Effect of ejaculatory abstinence period on fertilization and clinical outcomes in ICSI cycles: a retrospective analysis

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does ejaculatory abstinence impact fertilization outcomes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in infertile couples?

DESIGN

This single-centre retrospective observational study included 6919 ICSI cycles from 2013 to 2022. The primary outcome was the assessment of oocyte fertilization, measured in terms of the rate of formation of two-pronuclear (2PN), 3PN and 1PN zygotes. Secondary outcomes were blastulation, cumulative positive β-human chorionic gonadotrophin test and clinical pregnancy rates. Relationships between ejaculatory abstinence and fertilization outcomes, and ejaculatory abstinence and clinical outcomes were evaluated with multivariable analysis, including possible confounders.

RESULTS

A positive association was observed between ejaculatory abstinence and semen sample volume (P < 0.001), sperm concentration (P < 0.001) and total motile sperm count (P < 0.001). No association was found between the 1PN zygote rate and ejaculatory abstinence (P = 0.97). Conversely, for each additional day of ejaculatory abstinence, the likelihood of obtaining 2PN zygotes from all inseminated oocytes decreased by 3% [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99], whilst the likelihood of obtaining 3PN zygotes from all inseminated oocytes increased significantly by 14% (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.22). No significant associations were found between ejaculatory abstinence and blastulation, cumulative pregnancy or miscarriage rates.

CONCLUSIONS

A longer ejaculatory abstinence period significantly decreases the rate of 2PN zygotes, and increases the rate of 3PN zygotes without directly affect blastulation and pregnancy rates.

Associations between paternal versus maternal parenting behaviors and child and adolescent internalizing problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis

There is a large evidence base supporting an important role of parenting behavior in influencing youth mental health; however, this literature often fails to capture the potentially unique and interactive role of mothers and fathers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of maternal and paternal parenting behaviors in relation to child and adolescent internalizing problems. Following PRISMA (2020) guidelines, 88 studies were identified. Of these, 47 studies and upward of 65 parent-behavior and child-outcome combinations were examined. Findings indicated a unique role of maternal overprotection in the prediction of child anxiety symptoms. For other parenting behaviors, largely similar associations were found for maternal and paternal parenting behaviors with child and adolescent anxiety, depressive symptoms and broader internalizing problems. There was preliminary support for the interaction of maternal and paternal parenting being important in predicting youth symptoms. Although findings did not strongly substantiate differences in the effects of maternal and paternal parenting practices, with only one significant difference identified, further research would benefit from stronger representation of fathers, to enable a more rigorous and comprehensive understanding of each parent's role, and their interactive influence on internalizing outcomes of their children.

Not only for caregivers: intranasal glucagon for severe hypoglycaemia in a simulation study

AIMS

To evaluate: (i) the propensity of paediatrics and emergency medicine residents to select different therapeutic options and (ii) the speed and administration success in a high-fidelity simulation of severe hypoglycaemia in a child with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

METHODS

In this single-centre high-fidelity simulation study, 51 paediatrics or emergency medicine residents were exposed to a scenario of severe hypoglycaemia in a T1DM child attending an ambulatory setting, before and after a training on the preparation and administration of both injectable and IN glucagon. Time for drug delivery and its effectiveness were collected.

RESULTS

Before training, 45.1% of participants chose to administer injectable glucagon, 43.1% intravenous glucose solution, 5.9% intranasal (IN) glucagon, and 5.9% took no action. Administration was successful in 74% of injectable glucagon, 33.3% intravenous glucose solution, and 22.7% IN glucagon. After training, 58.8% of participants chose IN and 41.2% injectable glucagon, with 100% of successful administrations for IN glucagon and 90.5% for injectable glucagon. Time to successful administration was shorter for IN than injectable glucagon (23 ± 10 vs. 38 ± 7 s, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

IN glucagon is an easy and effective option for severe hypoglycaemia treatment, with an almost zero possibility of failure provided that adequate training is imparted.

