Mediterranean Diet In Healthy Aging

Adherence to Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with depressive symptoms in older women: findings from the NutBrain Study

Data on the association of the Mediterranean diet (MD) with depressive symptoms in older people at high risk of depression are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association of the adherence to the MD and its components with depressive symptoms in an Italian cohort of older men and women. A total of 325 men and 473 women aged 65–97 years (2019–2023) answered a 102-item semi-quantitative FFQ, which was used to calculate the Mediterranean diet score (MDS). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; subjects with a score of 16 or more were considered to have depression. Multivariable logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. The occurrence of depressive symptoms was 19·8 % (8·0 % men, 27·9 % women). High adherence to MDS (highest tertile) significantly reduced the odds of having depressive symptoms by 54·6 % (OR 0·454, 95 % CI 0·266, 0·776). In sex-stratified analysis, the reduction was evident in women (OR 0·385, 95 % CI 0·206, 0·719) but not in men (OR 0·828, 95 % CI 0·254, 2·705). Looking at the association of MDS components with depressive symptoms, we found an inverse significant association with fish consumption and the MUFA:SFA ratio above the median only in women (OR 0·444, 95 % CI 0·283, 0·697 and OR 0·579, 95 % CI 0·345, 0·971, respectively). High adherence to the MDS, and a high fish intake and MUFA:SFA ratio were associated with lower depressive symptoms in women only. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the underlying biological mechanisms.

Association of dietary and nutritional factors with cognitive decline, dementia, and depressive symptomatology in older individuals according to a neurogenesis-centred biological susceptibility to brain ageing

Hippocampal neurogenesis (HN) occurs throughout the life course and is important for memory and mood. Declining with age, HN plays a pivotal role in cognitive decline (CD), dementia, and late-life depression, such that altered HN could represent a neurobiological susceptibility to these conditions. Pertinently, dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean diet) and/or individual nutrients (e.g., vitamin D, omega 3) can modify HN, but also modify risk for CD, dementia, and depression. Therefore, the interaction between diet/nutrition and HN may alter risk trajectories for these ageing-related brain conditions. Using a subsample (n = 371) of the Three-City cohort-where older adults provided information on diet and blood biobanking at baseline and were assessed for CD, dementia, and depressive symptomatology across 12 years-we tested for interactions between food consumption, nutrient intake, and nutritional biomarker concentrations and neurogenesis-centred susceptibility status (defined by baseline readouts of hippocampal progenitor cell integrity, cell death, and differentiation) on CD, Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular and other dementias (VoD), and depressive symptomatology, using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. Increased plasma lycopene concentrations (OR [95% CI]  =  1.07 [1.01, 1.14]), higher red meat (OR [95% CI]  =  1.10 [1.03, 1.19]), and lower poultry consumption (OR [95% CI]  =  0.93 [0.87, 0.99]) were associated with an increased risk for AD in individuals with a neurogenesis-centred susceptibility. Increased vitamin D consumption (OR [95% CI]  =  1.05 [1.01, 1.11]) and plasma γ-tocopherol concentrations (OR [95% CI]  =  1.08 [1.01, 1.18]) were associated with increased risk for VoD and depressive symptomatology, respectively, but only in susceptible individuals. This research highlights an important role for diet/nutrition in modifying dementia and depression risk in individuals with a neurogenesis-centred susceptibility.

High Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Inversely Associated with Systemic Inflammation in Older but Not in Younger Brazilian Adults

The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MPD) has shown promise in preventing low-grade systemic inflammation (LGSI). This study tested if a high adherence to the MDP by younger and older Brazilian adults is associated with lower LGSI and investigated which Mediterranean food components may contribute to these associations. We performed a secondary study on 2015 ISA-Nutrition (290 younger adults (20-59 years old) and 293 older adults (≥60 years old)), a cross-sectional population-based study in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. The adherence to the MDP was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore), obtained from two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls (24HDRs). The LGSI score (from plasma CRP, TNF-α, and adiponectin) identified the inflammatory status. Linear regression models assessed the association between LGSI and the MedDietScore. In older adults only, a high adherence to the MDP signified an 11.5% lower LGSI score. Older adults, classified with high adherence to the MDP, differed by consuming lower meat intake and full-fat dairy. Between older adults, the intake of vegetables and olive oil was inversely associated with the levels of LGSI. Thus, among older adults, the intake of some specific Mediterranean food determined high adherence to the MDP and was associated with decreased LGSI.

Approach to the diagnosis and management of dysbiosis

All microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi that reside within a host environment are considered a microbiome. The number of bacteria almost equal that of human cells, however, the genome of these bacteria may be almost 100 times larger than the human genome. Every aspect of the physiology and health can be influenced by the microbiome living in various parts of our body. Any imbalance in the microbiome composition or function is seen as dysbiosis. Different types of dysbiosis are seen and the corresponding symptoms depend on the site of microbial imbalance. The contribution of the intestinal and extra-intestinal microbiota to influence systemic activities is through interplay between different axes. Whole body dysbiosis is a complex process involving gut microbiome and non-gut related microbiome. It is still at the stage of infancy and has not yet been fully understood. Dysbiosis can be influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle habits, diet including ultra-processed foods and food additives, as well as medications. Dysbiosis has been associated with many systemic diseases and cannot be diagnosed through standard blood tests or investigations. Microbiota derived metabolites can be analyzed and can be useful in the management of dysbiosis. Whole body dysbiosis can be addressed by altering lifestyle factors, proper diet and microbial modulation. The effect of these interventions in humans depends on the beneficial microbiome alteration mostly based on animal studies with evolving evidence from human studies. There is tremendous potential for the human microbiome in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases, as well as, for the monitoring of health and disease in humans. Whole body system-based approach to the diagnosis of dysbiosis is better than a pure taxonomic approach. Whole body dysbiosis could be a new therapeutic target in the management of various health conditions.

