The Mediterranean Lifestyle as a Non-Pharmacological and Natural Antioxidant for Healthy Aging

Higher Ultraprocessed Food Consumption Is Associated With Depression Persistence and Higher Risk of Depression Incidence in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health

BACKGROUND

Ultraprocessed foods (UPF) consumption has been associated with depression risk, but its association with depression persistence is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of UPF consumption with depression persistence and incidence.

DESIGN

The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health is a multicenter prospective cohort study with 3 waves (2008-2010, 2012-2014, and 2017-2019). Baseline percentage of energy from UPF, measured using a food frequency questionnaire, was divided into quartiles.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Civil servants aged 35 to 74 years at baseline were included in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. Participants with Parkinson disease, dementia, stroke history, extreme energy intake, and missing dietary or depression data at baseline were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Depression was based on the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised, depression persistence on depression status at each wave and depression incidence on time to first depression diagnosis.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Clustering large applications algorithm, multinomial logistic regression, Cox proportional-hazard models, and partition substitution model were performed.

RESULTS

Among 13 870 participants free from depression at baseline, 731 (5.3%) had depression after 8 years of follow-up. Participants in Cluster 1 did not have depression in any wave, in Cluster 2 had depression in 1 wave, and in Cluster 3 had persistent depression in 2 or more waves. Compared with the first quartile of UPF consumption, participants in Quartiles 2, 3, and 4 had a 1.30 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.31), 1.39 (95% CI 1.38 to 1.40), and 1.58 (95% CI 1.56 to 1.60) higher odds of persistent depression (P = .019), respectively. Compared with the first UPF quartile, participants in Quartiles 3 and 4 had a 1.32 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.64) and 1.30 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.61) higher risk of incident depression (P = .017), respectively. Substituting 5%, 10%, and 20% of UPF with unprocessed/minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients was associated with a 6%, 11%, and 22% decreased depression incidence, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher consumption of UPF at baseline was associated with higher odds of persistent depression and higher risk of incident depression over 8 years of follow-up.

Nutritional Epigenomics: Bioactive Dietary Compounds in the Epigenetic Regulation of Osteoarthritis

Nutritional epigenomics is exceptionally important because it describes the complex interactions among food compounds and epigenome modifications. Phytonutrients or bioactive compounds, which are secondary metabolites of plants, can protect against osteoarthritis by suppressing the expression of inflammatory and catabolic mediators, modulating epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, and the histone or chromatin remodelling of key inflammatory genes and noncoding RNAs. The combination of natural epigenetic modulators is crucial because of their additive and synergistic effects, safety and therapeutic efficacy, and lower adverse effects than conventional pharmacology in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In this review, we have summarized the chondroprotective properties of bioactive compounds used for the management, treatment, or prevention of osteoarthritis in both human and animal studies. However, further research is needed into bioactive compounds used as epigenetic modulators in osteoarthritis, in order to determine their potential value for future clinical applications in osteoarthritic patients as well as their relation with the genomic and nutritional environment, in order to personalize food and nutrition together with disease prevention.

Plasma Fatty Acid Composition, Oxidative and Inflammatory Status, and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet of Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex and increasingly prevalent cardiometabolic disorder worldwide. As of today, NAFLD is a pathology without specific pharmacological treatment, with the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) being the most widely used approach for its management. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on fatty acid plasma levels, as well as on the oxidative and inflammatory status of NAFLD patients. A total of 100 adult patients (40-60 years old) diagnosed with NAFLD and from the Balearic Islands, Spain, were classified into three groups according to their adherence to the MedDiet. Consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Food items (g/day) were categorised according to their processing using the NOVA system. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, aminotransferases, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), inflammatory biomarkers, and fatty acid levels were measured in the plasma of NAFLD patients. High adherence to the MedDiet is associated to a highly plant-based diet, low ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, low intake of dietary lipids, low intake of animal fats, high intake of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA; mainly palmitoleic acid), low intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs; practically all dietary SFAs), low intake of trans-fatty acids, high intake of omega-3 fatty acids (mainly eicosapentaenoic acid), a higher n-6:n-3 in ratio, low intake of omega-6 fatty acids, and a low level of interleukin-6 (IL-6). High adherence to the MedDiet is related to a better fatty acid profile in the plasma, fewer SFAs and more MUFA and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), a plasma biochemical profile, better proinflammatory status, and decreased ultra-processed food consumption of NAFLD patients.