Clinical and Biological Variables Influencing Outcome in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Treated with Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies: A Prospective Multicentre Study

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard of treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there are still many uncertainties regarding the selection of the patient who could benefit more from this treatment. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of clinical and biological variables in unselected patients with advanced NSCLC candidates to receive ICIs. Methods: This is an observational and prospective study. The primary objective is the evaluation of the relationship between clinical and biological variables and the response to ICIs. Secondary objectives included: safety; assessment of the relationship between clinical and biological parameters/concomitant treatments and progression-free survival at 6 months and overall survival at 6 and 12 months. Nomograms to predict these outcomes have been generated. Results: A total of 166 patients were included. An association with response was found in the presence of the high immunohistochemical PD-L1 expression, squamous cell histotype, and early line of treatment, whereas a higher probability of progression was seen in the presence of anemia, high LDH values and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pleural involvement, and thrombosis before treatment. The nomogram showed that anemia, PD-L1 expression, NLR, and LDH represented the most informative predictor as regards the three parameters of interest. Conclusions: In the era of personalized medicine, the results are useful for stratifying the patients and tailoring the treatments, considering both the histological findings and the clinical features of the patients.

P–089 Paternal age affects the performance of EAU guidelines for genetic testing in infertile men: implications for candidate selection

Study question

We aimed at challenge EAU Guidelines for genetic testing performance in infertile men according to normal vs. advanced paternal age (APA).

Summary answer

EAU Guidelines perform better in karyotype analysis (KA) and Y-chromosome microdeletions (YCM) investigation in men above 35 years of age.

What is known already

EAU Guidelines for genetic testing in infertile men recommend specific threshold for candidate selection for both KA (&lt;10 million spermatozoa/ml) and YCM (&lt;5 million spermatozoa/ml). However, paternal age is not taken into account for candidate selection in this setting.

Study design, size, duration

Data from 2188 infertile men (according to WHO definition) consecutively evaluated at a single academic centre were analysed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were analysed. Semen analyses were based on 2010 WHO criteria. Advanced age was defined as above 35. All men underwent KA and YCM testing. EAU Guidelines were validated in our cohort and according to APA. Specificity, sensitivity, and AUC were estimated for all scenarios. A Wald-type test compared AUC according to APA for KA and YCM. Decision curve analysis (DCA) estimated the benefit of using EAU Guidelines according to APA.

Main results and the role of chance

Median (IQR) paternal age was 37 (34–41) years. Advanced paternal age was found in 1306 (60%) of included men. Prevalence of KA and YCM was 4% (48 men) and 1% (13 men), respectively. EAU Guidelines sensitivity, specificity and AUC in the overall population were 85%, 47% and 66% for KA, whereas they were 100%, 57% and 80% for YCM. When stratifying according to APA, EAU Guidelines performed better in men over 35 both in terms of KA and YCM detection. Specifically, AUC for KA detection in men with APA was 70% vs. 63% in younger men (p = 0.04). AUC for YCM detection in men with APA was 82% vs. 79% in younger men (p = 0.03). DCA confirmed higher net benefit in using EAU Guidelines in old vs. young men for the detection of both KA and YCM.

Limitations, reasons for caution

It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases.

Wider implications of the findings: EAU Guidelines for genetic testing in infertile men perform differentially according to APA. KA and YCM are better detected in older men, likely due to a wider pool of confounding etiological factors in young men. These results suggest the implementation of more accurate predictive models in younger men.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-151 Detailed characterization of infertile men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility: a single-center experience

Study question

We aimed to investigate the rate of and the clinical characteristics of men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility from a cohort of white-European men.

Summary answer

Approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated for primary couple’s infertility depicted characteristics suggestive for idiopathic and unexplained infertility, respectively.

What is known already

Male factor infertility (MFI) can be associated with clinical, hormonal and genetic diseases, but MFI is idiopathic in almost 30% of cases.

