Heme Oxygenase-1 and Its Role in Colorectal Cancer

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme located at the endoplasmic reticulum, which is responsible for the degradation of cellular heme into ferrous iron, carbon monoxide and biliverdin-IXa. In addition to this main function, the enzyme is involved in many other homeostatic, toxic and cancer-related mechanisms. In this review, we first summarize the importance of HO-1 in physiology and pathophysiology with a focus on the digestive system. We then detail its structure and function, followed by a section on the regulatory mechanisms that control HO-1 expression and activity. Moreover, HO-2 as important further HO isoform is discussed, highlighting the similarities and differences with regard to HO-1. Subsequently, we describe the direct and indirect cytoprotective functions of HO-1 and its breakdown products carbon monoxide and biliverdin-IXa, but also highlight possible pro-inflammatory effects. Finally, we address the role of HO-1 in cancer with a particular focus on colorectal cancer. Here, relevant pathways and mechanisms are presented, through which HO-1 impacts tumor induction and tumor progression. These include oxidative stress and DNA damage, ferroptosis, cell cycle progression and apoptosis as well as migration, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Effects of sodium nitrite reduction, removal or replacement on cured and cooked meat for microbiological growth, food safety, colon ecosystem, and colorectal carcinogenesis in Fischer 344 rats

Epidemiological and experimental evidence indicated that processed meat consumption is associated with colorectal cancer risks. Several studies suggest the involvement of nitrite or nitrate additives via N-nitroso-compound formation (NOCs). Compared to the reference level (120 mg/kg of ham), sodium nitrite removal and reduction (90 mg/kg) similarly decreased preneoplastic lesions in F344 rats, but only reduction had an inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes growth comparable to that obtained using the reference nitrite level and an effective lipid peroxidation control. Among the three nitrite salt alternatives tested, none of them led to a significant gain when compared to the reference level: vegetable stock, due to nitrate presence, was very similar to this reference nitrite level, yeast extract induced a strong luminal peroxidation and no decrease in preneoplastic lesions in rats despite the absence of NOCs, and polyphenol rich extract induced the clearest downward trend on preneoplastic lesions in rats but the concomitant presence of nitrosyl iron in feces. Except the vegetable stock, other alternatives were less efficient than sodium nitrite in reducing L. monocytogenes growth.

Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.): Extraction, Chemical Characterization, Fractionation and Cellular Antioxidant Activity

Lingonberries contain high contents of bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acids and anthocyanins. In addition to radical scavenging and antioxidant activities, these compounds can protect cells from DNA damage. For this reason, lingonberries might be well suited for nutraceuticals or natural biomedicines. To assess these applications, the present study characterized and identified the most effective extract, only consisting of anthocyanins, copigments or a mixture of both, obtained from a lingonberry juice concentrate. An extract was generated by using a XAD-7 column followed by fractionation into anthocyanins and copigments using adsorptive membrane chromatography. After identification of main polyphenols by HPLC–photodiode array–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry, free radical scavenging activity was analyzed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and galvinoxyl radicals. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry analyses and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay were applied. Finally, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) reducing effects of the lingonberry extract and its fractions were evaluated in HepG2 cells. While the combination of anthocyanins and copigments possessed the highest antioxidant activities, all samples (XAD-7 extract, anthocyanin and copigment fraction) protected cells from oxidative stress. Thus, synergistic effects between phenolic compounds may be responsible for the high antioxidant potential of lingonberries, enabling their use as nutraceuticals.

Comparison of Agreement between Several Diagnostic Criteria of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

PURPOSE

Several diagnostic algorithms exist to detect sarcopenia in older adults. We compared the prevalence of sarcopenia according to the selected diagnostic algorithms.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study compared the European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) 2010, updated EWGSOP 2019, the Foundation for National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) criteria in 778 outpatients of the Geriatric Clinic aged 60 to 89 years. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to estimate muscle mass, hand-held hydraulic dynamometer to measure muscle strength, the TUG test and gait speed to assess physical function were used.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia varied from 0% to 6.43% depending on the algorithm. For the majority of associations between the different definitions of sarcopenia the agreement was null or fair (Cohen's kappa between 0.2 and 0.4). Moderate agreement (Cohen's kappa between 0.4 and 0.6) was found for only three relationships. Nevertheless, for these three relationships, McNemar's test has given different results, indicating that even in the moderately agreeing algorithms, the shared diagnoses of sarcopenia concerned only part of subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

According to diagnostic algorithms the prevalence of sarcopenia is low in independent community-dwelling older adults. The agreement between the different definitions is poor.

Valorization and Application of Fruit and Vegetable Wastes and By-Products for Food Packaging Materials

The important roles of food packaging are food protection and preservation during processing, transportation, and storage. Food can be altered biologically, chemically, and physically if the packaging is unsuitable or mechanically damaged. Furthermore, packaging is an important marketing and communication tool to consumers. Due to the worldwide problem of environmental pollution by microplastics and the large amounts of unused food wastes and by-products from the food industry, it is important to find more environmentally friendly alternatives. Edible and functional food packaging may be a suitable alternative to reduce food waste and avoid the use of non-degradable plastics. In the present review, the production and assessment of edible food packaging from food waste as well as fruit and vegetable by-products and their applications are demonstrated. Innovative food packaging made of biopolymers and biocomposites, as well as active packaging, intelligent packaging, edible films, and coatings are covered.