Is the association between pulse wave velocity and bone mineral density the same for men and women? - A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Brachial aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV) and bone mineral density (BMD) are important indicators of cardiovascular health and bone strength, respectively. However, the gender-specific association between baPWV and BMD remains unclear. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between baPWV and BMD in men and women populations METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases for relevant studies published between the 1th and 30rd of April 2023. Studies reporting the correlation between baPWV and BMD in both males and females were considered. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled correlation coefficients (r).

RESULTS

Relevant data for both genders were found in six articles. In all publications included in the meta-analysis, the total number of studied individuals was 3800, with 2054 women and 1746 men. Pooled correlation coefficient was -0,24 (95 % CI: -0.34; -0.15) in women population, and -0.12 (95 %CI: -0.16, -0.06) in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the published data, we found that baPWV is negatively correlated with bone density in women. However, in men we do not find such a relationship. These findings suggest the importance of considering gender-specific factors when assessing the cardiovascular and bone health relationship.

Vascular dementia: From pathobiology to emerging perspectives

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common type of dementia. VaD is synonymous with ageing, and its symptoms place a significant burden on the health and wellbeing of older people. Despite the identification of a substantial number of risk factors for VaD, the pathological mechanisms underpinning this disease remain to be fully elucidated. Consequently, a biogerontological imperative exists to highlight the modifiable lifestyle factors which can mitigate against the risk of developing VaD. This review will critically examine some of the factors which have been revealed to modulate VaD risk. The survey commences by providing an overview of the putative mechanisms which are associated with the pathobiology of VaD. Next, the factors which influence the risk of developing VaD are examined. Finally, emerging treatment avenues including epigenetics, the gut microbiome, and pro-longevity pharmaceuticals are discussed. By drawing this key evidence together, it is our hope that it can be used to inform future experimental investigations in this field.

The interaction between Mediterranean diet and intestinal microbiome: relevance for preventive strategies against frailty in older individuals

Age-related changes in intestinal microbiome composition and function are increasingly recognized as pivotal in the pathophysiology of aging and are associated with the aging phenotype. Diet is a major determinant of gut-microbiota composition throughout the entire lifespan, and several of the benefits of a healthy diet in aging could be mediated by the microbiome. Mediterranean diet (MD) is a traditional dietary pattern regarded as the healthy diet paradigm, and a large number of studies have demonstrated its benefits in promoting healthy aging. MD has also a positive modulatory effect on intestinal microbiome, favoring bacterial taxa involved in the synthesis of several bioactive compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), that counteract inflammation, anabolic resistance, and tissue degeneration. Intervention studies conducted in older populations have suggested that the individual response of older subjects to MD, in terms of reduction of frailty scores and amelioration of cognitive function, is significantly mediated by the gut-microbiota composition and functionality. In this context, the pathophysiology of intestinal microbiome in aging should be considered when designing MD-based interventions tailored to the needs of geriatric patients.

Morphological diversity and fruit production of wild Salacia kraussii (Celastraceae) on the Northern Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This study aimed to assess morphological diversity within Salacia kraussii, a fruit and medicinal wild plant species, based on morphological features and compared the fruit production among morphological types (morphotype) that naturally occur on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Following one species plant survey, a description of the qualitative morphological features revealed that S. kraussii individuals mainly differed in their leaf shapes, having elliptic, oblong, or obovate leaves. That led us to the identification of three morphotypes, namely Salacia kraussii 'elliptic', Salacia kraussii 'oblong' and Salacia kraussii 'obovate'. The analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) of plant quantitative features indicated that plant height, stem diameter, branch number, leaf number and area, and fruit number were significantly different between plants from different sites (p-values < 0.05) and morphotypes (p-values < 0.01). Generally, S. kraussii grows in KwaZulu-Natal as a suffrutex with many stems and exhibits short plant height, small stem diameter, branches, and little foliage per stem. The average fruit number recorded per plant stem was likewise few. Plants growing in Sikhalasenkosi (site1) dominated in average plant height (35.58 cm), leaf number (45), number of branches (4), and number of fruits (5). Plants with elliptic leaves constantly dominated in average plant height (34.45 cm), foliage (36 leaves of 16.29 cm2 each), number of branches (4), and number of fruits (5). A few plants exhibited a strong vegetative vigor and produced more than 20 fruits. There was a highly positive correlation (CC = 0.8) between plant height and leaf number, branch number and leaf number, and branch number and fruit number. However, a negative correlation (CC = -0.1) was recorded between the leaf area and stem diameter. Overall, the study showed wide morphological diversity and fruit production within and between populations of S. kraussii, on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Effect of Diet on Vascular Aging: A Narrative Review of the Available Literature

Early vascular aging is related to various cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Healthful lifestyle practices and interventions, including dietary regimens and consistent aerobic exercise, exert favorable modulation on these processes, thereby diminishing the risk of cardiovascular disease with advancing age. The principal objective of this review was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and synthesis of the available literature regarding the effectiveness of different diets on vascular health, such as arterial stiffness and endothelial function. To conduct this review, a thorough search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection was carried out. Based on the existing evidence, the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and low-calorie diets may have a beneficial effect on vascular health. However, more randomized controlled trials with sufficient sample sizes, longer follow-ups, rigorous methodologies, and, possibly, head-to-head comparisons between the different diets are needed to shed light on this topic.

