Exploring the role of genetic variability and lifestyle in oxidative stress response for healthy aging and longevity

The impact of forced awakening on morning blood pressure surge

BACKGROUND

Poor sleep quality can cause an increase in morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Awakening induced by external factors such as alarm clocks, may also contribute to increased MBPS.

OBJECTIVES

To (1) compare the MBPS and sleep quality parameters between natural and forced awakenings and (2) examine the potential impact of forced awakening on MBPS, independent of sleep quality.

METHODS

Thirty-two healthy adults participated in this pilot study, which included one night of natural awakening and one night of forced awakening (i.e., sleep was interrupted by an alarm after five hours). Objective and self-reported sleep quality parameters were measured using a multisensory wristband and sleep diaries, respectively, and beat-to-beat blood pressure variability was assessed using a continuous blood pressure monitor. Analyses included a paired t-test (objective 1) and linear mixed models (objective 2).

RESULTS

Participants predominantly consisted of young, healthy, and highly educated Asian adults. During the night of sleep with forced awakening, significantly higher MBPS, lower objective wakefulness after sleep onset, and lower self-reported sleep latency were observed, compared to the night with natural awakening. Forced awakening was significantly associated with increased MBPS after controlling for age, sex, mean arterial pressure, and sleep quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Forced awakening may significantly increase MBPS, consequently heightening the risk of CVD events. Study findings should be validated in a larger sample. Further research is also warranted to examine the impact of forced awakening on MBPS in individuals with CVD.

Relationship between dietary oxidative balance score, anthropometric measurements and socioeconomic factors in women at low risk of cardiovascular disease

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the dietary oxidative balance score (OBS), an indicator of oxidative stress, anthropometric measures and socioeconomic factors in women at low risk of cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

The participants' 3-day dietary intake, demographic information, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure values were recorded, and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and OBS values were determined. Oxidative balance score consists of prooxidant and antioxidant scores. Prooxidant scores were calculated from red meat consumption, total iron and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake, alcohol and cigarette consumption parameters, while antioxidant scores were calculated by assessing cruciferous consumption, dietary total vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein+zeaxanthin and selenium intake.

RESULTS

A total of 145 women were included in the study. Education level was associated with anthropometric measurements, income status with antioxidant and prooxidant scores, and exercise status with OBS (p<0.05). Weight, waist, hip, BMI, waist/hip, and waist/height ratio were significantly lower in subjects with low prooxidant score (p<0.05); there was no significant relationship between age, systolic, diastolic, FRS (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study, conducted in healthy women, showed that dietary oxidative balance scoring is promising in preventing the development of CVD and reducing the burden of disease, and that prospective cohort studies should be conducted in this area.

Psychological distress, forced awakening, and morning blood pressure surge

BACKGROUND

Morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) has been recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease events. Psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, and behavioral risk factors, such as poor sleep quality, have been associated with increased MBPS. Elevations in sympathetic activity induced by forced awakening may also contribute to further increases in MBPS. Yet, no examination of the interrelationships among psychological distress, sleep quality, awakening mode (natural vs. forced awakenings), and MBPS has been undertaken.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aimed: (1) to examine if MBPS differs by awakening mode and (2) to investigate whether psychological distress is associated with MBPS difference between natural and forced awakenings, independent of sleep quality.

METHODS

Thirty-two healthy adults were included in this cross-sectional study. Blood pressure was measured using a beat-to-beat blood pressure monitor over two nights, consisting of one night of natural awakening and one night of forced awakening. Psychological distress and sleep quality were assessed using questionnaires. We conducted paired t-tests (aim 1) and multiple linear regressions (aim 2).

RESULTS

MBPS was significantly greater during forced awakening compared with natural awakening. In addition, the MBPS difference between natural and forced awakenings was significantly greater in participants with higher anxiety levels, independent of sleep quality.

CONCLUSION

We found that augmentation of MBPS by forced awakening was significantly greater in individuals who reported higher anxiety levels. Additional research is needed to examine the potential impacts of forced awakening and anxiety on MBPS in a larger sample of individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Therapeutic potential of berries in age-related neurological disorders

Aging significantly impacts several age-related neurological problems, such as stroke, brain tumors, oxidative stress, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia), neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity. Current treatments for these conditions often come with side effects like hallucinations, dyskinesia, nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress. Given the widespread availability and cultural acceptance of natural remedies, research is exploring the potential effectiveness of plants in common medicines. The ancient medical system used many botanical drugs and medicinal plants to treat a wide range of diseases, including age-related neurological problems. According to current clinical investigations, berries improve motor and cognitive functions and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, berries may influence signaling pathways critical to neurotransmission, cell survival, inflammation regulation, and neuroplasticity. The abundance of phytochemicals in berries is believed to contribute to these potentially neuroprotective effects. This review aimed to explore the potential benefits of berries as a source of natural neuroprotective agents for age-related neurological disorders.

Comparing the efficacy of concomitant treatment of resistance exercise and creatine monohydrate versus multiple individual therapies in age related sarcopenia

Aging-related sarcopenia is a degenerative loss of strength and skeletal muscle mass that impairs quality of life. Evaluating NUDT3 gene and myogenin expression as new diagnostic tools in sarcopenia. Also, comparing the concomitant treatment of resistance exercise (EX) and creatine monohydrate (CrM) versus single therapy by EX, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and CrM using aged rats. Sixty male rats were equally divided into groups. The control group, aging group, EX-treated group, the CoQ10 group were administered (500 mg/kg) of CoQ10, the CrM group supplied (0.3 mg/kg of CrM), and a group of CrM concomitant with resistance exercise. Serum lipid profiles, certain antioxidant markers, electromyography (EMG), nudix hydrolase 3 (NUDT3) expression, creatine kinase (CK), and sarcopenic index markers were measured after 12 weeks. The gastrocnemius muscle was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and myogenin. The EX-CrM combination showed significant improvement in serum lipid profile, antioxidant markers, EMG, NUDT3 gene, myogenin expression, CK, and sarcopenic index markers from other groups. The NUDT3 gene and myogenin expression have proven efficient as diagnostic tools for sarcopenia. Concomitant treatment of CrM and EX is preferable to individual therapy because it reduces inflammation, improves the lipid serum profile, promotes muscle regeneration, and thus has the potential to improve sarcopenia.

Alterations in Per2, Bcl2 gene expression, and oxidative status in aged rats liver after light pulse at night

The aging process is characterized by circadian rhythm disruption, in physiology and behavior, which could result from weak entrainment. Light is the most potent cue that entrains the central circadian clock, which in turn synchronizes peripheral clocks in animal tissues. Period 2 (Per2) is one of the clock genes that respond to light. Moreover, oxidative stress could entrain the clock. Therefore, the present work aimed to investigate the role of light when applied late at night on the Per2, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) gene expression, and oxidative status in aged rats. Aged rats were divided into a control group and a group exposed to a 30-min light pulse applied daily during the subjective night at 5 am (ZT 22) for 4 weeks. Per2 and Bcl2 gene expression were quantified in liver tissue. To evaluate oxidative status, Glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated. The light pulse reduced the expression levels of Per2 and Bcl2 mRNA. Although it diminished the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels were elevated and the glutathione (GSH) levels were declined. In conclusion, the light pulse late at night abolished Per2 mRNA circadian rhythm and reduced its expression in the liver of the aged rat. Similarly, it diminished the anti-apoptotic gene expression, Bcl2. Moreover, it might attenuate oxidative stress through the reduction in MDA levels.