Study design, size, duration

Data from 3098 infertile men (according to WHO definition) consecutively evaluated between 2003-2020 at a single academic centre were analysed and compared with those of 103 fertile controls. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Idiopathic infertility was defined for pathological semen analysis but normal physical examination and endocrine, genetic and biochemical laboratory testing. Unexplained infertility is defined as infertility of unknown origin with normal sperm parameters.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Testicular volume (TV) was assessed with a Prader’s orchidometer. Serum hormones and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF) were measured in every patient. Vitamin D3 (VitD) deficiency was considered for vitD levels &lt;20 ng/mL. Semen analyses were based on the 2010 WHO reference criteria. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Main results and the role of chance

Overall, 570 (18.5%) and 154 (5.0%) patients depicted criteria suggestive for either idiopathic or unexplained primary infertility, respectively. Groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI, recreational habits, circulating serum hormones and SDF. Testicular volume was lower in men with idiopathic vs. unexplained infertility [median (IQR) 20 (15-25) vs. 20 (17-25); p &lt; 0.001]; more idiopathic than unexplained infertile men depicted TV &lt; 15ml (23.4% vs. 12%; p &lt; 0.01). Similarly, vitD levels were lower [22 (17-28) vs. 27 (21-42) ng/mL; p &lt; 0.001] in idiopathic vs. unexplained infertile men, with a higher rate of pathologic VitD levels in the same group (42.1% vs. 10%; p = 0.04). When compared to fertile controls, groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI and serum hormones values. TV was larger in fertile controls than idiopathic and unexplained infertile men (all p &lt; 0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis only vitD deficiency (OR 8.1, p = 0.03) was found to be associated with idiopathic infertility after accounting for age, BMI, testosterone values and TV. 

Limitations, reasons for caution

The small number of fertile controls may raise the possibility of biases.

Wider implications of the findings

Idiopathic and unexplained infertility were identified in approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated, respectively. Idiopathic infertile men showed lower TV and lower vitD values compared to men with unexplained infertility. Future studies are needed to develop a more tailored management to these difficult MFI cases.

Trial registration number

.

P–108 Which infertile men with normal semen analysis deserve a second semen analysis in the real-life setting?

Study question

Guidelines suggest that one semen analysis is sufficient during the diagnostic work-up of an infertile man in the case of normality as for WHO criteria.

Summary answer

We investigated the rate and the clinical features of men with abnormal sperm parameters at a second test, after a normal first semen analysis.

What is known already

A second test is recommended when the first semen analysis depicted abnormal sperm parameters.

Study design, size, duration

Complete demographic, clinical and laboratory data from 1358 consecutive primary infertile men (infertility as for WHO definition) were analysed. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Serum hormones were measured in every patient. Patients underwent two consecutive semen analyses at the same laboratory, which followed 2010 WHO reference criteria.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical variables and semen parameters. Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the relationship between clinical variables and to create a composite risk score for pathological sperm parameters at a second test.

Main results and the role of chance

At first analysis, 212 (15.6%) infertile men had normal semen parameters. Of 212, 87 (41.0%) had a second normal semen analysis, while 80 (37.7%), 35 (16.5%) and 10 (4.7%) men showed 1, 2 and 3 pathological sperm parameters at second test. Men with a pathological second semen analysis had higher CCI scores (p &lt; 0.001), smaller testicular volume (p &lt; 0.001) and higher FSH values (p &lt; 0.01) than those with normal second samples. Overall, despite being within normal ranges, sperm concentration was lower [34 (23–57) vs. 62 (35–94); p &lt; 0.01] in men with an abnormal second sample compared to those with confirmed normality. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, smaller testicular volume (OR 0.9, p = 0.03), FSH (OR 1.2, p &lt; 0.01), and lower sperm concentration (OR 0.9, p &lt; 0.01) were associated with pathological second semen analyses, after accounting for age and CCI. ROC curves showed that testicular volume &lt;15 ml, FSH values &gt;6 mUI/ml and sperm concentration &lt;40 mil/ml had good predictive ability for pathologic second sperm parameters (all AUC &gt;0.8). Considering 1-point for each of the previous variables, the chances of a pathological second analysis increased from 38.8% to 74.6%, 77.3% and 100% among patients with risk scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p &lt; 0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases. In spite of this, all patients have been consistently analysed over time with a rigorous follow-up, thus limiting potential heterogeneity in terms of data reporting.

