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Ma RX. A detective story of intermittent fasting effect on immunity. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 38922825 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13829] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF) refers to periodic fasting routines, that caloric intake is minimized not by meal portion size reduction but by intermittently eliminating ingestion of one or several consecutive meals. IF can instigate comprehensive and multifaceted alterations in energy metabolism, these metabolic channels may aboundingly function as primordial mechanisms that interface with the immune system, instigating intricate immune transformations. This review delivers a comprehensive understanding of IF, paying particular attention to its influence on the immune system, thus seeking to bridge these two research domains. We explore how IF effects lipid metabolism, hormonal levels, circadian rhythm, autophagy, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and intestinal barrier integrity, and conjecture about the mechanisms orchestrating the intersect between these factors and the immune system. Moreover, the review includes research findings on the implications of IF on the immune system and patients burdened with autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xue Ma
- School of Medical, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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2
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Wang P, Tadeo X, Chew HSJ, Sapanel Y, Ong YH, Leung NYT, Chow EKH, Ho D. N-of-1 health optimization: Digital monitoring of biomarker dynamics to gamify adherence to metabolic switching. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae214. [PMID: 38881838 PMCID: PMC11179112 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The digital health field is experiencing substantial growth due to its potential for sustained and longitudinal deployment. In turn, this may drive improved monitoring and intervention as catalysts for behavioral change compared to traditional point-of-care practices. In particular, the increase in incidence of population health challenges such as diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and other disorders coupled with rising healthcare costs have emphasized the importance of exploring technical, economics, and implementation considerations, among others in the decentralization of health and healthcare innovations. Both healthy individuals and patients stand to benefit from continued technical advances and studies in these domains. To address these points, this study reports a N-of-1 study comprised of sustained regimens of intermittent fasting, fitness (strength and cardiovascular training), and high protein, low carbohydrate diet and parallel monitoring. These regimens were paired with serial blood ketone, blood glucose (wearable and finger stick) and blood pressure readings, as well as body weight measurements using a collection of devices. Collectively this suite of platforms and approaches were used to monitor metabolic switching from glucose to ketones as energy sources-a process associated with potential cardio- and neuroprotective functions. In addition to longitudinal biomarker dynamics, this work discusses user perspectives on the potential role of harnessing digital devices to these dynamics as potential gamification factors, as well as considerations for the role of biomarker monitoring in health regimen development, user stratification, and potentially informing downstream population-scale studies to address metabolic disease, healthy aging and longevity, among other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Xavier Tadeo
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Han Shi Jocelyn Chew
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Yoann Sapanel
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Singapore's Health District @ Queenstown, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Yoong Hun Ong
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Nicole Yong Ting Leung
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Dean Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Singapore's Health District @ Queenstown, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- The Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
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3
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Braunstein PW, Horovitz DJ, Hampton AM, Hollis F, Newman LA, Enos RT, McQuail JA. Daily fluctuations in blood glucose with normal aging are inversely related to hippocampal synaptic mitochondrial proteins. AGING BRAIN 2024; 5:100116. [PMID: 38596458 PMCID: PMC11002859 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2024.100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Defective brain glucose utilization is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) while Type II diabetes and elevated blood glucose escalate the risk for AD in later life. Isolating contributions of normal aging from coincident metabolic or brain diseases could lead to refined approaches to manage specific health risks and optimize treatments targeted to susceptible older individuals. We evaluated metabolic, neuroendocrine, and neurobiological differences between young adult (6 months) and aged (24 months) male rats. Compared to young adults, blood glucose was significantly greater in aged rats at the start of the dark phase of the day but not during the light phase. When challenged with physical restraint, a potent stressor, aged rats effected no change in blood glucose whereas blood glucose increased in young adults. Tissues were evaluated for markers of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), neuronal glucose transport, and synapses. Outright differences in protein levels between age groups were not evident, but circadian blood glucose was inversely related to OXPHOS proteins in hippocampal synaptosomes, independent of age. The neuronal glucose transporter, GLUT3, was positively associated with circadian blood glucose in young adults whereas aged rats tended to show the opposite trend. Our data demonstrate aging increases daily fluctuations in blood glucose and, at the level of individual differences, negatively associates with proteins related to synaptic OXPHOS. Our findings imply that glucose dyshomeostasis may exacerbate metabolic aspects of synaptic dysfunction that contribute to risk for age-related brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W. Braunstein