A Narrative Review Exploring the Similarities between Cilento and the Already Defined "Blue Zones" in Terms of Environment, Nutrition, and Lifestyle: Can Cilento Be Considered an Undefined "Blue Zone"?

Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society, not only as a function of lifespan, but, more importantly, as a function of healthspan. There are Longevity Blue Zones (LBZs), regions around the world, such as in Okinawa, Japan; the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Icaria, Greece; and Ogliastra, Sardinia, that are characterized by a significant percentage of residents who live exceptionally long lives, often avoiding age-related disability to a significantly higher degree than in the Western way of life. Longevity is not a universal phenomenon, so if there are places in the world with characteristics similar to the LBZs, it is important to identify them in order to better understand what other factors, in addition to the known ones, might contribute to a long and healthy life. This narrative review aims to identify common factors between Cilento and the five LBZs, taking into account environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. Articles from 2004 to the present, limited to studies published in English, German, and Italian, were searched in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The co-authors agreed on 18 final reference texts. In order to evaluate the similarities between Cilento and the LBZs, a descriptive comparative approach was used. Cilento and the LBZs share several common factors, including a hilly altitude ranging from 355 to 600 m; a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures between 17.4 and 23.5 degrees Celsius; traditional professions, such as agriculture and animal husbandry; and a predominantly Mediterranean or plant-based diet, with typical recipes based on legumes, tubers, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, maintenance of strong intergenerational family relationships, religious devotion, and social relationships within the community are also prevalent. Given the similarities to Cilento, one might wonder if this is an LBZ waiting to be discovered. The lessons learned from this discovery could be applied to the general population to protect them from non-communicable chronic diseases and help slow the aging process.

Global Impacts of Western Diet and Its Effects on Metabolism and Health: A Narrative Review

The Western diet is a modern dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of pre-packaged foods, refined grains, red meat, processed meat, high-sugar drinks, candy, sweets, fried foods, conventionally raised animal products, high-fat dairy products, and high-fructose products. The present review aims to describe the effect of the Western pattern diet on the metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status; the impact on gut microbiota and mitochondrial fitness; the effect of on cardiovascular health, mental health, and cancer; and the sanitary cost of the Western diet. To achieve this goal, a consensus critical review was conducted using primary sources, such as scientific articles, and secondary sources, including bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Sports Discuss, ResearchGate, and the Web of Science were used to complete the assignment. MeSH-compliant keywords such "Western diet", "inflammation", "metabolic health", "metabolic fitness", "heart disease", "cancer", "oxidative stress", "mental health", and "metabolism" were used. The following exclusion criteria were applied: (i) studies with inappropriate or irrelevant topics, not germane to the review's primary focus; (ii) Ph.D. dissertations, proceedings of conferences, and unpublished studies. This information will allow for a better comprehension of this nutritional behavior and its effect on an individual's metabolism and health, as well as the impact on national sanitary systems. Finally, practical applications derived from this information are made.

Antioxidants and Sports Performance

The role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in training adaptations and sports performance has been a large issue investigated in the last few years. The present review aims to analyze the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in sports performance. For this aim, the production of reactive oxygen species in physical activities, the effect of reactive oxygen species on sports performance, the relationship between reactive oxygen species and training adaptations, inflammation, and the microbiota, the effect of antioxidants on recovery and sports performance, and strategies to use antioxidants supplementations will be discussed. Finally, practical applications derived from this information are discussed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during physical activity greatly influences sports performance. This review concludes that ROS play a critical role in the processes of training adaptation induced by resistance training through a reduction in inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, as well as appropriate molecular signaling. Additionally, it has been established that micronutrients play an important role in counteracting free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative stress, and the effects of antioxidants on recovery, sports performance, and strategies for using antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and curcumin to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: It's time to catch up to the science

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex medical condition associated with low dose chemical exposures. MCS is characterized by diverse features and common comorbidities, including fibromyalgia, cough hypersensitivity, asthma, and migraine, and stress/anxiety, with which the syndrome shares numerous neurobiological processes and altered functioning within diverse brain regions. Predictive factors linked to MCS comprise genetic influences, gene-environment interactions, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, cell dysfunction, and psychosocial influences. The development of MCS may be attributed to the sensitization of transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors, notably TRPV1 and TRPA1. Capsaicin inhalation challenge studies demonstrated that TRPV1 sensitization is manifested in MCS, and functional brain imaging studies revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists promote brain-region specific neuronal variations. Unfortunately, MCS has often been inappropriately viewed as stemming exclusively from psychological disturbances, which has fostered patients being stigmatized and ostracized, and often being denied accommodation for their disability. Evidence-based education is essential to provide appropriate support and advocacy. Greater recognition of receptor-mediated biological mechanisms should be incorporated in laws, and regulation of environmental exposures.

Architectural Allostatic Overloading: Exploring a Connection between Architectural Form and Allostatic Overloading

This paper examines, conceptually, the relationship between stress-inducing architectural features and allostatic overload by drawing on literature from neuroimmunology and neuroarchitecture. The studies reviewed from the field of neuroimmunology indicate that chronic or repeated exposure to stress-inducing events may overwhelm the body's regulatory system, resulting in a process termed allostatic overload. While there is evidence from the field of neuroarchitecture that short-term exposure to particular architectural features produce acute stress responses, there is yet to be a study on the relationship between stress-inducing architectural features and allostatic load. This paper considers how to design such a study by reviewing the two primary methods used to measure allostatic overload: biomarkers and clinimetrics. Of particular interest is the observation that the clinical biomarkers used to measure stress in neuroarchitectural studies differ substantially from those used to measure allostatic load. Therefore, the paper concludes that while the observed stress responses to particular architectural forms may indicate allostatic activity, further research is needed to determine whether these stress responses are leading to allostatic overload. Consequently, a discrete longitudinal public health study is advised, one which engages the clinical biomarkers indicative of allostatic activity and incorporates contextual data using a clinimetric approach.

Old, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Cilento, Italy and the Association of Lifespan with the Level of Some Physicochemical Elements in Tap Drinking Water

Longevity, as a complex life-history trait, shares an ontogenetic relationship with other quantitative traits, such as epigenetic and environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to identify environmental factors that may modify the epigenome to establish healthy aging. This study explored the association between tap drinking water and longevity in Cilento, Italy, to understand whether trace elements in local drinking water may have an influence on old, nonagenarian, and centenarian people and promote their health and longevity. Data on population and water sources were collected through the National Demographic Statistics, the Cilento Municipal Archives, and the Cilento Integrated Water Service. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and a geographically weight regression (GWR) model were used to study the spatial relationship between the explanatory and outcome variables of longevity. The results of the study showed that the prevalence of longevity is concentrated in the central, northern and southeastern areas of the territory and that some trace elements present in tap water may contribute to local longevity in Cilento. Specifically, all Cilento municipalities had alkaline tap water, and the municipalities with the highest longevity concentrations had higher alkalinity levels than the other municipalities, soft to medium-hard water hardness, an amount of total dissolved solids equivalent to the level of excellent water, lower amounts of sodium, adequate iron concentration, and adequate dietary intake of manganese per day.

Lifestyle-based oxidative balance score and its association with cardiometabolic health of the community-dwelling elderly: A cross-sectional secondary analysis

Background

Cardiometabolic diseases, the main disease burden in older adults, are largely caused by oxidative stress resulting from lifestyle factors. This study investigated the relationship between lifestyle-based oxidative balance scores and cardiometabolic health among the community-dwelling elderly.

