Nutrition and Healthy Aging - Volume 8, issue 1

Authors: Doctor, Abbas K. | Monnig, Jackie M. | Kerr, Caroline N. | Bagg, Alex M. | Pickering, Carrie E. | Reidy, Paul T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A current lack of consensus exists regarding the effect of protein supplementation during resistance exercise on the phenotypic adaptation in aging adults. Thus, we critically assessed the collection of meta-analytic evidence to provide clarity regarding the differences between meta-analyses examining the combined effectiveness of chronic exposure to PRO/AA supplementation and resistance exercise to enhance the adaptive response. Thirteen meta-analyses, with relatively similar titles, presented different results on the topic. This divergence is mainly due to an inconsistent study selection process resulting in distinct study populations and varied types of protein-focused nutritional interventions and not RCT study quality. The methods applied …to extract and estimate effects from RCTs with incorrectly formatted data for meta-analyses likely provide an additional reason for divergent results. PRO/AA supplements (when combined with resistance exercise training) produced a positive, albeit minor effect on the promotion of whole-body lean mass growth, yet a minimal and inconsistent effect on muscle mass, muscle strength, or functional capacity. The lack of an effect was skewed in studies with a higher proportion of obese and overweight participants and somewhat less noticeable in those containing sarcopenic and frail older adults, who would have the greatest need for an intervention to enhance muscle mass. Researchers are encouraged to provide the change scores mean and standard deviations for all their outcomes by group or even making the data sets available to improve future meta-analyses and advance the field. Show more

Keywords: Aging, exercise training, protein, strength, function, skeletal muscle

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220183

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1-17, 2023

Authors: Amakye, William Kwame | Ren, Zhengyu | Wang, Min | Yao, Maojin | Ren, Jiaoyan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Antioxidant peptides have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The gut microbiota is also increasingly being recognized as central to AD progression and a potential therapeutic target for the disease. OBJECTIVE: Using a recently-identified antioxidant pentapeptide (Trp-Pro-Pro-Lys-Asn, WN5), we sort to test the hypothesis that dietary components could target the microbiota to inhibit Aβ aggregation and relieve AD-related cognitive impairments. METHOD: An Aβ42 aggregation cell model was employed to predict the ability of WN5 to inhibit Aβ aggregation. APP/PS1 mice were then used to explore the learning and memory-improving capacity of …WN5 by targeting the gut microbiota. RESULTS: WN5 dose-dependently attenuated cellular Aβ-aggregation. Oral administration of WN5 (WN5_G) was associated with decreased microbial diversity and tended to impact the abundance of several major bacterial species associated with AD. The observed microbiota changes were significantly associated with reduced hippocampal Aβ aggregation (17.6±0.71 for WN5_G and 25.4±1.7 for the control group; p  < 0.009) and improved cognitive performance. However, these observations were absent when WN5 was administered intraperitoneally (WN5_Ip). CONCLUSION: The results from this preliminary study suggested that WN5 could be useful in ameliorating AD-related symptoms via the gut-brain-axis and further emphasize the significance of the gut microbiota in AD. Show more

Keywords: Pentapeptide WN5, Alzheimer’s disease, gut microbiota, Aβ aggregation, cognitive impairment

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220168

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 19-30, 2023

Authors: Sanjaya, Ardo | Lesmana, Ronny | Goenawan, Hanna | Setiawan, Iwan | Sylviana, Nova | Pratiwi, Yuni S. | Dewi, Fitriya N. | Supratman, Unang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Muscle loss is one of the features associated with aging with significant impacts on the quality of life. Yap/Taz, the effectors of the Hippo pathway, was shown to regulate organ size and may be associated with aging. We postulate that Yap/Taz modulation may play a role in maintaining muscle fiber size or mediating the function of autophagy during aging and sarcopenia. OBJECTIVE: The research aim to explore sarcopenia and its relationship to autophagy and Yap/Taz expression. Additionally, we also explored the relationship of autophagy function and Yap/Taz on skeletal muscle tissue during aging. METHODS: We …conducted experiments on two groups of rats kept at 16 and 80 weeks. Skeletal muscle tissue from the soleus muscle was harvested, and mRNA expression of Yap/Taz and genes associated with the autophagy pathway were quantified. Immunoblotting was done with antibodies against Yap/Taz and autophagy proteins. Bafilomycin and Verteporfin were used on the C2C12 cell line to elucidate the interaction between autophagy and Yap/Taz. RESULTS: Old rats were found to have a smaller fiber surface area of the soleus muscle and was associated with increased Yap mRNA and protein expression. The inhibition of autophagy increased Yap levels. However, the inhibition of Yap/Taz function did not affect autophagy in skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: With current evidence, increased Yap was paradoxically associated with sarcopenia, and this increase was caused by the decreased autophagic flux caused by aging. Show more

