Biomedical subjects

J López Hellín

Publications and source records attributed to J López Hellín.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1994

Effect of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) on jejunal mucosa mass and protein synthesis.

The effects of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) on jejunal mucosa mass and protein synthesis were compared with results from previous experiments with rats fed by parenteral nutrition or enteral nutrition. Other published studies have also been analysed. Three experimental models were studied. In the traumatic model, production of a femoral fracture was followed by Kirschner pin insertion into the medullary canal of both fragments at reduction. (Forty ras were fed enteral nutrition and 93 were given parenteral nutrition.) A second model entailed resection under ether anaesthesia using the technique described by Higgins. (Fifty five rats were fed enteral nutrition and 28 with parenteral nutrition.) A third model entailed a terminolateral portocaval shunt under anaesthesia with pentobarbital. (Sixty nine rats were treated this way and then given enteral nutrition.) Proportions of medium chain/long chain triglycerides (LCT) were as follows: 0/100, 20/80, 40/60, 50/50, and 92/8 for enteral nutrition and 0/100, 30/70, 50/50, and 70/30 for parenteral nutrition. Faecal losses of alpha amino nitrogen, protein, total fats, and free fatty acids were analysed together with the quantitative intake, weight gain of the rats, jejunal mucosal mass, and protein synthesis in relation to the MCT proportion ingested or given by enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition. From analysis of our results and those of others, several conclusions could be drawn. Firstly, the route of administration of MCT is extremely important and enterocytes might be considered one of the main target sites. Secondly, a high proportion of MCT (more than 80%) offers no advantage for jejunal mucosa and produces undesirable side effects. Thirdly, the effect of MCT on jejunal mucosal protein synthesis depends on the metabolic state. Finally, an increase in jejunal mucosal mass directly correlated with MCT concentrations, but no correlation was found between mass and protein synthesis. A positive correlation, however, between MCT proportion and enzyme activity (alkaline phosphatase and sucrase) in the brush border membrane was seen as well as a positive correlation with the concentration of phospholipids in the microvilli.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

[Anthropometric reference parameters for the aged population].

BACKGROUND: Anthropometry is an effective method used in the evaluation of the state of nutrition. Anthropometric reference values obtained from the general population have frequently been used. The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric parameters of the elderly in Manresa and demonstrate the different evolution of these values in both sexes between the ages of 65 and 85 or more. METHODS: Following randomization a representative sample of 1,034 healthy elderly subjects living in Manresa was obtained with the following being determined: weight, height, tricipital, subscapular and abdominal fat folds, arm circumference, arm muscle perimeter, weight/height indexes, muscle and fat areas of the arm and percentage of fat. All the measurements were obtained by the same person with the use of a tallimeter scale with a flexible metric tape and a Holtain lipocalibrater. RESULTS: The values are presented in percentiles by subgroups of age and sex. The weight, height and indexes of lean mass were greater in males while those determining fatty mass were greater in females. In females all the values decreased between 65 and 85 or more years of age (p < 0.001), while in males all decreased (p < 0.001) except; tricipital and abdominal skin folds. Upon comparison of these parameters with those obtained in other geographic areas, differences were observed between both. CONCLUSIONS: By the characteristics of the population studied it was considered that the anthropometric parameters obtained are extensible to all the elderly population of Catalonia and may be used as reference values of the same.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

[The effect of sepsis on liver protein synthesis].

A study was made of the possible influence of sepsis on liver protein synthesis in septic and control rats, fed either parenterally (TPN) or with water and feed available "ad libitum". Liver protein synthesis was determined using the single massive dose method. In experiment I, the septic and control animals received TPN for twenty-four hours: in experiment II water and food was available to them "ad libitum". Twenty-four hours after the sepsis occurred, the animals were injected with a massive dose of 14C-labelled leucine, and slaughtered by decapitation. The septic animals with water and feed available "ad libitum" were fasted voluntarily without any intake. This group of fasted septic animals was the only one which lost weight. Liver protein synthesis increased in septic animals in comparison with the control animals, whether receiving TPN (112.2 +/- 8/78.5 +/- 13) or with "ad libitum" nutrition (97.2 +/- 15/60.8 +/- 8). The increased liver protein synthesis in the septic animals was modified (although with reduced significance) by parenteral nutrition (112.2 +/- 8/97.2 +/- 15). Our results suggest that sepsis increases liver protein synthesis, and that this protein synthesis may be enhanced by parenteral nutrition.

Animals↗