An increased intake of nutrients, fruits, and green vegetables was negatively related to the risk of arthritis and osteoarthritis development in the aging population

[Influence of smoking, nutrition and other modifiable environmental factors on rheumatoid arthritis]

Numerous reports in recent years have focused on the influence of environmental factors on rheumatoid arthritis. This article provides an overview of the current study situation on the influence of modifiable environmental factors on the development and course of rheumatoid arthritis. Lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, diet, exercise and body weight can be individually influenced. Factors such as air pollution and socioeconomic status can be influenced by environmental and sociopolitical measures at a public level. Epidemiological studies have identified nicotine abuse, an unhealthy diet and obesity as well as a low level of education and social status as risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous factors are also associated with a poorer response to treatment and a worse prognosis. As randomized interventional studies on most environmental factors are hardly feasible, the causal relationship of the individual factors to the incidence and progression of rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the current evidence already enables the provision of appropriate counselling to patients with rheumatoid arthritis with respect to a healthy lifestyle including abstaining from cigarette smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding obesity.

Association of Life's Essential 8 with osteoarthritis in United States adults: mediating effects of dietary intake of live microbes

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with cardiovascular disease and represents a persistent economic and physical burden on patients in the United States. This study evaluated the mediating effect of dietary live microbe intake on the association between cardiovascular health [based on Life's Essential 8 (LE8) scores] and osteoarthritis (OA) in adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2019 (from patients aged ≥20 years). LE8 scores (0-100) were measured according to the American Heart Association definition and categorized as low (0-49), moderate (50-79), or high (80-100). OA disease status was assessed using self-reported data from patients. The relationships were evaluated using multivariate logistic and restricted cubic spline models. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the mediating effect of dietary live microbe intake on the association between LE8 and OA risk.

Results

The study included 23,213 participants aged ≥20 years. After adjusting for latent confounders, higher LE8 scores were found to be associated with a lower incidence of OA. The odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) for low, moderate, and high OA risk were 0.81 (0.69, 0.96) and 0.55 (0.44, 0.69), respectively; a non-linear dose-response relationship was observed (P-nonlinear = 0.012). Health behavior and health factor scores showed a similar pattern of correlation with OA risk. Low live microbe intake mediated the association between LE8, health behavior, and health factor scores with OA risk and did not appear to reduce OA risk.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that although higher LE8 scores reduce the risk of developing OA, low live microbe intake may reduce the protective effect of higher scores. It is, therefore, essential to emphasize adherence to a lifestyle that confers high LE8 scores. Individuals should also be advised to reduce the intake of foods with low live microbe content.

Higher intakes of nutrients and regular drinking are associated with habitual sleep duration in pre- and postmenopausal women with comorbidities

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the association between nutrient intake, health-related behaviors, and habitual sleep duration in pre- and postmenopausal women.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

2084 pre- and postmenopausal women aged 18-80 years old.

MEASUREMENTS

Nutrient intake and sleep duration were measured by a 24-hour recall approach and self-reports, respectively. We examined the association and interaction between comorbidities, nutrient intake, and sleep duration groups among 2084 women using data from KNHASES (2016-2018) and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

In premenopausal women, we observed negative associations between very short (<5 hours)/short (5-6 hours)/long (≥9 hours) sleep duration and 12 nutrients (vitamin B1, B3, vitamin C, PUFA, n-6 fatty acid, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, fiber, carbohydrate) and a positive association between retinol and short sleep duration (prevalence ratio (PR), 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15). In premenopausal women, interactions were found between comorbidities and PUFA (PR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.56-9.41), n-3 fatty acid (PR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.17-5.05), n-6 fatty acid (PR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.46-8.13), fat (PR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.15-6.64), and retinol (PR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.53) for very short and short sleep duration, respectively. Interactions between comorbidities, vitamin C (PR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.24-0.72), and carbohydrates (PR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.05-2.70) for very short and short sleep duration in postmenopausal women, respectively. Regular drinking was positively associated with a risk of short sleep duration in postmenopausal women (PR, 2.74, 95% CI: 1.11-6.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary intake and alcohol use were found to be involved in sleep duration, so healthcare staff should encourage women to maintain a healthy diet and reduce alcohol use to improve sleep duration.

