With increasing life expectancy, dietary choices are crucial for healthy aging. This study investigates associations between two dietary indices, the energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) and the healthful Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI), and biomarkers related to metabolic health and micronutrient status, focusing on the mediating role of gut microbiota. We conducted a secondary, exploratory analysis of baseline data from 129 community-based participants aged ≥70 years (median age: 75 years). Dietary indices were calculated from 3-day food protocols, and biomarkers were measured in blood samples. Cognitive and physical function were assessed using validated questionnaires, body composition was determined via bioimpedance, and fecal gut microbiota composition through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression models, Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance, and mediation analysis. We found no significant associations between the indices and gut microbiota diversity. However, red blood cell (RBC) folate and serum uric acid were significantly associated with E-DII (stand. β = −0.32 and 0.23, respectively, p < 0.01 and 0.01) and contributed to microbiota composition variance (R 2 = 0.01, Q = 0.21). Specific genera correlated with serum uric acid ( Oscillibacter : coefficient = −0.01, Q = 0.24, Gemmiger : coefficient = −0.02, Q = 0.23) and RBC folate ( Bacteroides : coefficient = 0.03, Q = 0.22), independent of dietary patterns. This study suggests that gut microbiota composition does not mediate the associations between a healthy plant-based or anti-inflammatory diet and metabolic health markers in a healthy, older population. However, microbial genera were associated with uric acid and folate concentrations independent of the investigated dietary patterns, indicating potential roles in folate and uric acid metabolism.
BACKGROUND: The most effective strategy to prevent osteopenia or osteoporosis in the old life is to consume an adequate amount of calcium from childhood through adulthood. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the bioavailability of CaCO3 which is the standard non-dairy calcium supplementation with grouper bone nano-calcium (GBN) combined with various percentages of Long-Chain Triglyceride (LCT) into Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) on calcium bioavailability and rat’s bones density. METHODS: This study was carried out during the rat’s growth period, from the weaning until the rats reached 16 weeks. Thirty-five weaned rats were separated into seven groups and fed varied feeds for 12 weeks. The seven groups of feed were (1) CCa: standard feed AIN-93G, (2) C0: standard calcium deficient feed (without calcium), (3) G0: GBN + MCT:LCT 0 : 100%, (4) G25: GBN + MCT:LCT 25 : 75%, (5) G50: GBN + MCT:LCT 50 : 50%, (6) G75: GBN + MCT:LCT 75 : 25%, and (7) G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0%. Parameters observed were serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, femur bone characteristics, bone microarchitecture by histomorphometry, micro computed-tomography (μCT), and mechanical strength. RESULTS: The CCa and G100 groups had the best dietary results based on all parameters. The G100 group was superior to CCa in calcium and phosphorus bioavailability, rat’s bone strength and density. CONCLUSIONS: G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0% group feed beneficially affected the bioavailability of calcium, was letting he rat’s bones to develop properly, had high density, and been strong throughout the growth phase.
BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is among the most frequent chronic diseases in virtually all countries, posing a global health threat. Therefore, Preventive interventions are critical for reducing the enormous burden of diabetes. Flavanols may assist people with metabolic disorders to maintain glucose homeostasis by inhibiting digestive enzymes and glucose transporters. Green Tea (GT) and cocoa have gotten much attention since their flavanols are high. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of polyphenols from GT and cocoa (>4 weeks) on reducing the incidence of complications and improving glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in adult patients with T2DM through outcomes Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Fasting Blood Insulin (FBI), Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). METHODOLOGY: An electronic research programme was applied, using different databases (including Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Reviews) to find studies that have evaluated the impact of polyphenols from GT and cocoa on reducing the incidence of complications and improving glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in adult patients with T2DM. Articles published between 2005 and 2021 in English were selected. RESULTS: 15 and 7 studies involved 738 participants on GT (348 male/390 female). In contrast, the ones focused on cocoa had 331 participants (83 male/ 248 female) with T2DM aged 18–65 years, and a BMI range of 25–34.9 kg/m2 was identified and included in the present review. 43 and 27% of studies were low-risk bias in cocoa and GT, respectively. The results of the meta-analysis showed no significant difference in FBG levels following GT and cocoa consumption compared to the control group (SMD: –0.08; 95% CI: –0.43 to 0.28; P = 0.68 and SMD: –0.65; 95% CI, –1.40 to 0.10; P = 0.09, respectively). Also, the results showed no significant difference for GT and cocoa intervention (SMD: 0.18; 95% CI: –0.27 to 0.64; P = 0.43 and SMD: –0.80; 95% CI: –1.92 to 0.31; P = 0.16, respectively). In addition, the results of the HbA1c analysis showed no significant reduction after GT and cocoa consumption (SMD: –0.41; 95% CI: –0.85 to 0.03; P = 0.07 and SMD, –0.37; 95% CI, –0.77 to 0.04; P = 0.08, respectively). There was no evidence that GT and cocoa interventions effectively improved HOMA-IR (SMD: 0.02; 95% CI: –0.16 to 0.20; P = 0.80 and SMD, –1.65; 95% CI, –3.77 to 0.46; P = 0.13, respectively CONCLUSION: The evidence shows that the short-term administration of cocoa and GT did not significantly reduce the FBG, FBI, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR levels in adult patients with T2DM.
BACKGROUND: UVB radiation triggers skin photoaging by inducing excess cellular oxidants, contributing to senescence, and overproducing matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), causing skin wrinkles. Senescence also impedes skin wound closure. Passion fruit seeds (PFS) boast abundant piceatannol (PCT), recognized for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. OBJECTIVE: To study potential of PFS extract in diminishing photoaging, accelerating wound healing, and enhancing SIRT1 production in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). METHODS: The PFS extract was assessed for PCT using HPLC analysis. The antioxidant effects, reduced senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, and MMP-1 production were measured in HaCaT cells exposed to UVB using a DCFA-DA assay, SA-β-gal activity, and flow cytometry/immunofluorescent including MMP-1 mRNA expression, respectively. The effect of wound healing acceleration was evaluated, including EGFR mRNA expression. Additionally, SIRT1 enhancement was investigated using flow cytometry and immunofluorescent techniques, which also included the assessment of SIRT1 mRNA expression. RESULTS: The PFS extract, which is rich in PCT, effectively diminished cellular oxidants and aging. It decreased UVB-induced cellular oxidants, senescence, and MMP-1 production at both protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, the extract enhanced wound closure by boosting cell migration and increasing EGFR mRNA expression. Additionally, SIRT1 production and expression, associated with cellular rejuvenation, increased in extract-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: PFS extract exhibits potential for skincare and wound healing applications, offering a natural strategy to combat skin aging effects and support tissue repair.
