Metals in plasma of nonagenarians and centenarians living in a key area of longevity

A systematic review of diet and medication use among centenarians and near-centenarians worldwide

Centenarians represent a phenomenon of successful aging. This systematic review aimed to understand lifestyles and health practices, focusing on diet and medication use for healthy longevity in community-based adults 95 years or over. Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and gray literature were searched from 1 January 2000 to 10 December 2022. Study quality was assessed using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (mNOS). Pooled prevalence [%; 95% confidence interval] for categorical variables and pooled mean for continuous variables were estimated for demographics, weight status, lifestyle factors, medications, and health conditions. Of 3392 records screened, 34 studies were included in the review, and 71% (24/34) met the 6/8 criteria in mNOS. Centenarians/near-centenarians' ages ranged from 95 to 118 years, with 75% (71-78%) female and 78% (68-88%) living in rural areas. They had an overall healthy lifestyle: current smoking (7%; 5-9%), drinking (23%; 17-30%), normal weight (52%; 42-61%), overweight (14%; 8-20%), physical activity (23%; 20-26%), and sleep satisfaction (68%; 65-72%). Diet averaged 59.6% carbohydrate, 18.5% protein, and 29.3% fat; over 60% consumed a diverse diet, and < 20% preferred salty food, contributing to lower mortality risks and functional decline. About half used antihypertensives (49%; 14-84%) or other cardiovascular drugs (48%; 24-71%), with an average of 4.6 medications. Common health issues included impaired basic activities of daily living (54%; 33-74%), hypertension (43%; 21-65%), and dementia (41%; 23-59%). The findings of this systemic review underscore the pivotal role of dietary practice and weight management in healthcare strategies to promote healthy ageing. It also recognises rural living styles and sleep hygiene as potential factors contributing to healthy longevity.

Comprehensive Insights into the Health Effects of Selenium Exposure and Supplementation Among the Chinese Community Middle-Aged and Elderly: a Combined Retrospective Cohort Study and Intervention Study

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for maintaining human health, for example, plays a crucial role in preventing aging-related diseases. However, most studies on the health effects of Se among the community middle-aged and elderly have been observational or the health indices were single, and the related study among the Chinese population is limited. Additionally, China is recognized as among the countries facing a significant deficiency in Se, and Se contents in the human body may decrease with age. Therefore, a two-step study was conducted to explore the health effects of Se exposure and supplementation among such populations in China. Firstly, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare the health outcomes between such populations residing in Se-rich regions and non-Se-rich regions, involving a total of 102 subjects, with 51 residing in Se-rich regions and 51 in non-Se-rich regions. The hair-Se (H-Se) contents, serum-Se (S-Se) contents, and total cholesterol of subjects from Se-rich regions were significantly higher than their counterparts. Notably, significant positive associations were observed between S-Se and lipids. Secondly, a before-after self-control Se supplementation study among subjects residing in non-Se-rich regions was conducted. A total of 40 subjects administered Se tablets orally for 30 days, with Se of 120 μg/day. The results showed significant increases in H-Se and S-Se. Se supplementation also exhibited positive effects on alanine aminotransferase, homocysteine, and fasting glucose; however, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased. Overall, the community middle-aged and elderly residing in Se-rich regions or receiving quantitative Se supplementation could effectively improve Se contents in bodies and certain health indices, excluding lipids. These improvements encompass liver function, cardiovascular health, and glucose metabolism. These findings enhance our understanding of how Se impacts the health of the middle-aged and elderly, emphasizing the significance of targeted interventions for such populations in non-Se-rich regions. Trial registration: ChiCTR2000040987 ( https://www.chictr.org.cn ).

