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The influence of vitamin D supplementation and strength training on health biomarkers and chromosomal damage in community-dwelling older adults.
Draxler, A, Franzke, B, Kelecevic, S, Maier, A, Pantic, J, Srienc, S, Cellnigg, K, Solomon, SM, Zötsch, C, Aschauer, R, et al
Redox biology. 2023;61:102640
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Aging is associated with a decline in physiological and physical function resulting in reduced physical activity, all of which are driving factors to the onset of chronic diseases and physical impairment. Older adults are often deficient in micronutrients, specifically vitamin D, which has been shown to have detrimental effects on the immune system, inflammatory and healing processes of fractured bones and also cardiovascular health beyond other musculoskeletal effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different vitamin D regimens in older individuals during an ongoing strength training period of 10 weeks while receiving vitamin D supplementation at the recommended level of 800 IU per day vs. a single dose of 50.000 IU per month. The data presented in this paper are part of the NutriAging Vitamin D study. The study was a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind trial which recruited one hundred community-dwelling women and men (aged 65–85 years). Participants were randomly allocated into three intervention groups, either the control group, the vitamin D daily (VDD) or the vitamin D monthly group (VDM). Results showed that oxidative stress might have played a role in the detrimental progress on chromosomal stability parameters since the protective effect of GSH (reduced glutathione) was reduced in all study groups at the end of the intervention, but the least reduction occurred in the VDD group. Authors concluded that a supplementation with the recommended dose of 800 IU vitamin D per day might be more advantageous when it comes to chromosomal stability parameters in older, formerly untrained participants undergoing demanding resistance exercise for 10 weeks.
Abstract
Older adults lack of proper physical activity which is often accompanied by vitamin D deficiency. Those factors are known to contribute to health issues in the later years of life. The main goal of this intervention study was to investigate the effect of different vitamin D supplementation strategies for 4 weeks solely or combined with a 10-week strength training program on chromosomal stability in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in community-dwelling older people. One hundred women and men (65-85 years) received either vitamin D3 daily (800 IU), a monthly dose (50.000 IU) or placebo for 17 weeks. All groups received 400 mg calcium daily. The fitness status of the study participants was measured using the 30- second chair stand test, the handgrip strength test and the 6-min walk test. The cytokinesis block micronucleus cytome (CBMN) assay was applied to analyze chromosomal anomalies, including cytotoxic and genotoxic parameters. Changes in antioxidant markers were measured in plasma. Walking distance and chair stand performance improved significantly. Increased levels of the parameters of the CBMN assay were detected for all intervention groups at study end. At baseline micronuclei (MNi) frequency correlated significantly with BMI in both sexes (females: r = 0.369, p = 0.034; males: r = 0.265, p = 0.035), but not with vitamin D serum levels. In females, body fat (r = 0.372, p < 0.001) and functional parameter using the 30-s chair stand test (r = 0.311, p = 0.002) correlated significantly with MNi frequency. Interestingly, not vitamin D supplementation but 10 weeks of resistance training increased MNi frequency indicating elevated chromosomal instability and also adverse effects on antioxidant markers including glutathione and FRAP were detected in the group of community-dwelling older adults.
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Alterations of gut microbiota are associated with blood pressure: a cross-sectional clinical trial in Northwestern China.
Lv, J, Wang, J, Yu, Y, Zhao, M, Yang, W, Liu, J, Zhao, Y, Yang, Y, Wang, G, Guo, L, et al
Journal of translational medicine. 2023;21(1):429
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Hypertension (HTN) is a complex and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and stroke, while a diverse range of endogenous and environmental factors contribute to both HTN onset and progression. The adult gut microbiota (GM) consists of trillions of microorganisms and maintains the gut immunity and whole-body homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the GM characteristics in HTN subjects in Northwestern China, and evaluate the associations of GM with blood pressure levels based on sex differences. This study was a cross-sectional study. Participants were randomly selected for the HTN and control groups. A total of 36 HTN subjects (24 females and 12 males) and 18 controls (9 females and 9 males) were randomly selected for metagenomic analysis. Results showed a positive association between GM characteristics and alterations and HTN in both females and males. Thus, GM dysbiosis underlies HTN pathogenesis. Authors conclude that further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions targeting GM for HTN prevention and management
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human gut microbiota (GM) is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension (HTN), and could be affected by various factors, including sex and geography. However, available data directly linking GM to HTN based on sex differences are limited. METHODS This study investigated the GM characteristics in HTN subjects in Northwestern China, and evaluate the associations of GM with blood pressure levels based on sex differences. A total of 87 HTN subjects and 45 controls were recruited with demographic and clinical characteristics documented. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. RESULTS GM diversity was observed higher in females compared to males, and principal coordinate analysis showed an obvious segregation of females and males. Four predominant phyla of fecal GM included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. LEfSe analysis indicated that phylum unidentified_Bacteria was enriched in HTN females, while Leuconostocaceae, Weissella and Weissella_cibaria were enriched in control females (P < 0.05). Functionally, ROC analysis revealed that Cellular Processes (0.796, 95% CI 0.620 ~ 0.916), Human Diseases (0.773, 95% CI 0.595 ~ 0.900), Signal transduction (0.806, 95% CI 0.631 ~ 0.922) and Two-component system (0.806, 95% CI 0.631 ~ 0.922) could differentiate HTN females as effective functional classifiers, which were also positively correlated with systolic blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS This work provides evidence of fecal GM characteristics in HTN females and males in a northwestern Chinese population, further supporting the notion that GM dysbiosis may participate in the pathogenesis of HTN, and the role of sex differences should be considered. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019191. Registered 30 October 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/ .
