Nutrition interventions in aging and age-associated disease

Phosphorothioate-DNA bacterial diet reduces the ROS levels in C. elegans while improving locomotion and longevity

DNA phosphorothioation (PT) is widely distributed in the human gut microbiome. In this work, PT-diet effect on nematodes was studied with PT-bioengineering bacteria. We found that the ROS level decreased by about 20–50% and the age-related lipofuscin accumulation was reduced by 15–25%. Moreover, the PT-feeding worms were more active at all life periods, and more resistant to acute stressors. Intriguingly, their lifespans were prolonged by ~21.7%. Comparative RNA-seq analysis indicated that many gene expressions were dramatically regulated by PT-diet, such as cysteine-rich protein (scl-11/12/13), sulfur-related enzyme (cpr-2), longevity gene (jnk-1) and stress response (sod-3/5, gps-5/6, gst-18/20, hsp-12.6). Both the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis suggested that neuroactivity pathways were upregulated, while phosphoryl transfer and DNA-repair pathways were down-regulated in good-appetite young worms. The findings pave the way for pro-longevity of multicellular organisms by PT-bacterial interference.

Qiang Huang et al. fed C. elegans with E. coli containing phosphorothioate (PT) DNA or a control strain and evaluated the impact on animal physiology. They observed that worms fed PT( + ) diets exhibited low reactive oxygen species, more active movement, and a longer lifespan compared to controls, suggesting that PT-DNA may have a positive effect on animal health.

Animal by-products collagen and derived peptide, as important components of innovative sustainable food systems-a comprehensive review

In 2020, the world's food crisis and health industry ushered into a real outbreak. On one side, there were natural disasters such as the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), desert locusts, floods, and droughts exacerbating the world food crisis, while on the other side, the social development and changes in lifestyles prompted the health industry to gradually shift from a traditional medical model to a new pattern of prevention, treatment, and nourishment. Therefore, this article reviews animal by-products collagen and derived peptide, as important components of innovative sustainable food systems. The review also considered the preparation, identification, and characterization of animal by-product collagen and collagen peptides as well as their impacts on the food system (including food processing, packaging, preservation, and functional foods). Finally, the application and research progress of animal by-product collagen and peptide in the food system along with the future development trend were discussed. This knowledge would be of great significance for a comprehensive understanding of animal by-product collagen and collagen peptides and would encourage the use of collagen in food processing, preservation, and functional foods.

Natural Products in the Prevention of Metabolic Diseases: Lessons Learned from the 20th KAST Frontier Scientists Workshop

The incidence of metabolic and chronic diseases including cancer, obesity, inflammation-related diseases sharply increased in the 21st century. Major underlying causes for these diseases are inflammation and oxidative stress. Accordingly, natural products and their bioactive components are obvious therapeutic agents for these diseases, given their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research in this area has been significantly expanded to include chemical identification of these compounds using advanced analytical techniques, determining their mechanism of action, food fortification and supplement development, and enhancing their bioavailability and bioactivity using nanotechnology. These timely topics were discussed at the 20th Frontier Scientists Workshop sponsored by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on 23 November 2019. Scientists from South Korea and the U.S. shared their recent research under the overarching theme of Bioactive Compounds, Nanoparticles, and Disease Prevention. This review summarizes presentations at the workshop to provide current knowledge of the role of natural products in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Effectiveness of eHealth Nutritional Interventions for Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The risk of development of chronic diseases related to poor nutrition increases with age. In the face of an aging population, it is important for health care sectors to find solutions in delivering health services efficiently and effectively to middle-aged and older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the literature that reported the effectiveness of eHealth apps in delivering nutritional interventions for middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

A literature search from five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Global Health) from the past 5 years was performed. Studies were selected for inclusion that used eHealth to deliver nutritional interventions to adults aged 40 years and above, and reported health and behavioral outcomes. Two independent reviewers searched for research articles and assessed the eligibility of studies to be included in the review. A third reviewer resolved disagreements on study inclusion. We also assessed the quality of the included studies using the CONSORT 2010 checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 70 studies were included for analysis. The study quality ranged from 44% to 85%. The most commonly used eHealth intervention type was mobile apps (22/70, 31%). The majority of studies (62/70, 89%) provided multicomponent health interventions, which aimed to improve nutrition and other health behaviors (eg, exercise, smoking cessation, medication adherence). Meta-analysis results indicated high and significant heterogeneity; hence, conclusions based on these results should be considered with caution. Nonetheless, the results generally showed that eHealth interventions improved anthropometric and clinical outcomes, but not behavioral outcomes such as fruit and vegetable consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of eHealth apps to deliver health interventions has been increasing in recent years, and these apps have the potential to deliver health services to a larger group of people. Our findings showed that the effectiveness of eHealth apps to deliver health interventions for middle-aged to older adults was supported by the improvement of anthropometric and clinical outcomes. Future work could aim to develop research frameworks in administering eHealth interventions to address heterogeneity in this field of research.

Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum Increases Lifespan, Stress Resistance, and Metabolism by Affecting Free Radical Processes in Drosophila

Anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, is a widely used medicinal herb with known antioxidant properties. We studied how dietary supplementation with dried A. foeniculum leaf powder affected physiological and metabolic traits as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes and markers of oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Dietary hyssop extended the lifespan in a sex and genotype independent manner over a broad range of concentrations up to 30 mg/ml. Dietary supplementation with the herb significantly increased fecundity, resistance to oxidative stress and starvation. Higher transcript levels of Drosophila insulin-like peptide (dilp2) and decreased dilp3 and dilp6 transcripts together with increased levels of glycogen and triacylglycerols support an alteration of insulin signaling by the plant extract. Increased enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and aconitase as well as elevated protein and low molecular mass thiols also supported an alteration of free radical process in flies treated with dietary A. foeniculum leaf powder. Thus, physiological and metabolic traits as well as free radical processed may be affected by active compounds detected in extracts of anise hyssop leaves and contribute to the increased lifespan and reproductive (egg-laying) activity observed.

Changes in micronutrient intake and factors associated with this change among older Australian men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project

OBJECTIVES

To examine changes in micronutrient intake over 3 years and identify any associations between socio-economic, health, lifestyle and meal-related factors and these changes in micronutrient intakes among older men.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Dietary adequacy of individual micronutrient was compared to the estimated average requirement of the nutrient reference values (NRV). Attainment of the NRV for twelve micronutrients was incorporated into a dichotomised variable 'not meeting' (meeting ≤ 6) or 'meeting' (meeting ≥ 7) and categorised into four categories to assess change in micronutrient intake over 3 years. The multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to model predictors of changes in micronutrient intake.