Methods

This work conducted a secondary analysis of previous cross-sectional research data and constructed a lifestyle-based oxidative balance score (LOBS) including 4 components (higher scores were considered more antioxidant). Linear regression models and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations with cardiometabolic biomarkers and the number of cardiometabolic risk factors. Besides, we investigated whether these associations differed by covariates.

Results

A total of 710 individuals (60.99% female, median age 70.0 years) were recruited. The inverse associations of LOBS with SBP and TG and the positive association with HDLC were statistically significant in both linear and logistic regression models. In contrast, an inverse association of LOBS with DBP was significant only in the linear regression model (all P < 0.05). The associations of LOBS with TG and HDLC were not affected by age, gender, or socioeconomic level. A significant inverse association was observed between LOBS and the number of cardiometabolic risk factors. Compared with the lowest LOBS, the ORs for more cardiometabolic risk factors in the second and third intervals were 0.577 (0.422, 0.788) and 0.460 (0.301, 0.703) (both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In summary, this study shows that antioxidant-predominant lifestyle exposure yields a better cardiometabolic health status. We recommend that general practitioners should offer comprehensive healthy lifestyle management to community-dwelling elderly.

The Relationship between F2-Isoprostanes Plasma Levels and Depression Symptoms in Healthy Older Adults

The increasing proportion of older citizens in our society reflects a need to better understand age-related biological underpinnings of mood, as depression in older age may be under-diagnosed. Pre-clinical and human studies evidence a relationship between oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers in depression symptoms, and an influence of biological factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI), but focus has been clinical or younger samples, and less is known about patterns in healthy older adults. We investigated these associations with data derived from the Australian Research Council Longevity Study (ARCLI; ANZCTR12611000487910), in 568 healthy adults aged 60–75 years using F₂-Isoprostanes plasma levels, and controlling for demographic factors, in assessing mood via the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and General Health Questionnaire 12. Elevated F₂-Isoprostanes contributed to depressed mood on the BDI-II and reduced general health on the GHQ-12. BMI was positively associated with Chalder Fatigue scores, yet better ratings on the GHQ-12. Females had significantly higher F₂-Isoprostanes than males. The results suggest that in otherwise healthy older adults, mood and mental health are reduced with increases in oxidative stress markers, exhibiting similar patterns observed in clinical groups. Sex as a factor should be considered when assessing OS levels in systemic pathologies. BMI as a modifiable risk factor for maintenance of mental health, and OS modification through nutrient supplementation, are discussed. The findings contribute to understanding oxidative stress marker patterns in healthy older adults and their potential role in mood symptoms and mental health.

Association between genetic variants in oxidative stress-related genes and osteoporotic bone fracture. The Hortega follow-up study

The most widely accepted etiopathogenesis hypothesis of the origin of osteoporosis and its complications is that they are a consequence of bone aging and other environmental factors, together with a genetic predisposition. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress is crucial in bone pathologies associated with aging. The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic variants in oxidative stress-related genes modified the risk of osteoporotic fracture. We analysed 221 patients and 354 controls from the HORTEGA sample after 12-14 years of follow up. We studied the genotypic and allelic distribution of 53 SNPs in 24 genes involved in oxidative stress. The results showed that being a carrier of the variant allele of the SNP rs4077561 within TXNRD1 was the principal genetic risk factor associated with osteoporotic fracture and that variant allele of the rs1805754 M6PR, rs4964779 TXNRD1, rs406113 GPX6, rs2281082 TXN2 and rs974334 GPX6 polymorphisms are important genetic risk factors for fracture. This study provides information on the genetic factors associated with oxidative stress which are involved in the risk of osteoporotic fracture and reinforces the hypothesis that genetic factors are crucial in the etiopathogenesis of osteoporosis and its complications.

Saliva testing as noninvasive way for monitoring exercise-dependent response in teenage elite water polo players: A cohort study

Excessively increased training volume and/or intensity and competition can lead to development of overtraining syndrome, causing a performance decrement in athletes. Tracking individual response to exercise intensity is crucial for establishing recovery strategies.We assessed the exercise intensity-dependent variability of stress response biomarkers, namely cortisol (C), testosterone (T), s-IgA, and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), in saliva samples of teenage elite water polo players. Saliva was collected on a day of training match (T1) and a day of competitive match (T2), at morning, before and after match.Cortisol/proteins and testosterone/proteins concentrations decreased throughout day T1, whereas increased throughout day T2. The highest values were measured after match on day T2 (2.5 ± 0.5 vs 14.6 ± 6.3 ng/mg; 0.061 ± 0.024 vs 0.371 ± 0.15 ng/mg, respectively). sIgA/proteins and AOPP/proteins concentrations increased throughout both days, and were higher after T2 match than T1 one (respectively, 1073.0 ± 438.2 vs 71.0 ± 17.3 μg/mg; 78.05 ± 24.2 vs 15.98 ± 3.16 nmol/mg, P = .003). Significant differences between concentrations of different biomarkers recorded on T1 and T2 were found only for AOPP, suggesting an increased oxidative stress on day T2. Free testosterone/cortisol ratio on day T2 was lower than that at morning (0.053 ± 0.021 vs 0.107 ± 0.031), indicating an increased catabolic response after competitive match.A highly significant positive correlation was found between Cortisol/Proteins and Testosterone as well as s-IgA/Proteins on day T1, and between Cortisol/Proteins and AOPP on day T2.In conclusion, we found that different types of activities, such a training or competitive session can affect the hormonal response, immunity, and oxidative stress, thereby modulating athletic performance.Our findings also confirm the usefulness of saliva testing as noninvasive way for monitoring the individual response to changes in exercise intensity in teenage elite water polo players.

Oxidative Stress Risk Is Increased with a Sedentary Lifestyle during Aging in Mexican Women

Oxidative stress (OS) increases during the human aging process, and the sedentary lifestyle could be a prooxidant factor. In this study, we determine the effect of sedentary lifestyle on OS during the aging process in Mexican women. A longitudinal study of two-year follow-up was carried out with 177 community-dwelling women (40-69 y) from Mexico City. We measured as OS markers plasma malondialdehyde, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), total plasma antioxidant status, uric acid level, antioxidant gap, and SOD/GPx ratio. To define OS using all the markers, we defined cut-off values of each parameter based on the 90th percentile of young healthy subjects and, we calculated a stress score (SS) ranging from 0 to 7, which represented the intensity of the marker modifications. All the women answered a structured questionnaire about prooxidant factors, including physical activity specially the type of activity, frequency, and duration, and they answered Spanish versions of self-assessment tests for establishing dysthymia and insomnia as potential confounders. Principal component and Poisson regression analysis were used as statistical tools, being two-year OS the primary outcome. The OS was considerate as SS ≥ 4 and sedentary lifestyle as <30 min/day of physical activity, beside several prooxidant factors and age that were covariables. SS is higher in sedentary lifestyle women after the two-year follow-up; although, the difference was statistically significant only in older women. Four principal components were associated with the OS, and 7 out of 8 prooxidant factors were important for the analysis, which were included in the Poisson model. The predictive factors for OS were the sedentary lifestyle (adjusted PR = 2.37, CI95%: 1.30-4.30, p < 0.01), and age, in which the risk increases 1.06 (CI95%:1.02-2.11, p < 0.01) by each year of age. Our findings suggest that a sedentary lifestyle increases the OS during the aging in Mexican women.

Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Vascular Aging And Atherosclerotic Ischemic Stroke

Vascular aging is a crucial risk factor for atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. Vascular aging is characterized by oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, intimal and media thickening, as well as the gradual development of arterial stiffness, among other pathophysiological features. Regarding oxidative stress, increased concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is linked to atherosclerotic ischemic stroke in vascular aging. Additionally, oxidative stress is associated with an inflammatory response. Inflammation is related to aging through the "inflammaging" theory, which is characterized by decreased ability to cope with a variety of stressors, in combination with an increased pro-inflammatory state. Vascular aging is correlated with changes in cerebral arteries that are considered predictors of the risk for atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. The aim of the present review is to present the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in vascular aging, as well as their involvement in atherosclerotic ischemic stroke.

Spirulina supplementation and oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials

Studies investigating the effects of spirulina on inflammation and oxidative stress status are controversial. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impacts of spirulina supplementation on oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory markers. PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase databases and Google Scholar were searched up to 1 October 2020. Random-effect analysis was applied to perform meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses and multivariate meta-regression were performed to find heterogeneity sources. Quality assessment was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A total of 11 studies that enrolled 465 subjects were included in our meta-analysis. Pooled results demonstrated a significant increase in interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentrations [Standardized mean difference (SMD = 2.69 pg/mL; 95% CI: 0.26, 5.11; P = .03)]; however this result changed to insignificant (SMD = 0.54 pg/mL; 95% CI: -1.29, 2.27; P > .05) when sensitivity analysis performed. A marginal decreasing effect were also found on interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD = -0.72 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.50, 0.07; P = .073) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels (SMD = -0.65; 95% CI: -1.37, 0.08; P = .08). In addition, results of subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in IL-6 and TBARS concentrations when the baseline body mass index (BMI) of participants was lower than 25 kg/m2 . Moreover, spirulina had no significant effect on tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD = -0.07 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.18; P = .56) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.98, 0.14; P = .14). Spirulina consumption contributed to a significant increase in IL-2 concentrations changing to insignificant after sensitivity analysis and marginal decreasing effects on IL-6 and TBARS levels. No considerable impacts were observed on TNF-α and MDA concentrations.

Cardiovascular Aging and Longevity: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Cardiovascular aging and longevity are interrelated through many pathophysiological mechanisms. Many factors that promote atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are also implicated in the aging process and vice versa. Indeed, cardiometabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension share common pathophysiological mechanisms with aging and longevity. Moreover, genetic modulators of longevity have a significant impact on cardiovascular aging. The current knowledge of genetic, molecular, and biochemical pathways of aging may serve as a substrate to introduce interventions that might delay cardiovascular aging, thus approaching the goal of longevity. In the present review, the authors describe pathophysiological links between cardiovascular aging and longevity and translate these mechanisms into clinical data by reporting genetic, dietary, and environmental characteristics from long-living populations.

Factors associated with frailty transition at different follow-up intervals: A scoping review

Frailty is a dynamic process. Identifying the factors associated with frailty transition may increase the opportunities for success in interventions for frailty. This scoping review, following Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, aimed to identify the factors associated with frailty transition and the rate of frailty transition among community-dwelling older people. A literature search was conducted. Among the included studies, 5, 13, and 3 involved follow-up intervals of 2-3 years (short term), 4-6 years (intermediate term), and >6 years (long term), respectively. Reportedly, life course characteristics, diseases, and psychological factors were related to frailty transitions at all follow-up intervals. Physical factors were related to frailty transition at both short and intermediate follow-up intervals, while social factors were related to frailty transition at intermediate follow-up intervals. The rate of improvement in frailty seemed to decrease, and that of worsening seemed to increase when the follow-up intervals lengthened.

Oxidative stress markers in patient-derived non-cancerous cervical tissues and cells

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the causative agents of cervical cancer. However, not all infected women develop cervical cancer. Cervical tumorigenesis is characterized by a multifactorial etiology, with oxidative stress (OS) likely playing a major role. In addition to exogenous sources, metabolic processes also contribute to OS. In principle, variability in levels of cervical OS has the potential to influence the likelihood of conversion to cervical cancer. To ask whether such variability indeed existed, we assessed the levels of ROS and the oxidative DNA damage biomarker 8-oxodG in normal non-cancerous cervical tissues and cells obtained from women with uterovaginal pelvic organ prolapse following vaginal hysterectomy. We demonstrated five and ten-fold variability between tissues isolated from the transformation zone (TZ) and ectocervix (EC) of different women, respectively. Despite the greater variability (likely due to differences in tissue composition), the overall pattern of ROS levels in EC tissues mirrored those obtained in their corresponding TZ tissues. Our results also show that the levels of ROS in TZ tissues were always higher than or equal to those found in the respective EC tissues, providing a possible explanation for TZ tissue being the primary target for HPV infection and cervical carcinogenesis. Interestingly, primary keratinocytes isolated and cultured from these cervical specimens also displayed high variability in ROS levels, with some strongly mirroring the levels of ROS observed in their corresponding tissues, while others were less closely associated. Finally, we demonstrated that the levels of DNA damage mirrored the levels of ROS in the cultured primary cells. Understanding the factors and mechanisms that dispose certain individuals to develop cervical cancer has the potential to enable the development of approaches that make the conversion of HPV infection to cancer development even more rare.

Unveiling the Role of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress on Age-Related Cardiovascular Diseases

The global population above 60 years has been growing exponentially in the last decades, which is accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases, highlighting cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Aging is the main risk factor for these diseases. Such susceptibility to disease is explained, at least in part, by the increase of oxidative stress, in which it damages cellular components such as proteins, DNA, and lipids. In addition, the chronic inflammatory process in aging “inflammaging” also contributes to cell damage, creating a stressful environment which drives to the development of CVDs. Taken together, it is possible to identify the molecular connection between oxidative stress and the inflammatory process, especially by the crosstalk between the transcription factors Nrf-2 and NF-κB which are mediated by redox signalling and are involved in aging. Therapies that control this process are key targets in the prevention/combat of age-related CVDs. In this review, we show the basics of inflammation and oxidative stress, including the crosstalk between them, and the implications on age-related CVDs.

Centenarians: An excellent example of resilience for successful ageing

Centenarians are remarkable not only because of their prolonged life, but also because they compress morbidity until the very last moments of their lives, thus being proposed as a model of successful, extraordinary ageing. From the medical viewpoint, centenarians do not escape the physiological decline or the age-related diseases or syndromes (i.e. frailty), but the rate of such processes is slow enough to be counterbalanced by their increased intrinsic capacity to respond to minor stresses of daily life (i.e. resilience). These new concepts are reviewed in this paper. Allostatic stresses lead to a chronic low-grade inflammation that has led to the proposal of the "inflammaging" theory of ageing and frailty. The biology of centenarians, described in this review, provides us with clues for intervention to promote healthy ageing in the general population. One of the major reasons for this healthy ageing has to do with the genetic signature that is specific for centenarians and certainly different from octogenarians who do not enjoy the extraordinary qualities of centenarians.

