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Mantadaki AE, Baliou S, Linardakis M, Vakonaki E, Tzatzarakis MN, Tsatsakis A, Symvoulakis EK. Quercetin Intake and Absolute Telomere Length in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Novel Findings from a Randomized Controlled Before-and-After Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1136. [PMID: 39338301 PMCID: PMC11434860 DOI: 10.3390/ph17091136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, the protective chromosomal ends, progressively shorten and potentially are implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. In type 2 diabetes (T2DM), telomere shortening may play an important role, but the whole 'picture' remains limited. From a therapeutic perspective, the phytonutrient quercetin appears to be clinically effective and safe for patients with T2DM. Considering the above, we aimed to examine whether quercetin could interfere with telomere length (TL) dynamics. One hundred patients with T2DM on non-insulin medications registered within a primary healthcare facility were stratified by age and sex and randomly assigned to either standard care or standard care plus quercetin (500 mg/day) for 12 weeks, succeeded by an 8-week washout period and another 12 weeks of supplementation. Of the 88 patients completing the trial, 82 consented to blood sampling for TL measurements. Health assessments and whole blood absolute TL measurements using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were conducted at baseline and study end, and the findings of this subcohort are presented. Quercetin supplementation was associated with a significant increase in mean TL (odds ratio ≥ 2.44; p < 0.05) with a strengthened association after full adjustment for potential confounders through multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 3.48; p = 0.026), suggesting it as a potentially promising supplementation option. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms of quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini E Mantadaki
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stella Baliou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis N Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristides Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanouil K Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
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Dimitroff SJ, Würfel L, Meier M, Faig KE, Benz ABE, Denk B, Bentele UU, Unternaehrer E, Pruessner JC. Estimation of antibody levels after COVID-19 vaccinations: Preliminary evidence for immune interoception. Biol Psychol 2023; 182:108636. [PMID: 37544268 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
To date, 72 % of the world's population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccination. The number of antibodies produced by some individuals is exponentially higher than in others, for various mostly unknown reasons. This variation causes great diversity in the future susceptibility to infection by the original or variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The following study investigated whether individuals were able to estimate the strength of their antibody response after their COVID-19 vaccinations. 166 recently vaccinated participants provided a blood sample for determination of antibody titers. Participants were asked to estimate how many antibodies they thought they had produced, and were further asked how protected they felt from COVID-19 due to vaccination. Both self-rated antibody levels, and feelings of protection against COVID-19 were significantly related to their actual IgG spike antibody titers, after controlling for age, days since vaccination, BMI and cross vaccination. These results suggest that individuals may have a form of "immune interoception" which relates to their response to their COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Dimitroff
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany.
| | - Lisa Würfel
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany
| | - Maria Meier
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany; Child and Adolescent Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Kelly E Faig
- Department of Psychology, Hamilton College, NY 13323, USA
| | - Annika B E Benz
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany
| | - Bernadette Denk
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany; Centre for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany
| | - Ulrike U Bentele
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany
| | - Eva Unternaehrer
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany; Child and Adolescent Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Jens C Pruessner
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany; Centre for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78464, Germany
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Tsur N, Talmon A. Post-Traumatic Orientation to Bodily Signals: A Systematic Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:174-188. [PMID: 34159853 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211025237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Theoretical literature suggests that trauma and (PTSD) may instigate changes in the interpretation of bodily signals. Some findings support these inquiries, revealing that exposure to traumatic events and PTSD are associated with pain catastrophizing, body vigilance, fear of pain, and other manifestations of bodily perceptions and interpretations. However, these findings are not integrated into an inclusive empirically based conceptualization, thus leading to a limited comprehension of this phenomenon. This systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize the existing literature referring to orientation to bodily signals. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the review included a final of 48 manuscripts that addressed orientation to bodily signals among participants (aged 18 and above) and its potential associations with PTSD. The review revealed that most studies assessed one orientation manifestation, which was tested for its link to PTSD. The majority of the manuscripts were cross-sectional and included participants who faced combat, vehicle accidents, or various types of traumas. Only five manuscripts focused on interpersonal trauma and abuse. Most manuscripts reported significant correlations, revealing that trauma and PTSD are associated with a negative, catastrophic and frightful interpretation of bodily signals. These findings emphasize the need to encapsulate the various manifestations of orientation to bodily signals under a unified construct, as proposed by the term post-traumatic orientation to bodily signals. Further research is needed to illuminate the circumstances and processes by which trauma is implicated in post-traumatic orientation to bodily signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Tsur