PARTICIPANTS

Seven hundred and ninety-four men participated in a detailed diet history interview at the third wave (baseline nutrition) and 718 men participated at the fourth wave (3-year follow-up).

RESULTS

The mean age was 81 years (range 75-99 years). Median intakes of the majority of micronutrients decreased significantly over a 3-year follow-up. Inadequacy of the NRV for thiamine, dietary folate, Zn, Mg, Ca and I were significantly increased at a 3-year follow-up than baseline nutrition. The incidence of inadequate micronutrient intake was 21 % and remained inadequate micronutrient intake was 16·4 % at 3-year follow-up. Changes in micronutrient intakes were significantly associated with participants born in the UK and Italy, low levels of physical activity, having ≥2 medical conditions and used meal services.

CONCLUSIONS

Micronutrient intake decreases with age in older men. Our results suggest that strategies to improve some of the suboptimal micronutrient intakes might need to be developed and implemented for older men.

Examining the effectiveness of a holistic nutrition programme among community-dwelling elderly in Singapore

Background:

Singapore faces challenges in providing efficient health-care services for the ageing population.

Objectives:

We evaluated the effectiveness of a novel holistic nutrition programme among the elderly who were staying in several senior activity centres in Singapore.

Methods:

A total of 83 elderly participants (>55 years old) took part in a mixed-methods experimental study. Participants were assigned to the control group (CG), the intervention group without health talks (IGH–) or the intervention group with health talks (IGH+). Demographics, perceived satisfaction score of the administered programme and pre–post measurement on nutritional knowledge and perceived competence were measured. Subsequently, in-depth interviews were also carried out with some participants.

Results:

One-way analysis of variance revealed significantly higher scores for the IGH– and IGH+ groups compared to the CG in terms of perceived satisfaction of the programme ( p=0.009 and p=0.005, respectively). There was also a significant difference in terms of the change in nutritional knowledge before and after the programme between the IGH– and IGH+ groups ( p=0.002) but not for perceived competence ( p=0.26). Several determinants of dietary behaviours in the elderly such as living arrangements, attitudes and finances were identified from thematic analyses of the interviews.

Conclusions:

The findings from the study demonstrate the effectiveness of an holistic programme in effecting changes in nutritional knowledge but not perceived competence.

Pig Skin Gelatin Hydrolysates Attenuate Acetylcholine Esterase Activity and Scopolamine-induced Impairment of Memory and Learning Ability of Mice

The protective effect of pig skin gelatin water extracts (PSW) and the low molecular weight hydrolysates of PSW generated via enzymatic hydrolysis with Flavourzyme® 1000L (LPSW) against scopolamine-induced impairment of cognitive function in mice was determined. Seventy male ICR mice weighing 20–25 g were randomly assigned to seven groups: Control (CON); scopolamine (SCO, 1 mg/kg B.W., intraperitoneally (i.p.); tetrahydroaminoacridine 10 [THA 10, tacrine; 10 mg/kg B.W. per oral (p.o.) with SCO (i.p.)]; PSW 10 (10 mg/kg B.W. (p.o.) with SCO (i.p.); PSW 40 (40 mg/kg B.W. (p.o.) with SCO (i.p.); LPSW 100 (100 mg/kg B.W. (p.o.) with SCO (i.p.); LPSW 400 (400 mg/kg B.W. (p.o.) with SCO (i.p.). All treatment groups, except CON, received scopolamine on the day of the experiment. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity of LPSW 400 at 1 mg/mL was 154.14 μM Trolox equivalent. Administration of PSW and LPSW for 15 weeks did not significantly affect on physical performance of mice. LPSW 400 significantly increased spontaneous alternation, reaching the level observed for THA and CON. The latency time of animals receiving LPSW 400 was higher than that of mice treated with SCO alone in the passive avoidance test, whereas it was shorter in the water maze test. LPSW 400 increased acetylcholine (ACh) content and decreased ACh esterase activity (p<0.05). LPSW 100 and LPSW 400 reduced monoamine oxidase-B activity. These results indicated that LPSW at 400 mg/kg B.W. is a potentially strong antioxidant and contains novel components for the functional food industry.

Saponin-rich extracts from Holothuria leucospilota mediate lifespan extension and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans via daf-16

Saponins are secondary metabolite compounds that can be found in sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea spp.). However, little is known about how saponin-rich extracts from Holothuria leucospilota can delay and prolong the lifespan of the whole organism. In this study, anti-aging effects of H. leucospilota extracts were studied on Caenorhabditis elegans. NMR analysis revealed that body wall n-butanol-extract of H. leucospilota (BW-BU) is saponin-rich. BW-BU extracts exhibited antioxidant activities by 2,2'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay (EC₅₀  = 10.23 ± 0.12 mg/ml) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid assay (EC₅₀  = 3.91 ± 0.04 mg/ml). BW-BU extracts increased lifespan of L4 and L1 C. elegans (5.92% and 15.76%, respectively), which also increased worm growth, stress resistance, and reduced biomarkers for aging. BW-BU extracts activated DAF-16 nuclear localization and upregulated daf-16 and DAF-16 target genes expression. Taken together, this study revealed the evidences on anti-aging activities of saponin-rich extracts from H. leucospilota, which can extend lifespan of C. elegans via daf-16. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years, age-associated chronic diseases have had a significant impact on quality of life. Many natural compounds exhibit anti-aging activities, especially in sea cucumber, H. leucospilota. Our results indicated that H. leucospilota is good for health. Extracts from H. leucospilota contain a bioactive compound that can be potentially used to promote longevity and disease prevention in aging.

