Effect of resistance training on non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease a randomized-clinical trial

AIM:To evaluate the effect of resistance training(RT)on non alcoholic liver disease(NAFLD)patients.METHODS:A randomized clinical trial enrolling NAFLD patients without secondary liver disease(e.g.,without hepatitis B virus,hepatitis C virus or excessive alcohol consumption).Patients were randomly allocated either to RT,three times weekly,for 3 mo or a control arm consisting of home stretching.The RT included leg press,chest press,seated rowing,latissimus pull down etc.with 8-12 repetitions,3 sets for each exercise,for a total duration of 40 min.Hepatic ultrasound,fasting blood tests,anthropometrics and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry were assessed.At baseline and follow-up,patients filled out a detailed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire reporting their habitual nutritional intake.Steatosis was quantified by the hepatorenal-ultrasound index(HRI)representing the ratio between the brightness level of the liver and the right kidney.The HRI has been previously demonstrated to be highly reproducible and was validated against liver biopsy and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.RESULTS:Eighty two patients with primary NAFLD were randomized to receive 3 mo of either RT or stretching.After dropout or exclusion from analysis because of protocol violation(weight change>3 kg),thirty three patients in the RT arm and 31 in the stretching arm completed the study per protocol.All baseline characteristics were similar for the two treatment groups with respect to demographics,anthropometrics and body composition,blood tests and liver steatosis on imaging.HRI score was reduced significantly in the RT arm as compared to the stretching arm(-0.25±0.37 vs-0.05±0.28,P=0.017).The RT arm had a significantly higher reduction in total,trunk and android fat with increase in lean body mass.There was no correlation between the reduction in HRI in the RT arm and weight change during the study,but it was positively correlated with the change in trunk fat(r=0.37,P=0.048).The RT arm had a significant reduction in serum ferritin and total cholesterol.There was no significant difference between arms in dietary changes and these did not correlate with HRI change.CONCLUSION:Three months RT improves hepatic fat content accompanied by favorable changes in body composition and ferritin.RT may serve as a complement to treatment of NAFLD.

Comparison of fatty liver index with noninvasive methods for steatosis detection and quantification

AIM:To compare noninvasive methods presently used for steatosis detection and quantification in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS:Cross-sectional study of subjects from the general population,a subgroup from the First Israeli National Health Survey,without excessive alcohol consumption or viral hepatitis.All subjects underwent anthropometric measurements and fasting blood tests.Evaluation of liver fat was performed using four noninvasive methods:the SteatoTest;the fatty liver index(FLI);regular abdominal ultrasound(AUS);and the hepatorenal ultrasound index(HRI).Two of the noninvasive methods have been validated vs liver biopsy and were considered as the reference methods:the HRI,the ratio between the median brightness level of the liver and right kidney cortex;and the SteatoTest,a biochemical surrogate marker of liver steatosis.The FLI is calculated by an algorithm based on triglycerides,body mass index,γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase and waist circumference,that has been validated only vs AUS.FLI < 30 rules out and FLI ≥ 60 rules in fatty liver.RESULTS:Three hundred and thirty-eight volunteers met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and had valid tests.The prevalence rate of NAFLD was 31.1% according to AUS.The FLI was very strongly correlated with SteatoTest(r = 0.91,P < 0.001) and to a lesser but significant degree with HRI(r = 0.55,P < 0.001).HRI and SteatoTest were significantly correlated(r = 0.52,P < 0.001).The κ between diagnosis of fatty liver by SteatoTest(≥ S2) and by FLI(≥ 60) was 0.74,which represented good agreement.The sensitivity of FLI vs SteatoTest was 85.5%,specificity 92.6%,positive predictive value(PPV) 74.7%,and negative predictive value(NPV) 96.1%.Most subjects(84.2%) with FLI < 60 had S0 and none had S3-S4.The κ between diagnosis of fatty liver by HRI(≥ 1.5) and by FLI(≥ 60) was 0.43,which represented only moderate agreement.The sensitivity of FLI vs HRI was 56.3%,specificity 86.5%,PPV 57.0%,and NPV 86.1%.The diagnostic accuracy of FLI for steatosis > 5%,as predicted by SteatoTest,yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC) of 0.97(95% CI:0.95-0.98).The diagnostic accuracy of FLI for steatosis> 5%,as predicted by HRI,yielded an AUROC of 0.82(95% CI:0.77-0.87).The κ between diagnosis of fatty liver by AUS and by FLI(≥ 60) was 0.48 for the entire sample.However,after exclusion of all subjects with an intermediate FLI score of 30-60,the κ between diagnosis of fatty liver by AUS and by FLI either ≥ 60 or < 30 was 0.65,representing good agreement.Excluding all the subjects with an intermediate FLI score,the sensitivity of FLI was 80.3% and the specificity 87.3%.Only 8.5% of those with FLI < 30 had fatty liver on AUS,but 27.8% of those with FLI ≥ 60 had normal liver on AUS.CONCLUSION:FLI has striking agreement with SteatoTest and moderate agreements with AUS or HRI.However,if intermediate values are excluded FLI has high diagnostic value vs AUS.