Background The term “inflammaging” has been introduced to describe the chronic, low-grade inflammatory process associated with the increase in age and the senescence of the immune system, that confers susceptibility to suffering age-related pathologies. In this context, previous studies have already demonstrated that the regular consumption of mineral water can be a valuable tool for detoxifying the body from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and for mitigating the systemic inflammation. Objective Herein, we tested the beneficial effects of a mineral water with human-like electrolytic content (San Carlo® water) in a pre-clinical model of vascular inflammaging and investigated the mechanisms underlying this effect. San Carlo® water was administered ad libitum to both young (10-week old) and aged rats (40-week old) for 3 months. Methods Vascular functionality, oxidative stress (fluorescent dye dihydroethidium assay, levels of MDA, and levels of 8-isoprostanes in the urine), and systemic inflammation (levels of IL-1β and TNF) were assessed. Results San Carlo® water ingestion mitigated the inflammation by reducing TNF plasma levels and improved endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation, acting against ROS production. Conclusion The present study suggests that the use of San Carlo® water can effectively counteract the low-grade inflammation typically associated with age and the related vascular dysfunction, likely through both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
BACKGROUND: Butyrate is a health promoting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolite of fiber fermentation in the gut. Supplementing directly with a butyrate generator may be a dietary alternative with health benefits. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tributyrin, a butyrate generator, on tolerability, gut microbiome composition, gut permeability, inflammation and metabolic markers in healthy adults at two dose levels. METHODS: Healthy adults ( n = 29) were randomized to this single-blinded, two-arm, 28-day parallel design pilot study. Participants ingested one or two placebo capsules for 7 days followed by one or two (200 or 400 mg, respectively) ButyraGen ® capsules, a novel tributyrin complex, daily for 21 days. Tolerability was assessed weekly by questionnaire. Blood and stool were collected at baseline and weekly for metabolic and inflammation markers, gut microbiome composition and SCFA concentrations, respectively. Urine was collected at baseline and end of the study for permeability assays. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants ( n = 24, 25±8 years; 24.0±2.8 kg/m 2 ; 66% male) completed the study. ButyraGen ® was well-tolerated, with less than 10% ( n = 2) reporting gastrointestinal-related discomfort. Fecal acetic ( p = 0.03) and propionic ( p = 0.03) acids decreased after supplementation ( p = 0.03 and p = 0.03, respectively, n = 24) compared to baseline, and triglycerides increased ( p = 0.02, 400 mg only, n = 11). Trends in decreased hs-CRP after 200 mg ( p = 0.08) and 400 mg ( p = 0.07) supplementation and decreased glucose ( p = 0.10) after 200 mg supplementation was observed. No other changes in endpoints were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tributyrin supplementation using ButyraGen ® was safe and tolerable at the doses provided. Biological effects were observed suggesting butyrate generation and absorption in the small intestine followed by activity in the liver, though further investigation on mechanism of action is needed for confirmation. Keywords Tributyrin , short-chain fatty acids , butyrate , inflammation , metabolic , microbiome
BACKGROUND: Auricularia polytricha (AP) is traditionally known for its medicinal properties, and linoleic acid (LA) is the prominent component in AP. OBJECTIVE: To understand the anti-aging and stress resistance mechanism induced by AP in Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: C. elegans (wild-type (N2), transgenic, and mutant strains) were treated with AP and LA and monitored for lifespan and stress resistance through physiological assays, fluorescence microscopy, and qPCR analysis. Molecular docking studies were employed to identify the interaction mode of LA with DAF-16 and SKN-1. RESULTS: Ethanol extract of AP (APE) was non-toxic and could induce an anti-aging mechanism, as it could extend the lifespan of nematode worms. This was dependent on PMK-1 and DAF-16 as APE could not extend the lifespan of these gene-specific mutants apart from extending the expression of these genes in wild-type nematodes, which was evident from qPCR analysis. LA, too, had a similar effect on the lifespan of wild-type and mutant worms, which further supported the findings. Molecular docking studies pointed to the role of DAF-16 and SKN-1 in regulating the effect of APE. APE also exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms as it significantly extended the lifespan in worms exposed to UV-B-induced oxidative stress, thereby showing a protective effect. APE could regulate SKN-1, which was evident from qPCR analysis and the fluorescence of skn-1:GFP transgenic strain. Further qPCR analysis of candidate regulatory genes exhibited antioxidant mechanisms induced by APE. CONCLUSION: APE was observed to induce anti-aging efficacy via SKN-1 and DAF-16.
