Caffeine and Parkinson disease: A possible diagnostic and pathogenic breakthrough

The Potential of Spent Coffee Grounds in Functional Food Development

Coffee is a popular and widely consumed beverage worldwide, with epidemiological studies showing reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancers and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, few studies have investigated the health effects of the post-brewing coffee product, spent coffee grounds (SCG), from either hot- or cold-brew coffee. SCG from hot-brew coffee improved metabolic parameters in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome and improved gut microbiome in these rats and in humans; further, SCG reduced energy consumption in humans. SCG contains similar bioactive compounds as the beverage including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, polyphenols and melanoidins, with established health benefits and safety for human consumption. Further, SCG utilisation could reduce the estimated 6-8 million tonnes of waste each year worldwide from production of coffee as a beverage. In this article, we explore SCG as a major by-product of coffee production and consumption, together with the potential economic impacts of health and non-health applications of SCG. The known bioactive compounds present in hot- and cold-brew coffee and SCG show potential effects in cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease and metabolic disorders. Based on these potential health benefits of SCG, it is expected that foods including SCG may moderate chronic human disease while reducing the environmental impact of waste otherwise dumped in landfill.

Addressing the Neuroprotective Actions of Coffee in Parkinson’s Disease: An Emerging Nutrigenomic Analysis

Caffeine is one of the predominant dietary components and psychostimulants present in coffee, a widely appreciated beverage. Corroborating epidemiological and laboratory evidence have suggested an inverse association between the dietary intakes of coffee and the risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Growing attention has been paid to the impact of coffee consumption and genetic susceptibility to PD pathogenesis. Coffee is believed to play prominent roles in mediating the gene makeup and influencing the onset and progression of PD. The current review documents a current discovery of the coffee × gene interaction for the protective management of PD. The evidence underlying its potent impacts on the adenosine receptors (A2AR), estrogen receptors (ESR), heme oxygenase (HO), toxicant responsive genes, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cytochrome oxidase (Cox), familial parkinsonism genetic susceptibility loci, bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1 (BST1), glutamate receptor gene and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype expressions is outlined. Furthermore, the neuroprotective mechanisms of coffee for the amelioration of PD are elucidated.

Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease: A Case-Control Study in Moroccan Patients

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains a significant health concern in Morocco. Multivariate analysis was not used in any study to evaluate the role of various factors that contributed to the onset of the disease. Objectives: This study investigates the role of family, environmental, and professional factors in PD development. Methods: The present study is an age-matched case-control study with risk estimation based on odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In total, 180 cases were matched with 360 controls. Results: The average age of participants was 68.3 ± 11.2 years. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that the family history of PD (ORa = 7.19, CI 95% 3.41 - 15.13), male sex (ORa = 1.92, CI 95% 1.16 - 3.16), spring water consumption (ORa = 3.31, CI 95% 2.05 - 5.34), drug use (ORa = 2.12, CI 95% 1.33 - 3.38), a history of head injury (ORa = 3.38, CI 95% 1.16 - 9.83) and non - consumption of coffee (ORa = 3.04, CI 95% 1.56 - 5.90) were significantly associated with the onset of the disease. In a univariate analysis, well water consumption was observed as a significant risk factor but could not be shown to be significant in a multivariate analysis. Previous work on a farm (ORa = 0.30, CI 95% 0.16 - 0.54) and history of general anesthesia (ORa = 0.47, CI 95% 0.27 - 0.83) were inversely associated with PD risk. No statistical significance was observed in the data on occupational exposure and disease risk, although there was a 30% decrease in risk for the service occupations (ORa = 0.05, CI 95% 0.01 - 0.18). Conclusions: As a result, further research is needed to determine additional risk factors.

Characterization of electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic recordings after the use of caffeine in Wistar rats

Objective:

To describe electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic profiles to report the electrophysiological effects of caffeine in Wistar rats.

Methods:

Male adult Wistar rats weighing 230g to 250g were used. Rats were allocated to one of two groups, as follows: Group 1, Control, intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline solution (n=27); and Group 2, treated with intraperitoneal injection of caffeine (50mg/kg; n=27). The rats were submitted to electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic assessment.