Central role of the p53 pathway in the noncoding-RNA response to oxidative stress

Oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in many conditions. Specifically, redox imbalance inhibits endothelial cell (EC) growth, inducing cell death and senescence. We used global transcriptome profiling to investigate the involvement of noncoding-RNAs in these phenotypes. By RNA-sequencing, transcriptome changes were analyzed in human ECs exposed to H₂O₂, highlighting a pivotal role of p53-signaling. Bioinformatic analysis and validation in p53-silenced ECs, identified several p53-targets among both mRNAs and long noncoding-RNAs (lncRNAs), including MALAT1 and NEAT1. Among microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-192-5p was the most induced by H₂O₂ treatment, in a p53-dependent manner. Down-modulated mRNA-targets of miR-192-5p were involved in cell cycle, DNA repair and stress response. Accordingly, miR-192-5p overexpression significantly decreased EC proliferation, inducing cell death. A central role of the p53-pathway was also confirmed by the analysis of differential exon usage: Upon H₂O₂ treatment, the expression of p53-dependent 5'-isoforms of MDM2 and PVT1 increased selectively. The transcriptomic alterations identified in H₂O₂-treated ECs were also observed in other physiological and pathological conditions where redox control plays a fundamental role, such as ECs undergoing replicative senescence, skeletal muscles of critical limb-ischemia patients and the peripheral-blood mononuclear cells of long-living individuals. Collectively, these findings indicate a prominent role of noncoding-RNAs in oxidative stress response.

Urinary levels of bisphenol A, F and S and markers of oxidative stress among healthy adult men: Variability and association analysis

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are increasingly used as alternatives to endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA). Evidence from in vitro and animal studies demonstrates that BPA, BPF and BPS induce oxidative stress, a proposed mechanism that is relevant to various adverse health effects. Evaluation in humans is hampered by the potentially high within-subject variability of urinary measurements.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the variability and associations of levels of BPA, BPS, BPF and 3 oxidative stress markers [i.e., 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-isoPGF_2α) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA)] in urine collected on multiple occasions over 3 months.

METHOD

A total of 529 spot urine samples, including 88 first morning voids (FMVs) and 24-h specimens, were gathered from 11 adult men on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 30, 60 and 90 and analyzed for BPA, BPF, BPS, 8-OHdG, 8-isoPGF_2α and HNE-MA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were estimated to characterize the reproducibility of urinary bisphenols and oxidative stress markers, and linear mixed models were applied to assess the associations between markers of exposure and response.

RESULTS

BPA and BPF were detected in ≥85% of the spot samples, while BPS in 13% of the samples. High degrees of within-subject variability were found for BPA, BPF, 8-OHdG, 8-isoPGF_2α and HNE-MA in spot samples, FMVs and 24-h specimens (creatinine-corrected ICCs ≤ 0.37). The sensitivities were low-to-moderate (0.30-0.63) when using single spot samples or FMVs to predict high (>27th, or 36th percentile) 3-month average urinary levels of BPA, BPF, 8-OHdG, 8-isoPGF_2α and HNE-MA. Collecting repeated specimens at different time points improved the accuracy of classification for markers of exposure and response. Elevated urinary BPA and BPF were associated with significantly higher levels of oxidative stress markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated urinary specimens are required to characterize bisphenol exposure levels and the oxidative stress status of individuals. Exposure to BPA and BPF may partly contribute to the elevated urinary levels of oxidative stress makers in adult men.

The genetic component of human longevity: New insights from the analysis of pathway-based SNP-SNP interactions

In human longevity studies, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified a large number of genetic variants with small effects, yet not easily replicable in different populations. New insights may come from the combined analysis of different SNPs, especially when grouped by metabolic pathway. We applied this approach to study the joint effect on longevity of SNPs belonging to three candidate pathways, the insulin/insulin‐like growth factor signalling (IIS), DNA repair and pro/antioxidant. We analysed data from 1,058 tagging SNPs in 140 genes, collected in 1825 subjects (1,089 unrelated nonagenarians from the Danish 1905 Birth Cohort Study and 736 Danish controls aged 46–55 years) for evaluating synergic interactions by SNPsyn. Synergies were further tested by the multidimensional reduction (MDR) approach, both intra‐ and interpathways. The best combinations (FDR<0.0001) resulted those encompassing IGF1R‐rs12437963 and PTPN1‐rs6067484, TP53‐rs2078486 and ERCC2‐rs50871, TXNRD1‐rs17202060 and TP53‐rs2078486, the latter two supporting a central role of TP53 in mediating the concerted activation of the DNA repair and pro‐antioxidant pathways in human longevity. Results were consistently replicated with both approaches, as well as a significant effect on longevity was found for the GHSR gene, which also interacts with partners belonging to both IIS and DNA repair pathways (PAPPA,PTPN1,PARK7, MRE11A). The combination GHSR‐MREA11, positively associated with longevity by MDR, was further found influencing longitudinal survival in nonagenarian females (p = .026). Results here presented highlight the validity of SNP‐SNP interactions analyses for investigating the genetics of human longevity, confirming previously identified markers but also pointing to novel genes as central nodes of additional networks involved in human longevity.

Parameters of the Immune System and Vitamin D Levels in Old Individuals

Aim

The increased number of individuals older than 80 years, centenarians, and supercentenarians is not a synonym for healthy aging, since severe infections, hospitalization, and disability are frequently observed. In this context, a possible strategy is to preserve the main characteristics/functions of the immune system with the aim to cause less damage to the organism during the aging process. Vitamin D acts on bone marrow, brain, breast, malignant cells, and immune system and has been recommended as a supplement. We aimed to evaluate whether immune parameters and vitamin D serum levels are correlated.

Methods

We evaluated some features of the immune system using the peripheral blood of individuals older than 80 years (n = 12) compared to young subjects (n = 10). In addition, we correlated these findings with vitamin D serum levels.

Results

Old individuals presented metabolic parameters of healthy aging and maintained preserved some features of immunity such as CD4/CD8 ratio, and low production of pro-inflammatory cytokines after stimulus. On the other hand, we observed increase in the frequency of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, reduction in circulating leukocytes, in the percentage of total CD8+, and in CD8+ Naïve T cells, in addition to increase in the percentage of CD8+ effector memory re-expressing CD45RA (EMRA) T cells. We found seropositivity for CMV in 97.7%, which was correlated with the decrease of CD8+ Naïve T cells and increase in CD8+ EMRA T cells. Vitamin D levels were insufficient in 50% of old individuals and correlated positively with total CD8+ T cells and negatively with CD8+ EMRA T cells.

Conclusion

In the studied population, longevity was correlated to maintenance of some immune parameters. Considering the limitations of the study as size of the sample and lack of functional assays, it was found that vitamin D in old individuals was correlated to some features of the immune system, mainly in the CD8 compartment.

A Pilot Study Providing Evidence for a Relationship between a Composite Lifestyle Score and Risk of Higher Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: Is There a Link to Oxidative Stress?

Lifestyle behaviours have been closely linked to the progressive cell damage associated with oxidative stress (OS) and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early detection of lifestyle-linked OS may therefore be useful in the early identification of prodromal disease. To test this hypothesis, this study assessed the relationship between a comprehensive redox balance lifestyle score (RBLS) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a recognized marker for CVD, and plasma biomarkers of OS. In a cross-sectional study design, 100 apparently healthy middle-aged participants were asked to complete a comprehensive lifestyle questionnaire, followed by DXA scanning, CIMT ultrasonography, and blood collection. The RBLS was composed of lifestyle components with pro- and antioxidant properties with a higher score indicative of lower oxidative activity. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression analysis were performed for statistical analysis. The RBLS was significantly associated with the risk for increased CIMT that was independent of conventional CVD risk factors (χ²(9) = 35.60, P ≤ 0.001). The adjusted model explained 42.4% of the variance in CIMT. Participants with RBLS below the median were at significantly increased risk of higher CIMT compared to participants with RBLS above the median (OR = 3.60, 95% CI: 1.19–10.88, P = 0.023). Significant associations were also observed between the RBLS, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (r(99) = 0.28, P = 0.006), hydroperoxide (HPX) (r_s(99) = −0.28, P = 0.005), TAC/HPX ratio (r(98) = 0.41, P ≤ 0.001), γ-glutamyltransferase (r(97) = −0.23, P = 0.024), uric acid (r(98) = −0.20, P = 0.045), and inflammatory C-reactive protein (r_s(97) = −0.25, P = 0.012) and interleukin-1β (r(97) = −0.21, P = 0.040). These findings highlight the importance of identifying the collective influence of lifestyle behaviours on OS activity and its potential to remodel the vascular endothelium.

