Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol 13, Issue 1 40-44, Copyright © 1994 by American College of Nutrition

CLINICAL TRIAL

Medium- and long-chain triglycerides have different effects on the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor by human mononuclear cells in patients under total parenteral nutrition

C. A. Gogos, N. Zoumbos, M. Makri and F. Kalfarentzos
Department of Medicine, Patras University Medical School, Greece.

OBJECTIVE: Lipid emulsions containing both long- and medium-chain triglycerides (LCT/MCT) have been used in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) regimens and seem to have certain advantages for seriously ill patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of lipid emulsions containing 100% LCT or 50% LCT/50% MCT on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production by human mononuclear cells. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective study, in which 20 malnourished patients were randomly allocated to receive either 100% LCT or 50% LCT/50% MCT for > 30 days. We measured TNF synthesis before initiation of TPN, as well as at 15 and 30 days during TPN. SETTING: Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Patras University Medical School, Patras, Greece. PARTICIPANTS: Members of the staff of the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Patras University Medical School. RESULTS: We found that TNF production was significantly (p < 0.01) elevated at 30 days in the LCT group, while no significant differences were detected in the LCT/MCT group. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that long-term TPN formulas, where LCT have been partially replaced by MCT, do not change TNF synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and this may be beneficial in seriously ill, cachectic patients.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				X. Li, J. Ying, S. Zeng, Y. Li, H. Yang, L. Shen, J. Han, J. Chen, and H. Shen The Effects of a Short-Term Long-Chain-Triglyceride Infusion on the Postoperative Immune Function of Pediatric Patients Receiving a Gastrointestinal Surgical Procedure JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, January 1, 2008; 32(1): 72 - 77. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				X. Li, J. Ying, S. Zeng, L. Shen, X. Wan, X. Li, H. Tan, H. Pei, J. Zhou, and H. Shen A Short-Term Long-Chain Triglycerides Infusion Has No Influence on Immune Function of Adult Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, May 1, 2007; 31(3): 167 - 172. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. J. Wanten, M. G. Netea, T. H. Naber, J. H. Curfs, L. E. Jacobs, T. J. Verver-Jansen, and B.-J. Kullberg Parenteral Administration of Medium- but Not Long-Chain Lipid Emulsions May Increase the Risk for Infections by Candida albicans Infect. Immun., November 1, 2002; 70(11): 6471 - 6474. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. A. Mizock Nutritional Support in Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Nutr Clin Pract, December 1, 2001; 16(6): 319 - 328. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. Granato, S. Blum, C. Rossle, J. Le Boucher, A. Malnoe, and G. Dutot Effects of Parenteral Lipid Emulsions With Different Fatty Acid Composition on Immune Cell Functions In Vitro JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, March 1, 2000; 24(2): 113 - 118. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. E. Keith, K. H. Norwich, and K. N. Jeejeebhoy Nutrition Support Affects the Distribution and Organ Uptake of Cachectin/ Tumor Necrosis Factor in Rats JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, September 1, 1995; 19(5): 341 - 350. [Abstract] [PDF]