Intrinsic and environmental basis of aging: A narrative review

Longevity has been a topic of interest since the beginnings of humanity, yet its aetiology and precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Aging is currently viewed as a physiological phenomenon characterized by the gradual degeneration of organic physiology and morphology due to the passage of time where both external and internal stimuli intervene. The influence of intrinsic factors, such as progressive telomere shortening, genome instability due to mutation buildup, the direct or indirect actions of age-related genes, and marked changes in epigenetic, metabolic, and mitochondrial patterns constitute a big part of its underlying endogenous mechanisms. On the other hand, several psychosocial and demographic factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and drinking habits, may have an even more significant impact on shaping the aging process. Consequentially, implementing dietary and exercise patterns has been proposed as the most viable alternative strategy for attenuating the most typical degenerative aging changes, thus increasing the likelihood of prolonging lifespan and achieving successful aging.

Dietary Habits and Nutritional Challenges of the Elderly in Ghana

The elderly population is increasing worldwide. Dietary habits play a crucial role in prolonging life and preventing diseases. This cross-sectional study sought to investigate the dietary habits of the elderly in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region of Ghana and further ascertain the factors that constitute nutritional challenges among this group. A mixed method approach was used for the study. A questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were used to solicit data from study participants. A total of 97 participants made up of 59 males and 38 females participated in the study. Data on food habits reveal that staple food consumption especially those grown within the study area is common. Rice (34.1%), game meat (47.1%), banana (63.9%), and garden eggs (27.8%) were the commonly consumed foods by frequency. Mood (41.2%) and stress (24.8%) were identified as the most predominant determinants of food habits. Poly medication, toothache and loss, immobility, and financial and technological challenges were amongst the nutritional challenges mentioned by the elderly in this study. Results from the focus group discussion revealed high nutrition knowledge among the elderly through factors such as financial constraints that were mentioned as a barrier to the translation of this knowledge into practice. Strengthening of existing interventional programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty and social interventions is needed to improve the dietary habits and nutritional intakes of the elderly.

Increased Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet after Lifestyle Intervention Improves Oxidative and Inflammatory Status in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is recommended as a therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) because there is no specific pharmacological treatment for this disease. Objective: To assess the relationship between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the intrahepatic fat content (IFC), levels of oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers after a 6-month lifestyle intervention in NAFLD patients. Methods: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD (n = 60 adults; 40–60 years old) living in the Balearic Islands, Spain, were classified into two groups, according to the adherence to the MedDiet after 6 months of lifestyle intervention. Anthropometry, blood pressure, IFC, maximal oxygen uptake, and pro/antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma and in PBMCs before and after the intervention. Results: Reductions in weight, body mass index, IFC, blood pressure levels, circulating glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and markers of liver damage—aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18)—were observed after the intervention. The highest reductions were observed in the group with the best adherence to the MedDiet. A significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness was also observed in the group with a higher adherence. The activities of catalase in plasma and catalase and superoxide dismutase in blood mononuclear cells increased only in the group with a higher adherence, as well as the catalase gene expression in the blood mononuclear cells. The plasma levels of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase decreased, and resolvin-D1 increased in both groups after the intervention, whereas interleukin-6 levels decreased only in the group with a higher adherence to the MedDiet. Conclusions: A greater adherence to the MedDiet is related to greater improvements in IFC, cardiorespiratory fitness, and pro-oxidative and proinflammatory status in NAFLD patients after a 6-month nutritional intervention based on the MedDiet.

Nutraceuticals: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant Properties in Gastrointestinal Tract

In recent years, nutraceuticals have gained great popularity, owing to their physiological and potential health effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and prebiotic effects, and their regulation of lipid metabolism. Since the Mediterranean diet is a nutritionally recommended dietary pattern including high-level consumption of nutraceuticals, this review aimed to summarize the main results obtained by our in vitro and in vivo studies on the effects of the major constituents of the Mediterranean diet (i.e., extra virgin olive oil compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fruit components). Based on experimental studies, the therapeutic purpose of nutraceuticals depends on their bioavailability, solubility, toxicity, and delivery system. This review provides more in-depth knowledge on the effects linked to nutraceuticals administration on human health, focusing the gastrointestinal tract and suggesting specific dietary components for personalized adjuvant therapies.

A Comprehensive Overview of the Complex Role of Oxidative Stress in Aging, The Contributing Environmental Stressors and Emerging Antioxidant Therapeutic Interventions

Introduction

Aging is a normal, inevitable, irreversible, and progressive process which is driven by internal and external factors. Oxidative stress, that is the imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant molecules favoring the first, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of aging and comprises one of the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related diseases. However, the oxidative stress theory of aging has not been successfully proven in all animal models studying lifespan, meaning that altering oxidative stress/antioxidant defense systems did not always lead to a prolonged lifespan, as expected. On the other hand, animal models of age-related pathological phenotypes showed a well-correlated relationship with the levels of prooxidant molecules. Therefore, it seems that oxidative stress plays a more complicated role than the one once believed and this role might be affected by the environment of each organism. Environmental factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, and an unbalanced diet, have also been implicated in the pathophysiology of aging and seem to initiate this process more rapidly and even at younger ages.