The Potential Use of Vitamin D3 and Phytochemicals for Their Anti-Ageing Effects

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D3 is synthesised in skin cells in the body. Vitamin D3 has been known as a bone-related hormone. Recently, however, it has been considered as an immune vitamin. Vitamin D3 deficiency influences the onset of a variety of diseases. Vitamin D3 regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) through binding to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in immune cells. Since blood levels of vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) were low in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, there has been growing interest in the importance of vitamin D3 to maintaining a healthy condition. On the other hand, phytochemicals are compounds derived from plants with over 7000 varieties and have various biological activities. They mainly have health-promoting effects and are classified as terpenoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, etc. Flavonoids are known as the anti-inflammatory compounds that control TNF-α production. Chronic inflammation is induced by the continuous production of TNF-α and is the fundamental cause of diseases like obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, heart and brain diseases, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. In addition, the ageing process is induced by chronic inflammation. This review explains the cooperative effects of vitamin D3 and phytochemicals in the suppression of inflammatory responses, how it balances the natural immune response, and its link to anti-ageing effects. In addition, vitamin D3 and phytochemicals synergistically contribute to anti-ageing by working with ageing-related genes. Furthermore, prevention of ageing processes induced by the chronic inflammation requires the maintenance of healthy gut microbiota, which is related to daily dietary habits. In this regard, supplementation of vitamin D3 and phytochemicals plays an important role. Recently, the association of the prevention of the non-disease condition called "ME-BYO" with the maintenance of a healthy condition has been an attractive regimen, and the anti-ageing effect discussed here is important for a healthy and long life.

A nutraceutical with Citrus bergamia and Cynara cardunculus improves endothelial function in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVE

Polyphenol intake may prevent hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular disease by potentially improving endothelial function. The purposes of this study are to investigate the association between fatty liver disease and endothelial dysfunction and to test the effects of a nutraceutical containing extracts made from Citrus bergamia and Cynara cardunculus on peripheral vascular endothelial function in adults with liver steatosis.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 32 individuals with hepatic steatosis and endothelial dysfunction (reactive hyperemia index ≤ 1.67). Sixteen subjects took 1 capsule/d (300 mg/d) containing Cynara cardunculus extract and bergamot polyphenol fraction, while the other 16 subjects matched for age, sex, and body mass index took 1 capsule/d of placebo (maltodextrin) for 12 wk. All anthropometric parameters were assessed at baseline and after 12 wk as were lipids, glucose, and reactive hyperemia index using an EndoPAT 2000.

RESULTS

The mean age was 52 ± 9 y. The mean reactive hyperemia index was 1.15 ± 0.4. After 12 wk, we found a greater increase in reactive hyperemia index in the participants taking the nutraceutical rather than placebo (0.58 ± 0.5 versus 0.13 ± 0.5; P = 0.02, respectively). The stepwise multivariable analysis confirmed a positive association between reactive hyperemia index change and the nutraceutical treatment (B = 0.38; P = 0.025) and negative association with reactive hyperemia index values at baseline (B = -0.81; P < 0.001). No association was found between the reduction in the amount of intrahepatic fat and the improvement of endothelial function (B = 0.002; P = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

A nutraceutical containing bergamot and artichoke extracts improves peripheral vascular endothelial function in adults with hepatic steatosis and early phase of atherosclerosis.

Mediterranean diet associated with lower frailty risk: A large cohort study of 21,643 women admitted to hospitals

BACKGROUND

Mediterranean diet is traditionally considered as a healthy dietary pattern, while its association with frailty has not been confirmed. This study investigated associations between Mediterranean diet and risk of frailty among women admitted to hospitals in England from an older-aged women's cohort study.

METHODS

A modified Mediterranean diet was evaluated from a validated 217-item food frequency questionnaire. Incident frailty was determined using a hospital frailty risk score based on linkage to Hospital Episode Statistics up to March 2019. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Further subgroup analyses stratified by age and body mass index (BMI), and sensitivity analyses were additionally explored.

RESULTS

Over a mean follow-up of 13 years, there were 14,838 (68.6%) cases of frailty out of 21,643 individuals included in this study. Compared with low adherence to Mediterranean diet, moderate adherence was associated with 5% (HR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91, 0.99) lower risk of frailty, with high adherence associated with even lower risk (HR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.85, 0.94). The magnitude of above associations remained consistent in subgroups stratified by age and BMI, except the association between moderate adherence and risk of frailty was attenuated in the ≥60-year (HR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.93, 1.06) and the BMI > 24.9 kg/m2 (HR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.91, 1.03) subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with lower risk of frailty. The better the adherence, the greater the magnitude of the protective association. Older and overweight women may potentially benefit from greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet regarding frailty prevention.

Association of scan frequency with CGM-derived metrics and influential factors in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the association between scan frequency and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) metrics and to clarify the factors affecting scan frequency in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

Methods

We enrolled adults with T1D who used FreeStyle® Libre. Scan and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) frequency and CGM metrics from the past 90-day glucose data were collected. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to obtain the optimal cutoff values of scan frequency for the target values of time in range (TIR), time above range (TAR), and time below range (TBR).

Results

The study was conducted on 211 adults with T1D (mean age, 50.9 ± 15.2 years; male, 40.8%; diabetes duration, 16.4 ± 11.9 years; duration of CGM use, 2.1 ± 1.0 years; and mean HbA1c, 7.6 ± 0.9%). The average scan frequency was 10.5 ± 3.3 scan/day. Scan frequency was positively correlated with TIR and negatively correlated with TAR, although it was not significantly correlated with TBR. Scan frequency was positively correlated with the hypoglycemia fear survey-behavior score, while it was negatively correlated with some glycemic variability metrics. Adult patients with T1D and good exercise habits had a higher scan frequency than those without exercise habits. The AUC for > 70% of the TIR was 0.653, with an optimal cutoff of 11 scan/day.

Conclusions

In real-world conditions, frequent scans were linked to improved CGM metrics, including increased TIR, reduced TAR, and some glycemic variability metrics. Exercise habits and hypoglycemia fear-related behavior might affect scan frequency. Our findings could help healthcare professionals use isCGM to support adults with T1D.Clinical Trial Registry No. UMIN000039376.

Influence of Sociodemographic Variables and Healthy Habits on the Values of Insulin Resistance Indicators in 386,924 Spanish Workers

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is an alteration of the action of insulin in cells, which do not respond adequately to this action, leading to an increase in blood glucose levels. IR produces a very diverse clinical picture and increases the cardiometabolic risk of the population that suffers from it. Among the factors that influence IR are genetics, unhealthy lifestyle habits, overweight, and obesity. The objective of this work was to determine how different sociodemographic variables and healthy habits influence the values of different scales that assess the risk of presenting IR in a group of Spanish workers.

METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in 386,924 workers from different Spanish regions. Different sociodemographic variables and lifestyle habits were studied (age, social class, educational level, smoking, Mediterranean diet, physical exercise) along with their association with four scales to evaluate the risk of insulin resistance (TyG index, TyG-BMI, METS-IR, TG/HDL-c). To analyse the quantitative variables, Student's t test was used, while the Chi-squared test was used for the qualitative variables. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed, calculating the odds ratio with its 95% confidence intervals. The accepted level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

In the multivariate analysis, all variables, except educational level, increased the risk of presenting high values on the IR risk scales, especially a sedentary lifestyle and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate an association between the practice of regular physical exercise and a reduction in the risk of IR; a strong role of the Mediterranean diet as a protective factor for IR; an association between aging and increased IR, which has also been suggested in other studies; and, finally, a relationship between a low socioeconomic level and an increase in IR.

Associations between the New DNA-Methylation-Based Telomere Length Estimator, the Mediterranean Diet and Genetics in a Spanish Population at High Cardiovascular Risk

Biological aging is a relevant risk factor for chronic diseases, and several indicators for measuring this factor have been proposed, with telomere length (TL) among the most studied. Oxidative stress may regulate telomere shortening, which is implicated in the increased risk. Using a novel estimator for TL, we examined whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), a highly antioxidant-rich dietary pattern, is associated with longer TL. We determined TL using DNA methylation algorithms (DNAmTL) in 414 subjects at high cardiovascular risk from Spain. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed by a validated score, and genetic variants in candidate genes and at the genome-wide level were analyzed. We observed several significant associations (p < 0.05) between DNAmTL and candidate genes (TERT, TERF2, RTEL1, and DCAF4), contributing to the validity of DNAmTL as a biomarker in this population. Higher adherence to the MedDiet was associated with lower odds of having a shorter TL in the whole sample (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.85-0.99; p = 0.049 after fully multivariate adjustment). Nevertheless, this association was stronger in women than in men. Likewise, in women, we observed a direct association between adherence to the MedDiet score and DNAmTL as a continuous variable (beta = 0.015; SE: 0.005; p = 0.003), indicating that a one-point increase in adherence was related to an average increase of 0.015 ± 0.005 kb in TL. Upon examination of specific dietary items within the global score, we found that fruits, fish, "sofrito", and whole grains exhibited the strongest associations in women. The novel score combining these items was significantly associated in the whole population. In the genome-wide association study (GWAS), we identified ten polymorphisms at the suggestive level of significance (p < 1 × 10-5) for DNAmTL (intergenics, in the IQSEC1, NCAPG2, and ABI3BP genes) and detected some gene-MedDiet modulations on DNAmTL. As this is the first study analyzing the DNAmTL estimator, genetics, and modulation by the MedDiet, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Role of diet and exercise in aging, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic diseases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by memory loss and multiple cognitive impairments. Genetic mutations cause a small proportion (1-2%) of early-onset AD, with mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PS1) and presenilin 2 (PS2). Major contributing factors of late-onset AD are ApoE4 genotype, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, in addition to lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy diet and lack of physical exercise. Disease progression can be delayed and/or prevented to a greater extent by adopting healthy lifestyle with balanced and antioxidant enriched diet and daily exercise. The interaction and interplay of diet, exercise, age, and pharmacological interventions holds a crucial role in the progression, pathogenesis and management of AD and its comorbidities, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions. Antioxidant enriched diet contributes to brain health, glucose control, weight management, and cardiovascular well-being. Regular exercise removes toxins including free radicals and enhances insulin sensitivity, and supports cardiovascular function. In the current article, we discussed, the role of diet, and exercise in aging, AD and other conditions including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions. This article also highlights the impact of medication, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, and pharmacological interventions. These aspects were discussed in different races and ethnic groups in Texas, and the US.

Role of Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health

Health promotion requires good nutrition and an adequate lifestyle, which together contribute to people's well-being [...].

The impact of endometriosis on dietary choices and activities of everyday life: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Endometriosis is characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue and severe pain; frequently, women afflicted by this condition resort to non-medical interventions, such as dietary modifications. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of endometriosis on dietary patterns and quality of life.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among Italian women with endometriosis to gather self-reported demographic, clinical, dietary habit, and daily life data post-diagnosis.

Results

A total of 4,078 participants were included. Following an endometriosis diagnosis, 66% reported changes in eating habits, and 92% experienced a decline in daily life. Respondents chose dietary interventions: gluten-free (15%), anti-inflammatory (8%), Mediterranean (7.1%), or ketogenic (4%) diets, to improve health and reduce symptoms. The study revealed a shift in eating habits, with increased consumption of vegetables, fruits (10%), cereals, legumes (6.6%), and fish (4.5%), while reducing dairy products (18.4%), soy-containing foods (6.7%), and high saturated fats (8%). Eating habit changes correlated with endometriosis stages and worsened daily life. Educational level, endometriosis stages, years of symptoms, and eating habit changes linked to changes in daily life.

Conclusion

Our findings emphasize the importance of monitoring eating behaviors to prevent unhealthy habits and malnutrition in women with endometriosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate how different diets impact symptoms and enhance daily life for these individuals.

