bims-minfam Biomed News
on Inflammation and metabolism in ageing and cancer
Issue of 2022–01–02
37 papers selected by
Ayesh Seneviratne, University of Toronto



  1. Aging Cell. 2021 Dec 31. e13538
      Several interventions have recently emerged that were proposed to reverse rather than just attenuate aging, but the criteria for what it takes to achieve rejuvenation remain controversial. Distinguishing potential rejuvenation therapies from other longevity interventions, such as those that slow down aging, is challenging, and these anti-aging strategies are often referred to interchangeably. We suggest that the prerequisite for a rejuvenation intervention is a robust, sustained, and systemic reduction in biological age, which can be assessed by biomarkers of aging, such as epigenetic clocks. We discuss known and putative rejuvenation interventions and comparatively analyze them to explore underlying mechanisms.
    Keywords:  aging; biomarkers; epigenetic clocks; rejuvenation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.13538
  2. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 29. pii: 4310. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      Extending healthspan is a major public health challenge. Diet is one of the modifiable factors for preventing age-related diseases and preserving overall good health status during aging. Optimizing individuals' intrinsic capacity, including domains in cognition, psychological, sensory function, vitality, and locomotion, has been proposed as a model of healthy aging by the World Health Organization. To better understand the relationships between a healthy diet and healthy aging, this review summarizes the recent epidemiologic and clinical data for dietary patterns that have been shown to play a role in (domains of) healthy aging. Regardless of priori or posteriori dietary patterns, it appears that dietary patterns centered on plant-based foods have a beneficial role in (domains of) healthy aging. Our review identified a knowledge gap in dietary patterns and multidimensional concepts of healthy aging. More epidemiological studies should consider intrinsic capacity as an outcome measure to further our understanding of a healthy diet and multidimensional concepts of healthy aging. When a sufficient number of epidemiological studies is available, evidence can be synthesized and clinical trials can be designed to evaluate a healthy diet as a strategy for healthy aging to further our progress in translating evidence to practice and promoting healthy aging.
    Keywords:  diet; healthspan; healthy aging; intrinsic capacity; nutrition
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124310
  3. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 10. pii: 4424. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      Heart failure (HF) is a major health care burden increasing in prevalence over time. Effective, evidence-based interventions for HF prevention and management are needed to improve patient longevity, symptom control, and quality of life. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet interventions can have a positive impact for HF patients. However, the absence of a consensus for comprehensive dietary guidelines and for pragmatic evidence limits the ability of health care providers to implement clinical recommendations. The refinement of medical nutrition therapy through precision nutrition approaches has the potential to reduce the burden of HF, improve clinical care, and meet the needs of diverse patients. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence related to HF dietary recommendations including DASH diet nutritional interventions and to develop initial recommendations for DASH diet implementation in outpatient HF management. Articles involving human studies were obtained using the following search terms: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH diet), diet pattern, diet, metabolism, and heart failure. Only full-text articles written in English were included in this review. As DASH nutritional interventions have been proposed, limitations of these studies are the small sample size and non-randomization of interventions, leading to less reliable evidence. Randomized controlled interventions are needed to offer definitive evidence related to the use of the DASH diet in HF management.
    Keywords:  DASH diet; diet pattern; dietary approaches to stop hypertension; heart failure; metabolism; metabolomics; personalized nutrition; precision nutrition
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124424
  4. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2021 Dec 31.
      Hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) transplantation is the primary therapeutic modality used to treat hematopoietic disorders. It centers on the capability of a small quantity of HSCs to repopulate whole blood lineages. Along with limited availability of suitable donors, the need for sufficient number of donor HSCs is still challenging in clinical relevance. This has been addressed by ex vivo HSC expansion albeit with partial success, and thus development of an alternative strategy that could improve HSC expansion is required. To that end, we aimed to build HematoMiR, an oligo-based technology that broadly targets HSC quiescence factors. Here, we show that HematoMiRs and their combinations targeting over 50 factors involved in HSC quiescence could induce robust ex vivo murine and human HSC expansion. In particular, HematoMiR-5 treatment enhanced cell cycle through down-regulation of negative cell cycle regulators in HSCs. HematoMiR-5 treated HSPCs had reduced DNA damage during the course of ex vivo expansion. Moreover, HematoMiR-5 treatment led to sustained HSC self-renewal ability and a low apoptosis rate. In addition, HematoMiR-5 expanded HSCs demonstrated successful engraftment and repopulation capacity in the recipient animals. Furthermore, combinatorial treatments of HematoMiR-2 and 5 allowed vigorous ex vivo HSC expansion. These findings demonstrate that novel and synthetic HematoMiR technology is feasible for HSC ex vivo expansion through the sequence-dependent modulation of numerous HSC quiescence modulators.