Evaluation of Lymphocyte Response to the Induced Oxidative Stress in a Cohort of Ageing Subjects, including Semisupercentenarians and Their Offspring

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may promote immunosenescence if not counterbalanced by the antioxidant systems. Cell membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids become the target of ROS and progressively lose their structure and functions. This process could lead to an impairment of the immune response. However, little is known about the capability of the immune cells of elderly individuals to dynamically counteract the oxidative stress. Here, the response of the main lymphocyte subsets to the induced oxidative stress in semisupercentenarians (CENT), their offspring (OFF), elderly controls (CTRL), and young individuals (YO) was analyzed using flow cytometry. The results showed that the ratio of the ROS levels between the induced and noninduced (I/NI) oxidative stress conditions was higher in CTRL and OFF than in CENT and YO, in almost all T, B, and NK subsets. Moreover, the ratio of reduced glutathione levels between I/NI conditions was higher in OFF and CENT compared to the other groups in almost all the subsets. Finally, we observed significant correlations between the response to the induced oxidative stress and the degree of methylation in specific genes on the oxidative stress pathway. Globally, these data suggest that the capability to buffer dynamic changes in the oxidative environment could be a hallmark of longevity in humans.

The Effects of Physical Training are Varied and Occur in an Exercise Type-Dependent Manner in Elderly Men

Regular exercise can decrease the deleterious effects of aging and limit the development and progression of chronic disease in elderly people, depending on the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of different physical training programs on oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory and neurotrophic mediators in the serum of elderly men. Healthy male volunteers [60 to 80 years; n=55] were divided into four groups: control [Ctr, n=14], aerobic training on dry land [ATdl, n=12]; and combined training on dry land [CTdl, n=12] or in water [CTw, n=17]. The training protocols were performed over 8 weeks, three times per week. Each 1 h session included 5 min warming-up exercise, 50 min specific training [aerobic, strength, or combined], and 5 min stretching. Blood samples were drawn 72 h before [baseline] the beginning of the 8 weeks’ protocol and 48 h after the last training session, processed, and the serum was aliquoted and stored at -70 °C until biochemical assessment of oxidative damage, antioxidant system and neurotrophic, growth and inflammatory factors. Elevated BDNF or IGF-1 levels were observed in the ATdl or CTdl groups, respectively. Overall oxidative stress parameters were improved including reduced lipid oxidative damage and increased thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total glutathione. Significant decreases in the inflammatory mediators IL-6 and IL-8 were observed; IL-6 was more susceptible to the effects of type of physical training. Thus, the effects of training in elderly men vary in an exercise type-dependent manner.

Significant relationships between a simple marker of redox balance and lifestyle behaviours; Relevance to the Framingham risk score

Oxidative stress has been closely linked to the progressive cell damage associated with emerging non-communicable disease (NCDs). Early detection of these biochemical abnormalities before irreversible cell damage occurs may therefore be useful in identifying disease risk at an individual level. In order to test this hypothesis, this study assessed the relationship between a simple measure of redox status and lifestyle risk factors for NCDs, and the population-based risk score of Framingham. In a cross-sectional study design, 100 apparently healthy middle-aged males (n = 48) and females (n = 52) were asked to complete a comprehensive lifestyle assessment questionnaire, followed by body fat percentage and blood pressure measurements, and blood collection. The ratio of plasma total antioxidant capacity to hydroperoxide (TAC/HPX) was used as an index of redox balance. One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyse the association between TAC/HPX, lifestyle components and other plasma biomarkers. The TAC/HPX ratio was higher in males compared to females (t96 = 2.34, P = 0.021). TAC/HPX was also lower in participants with poor sleep quality (t93 = 2.39, P = 0.019), with high sleep apnoea risk (t62.2 = 3.32, P = 0.002), with high caffeine (F(2, 93) = 3.97, P = 0.022) and red meat intake (F(2, 93) = 5.55, P = 0.005). These associations were independent of gender. Furthermore, the TAC/HPX ratio decreased with increasing body fat percentage (F(2, 95) = 4.74, P = 0.011) and depression score (t94 = 2.38, P = 0.019), though these associations were dependent on gender. Importantly, a negative association was observed between TAC/HPX levels and the Framingham risk score in both males (r(45) = -0.39, P = 0.008) and females (r(50) = -0.33, P = 0.019) that was independent of other Framingham risk score components. Findings from this study suggests that a relatively simple measure of redox balance such as the TAC/HPX ratio may be a sensitive indicator of redox stress, and may therefore serve as a useful biomarker for assessing an individual's specific NCD risk linked to unhealthy lifestyle practices.

Targeting Aging with Functional Food: Pasta with Opuntia Single-Arm Pilot Study

Interventions to extend life span represent the new perspective in aging investigation. Healthy dietary habits are important modifiable factors that can favor a healthy aging phenotype. Many studies have demonstrated benefits for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus resulting from the traditional Mediterranean foods. Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI), widespread in the Mediterranean basin, belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, products containing extracts from OFI fruits or cladodes have been used to control obesity and other metabolic parameters, such as glycemia and lipid profile. The aim of this study was to analyze the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of pasta with 3% of OFI cladode extracts added to show its beneficial effect in human health. We performed a single arm longitudinal intervention study in 42 healthy volunteers, administrating 500 g/week of this functional pasta for 30 days. Our pasta had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with putative effect on the aging process and related metabolic diseases. We also demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect. The results are preliminary, but it is possible to speculate that our pasta could be considered an effective food for the prevention of age-related metabolic disorders.

Variations in Oxidative Stress Levels in 3 Days Follow-up in Ultramarathon Mountain Race Athletes

Spanidis, Y, Stagos, D, Orfanou, M, Goutzourelas, N, Bar-or, D, Spandidos, D, and Kouretas, D. Variations in oxidative stress levels in 3 days follow-up in ultramarathon mountain race athletes. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 582-594, 2017-The aim of the present study was the monitoring of the redox status of runners participating in a mountain ultramarathon race of 103 km. Blood samples from 12 runners were collected prerace and 24, 48, and 72 hours postrace. The samples were analyzed by using conventional oxidative stress markers, such as protein carbonyls (CARB), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma, as well as glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity in erythrocytes. In addition, 2 novel markers, the static oxidation-reduction potential marker (sORP) and the capacity oxidation-reduction potential (cORP), were measured in plasma. The results showed significant increase in sORP levels and significant decrease in cORP and GSH levels postrace compared with prerace. The other markers did not exhibit significant changes postrace compared with prerace. Furthermore, an interindividual analysis showed that in all athletes but one sORP was increased, whereas cORP was decreased. Moreover, GSH levels were decreased in all athletes at least at 2 time points postrace compared with prerace. The other markers exhibited great variations between different athletes. In conclusion, ORP and GSH markers suggested that oxidative stress has existed even 3 days post ultramarathon race. The practical applications from these results would be that the most effective markers for short-term monitoring of ultramarathon mountain race-induced oxidative stress were sORP, cORP, and GSH. Also, administration of supplements enhancing especially GSH is recommended during ultramarathon mountain races to prevent manifestation of pathological conditions.