Selenium status and its determinants in very old adults: insights from the Newcastle 85+ Study

There is a dearth of data on Se status in very old adults. The aims of this study were to assess Se status and its determinants in 85-year-olds living in the Northeast of England by measuring serum Se and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) concentrations and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) activity. A secondary aim was to examine the interrelationships between each of the biomarkers. In total, 757 participants (463 women, 293 men) from the Newcastle 85+ Study were included. Biomarker concentrations were compared with selected cut-offs (serum Se: suboptimal 70 µg/l and deficient 45 µg/l; SELENOP: suboptimal 4·5 mg/l and deficient 2·6 mg/l). Determinants were assessed using linear regressions, and interrelationships were assessed using restricted cubic splines. Median (inter-quartile range) concentrations of serum Se, SELENOP and of GPx3 activity were 53·6 (23·6) µg/l, 2·9 (1·9) mg/l and 142·1 (50·7) U/l, respectively. Eighty-two percentage and 83 % of participants had suboptimal serum Se (< 70 µg/l) and SELENOP (< 4·5 mg/l), and 31 % and 40 % of participants had deficient serum Se (< 45 µg/l) and SELENOP (< 2·6 mg/l), respectively. Protein intake was a significant determinant of Se status. Additional determinants of serum Se were sex, waist:hip ratio, self-rated health and disease, while sex, BMI and physical activity were determinants of GPx3 activity. There was a linear association between serum Se and SELENOP, and nonlinear associations between serum Se and GPx3 activity and between SELENOP and GPx3 activity. These findings indicate that most participants had suboptimal Se status to saturate circulating SELENOP.

Glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzymes: From biochemistry to gerontology and successful aging

The tripeptide glutathione (GSH), namely γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, is an ubiquitous low-molecular weight thiol nucleophile and reductant of utmost importance, representing the central redox agent of most aerobic organisms. GSH has vital functions involving also antioxidant protection, detoxification, redox homeostasis, cell signaling, iron metabolism/homeostasis, DNA synthesis, gene expression, cysteine/protein metabolism, and cell proliferation/differentiation or death including apoptosis and ferroptosis. Various functions of GSH are exerted in concert with GSH-dependent enzymes. Indeed, although GSH has direct scavenging antioxidant effects, its antioxidant function is substantially accomplished by glutathione peroxidase-catalyzed reactions with reductive removal of H2O2, organic peroxides such as lipid hydroperoxides, and peroxynitrite; to this antioxidant activity also contribute peroxiredoxins, enzymes further involved in redox signaling and chaperone activity. Moreover, the detoxifying function of GSH is basically exerted in conjunction with glutathione transferases, which have also antioxidant properties. GSH is synthesized in the cytosol by the ATP-dependent enzymes glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), which catalyzes ligation of cysteine and glutamate forming γ-glutamylcysteine (γ-GC), and glutathione synthase, which adds glycine to γ-GC resulting in GSH formation; GCL is rate-limiting for GSH synthesis, as is the precursor amino acid cysteine, which may be supplemented as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a therapeutically available compound. After its cell export, GSH is degraded extracellularly by the membrane-anchored ectoenzyme γ-glutamyl transferase, a process occurring, as GSH synthesis and export, in the γ-glutamyl cycle. GSH degradation occurs also intracellularly by the cytoplasmic enzymatic ChaC family of γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase. Synthesis and degradation of GSH, together with its export, translocation to cell organelles, utilization for multiple essential functions, and regeneration from glutathione disulfide by glutathione reductase, are relevant to GSH homeostasis and metabolism. Notably, GSH levels decline during aging, an alteration generally related to impaired GSH biosynthesis and leading to cell dysfunction. However, there is evidence of enhanced GSH levels in elderly subjects with excellent physical and mental health status, suggesting that heightened GSH may be a marker and even a causative factor of increased healthspan and lifespan. Such aspects, and much more including GSH-boosting substances administrable to humans, are considered in this state-of-the-art review, which deals with GSH and GSH-dependent enzymes from biochemistry to gerontology, focusing attention also on lifespan/healthspan extension and successful aging; the significance of GSH levels in aging is considered also in relation to therapeutic possibilities and supplementation strategies, based on the use of various compounds including NAC-glycine, aimed at increasing GSH and related defenses to improve health status and counteract aging processes in humans.