    Keywords:  Engraftment; Ex vivo expansion; HSC self-renewal; RNA interference; Short-RNA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-021-04031-1
  5. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Nov 24. 100(47): e28033
       ABSTRACT: Ketogenic diets appear promising for obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses. Because older patients are more likely to contend with such illnesses and because of a paucity of dietary outcomes among these patients, we examined ketogenic diets in older patients.This multisite study focused on patients (≥65 years of age) on a ketogenic diet. Medical records were identified with the keywords "keto," "ketogenic," and "Atkins." Records were reviewed in detail with extraction of direct quotations to substantiate observations.We report on 200 consecutive patients with a median age of 70 years. Reasons for diet included weight loss, diabetes, and cancer; the majority remained on the diet for >1 month. In 134 (67%: 95% confidence interval: 60, 73%), the ketogenic diet appeared beneficial: 93 of 117 (79%) who sought weight loss lost weight ("She has lost 15 pounds and plans to lose another 8"); 36 of 67 (54%) who sought glucose control appeared to achieve the latter ("He has gone on a ketogenic diet and has been able to bring his sugars down significantly"); and 5 of 8 (63%) who sought improved cancer outcomes appeared to derive them ("He attributes part of the control of his cancer and increased QOL to adopting the keto for cancer diet"). Adverse events occurred in 30 patients (15%): dyslipidemia (n = 14), constipation (n = 9), sub-therapeutic international normalized ratio (n = 3), pancreatitis (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 1), and fatigue (n = 1).Trials that test ketogenic diets for a variety of illnesses should enroll older adults.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000028033
  6. Epigenomes. 2021 Jun 18. pii: 14. [Epub ahead of print]5(2):
      During the process of aging, extensive epigenetic alterations are made in response to both exogenous and endogenous stimuli. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding one such alteration, H3K4 methylation (H3K4me), as it relates to aging in different species. We especially highlight emerging evidence that links this modification with metabolic pathways, which may provide a mechanistic link to explain its role in aging. H3K4me is a widely recognized marker of active transcription, and it appears to play an evolutionarily conserved role in determining organism longevity, though its influence is context specific and requires further clarification. Interestingly, the modulation of H3K4me dynamics may occur as a result of nutritional status, such as methionine restriction. Methionine status appears to influence H3K4me via changes in the level of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM, the universal methyl donor) or the regulation of H3K4-modifying enzyme activities. Since methionine restriction is widely known to extend lifespan, the mechanistic link between methionine metabolic flux, the sensing of methionine concentrations and H3K4me status may provide a cogent explanation for several seemingly disparate observations in aging organisms, including age-dependent H3K4me dynamics, gene expression changes, and physiological aberrations. These connections are not yet entirely understood, especially at a molecular level, and will require further elucidation. To conclude, we discuss some potential H3K4me-mediated molecular mechanisms that may link metabolic status to the aging process.
    Keywords:  H3K4 methylation; aging; metabolism
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes5020014
  7. Anesth Analg. 2021 Dec 24.
       BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is a serious event in the older population and is associated with morbidity, mortality, and disability among those who survive. Emerging evidence suggests that frailty is pertinent to the clinical outcomes of older patients with hip fracture.
    METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on older patients (aged ≥65 years) who underwent orthopedic repair with hip fracture under spinal or general anesthesia between June 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. Demographic, surgical, and anesthetic features; chart-derived frailty index (CFI); occurrence of complications; and length of stay were retrospectively collected by reviewing patients' anesthesia records and medical charts. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their CFI: high CFI group (CFI, 3-5) and low CFI group (CFI, 0-2). The CFI was calculated as the addition of the patient's conditions, including age >70 years, preoperative body mass index <18.5 kg/m2, hematocrit <35%, albumin <34 g/L, and serum creatinine >176.8 mol/L (2.0 mg/dL). The EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) was obtained through telephone interviews 12 months after surgery to assess mortality and long-term quality of life.
    RESULTS: During the study period, 381 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients in the high CFI group had an increased incidence of delirium by 13.80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.31-21.29) (17 [16.6%] vs 8 [2.8%]; P < .001) compared to patients in the low CFI group. More patients in the high CFI group had pneumonia with an increased incidence of 17.71% (95% CI, 7.08-23.34) (40 [39.2%] vs 60 [21.5%]; P < .001) than patients in the low CFI group. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the high CFI group (8 [6-12] vs 7 [5-10] days; P = .0222) than in the low CFI group. More patients died in the high CFI group 1 year after surgery with an increased mortality of 19.33% (95% CI, 9.47-29.18) (26.4% [23/87] vs 7.1% [16/225]; P < .001) than patients in the low CFI group. A total of 64 patients in the high CFI group and 209 patients in the low CFI group completed the EQ-5D survey 1 year after surgery. The EQ-5D score in the high CFI group was significantly lower than that in the low CFI group (0.63 ± 0.22 vs 0.72 ± 0.22; P = .002).