Molecular pathways related to the longevity promotion and cognitive improvement of Cistanche tubulosa in Drosophila

BACKGROUND

The aging process, including physical dysfunction and age-related memory impairment (AMI), are considered to be correlated with cumulative oxidative damages and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway.

PURPOSE

The present study was to elucidate the in vivo effects on delaying aging and ameliorating AMI and underlying molecular mechanisms of Cistanche tubulosa (CT), a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve sexual function and treat kidney dysfunction.

METHODS

The flies, treated and untreated with CT, were observed for lifespan, resistance to oxidative stress with H₂O₂ or paraquat, starvation assay, cognitive behaviors with T-maze, and transcript levels of target genes with quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Administering CT extended the mean and maximum lifespan and increased resistance to oxidative stress in flies. CT supplementation also enhanced memory formation in young flies and suppressed AMI upon aging. Several genes and signaling pathways, including the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Notch networks, have been identified as causing these pharmacological effects and alterations in the gene expression of glutamate receptors.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that CT supplementation may contribute to slowing aging phenotypes and alleviating cognitive behavioral decline in flies, indicating potential applicability for enhancing human health and reducing susceptibility to age-related disorders.

Phenolic Compounds and Its Bioavailability: In Vitro Bioactive Compounds or Health Promoters?

Botanical preparations present a widespread and secular history of use. In fact, natural matrices possess a rich pool of phytochemicals, with promising biological effects. Among them, phenolic compounds have revealed to confer very important attributes to improve the well-being and longevity of worldwide population. Numerous in vitro studies have been carried out evaluating the wide spectrum of bioactivities of phenolic compounds, including its health effects, but through in vivo experiments some of these previous results cannot be properly confirmed, and considerable variations are observed. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including the assessment of bioavailability and bioefficacy of phenolic compounds, still continue to be largely investigated and considered a great hot topic among the food science and technology researchers. Thus, based on these crucial aspects, this chapter aims to provide an extensive approach about the question of the bioavailability of phenolic compounds, describing its biosynthetic routes and related mechanisms of action; to focus on the current facts and existing controversies, highlighting the importance of in vivo studies and the impact of phenolic compounds on the quality of life and longevity.

Interactions Between Genetics, Lifestyle, and Environmental Factors for Healthcare

The occurrence and progression of diseases are strongly associated with a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Understanding the interplay between genetic and nongenetic components provides deep insights into disease pathogenesis and promotes personalized strategies for people healthcare. Recently, the paradigm of systems medicine, which integrates biomedical data and knowledge at multidimensional levels, is considered to be an optimal way for disease management and clinical decision-making in the era of precision medicine. In this chapter, epigenetic-mediated genetics-lifestyle-environment interactions within specific diseases and different ethnic groups are systematically discussed, and data sources, computational models, and translational platforms for systems medicine research are sequentially presented. Moreover, feasible suggestions on precision healthcare and healthy longevity are kindly proposed based on the comprehensive review of current studies.

Role of PTEN in Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in the Liver of Whole-Body Pten Haplodeficient Mice

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity are frequently associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and with an elevated cancer incidence. The molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis in this context are only partially understood. High blood insulin levels are typical in early T2DM and excessive insulin can cause elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and genomic instability. ROS are important for various cellular functions in signaling and host defense. However, elevated ROS formation is thought to be involved in cancer induction. In the molecular events from insulin receptor binding to genomic damage, some signaling steps have been identified, pointing at the PI3K/AKT pathway. For further elucidation Phosphatase and Tensin homolog (Pten), a tumour suppressor phosphatase that plays a role in insulin signaling by negative regulation of PI3K/AKT and its downstream targets, was investigated here. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect ROS formation in immortalized human hepatocytes. Comet assay and micronucleus test were performed to investigate genomic damage in vitro. In liver samples, DHE staining and western blot detection of HSP70 and HO-1 were performed to evaluate oxidative stress response. DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) were detected by immunohistostaining. Inhibition of PTEN with the pharmacologic inhibitor VO-OHpic resulted in increased ROS production and genomic damage in a liver cell line. Knockdown of Pten in a mouse model yielded increased oxidative stress levels, detected by ROS levels and expression of the two stress-proteins HSP70 and HO-1 and elevated genomic damage in the liver, which was significant in mice fed with a high fat diet. We conclude that PTEN is involved in oxidative stress and genomic damage induction in vitro and that this may also explain the in vivo observations. This further supports the hypothesis that the PI3K/AKT pathway is responsible for damaging effects of high levels of insulin.

The Role of Advanced Glycation End-Products in Cancer Disparity

While the socioeconomic and environmental factors associated with cancer disparity have been well documented, the contribution of biological factors is an emerging field of research. Established disparity factors such as low income, poor diet, drinking alcohol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle may have molecular effects on the inherent biological makeup of the tumor itself, possibly altering cell signaling events and gene expression profiles to profoundly alter tumor development and progression. Our understanding of the molecular and biological consequences of poor lifestyle is lacking, but such information may significantly change how we approach goals to reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates within minority populations. In this review, we will summarize the biological, socioeconomic, and environmental associations between a group of reactive metabolites known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and cancer health disparity. Due to their links with lifestyle and the activation of disease-associated pathways, AGEs may represent both a biological consequence and a bio-behavioral indicator of poor lifestyle which may be targeted within specific populations to reduce disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.

Bioactive properties and functional constituents of Hypericum androsaemum L.: A focus on the phenolic profile

Hypericum androsaemum L. ethanol:water extract acted as a lipid peroxidation inhibitor and free radical scavenger. A marked inhibition of the growth of breast, lung, cervical and hepatocellular human carcinoma cell lines was also observed, whereas no toxicity was shown against non-tumor porcine liver cells (>400μg/mL). The extract was also effective in inhibiting nitric oxide production, as an indicator of the anti-inflammatory potential. The anti-Candida effects varied among different strains of the same species, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis being the most sensible species with an effect directly related with the extract concentrations tested. A significant anti-biofilm formation potential was also observed, namely for C. glabrata and C. tropicalis (biofilm reduction >90%). 5-O-Caffeoylquinic and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds identified in the extract, and might be related with the observed bioactive effects. Nevertheless, future studies should be carried out to obtain dose-response curves of the isolated active compounds, in order to perform further pre-clinically testing to quantify the presence of the most active compounds in the extract.

Candidate gene resequencing to identify rare, pedigree-specific variants influencing healthy aging phenotypes in the long life family study

Background

The Long Life Family Study (LLFS) is an international study to identify the genetic components of various healthy aging phenotypes. We hypothesized that pedigree-specific rare variants at longevity-associated genes could have a similar functional impact on healthy phenotypes.

Methods

We performed custom hybridization capture sequencing to identify the functional variants in 464 candidate genes for longevity or the major diseases of aging in 615 pedigrees (4,953 individuals) from the LLFS, using a multiplexed, custom hybridization capture. Variants were analyzed individually or as a group across an entire gene for association to aging phenotypes using family based tests.

Results

We found significant associations to three genes and nine single variants. Most notably, we found a novel variant significantly associated with exceptional survival in the 3’ UTR OBFC1 in 13 individuals from six pedigrees. OBFC1 (chromosome 10) is involved in telomere maintenance, and falls within a linkage peak recently reported from an analysis of telomere length in LLFS families. Two different algorithms for single gene associations identified three genes with an enrichment of variation that was significantly associated with three phenotypes (GSK3B with the Healthy Aging Index, NOTCH1 with diastolic blood pressure and TP53 with serum HDL).