Roles of mixed nutrient intakes on metabolic syndrome among korean adults 19-80 years old: molecular mechanisms involved

Purpose

We aim to identify the association between nutrient intake mixtures (22 micro-macro nutrients) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) or its components, including molecular mechanisms involved, among 16,807 Korean adults aged 19-80.

Methods

The associations of mixed nutrient intakes on MetS or its components were identified using linear regression models, WQS regression, qgcomp, and BKMR regression. Genes, transcription factors, miRNA, biological processes, and pathways were assessed using GeneMania, CHEA3, MIENTURNET, and ToppFun functions.

Results

We found that the overall effect of mixed nutrient intakes was also related to MetS and its components. In silico analysis, we found that a mixture of nutrients interacted with the IL6 gene and was linked with MetS. Physical interactions were the key interactions (77%) involved in the mutual genes and MetS targeted by a mixture of nutrients. IL6 related pathways, "positive regulation of type B pancreatic cell apoptotic process", "regulation of glucagon secretion", "LDL pathway during atherogenesis", and "IL-10 anti-inflammatory signaling pathway" were identified as key molecular mechanisms that may be targeted by mixed nutrients implicated in MetS. The key miRNAs and transcription factors involved in the process of MetS targeted by a mixture of nutrients were also described. The cutoff levels for nutrient intake levels associated with MetS and its components were also described.

Conclusion

Our findings will pave the way for further research to evaluate the interactions between a mixture of nutrients and non-communicable diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01158-1.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Intake Does Not Decrease the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis Occurrence: A Meta-Analysis. Comment on Tański et al. The Relationship between Fatty Acids and the Development, Course and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients 2022, 14, 1030

In an article published in Nutrients, Tański et al. performed a systematic review and concluded that omega-3 fatty acids might contribute to a reduced incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [...].

Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review

In recent years, a possible association of lifestyle factors with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has attracted increasing public interest. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the extent and the limitations of current evidence regarding lifestyle factors and RA. The PubMed medical database was screened for epidemiological and prospective studies investigating the contribution of lifestyle factors to the development and the course of the disease. Large epidemiological studies have identified smoking, unhealthy diet and adiposity, as well as a low educational level and low socioeconomic status, as factors that increase the incidence of RA. In addition, several lifestyle habits influence the response of RA to antirheumatic drugs. Among others, smoking, obesity and poor physical activity are associated with a worse treatment outcome. Methodological problems often impair firm conclusions with respect to the causal role of these factors in the risk and the course of RA. However, current evidence is sufficient to recommend a healthy diet, the prevention of obesity, the cessation of smoking and the maintenance of a high level of physical activity to support the effectivity of modern antirheumatic medication.

The ABC-associated Immunosenescence and Lifestyle Interventions in Autoimmune Disease

Aging-associated immune changes, termed immunosenescence, occur with impaired robust immune responses. This immune response is closely related to a greater risk of development of autoimmune disease (AID), which results in increased levels of autoantibodies and increased morbidity and mortality. In addition, lifestyle-related risk factors play a pivotal role in AID, which may be probable via senescence-related immune cell subsets. Age-associated B cell (ABC) subsets have been observed in those who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, this review aims to highlight the mechanisms of ABCs with lifestyle interventions in AID, especially how immunosenescence affects the pathogenesis of AID and the future of aging-associated lifestyle interventions in immunosenescence of AID.

Interactions between nutrient intake and comorbidities for quality of life in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the associations between nutrient intake and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Using data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2019-2020), EQ-5D-3L, and multivariate logistic and linear regression models, we analyzed the association and interaction between nutrient intake, comorbidities, and HRQOL among 4,027 Korean women.

