Searching for just a few words should be enough to get started. If you need to make more complex queries, use the tips below to guide you.
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Sukkar, Samir G.a | Cella, Francaa | Rovera, Giuseppe M.b | Nichelatti, Michelec | Ragni, Giuseppea | Chiavenna, Giovannid | Giannoni, Antonelloe | Ronzani, Giovannif | Ferrari, Claudiaa
Affiliations: [a] Clinical Nutrition Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy. e-mail: [email protected] | [b] Clinical Nutrition Unit, Ospedale Evangelico, Turin, Italy | [c] Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Haematology Department, Ospedale Niguarda, Milan, Italy | [d] Clinical Nutrition Unit, Ospedale di Lecco, Lecco, Italy | [e] Artificial Nutrition Unit, ASL1, Carrara, Italy | [f] Clinical Nutrition Unit, Ospedale di Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Italy
Abstract: Background and aim: Anorexia/cachexia syndrome is frequently correlated with increased oxidative stress (OS). A fermented wheat-germ extract with a standardized benzoquinone content (brand name Avemar) has been shown to exert an intense antioxidant activity with no side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Avemar in patients affected by head and neck cancer, correlating the variations with OS with the quality of life as assessed by the Spitzer's index. Patients and methods: A cohort of 60 patients affected by head and neck tumours (stage IIIa, IIIb, IV) were enrolled in the study following an open-label protocol. The patients were assigned to two subgroups, A or B. Group A was treated with conventional oncological therapy alone, and group B was treated with Avemar in addition to standard therapy. After 2 months only 55 patients survived and could be evaluated (29 in the control group and 26 in the Avemar group). Each patient was checked for circulating concentrations of hydroperoxides using the FRAS III test. Results: The levels of OS significantly decreased after 2 months in the group receiving Avemar (group). The value of Spitzer's index was significantly higher in group B, attesting to an improved quality of life. Conclusion: Although the specific active substance in Avemar has not yet been identified, the reduction in free oxygen radicals induced by it is correlated with a clinically significant improvement in the quality of life in patients with advanced cancer.
Keywords: Fermented wheat germ extract, Head and neck cancer, Quality of life, Oxidative stress, D-ROMs test
DOI: 10.3233/s12349-008-0008-4
Journal: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 37-42, 2008
IOS Press, Inc.
6751 Tepper Drive
Clifton, VA 20124
USA
Tel: +1 703 830 6300
Fax: +1 703 830 2300
[email protected]
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to [email protected]
IOS Press
Nieuwe Hemweg 6B
1013 BG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 688 3355
Fax: +31 20 687 0091
[email protected]
For editorial issues, permissions, book requests, submissions and proceedings, contact the Amsterdam office [email protected]
Inspirees International (China Office)
Ciyunsi Beili 207(CapitaLand), Bld 1, 7-901
100025, Beijing
China
Free service line: 400 661 8717
Fax: +86 10 8446 7947
[email protected]
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to [email protected]
如果您在出版方面需要帮助或有任何建, 件至: [email protected]