Repair of O6-carboxymethylguanine adducts by O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in human colon epithelial cells

The protein O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is able to repair the mutagenic O6-methylguanine adduct back to guanine. In this context, it may protect against colorectal cancer (CRC) formation associated with N-nitroso compounds. Such compounds may be endogenously formed by nitrosylation of amino acids, which can give rise to mutagenic O6-methylguanine (O6-MeG) and O6-carboxymethylguanine (O6-CMG) adducts. It is well-established that O6-MeG is repaired by MGMT. However, up to now, whether O6-CMG is repaired by this enzyme remains unresolved. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the fate of both types of O6-guanine adducts in the presence and absence of MGMT activity. To this end, MGMT activity was efficiently blocked by its chemical inhibitor O6-benzylguanine in human colon epithelial cells (HCEC). Exposure of cells to azaserine (AZA) caused significantly higher levels of both O6-MeG and O6-CMG adducts in MGMT-inhibited cells, with O6-CMG as the more abundant DNA lesion. Interestingly, MGMT inhibition did not result in higher levels of AZA-induced DNA strand breaks in spite of elevated DNA adduct levels. In contrast, MGMT inhibition significantly increased DNA strand break formation after exposure to temozolomide (TMZ), a drug that exclusively generates O6-MeG adducts. In line with this finding, the viability of the cells was moderately reduced by TMZ upon MGMT inhibition, whereas no clear effect was observed in cells treated with AZA. In conclusion, our study clearly shows that O6-CMG is repaired by MGMT in HCEC, thereby suggesting that MGMT might play an important role as a tumor suppressor in diet-mediated CRC.

Effects of Lipid-Based Encapsulation on the Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Phenolic Compounds

Phenolic compounds (quercetin, rutin, cyanidin, tangeretin, hesperetin, curcumin, resveratrol, etc.) are known to have health-promoting effects and they are accepted as one of the main proposed nutraceutical group. However, their application is limited owing to the problems related with their stability and water solubility as well as their low bioaccessibility and bioavailability. These limitations can be overcome by encapsulating phenolic compounds by physical, physicochemical and chemical encapsulation techniques. This review focuses on the effects of encapsulation, especially lipid-based techniques (emulsion/nanoemulsion, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes/nanoliposomes, etc.), on the digestibility characteristics of phenolic compounds in terms of bioaccessibility and bioavailability.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Extract and Its Anthocyanin and Copigment Fractions-Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Influence on Cellular Oxidative Stress

Secondary plant metabolites, e.g., polyphenols, are widely known as health-improving compounds that occur in natural functional foods such as pomegranates. While extracts generated from these fruits inhibit oxidative stress, the allocation of these effects to the different subgroups of substances, e.g., anthocyanins, "copigments" (polyphenols without anthocyanins), or polymeric compounds, is still unknown. Therefore, in the present study, polyphenols from pomegranate juice were extracted and separated into an anthocyanin and copigment fraction using adsorptive membrane chromatography. Phenolic compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) detection and HPLC-PDA electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS), while the free radical scavenging activity of the pomegranate XAD‑7 extract and its fractions was evaluated by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Compared to juice, the total phenolic content and free radical scavenging potential was significantly higher in the pomegranate XAD-7 extract and its fractions. In comparison to the anthocyanin and copigment fraction, pomegranate XAD-7 extract showed the highest radical scavenging activity against galvinoxyl and DPPH radicals. Moreover, the enriched XAD-7 extract and its fractions were able to protect human hepatocellular HepG2 cells against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Overall, these results indicated that anthocyanins and copigments act together in reducing oxidative stress.

Synthesis and in vitro characterization of the genotoxic, mutagenic and cell-transforming potential of nitrosylated heme

Data from epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of red and processed meat is a factor contributing to colorectal carcinogenesis. Red meat contains high amounts of heme, which in turn can be converted to its nitrosylated form, NO-heme, when adding nitrite-containing curing salt to meat. NO-heme might contribute to colorectal cancer formation by causing gene mutations and could thereby be responsible for the association of (processed) red meat consumption with intestinal cancer. Up to now, neither in vitro nor in vivo studies characterizing the mutagenic and cell transforming potential of NO-heme have been published due to the fact that the pure compound is not readily available. Therefore, in the present study, an already existing synthesis protocol was modified to yield, for the first time, purified NO-heme. Thereafter, newly synthesized NO-heme was chemically characterized and used in various in vitro approaches at dietary concentrations to determine whether it can lead to DNA damage and malignant cell transformation. While NO-heme led to a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of DNA strand breaks in the comet assay and was mutagenic in the HPRT assay, this compound tested negative in the Ames test and failed to induce malignant cell transformation in the BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay. Interestingly, the non-nitrosylated heme control showed similar effects, but was additionally able to induce malignant transformation in BALB/c 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Taken together, these results suggest that it is the heme molecule rather than the NO moiety which is involved in driving red meat-associated carcinogenesis.

The Reference Site Collaborative Network of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing

Seventy four Reference Sites of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) have been recognised by the European Commission in 2016 for their commitment to excellence in investing and scaling up innovative solutions for active and healthy ageing. The Reference Site Collaborative Network (RSCN) brings together the EIP on AHA Reference Sites awarded by the European Commission, and Candidate Reference Sites into a single forum. The overarching goals are to promote cooperation, share and transfer good practice and solutions in the development and scaling up of health and care strategies, policies and service delivery models, while at the same time supporting the action groups in their work. The RSCN aspires to be recognized by the EU Commission as the principal forum and authority representing all EIP on AHA Reference Sites. The RSCN will contribute to achieve the goals of the EIP on AHA by improving health and care outcomes for citizens across Europe, and the development of sustainable economic growth and the creation of jobs.