Keywords: Aging, autophagy, Hippo pathway, sarcopenia, yes-associated protein, skeletal muscle

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220164

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 31-39, 2023

Authors: Malar, Dicson Sheeja | Prasanth, Mani Iyer | Brimson, James Michael | Verma, Kanika | Prasansuklab, Anchalee | Tencomnao, Tewin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic hyperglycemic conditions can activate aberrant metabolic pathways causing neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effect of ethanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyxes (HS) against high glucose-induced neurotoxicity in Neuro-2a cells and Caenorhabditis elegans . METHODS: To ascertain the neuroprotective effect, Neuro-2a cells were pre-treated with HS followed by high glucose and assessed for cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m) using confocal microscopy, Real-Time PCR, Western blot and in silico approaches for the compounds identified through LC-MS/MS analysis. Further, C. elegans were …treated with HS extract in the presence of glucose and analyzed for the neuroprotective effect. RESULTS: High glucose exhibited toxicity in Neuro-2a cells by ROS generation, disrupting ΔΨ m, modulating stress response and lipid metabolism genes, altering signaling proteins (AKT, JNK), and apoptosis (P53, Caspase-3). However, pre-treatment with HS extract reversed the effect and exhibited neuroprotection. Compounds including allo-Aromadendrene, and N-Feruloyltyramine were identified through LC-MS/MS analysis. Docking studies against candidate protein targets indicated that the compounds of HS extract exhibit higher docking scores and can inhibit/activate the targets. Further, HS extended the lifespan of C. elegans (CL2006) from high glucose toxicity through the downregulation of A β. CONCLUSION: Our results propose that HS with its active constituents can be considered a promising therapeutic agent to treat hyperglycemia associated neurodegenerative diseases. Show more

Keywords: Oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, lipid metabolism, Seladin-1, C. elegans

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220177

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 41-65, 2023

Authors: Bigman, Galya | Shea, Kyla M. | Rusu, Marius Emil | Ryan, Alice S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence and relationship between dark green vegetables (DGV) and specific cognitive domains in the aging US population are not well-established for men and women. OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between DGV, its bioactive nutrients, and cognitive function, including its specific domains, and whether they differ by sex METHODS: The study analyzed a cross-sectional sample of 2,793 US adults aged 60 or older from the 2011–2014 NHANES. DGV was dichotomized, and bioactive nutrients were divided into quartiles. Weighted linear regressions were used to analyze the association between DGV, bioactive nutrients, and standardized cognitive function scores, …including specific domains (CERAD, DWR, AFT, DSST), while controlling for covariates. The study also tested for sex-based effect modification RESULTS: Overall, 61.7% of participants reported no DGV intake, and men reported no DGV intake more frequently than women (67.8 vs.56.5%, p  < 0.001). DGV was associated with overall cognitive function(β= 0.10, p  = 0.024) and by its specific domains: memory-related i.e., learning and remembering (CERAD:β= 0.10, p  = 0.015; DWR:β= 0.10, p  = 0.010), marginally associated with executive function (AFT:β= 0.10, p  = 0.075), but not with problem-solving(DSST:β= 0.03, p  = 0.587). Although the associations between bioactive nutrients and specific cognitive domains were mixed, a higher intake of these nutrients was still linked to higher overall cognitive function. Only β-carotene and its associations with overall cognitive and AFT were modified by sex. CONCLUSION: The majority of US older adults (>60%) lack DGV in their diet. Intake of DGV, which is rich in phylloquinone, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol, may benefit certain domains of cognition in men and women, such as learning and memory Show more

