Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D in Immobilisation: Part B- Modulation of Muscle Functional, Vascular and Activation Profiles

Healthy Diets and Lifestyles in the World: Mediterranean and Blue Zone People Live Longer. Special Focus on Gut Microbiota and Some Food Components

Longevity has been associated with healthy lifestyles, including some dietary regimens, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the Blue Zone (BZ) diets. MedDiet relies on a large consumption of fruit, vegetables, cereals, and extra-virgin olive oil, with less red meat and fat intake. Four major BZ have been recognized in the world, namely, Ogliastra in Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), the Peninsula of Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Okinawa (Japan). Extreme longevity in these areas has been associated with correct lifestyles and dietary regimens. Fibers, polyphenols, beta-glucans, and unsaturated fatty acids represent the major constituents of both MedDiet and BZ diets, given their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Particularly, inhibition of the NF-kB pathway, with a reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and induction of T regulatory cells, with the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin- 10, are the main mechanisms that prevent or attenuate the "inflammaging." Notably, consistent physical activity, intense social interactions, and an optimistic attitude contribute to longevity in BZD areas. Commonalities and differences between MedDIet and BZ diets will be outlined, with special reference to microbiota and food components, which may contribute to longevity.

Update on the Impact of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Inflammation, Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia: A Review

Elderly and patients affected by chronic diseases face a high risk of muscle loss and impaired physical function. Omega 3 fatty acids (FA) attenuate inflammation and age-associated muscle loss, prevent systemic insulin resistance and improve plasma lipids, potentially impacting on sarcopenia. This paper aims to review recent randomized clinical studies assessing the effects a chronic omega 3 FA supplementation on inflammatory and metabolic profile during conditions characterized by sarcopenia (aging, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, chronic renal failure). A comprehensive search of three online databases was performed to identify eligible trials published between 2012 and 2017. A total of 36 studies met inclusion criteria. Omega 3 FA yielded mixed results on plasma triglycerides in the elderly and no effects in renal patients. No changes in systemic insulin resistance were observed. Inflammation markers did not benefit from omega 3 FA in insulin resistant and in renal subjects while decreasing in obese and elderly. Muscle related parameters improved in elderly and in renal patients. In conclusion, in aging- and in chronic disease-associated sarcopenia omega 3 FA are promising independently of associated anabolic stimuli or of anti-inflammatory effects. The evidence for improved glucose metabolism in insulin resistant and in chronic inflammatory states is less solid.

Association between Red Blood Cells Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and White Matter Hyperintensities: The MAPT Study

OBJECTIVES

The association between circulating biomarkers of red blood cells (RBC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on the brain MRI remains yet unclear. We investigated the cross-sectional and prospective associations of RBC omega-3 PUFAs with WMH in dementia-free older adults with subjective memory complaints.

DESIGN

Participants were 234 older adults with assessments for both PUFA and MRI near to baseline; among them, 79 also had an MRI assessment at 3-year follow-up. The measurement of WMH volume was obtained by an automated segmentation algorithm. We related individual or combinational baseline RBC omega-3 PUFAs levels with baseline WMH volumes and WMH evolution over 3 years. We carried out multiple (cross-sectional) and mixed-effect (prospective analysis, with random effects at participant's level) linear regressions with adjustment for age, sex, time interval between date of blood draw for measurement of fatty acids and date of brain MRI, the status of APOE e4 carrier, body mass index, and vascular risk factors. Associations were considered significant at p ≤ 0.006 to take into account multiplicity (8 comparisons).

RESULTS

None of the eight RBC omega-3 PUFAs tested was significantly associated with WMH at both cross-sectional and prospective analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find any association between omega-3 PUFAs and WMH in non-demented older adults with memory complaints. A longer longitudinal study with data on omega-3 PUFAs and WMH would contribute important information to this field.