Uncovering the Relationship between Selenium Status, Age, Health, and Dietary Habits: Insights from a Large Population Study including Nonagenarian Offspring from the MARK-AGE Project

An inadequate selenium (Se) status can accelerate the aging process, increasing the vulnerability to age-related diseases. The study aimed to investigate plasma Se and Se species in a large population, including 2200 older adults from the general population (RASIG), 514 nonagenarian offspring (GO), and 293 GO Spouses (SGO). Plasma Se levels in women exhibit an inverted U-shaped pattern, increasing with age until the post-menopausal period and then declining. Conversely, men exhibit a linear decline in plasma Se levels with age. Subjects from Finland had the highest plasma Se values, while those from Poland had the lowest ones. Plasma Se was influenced by fish and vitamin consumption, but there were no significant differences between RASIG, GO, and SGO. Plasma Se was positively associated with albumin, HDL, total cholesterol, fibrinogen, and triglycerides and negatively associated with homocysteine. Fractionation analysis showed that Se distribution among plasma selenoproteins is affected by age, glucometabolic and inflammatory factors, and being GO or SGO. These findings show that sex-specific, nutritional, and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in the regulation of Se plasma levels throughout the aging process and that the shared environment of GO and SGO plays a role in their distinctive Se fractionation.

The genetic correlation and causal association between key factors that influence vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease incidence

Background

Serum calcium (Ca), vitamin D (VD), and vitamin K (VK) levels are key determinants of vascular calcification, which itself impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The specific relationships between the levels of these different compounds and particular forms of CVD, however, remain to be fully defined.

Objective

This study was designed to explore the associations between these serum levels and CVDs with the goal of identifying natural interventions capable of controlling vascular calcification and thereby protecting against CVD pathogenesis, extending the healthy lifespan of at-risk individuals.

Methods

Linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression and a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) framework were leveraged to systematically examine the causal interplay between these serum levels and nine forms of CVD, as well as longevity through the use of large publically accessible Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) datasets. The optimal concentrations of serum Ca and VD to lower CVD risk were examined through a restrictive cubic spline (RCS) approach.

Results

After Bonferroni correction, the positive genetic correlations were observed between serum Ca levels and myocardial infarction (MI) (p = 1.356E-04), as well as coronary artery disease (CAD) (p = 3.601E-04). Negative genetic correlations were detected between levels of VD and CAD (p = 0.035), while elevated VK1 concentrations were causally associated with heart failure (HF) [odds ratios (OR) per 1-standard deviation (SD) increase: 1.044], large artery stroke (LAS) (OR per 1-SD increase: 1.172), and all stroke (AS) (OR per 1-SD increase: 1.041). Higher serum Ca concentrations (OR per 1-SD increase: 0.865) and VD levels (OR per 1-SD increase: 0.777) were causally associated with reduced odds of longevity. These findings remained consistent in sensitivity analyses, and serum Ca and VD concentrations of 2.376 mmol/L and 46.8 nmol/L, respectively, were associated with a lower CVD risk (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings support a genetic correlation between serum Ca and VD and CVD risk, and a causal relationship between VK1 levels and CVD risk. The optimal serum Ca (2.376 mmol/L) and VD levels (46.8 nmol/L) can reduce cardiovascular risk.

Selenium: An Antioxidant with a Critical Role in Anti-Aging

Aging is characterized by an imbalance between damage inflicted by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidative defenses of the organism. As a significant nutritional factor, the trace element selenium (Se) may remodel gradual and spontaneous physiological changes caused by oxidative stress, potentially leading to disease prevention and healthy aging. Se is involved in improving antioxidant defense, immune functions, and metabolic homeostasis. An inadequate Se status may reduce human life expectancy by accelerating the aging process or increasing vulnerability to various disorders, including immunity dysfunction, and cancer risk. This review highlights the available studies on the effective role of Se in aging mechanisms and shows the potential clinical implications related to its consumption. The main sources of organic Se and the advantages of its nanoformulations were also discussed.