Aim

The purpose of this review is to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in the physiology of aging and the effect of certain environmental factors in initiating and sustaining this process. Understanding the pathophysiology of aging will contribute to the development of strategies to postpone this phenomenon. In addition, recent studies investigating ways to alter the antioxidant defense mechanisms in order to prevent aging will be presented.

Conclusions

Careful exposure to harmful environmental factors and the use of antioxidant supplements could potentially affect the biological processes driving aging and slow down the development of age-related diseases. Maybe a prolonged lifespan could not be achieved by this strategy alone, but a longer healthspan could also be a favorable target.

Dietary Acid Load but Not Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score Is Associated With Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health State: A Population Observational Study From Northern Italy

Diet plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of chronic diseases. In this regard, the Mediterranean diet has been widely shown to exert beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health. On the contrary, the Western diet, which has also been reported to be an acidogenic dietary pattern, elicits detrimental effects on both metabolic and cardiovascular (CV) health. However, the role of dietary acid load (DAL) as a predictor of cardiometabolic prognosis remains to be elucidated. Thus, this study aims to compare Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) and DAL focusing on their relationship with metabolic and CV prognosis. A total of 448 individuals aged 55-80 years were grouped depending on their MDA, assessed using food frequency questionnaires, or DAL, evaluated using potential renal load acid (PRAL) and net-endogenous acid production (NEAP). Study participants underwent anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence was evaluated according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. Finally, the CV risk was evaluated using three independent algorithms: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), European Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and Cuore risk scores. Mediterranean diet adherence was negatively associated with PRAL and NEAP. Individuals in the higher MDA tertile group had higher HDL cholesterol as well as lower homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR) and fat mass relative to the lowest MDA tertile. However, in the high-MDA tertile group, there was neither a significantly lower MetS prevalence nor CV risk. Instead, both the MetS prevalence and CV risk were higher in individuals in the higher acid PRAL quartile relative to the lower alkaline PRAL quartile. Dietary acid load, especially assessed using PRAL but not MDA, was associated with indices of metabolic and CV prognosis. Thus, DAL assessed by 24-h dietary recalls may represent a better predictor of cardiometabolic health if compared to MDA evaluated using food frequency questionnaires.

Impact of Polyphenolic-Food on Longevity: An Elixir of Life. An Overview

Aging and, particularly, the onset of age-related diseases are associated with tissue dysfunction and macromolecular damage, some of which can be attributed to accumulation of oxidative damage. Recently, growing interest has emerged on the beneficial effects of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Several studies collectively suggests that the intake of polyphenols and their major food sources may exert beneficial effects on improving insulin resistance and related diabetes risk factors, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. They are the most abundant antioxidants in the diet, and their intake has been associated with a reduced aging in humans. Polyphenolic intake has been shown to be effective at ameliorating several age-related phenotypes, including oxidative stress, inflammation, impaired proteostasis, and cellular senescence, both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper, effects of these phytochemicals (either pure forms or polyphenolic-food) are reviewed and summarized according to affected cellular signaling pathways. Finally, the effectiveness of the anti-aging preventive action of nutritional interventions based on diets rich in polyphenolic food, such as the diets of the Blue zones, are discussed.

Mediterranean-Type Dietary Pattern and Physical Activity: The Winning Combination to Counteract the Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and type 2 diabetes) are the main causes of death worldwide. Their burden is expected to rise in the future, especially in less developed economies and among the poor spread across middle- and high-income countries. Indeed, the treatment and prevention of these pathologies constitute a crucial challenge for public health. The major non-communicable diseases share four modifiable behavioral risk factors: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco usage and excess of alcohol consumption. Therefore, the adoption of healthy lifestyles, which include not excessive alcohol intake, no smoking, a healthy diet and regular physical activity, represents a crucial and economical strategy to counteract the global NCDs burden. This review summarizes the latest evidence demonstrating that Mediterranean-type dietary pattern and physical activity are, alone and in combination, key interventions to both prevent and control the rise of NCDs.

Powerful Plant Antioxidants: A New Biosustainable Approach to the Production of Rosmarinic Acid

Modern lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and exposure to environmental pollution, induce excessive generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. These by-products of oxygen metabolism play a key role in the development of various human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart failure, brain damage, muscle problems, premature aging, eye injuries, and a weakened immune system. Synthetic and natural antioxidants, which act as free radical scavengers, are widely used in the food and beverage industries. The toxicity and carcinogenic effects of some synthetic antioxidants have generated interest in natural alternatives, especially plant-derived polyphenols (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, tannins, coumarins, lignins, lignans, quinines, curcuminoids, chalcones, and essential oil terpenoids). This review focuses on the well-known phenolic antioxidant rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and (R)-(+)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactic acid, describing its wide distribution in thirty-nine plant families and the potential productivity of plant sources. A botanical and phytochemical description is provided of a new rich source of RA, Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad (Lamiaceae). Recently reported approaches to the biotechnological production of RA are summarized, highlighting the establishment of cell suspension cultures of S. khuzistanica as an RA chemical biofactory.