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - David J. Horovitz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Fiona Hollis
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Lori A. Newman
- Department of Psychological Science, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA
| | - Reilly T. Enos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Joseph A. McQuail
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Mourad S, Abdualkader AM, Li X, Jani S, Ceddia RB, Al Batran R. A high-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides ameliorates hepatic steatosis by reducing ceramide and diacylglycerol accumulation in mice. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:350-364. [PMID: 38192209 PMCID: PMC10988743 DOI: 10.1113/ep091545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is projected to be the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Currently, no pharmacological treatments are available to treat NAFLD, and lifestyle modification, including dietary interventions, is the only remedy. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine whether supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), containing a mixture of C8 and C10 (60/40), attenuates NAFLD in obese and insulin-resistant mice. To achieve that, we fed C57BL/6 male mice a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce obesity and hepatic steatosis, after which obese mice were assigned randomly either to remain on the HFD or to transition to an HFD supplemented with MCTs (HFD + MCTs) or a low-fat diet (LFD) for 6 weeks as another dietary intervention model. Another group of mice was kept on an LFD throughout the study and used as a lean control group. Obese mice that transitioned to HFD + MCTs exhibited improvement in glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and the latter improvement was independent of changes in adiposity when compared with HFD-fed mice. Additionally, supplementation with MCTs significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, improved liver enzymes and decreased hepatic expression of inflammation-related genes to levels similar to those observed in obese mice transitioned to an LFD. Importantly, HFD + MCTs markedly lowered hepatic ceramide and diacylglycerol content and prevented protein kinase C-ε translocation to the plasma membrane. Our study demonstrated that supplementation with MCTs formulated mainly from C8 and C10 effectively ameliorated NAFLD in obese mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mourad
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Montreal Diabetes Research CenterMontréalQuebecCanada
- Cardiometabolic Health, Diabetes and Obesity Research NetworkMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Abdualrahman Mohammed Abdualkader
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Montreal Diabetes Research CenterMontréalQuebecCanada
- Cardiometabolic Health, Diabetes and Obesity Research NetworkMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Xiaobei Li
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Montreal Diabetes Research CenterMontréalQuebecCanada
- Cardiometabolic Health, Diabetes and Obesity Research NetworkMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Shailee Jani
- Muscle Health Research Center, School of Kinesiology and Health ScienceYork UniversityNorth YorkOntarioCanada
| | - Rolando B. Ceddia
- Muscle Health Research Center, School of Kinesiology and Health ScienceYork UniversityNorth YorkOntarioCanada
| | - Rami Al Batran
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Montreal Diabetes Research CenterMontréalQuebecCanada
- Cardiometabolic Health, Diabetes and Obesity Research NetworkMontréalQuebecCanada
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5
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Hernandez AR, Barrett ME, Lubke KN, Maurer AP, Burke SN. A long-term ketogenic diet in young and aged rats has dissociable effects on prelimbic cortex and CA3 ensemble activity. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1274624. [PMID: 38155737 PMCID: PMC10753023 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1274624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Age-related cognitive decline has been linked to distinct patterns of cellular dysfunction in the prelimbic cortex (PL) and the CA3 subregion of the hippocampus. Because higher cognitive functions require both structures, selectively targeting a neurobiological change in one region, at the expense of the other, is not likely to restore normal behavior in older animals. One change with age that both the PL and CA3 share, however, is a reduced ability to utilize glucose, which can produce aberrant neural activity patterns. Methods The current study used a ketogenic diet (KD) intervention, which reduces the brain's reliance on glucose, and has been shown to improve cognition, as a metabolic treatment for restoring neural ensemble dynamics in aged rats. Expression of the immediate-early genes Arc and Homer1a were used to quantify the neural ensembles that were active in the home cage prior to behavior, during a working memory/biconditional association task, and a continuous spatial alternation task. Results Aged rats on the control diet had increased activity in CA3 and less ensemble overlap in PL between different task conditions than did the young animals. In the PL, the KD was associated with increased activation of neurons in the superficial cortical layers, establishing a clear link between dietary macronutrient content and frontal cortical activity. The KD did not lead to any significant changes in CA3 activity. Discussion These observations suggest that the availability of ketone bodies may permit the engagement of compensatory mechanisms in the frontal cortices that produce better cognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R. Hernandez
