quantitative evaluation of tumor cells damage by smears count after staining with azure-eosin, bromophenol blue and hematoxylin. In case of complete suppression of ascites growth the cytological investigation was conducted by delayed application of tested agent to animals with the developed ascites. After treatment with vinblastine or doxorubicin NK/Ly cells represent a convenient object for fractionation of cell population, as demonstrated by separation of giant and small tumor cell subpopulations.

Evaluation of risk factors for body weight increment in psoriatic patients on infliximab: a multicentre, cross‐sectional study

A significant weight gain has been reported in patients with psoriasis treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha agents. Among these patients, there are contradictory results about risk factors for weight gain. Assessing risk factors for weight increment in psoriatic patients on infliximab (IFX). This study was a 4-month, non-interventional, cross-sectional, multicentre study on adults with psoriasis performed in 19 French dermatological centres. All the patients who received IFX for at least 1 year were prospectively included, with retrospective analysis of data. Impact of sex, age, severity of the disease, cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities, and previous and simultaneous systemic treatments on weight changes, was analysed. Weight gain was defined as an increment of more than 2% of baseline weight. Overall, 191 psoriatic patients (males: 68.6%; mean age: 46.9 years) were included. Mean weight gain was 1.6 kg (2.1%) after 1 year of IFX. Half (48.2%) suffered from a weight gain, and 9.9% from a weight increment of 10% or more. Baseline weight and Body Mass Index, and cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities did not influence weight. Men (P=0.007) and patients with severe psoriasis (BSA, P=0.005) had a tendency to put on weight. Patients with a hospital dietary follow-up (P=0.01; OR=0.36 [0.16-0.79]) and patients on methotrexate (P=0.03; OR=0.41 [0.18-0.93]) during IFX treatment are thinner, in a multivariate analysis. Severe weight increment is frequent on IFX treatment, mainly in men, and patients with severe psoriasis. Dietary follow-up or simultaneous use of methotrexate could limit this weight increment.