    CONCLUSIONS: Frailty status is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, mortality, and low quality of life 12 months after hip fracture surgery in older patients.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000005841
  8. J Geriatr Oncol. 2021 Dec 23. pii: S1879-4068(21)00273-3. [Epub ahead of print]
    GO2 trial investigators
       INTRODUCTION: Research into the optimal management of frail patients with cancer is limited and treatment decision-making in this cohort can be difficult. A number of measures have been developed to assess frailty, but few studies explore the correlation between frailty measures and cancer treatment outcomes.
    METHODS: This retrospective cohort study is an exploratory analysis of the GO2 randomised controlled trial. GO2 recruited both older and frail younger patients commencing first-line palliative chemotherapy for advanced gastro-oesophageal (aGO) cancer. This analysis aims to explore the correlation between baseline frailty and treatment outcome. Baseline frailty measures were derived from clinical data and included ECOG Performance Status (PS), the GO2 Frailty Score (GO2FS), Geriatric-8 (G8), Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) toxicity score and a 'modified' Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (mCFS). Novel patient-centred composite measure Overall Treatment Utility (OTU) was the primary endpoint. Ordinal logistic regression was undertaken to give odds ratios for poor vs good/intermediate OTU. Secondary endpoints were progression-free and overall survival. Models were adjusted for age, sex, histology, metastases, Trastuzumab and renal/hepatic function.
    RESULTS: In GO2, 514 patients were randomised between three chemotherapy dose-levels; all of these patients were assessed for OTU and are included in this analysis. Worse GO2FS, mCFS and G8 scores all had a statistically significant association with poor (vs good/intermediate) OTU, progression and death, which persisted after adjustment. Adjusted odds ratios for poor OTU amongst those with the worst GO2FS and mCFS and best G8 scores were as follows: 1.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-2.88) for GO2FS ≥3 ('severely frail'), 1.72 (1.19-2.50) for mCFS 5+ ('frail') and 0.57 (0.32-1.00) for G8 > 14 ('normal'). Worse ECOG PS and CARG scores did not have a statistically significant association with poor OTU/progression/death.
    CONCLUSION: In this study, frailty identified via GO2FS, mCFS and G8 conveyed a statistically significant increased risk of worse treatment outcome in older and frail younger patients with aGO cancer. Frailty assessment provides information over and above PS and should be integrated alongside routine assessments in research and clinical practice. In the absence of prospective data, frailty measures can be derived retrospectively to build the evidence base around optimal care of frailer patients.
    Keywords:  Frailty; GCA; Gastro-oesophageal cancer; Geriatric assessment; Geriatric oncology; Oncogeriatrics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2021.12.009
  9. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 18. pii: 4550. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      The role of the microbiome in human aging is important: the microbiome directly impacts aging through the gastrointestinal system. However, the microbial impact on skin has yet to be fully understood. For example, cellular senescence is an intrinsic aging process that has been recently associated with microbial imbalance. With age, cells become senescent in response to stress wherein they undergo irreversible growth arrest while maintaining high metabolic activity. An accumulation of senescent cells has been linked to various aging and chronic pathologies due to an overexpression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) comprised of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteases, lipids and extracellular matrix components. In particular, dermatological disorders may be promoted by senescence as the skin is a common site of accumulation. The gut microbiota influences cellular senescence and skin disruption through the gut-skin axis and secretion of microbial metabolites. Metabolomics can be used to identify and quantify metabolites involved in senescence. Moreover, novel anti-senescent therapeutics are warranted given the poor safety profiles of current pharmaceutical drugs. Probiotics and prebiotics may be effective alternatives, considering the relationship between the microbiome and healthy aging. However, further research on gut composition under a senescent status is needed to develop immunomodulatory therapies.
    Keywords:  cellular senescence; disease; dysbiosis; gut microbiome; microbial metabolites; nutrition; prebiotics; probiotics; skin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124550
  10. J Geriatr Oncol. 2021 Dec 21. pii: S1879-4068(21)00658-5. [Epub ahead of print]
       BACKGROUND: Advanced age and multiple comorbidities have been established as a risk factor for more severe disease and increased mortality among patients with COVID-19, yet the impact of frailty in patients with cancer 75 years and older who are admitted, remains unclear.
    METHODS: To better understand the clinical presentation and course of illness for this population, we conducted a chart review of patients with cancer age 75 and older who were admitted to a comprehensive cancer center within 72 h of a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis over a three-month period (March 1, 2020-May 31, 2020). Frequency and proportion of characteristics were reported. We additionally assessed the association between frailty and 30-day mortality using univariable logistic regression.
    RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of 70 patients. We found evidence that increased frailty based on MSK-FI was associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.00, 1.87; p-value = 0.051), though this did not meet conventional levels of significance.
    CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed evidence of some association between degree of frailty and 30-day survival among older patients with cancer aged ≥75 who were admitted with COVID-19 infection. This finding illustrates the importance of frailty screening in the care management of older patients with cancer and COVID-19.
    Keywords:  Aging; COVID-19; Cancer; Frailty
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2021.12.014
  11. Cell Rep. 2021 Dec 28. pii: S2211-1247(21)01653-3. [Epub ahead of print]37(13): 110157
      Lipid storage in fat tissue is important for energy homeostasis and cellular functions. Through RNAi screening in Drosophila fat body, we found that knockdown of a Drosophila NAD kinase (NADK), which phosphorylates NAD to synthesize NADP de novo, causes lipid storage defects. NADK sustains lipogenesis by maintaining the pool of NADPH. Promoting NADPH production rescues the lipid storage defect in the fat body of NADK RNAi animals. Furthermore, NADK and fatty acid synthase 1 (FASN1) regulate mitochondrial mass and function by altering the levels of acetyl-CoA and fatty acids. Reducing the level of acetyl-CoA or increasing the synthesis of cardiolipin (CL), a mitochondrion-specific phospholipid, partially rescues the mitochondrial defects of NADK RNAi. Therefore, NADK- and FASN1-mediated fatty acid synthesis coordinates lipid storage and mitochondrial function.
    Keywords:  Drosophila; FASN; NADK; lipogenesis; mitochondrial metabolism
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110157
  12. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 25. pii: 4239. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      Cognitive frailty (CF) is defined by the coexistence of physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment. Malnutrition is an underlying factor of age-related conditions including physical frailty. However, the evidence associating malnutrition and cognitive frailty is limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between malnutrition and CF in the elderly. A total of 373 participants aged 65-84 years were enrolled after excluding those who were suspected to have dementia and depression. Then, 61 CF and 45 normal participants were randomly selected to measure serum prealbumin level. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B). Modified Fried's criteria were used to define physical frailty. Nutritional status was evaluated by the Mini Nutritional Assessment-short form (MNA-SF), serum prealbumin, and anthropometric measurements. The prevalence of CF was 28.72%. Malnourished status by MNA-SF category (aOR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.18-6.67) and MNA-SF score (aOR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.74-0.94) were independently associated with CF. However, there was no correlation between CF and malnutrition assessed by serum prealbumin level and anthropometric measurements. Other independent risk factors of CF were advanced age (aOR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.02-1.11) and educational level below high school (aOR = 6.77, 95%CI: 1.99-23.01). Malnutrition was associated with CF among Thai elderly. High-risk groups who are old and poorly educated should receive early screening and nutritional interventions.
    Keywords:  MNA-SF; MoCA-B; anthropometry; cognitive frailty; malnutrition; serum prealbumin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124239
  13. FEBS J. 2021 Dec 30.
      Biological aging is the main driver of age-associated chronic diseases. In 2014, the United States National Institute of Aging (NIA) sponsored a meeting between several investigators in the field of aging biology, who identified 7 biological pillars of aging and a consensus review, "Geroscience: Linking Aging to Chronic Disease," was published. The pillars of aging demonstrated the conservation of aging pathways in diverse model organisms and thus, represent a useful framework with which to study human aging. In this present review, we revisit the 7 pillars of aging from the perspective of exercise and discuss how regular physical exercise can modulate these pillars to stave off age-related chronic diseases and maintain functional capacity.
