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.