Role of Zinc and Selenium in Oxidative Stress and Immunosenescence: Implications for Healthy Aging and Longevity

Aging is a complex process that includes gradual and spontaneous biochemical and physiological changes which contributes to a decline in performance and increased susceptibility to diseases. Zn and Se are essential trace elements that play a pivotal role in immune functions and antioxidant defense and, consequently, are claimed to play also a role in successful aging trajectories. Consistently with their nature of essential trace elements, a plethora of data obtained “in vitro” and “in vivo” (in humans and animal models) support the relevance of Zn and Se for both the innate and adoptive immune response. Moreover, Zn and Se are strictly involved in the synthesis and regulation of activity of proteins and enzymes, e.g., metallothioneins (MT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), that are necessary for our endogenous antioxidant response. This is clearly important to protect our cells from oxidative damage and to slow the decline of our immune system with aging. Age-related changes affecting tissue levels of Zn and Se may indicate that the risk of Zn and Se deficiency increases with aging. However, it is still unclear which of these changes can be the consequence of a “real deficiency” and which can be part of our physiological compensatory response to the accumulating damage occurring in aging. Furthermore, the upregulation of antioxidant proteins (Zn and Se dependent) may be a manifestation of self-induced oxidative stress. By the way, Zn and Se dependent proteins are modulated not only by nutritional status, but also by well-known hallmarks of aging that play antagonistic functions, such as the deregulated nutrient sensing pathways and cellular senescence. Thus, it is not an easy task to conduct Zn or Se supplementation in elderly and it is emerging consistent that these kind of supplementation requires an individualized approach. Anyway, there is consistent support that supplementation with Zn using doses around 10 mg/day is generally safe in elderly and may even improve part of immune performances in those subjects with a baseline deficiency. Regarding Se supplementation, it may induce both beneficial and detrimental effects on cellular immunity depending on the form of Se, supplemental dose, and delivery matrix. The nutritional association of supplements based on “Zn plus Se” is hypothesized to provide additional benefits, but this will likely need a more complex individualized approach. The improvement of our knowledge around screening and detection of Zn and Se deficiency in aging could lead to substantial benefits in terms of efficacy of nutritional supplements aimed at ameliorate performance and health in aging.

Genotype-by-environment effect on bioactive compounds in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

BACKGROUND

The assessment of the relative contribution of genotype, environment and the genotype-by-environmental (G × E) interaction to the performance of varieties is necessary when determining adaptation capacity.

RESULTS

The influence of temperature, ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation and sunshine duration on the quality and the composition of fruits was investigated in nine strawberry cultivars grown at three different altitudes. The UV-radiation intensity affected both pH and sugar content, which were higher for most of the varieties at low altitudes, whereas total titratable acidity was less. Fruits from plants grown at low elevation generally had a higher benzoic acid derivative content. A significant correlation was found between phenylpropanoid content and UV-radiation and sunshine duration. The flavone class appeared to be affected most by the variety effect, in contrast to flavonols and ellagitannins, which were highly affected by the environment. The accumulation of a number of secondary metabolites in strawberry fruits grown in an unusual environmental condition highlighted the acclimation effects in terms of the response of plants to abiotic stress. Finally, the genetic factor only appears to be more influential for the varieties 'Sveva' and 'Marmolada' with respect to all of the parameters considered.

CONCLUSION

A 'plant environmental metabolomics' approach has been used successfully to assess the phenotypic plasticity of varieties that showed different magnitudes with respect to the relationship between environmental conditions and the accumulation of healthy compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diet quality and its implications on the cardio-metabolic, physical and general health of older men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP)

The revised Dietary Guideline Index (DGI-2013) scores individuals' diets according to their compliance with the Australian Dietary Guideline (ADG). This cross-sectional study assesses the diet quality of 794 community-dwelling men aged 74 years and older, living in Sydney, Australia participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project; it also examines sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with DGI-2013 scores; it studies associations between DGI-2103 scores and the following measures: homoeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TAG, blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, BMI, number of co-morbidities and medications and frailty status while also accounting for the effect of ethnicity in these relationships. Median DGI-2013 score was 93·7 (54·4, 121·2); most individuals failed to meet recommendations for vegetables, dairy products and alternatives, added sugar, unsaturated fat and SFA, fluid and discretionary foods. Lower education, income, physical activity levels and smoking were associated with low scores. After adjustments for confounders, high DGI-2013 scores were associated with lower HDL-cholesterol, lower waist:hip ratios and lower probability of being frail. Proxies of good health (fewer co-morbidities and medications) were not associated with better compliance to the ADG. However, in participants with a Mediterranean background, low DGI-2013 scores were not generally associated with poorer health. Older men demonstrated poor diet quality as assessed by the DGI-2013, and the association between dietary guidelines and health measures and indices may be influenced by ethnic background.

Measurement of lean body mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis: a consideration of the pros and cons

The assessment of body composition has important applications in the evaluation of nutritional status and estimating potential health risks. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a valid method for the assessment of body composition. BIA is an alternative to more invasive and expensive methods like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is an easy-to-use and low-cost method for the estimation of fat-free mass (FFM) in physiological and pathological conditions. The reliability of BIA measurements is influenced by various factors related to the instrument itself, including electrodes, operator, subject, and environment. BIA assumptions beyond its use for body composition are the human body is empirically composed of cylinders, FFM contains virtually all the water and conducting electrolytes in the body, and its hydration is constant. FFM can be predicted by BIA through equations developed using reference methods. Several BIA prediction equations exist for the estimation of FFM, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), or appendicular SMM. The BIA prediction models differ according to the characteristics of the sample in which they have been derived and validated in addition to the parameters included in the multiple regression analysis. In choosing BIA equations, it is important to consider the characteristics of the sample in which it has been developed and validated, since, for example, age- and ethnicity-related differences could sensitively affect BIA estimates.

Effects of Vitamin B6 Deficiency on the Composition and Functional Potential of T Cell Populations

The immune system is critical in preventing infection and cancer, and malnutrition can weaken different aspects of the immune system to undermine immunity. Previous studies suggested that vitamin B6 deficiency could decrease serum antibody production with concomitant increase in IL4 expression. However, evidence on whether vitamin B6 deficiency would impair immune cell differentiation, cytokines secretion, and signal molecule expression involved in JAK/STAT signaling pathway to regulate immune response remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of vitamin B6 deficiency on the immune system through analysis of T lymphocyte differentiation, IL-2, IL-4, and INF-γ secretion, and SOCS-1 and T-bet gene transcription. We generated a vitamin B6-deficient mouse model via vitamin B6-depletion diet. The results showed that vitamin B6 deficiency retards growth, inhibits lymphocyte proliferation, and interferes with its differentiation. After ConA stimulation, vitamin B6 deficiency led to decrease in IL-2 and increase in IL-4 but had no influence on IFN-γ. Real-time PCR analysis showed that vitamin B6 deficiency downregulated T-bet and upregulated SOCS-1 transcription. This study suggested that vitamin B6 deficiency influenced the immunity in organisms. Meanwhile, the appropriate supplement of vitamin B6 could benefit immunity of the organism.