    Keywords:  aging; disruption in proteostasis; dysregulated stress response; epigenetic drift; inflammaging; macromolecular damage; metabolic dysregulation; stem cell exhaustion
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16337
  14. Front Nutr. 2021 ;8 771047
      Morbid obese people are more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2 infection and its most severe complications, as need for mechanical ventilation. Ketogenic Diet (KD) is able to induce a fast weight loss preserving lean mass and is particularly interesting as a preventive measure in obese patients. Moreover, KD has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, which may help in preventing the cytokine storm in infected patients. Respiratory failure is actually considered a contraindication for VLCKD, a very-low calorie form of KD, but in the literature there are some data reporting beneficial effects on respiratory parameters from ketogenic and low-carbohydrate high-fat diets. KD may be helpful in reducing ventilatory requirements in respiratory patients, so it should be considered in specifically addressed clinical trials as an adjuvant therapy for obese patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
    Keywords:  COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; VLCKD; ketogenic diet; low-carbohydrate high-fat diet; obesity; respiratory disease; respiratory failure
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.771047
  15. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 ;8 751586
      Objectives: The World Health Organization proposed intrinsic capacity (IC) model to guide the implementation of person-centered care plan aimed at preserving or reserving functional ability, especially in frail older adults. We aimed to show the trajectory of IC and the overlap between IC impairment and frailty and investigate the correlation between IC domains and frailty status transitions. Method: Longitudinal observational study covering 230 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 84.0 ± 4.5 years) at baseline, and transition information at 2-year follow-up (n = 196). IC was measured by five domains: locomotion, cognition, vitality, psychological, and sensory. Frailty was defined by FRAIL Scale. IC and frailty status transitions were assessed. Logistic regression, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for the analysis. Results: The prevalence of frailty was 23.0% and increased up to 41.8% over two years. Regarding frailty transitions, 38.3% of older adults progressed to more frailty status, and 8.6% regressed to lesser frailty status. The prevalence of IC impairment was 67.9% and increased to 81.6% over two years. Regarding IC transitions, 49.2% of adults with no IC impairment at baseline kept stable, and 50.8% developed new IC impairment. Among individuals with IC impairment at baseline, 57.9% worsened, and 13.5% improved. Importantly, IC impairment at baseline existed in 42.4% robust adults, 83.3% pre-frail adults, and 93.3% frail adults. 47.1% individuals who kept non-frail status within two years experienced IC worsened transition. Univariable analysis illustrated that new impaired locomotion, vitality, cognition, and sensory domains increased the risk of non-frail progressed to frail status. After adjusting for covariables, new impaired locomotion (OR = 3.625, 95% CI: 1.348-9.747) and vitality domains (OR = 3.034, 95% CI: 1.229-7.487) were associated with a higher possibility of non-frail progressed to frail status. Conclusion: IC impairment and frailty overlap and co-exist in older adults. IC impairment, especially new impairment in locomotion and vitality are associated with the transitions from non-frail to frail status. It is important that geriatricians tightly monitor IC trajectory and find the new impaired domains to take early action to minimize the public health burden of frailty.
    Keywords:  frailty; intrinsic capacity; older adults; trajectory; transitions
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.751586
  16. Front Nutr. 2021 ;8 788215
      
    Keywords:  fatty acids; microbiota; micronutrients; nutrigenetic biomarkers; polyphenols; precision nutrition
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.788215
  17. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 ;8 792846
      The principle of ketogenic diet (KD) is restriction of carbohydrates to a maximum of 5-10% of the total daily caloric intake, aiming at shifting body metabolism toward ketone bodies. Different studies suggested promising results of KD to help patients to lose weight, to reduce insulin requirements in diabetes, to supplement cancer protocols, to treat neurological conditions and to optimize control of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, literature about the anti-inflammatory properties of KD in rheumatic diseases is still limited. The beneficial effects of weight loss in patients with inflammatory arthritis can be explained by biomechanical and biochemical factors. Obesity is associated with macrophage activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-6. The clinical effect of KD may be primarily attributed to improvement of insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is associated with an increase of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and leptin. Moreover, reduction of body's adipose tissue and weight loss account for part of the anti-inflammatory effects and for the impact of KD on cardiovascular health. In rheumatoid arthritis, fasting was shown to be effective in reducing disease symptoms, possibly through the production of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the main ketone body. BHB may exert inhibitory effects also on IL-17 and intermittent fasting improved the clinical manifestations of psoriatic arthritis. In ankylosing spondylitis, current literature doesn't allow to draw conclusion about the effects of KD. Future prospective studies will be needed to elucidate the potential beneficial effects of KD on specific domains and clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
    Keywords:  ankylosing spondylitis; arthritis; cardiovascular; diet; inflammatory; ketogenic; psoriatic; rheumatoid
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.792846
  18. N Engl J Med. 2021 Dec 30. pii: 10.1056/NEJMc2117463#sa3. [Epub ahead of print]385(27): 2589-2590
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc2117463
  19. Alzheimers Dement. 2021 Dec;17 Suppl 8 e053172
       BACKGROUND: Knowledge is limited about ways to treat, manage and slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It is suspected that there are potential nutrition-related components that may contribute to the pathology of AD. This includes nutrient deficiencies and/or dietary factors that may lead to comorbidities, increasing the risk for development. Thus, many nutrient-specific, dietary and medical food treatments are continually being researched. Some studies even combine both nutrient and dietary interventions to treat AD. The purpose of this review is to explore and discuss the efficacy of several macro- and micronutrients, antioxidants, dietary therapies and combined components to treat or slow the progression of AD while providing valuable insight into the role that nutrition may play in the treatment of this disease.
    METHODS: Using PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost and Science Direct, databases were searched using pertinent keywords. A total of 33 research articles were included, primarily consisting randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical human research trials with the addition of few animal studies. Full-text studies in detail were obtained, assessed with data extracted and summarized.
