Dietary Fats and Cognitive Status in Italian Middle-Old Adults

Elevated Linoleic Acid Intake Becomes a Risk Factor for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Affecting Ovarian Granulosa Cells

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders in females of reproductive age; this condition is particularly concerning due to its potential to cause infertility. Linoleic acid (LA) is an essential and widely consumed n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. In the past decades, LA intake has sharply surged, as recommended by dietary guidelines and advances in the food industry. An increasing number of people are questioning the health benefits of LA. In patients with PCOS, dietary management is crucial for improving symptoms to obtain good outcomes with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Diets rich in n-6 fatty acid has become "arch-criminal" of "silent inflammation." PCOS is also associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Therefore, identification of the relationship between dietary LA and PCOS is urgently required. In this study, we first conducted experiments to observe the effects of different LA concentrations on PCOS-related phenotypes in mice. The results showed that medium and high concentrations of LA led to PCOS-like changes in mice, presenting with disordered estrous cycles, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism. LA is independent of PCOS-related weight gain and insulin resistance. LA caused systemic inflammation, reduced antioxidant capacity, and increased ovary apoptosis in mice. To explore how LA acts in vivo, we used the ovarian granulosa cell line KGN to detect alterations in the levels of granulosa cells (GCs). In addition to having no impact on endocrine function, LA can decrease the antioxidant capacity, reduce mitochondrial function, increase the apoptotic rate, and induce inflammation in GCs. To obtain more information, the pretreated GCs were subjected to transcriptome sequencing. The abundant RNA-Seq results make future directions for understanding the mechanism of LA action on GCs in PCOS more explicit. In summary, elevated LA intake is a risk factor for PCOS that affects ovarian GCs. Further studies should focus on establishing a strict intake range for the prevention and treatment of PCOS.

Comparative Analysis of Egg Yolk Phospholipid Unsaturation and Its Impact on Neural Health in Alzheimer Disease Mice

The mechanism of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) in alleviating Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not yet been clear. The fatty acid composition of PC, especially the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), may be a critical determinant of their structural and functional roles. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the unsaturation levels of egg yolk PC and their impact on neurological health in a murine model of AD. The results showed that oral administration of high and low unsaturation PC (HUP, LUP) enhanced learning and memory abilities in AD mice, with the HUP intervention demonstrating superior efficacy compared to the LUP. Follow-up biochemical analysis of the brain tissue also suggested that HUP intervention effectively mitigated oxidative-stress damage and inhibited tau hyperphosphorylation in AD mice. Meanwhile, lipidomic analyses of the mouse hippocampus revealed that HUP intervention substantially increased the levels of phospholipids, such as PEt (phosphatidylethanol) and BisMePA (bis(methylthio)phenylacetic acid), which are recognized as vital components of neuronal cell membranes. Furthermore, HUP intervention markedly elevated the levels of phospholipids incorporating PUFAs in the hippocampus. These results revealed a mitigating role for unsaturated egg yolk PC in AD prevention and offer new insights into AD prevention from a lipidomic perspective.

The Role of Alpha-Linolenic Acid and Other Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Mental Health: A Narrative Review

The present review investigates the relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and mental health disorders, such as dementia, psychosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, anorexia nervosa, and impairment problems in animals and human models. Data were collected from a variety of studies: randomized intervention trials, observational and interventional studies, case reports, and epidemiological studies. The evidence suggests that PUFAs are beneficial for mental health, brain function, and behavior. ALA, EPA, and DHA have very significant neuroprotective properties, particularly in inducing changes to the synaptic membrane and modulating brain cell signaling. In the case of neurodegenerative disorders, PUFAs incorporated into cellular membranes have been shown to protect against cell atrophy and death. The formal analyses of the included studies pointed to a decrease in ALA, EPA, and DHA levels in various populations (e.g., children, adolescents, adults, and seniors) presenting with different types of mental disorders. These results indicate that PUFA supplementation may be considered as an innovative therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of neuronal degeneration.

Combined Effect of Red Wine and Mocha Pot Coffee in Mild Vascular Cognitive Impairment

OBJECTIVES

Moderate daily mocha pot coffee intake has been associated with better mood and cognition in patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Similarly, moderate red wine consumption has shown protective effects on cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic relation between red wine and coffee intake on mood and cognitive status in mild VCI patients at risk for dementia.

