Investigating the Effects of a Multinutrient Supplement on Cognition, Mood and Biochemical Markers in Middle-Aged Adults with 'Optimal' and 'Sub-Optimal' Diets: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial

Background: Previous randomized controlled trials examining cognitive and mood effects of combination multivitamin supplements in healthy, non-clinical adults have reported mixed results. One purported explanation for this is that the dietary status of participants at the start of supplement interventions may influence the magnitude of the effect of supplementation. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of a multinutrient formula containing B group vitamins, Bacopa monniera and Ginkgo biloba on memory, attention, mood and biochemical markers of nutrient status in middle-aged adults (M = 52.84 years, n = 141) with 'optimal' and 'sub-optimal' diets over 12 weeks. We hypothesised that active supplementation would differentially improve memory and attention in those with a 'sub-optimal' diet. Results: Mixed model, repeated measures analysis revealed that, in comparison to placebo, active treatment was associated with significant increases in B vitamin status (B1, B6, B12). Regarding behavioural outcomes there was no significant benefit to memory (F(1, 113.51) = 0.53, p = 0.470) nor attention (F(1,113.77) = 1.89, p = 0.171) in the whole cohort. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was a significant beneficial effect of supplementation on attentional performance in individuals with an 'optimal' diet prior to supplementation (F(1,57.25) = 4.94, p = 0.030). In the absence of a main effect of supplementation across the entire cohort, there were also a number of significant three-way interactions (treatment by time by diet group) detected in secondary outcomes including lower state anxiety and mental fatigue in those with an 'optimal' diet. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the cognitive benefit of B vitamin and herbal supplementation may be dependent on diet quality, supporting the concepts of 'co-nutrient optimisation' and interdependency of nutrients. This warrants further investigation. This study advocates characterising the diet of participants prior to supplementation as it may influence the effect of a nutraceutical intervention.

The acute effects of d-amphetamine and d-methamphetamine on ERP components in humans

While a number of behavioural studies have been conducted to investigate the acute effects of amphetamines on tasks of attention and information processing, there is currently a scarcity of research concerning their electrophysiological effects in healthy adults. It is also unclear as to whether amphetamines exert effects on stimulus evaluation or response selection. In two studies, independent groups of twenty healthy illicit stimulant users aged between 21 and 32 years were administered 0.42 mg/kg d-amphetamine versus placebo, and 0.42 mg/kg d-methamphetamine versus placebo respectively, and completed an auditory oddball task on two separate testing days. A 62-channel EEG was recorded during the completion of the task, and the effects of amphetamines on N200 and P300 ERP components were analysed. d-amphetamine significantly decreased reaction time, improved accuracy, and reduced the latency of the P300 component relative to placebo, while having no effect on the N200 component. d-methamphetamine had no effect on reaction time, accuracy or the P300 component, but reduced the amplitude of the N200 component, relative to placebo. It was concluded that there is tentative support to suggest that d-amphetamine at a dose of 0.42 mg/kg may enhance speed of information processing while d-methamphetamine at a dose of 0.42 mg/kg may reflect changes to stimulus evaluation.

Does coffee enriched with chlorogenic acids improve mood and cognition after acute administration in healthy elderly? A pilot study

RATIONALE

Caffeine exerts positive effects on cognitive and behavioral processes, especially in sub-optimal conditions when arousal is low. Apart from caffeine, coffee contains other compounds including the phenolic compounds ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and the chlorogenic acids, which have purported antioxidant properties. The chlorogenic acids are the most abundant family of compounds found in coffee, yet their effects on cognition and mood have not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to ascertain whether a coffee rich in chlorogenic acid modulates brain function.

METHODS

The present pilot study examined the acute effects of decaffeinated coffee with regular chlorogenic acid content and decaffeinated coffee with high chlorogenic acid content on mood and cognitive processes, as measured by behavioral tasks and event-related potentials (ERPs). Performance and ERP responses to a battery of cognitive tasks were recorded at baseline and following the equivalent of three cups of coffee in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study of 39 healthy older participants.

RESULTS

Compared with the decaffeinated coffee with regular chlorogenic acid and placebo, caffeinated coffee showed a robust positive effect on higher-level mood and attention processes. To a lesser extent, the decaffeinated coffee high in chlorogenic acid also improved some mood and behavioral measures, relative to regular decaffeinated coffee.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot results suggest that non-caffeine compounds in coffee such as the chlorogenic acids may be capable of exerting some acute behavioral effects, thus warranting further investigation.

The effects of 90-day supplementation with the omega-3 essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on cognitive function and visual acuity in a healthy aging population

The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for nervous system and retinal development and there is evidence to suggest that DHA deficiencies increase with normal aging. A triple-blind placebo-controlled randomized repeated-measures trial was conducted with 74 healthy participants, aged 45-77 years. Cognitive and visual acuity measures and plasma levels of DHA were determined at baseline and after 90 days of administration of either HiDHA(®) (Clover Corp., Sydney, NSW, Australia: 1000 mg of tuna oil; comprising 252 mg DHA, 60 mg EPA and 10 mg vitamin E) or placebo (1000 mg soybean oil). Ninety days of DHA supplementation was found to significantly raise both plasma DHA and total ω-3 plasma levels in the treatment group, as well as significantly lower total ω-6 levels. However, no significant effects of DHA supplementation on cognitive functioning were found. For participants with corrected vision, the group receiving DHA were found to have significantly better right eye visual acuity posttreatment in comparison with the placebo group (F(1,22) = 7.651; p = 0.011; partial η(2) = 0.258).

Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial

While Ayurvedic medicine has touted the cognitive enhancing effects of Bacopa monniera for centuries, there is a need for double-blind placebo-controlled investigations. One hundred and seven healthy participants were recruited for this double-blind placebo-controlled independent group design investigation. Sixty-two participants completed the study with 80% treatment compliance. Neuropsychological testing using the Cognitive Drug Research cognitive assessment system was conducted at baseline and after 90 days of treatment with a special extract of Bacopa monniera (2 x 150 mg KeenMind) or placebo. The Bacopa monniera product significantly improved performance on the 'Working Memory' factor, more specifically spatial working memory accuracy. The number of false-positives recorded in the Rapid visual information processing task was also reduced for the Bacopa monniera group following the treatment period. The current study provides support for the two other published studies reporting cognitive enhancing effects in healthy humans after a 90 day administration of the Bacopa monniera extract. Further studies are required to ascertain the effective dosage range, the time required to attain therapeutic levels and the effects over a longer term of administration.

Language-induced motor perturbations during the execution of a reaching movement

In a recent study Boulenger et al. (2006) found that processing action verbs assisted reaching movement when the word was processed prior to movement onset and interfered with the movement when the word was processed at movement onset. The present study aimed to further corroborate the existence of such cross-talk between language processes and overt motor behaviour by demonstrating that the reaching movement can be disturbed by action words even when the words are presented delayed with respect to movement onset (50 ms and 200 ms). The results are compared to studies that show language-motor interaction in conditions where the word is presented prior to movement onset and are discussed within the context of embodied theories of language comprehension.

Genetics of hydrogenase from aerobic lithoautotrophic bacteria

Aerobic facultatively autotrophic hydrogen bacteria are distinguished on the basis of their hydrogen-oxidizing enzyme system (Hox). The major group, represented by Paracoccus denitrificans and Pseudomonas facilis, contains a membrane-bound, electron transport-coupled protein. Species of Nocardia are characterized by the possession of a cytoplasmic NAD-dependent hydrogenase. Both enzymes are present in strains of Alcaligenes. All hydrogenases from lithoautotrophs are H2-consuming nickel-iron-sulfur proteins. Despite these common characteristics, hydrogenases differ in catalytic and molecular properties, in particular in the regulation of enzyme synthesis. Hydrogenase formation is either inducible by H2 (e.g. P. denitrificans strain F1, Alcaligenes hydrogenophilus) or subject to derepression in response to the supply of reductant, temperature, and oxygen (e.g. Alcaligenes eutrophus). The only plasmid-encoded Hox function has been conclusively identified in species of Alcaligenes. Structural and regulatory hox genes reside on megaplasmids, ranging in size between 400 and 500 kilobase pairs (kb). Most of the plasmids are self-transmissible by conjugation. Hox genes of A. eutrophus H16 have been localized by plasmid curing, genetic transfer, molecular cloning and analysis of plasmid deletions and insertions. They seem to be clustered in a DNA sequence of approximately 50 kb, representing several transcriptional units. In addition, a chromosomally encoded regulatory function is required for the expression of plasmid-linked hox genes. Plasmid pHGl of A. eutrophus H16 has been transferred to the non-lithoautotrophic soil bacterium JMP222. Both hydrogenases are expressed in the new host. The current state of hydrogenase genetics in Alcaligenes is discussed in reference to hydrogenase systems of other lithoautotrophic bacteria.

Stereoselective disposition and glucuronidation of propranolol in humans

Following oral dosing to steady state, the disposition of S(-)- and R(+)-propranolol and their corresponding glucuronide conjugates was studied in 4 healthy adults using doses from 40 to 320 mg/day of the racemate. Steady -state plasma concentrations of S(-)-propranolol and its corresponding glucuronide conjugate were greater than that for R(+)-propranolol and its corresponding conjugate. The average steady-state concentration of both enantiomers increased disproportionately to dose. There was a 52+/- 7 (mean +/- SD) % decrease in the intrinsic clearance (clint) of S(-)-propranolol and a 65 +/- 22% decrease in the Clint of R(+)-propranolol over the dosing range studied. The terminal elimination half-lives of S(-)-propranolol and its glucuronide conjugate were longer than for the R(+)-enantiomer at all doses. The formation of glucuzonide conjugates of S(-)- and R(+)-propranolol was best described by a saturable process in all subjects. Within individuals, the ratio of Vmax/Km for the glucuronide conjugate of S(-)-propranolol was from 2.1-to 4.9-fold greater than for the conjugate of the R(+)-enantiomer. These studies demonstrate for the first time, that propranolol undergoes stereoselective disposition in humans.