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220193

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 67-77, 2023

Authors: Prasanth, Mani Iyer | Prasansuklab, Anchalee | Verma, Kanika | Brimson, James Michael | Malar, Dicson Sheeja | Tencomnao, Tewin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hylocereus undatus is a traditional medicinal plant known for its medicinal, nutritional and commercial uses. OBJECTIVE: To address the anti-aging and neuroprotective efficacies of fruit peel extracts of H. undatus using Caenorhabditis elegans model. METHODS: C. elegans (wild-type (N2), transgenic and mutant strains) were treated with H. undatus and monitored for lifespan and neuroprotection through physiological assays, fluorescence microscopy and qPCR analysis. LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to identify the phytochemicals present in the extract. Molecular docking studies were employed to identify the interaction mode of selected phytochemicals with Aβ, DAF-16 …and SKN-1. RESULTS: The extract was able to extend the lifespan of C. elegans (N2), extend the lifespan and reduce paralysis of Aβ transgenic strains CL2006 and CL4176, suggesting its anti-aging and neuroprotective potential. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of phytochemicals including homostachydrine, betaine, syringic acid, typhaneoside, rutin, and behenic acid. The extract could activate antioxidant mechanism, through SKN-1, which was evident in qPCR and transgenic strain LG333. These effects were mediated through DAF-16 pathway as the extract was able to upregulate the expression of daf-16 in N2, increase the nuclear localization of daf-16 in transgenic strain TJ356, and not able to significantly alter the lifespan of both DAF-2 and DAF-16 mutants, CB1370 and CF1038 respectively. Finally, in molecular docking approach, typhaneoside and rutin showed better binding affinity with SKN-1 and DAF-16 when compared to resveratrol and similar binding affinity with Aβ when compared to donepezil. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this study indicates that H. undatus activates anti-aging and neuroprotection via DAF-16 mediated pathway. Show more

Keywords: H. undatus, C.elegans, DAF-16, SKN-1, Docking

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220196

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 79-95, 2023

Authors: Mukherjee, Upasana | Dawson, John A. | Chalwe, Joseph Musonda | Oldewage-Theron, Wilna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Women are at most risk for chronic diseases which can be prevented by healthy dietary choices. Evidence exists that nutrition education interventions (NEIs) are effective in educating community-dwelling women to modify their behavior for better health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to implement a need-based, tailored NEI and evaluate its effectiveness in improving nutrition and soy knowledge and self-efficacy of participants in the intervention group compared to a control group. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-post-study design was used in a convenience sample of 149 women from the copper belt region of Zambia. The …health belief model (HBM) informed the NEI, which consisted of six lessons, three cooking demonstrations, and an illustrative recipe book. Nutrition and soy knowledge scores and self-efficacy scores were evaluated using validated and reliable questionnaires. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software, version 26, and mean change scores in knowledge and self-efficacy were compared between the intervention and control groups. RESULTS: The average improvement in the scores for total nutrition knowledge and all six sub-sections of knowledge was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. The mean total self-efficacy score for the intervention group improved significantly (p  = 5.7767e-20) from a pre-intervention score of 29.9±7.4 to 57.3±7.0 after the implementation of the NEI. No significant improvement (p  = 0.904) in the control group was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term, multi-component NEI was effective in improving the nutrition and soy knowledge and soy cooking self-efficacy of the participants in the intervention group. Show more

Keywords: Nutrition education, self-efficacy, knowledge, attitudes, women, Zambia

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-210138

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 97-108, 2023

Authors: Al-darsani, Zeinah | Jacobs Jr., David R. | Bryan, R. Nick | Launer, Lenore J. | Steffen, Lyn M. | Yaffe, Kristine | Shikany, James M. | Odegaard, Andrew O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 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. Show more

Keywords: Mediterranean diet, MRI, biomarkers, cognition, midlife, life course

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220192

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 109-121, 2023

Authors: Surya, Reggie | Surya, Ervan | Nurkolis, Fahrul | Santos, Reinaldo Socorro | Suryani, Yunita