Effect of dietary supplements on Se bioavailability: A comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans, and it is present in many different forms with different levels of bioaccessibility in food. Based on the maldistribution of Se and overall low level of Se dietary intake in China, an integrated study was conducted in this thesis to provide references for the regulation of Se nutrition. An in vitro simulation test was used to monitor the concentration effects, the impacts of dietary supplement combinations on the bioaccessibility of Se were examined in rice, and a model animal experiment (in vivo) was used to evaluate the practicability of the Se nutrition regulation scheme. The main results were as follows: the bioaccessibility of Se was effectively increased by 30 mg·d^-1 VE (VE), 300 mg·d^-1 VC + 300 μg·d^-1 VB9 (VC+VB9) and 30 mg·d^-1 VE + 300 mg·d^-1 VC + 300 μg·d^-1 VB9 (3IN1) (P < 0.05). The results of the healthy broiler tests showed that the 3 treatments increased the weight and Se content of the broilers, and 3IN1 had the most significant effect (P < 0.05). VC+VB9 was the best at promoting GPx activity, while 3IN1 was the best at promoting SOD activity and the inhibition of MDA content in broilers. The results suggested that VE, VC+VB9 and 3IN1 can benefit the bioavailability of Se and the antioxidant capacity of the body. The results can be used as a scientific reference for Se nutrition regulation.

Human biomonitoring of toxic and essential metals in younger elderly, octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians: Analysis of the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) in China

BACKGROUND

Metals can be either toxic or essential to health, as they play different role in oxidative stress and metabolic homeostasis during the ageing process. Population-based biomonitoring have documented levels and ranges in concentrations among general population of 0-79 years of age. In people aged 80 and above, toxic metals and essential metals may have different risk profiles, and thus need to be better studied.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim is to investigate concentrations of toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury) and essential metals (chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, manganese, nickel and selenium) and their role in diseases, nutritional status among younger elderly, octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians.

METHODS

A total of 932 younger elderly, 643 octogenarians, 540 nonagenarians, 386 centenarians were included from the cross-sectional Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study in 2017-2018. Blood or urine biological substrates were collected from each participant to determine the concentrations of toxic metals and essential metals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Random forest was constructed to rank the importance of toxic metals and essential metals in longevity. LASSO penalized regressions were performed to select the most significant metals associated with diseases and nutritional status, of which simultaneously included all metals and adjusted for the confounding factors.

RESULTS

Compared to women, we found higher biomarker concentrations in men for toxic metals (41.2 µg/L vs 34.4 µg/L for blood lead, 1.56 µg/L vs 1.19 µg/L for blood mercury) and lower concentration of essential metals (0.48 µg/L vs 0.58 µg/L for blood molybdenum, 10.0 µg/L vs 11.1 µg/L for blood manganese). These factors may contribute to gender difference observed in longevity, that women live longer than men. Blood lead and urine cadmium tended to increase with age (P <0.001); blood cobalt, molybdenum, manganese increased with age, blood selenium decreased with age while the prevalence of selenium deficiency was extremely low in centenarians. Among toxic metals and essential metals, LASSO penalized regression identified the most significant metals associated with chronic kidney disease was cadmium and arsenic; and it was manganese, cobalt, and selenium for diabetes; it was selenium, molybdenum, lead for anemia; it was mercury for underweight. In random forest model, the top four important metals in longevity were selenium, arsenic, lead and manganese both in men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Generally, toxic metals levels were significantly higher while essential metals were relatively sufficient in Chinese centenarians. Toxic metals and essential metals played different role in diseases, nutritional status and longevity in the process of aging. Our research provided real world evidence of biomonitoring reference values to be used for the ongoing population health surveillance in longevity.