An automated HPLC method for the assay of propranolol and its basic metabolites in plasma and urine

An automated HPLC method is described for the simultaneous determination of propranolol, 4-hydroxypropranolol, and N-desisopropylpropranolol in plasma and urine before and after beta-glucuronidase/aryl sulfatase treatment. It involves extraction with ether at pH 10 in the presence of ascorbic acid, added to prevent oxidation of 4-hydroxypropranolol. The compounds are then back extracted into dilute acid and assayed on an HPLC using a fluorescence detector. Three HPLC columns have been used (a phenyl, an octyl, and an octadecyl column). The last column was found to be most reproducible with minimal intercolumn variation. The solvent system includes a combination of acetonitrile, methanol, and phosphoric acid. Concentrations as low as 0.2, 1.0, and 0.2 ng/ml of propranolol, 4-hydroxypropranolol, and N-desisopropylpropranolol, respectively, can be measured using 1 ml of plasma.

Stereospecific assay for (-)- and (+)-propranolol in human and dog plasma

Propranolol is a nonselective beta adrenergic blocking agent used clinically as the racemic mixture. Since (-)-propranolol is about 100 times more potent than its optical antipode, significant differences in their disposition may be important clinically, especially if affected by disease state. The present technique, for the first time, allows for the quantitation of both propranolol enantiomers after administration of the racemic mixture in man and dogs. Enantiomers are reacted with synthetically prepared and optically pure N-trifluoroacetyl-(-)-prolyl chloride, followed by high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of the diastereoisomers using fluorescence detection. Derivatization is quantitative (> 98%) from 2 to 1000 ng/ml; 4-hydroxy and N-desisopropyl propranolol, basic metabolites, do not interfere with the assay. (-)-Propranolol and (+)-propranolol and their corresponding glucuronide concentrations were determined in an angina patient taking 800 mg of propranolol daily and in two dogs given a single oral 80 mg dose. The ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curves for (-):(+)-propranolol, and for (-):(+)-propranolol glucuronide were 1.4 and 3.4, respectively, in man, and averaged 0.5, and 3.1, respectively, in dogs.

[Hepatic and renal toxicity of enflurane (author's transl)]

Enflurane has been implicated with both hepatic and renal toxicity. Others factors associated with similar dysfunction in the post operative period should be ruled out before the drug can be incriminated. We are reporting a case of mild post operative jaundice and transient renal insufficiency associated with enflurane anesthesia, which was eventually treated vigorously and successfully. The exact frequency of this kind of post operative complication is still unknown. Although other types of viral hepatitis cannot be completely ruled out, the anesthesiologist should be aware of the potential hazard of hepatic and renal toxicity attributed to enflurane. He should also be prepared to initiate vigorous treatment of the syndrome as soon as it appears so as to increase the chance for a successful outcome.

Spironolactone-associated digoxin radioimmunoassay interference

Apparent digoxin was measured in the serum of 21 patients receiving spironolactone and in 21 controls, by use of a sequential-saturation 3H-radioimmunoassay (RIA) and an equilibrium 125I-RIA. No patient had been given digoxin for at least four weeks. "Digoxin" values in the former group were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than in the control group, and often were in or near the "therapeutic" range by the equilibrium 125I-RIA, but not by the sequential-saturation 3H-RIA. Canrenone (a major active metabolite of spironolactone) in the serum of the former group was measured by a newly developed liquid-chromatographic technique and correlated (r = 0.73) with "digoxin" concentrations by the 125I-RIA. However, external addition of canrenone to control serum in comparable concentrations did not cause appreciable "digoxin" values by the 125I-RIA. These findings suggest that other metabolites of spironolactone are responsible for the assay interference, the degree of which appears to depend on antibody specificity. Therefore, assay specificity should be established in clinical laboratories by using digoxin-free serum from patients ingesting spironolactone, and not by using spironolactone- or canrenone-fortified digoxin-free serum.

Spironolactone-associated digoxin radioimmunoassay interference

Apparent digoxin was measured in the serum of 21 patients receiving spironolactone and in 21 controls, by use of a sequential-saturation 3H-radioimmunoassay (RIA) and an equilibrium 125I-RIA. No patient had been given digoxin for at least four weeks. "Digoxin" values in the former group were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than in the control group, and often were in or near the "therapeutic" range by the equilibrium 125I-RIA, but not by the sequential-saturation 3H-RIA. Canrenone (a major active metabolite of spironolactone) in the serum of the former group was measured by a newly developed liquid-chromatographic technique and correlated (r = 0.73) with "digoxin" concentrations by the 125I-RIA. However, external addition of canrenone to control serum in comparable concentrations did not cause appreciable "digoxin" values by the 125I-RIA. These findings suggest that other metabolites of spironolactone are responsible for the assay interference, the degree of which appears to depend on antibody specificity. Therefore, assay specificity should be established in clinical laboratories by using digoxin-free serum from patients ingesting spironolactone, and not by using spironolactone- or canrenone-fortified digoxin-free serum.