Age-related changes in organ function, immune dysregulation, and the effects of senescence explain in large part the high prevalence of infections, including respiratory tract infections in older persons. Poor nutritional status in many older persons increases susceptibility to infection and worsens prognosis. Interestingly, there is an association between the amount of saturated fats in the diet and the rate of community-acquired pneumonia. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LC-PUFAs) including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have well-known anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects, which may, in theory, be largely induced by PUFAs-derived lipids such as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). In adults, preliminary results of studies show that ω-3 LC-PUFAs supplementation can lead to SPM generation. SPMs have a crucial role in the resolution of inflammation, a factor relevant to survival from infection independent of the pathogen’s virulence. Moreover, the immune system of older adults appears to be more sensitive to ω-3 PUFAs. This review explores the effects of ω-3 LC-PUFAs, and PUFA bioactive lipid-derived SPMs in respiratory tract infections and the possible relevance of these data to infectious disease outcomes in the older population. The hypothesis that PUFAs have beneficial effects via SPM generation will need to be confirmed by animal experiments and patient-derived data.
BACKGROUND: Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) is a transcription factor that regulates stress resistance, metabolism, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Several studies exhibited the association of the FOXO3 polymorphism rs2802292 with human longevity and protects individuals from degenerative diseases. The emergence of degenerative diseases in the elderly is associated with the accumulation of senescent cells that secrete a secretome known as a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) consists of several cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to analysis polymorphism of FOXO3 gene rs2802292 G-allele and its impact to the SASP by measuring IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in Indonesian elderly populations. METHODS: This study was conducted on 92 elderly subjects living at Jakarta. DNA was isolated from the whole blood then continued with PCR and sequencing for FOXO3 rs2802292 analysis. SASP was analyzed from the plasma using Luminex. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis. RESULTS: The results showed that FOXO3 rs2802292 was detected in Indonesian elderly population as follows GG, GT, TT genotype frequencies were 17.4 %, 42.4 % and 40.2 % respectively. Meanwhile, G and T allele frequencies based on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test were 0.385 and 0.615 respectively. GG genotype was significantly found in subjects with longevity. Nevertheless, SASP analysis was found no significant differences both among GG, GT, TT genotypes. CONCLUSION: The frequency of FOXO3 rs2802292 G-allele in Indonesian elderly population was 0.385 and significantly detected in subjects with longevity. However, the FOXO3 rs2802292 polymorphism did not affect cytokines level as the component of SASP.
OBJECTIVE: To associate motivation with diet quality in older people (OP) who practice running. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational analytical study, which was applied to a probabilistic sample of OP who practice running. Each participant was applied a survey including sociodemographic variables and experiences concerning the practice of Running, diet quality questionnaire for OP (ECAAM, for its acronym in Spanish) and the Motivation of Marathoners Scales-34 (MOMS-34) were used. RESULTS: The total number of participants was 68, who were mostly men (69.1%), the predominant age was 60–69 years (69.1%). Women showed a higher proportion in diet quality when compared to men (71.4% vs 36.2%). The association between motivation subscales and food groups showed that the Weight Concern subscale was associated with junk food (Δ=1.55 (95% CI: 0.58; 2.52). The Personal goal achievement-Competition subscale was associated with meat (Δ=1.81 (95% CI: 0.62; 3.00). Recognition was associated with meat (Δ=1.12 (95% CI: 0.22; 2.03), and Health Orientation with alcohol (Δ=0.76 (95% CI: 0.02; 1.50). CONCLUSIONS: Motivation is positively associated with diet in OP who practice running, especially for the motivation subscales Weight Concern, Personal goal achievement-Competition, Recognition and Health orientation.