Results:

Brain oscillations (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma) in the frequency range up to 40Hz varied after caffeine administration to rats. Powers in delta and theta oscillations ranges were preponderant. The contractile force of the skeletal striated and cardiac muscles increased. Electrocardiogram analysis revealed shorter RR, QRS and QT intervals under the effect of caffeine.

Conclusion:

In the central nervous system, there was an increase in the delta, theta and alpha amplitude spectrum, which are related to memory encoding and enhanced learning. With regard to skeletal muscle, increased contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle was demonstrated, a clear indication of how caffeine can be used to enhance performance of some physical activities. Electrocardiographic changes observed after caffeine administration are primarily related to increased heart rate and energy consumption.

Elucidating the Neuroprotective Role of PPARs in Parkinson's Disease: A Neoteric and Prospective Target

One of the utmost frequently emerging neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease (PD) must be comprehended through the forfeit of dopamine (DA)-generating nerve cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN-PC). The etiology and pathogenesis underlying the emergence of PD is still obscure. However, expanding corroboration encourages the involvement of genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of PD. The destruction of numerous cellular components, namely oxidative stress, ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) dysfunction, autophagy-lysosome system dysfunction, neuroinflammation and programmed cell death, and mitochondrial dysfunction partake in the pathogenesis of PD. Present-day pharmacotherapy can alleviate the manifestations, but no therapy has been demonstrated to cease disease progression. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-directed transcription factors pertaining to the class of nuclear hormone receptors (NHR), and are implicated in the modulation of mitochondrial operation, inflammation, wound healing, redox equilibrium, and metabolism of blood sugar and lipids. Numerous PPAR agonists have been recognized to safeguard nerve cells from oxidative destruction, inflammation, and programmed cell death in PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, various investigations suggest that regular administration of PPAR-activating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen, indomethacin), and leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast) were related to the de-escalated evolution of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review elucidates the emerging evidence enlightening the neuroprotective outcomes of PPAR agonists in in vivo and in vitro models experiencing PD. Existing articles up to the present were procured through PubMed, MEDLINE, etc., utilizing specific keywords spotlighted in this review. Furthermore, the authors aim to provide insight into the neuroprotective actions of PPAR agonists by outlining the pharmacological mechanism. As a conclusion, PPAR agonists exhibit neuroprotection through modulating the expression of a group of genes implicated in cellular survival pathways, and may be a propitious target in the therapy of incapacitating neurodegenerative diseases like PD.

Characterization of Arabica and Robusta Coffees by Ion Mobility Sum Spectrum

Aroma is one of the main characteristics of coffee specimens. Different mixtures of Arabica and Robusta coffees are usually found in the market to offer specific aroma or flavor profiles to consumers. However, the mixed samples or their proportions are not always identified in the product labels. Since the price of Arabica is much higher than that of Robusta, this lack of information is not only an economical issue but a possible fraud to consumers, besides the potential allergic reaction that these mixtures may trigger in some individuals. In this paper, two sample preparation techniques were compared before the analysis of the total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in Robusta, Arabica, and in the mixture from both coffee types. The comparison of the signals obtained from the analyses showed that the VOCs concentration levels obtained from the headspace (HS) analyses were clearly higher than those obtained from the pre-concentration step where an adsorbent, an active charcoal strip (ACS + HS), was used. In the second part of this study, the possibility of using the headspace gas-chromatography ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) for the discrimination between Arabica, Robusta, and mixed coffee samples (n = 30) was evaluated. The ion mobility sum spectrum (IMSS) obtained from the analysis of the HS was used in combination with pattern recognition techniques, namely linear discrimination analysis (LDA), as an electronic nose. The identification of individual compounds was not carried out since chromatographic information was not used. This novel approach allowed the correct discrimination (100%) of all of the samples. A characteristic fingerprint for each type of coffee for a fast and easy identification was also developed. In addition, the developed method is ecofriendly, so it is a good alternative to traditional approaches.