Effect of erythromycin on image quality and transit time of capsule endoscopy: A two-center study

AIM: To compare the effect of oral erythromycin vs no preparation with prokinetics on the transit time and the image quality of capsule endoscopy (CE) in evaluating small bowel (SB) pathology. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, blinded (to the type of preparation) review of 100 CE studies, 50 with no preparation with prokinetics from one medical center (Group A) and 50 from another center with administration of a single dose of 200 mg oral erythromycin 1 h prior to CE (Group B). Gastric, SB and total transit times were calculated, the presence of bile in the duodenum was scored, as was cleanliness within the proximal, middle and distal intestine. RESULTS: The erythromycin group had a slightly shorter gastric transit time (21 min vs 28 min, with no statistical significance). SB transit time was similar for both groups (all P > 0.05). Total transit time was almost identical in both groups. The rate of incomplete examination was 16% for Group A and 10% for Group B (P = 0.37). Bile and cleanliness scores in different parts of the intestine were similar for the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preparation for capsule endoscopy with erythromycin does not affect SB or total transit time. It tends to reduce gastric transit time, but it does not increase the cecum-reaching rate. Erythromycin does not adversely affect image quality. We consider the routine use of oral erythromycin preparation as being unjustified, although it might be considered in patients with known prolonged gastric emptying time.

Gender-associated differences in urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection referrals and results among dyspeptic patients

AIM: To verify whether there is a gender difference in the 13C-urea breath test results in a large cohort. METHODS: The test results of dyspeptic patients referred for 13C-urea breath testing between January and December, 2007 were evaluated. Testing was carried out at the health insurance organization branches and evaluated at a central laboratory in Israel. RESULTS: Of a total of 28 746 test results, 18 122 (63.04%) were from females and 10 624 (36.95%) from males. Overall, 10 188 (35.4%) results [expressed as delta over baseline (DOB)] were positive (DOB 13C > 5), 18,326 (63.7%) were negative (DOB 13C < 3.5) and 232 (0.8%) were borderline (DOB 13C 3.5-5). There was a significant difference between the total positive rate among females and males (34.8% vs 37.2%, respectively, P = 0.0003). The mean test value was increased by approximately 10 units for females compared to males (P < 0.01) and this difference was consistent for all age groups (i.e., between 10-80 years of age, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: More females were referred to 13C-urea breath testing. More males had positive results. The mean test values were significantly higher among females of all age groups, possibly representing an increased bacterial load among females and suggesting gender-associated differences in Helicobacter pylori host interactions.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms:Prevalence,sociodemographics and treatment patterns in the adult Israeli population

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and sociodemographics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and to identify treatment patterns among GERD patients. METHODS: A telephone survey of a representative sample of the adult Israeli population was conducted. The questionnaire included detailed sociodemographics, history of GERD symptoms and the various treatments used. RESULTS: The survey included 2027 subjects. Twice weekly, once weekly and monthly GERD symptoms were reported by 8.4%, 12.5% and 21.5% of subjects, respectively. There was no difference in prevalence between men and woman; however, GERD symptoms were significantly more prevalent within the older age group and lower socioeconomic status. Among those reporting weekly symptoms, a quarter did not use any kind of therapy and another quarter used various traditional remedies (e.g. soda, milk, almonds, etc.). Antacids were used by 35.1%, H2 blockers by 13.2% and PPIs by 17.5%. CONCLUSION: We found that 12.5% of the adult Israeli population experience weekly GERD symptoms. GERD prevalence and sociodemographics are similar to those described in other Western countries, and treatment is still suboptimal.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is not associated with a lower health perception