Microglial Priming and Alzheimer's Disease: A Possible Role for (Early) Immune Challenges and Epigenetics?

Neuroinflammation is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis that is, to a large extent, mediated by microglia. Given the tight interaction between the immune system and the brain, peripheral immune challenges can profoundly affect brain function. Indeed, both preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that an aberrant inflammatory response can elicit behavioral impairments and cognitive deficits, especially when the brain is in a vulnerable state, e.g., during early development, as a result of aging, or under disease conditions like AD. However, how exactly peripheral immune challenges affect brain function and whether this is mediated by aberrant microglial functioning remains largely elusive. In this review, we hypothesize that: (1) systemic immune challenges occurring during vulnerable periods of life can increase the propensity to induce later cognitive dysfunction and accelerate AD pathology; and (2) that "priming" of microglial cells is instrumental in mediating this vulnerability. We highlight how microglia can be primed by both neonatal infections as well as by aging, two periods of life during which microglial activity is known to be specifically upregulated. Lasting changes in (the ratios of) specific microglial phenotypes can result in an exaggerated pro-inflammatory cytokine response to subsequent inflammatory challenges. While the resulting changes in brain function are initially transient, a continued and/or excess release of such pro-inflammatory cytokines can activate various downstream cellular cascades known to be relevant for AD. Finally, we discuss microglial priming and the aberrant microglial response as potential target for treatment strategies for AD.

Fish oil supplements, longevity and aging

Fish oil supplementation is of great medical and public interest with epidemiological evidence of health benefits in humans, in particular by conferring protection against heart diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been reported. Initial results from short-lived mouse strains showed that fish oil can increase lifespan, affecting pathways like inflammation and oxidation thought to be involved in the regulation of aging. Could fish oil and its omega-3 fatty acids act as geroprotectors? Probably not. A new study by Strong et al. challenges the role for fish oil supplementation in aging. Using a large cohort of genetically heterogeneous mice in three sites, part of the Interventions Testing Program of the NIA, Strong et al. show that fish oil supplementation at either low or high dosages has no effect on the lifespan of male or female mice. Although it is still possible that fish oil supplementation has health benefits for specific age-related diseases, it does not appear to slow aging or have longevity benefits.

Nutraceutical Bioactive Compounds Promote Healthspan Counteracting Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality in the Western world. Multiple factors are involved in CVD, including genetic factors and modifiable factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking. CVD incidence and prevalence increase progressively with age, and it is estimated that over 80% of men and women older than 75 years have clinically manifest CVD. To reduce the gap between life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy is one of the main challenges of the 21st century. Lifestyle improvement appears to be the only sustainable approach to face the dramatic chronic-degenerative disease burden of an aging population. A healthy lifestyle, represented by avoiding smoking, following a healthy diet, and practicing physical activity, protects from chronic-degenerative disease onset and progression. A healthy dietetic approach specifically formulated for elderly people, with a defined pattern of nutraceutical bioactive compounds, may represent a key strategy to improve the aging process and increase the life span. This short review summarizes the biochemical mechanisms underpinning the cardiovascular protective effects of some nutraceutical compounds such as quercetin and sulforaphane.

Effect of Vitamin E Administration on Learning of the Young Male Rats

The effect of vitamin E intake on spatial learning and working memory performances of young rats has been investigated in the Morris water maze and locomotor activity has been assessed by an open-field test. A total of 45 young male Wistar albino rats aged two months were divided into three equal groups: control, olive oil, and vitamin E groups. These groups were treated for 30 days with a once daily intraperitoneal injection. The rats were then tested for their ability to find the location of the platform (spatial learning). The results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the time spent to find the platform and the time spent in half area of the tank, including the platform among the group, while the time spent to find the platform was found to have increased from the first day to the fourth day in all the groups. In the open-field test, the locomotor activity quite significantly increased in the peripheral area in the olive oil group. The supplementation with vitamin E for a short period had not improved the learning performance of the healthy young rats. It was concluded that the beneficial effect of vitamin E intake on learning is related to the beginning time and the duration of vitamin E intake.

Adequacy of nutritional intake among older men living in Sydney, Australia: findings from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP)

Previous research shows that older men tend to have lower nutritional intakes and higher risk of under-nutrition compared with younger men. The objectives of this study were to describe energy and nutrient intakes, assess nutritional risk and investigate factors associated with poor intake of energy and key nutrients in community-dwelling men aged ≥75 years participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project - a longitudinal cohort study on older men in Sydney, Australia. A total of 794 men (mean age 81·4 years) had a detailed diet history interview, which was carried out by a dietitian. Dietary adequacy was assessed by comparing median intakes with nutrient reference values (NRV): estimated average requirement, adequate intake or upper level of intake. Attainment of NRV of total energy and key nutrients in older age (protein, Fe, Zn, riboflavin, Ca and vitamin D) was incorporated into a 'key nutrients' variable dichotomised as 'good' (≥5) or 'poor' (≤4). Using logistic regression modelling, we examined associations between key nutrients with factors known to affect food intake. Median energy intake was 8728 kJ (P5=5762 kJ, P95=12 303 kJ), and mean BMI was 27·7 (sd 4·0) kg/m2. Men met their NRV for most nutrients. However, only 1 % of men met their NRV for vitamin D, only 19 % for Ca, only 30 % for K and only 33 % for dietary fibre. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only country of birth was significantly associated with poor nutritional intake. Dietary intakes were adequate for most nutrients; however, only half of the participants met the NRV of ≥5 key nutrients.