Functional fitness, lifestyle and demographic factors as predictors of perceived physical and mental health in older adults: A structural equation model

Over the past 50 years, socioeconomic development has brought a reduction in birth rates, an increase in life expectancy and consequently in the elderly population. For this reason, there has been an increasing focus on physical and mental health of the elderly, promoting the concept of healthy aging. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between perceived physical and mental health of older adults and a variety of determinants, such as demographic factors, physical functional fitness, physical activity level, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and anthropometric indices, through a structural equation modeling (SEM). A cross-sectional observational study involved 208 elderly (24 men and 184 women) over the age of 60, fully independent and autonomous. Perceived physical and mental health were assessed with the Short Form 12 questionnaire. Basic sociodemographic information was collected; anthropometric features were directly measured, functional fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test, and physical activity level was determined through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) was also collected through the MEDAS questionnaire. The SEM analysis revealed that functional fitness, which was a latent variable of the model described by the six administered fitness tests, was a strong predictor both of perceived physical and perceived mental health in the sample of elderly. Physical activity level was as predictor of the perceived physical component, but not of the mental health, while score of metabolic equivalent task did not result a predictor, as well as the sociodemographic factors and adherence to MD. The present findings suggest that it would be strongly recommended for elderly subjects to engage in physical activity specifically targeted to aged populations, in order to enhance their fitness abilities and enable them to improve the perception of their own health status.

Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes: Impacts from Pathogenesis to Lifestyle Modifications

Oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes and its associated complications. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body's antioxidant defence mechanisms leads to cellular damage and dysfunction. In diabetes, chronic hyperglycaemia and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to increased ROS production, further exacerbating oxidative stress. This oxidative burden adversely affects various aspects of diabetes, including impaired beta-cell function and insulin resistance, leading to disrupted glucose regulation. Additionally, oxidative stress-induced damage to blood vessels and impaired endothelial function contribute to the development of diabetic vascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, organs and tissues throughout the body, including the kidneys, nerves, and eyes, are vulnerable to oxidative stress, resulting in diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Strategies to mitigate oxidative stress in diabetes include antioxidant therapy, lifestyle modifications, and effective management of hyperglycaemia. However, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in diabetes and to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant interventions in preventing and treating diabetic complications. By addressing oxidative stress, it might be possible to alleviate the burden of diabetes and improve patient outcomes.

Phytochemicals and Vitamin D for a Healthy Life and Prevention of Diseases

A variety of phytocompounds contained in medical plants have been used as medication, including Kampo (traditional Japanese) medicine. Phytochemicals are one category of the chemical compounds mainly known as antioxidants, and recently, their anti-inflammatory effects in preventing chronic inflammation have received much attention. Here, we present a narrative review of the health-promotion and disease-prevention effects of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, the latter of which are abundant in onions, oranges, tea, soybeans, turmeric, cacao, and grapes, along with the synergetic effects of vitamin D. A phenomenon currently gaining popularity in Japan is finding non-disease conditions, so-called ME-BYO (mibyou) and treating them before they develop into illnesses. In addition to lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome and obesity, dementia and frailty, commonly found in the elderly, are included as underlying conditions. These conditions are typically induced by chronic inflammation and might result in multiple organ failure or cancer if left untreated. Maintaining gut microbiota is important for suppressing (recently increasing) intestinal disorders and for upregulating immunity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the interest in phytochemicals and vitamin D for disease prevention increased, as viral and bacterial infection to the lung causes fatal inflammation, and chronic inflammation induces pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, sepsis is a disorder inducing severe organ failure by the infection of microbes, with a high mortality ratio in non-coronary ICUs. However, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) working using natural immunity suppress sepsis at the early stage. The intake of phytochemicals and vitamin D enhances anti-inflammatory effects, upregulates immunity, and reduces the risk of chronic disorders by means of keeping healthy gut microbiota. Evidence acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that daily improvement and prevention of underlying conditions, in terms of lifestyle-related diseases, is very important because they increase the risk of infectious diseases. This narrative review discusses the importance of the intake of phytochemicals and vitamin D for a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of ME-BYO, non-disease conditions.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Related to the Health Related and Well-Being Outcomes of European Mature Adults and Elderly, with an Additional Reference to Croatia

With the increase in life expectancy, expectation of a longer healthy life is also increasing. Importance of consumption of certain foods is confirmed to have a strong effect on quality of life. One of the healthiest dietary patterns consistently associated with a range of beneficial health outcomes is the Mediterranean diet (MD). The aim of this study was to assess MD adherence in the population over 50 years of age, in Europe, with special reference to Croatia, and to assess regional differences and investigate the association with health-related indicators (disease incidence, body mass index (BMI), grip strength measure, control, autonomy, self-realization, and pleasure scale (CASP-12)). This research uses data from the SHARE project for the population over 50 years of age. The frequency of individual responses was analyzed (frequencies, cross tables, and appropriate tests of significance, depending on the data set), and logistic regression was used to connect adherence to the Mediterranean diet with health indicators. The results of the study indicate a positive correlation between adherence to the principles of the Mediterranean diet with CASP and self-perception of health, which the followers of the MD pattern predominantly rate as "very good" or "excellent" (37.05%) what is significantly different (p < 0.05) from individuals which do not follow the patterns of MD (21.55%). The regression models indicate significant changes in the measure of maximum grip strength also among MD followers (ORMEDIUM = 1.449; ORHIGH = 1.293). Data for EU countries are also classified by regions (Central and Eastern; Northern, Southern and Western Europe), additionally allocating Croatia, and the trends in meat, fish and egg consumption showed the greatest differences for Croatian participants (39.6% twice a week) versus participants from four European regions. Data for Croatia deviates from the European average also in terms of the proportion of overweight and obese persons in all observed age groups, of which the largest proportion is in the 50-64 age group (normal BMI: only 30.3%). This study extended the currently available literature covering 27 European countries, placing the findings in a wider geographical context. The Mediterranean diet has once again proven to be an important factor related to health-related behavior. The presented results are extremely important for public health services, indicating possible critical factors in preserving the health of the population over 50 years old.