Effects of a Grapevine Shoot Extract Containing Resveratrol and Resveratrol Oligomers on Intestinal Adenoma Development in Mice: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

SCOPE

Evidence suggests that the dietary consumption of plant extracts containing polyphenols might help prevent the onset of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, the chemopreventive and antiproliferative efficacy of a grapevine shoot extract (Vineatrol®30) containing resveratrol and resveratrol oligomers is investigated in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The in vivo study is performed using Apc^Min mice on a high-fat diet, which represents a model of human adenomatous polyposis, while the potential of the extract as well as some of its isolated constituents to inhibit intestinal adenoma cell proliferation in vitro is investigated using APC10.1 cells derived from an Apc^Min mouse. Vineatrol®30 at a low (2.3 mg kg^-1  diet) or high dose (476 mg kg^-1  diet) reduces the adenoma number in male and adenoma volume in female animals. Furthermore, Vineatrol®30 as well as resveratrol and two resveratrol tetramers compromise the expansion of APC10.1 cells by reducing cell number, inducing cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. However, except for the extract, none of the isolated resveratrol oligomers is more efficacious than resveratrol in these cells.

CONCLUSION

Vineatrol®30 may merit further investigation as a potential dietary gastrointestinal cancer chemopreventive agent in humans.

CHRODIS criteria applied to the MASK (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK) Good Practice in allergic rhinitis: a SUNFRAIL report

A Good Practice is a practice that works well, produces good results, and is recommended as a model. MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel Network (MASK), the new Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative, is an example of a Good Practice focusing on the implementation of multi-sectoral care pathways using emerging technologies with real life data in rhinitis and asthma multi-morbidity. The European Union Joint Action on Chronic Diseases and Promoting Healthy Ageing across the Life Cycle (JA-CHRODIS) has developed a checklist of 28 items for the evaluation of Good Practices. SUNFRAIL (Reference Sites Network for Prevention and Care of Frailty and Chronic Conditions in community dwelling persons of EU Countries), a European Union project, assessed whether MASK is in line with the 28 items of JA-CHRODIS. A short summary was proposed for each item and 18 experts, all members of ARIA and SUNFRAIL from 12 countries, assessed the 28 items using a Survey Monkey-based questionnaire. A visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (strongly disagree) to 100 (strongly agree) was used. Agreement equal or over 75% was observed for 14 items (50%). MASK is following the JA-CHRODIS recommendations for the evaluation of Good Practices.

Validation of the modified mini nutritional assessment short-forms in different populations of older people in Poland

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness in different populations of elderly people in Poland of both modified versions of Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Forms (MNA-SFs) with a three-category scoring classification: one using BMI (MNA-SF-BMI) and another using calf circumference (MNA-SF-CC).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A group of 932 community-dwelling subjects from the urban environment, 812 subjects from the rural environment and 859 subjects from an institutional environment (nursing homes).

MEASUREMENTS

Agreement between both MNA-SFs and the MNA full form.

RESULTS

MNA-SF-BMI correctly classified 84.12%, 82.51% and 81.84% of subjects from urban, rural and institutional environment, respectively. For MNA-SF-CC those values were 82.4%, 71.8% and 76.6%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MNA-SF-BMI and MNA-SF-CC against full MNA in screening for "at risk/malnutrition" and "malnutrition" were generally very high, except for relatively lower sensitivity (74.1%) when screening for "malnutrition" with MNA-SF-CC in nursing homes.

CONCLUSION

Both MNA-SFs can be recommended as screening tools in assessing the nutritional state of the community-dwelling and institutionalised elderly in Poland. The full version of the MNA confirmed the results of MNA-SFs in this group. The "classic" MNA-SF using BMI was found to perform better than the MNA-SF-CC. The MNA-SF-CC should be used only when measuring BMI is not possible. While using MNA-SF-CC in nursing homes, a higher MNA-SF-CC cut-point of eleven should be rather used in this population to screen for "at risk/malnutrition".

Physical activity and upper respiratory tract infections

We explored the relationship of current and lifetime physical activity (PA) with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) symptomatology in 142 male volunteers aged 33 to 90. They participated in baseline and one-year follow-up examinations and fulfilled the log books for daily recording of URTI symptomatology during the whole year. PA was assessed by the Seven Day Recall PA Questionnaire and the Historical Leisure Activity Questionnaire. Number of URTI episodes per year and the number of days with URTI per year were significantly inversely associated with the follow-up 7-Day Recall Hard score (rho = - 0.21; p = 0.013 and rho = - 0.18; p = 0.032, respectively). In logistic regression model, after adjustment for age and anthropometric data, the subjects with high follow-up 7-Day Recall Hard score (dichotomised as high vs. low) had a lower probability of having at least 2 URTI episodes per year (OR = 0.38; CI = 0.18 - 0.78), lower probability of having at least 3 URTI episodes per year (OR = 0.42; CI = 0.20 - 0.87), and lower probability of having at least 15 days with URTI (OR = 0.36; CI = 0.15 - 0.88). URTI symptomatology was not related to cardiorespiratory fitness or any measures of the historical PA questionnaire. We conclude that in middle-aged and older men the symptomatology of URTI over long periods of time is inversely related to current but not to lifetime PA.