Antioxidant Lifestyle, Co-Morbidities and Quality of Life Empowerment Concerning Liver Fibrosis

The assessment of liver fibrosis has gained importance since the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Indeed, the description of the association between undetected liver fibrosis and lifestyle in terms of antioxidant habits, comorbidity and quality of life (QoL) domains may help in the characterization of subjects with NAFLD. A cross-sectional evaluation of (n = 116) consecutive patients from an Internal Medicine ambulatory evaluation was performed. Demographic data, lifestyle, co-morbidity, QoL (according to the SF-36 index) and analytical values to calculate the oxidative related Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index were recorded. The association between FIB-4 and co-morbidity, antioxidant habits in QoL was assessed in univariate analysis (p < 0.05) and confirmed in multivariable analysis for 4 of the 8 SF-36 categories: Physical QoL, Physical role, Social QoL and General QoL, as well as in the Physical summary of SF-36 (p < 0.05). Finally, interactions were assessed between co-morbidity, FIB-4 and antioxidant habits showed in the prediction of mean SF-36 (p < 0.01). Liver fibrosis assessed by the oxidative surrogate index FIB-4 is associated with the interaction between antioxidant lifestyle, co-morbidity and physical, social and general aspects of QoL in apparent liver disease-free individuals, generating a proof of concept for health empowerment and personalized medicine.

Targeting Oxidative Stress for Disease Prevention and Therapy: Where Do We Stand, and Where Do We Go from Here

Oxidative stress (OxS) is one of the main processes related to aging and a common denominator of many different chronic/degenerative diseases (e.g., cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions and cancer). Thus, its potential modulation by supplementation/pharmacological therapy caused a lot of interest. However, these expectations have been mitigated by the obtainment of controversial results (beneficial, null, or adverse effects) following antioxidant interventions. Here, we discuss the current understanding of OxS assessment in health and disease, challenges and the potential of its evaluation in clinical practice, and available and future development for supplementation and pharmacologic strategies targeting OxS.

The Impact of Education and Age on Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders, such as obesity, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemias, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia have all been identified as risk factors for an epidemic of important and widespread chronic-degenerative diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, that constitute some of the world's most important public health challenges. Their increasing prevalence can be associated with an aging population and to lifestyles within an obesogenic environment. Taking educational level as a proxy for lifestyle, and using both logistic and linear regressions, we study the relation between a wide set of metabolic biomarkers, and educational level, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex as correlates, in a population of 1,073 students, academic and non-academic staff at Mexico's largest university (UNAM). Controlling for BMI and sex, we consider educational level and age as complementary measures-degree and duration-of exposure to metabolic insults. Analyzing the role of education across a wide spectrum of educational levels (from primary school to doctoral degree), we show that higher education correlates to significantly better metabolic health when compared to lower levels, and is associated with significantly less risk for waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and metabolic syndrome (all p < 0.05); but not for diastolic blood pressure, basal insulin, uric acid, low density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. We classify each biomarker, and corresponding metabolic disorder, by its associated set of statistically significant correlates. Differences among the sets of significant correlates indicate various aetiologies and the need for targeted population-specific interventions. Thus, variables strongly linked to educational level are candidates for lifestyle change interventions. Hence, public policy efforts should be focused on those metabolic biomarkers strongly linked to education, while adopting a different approach for those biomarkers not linked as they may be poor targets for educational campaigns.

Redox Regulation of the Microcirculation

The microcirculation maintains tissue homeostasis through local regulation of blood flow and oxygen delivery. Perturbations in microvascular function are characteristic of several diseases and may be early indicators of pathological changes in the cardiovascular system and in parenchymal tissue function. These changes are often mediated by various reactive oxygen species and linked to disruptions in pathways such as vasodilation or angiogenesis. This overview compiles recent advances relating to redox regulation of the microcirculation by adopting both cellular and functional perspectives. Findings from a variety of vascular beds and models are integrated to describe common effects of different reactive species on microvascular function. Gaps in understanding and areas for further research are outlined. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:229-260, 2020.

Relation of Fruits and Vegetables with Major Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Markers of Oxidation, and Inflammation

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are considered to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake have been recognized as a risk factor for almost all NCDs (type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases). The main aim of this review is to examine the possible protective effect that fruit and vegetable consumption or their bioactive compounds may have on the development of NCDs such as atherosclerosis. The accumulated evidence on the protective effects of adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables in some cases, or the lack of evidence in others, are summarized in the present review. The main conclusion of this review is that well-designed, large-scale, long-term studies are needed to truly understand the role fruit and vegetable consumption or their bioactive compounds have in atherosclerosis.