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Maya E. Barrett
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Katelyn N. Lubke
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Andrew P. Maurer
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sara N. Burke
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Zhang W, Chen S, Huang X, Tong H, Niu H, Lu L. Neuroprotective effect of a medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice: a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics in the substantia nigra and fecal microbiome. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:251. [PMID: 37460539 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a low carbohydrate and high-fat protein diet. It plays a protective role in neurodegenerative diseases by elevating the levels of ketone bodies in blood, regulating central and peripheral metabolism and mitochondrial functions, inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and altering the gut microbiota. However, studies on ketogenic therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) are still in their infancy. Therefore, we examined the possible protective effect of KD in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model, examined the mouse gut microbiota and its metabolites, and performed transcriptomics and metabolomics on the substantia nigra of mice. Our results showed that a long-term medium-chain triglyceride KD (MCT-KD) significantly reduced MPTP-induced damage to dopaminergic (DA) neurons, exerted antioxidant stress through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway, and reversed oxidative stress in DA neurons. The MCT-KD also reduced mitochondrial loss, promoted ATP production, and inhibited the activation of microglia to protect DA neurons in MPTP-induced PD mice. MCT-KD altered the gut microbiota and consequently changed the metabolism of substantia nigra neurons through gut microbiota metabolites. Compared to the MPTP group, MCT-KD increased the abundance of gut microbiota, including Blautia and Romboutsia. MCT-KD also affects purine metabolism in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) by altering fecal metabolites. This study shows that MCT-KD has multiple protective effects against PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Department of General practice, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510282, China
| | - Xingting Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Huichun Tong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, China
| | - Hongxin Niu
- General practice and Special medical service center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510282, China.
| | - Lingli Lu
- Department of General practice, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510282, China.
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Barrea L, de Alteriis G, Muscogiuri G, Vetrani C, Verde L, Camajani E, Aprano S, Colao A, Savastano S. Impact of a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) on Changes in Handgrip Strength in Women with Obesity. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194213. [PMID: 36235866 PMCID: PMC9571084 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservation of muscle mass, which is positively associated with muscle strength, has been included among the benefits of ketogenic diets due to the synergistic effects exerted by the reduction in visceral adipose tissue and obesity-related pro-inflammatory status. The handgrip strength (HGS) test is widely used as a single indicator to represent overall muscle strength. The possible association of changes in HGS in patients with obesity during the consumption of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has not yet been investigated. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy of VLCKD on promoting changes in HGS and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, as a serological marker of obesity-related, low-grade inflammation, in a population of women with obesity after 45 days of active phase of the VLCKD. This pilot, uncontrolled, single-center, open-label clinical trial examined 247 Caucasian women, aged 18−51 years (body mass index, BMI: 30.0−50.9 kg/m2) who were consecutively enrolled following 45 days of active phase the VLCKD. Anthropometric measures and physical activity were evaluated. Muscle strength was measured by HGS using a grip strength dynamometer. Body composition was evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) phase-sensitive system. hs-CRP levels were determined by nephelometric assay. Adherence to the VLCKD, ketosis status, and physical activity were checked weekly by phone call. At day 45, BMI, fat mass (FM), and hs-CRP levels were significantly decreased (∆-7.5 ± 3.1%, ∆-15.6 ± 9.0%, and ∆-39.9 ± 44.6%; respectively; p < 0.001 for all three parameters), while HGS had increased (∆+17.4 ± 13.2%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for ∆BMI, ∆waist circumference, ∆hs-CRP levels, and physical activity, the correlation among changes in ∆HGS (kg), ∆FM (kg), and ∆ fat free mass (FFM) (kg) remained statistically significant (r = −0.331, and r = 0.362, respectively; p < 0.001). Interestingly, the correlation between ∆HGS with ∆FM (r = −0.288, p < 0.001) and ∆FFM (r = 0.395, p < 0.001) were also independent of the percentage of weight loss. We are the first to report that, along with a significant reduction in body weight and an overall improvement in body composition and inflammatory status, the muscle strength evaluated by the HGS test increased in a population of women with obesity after 45 days of the active phase of the VLCKD, also following adjustment for common confounding variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Barrea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, Università Telematica Pegaso, Via Porzio, Centro Direzionale, Isola F2, 80143 Napoli, Italy
- Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-746-3779; Fax: +39-081-746-3668
| | - Giulia de Alteriis
- Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanna Muscogiuri
- Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco “Educazione Alla Salute e Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile”, University Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Vetrani
- Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ludovica Verde
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Camajani
- PhD Program in Endocrinological Sciences, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Aprano
- Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco “Educazione Alla Salute e Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile”, University Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Savastano
- Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Hernandez AR, Watson C, Federico QP, Fletcher R, Brotgandel A, Buford TW, Carter CS, Burke SN. Twelve Months of Time-Restricted Feeding Improves Cognition and Alters Microbiome Composition Independent of Macronutrient Composition. Nutrients 2022; 14:3977. [PMID: 36235630 PMCID: PMC9572159 DOI: 10.3390/nu14193977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Declining health, gut dysbiosis, and cognitive impairments are hallmarks of advanced age. While caloric restriction is known to robustly extend the healthspan and alter gut microbiome composition, it is difficult maintain. Time-restricted feeding or changes in dietary macronutrient composition could be feasible alternatives for enhancing late life cognitive and physical health that are easier to comply with for extended periods of time. To investigate this possibility, 8-month-old rats were placed on time-restricted feeding with a ketogenic or micronutrient- and calorically matched control diet for 13 months. A third group of rats was permitted to eat standard chow ad libitum during this time. At 22 months, all rats were tested on a biconditional association task and fecal samples were collected for microbiome composition analysis. Regardless of dietary composition, time-restricted-fed rats had better cognitive performance than ad libitum-fed rats. This observation could not be accounted for by differences in motivation, procedural or sensorimotor impairments. Additionally, there were significant differences in gut microbiome diversity and composition between all diet conditions. Allobaculum abundance was associated with cognitive task performance, indicating a link between gut health and cognitive outcomes in aged subjects. Overall, time restricted feeding had the largest influence on cognitive performance in aged rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R. Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Cory Watson
- Department of Neuroscience and McKnight, Brain Institute College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Quinten P. Federico
- Department of Neuroscience and McKnight, Brain Institute College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rachel Fletcher
- Department of Neuroscience and McKnight, Brain Institute College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Armen Brotgandel
- Department of Neuroscience and McKnight, Brain Institute College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Thomas W. Buford
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
- Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Christy S. Carter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Sara N. Burke
- Department of Neuroscience and McKnight, Brain Institute College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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9
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Hernandez AR, Kemp KM, Burke SN, Buford TW, Carter CS. Influence of Aging, Macronutrient Composition and Time-Restricted Feeding on the Fischer344 x Brown Norway Rat Gut Microbiota. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091758. [PMID: 35565725 PMCID: PMC9105022 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Both ketogenic diets (KD) and time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimens have the ability to influence several parameters of physical health, including gut microbiome composition and circulating cytokine concentration. Moreover, both of these dietary interventions prevent common impairments associated with the aging process. However, significantly altering macronutrient intake, which is required for a KD, may be unappealing to individuals and decrease compliance to dietary treatments. In contrast to a KD, TRF allows individuals to continue eating the foods they are used to, and only requires a change in the time of day at which they eat. Therefore, we investigated both a KD and a diet with a more Western-like macronutrient profile in the context of TRF, and compared both diets to animals allowed access to standard chow ad libitum in young adult and aged rats. While limited effects on cytokine levels were observed, both methods of microbiome analysis (16S sequencing and metagenomics) indicate that TRF and KDs significantly altered the gut microbiome in aged rats. These changes were largely dependent on changes to feeding paradigm (TRF vs. ad libitum) alone regardless of macronutrient content for many gut microbiota, but there were also macronutrient-specific changes. Specifically, functional analysis indicates significant differences in several pathways, including those involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, carbohydrate metabolism and neurodegenerative disease. These data indicate that age- and disease-related gut dysbiosis may be ameliorated through the use of TRF with both standard diets and KDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R. Hernandez
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.W.B.); (C.S.C.)