Nutrition Can Help DNA Repair in the Case of Aging

Micronutrients such as vitamins and trace elements are crucial for maintaining the health of all organisms. Micronutrients are involved in every cellular/biochemical process. They play roles in proper heart and brain functioning, influence immunological responses, and antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, prolonged deficiency in one or more micronutrients leads to cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders. Keeping micronutrients at adequate levels is especially important for seniors. They are prone to deficiencies due to age-associated functional decline and often to a diet poor in nutrients. Moreover, lack of micronutrients has an indirect impact on the genome. Their low levels reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and therefore inhibit the efficiency of defense against free radicals which can lead to the formation of DNA lesions. The more DNA damage in the genetic material, the faster aging at the cellular level and a higher risk of pathological processes (e.g., carcinogenesis). Supplementation of crucial antioxidative micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E seems to have the potential to positively influence the condition of an aging organism, including minimizing inflammation, enhancing antioxidative defense, and limiting the formation of DNA lesions. In consequence, it may lead to lowering the risk and incidence of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and malnutrition. In this article, we attempt to present the synergistic action of selected antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc) for inhibiting oxidative stress and DNA damage, which may impede the process of healthy aging.

Associations between Trace Elements and Cognitive Decline: An Exploratory 5-Year Follow-Up Study of an Elderly Cohort

Trace elements (TE) homeostasis is crucial in normal brain functioning. Although imbalances have the potential to exacerbate events leading neurodegenerative diseases, few studies have directly addressed the eventual relationships between TE levels in the human body and future cognitive status. The present study aimed to assess how different TE body-levels relate to cognitive decline. This exploratory research included a study-group (RES) of 20 elderly individuals living in two Portuguese geographical areas of interest (Estarreja; Mértola), as well as a 20 subjects neuropsychological control-group (CTR). Participants were neuropsychologically assessed through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the RES group was biomonitored for TE through fingernail analysis. After 5 years, the cognitive assessments were repeated. Analyses of the RES neuropsychological data showed an average decrease of 6.5 and 5.27 points in MMSE and MoCA, respectively, but TE contents in fingernails were generally within the referenced values for non-exposed individuals. Higher levels of Nickel and Selenium significantly predicted lesser cognitive decline within 5 years. Such preliminary results evidence an association between higher contents of these TE and higher cognitive scores at follow-up, suggesting their contribution to the maintenance of cognitive abilities. Future expansion of the present study is needed in order to comprehensively assess the potential benefits of these TE.

[Selenium and zinc: "antioxidants" for healthy aging?]

Selenium and zinc are essential trace elements and an inadequate dietary intake has been implicated in the decline of immune and cognitive functions in aged persons and in the pathogenesis of age-related disorders. Both micronutrients are often marketed as "antioxidants" in mineral supplements; however, neither selenium nor zinc are antioxidants per se but they may exert beneficial effects as components of enzymes and other proteins that catalyze redox reactions and/or are involved in the maintenance of redox homeostasis. According to epidemiological data older individuals have an increased risk of developing deficiencies in the selenium and zinc status; however, such statistical correlations in epidemiological studies do not imply a causal association. Intervention trials are scarce and have yielded inconsistent and sometimes even adverse results. It should also be noted that the observed deficiencies in micronutrients may not necessarily be attributable to inadequate dietary intake as the absorption and distribution within the body might also be influenced by factors such as medications or interaction with other food ingredients. Thus, any dietary supplementation should be implemented with caution and persons who wish to take mineral supplements should first seek medical advice. This article discusses the role of selenium and zinc in biological antioxidant systems, summarizes findings on the supply and supplementation of aged persons with these trace elements and on the influence they may exert on aging-related health issues, such as cognitive decline and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Selenium Status in Elderly People: Longevity and Age-Related Diseases

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) is a trace element active in selenoproteins, which can regulate oxidative stress. It is generally perceived as an import factor for maintaining health in the elderly.