AIM: To examine the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and general health perception.METHODS: This cross sectional and prospective follow-up study was performed on a cohort of a subsample of the first Israeli national health and nutrition examination survey, with no secondary liver disease or history of alcohol abuse. On the first survey, in 2003-2004, 349 participants were included. In 2009-2010 participants from the baseline survey were invited to participate in a follow-up survey. On both baseline and follow-up surveys the data collected included: self-reported general health perception, physical activity habits, frequency of physician's visits, fatigue impact scale and abdominal ultrasound. Fatty liver was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography using standardized criteria and the ratio between the median brightness level of the liver and the right kidney was calculated to determine the Hepato-Renal Index.RESULTS: Out of 349 eligible participants in the first survey, 213 volunteers participated in the follow-up cohort and were included in the current analysis, NAFLD was diagnosed in 70/213(32.9%). The prevalence of "very good" self-reported health perception was lower among participants diagnosed with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD. However, adjustment for BMI attenuated the association(OR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.36-1.50, P = 0.392). Similar results were observed for the hepato-renal index; it was inversely associated with "very good" health perception but adjustment for BMI attenuated the association. In a full model of multivariate analysis, that included all potential predictors for health perception, NAFLD was not associated with the self-reported general health perception(OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.40-1.86, P = 0.704). The odds for "very good" self-reported general health perception(compared to "else") increased among men(OR = 2.42, 95%CI: 1.26-4.66, P = 0.008) and those with higher performance of leisure time physical activity(OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, P < 0.001, per every minute/week) and decreased with increasing level of BMI(OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.84-0.99, P = 0.028, per every kg/m^2) and older age(OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93-0.99, P = 0.033, per one year). Current smoking was not associated with health perception(OR = 1.31, 95%CI: 0.54-3.16, P = 0.552). Newly diagnosed(naive) and previously diagnosed(at the first survey, not naive) NAFLD patients did not differ in their self-health perception. The presence of NAFLD at the first survey as compared to normal liver did not predict health perception deterioration at the 7 years follow-up. In terms of health-services utilization, subjects diagnosed with NAFLD had a similar number of physician's visits(general physicians and specialty consultants) as in the normal liver group. Parameters in the fatigue impact scale were equivalent between the NAFLD and the normal liver groups.CONCLUSION: Fatty liver without clinically significant liver disease does not have independent impact on selfhealth perception.

Ensure preparation and capsule endoscopy:A two-center prospective study

AIM:To compare small bowel(SB) cleanliness and capsule endoscopy(CE) image quality following Ensure,polyethylene glycol(PEG) and standard preparations.METHODS:A preparation protocol for CE that is both efficacious and acceptable to patients remains elusive.Considering the physiological function of the SB as a site for the digestion and absorption of food and not as a stool reservoir,preparation consisting of a liquid,fiber-free formula ingested one day before a CE study might have an advantage over other kinds of preparations.We conducted a prospective,blind-topreparation,two-center study that compared four types of preparations.The participants' demographic and clinical data were collected.Gastric and SB transit times were calculated.The presence of bile in the duodenum was scored by a single,blinded-to-preparation gastroenterologist expert in CE,as was cleanliness within the proximal,middle and distal part of the SB.A four-point scale was used(grade 1 = no bile or residue,grade 4 ≥ 90% of lumen full of bile or residual material).RESULTS:The 198 consecutive patients who were referred to CE studies due to routine medical reasons were divided into four groups.They all observed a 12-h overnight fast before undergoing CE.Throughout the 24 h preceding the fast,control group 1(n = 45 patients) ate light unrestricted meals,control group 2(n = 81) also ate light meals but free of fruits and vegetables,the PEG group(n = 50) ate unrestricted light meals and ingested the PEG preparation,and the Ensure group(n = 22) ingested only the Ensure formula.Preparation with Ensure improved the visualization of duodenal mucosa(a score of 1.76) by decreasing the bile content compared to preparation with PEG(a score of 2.9)(P = 0.053).Overall,as expected,there was less residue and stool in the proximal part of the SB than in the middle and distal parts in all groups.The total score of cleanliness throughout the length of the SB showed some benefit for Ensure(a score of 1.8) over control group 2(a score of 2)(P = 0.06).The cleanliness grading of the proximal and distal parts of the SB was similar in all four groups(P = 0.6 for both).The cleanliness in the middle part of the SB in the PEG(a score of 1.8) and Ensure groups(a score of 1.7) was equally better than that of control group 2(a score of 2.1)(P = 0.057 and P = 0.07,respectively).All 50 PEG patients had diarrhea as an anticipated side effect,compared with only one patient in the Ensure group.CONCLUSION:Preparation with Ensure,a liquid,fiber-free formula has advantages over standard and PEG preparations,with significantly fewer side effects than PEG.