Independent contribution of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity to lower health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older subjects

The study examined the association of nutritional status, obesity and physical activity (PA) with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the elderly, and whether this relationship persists after controlling for confounders attributable to comorbidities, functional status and cognitive function. A total of 300 community-dwelling persons (177 women and 123 men) between 66 and 79 years of age were randomly chosen from all inhabitants of one district of the city of Lodz (Poland). HRQL was assessed with the Euroqol 5D questionnaire. PA was assessed by two questionnaires: the Seven Day Recall PA Questionnaire and the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire. Comorbidities, nutritional state (Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire - MNA), physical disability, cognitive function and psychological state were also assessed. In bivariate relationships body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and the percentage of body fat were negatively related to several HRQL scores both in women and men. Similarly, many HRQL scores were positively related to PA indices in both genders. In multivariate relationships, after adjustments for age, gender, smoking status, number of medications taken, comorbidities and geriatric physical and cognitive function, BMI predicted lower mobility while the percentage of body fat independently contributed to more frequent pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression problems. An adequate MNA added to a higher usual activity score, while a higher Stanford Moderate PA Index predicted better overall perceived health state. These results indicate that excess body fatness and sedentary lifestyle have, together with several functional and medical comorbidities, an independent contribution to inferior HRQL in community dwelling older subjects.

[Relation between physical activity, muscle function and IGF-1, testosterone and DHEAS concentrations in the elderly]

OBJECTIVE

Lower amounts of circulating anabolic hormones are thought to accelerate the age related decline in muscle mass and function. Replacement therapies are promising interventions but there are problems with these therapies. Thus alternative strategies should be developed. The age related changes in hormonal status may be probably influenced by exercise. The purpose of this study was: a) to confirm with other methods, more adapted for elderly people, the results of a previous study that has shown relationship between physical activity (PA) and quadriceps muscle function with dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Quadriceps muscle power (Pmax) is measured in this new work with a recently developed leg extensor machine and, b) to complete the results of the first study examining simultaneously the relationship between PA, Pmax and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) with DHEAS, IGF-1 and testosterone in a group of healthy elderly people.

METHODS

Fifty independent, community dwelling elderly subjects (25 mens and 25 womens) aged from 66 to 84 volunteered to participate in the study. PA was evaluated by the questionnaire and expressed using two activity indices: mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE) and the daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities (Sports Activity). Pmax and optimal shortening velocity (vopt) were measured on a Ergopower dynamometer. The Pmax was expressed relative to body mass, Pmax/kg (W kg-1), and relative to the mass of the two quadriceps muscles, Pmax/Quadr (W.kgQuadr-1). VO2max has been measured during a maximal treadmill exercise.

RESULTS

In women, IGF-1 correlated significantly with MHDEE (r = 0.54, P = 0.004), Pmax/kg (r = 0.54, P = 0.004) and Pmax/Quadr (r = 0.46, P = 0.02), whereas DHEAS with MHDEE (r = 0.54, P = 0.004), Sports Activity (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), VO2max (r = 0.46, P = 0.02), Pmax/kg (r = 0.46, P = 0.02) and Pmax/Quadr (r = 0.55, P = 0.004). No such correlation was found in men.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm that in healthy elderly women physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and quadriceps muscle function are similarly related to levels of circulating DHEAS and IGF-1 suggesting a favourable influence of exercise on anabolic hormonal production in the elderly.

Usefulness of calf circumference measurement in assessing the nutritional state of hospitalized elderly people

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a widespread but largely unrecognized problem in aged patients, more so as it is a contributing factor to the increased morbidity and mortality in this age group. Since direct measurements of body composition are not possible in a large number of patients, good anthropometric reference data are fundamental in assessing the nutritional state of elderly people.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy of calf circumference (CC) measurement for assessing the nutritional state of the elderly.

METHODS

The nutritional state was assessed by anthropometric and biological measurements in 911 elderly patients consecutively admitted to a geriatric unit. In the first instance, univariate analysis was performed for CC and other nutritional parameters. Linear and multiple stepwise regressions were performed to study the association between anthropometric or biological parameters and CC. At a later stage, the specificity, sensitivity and the optimal cutoff CC were established for 2 groups of patients: malnourished and controls. Finally, patients were classified according to this cutoff in order to verify the efficacy of CC in assessing their nutritional state.

RESULTS

The results of univariate analysis showed significant correlations between CC and other nutritional anthropometric markers (r = 0.706, p < 0.0001 with body mass index (BMI) and r = 0.661, p < 0.0001 with fat free mass) and biological markers (r = 0.219, p < 0.0001 with albumin and r = 0.162, p < 0.0001 with transthyretin). Multiple regression confirmed associations between CC and tricipital skinfold thickness (p < 0.0001), fat free mass (p < 0.0001), BMI (p < 0.0001), and serum albumin (p < 0.0001; r(2) = 0.561). The optimal cutoff for CC was found to be 30.5 cm for both men (sensitivity 73.2%, specificity 72.8%) and women (sensitivity 78.8%, specificity 61.1%). The classification of patients according to this discriminating factor was confirmed for the optimal cutoff value.

CONCLUSION

Calf circumference is a pertinent marker of nutritional state. The cutoff of 30.5 cm provides a good diagnostic capacity.