Wider implications of the findings: Approximately 60% of infertile men with a normal semen analysis depicted a pathological second test. Smaller testicles, higher FSH, lower sperm concentrations were independently associated with a pathologic second test. These features could be useful to identify those infertile men with a normal semen analysis who deserve a second test.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–094 Kidney function impairment in primary infertile men

Study question

We investigated the prevalence of kidney function impairment in a homogeneous cohort of white-European primary infertile men.

Summary answer

Mild kidney function impairment characteristics were found in 9% of asymptomatic and unaware patients presenting for primary infertility investigation.

What is known already

Infertile men have shown a worse overall health status compared to the fertile counterpart. We investigated the prevalence of kidney function impairment in a homogeneous cohort of white-European primary infertile men.

Study design, size, duration

In this corss-sectional study, complete clinical and laboratories data from a cohort of 557 consecutive men aged &gt;18 years, presenting for primary infertility investigation were analyzed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Comorbidities (as scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)) were collected in each patient. Primary outcome was the presence of functional impairment of the kidney (defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rates &lt;90 ml/min/1.73m², according to the Kidney Outcomes Quality Initiative). The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) function was used for eGFR calculation. Logistic regression analyses tested the association between kidney function impairment and clinical and semen features.

Main results and the role of chance

Of 557, 51 (9.3%) patients depicted at least a mild loss of kidney function (eGFR&lt;90 ml/min /1.73m²). Median [interquartile (IQR)] age was 38 (35–42) years for normal kidney function group vs. 41 (36–46.5) years for those with impaired renal function (p &lt; 0.001). Those with impaired renal function had also a higher BMI [26.1 (24.4–27.8) vs. 24.9 (23.2–26.8); p = 0.002] and higher numbers of comorbidities [CCI≥ 1 in 11 (21.5%) vs. 40 (7.9%) patients (p &lt; 0.001)]. Of note, they had more frequently history of hypertension [10 (19.6%) vs. 31 (6.1%), p = 0.001]. Groups did not differ in terms of hormonal and semen features. At logistic regression analysis, older age and CCI≥1 were associated with a higher risk of impaired eGFR (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.01–1.11; p = 0.016 and OR 2.41; 95%CI 1.06–5.15; p = 0.028, respectively)(table). No association was found between sperm parameters and eGFR impairment (all p &gt; 0.05), after accounting for age, CCI, BMI, FSH, testicular volume, and varicocele.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Mild kidney function impairment characteristics were found in 9% of asymptomatic and unaware patients presenting for primary infertility investigation. Age and the rate of comorbidities are associated with reduced eGFR. Wider implications of the findings: This novel finding confirms growing data on a significant association of male infertility with a poorer overall male health status.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-207 Which infertile patients mostly deserve to have a sperm DNA fragmentation index done? Findings from a cross-sectional study

Study question

Current scientific guidelines do not clearly suggest which patients would benefit the most from a sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) test.

Summary answer

We aimed to investigate potential predictive factors for altered SDF in a homogenous cohort of white-European men presenting for primary couple’s infertility.

What is known already

High SDF has been associated with reduced fertilization rates, reduced chances of natural conception and an increased risk of early pregnancy loss.

Study design, size, duration

Data from 478 consecutive men with normal or altered SDF were analysed. Infertility was defined according to the WHO criteria. Semen analysis, SDF (according to SCSA) and serum hormones were measured in every patient. Health significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Altered SDF was considered with a threshold of &gt; 30%.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Descriptive statistics compared the overall characteristics of patients with normal SDF and altered SDF. Logistic regression analysis tested potential predictors of altered SDF. ROC curve was used to test the accuracy of the model in predicting SDF alteration