Mediterranean Diet and Sarcopenia Features in Apparently Healthy Adults over 65 Years: A Systematic Review

Low muscle mass combined with changes in physical function and muscle quality is defined as sarcopenia. In people > 60 years, sarcopenia reaches 10% and tends to increase with age. Individual nutrients, such as protein, may have a protective role against sarcopenia, but recent evidence suggests that protein alone has been ineffective in increasing muscle strength. Dietary patterns, instead, with a high "anti-inflammatory" potential, such as the Mediterranean dietary pattern, have been considered as an emerging dietary remedy against sarcopenia. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence of the role of Mediterranean diet in sarcopenia prevention and/or improvement, including recent data, in healthy elders. We searched published studies about sarcopenia and the Mediterranean diet until December 2022 in Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus search engine and grey literature. In total, ten articles were identified as relevant: four cross-sectional studies and six prospective. No clinical trial was identified. Only three studies assessed sarcopenia presence and four measured muscle mass, which is an essential criterion in sarcopenia diagnosis. Mediterranean diet adherence had, in general, a positive role in muscle mass and muscle function, while the results were less clear with regard to muscle strength. Additionally, there was no evidence of a positive effect of the Mediterranean diet on sarcopenia. There is a need for conduction of clinical trials in order to reach cause-effects conclusions regarding the importance of the Mediterranean diet in sarcopenia prevention and management in Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations.

Hen egg only diets support healthy aging in adult mice

Hen eggs (eggs) are a conventional food, known to contain the nutrients required for the growth of chicken embryos. These eggs are rich in important proteins and fats, with a very low amount of carbohydrate, and include all of the vitamins and minerals needed for the development of mice. We found that mice fed eggs grew to the same weight as mice fed a normal chow diet (ND) and remained healthy until the 20-months. As expected, the serological indicators of fat content were higher in egg-only mice than in ND mice. However, surprisingly the serum glucose levels in the egg-only mice were nearly identical to those in the ND mice. Given the high fat content in eggs, we expected that our egg-only mice would develop fatty liver or other metabolic diseases. However, we observed no pathological changes in the livers of egg-only mice until 20-months with their serological indicators (ALT and AST) and histological features (no fat droplets) remaining normal. However, when we examined the pups nursed by mothers of the egg-only diet group we noted that almost the animals died 2 to 4 weeks after birth. This is likely because these pups presented with reduced enzymes for metabolism in their liver when compared to pups of the ND group. In addition, we also found that the expression of various development proteins were severely lacking in liver of these pups. From these results, our report suggested that eggs could support healthy aging in adult mice, but not in pups.

Preparing Patients for Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Procedures: Ensuring an Optimal Nutritional Status for Successful Results

Aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices have attracted considerable consumer attention globally. However, possible complications vary and range from mild, self-resolving ecchymoses or edema to more persistent complications. The aim of this review is to identify the nutritional deficits or excesses associated with the major complications of reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery, and mini-invasive aesthetic procedures. An additional goal is to provide a bundle of actions for professionals working in the industry in order to reduce the risks of aesthetic procedures and improve the clinical outcomes. Granulomas, hypertrophic scars and keloids, seromas, infections and xerosis, hyperpigmentation, petechiae, livedo reticularis, slower wound healing, and other poor outcomes are frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional status can markedly affect wound healing and tissue repair following surgical interventions, as well as the outcomes of aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices. Professionals working in this industry, therefore, need to consider the nutritional aspects of their patients to obtain the best results.

Solving the Obesity Crisis in Older Adults with the Mediterranean Diet: Policy Brief

Obesity is a chronic disease classified by excessive accumulation of fat which may impair health. The prevalence of obesity is increasing in most nations worldwide, both developed and developing. At the same time, the aging population is also growing worldwide. In the United States, approximately 38% of adults 60+ years old are obese, with similar trends in Canada and the United Kingdom. Obesity is associated with increased risk of death (mortality) and disease (morbidity) and carries specific risks for older adults, such disability and frailty. It also presents a financial burden. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is an extensively studied healthy diet pattern which can be used to combat obesity in older populations. Specifically for older adults, the MedDiet has benefits over other common diets or weight-loss interventions. This policy brief provides suggestions specifically for the Canadian population, though they are general enough to be applied to other countries.

Association between Dried Fruit Intake and DNA Methylation: A Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Observational studies have reported associations between dried fruit intake and DNA methylation(DNAm). However, inherent flaws in observational study designs make them susceptible to confounding and reverse causality bias. Consequently, it is unclear whether a causal association exists. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the causal associations between dried fruit intake and DNAm.

METHODS

We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using the IEU Open GWAS database aggregated data. Forty-three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with dried fruit intake as instrumental variables (IVs) were selected as exposure. DNAm outcomes include Gran (estimated granulocyte proportions); AgeAccelGrim(GrimAge acceleration); Hannum (Hannum age acceleration); IEAA(Intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration), AgeAccelPheno( PhenoAge acceleration), and DNAmPAIadjAge (DNAm-estimated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels). We used the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test (MRPRESSO) and Radial-MR test to identify any level of multi-effect outliers and assessed the causal effect estimates(after removing outliers). The primary causal effects were estimated using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and undertook sensitivity analyses using MR methods robust to horizontal pleiotropy.The direct effects of dried fruit intake on DNAm were estimated using multivariable mendelian randomization (MVMR).

RESULTS

Leveraging two-sample MR analysis, we observed statistically significant associations between dried fruit intake with a lower AgeAccelGrim(β=-1.365, 95% confidence intervals [CI] -2.266 to -0.464, PIVW=2.985×10-3) and AgeAccelPheno (β= -1.933, 95% CI -3.068 to -0.798, PIVW=8.371×10-4). By contrast, the effects level on Gran (β=0.008, PIVW=0.430), Hannum(β=-0.430, PIVW=0.357), IEAA(β=-0.184, PIVW=0.700), and DNAmPAIadjAge (β=-1.861, PIVW=0.093) were not statistically significant. MVMR results adjusting for the potential effects of confounders showed that the causal relationship between dried fruit intake and AgeAccelGrim(β= -1.315, 95% CI -2.373 to -0.258, PIVW=1.480×10-2) and AgeAccelPheno(β= -1.595, 95% CI -2.987 to -0.202, PIVW=2.483×10-2) persisted. No significant horizontal polymorphism was found in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our MR study suggested that increased dried fruit intake is associated with slower AgeAccelGrim and AgeAccelPheno. It can providing a promising avenue for exploring the beneficial effects of dried fruit intake on lifespan extension.