    RESULTS: Overall, it was determined that folate in conjunction with Donepezil, may improve cognitive function and inflammatory markers. Omega-3 fatty acids (FA) with ɑ-lipoic acid may reduce cognitive and functional decline rates. Adequate B-vitamin status is needed to obtain the benefits of omega-3 FAs. Vitamin D supplementation and medical food Souvenaid may be considered for cognitive benefits in patients with AD. Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation is not yet supported. Antioxidant treatment is not recommended as it may accelerate cognitive decline. DASH, Mediterranean Diet, MIND and ketogenic diet therapy may be considered as dietary treatments in AD patients. Nutrient supplementation requires more research to determine appropriate dosages.
    CONCLUSION: Alzheimer's disease remains a major health concern to the aging public. The anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects of several nutrition-related treatments have been shown to be beneficial in combating the progression of this disease. Patient individualization must be considered prior to treating. It is recommended that future studies determine appropriate dosage amounts to minimize adverse effects.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.053172
  20. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 30. pii: 4337. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      Nutritional well-being is a fundamental aspect for the health, autonomy and, therefore, the quality of life of all people, but especially of the elderly. It is estimated that at least half of non-institutionalized elderly people need nutritional intervention to improve their health and that 85% have one or more chronic diseases that could improve with correct nutrition. Although prevalence estimates are highly variable, depending on the population considered and the tool used for its assessment, malnutrition in the elderly has been reported up to 50%. Older patients are particularly at risk of malnutrition, due to multiple etiopathogenetic factors which can lead to a reduction or utilization in the intake of nutrients, a progressive loss of functional autonomy with dependence on food, and psychological problems related to economic or social isolation, e.g., linked to poverty or loneliness. Changes in the aging gut involve the mechanical disintegration of food, gastrointestinal motor function, food transit, intestinal wall function, and chemical digestion of food. These alterations progressively lead to the reduced ability to supply the body with adequate levels of nutrients, with the consequent development of malnutrition. Furthermore, studies have shown that the quality of life is impaired both in gastrointestinal diseases, but especially in malnutrition. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of malnutrition in elderly people is necessary to promote the knowledge of age-related changes in appetite, food intake, homeostasis, and body composition in order to better develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to achieve healthy aging.
    Keywords:  gastrointestinal diseases; healthy aging; malnutrition
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124337
  21. Front Oncol. 2021 ;11 775050
      The incidence of hematologic malignancies (HMs) is highest in the seventh decade of life and coincides with increasing occult, age-related vulnerabilities. Identification of frailty is useful in prognostication and treatment decision-making for older adults with HMs. This real-world analysis describes 311 older adults with HMs evaluated in a multidisciplinary oncogeriatric clinic. The accumulation of geriatric conditions [1-unit increase, hazards ratio (HR) = 1.13, 95% CI 1.00-1.27, p = 0.04] and frailty assessed by the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS, mild/moderate/severe frailty vs. very fit/well, HR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.41-4.78, p = 0.002) were predictive of worse overall survival. In multivariate analysis, HM type [acute leukemia, HR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.60-9.22, p = 0.003; myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)/bone marrow failure, HR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.10-6.35, p = 0.03], age (per 5-year increase, HR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.21-1.76, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (per 1 g/dl decrease, HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.40, p = 0.009), deficit in activities of daily living (HR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.11-4.34, p = 0.02), and Mini Nutrition Assessment score (at-risk of malnutrition vs. normal, HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.07-3.73, p = 0.03) were independently associated with risk of death. The most commonly prescribed geriatric interventions were in the domains of audiology (56%) and pharmacy (54%). The Rockwood CFS correlated with prescribed interventions in nutrition (p = 0.01) and physical function (p < 0.001) domains. Geriatric assessment with geriatric intervention can be practically integrated into the routine care of older adults with HMs.
    Keywords:  frailty; geriatric assessment; geriatric oncology; hematologic malignancy; oncogeriatrics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.775050
  22. Aging Med (Milton). 2021 Dec;4(4): 266-271
       Background: The integral part of the definition of frailty is the outcome associated with it. Older adults at risk of frailty are in the process of becoming frail. This study looked at the clinical characteristics and outcomes of older adults at risk of frailty.
    Methodology: The study population was selected from outpatient department of the geriatric medicine department in a tertiary care hospital. Older adults identified as at risk of frailty were assessed at baseline and then followed up after 1 year for the composite primary outcome of death, falls, hospitalization, and self-rated poor quality of life in the follow-up period.
    Results: The study included 324 older adults who had completed 1-year follow up. Mean (SD) age was 74.49 (4.58) years, and males were 241 (74.15%). Frail and pre-frail at baseline among the study population were 31.17% and 61.11%, respectively. The primary outcome occurred in 43 (13.27%) patients. Poor baseline IADL was significantly associated with primary outcome at the end of 1 year.
    Conclusion: An unfavorable outcome in older adults at risk of frailty was significantly higher and independent of their baseline frailty status. Poor baseline IADL value may be considered as a predictor for primary outcome at 1 year of follow up.