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Effect of preoperative immunonutrition on complications after salvage surgery in head and neck cancer.
Mueller, SA, Mayer, C, Bojaxhiu, B, Aeberhard, C, Schuetz, P, Stanga, Z, Giger, R
Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale. 2019;48(1):25
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Surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) are the main treatments for head and neck cancer, but (C)RT has significant side effects on local tissues due to impaired wound healing. Malnutrition is also common in these patients and may add to poor wound healing and recovery. Immunonutrition (IN) are medical dietary formulas designed to provide the essential nutrients for an adequate immune reaction during medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative IN on postoperative complications after salvage surgery in head and neck cancer. Patients in the intervention group received 3 IN units per day for 5 days before surgery. The IN units contained 300 kcal and were enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, RNA-nucleotides and soluble guar fibre. The control group, who did not receive IN, included consecutive patients treated prior to the intervention group. 96 patients were evaluated, of which 51 received IN. The total number of patients suffering any complications was significantly lower in the group receiving IN (35% vs. 58%). There was also a significant reduction in length of hospital stay in the IN group compared to the control group (6 days vs. 17 days). Limitations of this study include the use of a historical control group, and the limited number of patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are at high risk of postoperative complications due to the adverse effects of radiotherapy on wound healing. Malnutrition is an additional risk factor and we tested the hypothesis that preoperative administration of immunonutrition would decrease complications in this high risk population. METHODS This single armed study with historical control included consecutive patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We compared outcomes before and after implementation of preoperative immunonutrition and adjusted the regression analysis for gender, age, body mass index, Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002), tobacco and alcohol consumption, tumor localization, tumor stage, and type of surgery. The primary endpoint was overall complications from surgery within a follow-up of 30 days. RESULTS Ninety-six patients were included (intervention group: 51, control group: 45). Use of preoperative immunonutrition was associated with a significant reduction in overall complications (35% vs. 58%, fully-adjusted odds ratio 0.30 (95%CI 0.10-0.91, p = 0.034). Length of hospital stay was also significantly reduced (17 days vs. 6 days, p = < 0.001). No differences in mortality and hospital readmission were found. These results remained robust in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS In patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, preoperative immunonutrition exhibited favorable effects on the complication rate and consequently reduced the length of hospital stay. By improving both tissue regeneration and immune response, immunonutrition may help to improve surgical outcomes in this high-risk population.
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Food-specific IgGs Are Highly Increased in the Sera of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Are Clinically Relevant to the Pathogenesis.
Xiao, N, Liu, F, Zhou, G, Sun, M, Ai, F, Liu, Z
Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan). 2018;57(19):2787-2798
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term incorporating ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The exact reasons for the development of IBD are still being debated, however food allergy has been implicated. Diagnosis of food allergy is normally performed looking at the body’s immediate immune response, however the delayed immune response may be of importance in IBD. This study of 301 patients with IBD and 178 healthy controls aimed to look at the delayed immune response of individuals with IBD following the introduction of certain foods. It also looked at the efficacy of a drug treatment, infliximab (IFX) on this immune response. The results showed that the delayed immune response to egg, milk, wheat, corn, rice, tomato, codfish, and soya was increased in those with CD compared to those with UC and healthy control. Infliximab treatment was effective in suppressing this immune response in individuals with CD. It was concluded that in individuals with IBD, measuring the delayed immune response to foods may be an important diagnosis and management tool. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that measuring the immediate immune response to certain foods in individuals with IBD, may not be sufficient. Measuring the delayed immune response in combination with the immediate immune response may give a better picture of foods which should be avoided in those with IBD. Infliximab treatment may be an effective treatment in patients with IBD and a delayed immune response to certain foods.