Main results and the role of chance

Of 478 patients, 253 (57.7%) had altered SDF. Median (IQR) age and BMI of the whole cohort were 38 (35-42) years and 25.1 (23.3-27.1) kg/m2 respectively. Patients with altered SDF were older (median (IQR) age: 39 (36-43) vs. 37 (34-38) years, p &lt; 0.0001), had lower sperm concentration (5 (1.1–18) vs. 17 x106/mL (6–38.8), p &lt; 0.0001), testicular volume (15.1 (12 –20) vs. 16.8 (12 – 25) Prader, p = 0.0005), and total motile sperm count (TMSC) (1.8 (0.21–10.71) vs. 11.8x106 (2–37.26), p &lt; 0.0001). Conversely, men with altered SDF had higher FSH (6.1 (3.85–9.7) vs. 4.8 (3.85 – 7.9) mIU/mL, p &lt; 0.0001) and prolactin levels (9.8 (7.43–14.04) vs. 8.3 (6.6–11.3) pg/mL, p = 0.0004) than those with normal SDF. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients’ age &gt;35 years (OR: 2.45, p = 0.0009), FSH &gt; 8.0 mIU/mL (OR: 2.23, p &lt; 0.0001) and lower TMSC (OR: 2.04, p = 0.002) were identified as indipendent predictors of altered SDF, after adjusting for testicular volume and CCI≥1. ROC curve (Figure 1) revealed that the model has a good predictive ability to identify patients with SDF alteration (AUC: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.67 - 0.77).

Limitations, reasons for caution

It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases. In spite of this, all patients have been consistently analysed over time with a rigorous follow-up, thus limiting potential heterogeneity in terms of data reporting

Wider implications of the findings

Primary infertile men older than 35 years, with high serum FSH and low TMSC at baseline are the ones who mostly deserve a SDF test over their diagnostic work-up and that would potentially benefit the most of certain treatments to improve SDF value, thus increasing chances of conceiving.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–027 Does air pollution impact on semen parameters? Findings from a real-life cross-sectional study in white-European infertile men

Study question

We aimed to investigate the association between air pollutants levels and semen parameters in a cohort of white-European men seeking medical attention for couple’s infertility.

Summary answer

We found that Pm10, Pm 2.5, and NO2 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology.

What is known already

Air pollutants levels have been monitored closely for environmental and research issues in industrialized countries.

Study design, size, duration

Data from 156 infertile men consecutively assessed between 01/2019 and 12/2020 were analysed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Semen analyses were based on 2010 WHO reference criteria. We analysed the annual average level of the main markers of air pollution (Pm10, Pm2.5, and NO2) between 2014–2018 (Legambiente, 2020, Annual dossier series on air quality in Italy) relative to patients’ addresses of the last 5 years. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to test the association between air pollutants and semen parameters.

Main results and the role of chance

Overall, median (IQR) age and BMI were 37 (33–41) years and 25.1 (23.4–27.3) kg/m2, respectively. A CCI≥1 was found in 12 (7.7%) men, and 47 (30.1%) participants were smokers. As for sperm parameters, semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility and normal sperm morphology were 3 (2–4) ml, 18 (5–45.5) x106/ml, 32 (22–45)% and 2 (1–3)%, respectively. Pm10 was negatively associated with sperm morphology (ß: –0.580, p = 0.001). Furthermore, Pm10 was found to be an independent predictor for sperm morphology worsening (ß: –0.729, p = 0.006) (Fig.1A), after adjusting for age, BMI, CCI and smoking status. Similarly, Pm2.5 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology (ß: –0.595, p = 0.009) (Fig.1B). After adjusting for the same variables, the association between Pm2 and sperm morphology remained significant (ß: –0.724, p = 0.015) (Fig.1C). NO2 levels were found to be associated with sperm morphology worsening after adjusting for age, BMI, CCI, and smoking status (ß: –0.471, p = 0.006).

Limitations, reasons for caution

It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases. Moreover, markers of air pollutions divided by residence may not completely evaluated the single patient exposure.