Dietary protein:carbohydrate balance is a critical modulator of lifespan and reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster: a test using a chemically defined diet

Macronutrient balance is an important determinant of fitness in many animals, including insects. Previous studies have shown that altering the concentrations of yeast and sugar in the semi-synthetic media has a profound impact on lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting that dietary protein:carbohydrate (P:C) balance is the main driver of lifespan and ageing processes. However, since yeast is rich in multiple nutrients other than proteins, this lifespan-determining role of dietary P:C balance needs to be further substantiated through trials using a chemically-defined, synthetic diet. In the present study, the effects of dietary P:C balance on lifespan and fecundity were investigated in female D. melanogaster flies fed on one of eight isocaloric synthetic diets differing in P:C ratio (0:1, 1:16, 1:8, 1:4, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 or 4:1). Lifespan and dietary P:C ratio were related in a convex manner, with lifespan increasing to a peak at the two intermediate P:C ratios (1:2 and 1:4) and falling at the imbalanced ratios (0:1 and 4:1). Ingesting nutritionally imbalanced diets not only caused an earlier onset of senescence but also accelerated the age-dependent increase in mortality. Egg production was suppressed when flies were fed on a protein-deficient food (0:1), but increased with increasing dietary P:C ratio. Long-lived flies at the intermediate P:C ratios (1:2 and 1:4) stored a greater amount of lipids than those short-lived ones at the two imbalanced ratios (0:1 and 4:1). These findings provide a strong support to the notion that adequate dietary P:C balance is crucial for extending lifespan in D. melanogaster and offer new insights into how dietary P:C balance affects lifespan and ageing through its impacts on body composition.

Serum zinc concentrations correlate with mental and physical status of nursing home residents

INTRODUCTION

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important trace elements in the body. Zn deficiency seems to play a role in the development of age-related diseases and impairment of quality of life. Zn status has been especially studied in free-living or hospitalised people, but data from older residents of nursing homes are scarce. This study aimed to determine the Zn status among the older individuals in correlation to their mental and physical performance.

METHODS

A total of 100 participants aged between 60-102 years were recruited between October 2010 and May 2012 at the nursing home in Bialystok (Poland). Zn status was evaluated by determining the concentration in serum by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Anthropometric variables and fitness score (FS) were measured. Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Self-Rated Health (SRH), independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were recorded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The mean serum Zn concentration was 0.83 ± 0.20 mg/L, 28% of residents had Zn deficiency. Cognitive functions were impaired (AMTS ≤ 8) in 45% of the studied persons and 48% showed depressive symptoms (GDS ≥ 1). The ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADL = 6) was found in 61% of participants, but most of them (90%) had weak body type (FS < 70), correlating with GDS, SRH and body mass index (BMI). Serum Zn concentration correlated with mental efficiency and was statistically significantly higher in older people with normal cognitive function and without depression than in patients with memory impairment and showing depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing home residents seem at risk of marginal Zn status, which correlates with their mental status as measured by the AMTS and GDS. Their low FS is associated with mental health deterioration and obesity.

Dietary patterns derived with multiple methods from food diaries and breast cancer risk in the UK Dietary Cohort Consortium

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In spite of several studies relating dietary patterns to breast cancer risk, evidence so far remains inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate associations of dietary patterns derived with three different methods with breast cancer risk.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), principal components analyses (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) were used to derive dietary patterns in a case-control study of 610 breast cancer cases and 1891 matched controls within four UK cohort studies. Dietary intakes were collected prospectively using 4- to 7-day food diaries and resulting food consumption data were grouped into 42 food groups. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for associations between pattern scores and breast cancer risk adjusting for relevant covariates. A separate model was fitted for post-menopausal women only.

RESULTS

The MDS was not associated with breast cancer risk (OR comparing first tertile with third 1.20 (95% CI 0.92; 1.56)), nor the first PCA-derived dietary pattern, explaining 2.7% of variation of diet and characterized by cheese, crisps and savoury snacks, legumes, nuts and seeds (OR 1.18 (95% CI 0.91; 1.53)). The first RRR-derived pattern, a 'high-alcohol' pattern, was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.00; 1.62), which was most pronounced in post-menopausal women (OR 1.46 (95% CI 1.08; 1.98)).

CONCLUSIONS

A 'high-alcohol' dietary pattern derived with RRR was associated with an increased breast cancer risk; no evidence of associations of other dietary patterns with breast cancer risk was observed in this study.

Effects of zinc-fortified drinking skim milk (as functional food) on cytokine release and thymic hormone activity in very old persons: a pilot study

Zinc is a relevant nutritional factor for the whole life of an organism because it affects the inflammatory/immune response and antioxidant activity, leading to a healthy state. Despite its important function, the dietary intake of zinc is inadequate in elderly. Possible interventions include food fortification because it does not require changes in dietary patterns, the cost is low and it can reach a large portion of the elderly population, including very old subjects. Studies evaluating the impact of Zn-fortified foods on functional parameters in elderly, in particular, in very old individuals, are missing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of consumption of a zinc-fortified drinking skim milk (Zn-FMilk) for a period of 2 months in comparison to standard non-fortified milk (No-FMilk) on some biochemical parameters, zinc status, inflammatory/immune response and on a key parameter of the T cell-mediated immunity (thymulin hormone) in healthy very old subjects. The treatment with zinc-fortified milk (Zn-FMilk) is a good omen to increase the cell-mediated immunity in very old age represented by thymulin activity and some cytokine (IL-12p70, IFN-γ) release. At clinical level, a good healthy state occurs in 70 % of the subjects with no hospitalization after 1 year of the follow-up in comparison to very old control subjects that did not participate to crossover design. In conclusion, the Zn-FMilk can be considered a good functional food for elderly, including older people. It might be a good replacement to the zinc tablets or lozenges taking into account the attitude of old people to uptake milk as a preferential food.

Berry antioxidants: small fruits providing large benefits

Small berry fruits are consumed because of their attractive colour and special taste, and are considered one of the richest sources of natural antioxidants. Their consumption has been linked to the prevention of some chronic and degenerative diseases. The term 'berry fruits' encompasses the so-called 'soft fruits', primarily strawberry, currants, gooseberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry and cranberry. The objective of this review is to highlight the nutraceutical value of berries and to summarize the factors affecting berry fruit antioxidants. Particular attention is given to postharvest and processing operation factors that may affect fruit phytochemical content. The structure-antioxidant relationships for phenolic compounds - the main group of antioxidants in this fruit group - are presented and major areas for future research are identified.