METHODS

A total of 300 non-demented older patients with mild VCI were asked for coffee and red wine consumption and administered with the 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (Stroop T), as well as the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrumental ADL to measure their mood status, cognitive performance, and functional independence. Linear regression models were used to test the association between variables.

RESULTS

Moderate wine drinkers tended to show the best Stroop T score at any level of coffee consumption; conversely, heavy wine consumers performed worse at the Stroop T, especially in patients reporting high coffee intake. Moderate drinkers of both coffee and wine showed the lowest HDRS scores. Finally, a progressive increase in MMSE score was evident with increasing coffee consumption, which peaks when combined with a moderate wine consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily mocha pot coffee and red wine intake seem to be synergistically associated with global cognition, executive functioning, and mood status in patients with mild VCI; the association was not linear, resulting in a protective direction for moderate intake and detrimental for heavy consumption. Future studies are needed to further corroborate the present findings and the potential long-term protective effects of these dietary compounds over time.

The shift in the fatty acid composition of the circulating lipidome in Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

Fatty acids (FAs) are the building blocks of complex lipids and signaling compounds; the role of the lipidome fatty acid profile (LFA) in AD progression remains unclear.

METHODS

The LFA of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 289 participants (103 AD patients, 92 MCI patients, and 94 controls) was determined by GC-FID. The MCI subjects were followed up for 58 ± 12.5 months.

RESULTS

In controls, CSF has a more neuroprotective LFA than plasma. In CSF, a higher content of docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a reduced risk of MCI-to-AD progression. In plasma, higher oleic acid content was associated with lower risk of AD, MCI, and MCI-to-AD progression, whereas higher levels of vaccenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were associated with greater risk of AD and MCI, and higher rate of MCI-to-AD progression, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The circulating LFA is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

The lipidome fatty acid profile in CSF and plasma was markedly different. Higher levels of vaccenic acid and lower levels of oleic acid in plasma were associated with greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. In plasma, higher levels of oleic acid were associated with a reduced risk of MCI-to-AD progression. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in CSF were associated with a lower risk of MCI-to-AD progression. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in plasma were associated with a greater rate of MCI-to-AD progression.

Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Evaluating the Nutritional Status of Patients with Serious Mental Illnesses (DIETQ-SMI) in Bahrain

General food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) have not been tailored for or validated in individuals with psychiatric disorders. Given the unique eating behaviors of patients with serious mental illnesses (SMIs), custom-made tools are needed. Therefore, we developed and validated an FFQ customized to individuals with SMIs. A total of 150 adults with SMIs (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression) were recruited from Bahrain. The participants completed the 50-item Dietary Intake Evaluation Questionnaire for Serious Mental Illness (DIETQ-SMI) FFQ and a 3-day food record (FR). The validity of the FFQ was assessed by comparing nutrient intake to FR intake using correlation and reliability statistics. The DIETQ-SMI demonstrated a good ranking validity compared to the FR based on correlation coefficients (rho 0.33 to 0.92) for energy and macro- and micronutrients. The FFQ had high internal consistency (McDonald's omega = 0.84; Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.90). The FFQ tended to estimate higher absolute intakes than the FR but adequately ranked the intakes. The FFQ value was correlated with the FR for all the items (p < 0.001). The DIETQ-SMI is a valid and reliable FFQ for ranking dietary intake in individuals with an SMI. It can help assess nutritional status and, subsequently, guide interventions in high-risk psychiatric populations.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paired with cognitive training on cognitive function in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients.

Methods

PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang Database were searched. The risk of bias was appraised through the Cochrane collaboration tool. A meta-analysis was conducted, including an assessment of heterogeneity.

Results

Ten studies comprising 408 participants were included. The addition of rTMS significantly improved overall cognition in patients compared with cognitive intervention alone (p < 0.05 for all tests). The treatment also had some continuity, with significant improvements in cognitive function within weeks after the treatment ended (p < 0.05 for all tests).