Wider implications of the findings: In this cross-sectional study we found that Pm10, Pm 2.5, and NO2 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology, while they were not consistently associated with an increased risk of other abnormal sperm parameters in infertile men. Further studies are needed to characterize air pollution effects on sperm parameters.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Integrating data from multidisciplinary Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that most commonly affects the pleural layers. MPM has a strong association with asbestos, mainly caused by exposure to its biopersistent fibers in at least 80% of cases. Individuals with a chronic exposure to asbestos might develop disease with a 20-40-year latency with few or no symptoms. Such has been the case in the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, where industrial production of materials laden with asbestos, mainly cements, has been responsible for the onset of a large epidemic. Since 2018, a multidisciplinary team at San Matteo hospital in Pavia has been collecting data on over 100 patients with MPM. The main goal of this project is to define and describe an integrated profile for each MPM case at diagnosis by using data mining and partition analysis.

METHODS

Here we bring together exhaustive epidemiologic, histologic and radiologic data of 88 MPM patients that came to our observation and draw correlations with predictive and prognostic significance.

RESULTS

The median overall survival (OS) was 15.6 months. Most patients presented with pleural effusion, irrespective of disease stage. Quite unexpectedly, no statistically significant association was demonstrated between OS and TNM disease stage at diagnosis. Although average OS is similar in male and female patients, partition analysis of data underlined a significant differential hierarchy of predictor categories based on patient gender. In females with no smoking history, full chemotherapeutic regimens are associated with better outcomes. Moreover, concerning second line treatments, vinorelbine emerged as the most advantageous choice for female patients, whereas in the male subgroup no statistically significant difference resulted between gemcitabine and vinorelbine.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary approach to MPM is mandatory to define better therapeutic approaches, personalize the management and improve patient outcomes.

The heterogeneity of cancer endothelium: The relevance of angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cells in cancer microenvironment

Tumor-associated vessels constitution is the result of angiogenesis, the hallmark of cancer essential for tumor to develop in dimension and to spread throughout the organism. Tumor endothelium is configured as an active functioning organ capable of determine interaction with the immune response and all the other components of the variegate cancer microenvironment, determining reciprocal influence. Angiogenesis is here analyzed in its molecular and cellular mechanisms, multiple mediators and principal players, represented by Endothelial Cells. It is discussed the striking heterogeneity of cancer endothelium, due to morphological and molecular aberrations that it often presents and its multiple origin. Among the cells that participate to the composition of tumor vasculature, Endothelial Progenitor Cells represent an important source for physical sustain and paracrine signaling in the process of angiogenesis. Treatment options are reviewed, with particular focus on novel therapeutic strategies for overcoming tumor resistance to anti-angiogenic agents.

Influence of different lipid emulsions on specific immune cell functions in head and neck cancer patients receiving supplemental parenteral nutrition: An exploratory analysis

OBJECTIVES

The effect of diet on immune responses is an area of intense investigation. Dietary lipids have been shown to differently influence and fine-tune the reactivity of immune cell subsets, thus potentially affecting clinical outcomes. Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma face malnutrition, due to swallowing impairment related to the tumor site or to treatment sequalae, and may need supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) in addition to oral feeding when enteral nutrition is not feasible. Additionally, immune depression is a well-known complication in these patients. Parenteral nutrition (PN) bags contain amino acids, minerals, electrolytes and mostly lipids that provide calories in a concentrated form and are enriched with essential fatty acids. The aim of this study was to investigate multiple parameters of the immune responses in a cohort of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing supplemental PN with bags enriched in ω-3 or ω-9 and ω-6 fatty acids.

METHODS

To our knowledge, this was the first exploratory study to investigate the effects of two different PN lipid emulsions on specific immune cells function of patients with advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma. ω-3-enriched fish-oil-based- and ω-6- and ω-9-enriched olive-oil-basedSPN was administered to two groups of patients for 1 wk in the context of an observational multicentric study. Polychromatic flow cytometry was used to investigate multiple subsets of leukocytes, with a special focus on cellular populations endowed with antitumor activity.

RESULTS

Patients treated with olive-oil-based PN showed an increase in the function of the innate (natural killer cells and monocytes) and adaptive (both CD4 and CD8 cells) arms of the immune response.

CONCLUSION

An increase in the function of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response may favor antitumoral responses.