Structural characterization of peptides fromLocusta migratoria manilensis(Meyen, 1835) and anti-aging effect inCaenorhabditis elegans

Locusts are a kind of agricultural pest rich in protein and widely eaten by people, yet, the nutritional and antioxidant activities of locust peptide have never been explored. In the current study, the locust peptides (LPs) were isolated from the Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen, 1835) and the anti-aging effects on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were evaluated. The mean lifespan of C. elegans was significantly extended using LPs with a concentration of 1.0 mg mL⁻¹. Out of the 23 peptides, LP-1, a pentapeptide with The-Phe-Lys-His-Gly sequence, with a concentration of 2.5 mg mL⁻¹ significantly extended the lifespan of the worms by 23.5%. Additionally, LP-1 was observed to be a strong free radical-scavenger which can improve the survival of the C. elegans under oxidative stress, thermal stress and UV radiation. Furthermore, the LP-1 can up-regulate the expression of the transcription factor DAF-16 and jnk-1, suggesting that LP-1 may promote the C. elegans lifespan and stress resistance through a JNK-1-DAF-16 pathway. This study will be significant for the development of locusts and improvement of functional insect peptide production.

Locusts are a kind of agricultural pest rich in protein and widely eaten by people, yet, the nutritional and antioxidant activities of locust peptide have never been explored.

The diversity of healthy diets for older persons across the world

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine eating patterns, and with a particular focus on the different healthy diets followed by older persons across the world and the factors that can limit accessibility to healthy foods.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent evidence has demonstrated that older people are, generally speaking, following less healthy diets with respect to the past. The only exception seems to be China, but the quality of the food there appears to be less than optimal. Socioeconomic status and, in particular, the price of food seems to be the most important factors linked to diet quality.

SUMMARY

Although healthy diets are associated with lower risk of several chronic disabling diseases, elderly people tend to follow less healthy diets with respect to the past. Public health strategies can and should promote healthy eating patterns in this population.

Nutrition and lipidomic profile in colorectal cancers

BACKGROUND

Adherence to a healthy diet has been reported to be essential for the primary prevention of colorectal cancer, through a reduction of tissue inflammation, a low concentration of circulating lipoproteins and lower levels of serum cholesterol. Since an altered expression of the fatty acids pattern has been demonstrated to be a crucial event in colorectal carcinogenesis, lipidomic analysis is considered able to identify early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of complex diseases such as colorectal cancer.

METHODS

cell membrane fatty acid profile and serum lipoproteins pattern were evaluated by gas chromatography and electrophoresis method respectively.

RESULTS

There is a close association between diet and lipidomic profile in colorectal cancer, both in pre-clinical and clinical studies. A modified serum lipoproteins pattern has been demonstrated to be predominant in intestinal tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The study of fatty acids profile in cell membrane and the evaluation of serum lipoproteins subfractions could be useful to have an integrate vision on the interactions between lipids and the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and to understand the mechanisms of action and the consequences of these interactions on human health status.

Diet and longevity: The effects of traditional eating habits on human lifespan extension

Since the dawn of time human beings have been trying to improve the quality of the existence and extend their lifespan. Genetic, environmental, behavioral and dietary factors influence the pathways that regulate aging and life expectancy, thus rendering longevity a very complex phenomenon. Although a long-lived elixir has not yet been found, physicians and scientists agree that nutrition has a major impact on the overall mortality and morbidity, hence becoming the subject of a widespread scientific research. This review describes, analyzes and compares the effects of different types of diets in reducing the onset of typical Western countries non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (cardiovascular diseases, tumors, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, etc.), thus increasing the average lifespan. It will first depict the most relevant characteristics, nutraceutical properties and effects on the populations of the Mediterranean, Japanese, Vegetarian and New Nordic Diet. Finally, it will describe the impact of different dietary restrictions in modulating the genetic pathways that regulate metabolism and aging. Overall, this work reinforces the evidence that specific eating habits, in addition to healthy and active lifestyles, are crucial to increase people’s health span and to achieve an optimal longevity.

Are Nutrition-Related Knowledge and Attitudes Reflected in Lifestyle and Health Among Elderly People? A Study Across Five European Countries

Background: Nutrition-related knowledge (NRK) and nutrition-related attitudes (NRAs) are necessary for dietary changes toward healthier dietary patterns. In turn, healthier dietary patterns can be beneficial in maintaining health of older adults. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether NRK and NRAs were associated with lifestyle and health features among older adults (65+ years) from five European countries (France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and United Kingdom).

Methods: Within the European project NU-AGE, 1,144 healthy elderly volunteers (65–79 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (NU-AGE diet) or control. After 1-year of follow-up, both NRK and NRAs were assessed during exit interviews, in combination with a number of lifestyle and health variables (e.g., physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, BMI, self-assessed health status). Multivariable linear regression models were used in data analysis.