METHODS

The goal of this review is to discuss selenium concentration in biological samples, primarily serum or plasma, as a function of age and its relation with longevity. The elemental level in various age-related diseases is reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Highest selenium values were observed in healthy adults, while in an elderly population significantly lower concentrations were reported. Variables responsible for contradictory findings are mentioned. Risk and benefits of Se-supplementation still remain under debate.

Oxidative stress and exceptional human longevity: Systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress (OS) has been previously linked to the aging process, as have some diseases and geriatric syndromes as frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review on oxidative stress activity and extreme longevity in humans.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies assessing OS-biomarkers and/or antioxidants in long-lived individuals (97 years old or over) comparing them to those of one or more age groups, (at least one of which from comprising elderly subjects) were considered for inclusion. A narrative synthesis was planned. Quality of selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS).

RESULTS

After screening and eligibility phases, 12 articles were finally selected, with 646 long-lived participants and 1052 controls, 447 adults (20-60 years old) and 605 elderly individuals (over 60 years old). The average score on NOS scale of studies was 4,8 out of 9. Centenarians showed significantly less (p<0,05) oxidative damage to lipids in different samples, lower levels of oxidized proteins in plasma and lower superoxide anion levels in neutrophils than elderly groups. Centenarian presented significantly lower superoxide dismutase and higher glutathione reductase activities, higher levels of vitamins A and E, lower of coenzyme Q10, and lower susceptibility to lipid peroxidation than elderly controls.

CONCLUSION

Based on studies of medium-low quality, available evidence suggests that long-lived individuals display less oxidative damage, particularly lower plasma lipid peroxidation biomarkers, than controls. More studies with better experimental designs are needed.

Selenium, aging and aging-related diseases

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body and plays an important role in the body via selenoprotein, which contains selenium. Selenoproteins (glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, methionine sulfoxide reductase1 and endoplasmic reticulum-selenoproteins, etc.) have antioxidant effects and are involved in regulating antioxidant activities. Aging is an inevitable process and is always accompanied by aging-related diseases. Reactive oxygen species are important initial factors in aging and aging-related diseases. Selenium contributes to the alleviation of reduced reactive oxygen species-mediated inflammation, reduced DNA damage and prolonged telomere length and thereby plays roles in fighting aging and preventing aging-related diseases. In the elderly, aging-related diseases include neuropsychiatric diseases, tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and skin aging, among others. Selenium supplementation is an important strategy for anti-aging and the prevention of aging-related diseases and is of great significance for the elderly. However, with the accumulation of related research, selenium supplementation does not necessarily contribute to the prevention of aging and aging-related diseases. It is believed that a low level of selenium is beneficial to the human body. Thus, the effect of selenium on human aging and aging-related diseases is still controversial. This paper reviews the research progress and objective role of selenium in aging and aging-related diseases.

Urinary ionomic analysis reveals new relationship between minerals and longevity in a Han Chinese population

Human longevity involves genetic, nutritional, environmental and many other factors playing a key role in healthy aging. Previous studies have shown that mineral metabolism and homeostasis are associated with lifespan extension. However, the majority of them have focused on a limited number of elements and ignored the complex relationship between them. In this study, we carried out a network-based approach to investigate the urinary ionome of nonagenarians and centenarians (longevity group) when compared with their biologically unrelated and younger family members (control group) from a Han Chinese population. Several differentially changed elements were identified, almost all of which showed an elevated level in the longevity group. Correlation analysis of the ionome revealed significant element-element interactions in each group. We then divided each group into distinct subgroups according to age ranges, and built the elemental correlation network for each of them. Significant elemental correlations and correlation changes involving all examined elements were identified within or between different subgroups, implying a highly dynamic and complex crosstalk among the elements during human life. Finally, more similar elemental patterns were observed between extremely old and middle-aged people. Overall, our data reveal new relationship between urinary minerals and human longevity, which may extend our understanding of the mechanism of healthy aging.