Tryptophan-enriched cereal intake improves nocturnal sleep, melatonin, serotonin, and total antioxidant capacity levels and mood in elderly humans

Melatonin and serotonin rhythms, which exhibit a close association with the endogenous circadian component of sleep, are attenuated with increasing age. This decrease seems to be linked to sleep alterations in the elderly. Chrononutrition is a field of chronobiology that establishes the principle of consuming foodstuffs at times of the day when they are more useful for health, improving, therefore, biorhythms and physical performance. Our aim was to analyze whether the consumption of cereals enriched with tryptophan, the precursor of both serotonin and melatonin, may help in the reconsolidation of the sleep/wake cycle and counteract depression and anxiety in 35 middle-aged/elderly (aged 55-75 year) volunteers in a simple blind assay. Data were collected for 3 weeks according to the following schedule: The control week participants consumed standard cereals (22.5 mg tryptophan in 30 g cereals per dose) at breakfast and dinner; for the treatment week, cereals enriched with a higher dose of tryptophan (60 mg tryptophan in 30 g cereals per dose) were eaten at both breakfast and dinner; the posttreatment week volunteers consumed their usual diet. Each participant wore a wrist actimeter that logged activity during the whole experiment. Urine was collected to analyze melatonin and serotonin urinary metabolites and to measure total antioxidant capacity. The consumption of cereals containing the higher dose in tryptophan increased sleep efficiency, actual sleep time, immobile time, and decreased total nocturnal activity, sleep fragmentation index, and sleep latency. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels, and urinary total antioxidant capacity also increased respectively after tryptophan-enriched cereal ingestion as well as improving anxiety and depression symptoms. Cereals enriched with tryptophan may be useful as a chrononutrition tool for alterations in the sleep/wake cycle due to age.

A cross-sectional assessment of oxidative DNA damage and muscle strength among elderly people living in the community

OBJECTIVES

The mechanism by which muscle weakness leads to an increased risk of death remains a subject of interest. In this context, the aim of this study is to assess the relationship between urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and muscle strength, and other risk factors contributing to poor muscle strength in older persons.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study in which a total of 86 participants, both men and women, aged 65 years or above were screened for urinary 8-OHdG, and muscle strength as measured by handgrip strength.

RESULTS

Handgrip strength was lower in participants who had history of acute or chronic disease. Urinary 8-OHdG level was negatively associated with muscle strength, and the association remained after adjusting for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary 8-OHdG is associated with muscle strength. These findings may be clinically relevant as there is a possibility of controlling oxidative DNA damage by healthy behaviors related to lifestyle.

Chrononutrition against oxidative stress in aging

Free radicals and oxidative stress have been recognized as important factors in the biology of aging and in many age-associated degenerative diseases. Antioxidant systems deteriorate during aging. It is, thus, considered that one way to reduce the rate of aging and the risk of chronic disease is to avoid the formation of free radicals and reduce oxidative stress by strengthening antioxidant defences. Phytochemicals present in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foodstuffs have been linked to reducing the risk of major oxidative stress-induced diseases. Some dietary components of foods possess biological activities which influence circadian rhythms in humans. Chrononutrition studies have shown that not only the content of food, but also the time of ingestion contributes to the natural functioning of the circadian system. Dietary interventions with antioxidant-enriched foods taking into account the principles of chrononutrition are of particular interest for the elderly since they may help amplify the already powerful benefits of phytochemicals as natural instruments with which to prevent or delay the onset of common age-related diseases.

Association between cognitive impairment and eating habits in elderly Chinese subjects over 90 years of age

OBJECTIVE

Eating habits may have a key influence on cognitive function, however, the relationship between dietary intake and cognitive impairment in the elderly Chinese population has not been explored. The present study investigated the association between cognitive impairment and eating habits in elderly Chinese subjects >90 years of age.

METHODS

This study comprised data from subjects included in the 2005 Project of Longevity and Ageing in Dujiangyan, China. Subjects were divided into two groups: cognitive impairment group and normal group. Sociodemographic and dietary habit data were collected and cognitive function was assessed in all subjects using the Mini-Mental State Examination.

RESULTS

Data from 763 subjects (249 men, 514 women) were included. There was no statistically significant difference in eating habits between the two groups. Education level in the cognitive impairment group was significantly lower than in the normal group. Significant between-group differences were detected in factors relating to subjects' professions.

CONCLUSIONS

Eating habits were not related to cognitive impairment in elderly Chinese people >90 years of age.

Dietary restriction depends on nutrient composition to extend chronological lifespan in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The traditional view on dietary restriction has been challenged with regard to extending lifespan of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. This is because studies have shown that changing the balance of dietary components without reduction of dietary intake can increase lifespan, suggesting that nutrient composition other than dietary restriction play a pivotal role in regulation of longevity. However, this opinion has not been reflected in yeast aging studies. Inspired by this new finding, response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the relationships between nutrients (glucose, amino acids and yeast nitrogen base) and lifespan as well as biomass production in four Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (wild-type BY4742, sch9Δ, tor1Δ, and sir2Δ mutants) using a high throughput screening assay. Our results indicate that lifespan extension by a typical dietary restriction regime was dependent on the nutrients in media and that nutrient composition was a key determinant for yeast longevity. Four different yeast strains were cultured in various media, which showed similar response surface trends in biomass production and viability at day two but greatly different trends in lifespan. The pH of aging media was dependent on glucose concentration and had no apparent correlation with lifespan under conditions where amino acids and YNB were varied widely, and simply buffering the pH of media could extend lifespan significantly. Furthermore, the results showed that strain sch9Δ was more responsive in nutrient-sensing than the other three strains, suggesting that Sch9 (serine-threonine kinase pathway) was a major nutrient-sensing factor that regulates cell growth, cell size, metabolism, stress resistance and longevity. Overall, our findings support the notion that nutrient composition might be a more effective way than simple dietary restriction to optimize lifespan and biomass production from yeast to other organisms.

Under-reporting of energy intake in elderly Australian women is associated with a higher body mass index

OBJECTIVES

Identify the extent of under-reporting of energy intake and the characteristics associated with implausible intakes in elderly women.

DESIGN

Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day weighed food record. Protein intake was validated by 24-hour urinary nitrogen. To examine under-reporting, participants were grouped according to their energy intake and compared to the Goldberg cut-off equation. Logistic regression was performed to assess the influence of body mass index (BMI) and social-demographic factors on under-reporting.

SETTING

Community dwelling elderly women from Perth, Western Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

217 elderly women aged 70-80 years.