BACKGROUND: The decline of cognitive function could in part be caused by an increase in inflammation. Polyphenols have been widely investigated due to their anti-inflammatory property which may promote therapeutic effects on the brain and cognitive performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of polyphenols interventions on inflammation related to cognitive function in humans. METHODS: Three electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and PsycINFO were systematically searched until 30th May 2024 to find the study that have investigated the effect of polyphenols on both inflammatory response and cognitive function in human randomized controlled trials. The outcomes were pooled and calculated using inverse variance as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the inflammatory markers and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI for cognitive domains. RESULTS: Ten studies (451 participants, aged 20–81 years) assessed inflammatory markers and cognitive standardized tests responding to polyphenols interventions were included in this review and meta-analysis. Supplementation with polyphenols demonstrated a significant improvement of verbal memory (SMD: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.54, P = 0.002), executive function (SMD: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.72, P = 0.03) and attenuation in blood interleukin-6 (MD: – 1.23 pg/ml, 95% CI: –2.34, to –0.12, P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in working memory (SMD: 0.13, 95% CI: –0.18 to 0.44, P = 0.42), attention (SMD: –0.19, 95% CI: –0.84 to 0.46, P = 0.57), and psychomotor skill (SMD: 0.09, 95% CI: –0.32 to 0.50, P = 0.66) as well as in c-reactive protein (MD: –0.10 mg/l, 95% CI: –0.28 to 0.09, P = 0.30), and tumor necrosis factor- α (MD: 0.11 pg/ml, 95% CI: –1.25 to 1.47, P = 0.87). CONCLUSION: Polyphenols supplementation decreases blood IL-6 as well as enhances verbal memory and executive function. Regular polyphenols consumption might prevent inflammation related to cognitive decline. Keywords Polyphenols , inflammation , IL-6 , cognitive function , memory , executive function
BACKGROUND: Substituting different types of protein intake may be associated with cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers. However, there are few studies conducted on elders and the findings are contradictory. OBJECTIVE: We decided to examine the association of substituting plant protein for animal protein with cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers among elderly men. METHOD: The current cross-sectional study included 357 elderly men chosen from health centres in southern Tehran, Iran. They provide written consent to be included in the study. We used a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess dietary intake. All biochemical factors like lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured. Waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were also assessed. The substitution analysis by STATA was used to examine the aforementioned association. RESULTS: Substituting animal protein with plant protein had significant beneficial association with WC (OR: –4.28; 95% CI: –8.51, –0.62; Ptrend = 0.047) and LDL/HDL (OR: –0.26; 95% CI: –0.48, –0.05; Ptrend = 0.018). CONCLUSION: In elderly men, substituting animal protein with plant protein had favorable association with some of cardiovascular risk factors including WC and LDL/HDL but there was no significant association for inflammatory biomarkers.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) harmonize and act synergistically in clinical practices. About 70–80% of diabetic patients develop NAFLD. At the same time, NAFLD existence increases T2DM development. Meanwhile, the presence of T2DM increases the progression to liver disease such as NAFLD, and to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide is a NAFLD. NAFLD and (T2DM) have a two-way pathophysiologic relationship, with the latter driving the development of the former into NASH. Nonetheless, NASH enhances the threat of cirrhosis as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), both cases in turn need transplantation of the liver. The only treatment for NAFLD is still lifestyle management because there are no FDA-approved drugs for the condition. In the current study, we review how curcumin (a naturally occurring phytopolyphenol pigment) treats NAFLD. Also we showed broad insights on curcumin-based therapy, by severe reduction of hepatic inflammation. Thus, our review showed that curcumin ingestion considerably decreased glycemic parameters (fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and free fatty acids) and adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP), and adipokine released from adipocytes. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effects of curcumin and its specific dosage on liver enzymes, glycemic consequences, among NAFLD coexist with T2DM patients.
Biological aging (BA) is a universal process that involves the deterioration of vital functions. One of the root causes of BA is epigenetic DNA hypermethylation. The latter defines epigenetic age (EA), being the most important risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases, so its modulation is an exciting emerging field of science. Although there are numerous investigations on the mechanisms of aging, today there are few studies that measure EA in humans after an intervention. The objective of this research was to evaluate the EA and the body composition after the consumption of wine enriched with Resveratrol. The results showed a decrease in EA after three and a half months of the study intervention (p < 0.01). We also demonstrated significant improvements in body composition with a 1.6 kg decrease in fat mass, (p < 0.0004); and an increase in muscle mass of 300 g (p < 0.019). To our knowledge, it is the first time that a highly significant reduction of EA has been demonstrated in consumers of wine enriched with Resveratrol combined with a healthy remodeling of body composition. These findings could be relevant to maintaining health, increasing life expectancy, and preventing the damages caused by aging.