Results: In the NU-AGE study sample, good NRK was associated with lower BMI and higher physical activity. More positive NRAs were related to lower BMI and self-reported very good or good appetite. Moreover, both NRK and NRAs were associated with some socio-economic determinants, like financial situation, age, education, living area (for NRK), and country (for NRAs). Participants in the intervention group showed a better NRK (β = 0.367 [95% CI: 0.117; 0.617], p = 0.004) and more positive NRAs (β = 0.838 [95% CI: 0.318; 1.358], p = 0.002) than those in the control group. Higher self-evaluated knowledge was also significantly related to more positive NRAs (p < 0.001). The most popular sources of nutrition information were food labels, books and magazines on health, the dietitian and the doctor's office, although their importance varied significantly among countries, and, to a lesser extent, between women and men and between intervention and control group.

Conclusion: Higher NRK and NRA scores were associated with lower BMI and higher physical activity level. Therefore, a good nutrition-related knowledge and positive nutrition-related attitudes can strongly and positively influence the health status and quality of life among the older population. These results offer a great opportunity for policy makers to implement educational programs in order to counteract the epidemic of obesity and to improve the health span of European population.

Beneficial Effects of Elderly Tailored Mediterranean Diet on the Proteasomal Proteolysis

Aging is a multifactorial process characterized by the accumulation of proteins undergoing oxidative modifications, either due to enhanced levels of oxidative stress or due to their decreased clearance; both facts are related to the establishment of chronic inflammatory processes. These processes are directly associated with functional and structural modifications of a key cellular component, namely the proteasome. In this study, levels of oxidized proteins, along with proteasome and immunoproteasome composition and activity on a selected group of 120 elderly volunteers were analyzed before and after the administration of a specific dietary protocol, based on an elderly tailored Mediterranean diet (the "NU-AGE diet"). A significant negative correlation between levels of oxidized/carbonylated proteins and proteasome function was confirmed, both before and after intervention. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that subgroups of non-frail subjects and women receive a greater benefit after the intervention, concerning specifically the proteasome content and activity. These data highlight the putative beneficial effects of Mediterranean diet on the major cellular proteolytic mechanism, the proteasome, in elderly people.

Diet Quality and Nutrient Intake of Urban Overweight and Obese Primarily African American Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

Diet quality may be a unique target for preventing and managing obesity-related osteoarthritis (OA). Using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010), this study examined the nutrient intake and diet quality of 400 urban overweight and obese primarily African American older adults with self-reported lower extremity OA. Associations between sociodemographic and health-related factors and diet quality were explored. Participants (mean age 67.8 years, SD 5.9) were included. Habitual dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nutrient intake and diet quality were calculated from the FFQ. Results indicated that diet quality needs improvement (HEI-2010: 66.3 (SD 10.5)). Age, body mass index, employment (multivariable model only), and OA severity (bivariate model only) were significant predictors of HEI-2010 total score in linear models. Mean intakes for fiber, calcium, and vitamin D were below recommendations, while percentage of calories as total fat exceeded recommendations. These findings can inform future dietary intervention trials and public health messaging for a sub-population at a high risk for obesity-related OA.

Advances in Understanding the Molecular Basis of the Mediterranean Diet Effect

Increasingly, studies showing the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on different diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, some cancers, and even total mortality and aging indicators) are being published. The scientific evidence level for each outcome is variable, and new studies are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms whereby the MedDiet may exercise its effects. Here, we present recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of MedDiet effects, mainly focusing on cardiovascular diseases but also discussing other related diseases. There is heterogeneity in defining the MedDiet, and it can, owing to its complexity, be considered as an exposome with thousands of nutrients and phytochemicals. We review MedDiet composition and assessment as well as the latest advances in the genomic, epigenomic (DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs, and other emerging regulators), transcriptomic (selected genes and whole transcriptome), and metabolomic and metagenomic aspects of the MedDiet effects (as a whole and for its most typical food components). We also present a critical review of the limitations of the studies undertaken and propose new analyses and greater bioinformatic integration to better understand the most important molecular mechanisms whereby the MedDiet as a whole, or its main food components, may exercise their protective effects.

Black tea supplementation augments redox balance in rats: relevance to aging

Several health beneficial effects have been attributed to tea consumption, most of the effects are due to the strong antioxidant property of tea catechins. The present study evaluates the effect of black tea extract (BTE) supplementation on the redox balance of rats at different stages in their life span. We have evaluated erythrocyte and plasma redox status in young (4 months), middle-aged (12 months) and old-aged (24 months) male Wistar rats, by quantifying an array of parameters linked to redox status. Our results show that BTE augments redox status, measured in terms of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) of plasma, in rats from three different age groups. This study provides experimental evidence of a strong antioxidant property of black tea on rats in different stages of their lifespan.