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diet quality is suggested to be an important element in a healthy aging experience among elderly population. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association of diet quality and parameters related to healthy aging in elderly living in urban areas. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1,355 older adults aged 60 years or older living in big cities in Indonesia from April 2016 until June 2017. Diet quality was assessed using the healthy eating index (HEI-2015) while healthy aging was determined using the healthy aging index (HAI) consisting of 5 physiological indicators: systolic …blood pressure, forced vital capacity, random blood glucose, serum cystatin C, and digit symbol substitution test. The correlation among study variables was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test and linear regression test. RESULTS: The HEI-2015 and HAI scores obtained in this study were (48.8±3.5) and (5.2±0.3) respectively, thus demonstrating a slightly poor diet quality and health status. The HEI-2015 score was strongly associated with the HAI (ρ=–0.85, p<0.05; β=–0.08, 95% CI: –0.13–(–0.02), p<0.05). Four components of the HEI-2015 were found to be strongly associated with the HAI score: whole fruits, total vegetables, sodium, and added sugars. The physiological parameters of the HAI correlating strongly with the HEI-2015 score were systolic blood pressure and random blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to establish the strong correlation between the HEI-2015 and HAI. Our findings suggest that improving diet quality would help urban elderly support their healthy aging experience. Show more

Keywords: Diet quality, healthy aging, elderly, healthy eating index

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220178

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 123-130, 2023

Authors: Coffey, Niamh | O’ Leary, Fiona | Roberts, Anthony | Plant, Barry | Hayes, Martina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) is widespread among patients with long- and short-term medical conditions. Although ONS serve an important purpose in the management of malnutrition, their effect on the oral hard and soft tissues is not well understood. The aim of this article is to conduct an analysis of the available literature relating to ONS and their impact on the oral environment. METHODS: This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines adapted by Liberati. The PICO question is as follows: Population : …Individuals (both children and adults) Intervention : Use of Oral Nutritional Supplements Comparison : Individuals not taking Oral Nutritional Supplements Outcome : Increased risk of oral disease (specifically dental caries, periodontal disease or candida) The research question was “Are people who take ONS at higher risk of oral diseases than the general population?” Eligibility criteria The results obtained from the literature search were filtered, according to these inclusion and exclusion criteria: Inclusion criteria • Individuals were prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements • All studies were included, including, case–control, cohort, cross-sectional or case studies. • Studies were included if they directly compared the association between ONS and oral health i.e. Effect of ONS on the oral environment had to be one of the aims of the study • Studies on human subjects or in vitro experiments • Published in English language • Studies from 1960 to the present day Exclusion criteria • Studies not in English • Review articles and case series were excluded • Studies including the use of other nutritional supplements such as vitamin or herbal supplements were not included. • Other supplemental feeding methods such as enteral or parenteral feeding were not examined 4 databases were searched: Medline (via Ebsco), Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS: A total of 58 records were identified through databases and searching bibliographies. 50 publications were excluded from the review, based on study title and abstract. The full text of eight articles were assessed for eligibility. No article answered the primary aim of the systematic review. Three articles discussed the secondary aim of the systematic review and these were included in the qualitative systematic review. The main outcome of the first study showed that the ONS had higher cariogenic potential than milk due to it’s higher acidogenicity. However, there was no statistical difference in dentine demineralisation and no significant difference in viable micro-organisms present. The main outcome of the second study showed that Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and C. albicans all grew at room temperature in the dairy-based ONS collected, and that C. albicans also grew in the juice which was milk protein-free and lipid-free. The third study showed that ONS were “potentially cariogenic” on enamel. DISCUSSION: Two studies were deemed as being at “low” of bias, however another study was deemed to be at “serious” level of bias. All studies stressed the possibility of dental disease caused by oral nutritional supplements, however there is not enough research available to imply causation. Due to the high sugar content of these supplements, and the known dental implications of this, it would be beneficial to carry out more research into this area. Show more

Keywords: Oral Nutritional Supplements, malnutrition, dental health, oral health

DOI: 10.3233/NHA-220171

Citation: Nutrition and Healthy Aging, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 131-142, 2023