Conclusion

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training (rTMS-CT) is a valuable technique for the cognitive rehabilitation of AD patients. It is beneficial to improve the cognitive ability of patients and restore their overall functional state. The results of the study may provide a basis for clinical providers to implement interventions that facilitate the design of more rigorous and high-quality interventions.

Limitations

The number of studies and sample size in our study were small. We did not explore possible interactions between rTMS and medications and mood improvement after rTMS due to inadequate data.

Systematic review registration

This study was registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023405615.

Current perspectives on prevention of vascular cognitive impairment and promotion of vascular brain health

INTRODUCTION

The true global burden of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is unknown. Reducing risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease would inevitably curtail VCI.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review current diagnosis, epidemiology, and risk factors for VCI. VCI increases in older age and by inheritance of known genetic traits. They emphasize modifiable risk factors identified by the 2020 Lancet Dementia Commission. The most profound risks for VCI also include lower education, cardiometabolic factors, and compromised cognitive reserve. Finally, they discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

EXPERT OPINION

By virtue of the high frequencies of stroke and cardiovascular disease the global prevalence of VCI is expectedly higher than prevalent neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia. Since ~ 90% of the global burden of stroke can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, a formidable opportunity arises to reduce the burden of not only stroke but VCI outcomes including progression from mild to the major in form of vascular dementia. Strict control of vascular risk factors and secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease via pharmacological interventions will impact on burden of VCI. Non-pharmacological measures by adopting healthy diets and encouraging physical and cognitive activities and urging multidomain approaches are important for prevention of VCI and preservation of vascular brain health.

Comparative Evaluation of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet and a Mediterranean Diet in Overweight/Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 16-Week Intervention Study

INTRODUCTION

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity has been steadily increasing over the past four decades, with projections indicating a significant rise in the number of affected individuals by 2045. Therapeutic interventions in T2DM aim to control blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications. Dietary and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in the management of T2DM and obesity. While conventional medical nutritional therapy (MNT) often promotes a high-carbohydrate, low-fat Mediterranean diet as an elective treatment, low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs), specifically those restricting carbohydrate intake to less than 130 g/day, have gained popularity due to their multifaceted benefits. Scientific research supports the efficacy of LCDs in improving glycemic control, weight loss, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and overall quality of life. However, sustaining these benefits over the long term remains challenging. This trial aimed to compare the effects of a Mediterranean diet vs. a low-carbohydrate diet (carbohydrate intake < 130 g/day) on overweight/obese patients with T2DM over a 16-week period. The study will evaluate the differential effects of these diets on glycemic regulation, weight reduction, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

The study population comprises 100 overweight/obese patients with poorly controlled T2DM. Anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance analysis, and blood chemistry assessments will be conducted at baseline and after the 16-week intervention period. Both dietary interventions were hypocaloric, with a focus on maintaining a 500 kcal/day energy deficit.

RESULTS

After 16 weeks, both diets had positive effects on various parameters, including weight loss, blood pressure, glucose control, lipid profile, and renal function. However, the low-carbohydrate diet appears to result in a greater reduction in BMI, blood pressure, waist circumference, glucose levels, lipid profiles, cardiovascular risk, renal markers, and overall metabolic parameters compared to the Mediterranean diet at the 16-week follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that a low-carbohydrate diet may be more effective than a Mediterranean diet in promoting weight loss and improving various metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight/obese patients with T2DM. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to understand the clinical implications and long-term sustainability of these findings.

Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Profiles Are Significantly Altered in South Australian Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease Cases Compared to Matched Controls

Nutritional imbalances have been associated with a higher risk for cognitive impairment. This study determined the red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile of newly diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared to age and gender-matched controls. There was a significant increase in palmitic acid (p < 0.00001) for both MCI and AD groups. Saturated fatty acids were significantly elevated in the MCI group, including stearic acid (p = 0.0001), arachidic acid (p = 0.003), behenic acid (p = 0.0002), tricosanoic acid (p = 0.007) and lignoceric acid (p = 0.001). n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly reduced in MCI, including linoleic acid (p = 0.001), γ-linolenic acid (p = 0.03), eicosatrienoic acid (p = 0.009) and arachidonic acid (p < 0.00004). The n-3 PUFAs, α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were both significantly reduced in MCI and AD (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.00003). A positive correlation was evident between the Mini-Mental State Examination score and nervonic acid in MCI (r = 0.54, p = 0.01) and a negative correlation with γ-linolenic acid in AD (r = -0.43, p = 0.05). Differences in fatty acid profiles may prove useful as potential biomarkers reflecting increased risk for dementia.