BACKGROUND: Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The red aril of Gac fruit contains high concentrations of carotenoids, including lycopene and beta-carotene. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Gac fruit aril extract on locomotor activities in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced zebrafish model and measure antioxidant enzyme activities in the zebrafish brain. METHODS: This study used adult male zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. MPTP was used as a toxin to induce movement dysfunction in zebrafish, while the standard drug selegiline acted as a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor. Locomotion was recorded on day 7 after MPTP induction using a digital video tracking system, and parameters related to zebrafish swimming, including total distance, velocity, and immobility, were observed. The brain tissue of the zebrafish was collected for antioxidant enzyme activity analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that Gac fruit extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg improved locomotor functions in MPTP-induced Parkinsonism in zebrafish. However, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, in the zebrafish brain showed no significant differences among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insights into the further research of Gac fruit extract as a nutraceutical for preventing Parkinson’s disease.
BACKGROUND: Frailty is a clinical-biological syndrome in older adults that carries an increased risk for poor health outcomes. Biomarkers of disability are being studied and some acylcarnitines and amino acids are part of the predictive models. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the status of L-carnitine, some acylcarnitines and amino acids and relate them to frailty, sarcopenia and diet in a community-dwelling Uruguayan older population. METHODS: Participants were enrolled and assessed through a multi-step process, that included frailty and sarcopenia criteria. L-carnitine, its acyl derivatives and amino acids were determined in blood by LC-MS/MS and dietary intake by a 24-h recall and a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty-three older adults were enrolled, and 54 completed the initial assessment. Pre-frailty criteria were fulfilled by 41 participants and frailty only by one. No nutritional indicators of undernutrition were found. Probable sarcopenia was found in 20 cases. Males consumed more total meat and red meat than women. Hexanoylcarnitine levels were higher in pre-frail/frail individuals and in weak ones. Analysis by sex showed a distinct pattern between gender, being significant only for weak females. Methionine also showed some differences between sexes. Weak males presented significantly higher levels of methionine, whereas weak females showed significantly lower ones. CONCLUSIONS: No associations were found for diet components and L-carnitine, acylcarnitines and amino acids values, except for the percentage of animal protein that was higher in weak males. The clinical impact of these results needs further investigation.
BACKGROUND: Increase in dementias globally is a burden to patients, caregivers, the healthcare system, and the communities in which they live. Understanding nutritional patterns and how they may impact the prevention of these conditions will be critical moving forward. The known impact of minerals such as potassium and magnesium on conditions such as hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation – all of which directly impact cognitive health – warrant further study as to their potential direct effects on cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: To determine if low potassium and magnesium blood levels and dietary intakes are associated with cognitive decline in middle-aged adults over a 6-year span. METHODS: Linear regression models were used to describe the associations between potassium and magnesium intakes and cognitive function scores of participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) dataset over 6 years of follow up. Associations with blood values were also assessed. Variables controlled for included total HEI score, a measure of dietary quality. 9,044 participants were included. All linear regression models were run with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Levels of blood potassium and magnesium, in univariate as well as in multivariate analysis were found to have no significant association with cognitive decline. Likewise, intake levels of both minerals were shown to have no significant association with cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: In 9,044 participants, ages 44 to 66, potassium and magnesium intake and blood serum levels were found to have no significant association with cognitive decline in fully controlled models over 6 years in the ARIC cohort.