The role of Mediterranean diet and its components on the progress of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common, incurable joint disease. The rapid pace of the disease has adverse consequences in the quality of patient's life, while affecting healthcare systems. The research interest is focused on cost-effective and without side-effects methods to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life. Several dietary factors have been linked to the health of cartilage tissue, inflammatory processes and the progress of osteoarthritis. Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern that was adopted by people living around the Mediterranean sea. This term first appeared in 1950, by Ancel Keys. It's characterized by high consumption of vegetables, unprocessed grains, fruits, legumes, seeds, modest consumption of fish and poultry and olive oil is the principal fat source. Emerged data emphasize the beneficial effects of MD against chronic inflammation, metabolic complications and chronic diseases. There are few studies investigating the effect of MD against osteoarthritis, but apparent evidence is encouraging, this highlights the need for further research of the relationship between MD and osteoarthritis. The purpose of this work is a literature review between the effect of MD and its components and the progress of osteoarthritis.

Undernutrition and Overnutrition Burden for Diseases in Developing Countries: The Role of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers to Assess Disease Risk and Interventional Strategies

The increased life expectancy, urbanization, and unhealthy lifestyle characterized by a shift towards a sedentary lifestyle and decreased energy expenditure are considered the main drivers of epidemiological transition. In particular, developing countries are facing a double burden caused by coexisting under- and over-nutrition, which causes a change in the disease profile from infectious diseases to a chronic degenerative pattern. This review discusses the under- and over-nutrition context in Mauritania and India, two countries that are experiencing a nutritional transition, and where we began a collaboration with local medical staff to integrate interventional and diagnostic guidelines. If many studies about diet and its relationship to non-communicable diseases are available for India, very few nutrition and cardiovascular risk studies have been conducted in Mauritania. Presently, with the exponential increase of nutrition-related diseases, targeted approaches are needed to provide balanced diets in parallel with the development of national preventive health systems and screening programs adapted to local needs. In this context, the measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers could be promising as an additive tool to assess cardiovascular (CV) risk in general population, and ameliorating prevention in patients at CV risk or with overt CV disease. Moreover, the possibility of improving the outcome by the direct employment of antioxidant remains plausible. Moreover, studies on the content of antioxidant in different foods may be helpful to develop a balanced diet, and achieve the maximal nutritional and functional properties of cultivars with benefits for human health.

The Impact of Environmental Factors in Influencing Epigenetics Related to Oxidative States in the Cardiovascular System

Oxidative states exert a significant influence on a wide range of biological and molecular processes and functions. When their balance is shifted towards enhanced amounts of free radicals, pathological phenomena can occur, as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissue microenvironment or in the systemic circulation can be detrimental. Epidemic chronic diseases of western societies, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes correlate with the imbalance of redox homeostasis. Current advances in our understanding of epigenetics have revealed a parallel scenario showing the influence of oxidative stress as a major regulator of epigenetic gene regulation via modification of DNA methylation, histones, and microRNAs. This has provided both the biological link and a potential molecular explanation between oxidative stress and cardiovascular/metabolic phenomena. Accordingly, in this review, we will provide current insights on the physiological and pathological impact of changes in oxidative states on cardiovascular disorders, by specifically focusing on the influence of epigenetic regulation. A special emphasis will highlight the effect on epigenetic regulation of human's current life habits, external and environmental factors, including food intake, tobacco, air pollution, and antioxidant-based approaches. Additionally, the strategy to quantify oxidative states in humans in order to determine which biological marker could best match a subject's profile will be discussed.

NutrimiRAging: Micromanaging Nutrient Sensing Pathways through Nutrition to Promote Healthy Aging

Current sociodemographic predictions point to a demographic shift in developed and developing countries that will result in an unprecedented increase of the elderly population. This will be accompanied by an increase in age-related conditions that will strongly impair human health and quality of life. For this reason, aging is a major concern worldwide. Healthy aging depends on a combination of individual genetic factors and external environmental factors. Diet has been proved to be a powerful tool to modulate aging and caloric restriction has emerged as a valuable intervention in this regard. However, many questions about how a controlled caloric restriction intervention affects aging-related processes are still unanswered. Nutrient sensing pathways become deregulated with age and lose effectiveness with age. These pathways are a link between diet and aging. Thus, fully understanding this link is a mandatory step before bringing caloric restriction into practice. MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of cellular functions and can be modified by diet. Some microRNAs target genes encoding proteins and enzymes belonging to the nutrient sensing pathways and, therefore, may play key roles in the modulation of the aging process. In this review, we aimed to show the relationship between diet, nutrient sensing pathways and microRNAs in the context of aging.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with better quality of life: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean diet has positively influenced various medical conditions, but only a paucity of studies has considered the relation between the Mediterranean diet and quality of life (QOL) among people living in North America.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (aMED) was associated with better QOL and decreased pain, stiffness, disability, and depression in a large cohort of North Americans from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

DESIGN

aMED was evaluated through a validated Mediterranean diet score categorized into quintiles. Outcomes of interest were QOL [assessed with the 12-Item Short-Form Health Outcome Survey (SF-12)]; disability, pain, and stiffness [assessed in both knees with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC)]; and depressive symptoms [assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)].