Erucic acid ameliorates the lipopolysaccharide‐induced memory deficit in rats through inhibited inflammation cytokines expression/caspase 3/NF‐κB pathways

Erucic acid is a single unsaturated fatty acid that falls under the omega‐9 fatty acid family. It was suggested to treat Wistar rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced memory impairment and minimize cognitive impairment. A total of 30 animals were randomized: group I was normally treated group, group II was administered with LPS, group III was treated with LPS along with erucic acid at the dose of 10 mg kg–1 p.o.–1, group IV was treated with LPS along with erucic acid at 20 mg kg–1 p.o.–1 and group V was the erucic acid per se group provided at the dose of 20 mg kg–1 p.o.–1 per se. Behavioral tests were evaluated by using the Morris water maze and Y‐maze. Biochemical analysis including acetylcholine esterase (AChE), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glutathione (GSH), catalase activity (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) along with proinflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), caspase 3, and neuroinflammatory biomarker (nuclear factor kappa B‐NF‐κB) were measured. Erucic acid produced substantial behavioral improvement in the Y‐maze test, including spontaneous alterations and reduced latency time during acquisition, and a longer duration of time in the consolidation phase undergoing the MWM test. Furthermore, erucic acid improved the AChE, proinflammatory markers, and oxidative stress as well as restoring endogenous antioxidant levels, ChAT, caspase 3, and NF‐κB levels. Erucic acid may be a therapeutic component for conditions related to memory disorders such as memory impairment, enhances memory functioning, and protects against neuronal damage.

Fatty acid composition in Ocotea caudata (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae) fruits from Colombia

The genus Ocotea of the Lauraceae family has species whose wood is employed in construction and for other purposes including as biofuel, for disinfection, cosmetics, and in the treatment of various diseases. Studies regarding Ocotea caudata’s phytochemical and pharmacognostic uses are scarce, thus, this work is the first to study its fruits. O. caudata (Nees) Mez fruits from Colombia were investigated for their oil content. Heptane extraction from O. caudata fruit oil yielded 54.9 % of total lipids, where the fatty acid composition was determined. The oil analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) demonstrated that lauric acid was the most abundant fatty acid (51.7 %, C12:0). In addition to lauric acid, oleic acid (23.6 %, C18:1) and palmitic acid (16.6 %, C16:0) were found. The fatty acid composition was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). O. caudata can be considered as a species that accumulates medium-chain saturated fatty acids (C12) and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (C18). In conclusion, many of its health benefits may be due to its high content of lauric acid. Therefore, this oil is highly regarded for its nutritional and health properties.

Linoleic Acid: A Narrative Review of the Effects of Increased Intake in the Standard American Diet and Associations with Chronic Disease

The intake of linoleic acid (LA) has increased dramatically in the standard American diet. LA is generally promoted as supporting human health, but there exists controversy regarding whether the amount of LA currently consumed in the standard American diet supports human health. The goal of this narrative review is to explore the mechanisms that underlie the hypothesis that excessive LA intake may harm human health. While LA is considered to be an essential fatty acid and support health when consumed in modest amounts, an excessive intake of LA leads to the formation of oxidized linoleic acid metabolites (OXLAMs), impairments in mitochondrial function through suboptimal cardiolipin composition, and likely contributes to many chronic diseases that became an epidemic in the 20th century, and whose prevalence continues to increase. The standard American diet comprises 14 to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, with the majority of omega-6 intake coming from LA. As LA consumption increases, the potential for OXLAM formation also increases. OXLAMs have been associated with various illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. Lowering dietary LA intake can help reduce the production and accumulation of OXLAMs implicated in chronic diseases. While there are other problematic components in the standard American diet, the half-life of LA is approximately two years, which means the damage can be far more persistent than other dietary factors, and the impact of reducing excessive LA intake takes time. Therefore, additional research-evaluating approaches to reduce OXLAM formation and cardiolipin derangements following LA consumption are warranted.