Characteristics of centenarians' lifestyles and their contribution to life satisfaction: A case study conducted on Hainan Island

BACKGROUND

Centenarians represent an intriguing model for healthy aging. They appear to have adapted well to their lives and are likely to be influenced by previous lifestyle habits, and their life satisfaction is influenced by mental and psychological health.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore centenarians' lifestyles by sex and their potential contribution to life satisfaction.

METHOD

In order to examine the common characteristics of centenarians in Hainan and the potential differences between men and women, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 223 cognitively-intact Chinese centenarians. We also explored the association between life satisfaction and other physical factors using binary logistic regression and principal component analysis.

RESULTS

The results provided supplementary evidence indicating that women tended to live longer than men. However, the difference in life satisfaction observed between the sexes was not obvious (p = 0.659). The proportion of physical factors between each sex showed a similar trend in distribution. Most centenarians' lifestyles were similar, in that they followed a light diet and did not smoke or drink alcohol. Centenarians in better physical condition and with higher self-assessment, as well as those with "alcohol and tobacco habits," were more satisfied with their life. Of the factors examined in the binary logistic regression, sleep satisfaction was the only factor significantly positively correlated with life satisfaction (p < .01).

CONCLUSION

The research findings elucidated physiological and psychological health in centenarians and provided a model of healthy aging strategies for reference purposes.

Human predisposition to cognitive impairment and its relation with environmental exposure to potentially toxic elements

New lines of evidence suggest that less than 10% of neurodegenerative diseases have a strict genetic aetiology and other factors may be prevalent. Environmental exposures to potentially toxic elements appear to be a risk factor for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and sclerosis diseases. This study proposes a multidisciplinary approach combining neurosciences, psychology and environmental sciences while integrating socio-economic, neuropsychological, environmental and health data. We present the preliminary results of a neuropsychological assessment carried out in elderly residents of the industrial city of Estarreja. A battery of cognitive tests and a personal questionnaire were administered to the participants. Multivariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to identify potential relationships between the cognitive status of the participants and environmental exposure to potentially toxic elements. The results suggest a relationship between urinary PTEs levels and the incidence of cognitive disorders. They also point towards water consumption habits and profession as relevant factors of exposure. Linear regression models show that aluminium (R ² = 38%), cadmium (R ² = 11%) and zinc (R ² = 6%) are good predictors of the scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination cognitive test. Median contents (µg/l) in groundwater are above admissible levels for drinking water for aluminium (371), iron (860), manganese (250), and zinc (305). While the World Health Organization does not provide health-based reference values for aluminium, results obtained from this study suggest that it may have an important role in the cognitive status of the elderly. Urine proved to be a suitable biomarker of exposure both to elements with low and high excretion rates.

Trace element contents in toenails are related to regular physical activity in older adults

The aim was to assess the trace element contents in toenails of older adults and its association with regular physical activity. Cross-sectional multicentre study in Spain, collecting data from a random sample of 380 participants (54% female) aged 55–80 years (men) and 60–80 years (women) with no previously documented cardiovascular disease. Physical activity performed was measured using the Minnesota Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The 25 most inactive and 25 most active individuals for each sex were selected for this study (final sample n = 100). Anthropometric measurements were performed and toenail samples collected for calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) analysis. Significant differences between sexes were reported in Ca concentrations, women having lower concentrations than men. No differences were reported in trace element contents between active and inactive men. Active women showed higher Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, and Zn and lower Hg contents than their inactive peers (all p<0.05). Inactive women showed lower Ca and Co levels (735.0 mg/kg and 4.5 μg/kg, respectively) than inactive men (1170.0 mg/kg and 7.9 μg/kg, respectively). Active women had lower Ca and higher levels of Cr (936.0 mg/kg and 1230.0 μg/kg, respectively) than active men (1070.0 mg/kg and 522.0 μg/kg, respectively). The present data added new information on the element contents in toenails of healthy Spanish older adults. The concentration of trace elements was similar in both sexes except for Ca which were lower in women. The trace element contents in women’s toenails, but not in men, were markedly influenced by physical activity, with higher levels of Ca and Fe and lower Hg among active females.