Abstract
Objective Dietary antigens are common luminal antigens in the gastrointestinal tract and have been considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We analyzed the levels of food-specific IgGs against a variety of dietary antigens, explored the clinical relevance of food allergy to the pathogenesis of IBD, and investigated whether or not infliximab (IFX) treatment could regulate the immune responses induced by dietary antigens. Methods A total of 301 IBD patients, including 201 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 100 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), were recruited, and their serum food-specific IgGs against 14 food antigens were detected by a semi-quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total serum IgG and IgE levels were measured by immunonephelometry and fluorescent enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Simultaneously, the relevant medical records and clinical data were collected for further analyses. Results Food-specific IgGs against egg, milk, wheat, corn, rice, tomato, codfish, and soybean antigens were found to be significantly increased in the sera of CD patients compared with UC patients and healthy controls (p<0.01). The levels of total serum IgG and IgE were also significantly higher in CD patients than in healthy controls (p<0.01). The titers of corn- and tomato-specific IgGs were found to be significantly correlated with total serum IgG in CD patients (p<0.05), while the titers of egg-, milk-, and wheat-specific IgGs were correlated with total serum IgE (p<0.05). Interestingly, IFX therapy was able to down-regulate the food-specific IgG-mediated immune response markedly in active CD patients. Conclusion Food-specific IgGs against egg, milk, wheat, corn, rice, tomato, codfish, and soybean are highly increased in the sera of CD patients. IFX treatment was able to down-regulate the levels of food-specific IgGs by suppressing intestinal inflammation and promoting mucosal healing. Therefore, food-specific IgGs may serve as an important approach in the diagnosis and management of food allergy in IBD.
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Could a change in diet revitalize children who suffer from unresolved fatigue?
Steenbruggen, TG, Hoekstra, SJ, van der Gaag, EJ
Nutrients. 2015;7(3):1965-77
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Up to 46% of children report suffering from fatigue, which can affect their ability to learn at school, mental health, immune system function and quality of sleep. Where there is no medical cause for the fatigue, a deficiency of micronutrients in the diet may be to blame. In this non-randomised controlled trial, a group of 98 children aged 2–18 years old with unexplained symptoms of fatigue was examined. Children in the intervention group were advised to follow a nutrient-rich diet for three months, consisting of green vegetables 5 times a week, beef 3 times a week, 200ml of whole milk daily and the use of full-fat butter. The control-group followed their normal diet. Children who followed the diet showed a significant decrease in the need to sleep. They slept better through the night and took fewer naps. General fatigue and cognitive fatigue also showed greater improvement in the intervention group, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. When analysing individual components of the diet, a significant improvement in cognitive fatigue symptoms was associated with eating green vegetables. A lower need to sleep was seen when whole milk was consumed almost daily. The authors suggest that nutritional advice is an elegant, and effective method for decreasing some symptoms of medically unresolved fatigue in children.
Abstract
Many children deal with fatigue for which no proper treatment can be given. A possible explanation for their fatigue is a micro deficiency of minerals and vitamins. In this non-randomized controlled trial, we clinically evaluated symptoms of fatigue in children for whom a nutrient-rich diet was advised. A group of 98 children (2-18 years old) with unexplained symptoms of fatigue was examined. The dietary modifications consisted of green vegetables, beef, whole milk and full-fat butter. Children in the intervention group were asked to follow the diet for three months, whereas the control-group followed their normal diet. The primary outcome was symptoms of fatigue, as determined by a PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and secondary outcomes were compliance with the diet and BMI. Children, who followed the diet showed a significant decrease in the need to sleep (CI 0.83; 14.86, p = 0.03). They slept better through the night and took fewer naps. When analyzing components of the advised diet separately, a significant larger decrease in cognitive fatigue symptoms was seen for eating green vegetables according to the diet guidelines (CI 2.27; 30.63, p = 0.024). Furthermore, a lower need to sleep was seen when whole milk was consumed almost daily (CI 0.02; 14.62, p = 0.049). Our study showed that nutritional advice is an elegant, and effective method for decreasing some symptoms of medically unresolved fatigue in children.