BACKGROUND:The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been linked with better cognitive function and brain integrity.OBJECTIVE:To examine the association of modified Mediterranean diet (mMedDiet) scores from early through middle adulthood in relation to volumetric and microstructural midlife MRI brain measures. Assess the association of mMedDiet and brain measures with four cognitive domains. If variables are correlated, determine if brain measures mediate the relationship between mMedDiet and cognition.METHODS:618 participants (mean age 25.4±3.5 at year 0) of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study were included. Cumulative average mMedDiet scores were calculated by averaging scores from years 0, 7, and 20. MRI scans were obtained at years 25 and 30. General linear models were used to examine the association between mMedDiet and brain measures.RESULTS:Higher cumulative average mMedDiet scores were associated with better microstructural white matter (WM) integrity measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) at years 25 and 30 (all ptrend <0.05). Higher mMedDiet scores at year 7 were associated with higher WM FA at year 25 (β= 0.003, ptrend = 0.03). Higher mMedDiet scores at year 20 associated with higher WM FA at years 25 (β= 0.0005, ptrend = 0.002) and 30 (β= 0.0003, ptrend = 0.02). mMedDiet scores were not associated with brain volumes. Higher mMedDiet scores and WM FA were both correlated with better executive function, processing speed, and global cognition (all ptrend <0.05). WM FA did not mediate the association between mMedDiet scores and cognition.CONCLUSIONS:mMedDiet scores may be associated with microstructural WM integrity at midlife.
BACKGROUND: There is evidence that adherence to Mediterranean-like diet reduces cognitive decline and brain atrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, lengthy dietary assessments, such as food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), discourage more frequent use. OBJECTIVE: Here we aimed to validate a 6-items short questionnaire for a Mediterranean-like diet (6-QMD) and explore its associations with memory performance and hippocampal atrophy in healthy elders and individuals at risk for AD. METHODS: We analyzed 938 participants (N = 234 healthy controls and N = 704 participants with an increased AD risk) from the DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE). The 6-QMD was validated against the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) score and the Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) score, both derived from a detailed FFQ. Furthermore, associations between the 6-QMD and memory function as well as hippocampal atrophy were evaluated using linear regressions. RESULTS: The 6-QMD was moderately associated with the FFQ-derived MeDi adherence score (ρ = 0.25, p < 0.001) and the MIND score (ρ = 0.37, p= < 0.001). Higher fish and olive oil consumption and lower meat and sausage consumption showed significant associations in a linear regression, adjusted for diagnosis, age, sex and education, with memory function (β = 0.1, p = 0.008) and bilateral hippocampal volumes (left: β = 0.15, p < 0.001); (right: β = 0.18, p < 0.001)). CONCLUSIONS: The 6-QMD is a useful and valid brief tool to assess the adherence to MeDi and MIND diets, capturing associations with memory function and brain atrophy in healthy elders and individuals at increased AD dementia risk, making it a valid alternative in settings with time constraints.
BACKGROUD: Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) represents a gut metabolite and it's physiological concentration is proposed to be influenced by the abundance of precursor trimethylamine (TMA)-producing microbiota in the gut. OBJECTIVE: Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, modify the microbiome, but their long-term impact on plasma TMAO and TMA production in the gut is poorly understood. METHODS: Fecal microbiome composition was analyzed and correlated with TMAO serum concentrations in female Sprague-Dawley rats that received either a healthy normal or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 months. Half of the animals performed regular running exercise, the other half served as sedentary controls. RESULTS: HFD consumption induced an alteration of the fecal microbiome with increased alpha diversity on ASV levels. More importantly, HFD reduced the abundance of genera containing potential TMA producers, such as certain members of Clostridia and Lachnospiraceae. In line with this observation, serum TMAO concentrations were found to be lower with HFD and to correlate with the abundance of these genera. Regular exercise also induced changes in microbiome beta diversity but had no effect on serum TMAO in female rats. CONCLUSION: A diet containing high amounts of dietary fat reduced serum TMAO, probably through a reduced intestinal abundance of TMA-producing bacteria. In contrast, regular exercise altered beta diversity of the microbiome composition, but without significant effects on serum TMAO concentrations.
