Objective: To assess the efficacy of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) method versus a Mediterranean low-calorie diet (LCD) in obese PCOS women of a reproductive age. Design: Randomized controlled open label trial. The treatment period was 16 weeks; VLCKD for 8 weeks then LCD for 8 weeks, according to the Pronokal® method (experimental group; n=15) versus Mediterranean LCD for 16 weeks (control group; n=15). Ovulation monitoring was carried out at baseline and after 16 weeks, while a clinical exam, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometry, and biochemical analyses were performed at baseline, at week 8, and at week 16. Results: BMI decreased significantly in both groups, and to a major extent in the experimental group (-13.7% vs -5.1%, p=0.0003). Significant differences between the experimental and the control groups were also observed in the reduction of waist circumference (-11.4% vs -2.9%), BIA-measured body fat (-24.0% vs -8.1%), and free T (-30.4% vs -12.6%) after 16 weeks (p=0.0008, p=0.0176, and p=0.0009, respectively). HOMA-IR significantly decreased only in the experimental group (p=0.0238), but without significant differences with respect to the control group (-23% vs -13.2%, p>0.05). At baseline, 38.5% participants in the experimental group and 14.3% participants in the control group had ovulation, which increased to 84.6% (p=0.031) and 35.7% (p>0.05) at the end of the study, respectively. Conclusion: In obese PCOS patients, 16-weeks of VLCKD protocol with the Pronokal® method was more effective than Mediterranean LCD in reducing total and visceral fat, and in ameliorating hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction.

No abstract

Background and objectiveSevere metabolic complications generally manifest at an early age in Berardinelli – Seip congenital lipodystrophy (BSCL) and their management is especially challenging. Nutritional intervention with low lipid diets is considered by experts to be fundamental in treating the disease when associated with medical therapy, however little is known about the beneficial effects of dietary interventions alone.AimTo underline the importance of a well-structured low-fat diet in BSCL patients.Methods and resultsA BSCL male patient strictly followed a hypocaloric hypolipemic diet (60% carbohydrates, 22% fats and 18% proteins) since clinical diagnosis at the age of one year. Interestingly, pharmacological interventions were not required at any point during the follow-up. Aged 16 years the patient was referred to our center. Biochemistry, hormonal evaluation, 75 mg oral glucose tolerance test, cardiac evaluation and abdominal ultrasound were performed, revealing no abnormalities. Genetic analysis and leptin dosage were carried out, confirming the diagnosis of BSCL type 1 (homozygosity for c.493-1G>C pathogenic variant in AGPAT2 gene) and showing undetectable circulating levels of leptin (< 0.2 mcg/L). Diet therapy alone was therefore maintained, scheduling follow-up visits every six months, with acceptable disease control ever since.ConclusionsThis report proves how a low-fat diet is of great help in the management of BSCL and its complications. In addition, a specific hypolipemic diet could be used alone as an effective treatment in selected cases with high compliance and, probably, a milder phenotype.

No abstract