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Ada Talmon
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Katz C, Tsur N, Nicolet R, Carmel N, Klebanov B. Children's Responses to Maltreatment: Key Conclusions From a Systematic Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2021; 22:1155-1168. [PMID: 32116133 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020908851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment (CM) has received much research attention in recent years, leading to the enormous development of services provided to children worldwide. However, although the literature in the field of trauma studies recognizes that responses to trauma are of central importance, for a variety of reasons, the research on this subject is sparse. The current systematic literature review was therefore designed to characterize and analyze the existing knowledge on children's responses to CM, while putting in focus all possible responses that will appear in the identified manuscripts. Key databases were explored using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and only six studies were identified as relevant to the focus of the current study. Utilizing thematic analysis, the results addressed four main themes: the studies' methodologies, the terminology and responses that were explored in these studies, the abuse-related factors and contexts that were taken into account, and the consequences for the children (of their responses to the maltreatment). A key conclusion from this review is that concepts in this area, as well as theory, are considerably lacking. Promoting the development of theory regarding children's responses to CM is urgently needed, as it will greatly impact clinical intervention, legal investigation, and the development of prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Noga Tsur
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Racheli Nicolet
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Nir Carmel
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Bella Klebanov
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Ring L, Hoffman Y, Shrira A, Bodner E, Palgi Y. Subjective accelerated aging moderates the association between COVID-19 health worries and peritraumatic distress among older adults. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2021; 8:e16. [PMID: 34192002 PMCID: PMC8082123 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2021.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study examined whether subjective accelerated aging moderated the relationship between COVID-19 health worries and COVID-19 peritraumatic distress among older adults. METHOD The sample consisted of 277 older adults (M = 69.58, s.d. = 6.73, range 60-92) who answered an online questionnaire during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. Participants completed the measures of background characteristics, exposure to COVID-19, COVID-19 health worries, subjective accelerated aging and COVID-19-based peritraumatic distress. RESULTS Higher levels of COVID-19 health worries were correlated with higher levels of peritraumatic distress symptoms among older adults. Moreover, those reporting accelerated aging also reported a higher level of peritraumatic distress. Finally, the interaction between COVID-19 health worries and subjective accelerated aging predicted peritraumatic distress, suggesting that COVID-19 worries were associated with peritraumatic distress to a stronger degree among older adults who felt they were aging faster. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that negative views of aging may serve as an amplifying factor for traumatic distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although preliminary, the findings provide insight for potential screening and interventions of older adults at risk of developing peritraumatic distress symptoms during the global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lia Ring
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yaakov Hoffman
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Amit Shrira
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ehud Bodner
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Positive mental health moderates the association between PTSD symptoms and subjective accelerated aging among older adults. Int Psychogeriatr 2020; 32:885-889. [PMID: 32690118 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220001349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are known for predicting accelerated aging. However, it has not been examined whether individuals are subjectively aware of this process. The present study examined whether PTSD symptoms predict subjective accelerated aging and whether positive mental health status moderates this relationship. One hundred and thirty-two community-dwelling older adults (M = 66.85, SD = 9.13) who were sampled through random dialing of Jewish residents in the south of Israel completed the questionnaire twice: At Wave 1 after the flare-up of an Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and at Wave 2, a year later. Participants reported their PTSD symptoms, positive mental health, and on their subjective accelerated aging a year later. Higher levels of PTSD symptoms and lower levels of positive mental health were separately related to increased subjective accelerated aging. Participants with a lower level of positive mental health demonstrated a stronger association between PTSD symptoms and subjective accelerated aging. These findings emphasize that individuals who suffer from higher levels of PTSD symptoms and specifically those with lower levels of positive mental health status tend to feel they are aging faster. This finding adds to previous research suggesting that alongside the physiological process of accelerated aging there is also a subjective similar process.
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