Trace elements levels in centenarian 'dodgers'

Trace element bioavailability can play a role in several metabolic and physiological pathways known to be altered during the aging process. We aimed to explore the association of trace elements with increased lifespan by analyzing the circulating levels of seven trace elements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn) in a cohort of healthy centenarians or 'dodgers' (≥100 years, free of major age-related diseases) in comparison with sex-matched younger elderly controls. Centenarians showed significant lower Cu (783.7 (76.7, 1608.9) vs 962.5 (676.3, 2064.4)μg/mL, P<0.001), but higher Fe (1.3 (0.4, 4.7) vs 1.1 (0.5, 8.4)μg/mL, P=0.003) and Se (85.7 (43.0, 256.7) vs 77.8 (24.3, 143.8)ng/mL, P=0.002) values compared with elderly controls. The logistic regression analysis identified the combination of Cu and Se as significant predictor variables associated with successful aging (P=0.001), while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed that Cu and Se (either alone or in combination) were independent variables associated with healthy aging. An 'improved' trace element profile (reduced Cu and elevated Se, which are involved in key physiological processes) could play a role in the resistance to disease showed by centenarian 'dodgers', and, therefore, at least partly, be involved in the healthy aging phenotype shown by these subjects. These results should be confirmed in larger cohorts of other geographic/ethnic origin and the potential cause-effect association tested in mechanistic experimental settings.

Effect of Nordic Walking training on iron metabolism in elderly women

BACKGROUND

Despite several, well-documented pro-healthy effects of regular physical training, its influence on body iron stores in elderly people remains unknown. At the same time, body iron accumulation is associated with high risk of different morbidities.

PURPOSE

We hypothesized that Nordic Walking training would result in pro-healthy changes in an elderly group of subjects by reducing body iron stores via shifts in iron metabolism-regulating proteins.

METHODS

Thirty-seven women aged 67.7±5.3 years participated in this study. They underwent 32 weeks of training, 1-hour sessions three times a week, between October 2012 and May 2013. Fitness level, blood morphology, CRP, vitamin D, ferritin, hepcidin, and soluble Hjv were assessed before and after the training.

RESULTS

The training program caused a significant decrease in ferritin, which serves as a good marker of body iron stores. Simultaneously, the physical cardiorespiratory fitness had improved. Furthermore, blood hepcidin was positively correlated with the ferritin concentration after the training. The concentration of blood CRP dropped, but the change was nonsignificant. The applied training resulted in a blood Hjv increase, which was inversely correlated with the vitamin D concentration.

CONCLUSION

Overall the Nordic Walking training applied in elderly people significantly reduced blood ferritin concentration, which explains the observed decrease in body iron stores.

Association of trace elements with lipid profiles and glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in northern Sardinia, Italy: An observational study

Sardinia is an Italian region with a high incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to determine the associations of trace elements with lipid profiles and glycaemic control in patients with T1DM. A total of 192 patients with T1DM who attended the Unit of Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases in Sassari, Italy, were enrolled. Trace elements zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, and iron were measured in whole blood by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The correlations between metabolic variables and the levels of trace elements were determined. Zinc was positively correlated with total cholesterol (P=0.023), low-density lipoprotein (P=0.0015), and triglycerides (P=0.027). Iron as significantly correlated with TC (P=0.0189), LDL (P=0.0121), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P=0.0466). In males, Cr was positively correlated with HDL (P=0.0079) and Se, in females was correlated with TG (P=0.0113). The mean fasting plasma glucose was166.2mgdL(-1). Chromium was correlated with fasting plasma glucose (P=0.0149), particularly in males (P=0.0038). Overall, 63.5% of the patients had moderate HbA1c (7-9%). Copper was significantly correlated with HbA1c% in males (P=0.0155). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that trace elements show different associations with lipid levels and glycaemic control in T1DM. Zinc, Fe, and Se were associated with lipid levels whereas Cu and Cr were associated with HbA1c%.