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Nathan Shock Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Keri M. Kemp
- CardioRenal Physiology and Medicine Section, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Sara N. Burke
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Neuroscience and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Thomas W. Buford
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.W.B.); (C.S.C.)
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Nathan Shock Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Christy S. Carter
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.W.B.); (C.S.C.)
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Nathan Shock Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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10
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Sheffler JL, Arjmandi B, Quinn J, Hajcak G, Vied C, Akhavan N, Naar S. Feasibility of an MI-CBT ketogenic adherence program for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:16. [PMID: 35065656 PMCID: PMC8783179 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-00970-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institutes of Health Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials model for intervention development was used to establish the feasibility and proof of concept of a motivational ketogenic nutrition adherence program for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS This was a single-arm, single-center feasibility trial. A comprehensive assessment protocol, including a clinical interview, neuropsychological testing, and genetic sequencing was used as an initial screening. Nine participants (aged 64-75) with possible amnestic mild cognitive impairment were consented for the intervention. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention neuropsychological assessments using the updated Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Participants tracked their macronutrient consumption using food diaries and ketone levels using urinalysis test strips daily. Mood and other psychosocial variables were collected through surveys, and qualitative exit interviews were completed. RESULTS 100% of participants who began the trial completed the 6-week ketogenic nutrition adherence program, including completion of the pre- and post-assessments. Eight participants achieved measurable levels of ketones during the program. The average self-rated adherence across the program was 8.7 out of 10. A Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test demonstrated significant improvement in cognitive performance from baseline (median = 88) to follow up (median = 96, Z = - 2.26, p = .024). The average difference in cognitive performance from baseline to follow-up was - 7.33 (95% CI - 12.85, - 1.82). CONCLUSIONS Results supported the feasibility for moving to the next phase and demonstrated proof of concept for the intervention. The next step is a randomized pilot trial to test clinical signals of effect compared to a control condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was retrospectively registered with clinicaltrials.gov on July 13, 2021. The trial number is NCT04968041.