RESULTS

Under-reporters had a higher physical activity level (p<0.001) compared with acceptable-reporters. The under-reporters also had a higher body weight (p=0.006), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.001), waist (p=0.011), hip circumference (p<0.001), whole body fat mass (p<0.001) and percentage body fat (p<0.001) than acceptable-reporters. Under-reporters had a significantly lower intakes of protein, fat, carbohydrate and alcohol (p<0.001) and fewer reported food items, compared with acceptable reporters. However, 24-hour urinary nitrogen was only marginally different between the two groups (p=0.053). Participants with a higher BMI were more likely to under-report their energy intake (BMI=25-29.9: odds ratio=2.98[95% CI=1.46-6.09]; BMI≥30: 5.84[2.41-14.14]).

CONCLUSION

Under-reporting energy intake in elderly women was associated with a higher BMI, body fat and higher self-reported physical activity levels. A higher BMI (≥25) appears to be most significant factor in determining if elderly women will underreport their food intake and may be related to body image. These results have implications for undertaking surveys of food intake in elderly women.

Effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on immune function in older people: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, which is often low in older people, is associated with reduced chronic disease risk.

OBJECTIVE

We determined whether increased FV intake improves measures of immune function.

DESIGN

We conducted a randomized controlled trial (The Ageing and Dietary Intervention Trial) in 83 healthy volunteers aged 65-85 y with low FV intakes (≤2 portions/d); 82 subjects completed the intervention. Participants were assigned to continue their normal diets or to consume ≥5 FV portions/d for 16 wk. At 12 wk, tetanus toxoid (0.5 mL intramuscular) and Pneumovax II vaccine (0.5 mL intramuscular; both vaccines from Sanofi Pasteur) were administered. FV intake was monitored by using diet histories, and biomarkers of nutritional status were assessed. The primary endpoint was the antibody response to vaccination. Specific antibodies binding to tetanus toxoid (total IgG) and pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (total IgG and IgG2) were assessed at baseline and 16 wk. Participants were recruited between October 2006 and June 2008.

RESULTS

The change in FV consumption differed significantly between groups [mean change in number of portions (95% CI): in the 2-portion/d group, 0.4 portions/d (0.2, 0.7 portions/d); in the 5-portion/d group, 4.6 portions/d (4.1, 5.0 portions/d); P < 0.001)] and also in micronutrient status. Antibody binding to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (total IgG) increased more in the 5-portion/d group than in the 2-portion/d group [geometric mean (95% CI) of the week 16:baseline ratio: 3.1 (2.1, 4.4) and 1.7 (1.3, 2.1), respectively; P = 0.005)]. There was no significant difference in the increases in antibody binding to tetanus toxoid.

CONCLUSION

Increased FV intake improves the Pneumovax II vaccination antibody response in older people, which links an achievable dietary goal with improved immune function.

Antioxidants and cardiovascular disease: Still a topic of interest

Cardiovascular disease constitutes a major public health concern in industrialised nations. Over recent decades, a large body of evidence has accumulated indicating that free radicals play a critical role in cellular processes implicated in atherosclerosis. Herein, we present a mechanism of oxidative stress, focusing mainly on the development of an oxidised low density lipoprotein, and the results of a clinical trial of antioxidant therapy and epidemiological studies on the relationships between nutrient antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, β-carotene, coenzyme Q, flavonoids and L-arginine, and coronary events. These studies indicated that a diet high in antioxidants is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but did not confirm a strong causality link. With regard to vitamin E, observational studies suggested that the daily use of at least 400 International Units of vitamin E is associated with beneficial effects on coronary events. However, it is apparently too early to define the clinical benefits of vitamin E for cardiovascular disease. From the results of several randomised interventional trials, it appears that no single antioxidant given to subjects at high doses has substantial benefits, and the question of whether nutrient antioxidants truly protect against cardiovascular disease remains open. This article provides an overview of the epidemiological and clinical studies related to antioxidants and cardiovascular disease.

Hesperidin-mediated expression of Nrf2 and upregulation of antioxidant status in senescent rat heart

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress is recognized as a key element responsible for the development of age-related pathologies. A declining endogenous defence system during senescence dictates the need for supplementation with exogenous antioxidants through diet. Hesperidin is a naturally occurring flavonone present in citrus fruits and has been shown to have many biological properties, including antioxidant activity. We investigated whether hesperidin supplementation could be valuable in protecting cardiac tissue of aged rats against age-related increase in oxidative stress, as well as the mechanism by which it can boost the antioxidant status of the cell.

METHODS

The activity of antioxidant enzymes, mRNA expression of Nrf2, protein levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured using standard protocols.

KEY FINDINGS

Hesperidin treatment effectively protected aged rat heart by increasing the activity of enzymic antioxidants. Hesperidin upregulated the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, which is responsible for maintaining the antioxidant status of the cell.

CONCLUSIONS

Hesperidin could be useful in protecting cardiomyocytes against age-related increase in oxidative stress mediated by Nrf2 upregulation.

Mini Nutritional Assessment and functional capacity in community-dwelling elderly in rural Luozi, Democratic Republic of Congo

AIM

Good nutrition is beneficial both for the health and the functional capacity of the elderly. However, malnutrition is a serious health problem among the elderly, particularly the elderly living in rural areas in many developing countries. The aim of the present study was to carry out a cross-sectional study of the elderly in the city of Luozi, Democratic Republic of Congo, through the use of the long and the short forms of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scale.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study in the city of Luozi, a city facing serious socioeconomic problems as a result of wartime conditions in the country. The study included 370 volunteer community-dwelling elderly people aged 65-88 years, both male and female. Investigations took into account the MNA, the activities of daily living, and the instrumental activities of daily living, falls, current diseases and lifestyle.

RESULTS

Approximately 57.8% of the participants were at risk of malnutrition, whereas 28.4% were malnourished according to the MNA scale. MNA scores were significantly lower (Student's t-test, P=0.03) in those with a fall history (MNA score 18.3±4.0) compared with those who did not (MNA score, 21.0±2.7). All the participants with malnutrition suffered from at least one chronic disease. The percentage of participants with dependency was significantly higher in the malnourished participants (87.6%) than in well-nourished participants (50.9%).

CONCLUSION

These findings provide information that malnutrition is a serious health concern among elderly people in the city of Luozi, and shows the need for adequate nutrition and social programs for the elderly.