Mediterranean Diet and Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, diagnosed on the basis of typical motor disturbances, but also characterized by the presence of non-motor symptoms, such as rapid eye movement (REM)-sleep behavior disorders, olfactory impairment, and constipation, which are often prodromal to the onset of the disease. PD is often associated with the presence of oxidative brain injury and chronic neuroinflammation, with infiltration and accumulation of peripheral immune cells that have been found in affected brain regions of PD patients. Recently, the role of the gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of PD is getting more and more attention, and several pieces of evidence indicate alterations in the gut microbiota of PD-affected patients. Diet exerts a central role in defining the microbiota composition and different dietetic patterns can result in a higher or lower abundance of specific bacteria that, in turn, can affect gut permeability and express anti- or pro-inflammatory metabolites. In the present review, the effects of the Mediterranean diet in modulating both PD onset and its progression will be considered with a special focus on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this dietetic regimen as well as on its effects on the microbiota composition.

New Validated Short Questionnaire for the Evaluation of the Adherence of Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Sustainability in All Adult Population Groups

High adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) is favourable for its sustainability and beneficial effects on health. The available questionnaires, according to the MD dietary pattern, include the assessment of moderate alcohol consumption; but some groups, such as young adults and pre-conceptional and pregnant women, are not allowed to consume it. The aim of this study was to validate a new short questionnaire (MedQ-Sus) excluding alcohol consumption, to measure the adherence to the MD and to evaluate the nutritional adherence to a sustainable diet. The Harvard validated questionnaire was used for the validation study. A total of 316 subjects (20 to 70 YOA) completed both questionnaires. A high Spearman correlation coefficient (rho = 0.69; p < 0.01) was found between the MedQ-Sus and Harvard scores; a statistically significant positive correlation was found for all eight food groups. The MedQ-Sus had a significant discriminative capacity between adherence and non-adherence to the MD (optimal cut-off point = 9.5, sensitivity 0.86, specificity = 0.65). A very high nutritional adherence to a sustainable diet was found in the subjects for olive oil (97%), dairy food (90%), fresh vegetables (89%), fish and fish products (73), fresh fruit (56%), and cereals and cereals products (42%). A very low adherence was found for legumes (22%) and meat and meat products (9%). The results showed MedQ-Sus is a valid and quick assessment instrument for the evaluation of the adherence to the MD in all population groups, and could also be useful to evaluate the nutritional sustainability of the diet.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Spain: Social Determinants Related to the Family

The Mediterranean diet (MD), a well-established quality diet model, and regular physical activity are associated with reducing the appearance or progression of several chronic diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality. However, reduction of these goals, adherence to the MD, and regular physical activity occur at all ages, including older individuals in Mediterranean countries such as Spain, where at least adherence to the MD is culturally rooted. Objective: To evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD and physical activity in older individuals. Methods: The sample comprises 679 older adults aged 60 and over who attended activities in municipal centers for older adults in Valencia. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, frequency of physical activity, and anthropometric assessment were used. Results: High adherence (score ≥ 9) to MD was observed only in 23.7% of the study sample. Smoking habits or having meals in fast-food restaurants on a weekly basis were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with lower MD adherence. Age, BMI, marital status, and physical activity were not significantly associated with MD adherence. Physical activity was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in individuals who were divorced or widow/ers and in those taking care of their grandchildren several times a week. Conclusions: Adherence to the MD in a big Spanish city is low among older individuals. Socio-family factors seem to play a role. Public health and governmental strategies should reinforce adherence to the MD among older individuals as a gold standard for nutrition.

Halting the Metabolic Complications of Antipsychotic Medication in Patients with a First Episode of Psychosis: How Far Can We Go with the Mediterranean Diet? A Pilot Study

Patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) often adopt unhealthy dietary patterns, with a risk of weight gain and metabolic and cardiovascular disease. In 21 FEP patients receiving nutritional intervention based on the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), we explored differences in anthropometric and biometric parameters, according to their antipsychotic (AP) medication: AP1, associated with a lower risk, or AP2, associated with a higher risk of weight gain and metabolic complications. The blood biochemical profile was recorded before and after dietary intervention, and dietary habits and body composition were monitored for six months. Following intervention, all of the patients recorded significant increases in the consumption of fruit and vegetables and decreases in red meat and poultry consumption, with closer adherence to the MedDiet and a reduction in the daily intake of calories, carbohydrates, and sodium. Vegetable consumption and energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake were lower in AP1 patients than in AP2 patients. There was no significant weight gain overall. A reduction was demonstrated in total and LDL cholesterol, sodium, urea, and iron (lower in AP1 patients). It was evident that AP medication affected blood levels of lipids, urea, and iron of FEP patients, but MedDiet nutritional intervention led to a significant improvement in their eating habits, with a restriction in weight gain and a decrease in blood sodium and urea.

Profiles of Fatty Acids, Polyphenols, Sterols, and Tocopherols and Scavenging Property of Mediterranean Oils: New Sources of Dietary Nutrients for the Prevention of Age-related Diseases

The present study provides the fatty acid, tocopherol, phytosterol, and polyphenol profiles of some Mediterranean oils extracted from pumpkin, melon, and black cumin seed oils and those of dietary argan seed oil. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that oleic and linoleic acids were the most abundant fatty acids. Argan and melon seed oils exhibited the highest levels of oleic acid (47.32±0.02%) and linoleic acid (58.35±0.26%), respectively. In terms of tocopherols, melon seed oil showed the highest amount (652.1±3.26 mg/kg) with a predominance of γ-tocopherol (633.1±18.81 mg/kg). The phytosterol content varied between 2237.00±37.55 µg/g for argan oil to 6995.55±224.01 µg/g for melon seed oil. High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis also revealed the presence of several polyphenols: vanillin (0.59 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g) for melon seed oil, and p-hydroxycinnamic acid (0.04 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g), coumarine (0.05 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g), and thymoquinone (1.2 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g) for black cumin seed oil. The "Kit Radicaux Libres" (KRL) assay used to evaluate the scavenging properties of the oils showed that black cumin seed oil was the most efficient. On the light of the richness of all Mediterranean oil samples in bioactive compounds, the seed oils studied can be considered as important sources of nutrients endowed with cytoprotective properties which benefits in preventing age-related diseases which are characterized by an enhanced oxidative stress.