RESULTS

Of the 4470 participants (2605 women; mean age: 61.3 y), those with a higher aMED had significantly more favorable scores on all outcomes investigated (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). After adjustment for potential confounders in linear regression analyses, a higher aMED was significantly associated with a higher SF-12 physical composite scale value (β: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.15; P < 0.0001), lower WOMAC scores (except for stiffness), and lower CES-D scores (β: -0.05; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.01; P = 0.01). An adjusted logistic regression analysis, taking as reference those in the 2 highest quintiles of the aMED score, confirmed these findings.

CONCLUSION

Higher aMED is associated with better QOL and decreased pain, disability, and depressive symptoms. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00080171.

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with lower prevalence of osteoarthritis: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The Mediterranean diet appears to be beneficial for several medical conditions, but data regarding osteoarthritis (OA) are not available. The aim of this study was to investigate if adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower prevalence of OA of the knee in a large cohort from North America.

METHODS

4358 community-dwelling participants (2527 females; mean age: 61.2 years) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were included. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated through a validated Mediterranean diet score (aMED) categorized into quartiles (Q). Knee OA was diagnosed both clinically and radiologically. The strength of the association between aMED (divided in quartiles) and knee OA was investigated through a logistic regression analysis and reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Participants with a higher adherence to Mediterranean diet had a significantly lower prevalence of knee OA compared to those with lower adherence (Q4: 25.2% vs. Q1: 33.8%; p < 0.0001). Using a logistic regression analysis, adjusting for 10 potential confounders with those in the lowest quartile of aMED as reference, participants with the highest aMED had a significant reduction in presence of knee OA (OR, 0.83; 95% CIs: 0.69-0.99, p = 0.04). Among the individual components of Mediterranean diet, only higher use of cereals was associated with lower odds of having knee OA (OR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.60-0.98; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with lower prevalence of knee OA. This remained when adjusting for potential confounders.

Improvement of gamete quality by stimulating and feeding the endogenous antioxidant system: mechanisms, clinical results, insights on gene-environment interactions and the role of diet

Oxidative damage triggers extensive repair in gametes and thereafter in the zygote but it results in clinically relevant damage when affecting the maturation of the gametes chromatin, i.e. padlocking and epigenetic marking. It associates with defective DNA methylation and/or with oxidation of the methyl marks leading to derangement of gamete epigenetics, defects of chromatin condensation and aneuploidy. A proper feed to the one carbon cycle has the potential to stimulate the endogenous antioxidant defences, i.e. gluthatione synthesis, and to activate compensative homeostatic mechanisms restoring both the oxy-redox balance and DNA methylation, which are indeed strictly cross-regulated. This has been shown to produce measurable clinical improvements of male reproductive potential in pilot studies herein summarised. However, the effects of dietary habits and of supplementations are variable according to the individual genetic substrate, as genetic variants of several of the concerned enzymes occur with high frequency. Individual risk assessments and personalised interventions are still difficult to implement, in the meantime, a very varied diet may facilitate metabolic compensation in the majority of the cases. This review aims to report on the mechanisms of damage, on the opportunities to modulate the physiologic oxy-redox homeostasis by means of a varied diet or dietary supplements and on the open issues related to the genetic variability of the population.

Uric Acid for Cardiovascular Risk: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hide?

Uric acid (UA) is a potent endogenous antioxidant. However, high concentrations of this molecule have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and renal dysfunction, involving mechanisms that include oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and endothelial injury. Experimental and in vitro results suggest that this biomarker behaves like other antioxidants, which can shift from the physiological antioxidant action to a pro-oxidizing effect according to their level and to microenvironment conditions. However, data on patients (general population or CAD cohorts) are controversial, so the debate on the role of hyperuricemia as a causative factor for CVD is still ongoing. Increasing evidence indicates UA as more meaningful to assess CVD in women, even though this aspect needs deeper investigation. It will be important to identify thresholds responsible for UA “biological shift” from protective to harmful effects in different pathological conditions, and according to possible gender-related differences. In any case, UA is a low-tech and inexpensive biomarker, generally performed at patient’s hospitalization and, therefore, easily accessible information for clinicians. For these reasons, UA might represent a useful additive tool as much as a CV risk marker. Thus, in view of available evidence, progressive UA elevation with levels higher than 6 mg/dL could be considered an “alarm” for increased CV risk.