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11
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Hernandez AR, Hoffman JM, Hernandez CM, Cortes CJ, Jumbo-Lucioni P, Baxter MG, Esser KA, Liu AC, McMahon LL, Bizon JL, Burke SN, Buford TW, Carter CS. Reuniting the Body "Neck Up and Neck Down" to Understand Cognitive Aging: The Nexus of Geroscience and Neuroscience. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:e1-e9. [PMID: 34309630 PMCID: PMC8751793 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R Hernandez
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA
| | | | - Caesar M Hernandez
- Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Constanza J Cortes
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Pharmaceutical, Social, and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama,USA
| | - Mark G Baxter
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karyn A Esser
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Andrew C Liu
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Lori L McMahon
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Sara N Burke
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Thomas W Buford
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Christy S Carter
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
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12
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Slow but Steady-The Responsiveness of Sympathoadrenal System to a Hypoglycemic Challenge in Ketogenic Diet-Fed Rats. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082627. [PMID: 34444787 PMCID: PMC8398867 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sympathoadrenal counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia is critical for individuals with type 1 diabetes due to impaired ability to produce glucagon. Ketogenic diets (KD) are an increasingly popular diabetes management tool; however, the effects of KD on the sympathoadrenal response are largely unknown. Here, we determined the effects of KD-induced ketosis on the sympathoadrenal response to a single insulin-induced hypoglycemic challenge. We investigated how a 3 week KD feeding regimen affected the main components of the sympathoadrenal counterregulatory response: adrenal sympathetic nerve activity (ASNA), adrenal gland activity, plasma epinephrine, and brainstem glucose-responsive C1 neuronal activation in anesthetized, nondiabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats on KD had similar blood glucose (BG) levels and elevated ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels compared to the control Chow diet group. All KD rats responded to hypoglycemia with a robust increase in ASNA, which was initiated at significantly lower BG levels compared to Chow-fed rats. The delay in hypoglycemia-induced ASNA increase was concurrent with rapid disappearance of BHB from cerebral and peripheral circulation. Adrenal gland activity paralleled epinephrine and ASNA response. Overall, KD-induced ketosis was associated with initiation of the sympathoadrenal response at lower blood glucose levels; however, the magnitude of the response was not diminished.
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13
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Kuter KZ, Olech Ł, Głowacka U, Paleczna M. Increased Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Level Is Not Sufficient for the Neuroprotective Effect of Long-Term Ketogenic Diet in an Animal Model of Early Parkinson's Disease. Exploration of Brain and Liver Energy Metabolism Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147556. [PMID: 34299176 PMCID: PMC8307513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of a ketogenic diet in childhood epilepsy steered up hope for neuroprotective effects of hyperketonemia in Parkinson’s disease (PD). There are multiple theoretical reasons but very little actual experimental proof or clinical trials. We examined the long-term effects of the ketogenic diet in an animal model of early PD. A progressive, selective dopaminergic medium size lesion was induced by 6-OHDA injection into the medial forebrain bundle. Animals were kept on the stringent ketogenic diet (1% carbohydrates, 8% protein, 70% fat) for 3 weeks prior and 4 weeks after the brain operation. Locomotor activity, neuron count, dopaminergic terminal density, dopamine level, and turnover were analyzed at three time-points post-lesion, up to 4 weeks after the operation. Energy metabolism parameters (glycogen, mitochondrial complex I and IV, lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose) were analyzed in the brain and liver or plasma. Protein expression of enzymes essential for gluconeogenesis (PEPCK, G6PC) and glucose utilization (GCK) was analyzed in the liver. Despite long-term hyperketonemia pre- and post-lesion, the ketogenic diet did not protect against 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuron lesions. The ketogenic diet only tended to improve locomotor activity and normalize DA turnover in the striatum. Rats fed 7 weeks in total with a restrictive ketogenic diet maintained normoglycemia, and neither gluconeogenesis nor glycogenolysis in the liver was responsible for this effect. Therefore, potentially, the ketogenic diet could be therapeutically helpful to support the late compensatory mechanisms active via glial cells but does not necessarily act against the oxidative stress-induced parkinsonian neurodegeneration itself. A word of caution is required as the stringent ketogenic diet itself also carries the risk of unwanted side effects, so it is important to study the long-term effects of such treatments. More detailed metabolic long-term studies using unified diet parameters are required, and human vs. animal differences should be taken under consideration.