Decision support systems for chemical structure representation, reaction modeling, and spectra simulation

The choice of an appropriate structure coding scheme is the secret to success in QSAR studies. Depending on the problem at hand, 2D or 3D descriptors have to be chosen; the consideration of electronic effects might be crucial, conformational flexibility has to be of special concern. Artificial neural networks, both with unsupervised and with supervised learning schemes, are powerful tools for establishing relationships between structure and physical, chemical, or biological properties. The EROS system for the simulation of chemical reactions is briefly presented and its application to the degradation of s-triazine herbicides is shown. It is further shown how the simulation of chemical reactions can be combined with the simulation of infrared spectra for the efficient identification of the structure of degradation products.

Response of Blood Lipids to Physical Exercise in Elderly Subjects

Regular physical activity plays an important role in nonpharmacologic management of hyperlipidemia, in both the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Training intensity and duration, health status (especially the presence of cardiovascular disease), and concomitant changes in body mass and dietary habits are the most important factors that can modify the physical activity-blood lipid profile relationship in the elderly. The benefit of regular exercise goes beyond direct influence on blood lipids; it aids in reducing weight, decreasing fat mass, increasing lean body mass, reducing elevated blood pressure, and increasing insulin sensitivity. Regular physical activity has become widely recommended as an important element of healthy and successful aging and should be encouraged in individuals without contraindications. (c)2001 CHF, Inc.

[Aging and so called "youth hormones". Potential influence of exercise training]

Plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and testosterone decline with ageing. These hormones share some biological activities which counteract the aging processes: increase in fat-free mass, decrease of adipose tissue and globally increased fitness and well being. It seems that lower levels of these hormones may reflect partially lower physical activity and fitness of older subjects. If further longitudinal studies confirm this, regular participation in exercise training would become a useful alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

A combined application of reaction prediction and infrared spectra simulation for the identification of degradation products of s-triazine herbicides

Substance identification in analytical chemistry is usually performed by comparing an experimental spectrum with a reference spectrum. Especially in environmental chemistry, reference spectra from databases are only available for a limited number of compounds. The combination of the reaction prediction system EROS and of infrared spectra simulation is a powerful tool for computer-assisted substance identification. First, possible degradation products of a chemical are predicted and then the infrared spectra of all these compounds are simulated. Comparison of the simulated infrared spectra with experimental spectra allows one to identify the structure of compounds. The method is demonstrated with the example of s-triazine herbicides.

[Physio-pathologic aspects of aging--possible influence of physical training on physical fitness]

Two physiological parameters seem to be of major importance in maintaining physical functioning in the elderly: a capacity to perform aerobic exercises (endurance fitness) and an ability to do anaerobic work, especially maximal muscle force and power. Regular physical activity helps in maintaining these parameters at levels enabling normal functioning at everyday's living, contributing therefore to preservation of functional autonomy and independence in the elderly.

Lack of correlation between 6-month fluctuations in habitual physical activity and testosterone. Concentrations in elderly subjects

BACKGROUND

To examine the influence of long-term modifications in habitual physical activity (PA) on resting total testosterone (TT) concentrations in a group of healthy elderly subjects.

METHODS

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

6-month prospective study.

SETTING

University research departments of exercise physiology and geriatric medicine.

PARTICIPANTS

thirty-one independent, community dwelling elderly subjects (16 men and 15 women) aged > 65 who volunteered to participate.

INTERVENTIONS

correlational study.

MEASURES

PA was evaluated by a questionnaire QAPSE (Questionnaire d Activité Physique Saint-Etienne) and expressed by two activity indices: mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE) and daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities (Sports activity index).

RESULTS

Changes in resting TT concentrations were not related to changes in MHDEE (r = -0.28; p = 0.30 and r = -0.001; p=0.99) and Sports activity (r = -0.30; p = 0.26 and r = -0.05; p = 0.85) in men and women, respectively. Similarly, relative (%) changes in TT were not related to relative changes in MHDEE (r = -0.16; p=0.55 and r = 0.17; p=0.55) and Sports activity (r = -0.11; p=0.68 and r = 0.02; p = 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of habitual PA undertaken by an average senior do not appear to affect TT levels in healthy active elderly men and women.

[Red wine in medicine: panacea, fashion or ... risk factor?]

Red wine has been a subject of much interest of professionals representing different fields of medicine. However, most of scientific studies have been searching for the reason of so called French paradox, which means that in France and other mediterranean countries the morbidity and mortality due to ischaemic heart disease is significantly lower than in other developed countries, in spite of relatively high consumption of fat and saturated fatty acids. The cardio-protective mechanism of red wine, although incompletely understood, is connected on one hand with the presence of ethanol which increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and inhibits platelet aggregation, and on the other hand with the presence of polyphenols that have desirable biological properties. These include flavonoids, phenolic acids and stilbenes which are reputed to have antioxidant, vasorelaxing and antiplatelet properties. There is a considerable body of evidence indicating that regular consumption of red wine at moderate doses (200-400 ml a day) exerts a protective effect against ischaemic heart disease, other cardiovascular diseases, and perhaps diabetes, osteoporosis or some cancers. But, since alcohol intake involves a potential danger (risk of dependence, alcoholism, many organic diseases, migraine, allergies) medical recommendations of red wine consumption should be formulated very carefully.