Conclusions

Sequencing analysis of family-based associations for age-related phenotypes can identify rare or novel variants.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-016-0253-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antioxidant status in a group of institutionalised elderly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important and prevalent diseases suffered by the elderly. Evidence exists that its onset and severity might be conditioned by antioxidant status. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between antioxidant status and COPD in institutionalised elderly people. In all, 183 elderly people aged >65 years (twenty-one had COPD and 160 healthy controls) were studied. The subjects' diets were investigated via the use of precise individual weighing for 7 d. Body weight, height, and biceps and triceps skinfold thickness were measured, and body fat (kg) and BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Serum retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and vitamin C levels were determined. Subjects with COPD ate less fruits than healthy controls (117 (sd 52) v. 192 (sd 161) g/d), their coverage of the recommended intake of vitamin C was smaller (150 (sd 45) v. 191 (sd 88) %; note that both exceeded 100 %) and their diets had a lower antioxidant capacity (6558 (sd 2381) v. 9328 (sd 5367) mmol trolox equivalent/d). Those with COPD had lower serum vitamin C and α-tocopherol concentrations than healthy controls (32·4 (sd 15·3) v. 41·5 (sd 14·8) µmol/l and 12·1 (sd 3·2) v. 13·9 (sd 2·8) µmol/l, respectively). In addition, subjects with α-tocopherol <14·1µmol/l (50th percentile) were at 6·43 times greater risk of having COPD than those subjects with ≥14·1µmol/l (OR 6·43; 95 % CI 1·17, 35·24; P<0·05), taking sex, age, use of tobacco, body fat and vitamin E intake as covariables. Subjects with COPD had diets of poorer antioxidant quality, especially with respect to vitamins C and E, compared with healthy controls.

The impact of nutrients on the aging rate: A complex interaction of demographic, environmental and genetic factors

Nutrition has a strong influence on the health status of the elderly, with many dietary components associated to either an increased risk of disease or to an improvement of the quality of life and to a delay of age-related pathologies. A direct effect of a reduced caloric intake on the delay of aging phenotypes is documented in several organisms. The role of nutrients in the regulation of human lifespan is not easy to disentangle, influenced by a complex interaction of nutrition with environmental and genetic factors. The individual genetic background is fundamental for mediating the effects of nutritional components on aging. Classical genetic factors able to influence nutrient metabolism are considered those belonging to insulin/insulin growth factor (INS/IGF-1) signaling, TOR signaling and Sirtuins, but also genes involved in inflammatory/immune response and antioxidant activity can have a major role. Considering the worldwide increasing interest in nutrition to prevent age related diseases and achieve a healthy aging, in this review we will discuss this complex interaction, in the light of metabolic changes occurring with aging, with the aim of shedding a light on the enormous complexity of the metabolic scenario underlying longevity phenotype.

Metabolism and successful aging: Polymorphic variation of syndecan-4 (SDC4) gene associate with longevity and lipid profile in healthy elderly Italian subjects

Evidences from model systems and humans have suggested that genetic alterations in cell-ECM interactions and matrix-mediated cellular signaling cascades impact different aspects of metabolism and thereby life span. In this frame, a genetic variant (rs1981429) in the SDC4 gene encoding for syndecan-4, a central mediator of cell adhesion, has been associated with body composition in children and coronary artery disease in middle-age subjects. In order to test the hypothesis that syndecans might affect life span by affecting metabolic endophenotypes, 11 SNPs within the SDC4 gene were tested for association with longevity in a cohort of 64-107 aged individuals. We then determined whether the longevity-associated SNPs were correlated with metabolic parameters in the age group 64-85 years. RobustSNP association tests showed that rs1981429 was negatively associated with longevity (Theop=0.028), but also with high levels of triglyceride (Theop=0.028) and low levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (Theop=0.009). On the other hand, rs2251252 was found to be positively correlated with longevity (Theop=0.018) and high LDL-C (Theop=0.022). On the whole, our results suggest that SDC4 alleles affect lipid profile in elderly subjects and may in part mediate the link between LDL-C and longevity.

Antioxidants and Quality of Aging: Further Evidences for a Major Role of TXNRD1 Gene Variability on Physical Performance at Old Age

Oxidative stress is a major determinant of human aging and common hallmark of age-related diseases. A protective role against free radicals accumulation was shown for thioredoxin reductase TrxR1, a key antioxidant selenoprotein. The variability of encoding gene (TXNRD1) was previously found associated with physical status at old age and extreme survival in a Danish cohort. To further investigate the influence of the gene variability on age-related physiological decline, we analyzed 9 tagging SNPs in relation to markers of physical (Activity of Daily Living, Hand Grip, Chair stand, and Walking) and cognitive (Mini Mental State Examination) status, in a Southern-Italian cohort of 64-107 aged individuals. We replicated the association of TXNRD1 variability with physical performance, with three variants (rs4445711, rs1128446, and rs11111979) associated with physical functioning after 85 years of age (p < 0.022). In addition, we found two SNPs borderline influencing longevity (rs4964728 and rs7310505) in our cohort, the last associated with health status and survival in Northern Europeans too. Overall, the evidences of association in a different population here reported extend the proposed role of TXNRD1 gene in modulating physical decline at extreme ages, further supporting the investigation of thioredoxin pathway in relation to the quality of human aging.

Consumption of a high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet during gradual mild physiological stress in rats

n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) may be beneficial for anxiety and depression under stressful conditions. Studies however, typically utilise physical or sudden physiological stress, while gradual physiological stress is also relevant to human conditions. Using deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) administration to induce gradual physiological stress, this study investigated the impact of n-3PUFAs under gradual physiological stress in rats. Animals (aged 2 months) (N=8-12/group) received daily injections of DOCA or vehicle and were concurrently fed a high n-3PUFA or control diet for eight weeks. Behavioural measures were taken throughout. Behavioural tests and physiological measures were conducted after six and eight weeks respectively. DOCA administration decreased plasma renin, plasma proteins and relative adrenal weight, and increased water intake, relative kidney weight, and anxiety in the open field. These findings demonstrate disruptions to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a result of mild physiological stress, that also impact on anxiety behaviours. No effects of n-3PUFAs were found.

Genetics, lifestyle and longevity: Lessons from centenarians

Longevity as a complex life-history trait shares an ontogenetic relationship with other quantitative traits and varies among individuals, families and populations. Heritability estimates of longevity suggest that about a third of the phenotypic variation associated with the trait is attributable to genetic factors, and the rest is influenced by epigenetic and environmental factors. Individuals react differently to the environments that they are a part of, as well as to the environments they construct for their survival and reproduction; the latter phenomenon is known as niche construction. Lifestyle influences longevity at all the stages of development and levels of human diversity. Hence, lifestyle may be viewed as a component of niche construction. Here, we: a) interpret longevity using a combination of genotype-epigenetic-phenotype (GEP) map approach and niche-construction theory, and b) discuss the plausible influence of genetic and epigenetic factors in the distribution and maintenance of longevity among individuals with normal life span on the one hand, and centenarians on the other. Although similar genetic and environmental factors appear to be common to both of these groups, exceptional longevity may be influenced by polymorphisms in specific genes, coupled with superior genomic stability and homeostatic mechanisms, maintained by negative frequency-dependent selection. We suggest that a comparative analysis of longevity between individuals with normal life span and centenarians, along with insights from population ecology and evolutionary biology, would not only advance our knowledge of biological mechanisms underlying human longevity, but also provide deeper insights into extending healthy life span.