    Keywords:  At risk of frailty; frailty syndrome; older adults; prospective
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/agm2.12181
  23. J Telemed Telecare. 2021 Dec 28. 1357633X211059688
       INTRODUCTION: In addition to shifting and expanding clinical responsibilities, rapidly evolving information and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for health care workers (HCW) to synthesise and translate COVID-19 information into practice. This study evaluated whether a COVID-19-specific telemedicine education program (ECHO COVID) would impact health care workers' self-efficacy and satisfaction in the management of patients with COVID-19.
    METHODS: A prospective mixed methods parallel-design study was conducted among ECHO COVID participants using pre-post questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Questionnaire results were examined for changes in health care workers' self-efficacy and satisfaction. Focus group discussion data were analysed to explore health care workers' experience in ECHO COVID and the context of their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    RESULTS: 239 health care workers registered in ECHO COVID and 114 (47.7%) completed questionnaires and attended at least one ECHO COVID session. Median self-efficacy scores increased from 5 (IQR 4-6) to 6 (IQR 6-6) (p < 0.0001), independent of profession, years in practice, age group, or practice environment. Participants were highly satisfied with ECHO COVID sessions with a median score of 4 (IQR 4-5). Focus group discussion data indicated that health care workers gained knowledge through ECHO COVID and revealed facilitators for ECHO COVID program success, including the transition to virtual care, the practicability of knowledge provided, and a 'perspective from the trenches.'
    DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated that a telemedicine education program aimed to support health care workers in managing patients with COVID-19 had a positive impact on health care workers' self-efficacy and satisfaction. This impact was specifically mediated by the ECHO COVID program.
    Keywords:  ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes); continuing medical education; mixed methods; primary care; telemedicine, COVID-19
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X211059688
  24. Lancet Infect Dis. 2022 01;pii: S1473-3099(21)00782-9. [Epub ahead of print]22(1): 20
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(21)00782-9
  25. J Histochem Cytochem. 2022 Jan;70(1): 83-97
      Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) are enzymes recurrently mutated in various types of cancer, including glioma, cholangiocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. Mutant IDH1/2 induce a block in differentiation and thereby contribute to the stemness and oncogenesis of their cells of origin. Recently, small-molecule inhibitors of mutant IDH1/2 have been Food and Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of IDH1/2-mutated acute myeloid leukemia. These inhibitors decrease the stemness of the targeted IDH1/2-mutated cancer cells and induce their differentiation to more mature cells. In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms by which mutant IDH1/2 induce a block in differentiation and the biological and clinical effects of the release into differentiation by mutant-IDH1/2 inhibitors. (J Histochem Cytochem 70:83-97, 2022).
    Keywords:  2-hydroxyglutarate; cancer stem cells; chemotherapy; differentiation; enasidenib; isocitrate dehydrogenase; ivosidenib; targeted therapy; therapy responses
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1369/00221554211062499
  26. Rev Cardiovasc Med. 2021 Dec 22. 22(4): 1253-1269
      Initially intended as an adjunct treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), SGLT2-inhibitors (SGLT2i) have transformed into an unexpected pillar of the heart failure (HF) regimen. The past several years have witnessed a meteoric rise of this drug class, starting with the serendipitous results of trials assessing the safety of the glucose-lowering therapy in a broad range of cardiovascular patients and culminating with the demonstration of a reduction in hospitalizations for heart failure and cardiovascular mortality in dedicated heart failure populations. The heart failure benefits of SGLT2i are independent of a patient's glycemic status, but the salient mechanisms of cardioprotection remain a subject of robust debate and ongoing research. Cardiologists as well as physicians of other disciplines should become familiar with the main indications, benefits, and clinical consideration of implementation. In this review, we will discuss the advance of SGLT2i in heart failure, ranging from the results of large randomized clinical trials to potential mechanisms of action.
    Keywords:  Cardiomyopathy; Diabetes; HFpEF; HFrEF; Heart failure; SGLT2-inhibitors
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.31083/j.rcm2204133
  27. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021 ;13 782067
      Background and Aims: Plant-forward dietary patterns have been associated with cardiometabolic health benefits, which, in turn, have been related to cognitive performance with inconsistent findings. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between baseline adherence to three a priori dietary patterns (Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets) with 2-year changes in cognitive performance in older adults with overweight or obesity and high cardiovascular disease risk. Methods: A prospective cohort analysis was conducted within the PREDIMED-Plus trial, involving 6,647 men and women aged 55-75 years with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome. Using a validated, semiquantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire completed at baseline, the dietary pattern adherence scores were calculated. An extensive neuropsychological test battery was administered at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were used to assess associations between 2-year changes in cognitive function z-scores across tertiles of baseline adherence to the a priori dietary patterns. Results: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet at baseline was associated with 2-year changes in the general cognitive screening Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE, β: 0.070; 95% CI: 0.014, 0.175, P-trend = 0.011), and two executive function-related assessments: the Trail Making Tests Part A (TMT-A, β: -0.054; 95% CI: -0.110, - 0.002, P-trend = 0.047) and Part B (TMT-B, β: -0.079; 95% CI: -0.134, -0.024, P-trend = 0.004). Adherence to the MIND diet was associated with the backward recall Digit Span Test assessment of working memory (DST-B, β: 0.058; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.114, P-trend = 0.045). However, higher adherence to the DASH dietary pattern was not associated with better cognitive function over a period of 2 years. Conclusion: In older Spanish individuals with overweight or obesity and at high cardiovascular disease risk, higher baseline adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern may be associated with better cognitive performance than lower adherence over a period of 2 years.