Simultaneous validation of ten physical activity questionnaires in older men: a doubly labeled water study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to simultaneously validate 10 physical activity (PA) questionnaires in a homogenous population of healthy elderly men against the reference method: doubly labeled water (DLW).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Community-based sample from Lyon, France.

PARTICIPANTS

Nineteen healthy old men (age 73.4 +/- 4.1 years), recruited from various associations for elderly people in Lyon, agreed to participate in the study.

MEASUREMENTS

The questionnaire-derived measures (scores) were compared with two validation measures: DLW and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). With the DLW method three parameters were calculated: (1) total energy expenditure (TEE), (2) physical activity level (PAL), i.e., the ratio of TEE to resting metabolic rate, (3) energy expenditure of PA.

RESULTS

Relative validity. Correlation between the questionnaires and TEE ranged from 0.11 for the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) total index to 0.63 for the Stanford usual activity questionnaire. This questionnaire also gave the best correlation coefficients with PAL (0.75), and with VO2max (0.62). Significant results with TEE measured by the DLW method were also obtained for college alumni sports score, Seven Day Recall moderate activity, and Questionnaire d'Activité Physique Saint-Etienne sports activity (r = 0.54, r = 0.52, and r = 0.54, respectively). Absolute validity. No difference was found between PA measured by the Seven Day Recall or by the YPAS and DLW, on a group basis. The limits of agreement were wide for all the questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a few questionnaires demonstrated a reasonable degree of reliability and could be used to rank healthy older men according to PA. Correlation coefficients were best when the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire was compared with all the validation measures. The two questionnaires reporting recent PA, the Seven Day Recall, and YPAS accurately assessed energy expenditure for the group. The individual variability was high for all the questionnaires, suggesting that their use as a proxy measure of individual energy expenditure may be limited.

Quadriceps muscle function in relation to habitual physical activity and VO2max in men and women aged more than 65 years

The relationship of quadriceps maximal muscle power (Pmax), corresponding optimal shortening velocity (v(opt)), and relative fatigability (Pmax%D) to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and habitual physical activity (PA) was examined in healthy community-dwelling subjects (29 women and 25 men) aged more than 65 years old. PA was evaluated by a questionnaire and expressed using two activity indices: mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE) and the daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities (Sports Activity). In women, Pmax correlated positively with VO2max (r = .56) and with Sports Activity (rho = .41). Both Sports Activity and Pmax were significant independent predictors of VO2max and accounted for 62% of variance in VO2max. In men, v(opt) was significantly negatively related to MHDEE (r = -.59) and to Sports Activity (rho = -.40). Neither in women nor in men was Pmax%D correlated with VO2max or PA indices. The different relationship of Pmax and v(opt) with VO2max and PA indices suggests that habitual PA may be sufficient in active older women, but not in men, to positively influence quadriceps muscle function. These gender differences may suggest different approaches in exercise programming for elderly women and men.

Long-term effects of different physical activity levels on coronary heart disease risk factors in middle-aged men

In order to define the amount of physical activity appropriate in primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD), we have compared the effects during 5 years of physical activity in four groups of middle-aged men with different but stable approximate metabolic costs of leisure time sports activities (AMCSA): sedentary (n = 40; 0 kcal per week), low activity (n = 31; 1-999 kcal per week), moderate activity (n = 56; 1,000-1,999 kcal per week), and high activity (n = 71; > or = 2,000 kcal per week). Time related increase of body mass and BMI was more pronounced in lower activity groups. Changes in HDL cholesterol were more favourable in the high activity group as compared to sedentary and low activity groups. The increase of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the sedentary group was statistically significantly different from the decrease of DBP observed in both moderate and high activity groups. We conclude that favourable long-term stabilization of most coronary risk factors is achievable with physical activity energy expenditure above 1,000 kcal per week. Physical activity-related energy expenditure > or = 2,000 kcal per week is associated with some additional benefits, especially with a favourable modification of HDL cholesterol level.

Leg extensor power and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, insulin-like growth factor-I and testosterone in healthy active elderly people

We examined the association between quadriceps muscle function and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and testosterone in a group of healthy elderly people. Fifty-three independent, community-dwelling elderly subjects (26 men and 27 women) aged from 66 to 84 years volunteered to participate in the study. Physical activity (PA) was evaluated by a questionnaire. Quadriceps maximal muscle power (Wmax) and optimal shortening velocity (v(opt)) were measured on a friction-loaded non-isokinetic cycle ergometer. The Wmax is expressed in relation to body mass (W(max/kg), W x kg(-1)), and in relation to the mass of the two quadriceps muscles (W(max/Quadr), W x kg(Quadr(-1))). In women, when adjusted for age, anthropometric measurements and PA indices, IGF-I correlated significantly with W(max/kg) (partial correlation: r = 0.59; P = 0.001), W(max/Quadr) (r = 0.58; P = 0.002) and v(opt) (r = 0.53; P = 0.004), whereas DHEAS was correlated significantly with W(max/kg) (r = 0.54; P = 0.003) and W(max/Quadr) (r = 0.58; P = 0.002). No such correlation was found in men. These findings indicate that in healthy elderly women lower values for quadriceps muscle Wmax and v(opt) are related, independently of age, anthropometric measurements and PA indices, to lower circulating levels of DHEAS and IGF-I.