Analysis of Scientometric Indicators in Publications Associated with Healthy Aging in the World, Period 2011–2020

Today, the world population is aging at a fast rate. This scenario of the accelerated aging of human populations entails increased concern for healthy aging that is associated with a rise in scientific production related to the topic. In this study, the Scopus database from Elsevier was used, with a final search carried out on 5 January 2022, and various bibliometric indicators were obtained from SciVal. The study was fundamentally intended to characterize, determine trends, and understand the evolution and current state of research on the concept of “healthy aging” in the last decade. We found that there has been proportionally greater and more accelerated growth in the subject with respect to the general productivity of the world and that countries with high life expectancies tend to have made more effort to investigate this topic. The “hottest” research areas were found to be related to the cognitive aspect and the biological mechanisms involved in aging.

Clinical Application of the Food Compass Score: Positive Association to Mediterranean Diet Score, Health Star Rating System and an Early Eating Pattern in University Students

Nutrient profiling systems (NPS) assist consumers in food choices. Several scores based on NPS have been proposed, but data on their clinical application are lacking. The food compass score (FCS) is a newly developed NPS per 100 kcal (from 1 “least healthy” to 100 “most healthy”). We examined the correlations of FCS with other indices, food groups, and meal patterns. A total of 346 students of the University of the Peloponnese (269 women and 77 men) participated. Dietary habits were evaluated with a food frequency questionnaire, and FCS, health star rating score (HSR), and MedDietScore were computed. Meal and snack frequency consumption was reported. Principal component analysis revealed three meal patterns: “early eater” (breakfast, morning snack and afternoon snack), “medium eater” (lunch and dinner), and “late eater” (bedtime snack). Pearson partial correlations between ranked variables were used to test the correlation coefficients between FCS, other scores, and meal patterns, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and underreporting. FCS was positively correlated to HSR (rho = 0.761, p ≤ 0.001) in a multi-adjusted analysis. In the highest tertile of MedDietScore FCS was also positively correlated to MedDietScore (rho = 0.379, p < 0.001). The FCS was positively correlated with juices, high-fat dairy, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and olive oil and negatively correlated with sodas, alcoholic drinks, red meat, refined grains, sweets, fats other than olive oil, fast foods, and coffee. In addition, it related positively to the “early eater” pattern (rho = 0.207, p < 0.001). The FCS was associated with other quality indices and better nutritional habits, such as being an early eater.

A Rapid and Cheap Method for Extracting and Quantifying Lycopene Content in Tomato Sauces: Effects of Lycopene Micellar Delivery on Human Osteoblast-Like Cells

Identifying and quantifying the beneficial molecules contained in nutraceuticals is essential to predict the effects derived from their consumption. This study explores a cheap and rapid method for quantifying lycopene content from a semi-solid matrix. In addition, it compares the in vitro effects of the extracts obtained from different tomato sauces available on the local market with Osteocol®, a patented tomato sauce from southern Italy. We performed a liquid extraction of lycopene using suitable solvents. The lycopene extracted was encapsulated in surfactant micelles and finally tested in vitro on Saos-2 cells. The effects exerted by lycopene on ALP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were investigated by Western blotting. Hexane was found to be the best solvent for lycopene extraction. Spectrophotometrical and HPLC analyses showed similar trends. Osteocol® contained 39 ± 4 mg lycopene per 100 g of sauce, while the best commercial product contained 19 ± 1 mg/100 g. The Osteocol® lycopene extract increased ALP and β-catenin protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner, also showing statistically significant results (p < 0.05 respectively). In conclusion, despite both techniques showing similar final results, UV/VIS spectrophotometer is preferable to HPLC due to its cheap, rapid, and accurate results, as well as for the opportunity to analyze lycopene-loaded micelles. The extraction and release of lycopene to bone cells positively influences the differentiation of osteoblasts and increases the expression of the ALP and β-catenin proteins. As a consequence, as a lycopene-rich sauce, Osteocol® represents a useful supplement in the prevention of osteoporosis compared to its commercial competitors.

Mediterranean-Type Diet and Brain Structural Change from 73 to 79 Years in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

OBJECTIVES

To test whether Mediterranean-type Diet (MeDi) at age 70 years is associated with longitudinal trajectories of total brain MRI volume over a six-year period from age 73 to 79.

DESIGN

Cohort study which uses a correlational design.

SETTING

Participants residing in the Lothian region of Scotland and living independently in the community.

PARTICIPANTS

A relatively healthy Scottish sample drawn from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.

MEASUREMENTS

Total brain volume measurements were available at ages 73, 76 and 79 (N ranged 332 to 563). Adherence to the MeDi was based on food frequency questionnaire data collected three years before the baseline imaging scans, and was used in growth curve models to predict the trajectory of total brain volume change.

RESULTS

No association was found (p>.05) between adherence to the MeDi at age 70 and total brain volume change from 73 to 79 years in minimally-adjusted (sex) or fully adjusted models controlling for additional health confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in adherence to the MeDi was not predictive of total brain atrophy over a six-year period. This suggests that previous findings of dietary associations with brain volume are not long lasting or become less important as ageing-related conditions account for greater variation in brain volume change. More frequent collection of dietary intake data is needed to clarify these findings.