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Effect of gliadin on permeability of intestinal biopsy explants from celiac disease patients and patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Hollon, J, Puppa, EL, Greenwald, B, Goldberg, E, Guerrerio, A, Fasano, A
Nutrients. 2015;7(3):1565-76
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Celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (GS) are conditions caused by a reaction to gluten in the small intestines. When gluten is ingested, patients with CD produce an immune-mediated response in the intestinal mucosa whereas GS react symptomatically but do not produce an immune response. Due to this difference, it is thought that there may be a common defect in the intestinal barrier function in these two conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to gliadin exposure, both in terms of intestinal barrier function and immune cell secretion. Gliadin is a peptide in gluten that is responsible for the disassembly of intestinal tight junctions and therefore increased intestinal permeability. The study included intestinal explants from 23 patients. The findings of this study showed that gliadin exposure leads to a significant increase in intestinal permeability in all individuals. A deficiency in anti-inflammatory immune cells was also measured in patients with CD or GS, which is suggested to contribute to increased intestinal permeability.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal exposure to gliadin leads to zonulin upregulation and consequent disassembly of intercellular tight junctions and increased intestinal permeability. We aimed to study response to gliadin exposure, in terms of barrier function and cytokine secretion, using intestinal biopsies obtained from four groups: celiac patients with active disease (ACD), celiac patients in remission (RCD), non-celiac patients with gluten sensitivity (GS) and non-celiac controls (NC). METHODS Ex-vivo human duodenal biopsies were mounted in microsnapwells and luminally incubated with either gliadin or media alone. Changes in transepithelial electrical resistance were monitored over 120 min. Media was subsequently collected and cytokines quantified. RESULTS Intestinal explants from all groups (ACD (n = 6), RCD (n = 6), GS (n = 6), and NC (n = 5)) demonstrated a greater increase in permeability when exposed to gliadin vs. media alone. The increase in permeability in the ACD group was greater than in the RCD and NC groups. There was a greater increase in permeability in the GS group compared to the RCD group. There was no difference in permeability between the ACD and GS groups, between the RCD and NC groups, or between the NC and GS groups. IL-10 was significantly greater in the media of the NC group compared to the RCD and GS groups. CONCLUSIONS Increased intestinal permeability after gliadin exposure occurs in all individuals. Following gliadin exposure, both patients with gluten sensitivity and those with active celiac disease demonstrate a greater increase in intestinal permeability than celiacs in disease remission. A higher concentration of IL-10 was measured in the media exposed to control explants compared to celiac disease in remission or gluten sensitivity.
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Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract on antioxidant and inflammatory response to prolonged eccentric exercise.
Zembron-Lacny, A, Gajewski, M, Naczk, M, Siatkowski, I
Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society. 2013;64(2):249-54
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Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a popular culinary and medicinal mushroom. It contains numerous active compounds including ergothioneine which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of shiitake extract in healthy men exposed to exercise-induced muscle damage. Fourteen healthy males participated in this placebo-controlled crossover study. Subjects ingested shiitake extract or placebo for 10 days prior to exercise, with a 30 day period between the two phases of the crossover. Bloods were drawn at 20 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours after exercise. There was no statistically significant difference between the shiitake and the placebo group in the inflammation related parameters measured. But there was a significant change in certain compounds suggesting an increased antioxidant activity in the shiitake group. The authors conclude that shiitake does not affect the inflammatory response following exercise but has antioxidant action, and that further studies are needed to make recommendations for use of shiitake by athletes.
Abstract
The shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract is purported to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties due to presence of many bioactive compounds such as ergothioneine. This study was designed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of shiitake extract in healthy men exposed to exercise-induced skeletal muscles damage. Subjects ingested shiitake mushroom extract (700 mg, two times per day) or placebo for 10 days prior to two separate exercise trials (crossover study). The exercise session involved 90 min run at 65% VO2max (0% gradient) and 15-min eccentric phase at 65% VO2max (-10% gradient). Subjects experienced creatine kinase (peak 461±206 IU/L) and leukocytes (peak 9.82 x 103/μL) elevations indicating muscle damage and inflammation. Exercise altered plasma IL-6 (peak 5.29±0.78 pg/mL), IL-10 (peak 24.75±6.22 pg/mL) and IL-1β (peak 0.54±0.09 pg/mL) levels but did not affect tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level relative to baseline. Shiitake extract did not demonstrate any effect on immune cells number and inflammatory mediators level, with the exception of IL-10. Thiol redox status (GSHtotal-2GSSG/GSSG) and niric oxide (NO) concentration increased after shiitake extract whereas H2O2 and 8-isoprostanes did not change. In conclusion, shiitake mushroom extract had no effect on markers of inflammation following prolonged eccentric exercise but demonstrated an antioxidant activity through the regulation of nitric oxide concentration and thiol redox status.