Physical activity, aerobic capacity and selected markers of oxidative stress and the anti-oxidant defence system in healthy active elderly men

The relationship of oxidative stress and the anti-oxidant defence system to maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and habitual physical activity was assessed in 26 elderly men (71.0 +/- 4.2 years) and compared to that of 12 young men (22.1 +/- 5.1 years). Physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire. Malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma total anti-oxidant status (TAS), the levels of red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as serum GPX activities were determined under resting conditions. The older and young men had similar TAS and RBC SOD, while MDA, RBC GPX and plasma GPX were higher, and RBC SOD/GPX ratio was significantly lower in the older men. Neither MDA nor anti-oxidants were associated with any of the physical activity/aerobic capacity measures in the elderly men. We conclude that in healthy elderly men with a good nutritional status, indicators of the anti-oxidant defence system are not lower in comparison with young men. Increased RBC and plasma GPX coupled with a high level of lipid peroxidation marker may indicate an adaptation of anti-oxidant defences to sustained oxidative stress. Furthermore, the results of the present study suggest that the level of habitual physical activity and aerobic capacity have no major influence on the resting balance between radical generation and blood anti-oxidant potential in healthy older men.

The symptomatology of upper respiratory tract infections and exercise in elderly people

PURPOSE

To analyze, both by a retrospective and prospective study design, the relationship of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical activity (PA) to upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) symptomatology in elderly subjects.

METHODS

61 (33 men and 28 women) healthy and weight-stable active elderly volunteers aged 66-84 yr participated in the study. PA was evaluated by a questionnaire QAPSE (Questionnaire d'Activite Physique Saint-Etienne) and expressed by two QAPSE activity indices: MHDEE (mean habitual daily energy expenditure) and sports activity (daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities). Log books for daily recording of URTI symptomatology were used in prospective design.

RESULTS

In a 1-yr retrospective study a significant correlation was found between number of weeks with URTI per year and Sports activity index (r = -0.27, P = 0.037). In a prospective 12-month follow-up, the number of episodes per year and number of days with URTI per year were significantly negatively associated with sports activity index (r = -0.29, P = 0.022 and r = -0.26, P = 0.041, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In healthy active elderly subjects the symptomatology of URTI over long periods of time is inversly related to energy expenditure utilized during moderately intensive physical exercise.

Influence of acute and chronic exercise on insulin-like growth factor-I in healthy active elderly men and women

We examined the influence of physical activity (PA) and acute resistance exercise on insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in 39 healthy, independent, community-dwelling elderly volunteers (14 men and 25 women) aged from 66 to 84. In a longitudinal non-interventional study, we compared the fluctuations in IGF-I levels and changes in habitual PA over a 6-month period. PA was evaluated by a questionnaire QAPSE (Questionnaire d'Activité Physique Saint-Etienne), and expressed by two activity indices: mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE), and daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities (sports activity index). In an experimental design we compared IGF-I levels before, at 1 and 15 minutes after short quadriceps muscle exertion (10 consecutive repetitions) carried out with optimal muscle power development. Changes in IGF-I levels over a 6-month period were positively related to changes in MHDEE (r = 0.41; p<0.01), and sports activity (r = 0.40; p<0.02). When analyzed by gender, these correlations were still statistically significant in women (r = 0.39; p = 0.05 and r = 0.41; p<0.05), but not in men (r = 0.36; p = 0.21 and r = 0.20; p = 0.50). No changes (p = 0.17) were observed in serum IGF-I concentrations after the acute exercise protocol. These findings indicate that IGF-I levels are positively related to fluctuations in habitual PA, at least in women. Further research is needed to establish the best intensity and duration of exercise training to induce these changes.

[Aging, physical activity and free radicals]

A growing amount of evidence indicates that increasing with age imbalance between pro- and antioxidants is implicated in a premature ageing and a variety of diseases. Physical activity influences both the production of reactive oxygen species and physiological antioxidant defences. This paper reviews the current literature on the influence of physical exercise on the oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defence system in the elderly people.

Relationship of physical activity and fitness to lipid and lipoprotein (a) in elderly subjects

PURPOSE

To determine, both by a cross-sectional and longitudinal study design, the relationship of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical activity (PA) to blood lipids and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in a population of healthy and weight-stable elderly volunteers aged 66-84 yr.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study in 52 subjects (23 men and 29 women), all independent variables (age, anthropometric, VO2max, and PA indices) were used in a multiple stepwise regression analysis to select variables influencing lipid and lipoprotein parameters. In a prospective nonintervention study, 38 subjects (17 men and 21 women) were reexamined after 6 months.

RESULTS

In a cross-sectional study, sports activity index contributed significantly to total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C), TC/high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio variance in men, whereas VO2max accounted for 23% variance of apolipoprotein A-I in women. In a prospective study, there was no indication that any measured variable was correlated with absolute or relative changes in PA indices in the total group or when analyzed by gender.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm that favorable relationship between PA/fitness and blood lipid profile is visible in elderly people but spontaneous changes in habitual PA are not a sufficient stimulus to alter serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in this population. Furthermore, there is no direct association between Lp(a) levels and PA, fitness, or body composition in the elderly men and women.

[Sarcopenia: definition and clinical implications]

Age-related decrease in skeletal muscle mass has been referred to as sarcopenia. This reduction in muscle mass is a direct cause of the age-related decrease in muscle strength and power. Reduced muscle strength and power is a major cause of functional dependence in the elderly, contributing also to the increase in the prevalence of many age-associated chronic diseases.