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14
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Duregon E, Pomatto-Watson LCDD, Bernier M, Price NL, de Cabo R. Intermittent fasting: from calories to time restriction. GeroScience 2021; 43:1083-1092. [PMID: 33686571 PMCID: PMC8190218 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global human population has recently experienced an increase in life expectancy with a mounting concern about the steady rise in the incidence of age-associated chronic diseases and socio-economic burden. Calorie restriction (CR), the reduction of energy intake without malnutrition, is a dietary manipulation that can increase health and longevity in most model organisms. However, the practice of CR in day-to-day life is a challenging long-term goal for human intervention. Recently, daily fasting length and periodicity have emerged as potential drivers behind CR's beneficial health effects. Numerous strategies and eating patterns have been successfully developed to recapitulate many of CR's benefits without its austerity. These novel feeding protocols range from shortened meal timing designed to interact with our circadian system (e.g., daily time-restricted feeding) to more extended fasting regimens known as intermittent fasting. Here, we provide a glimpse of the current status of knowledge on different strategies to reap the benefits of CR on metabolic health in murine models and in humans, without the rigor of continuous reduction in caloric intake as presented at the USU State of the Science Symposium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Duregon
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Laura C D D Pomatto-Watson
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Michel Bernier
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Nathan L Price
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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15
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Soliman S, Faris ME, Ratemi Z, Halwani R. Switching Host Metabolism as an Approach to Dampen SARS-CoV-2 Infection. ANNALS OF NUTRITION & METABOLISM 2020; 76:297-303. [PMID: 32950986 PMCID: PMC7573915 DOI: 10.1159/000510508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic, a global threat, adversely affects all daily lives, altered governmental plans around the world, and urges the development of therapeutics and prophylactics to avoid the expansion of the viral infection. With the recent gradual opening after long lockdown, several recommendations have been placed, with dietary modification as one of the most important approaches that have been appraised. SUMMARY Here, we are reviewing how changing the host metabolism, particularly changing the host metabolic state from the carbohydrate-dependent glycolytic state to a fat-dependent ketogenic state, may affect viral replication. Furthermore, the impact of intermittent fasting (IF) in triggering metabolic switch along with the impact of supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) such as lauric acid in repressing the envelope formation and viral replication is also addressed. The amalgamation of IF and a ketogenic diet rich in MCTs is thought to work as a prophylactic measure for normal people and adjunct therapy for infected persons. Key Message: A diet regimen of ketogenic breakfast along with supplementation with two doses of lauric acid-rich MCTs at breakfast and lunch times, followed by 8-12-h IF and a dinner rich with fruits and vegetables, could be a potential prophylactic strategy and adjuvant therapy to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Soliman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - MoezAlIslam E Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates,
| | - Zakaria Ratemi
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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16
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Hernandez AR, Winesett SP, Federico QP, Williams SA, Burke SN, Clark DJ. A Cross-species Model of Dual-Task Walking in Young and Older Humans and Rats. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:276. [PMID: 32982717 PMCID: PMC7492995 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dual-task walking is common in daily life but becomes more difficult with aging. Little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms affecting competing cognitive demands. Translational studies with human and animal models are needed to address this gap. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of implementing a novel cross-species dual-task model in humans and rats and aimed to establish preliminary evidence that the model induces a dual-task cost. Methods: Young and older humans and rats performed an object discrimination task (OD), a baseline task of typical walking (baseline), an alternation turning task on a Figure 8 walking course (Alt), and a dual-task combining object discrimination with the alternation task (AltOD). Primary behavioral assessments including walking speed and correct selections for object discrimination and turning direction. In humans, left prefrontal cortex activity was measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results: Human subjects generally performed well on all tasks, but the older adults exhibited a trend for a slowing of walking speed immediately before the turning decision for Alt and AltOD compared to baseline. Older adults also had heightened prefrontal activity relative to young adults for the Alt and AltOD tasks. Older rodents required more training than young rodents to learn the alternation task. When tested on AltOD with and without a 15-s delay between trials, older rodents exhibited a substantial performance deficit for the delayed version on the initial day of testing. Old rats, however, did not show a significant slowing in walking speed with increasing task demand, as was evident in the young rats. Discussion: This study demonstrates the feasibility and challenges associated with implementing a cross-species dual-task model. While there was preliminary evidence of dual-task cost in both humans and rats, the magnitude of effects was small and not consistent across species. This is likely due to the relative ease of each task in humans and the walking component in rats not being sufficiently challenging. Future versions of this test should make the cognitive tasks more challenging and the motor task in rats more complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R Hernandez
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Steven P Winesett
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Quinten P Federico
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sonora A Williams
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sara N Burke
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - David J Clark
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
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