RESULTS

Nutrient intake levels were lower in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Interactions were observed between numerous nutrient intakes and comorbidities for HRQOL among premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Higher intakes of various nutrients (particularly, folic acid and vitamin A) were related to higher HRQOL scores in premenopausal women with comorbidities (log of inverse HRQOL scores, β = -0.31 [95% confidence interval [CI], -0.58 to -0.05] and β = -0.19 [95% CI, -0.37 to -0.001]) and postmenopausal women with comorbidities (log of inverse HRQOL scores, β = -0.34 [95% CI, -0.61 to -0.07] and β = -0.19 [95% CI, -0.38 to -0.01]), respectively. Regular exercise was associated with a lower risk of mobility problems (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44-0.81), self-care problems (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28-0.99), usual activity problems (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26-0.67), and any problem (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.90), as well as an increase in HRQOL score (log of inverse HRQOL scores, β = -0.42; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.16) in postmenopausal women. Smoking was related to a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety problems (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.53-4.13) and any problem (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.11-2.52), as well as a decrease in HRQOL scores (log of inverse HRQOL scores, β = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.14-0.88) in premenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the lower nutrient intake levels in postmenopausal women, it is critical to establish HRQOL-improving approaches for this population, including regular exercise, nutrient intake, and smoking cessation.

In silico identification of the potential molecular mechanisms involved in protective effects of prolactin on motor and memory deficits induced by 1,2-Diacetylbenzene in young and old rats

We aimed to identify the molecular mechanisms through which prolactin protects against 1,2-Diacetylbenzene (DAB)-induced memory and motor impairments. The gene expression omnibus database (no. GSE119435), transcriptomic data, GeneMANIA, ToppGeneSuite, Metascape, STRING database, Cytoscape, and Autodock were used as the core tools in in-silico analyses. We observed that prolactin may improve memory and motor deficits caused by DAB via 13 genes (Scn5a, Lmntd1, LOC100360619, Rgs9, Srpk3, Syndig1l, Gpr88, Egr2, Ctxn3, Drd2, Ttr, Gpr6, and Ecel1) in young rats and 9 genes (Scn5a, Chat, RGD1560608, Ucma, Lrrc31, Gpr88, Col1a2, Cnbd1, and Ttr) in old rats. Almost all of these genes were downregulated in both young and old rats given DAB, but they were increased in both young and old rats given prolactin. Co-expression interactions were identified as the most important interactions (83.2 % for young rats and 100 % for old rats). The most important mechanisms associated with prolactin's ability to counteract DAB were identified, including "learning and memory," and "positive regulation of ion transport" in young rats, as well as "acetylcholine related pathways," "inflammatory response pathway," and "neurotransmitter release cycle" in old rats. We also identified several key miRNAs associated with memory and motor deficits, as well as prolactin and DAB exposure (rno-miR-141-3p, rno-miR-200a-3p, rno-miR-124-3p, rno-miR-26, and rno-let-7 families). The most significant transcription factors associated with differentially expressed gene regulation were Six3, Rxrg, Nkx26, and Tbx20. These findings will contribute to our understanding of the processes through which prolactin's beneficial effects counteract DAB-induced memory and motor deficits.

The role of mixed B vitamin intakes on cognitive performance: Modeling, genes and miRNAs involved

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationships between mixed B vitamin intakes (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12) and cognitive performance, as well as their molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The associations of mixed B vitamin intakes with cognitive function were assessed using multivariate regression models, weighted quantile sum (WQS), quantile g-computation (qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). GeneMANIA, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, MIENTURNET, miRNAsong were employed as the main data-mining methods.

RESULTS

Overall effects of the B vitamin intake mixture were significantly associated with global cognition in the WQS, qgcomp, and BKMR models. A mixture of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B9) interacted with the five genes (IL1B, BCL2, CASP3, BAX, PTGS2) and was associated with better cognitive function, especially CASP3 and BAX. Physical interactions (77.6%) were observed to be the most important interactions in gene networks. The IL-18 signaling pathway, apoptosis, and Alzheimer's disease were annotated as the key molecular mechanisms involved in mixed B vitamins' improving cognitive function. NFKB1, ATF3, and NR3C1 were the key significant transcription factors associated with cognitive function targeted by a mixture of B vitamins. The strong interaction and expression of hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-128-3p, hsa-miR-181a-5p, and hsa-miR-204-5p are involved in mixed B vitamins' better cognitive performance. We also created and evaluated miRNA sponge sequences for these miRNAs, which might be used to alleviate cognitive decline. The cutoff thresholds for B vitamin intake levels that are associated with cognition performance were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the increased incidence of dementia across the world, increasing daily mixed B vitamin intake via regular meals may contribute to minimizing dementia risk. Further studies are warranted to identify these links in well-characterized cohorts of diverse populations, either independently or together.