Dietary oil modifies the plasma proteome during aging in the rat

Fatty acids and other components of the diet may modulate, among others, mechanisms involved in homeostasis, aging, and age-related diseases. Using a proteomic approach, we have studied how dietary oil affected plasma proteins in young (6 months) or old (24 months) rats fed lifelong with two experimental diets enriched in either sunflower or virgin olive oil. After the depletion of the most abundant proteins, levels of less abundant proteins were studied using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Our results showed that compared with the sunflower oil diet, the virgin olive oil diet induced significant decreases of plasma levels of acute phase proteins such as inter-alpha inhibitor H4P heavy chain (at 6 months), hemopexin precursor (at 6 and 24 months), preprohaptoglobin precursor (at 6 and 24 months), and α-2-HS glycoprotein (at 6 and 24 months); antioxidant proteins such as type II peroxiredoxin (at 24 months); proteins related with coagulation such as fibrinogen γ-chain precursor (at 24 months), T-kininogen 1 precursor (at 6 and 24 months), and apolipoprotein H (at 6 and 24 months); or with lipid metabolism and transport such as apolipoprotein E (at 6 and 24 months) and apolipoprotein A-IV (at 24 months). The same diet increased the levels of apolipoprotein A-1 (at 6 and 24 months), diminishing in general the changes that occurred with age. Our unbiased analysis reinforces the beneficial role of a diet rich in virgin olive oil compared with a diet rich in sunflower oil, modulating inflammation, homeostasis, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular risk during aging.

Risk factors of dementia in North India: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of dementia in northern India is among the lowest in the world but reasons are unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk and protective factors for dementia in North India.

METHODS

In a case-control study, we investigated demographic, medical, genetic, dietary, lifestyle, and sociocultural protective and risk factors associated with dementia.

RESULTS

150 patients of dementia (118 males and 32 females) and 150 healthy controls (112 males and 38 females) were included in the study. Diabetes, depression, hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperlipidemia, APOE ε4 gene, BMI, use of saturated fatty acids, pickles in diet, urban living, and lack of exercise were associated with independent risk of dementia. Various dietary factors and sociocultural factors, like cognitively stimulating activities, active socialization, living in joint families, increased intake of polyunsaturated fats, fruits, and salads conferred protection against dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary, lifestyle, and sociocultural interventions may be protective against dementia.

Mini-Nutritional-Assessment (MNA) without body mass index (BMI) predicts functional disability in elderly Taiwanese

Nutritional status and functional ability are mutually dependent especially in the elderly. This study examined the functional status-predictive ability of the MNA in a cross-sectional study. We analyzed the dataset of the "Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan" (SHLSET). Subjects were 2948≥65 year-old persons who were rated with the long-form (LF) and short-form (SF) MNA with or without BMI for the risk of malnutrition, and with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrument Activities of Daily Living (IADL) for functional status. The ADL and IADL scores were calculated according to rated nutritional status. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for ADL and IADL status predicted by the MNA. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of rated MNA scores with ADL or IADL status. Results showed that both SF and LF of MNA-T1 and T2 were able to predict ADL and IADL disabilities. Those who were rated malnourished or at risk of malnutrition had drastically higher risk of ADL or IADL dependency compared to those who were rated normal. The SF versions performed well in rating nutritional status and predicting ADL and IADL status. Overall, MNA-T2-SF performed at least equally well as MNA-T1-SF in rating functional decline. These results suggest the MNA is able to predict functional decline of the elderly. MNA-T2, especially the SF, a version without BMI should be particularly useful in clinical, long-term care and community settings.

The grey mouse lemur: a non-human primate model for ageing studies

The use of non-human primate models is required to understand the ageing process and evaluate new therapies against age-associated pathologies. The present article summarizes all the contributions of the grey mouse lemur Microcebus murinus, a small nocturnal prosimian primate, to the understanding of the mechanisms of ageing. Results from studies of both healthy and pathological ageing research on the grey mouse lemur demonstrated that this animal is a unique model to study age-dependent changes in endocrine systems, biological rhythms, thermoregulation, sensorial, cerebral and cognitive functions.

Assessment of lifestyle effect on oxidative stress biomarkers in free-living elderly in rural Japan

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is believed to play a crucial role in aging and age-related diseases, and is widely thought to increase morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Assessment of biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as 8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, are considered to be useful in predicting disease risks at the population level.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to assess the health status of the elderly by comparing their lifestyles and levels of oxidative stress biomarkers.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study where urine samples from a total of 100 elderly men and women were assayed for 8-isoprostane, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, selenium, cadmium and creatinine. They were asked to answer a questionnaire that included questions about their lifestyle.

RESULTS

Most of the participants were prehypertensive, non-alcohol users and on a rich plant-based diet. There were no differences in any biomarkers of oxidative stress between men and women. 8-Isoprostane was found to correlate positively with systolic blood pressure in women, but not in men. There was a slight increase of 8-isoprostane in participants with a poor intake of vegetables, and a decrease of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine in participants who consumed fish. Multiple regression analysis showed that oxidative stress biomarkers were positively associated with cadmium, and negatively associated with selenium and fish intake in all participants, 89% of which were non-smokers.

CONCLUSION

Results from the present study show that fish intake has the potential of decreasing oxidative stress among elderly persons.

Mini-Nutritional Assessment predicts functional decline of elderly Taiwanese: result of a population-representative sample

Nutrition is a key element in geriatric health and is important for functional ability. The present study examined the functional status-predictive ability of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). We analysed the dataset of the ‘Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan’, a population-based study conducted by the Bureau of Health Promotion of Taiwan. Study subjects ( ≥ 65 years old) who completed both the 1999 and 2003 surveys were rated with the long form and short form of the MNA at baseline and with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrument Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales 4 years later (end-point). The ability of the MNA to predict ADL or IADL dependency was evaluated with logistic regression models. The results showed that the elderly who were rated malnourished or at risk of malnutrition at baseline generally had significantly higher ADL or IADL scores 4 years later. Lower baseline MNA scores also predicted a greater risk of ADL or IADL dependency. These associations exist even among the elderly who were free of ADL or IADL dependency at baseline. The results clearly indicate that the MNA is able to predict ADL and IADL dependency (in addition to rating current nutritional status) of the elderly. The MNA, especially the short form, should be a valuable tool for identifying elderly at risk of functional decline and/or malnutrition in clinical practice or community programmes.