Nutrition and Healthy Aging - Volume 9, issue 1

Authors: Sharika, Rajasekharan | Verma, Kanika | Tencomnao, Tewin | Chuchawankul, Siriporn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Auricularia polytricha , linoleic acid, C. elegans , molecular docking, SKN-1

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220200

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2024

Authors: Alkhudaydi, Hind Mesfer S. | Spencer, Jeremy P.E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Cocoa, green tea, dark chocolate, catechin, glycaemic control, diabetic patients, meta-analysis

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-230204

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 17-36, 2024

Authors: Vizcarra-Parra, Berta | Ulloa-Mendoza, Rodolfo | Avello-Viveros, Carlos | Duran-Aguero, Samuel | Carrasco-Castro, Rodrigo | Parra-Soto, Solange | Pizarro-Mena, Rafael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Running, physical activity, diet, motivation, older person

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-231515

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 37-46, 2024

Authors: Hardiany, Novi Silvia | Nurfiyana, Wahyu | Iswanti, Febriana Catur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: FOXO3 polymorphism, longevity, elderly, SASP, cytokines

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-231516

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 47-54, 2024

Authors: Korpak, Kéziah | Rossi, M. | Van Meerhaeghe, A. | Boudjeltia, K. Zouaoui | Compagnie, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Fatty Acids, Omega-3, respiratory tract infections, aging

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220184

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 55-76, 2024

Authors: Atoum, Manar Fayiz | Padma, Kanchi Ravi | Don, Kanchi Ravi

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, lifestyle management, type 2 diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-231504

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 77-90, 2024

Authors: Abbasi, Hanieh | Fahimfar, Noushin | Nazarzadeh, Milad | Azadbakht, Leila

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Elders, protein intake, substitution, cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-231519

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 91-99, 2024

Authors: Kunsorn, Paween | Payuhakrit, Witchuda | Petit, Valerie | Larue, Lionel | Champakam, Sorraya | Suwannalert, Prasit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Passion fruit seed, piceatannol, photoaging, cellular oxidants, SIRT1, wound healing

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-231518

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 101-112, 2024

Authors: Mekhora, Chusana | Lamport, Daniel J. | Spencer, Jeremy P.E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Polyphenols, inflammation, IL-6, cognitive function, memory, executive function

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-240006

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 113-131, 2024

Authors: Smith, Morganne | Lelah, Michael | Goggans, Mallory | Tunio, Sameer | Naqib, Ankur | Burton-Freeman, Britt | Edirisinghe, Indika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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/m2 ; 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. Show more

Keywords: Tributyrin, short-chain fatty acids, butyrate, inflammation, metabolic, microbiome

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-240005

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 133-144, 2024