Physical activity and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, insulin-like growth factor I and testosterone in healthy active elderly people

OBJECTIVE

to examine the association of physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness with dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and testosterone in healthy elderly people.

DESIGN

cross-sectional study.

SETTING

university research department and department of geriatric medicine.

PARTICIPANTS

60 independent, community-dwelling elderly subjects (26 men and 34 women) aged 66-84 who volunteered to participate.

MEASUREMENTS

physical activity was evaluated by the Questionnaire d'Activité Physique Saint-Etienne and expressed by three indices: mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE), daily energy expenditure (DEE) [comprising activities with intensities corresponding to at least three metabolic equivalents (MET; 3.5 ml.kg1 x min1 of oxygen consumption)] and sport activity. Cardio-respiratory fitness was expressed by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max).

RESULTS

In women, DHEAS correlated with VO2max (partial correlation: r=0.33; P=0.05), MHDEE (r=0.50; P=0.002), DEE > 3 METs (r=0.49; P=0.003) and sport activity (r=0.35; P=0.04) whereas IGF-I correlated with MHDEE (r=0.48; P=0.004). DHEAS was correlated with IGF-I (r=0.43; P < 0.02) and with testosterone (r=0.41; P < 0.02). No such correlation was found in men.

CONCLUSION

lower habitual physical activity is related to lower levels of circulating DHEAS and IGF-I independently of age and anthropometric measures. Lower maximal aerobic capacity is associated with lower DHEAS concentrations, in healthy elderly women.

Physical activity, fitness and integrated antioxidant system in healthy active elderly women

We have related the oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system to maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical activity in elderly women. Twenty-nine community dwelling, healthy, active women aged 66-82 years participated in this study. Physical activity was measured by a questionnaire and expressed using two physical activity indices: mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE) and daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities (Sports activity index). Malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), the red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) as well as serum GPX activities were determined under resting conditions. MDA was correlated positively with VO2max (r = 0.42), while RBC GPX was significantly negatively associated with VO2max (r =-0.39), MHDEE (r=-0.38) and sports activity index (rho=-0.36). Our data suggest that in healthy active older women the relationship between physical activity/fitness and antioxidant defence system may be complex, and that for some parameters an unfavourable influence of strenuous exercise may exist. The findings of this cross-sectional design need to be supported in further prospective studies before the associations are accepted as real.

Usefulness of the prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) in hospitalized elderly patients

The prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) is a simple scoring system of overall health which aggregates two blood markers of inflammatory (C-reactive protein and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein) and of nutritional (albumin and transthyretin) states. This study was undertaken with a view to evaluate, in comparison to currently used predictive approaches, the potential usefulness of PINI to forecast hospital mortality and outcome of patients hospitalized in an acute geriatric unit. 1,066 elderly patients, aged 82.7 +/- 6.6 years and fulfilling inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study. Logistic regression analysis and calculation of relative risk (RR) were carried out for epidemiological data with a cut-off value of 25 for PINI. Immediate mortality (7.9%) of admissions) was predicted by PINI > or = 25 (RR = 4.34). Only 387 patients (36.3%) could rejoin their residence location (home or family). A sizeable proportion of acute patients (55.8%) failed to recover and/or developed diseased states requiring chronic care management. Incapacity to return home was predicted by PINI > or = 25 (RR = 2.04). Hypoalbuminaemia < or = 30 g/L was not found a predictor of mortality but was associated with total disability (RR = 9.08). The optimal PINI cut-off value to predict mortality was calculated at 8.8 using the ROC analytic approach. We conclude that the PINI formula is helpful to predict both nearest lethality and chronic institutionalization. This scoring system should take a place within the battery of tests used to identify and to follow up acutely ill elderly patients at risk of major complications.

Peak anaerobic power in elderly men

The relationship of maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) of the quadriceps muscle and corresponding optimal shortening velocity (vopt) with age, habitual physical activity (PA) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were assessed in 37 healthy older [71.1 (SD 3.8) years] men and compared to those of 16 young [22.7 (SD 3.4) years] men. The PA was evaluated using a questionnaire. The Pmax and vopt were measured on a friction loaded non-isokinetic cycle ergometer. The Pmax was expressed relative to body mass - Pmax x kg(-1), and relative to the mass of the two quadriceps muscles - Pmax x kgquad(-1). The decline of Pmax x kg(-1) from youth to advanced age (8.3% per decade) was greater than the decrease in quadriceps muscle mass (3.8% per decade), in Pmax x kgquad(-1) (5.9% per decade) and in vopt (4.3% per decade). In the older men, a negative relationship of Pmax x kg(-1) (r = -0.33) and Pmax x kgquad(-1) (r = -0.44) with age was found. Ergometer measurements were not correlated with PA activity indices or VO2max, while VO2max was positively associated with PA. In a multiple stepwise regression analysis age was the only variable that contributed significantly to Pmax x kg(-1) and Pmax x kgquad(-1) variances. Our findings indicated that in these healthy elderly men, unlike the fall in VO2max, habitual PA did not attenuate the decline in Pmax of the quadriceps muscle with age. This finding was different from a previously described relationship in older women and would suggest sex differences in determining Pmax in healthy older subjects.

[Methods of evaluating physical activity in the elderly]

Various methods measuring physical activity (PA) that have been used so far in older population are described. Different PA questionnaires and their potential application in routine PA assessment in that age group are discussed.