    Keywords:  DASH diet; MIND diet; Mediterranean diet (MedDiet); cognition; dietary pattern
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.782067
  28. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 18. pii: 4545. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      Interest in vegan diets has increased globally as well as in Slovenia. The quantity of new scientific data requires a thorough synthesis of new findings and considerations about the current reserved position of the vegan diet in Slovenia. There is frequently confusion about the benefits of vegetarian diets that are often uncritically passed on to vegan diets and vice versa. This narrative review aims to serve as a framework for a well-designed vegan diet. We present advice on how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with the vegan diet and lifestyle. We highlight the proper terminology, present the health effects of a vegan diet and emphasize the nutrients of concern. In addition, we provide guidance for implementing a well-designed vegan diet in daily life. We conducted a PubMed search, up to November 2021, for studies on key nutrients (proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium) in vegan diets. Given the limited amount of scientific evidence, we focus primarily on the general adult population. A well-designed vegan diet that includes a wide variety of plant foods and supplementation of vitamin B12, vitamin D in the winter months and potentially EPA/DHA is safe and nutritionally adequate. It has the potential to maintain and/or to improve health. For physically active adult populations, athletes or individuals with fast-paced lifestyles, there is room for further appropriate supplementation of a conventional vegan diet according to individuals' health status, needs and goals without compromising their health. A healthy vegan lifestyle, as included in government guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, includes regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, restriction of alcohol and appropriate sleep hygiene.
    Keywords:  barriers; coronavirus; education; environment; health; plant-based; sport; vegan diet
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124545
  29. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021 ;8 743710
      With the advent of population aging, aging-related diseases have become a challenge for governments worldwide. Sarcopenia has defined as a clinical syndrome associated with age-related loss such as skeletal muscle mass, strength, function, and physical performance. It is commonly seen in elderly patients with chronic diseases. Changes in lean mass are common critical determinants in the pathophysiology and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Sarcopenia may be one of the most important causes of poor physical function and decreased cardiopulmonary function in elderly patients with CVDs. Sarcopenia may induce CVDs through common pathogenic pathways such as malnutrition, physical inactivity, insulin resistance, inflammation; these mechanisms interact. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and CVDs in the elderly. Further research is urgently needed to understand better the relationship, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and mechanisms of sarcopenia and CVDs, which may shed light on potential interventions to improve clinical outcomes and provide greater insight into the disorders above.
    Keywords:  aging; cardiovascular diseases; comorbidity; elderly people; sarcopenia
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2021.743710
  30. Semin Immunol. 2021 Dec 25. pii: S1044-5323(21)00114-7. [Epub ahead of print] 101583
      Neutrophils are critical innate immune cells for the host anti-bacterial defense. Throughout their lifecycle, neutrophils are exposed to different microenvironments and modulate their metabolism to survive and sustain their functions. Although tumor cell metabolism has been intensively investigated, how neutrophil metabolism is affected in cancer remains largely to be discovered. Neutrophils are described as mainly glycolytic cells. However, distinct tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) states may co-exist in tumors and adapt their metabolism to exert different or even opposing activities ranging from tumor cell killing to tumor support. In this review, we gather evidence about the metabolic mechanisms that underly TANs' pro- or anti-tumoral functions in cancer. We first discuss how tumor-secreted factors and the heterogenous tumor microenvironment can have a strong impact on TAN metabolism. We then describe alternative metabolic pathways used by TANs to exert their functions in cancer, from basic glycolysis to more recently-recognized but less understood metabolic shifts toward mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, lipid and amino acid metabolism and even autophagy. Last, we discuss promising strategies targeting neutrophil metabolism to combat cancer.
    Keywords:  Cancer metabolism; Neutrophil metabolism; Tumor-associated neutrophils
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smim.2021.101583
  31. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2021 Dec 12.
       BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes are global epidemics that result in a slew of co-morbid illnesses. Both have been linked to an increased risk of hormonal imbalance, cancer, and other significant disorders, which are a concerning trend for cancer rates in the backdrop of rising obesity and diabetes rates worldwide. Around one in ten persons in the United States and Canada have serious illnesses correlated with type 2 diabetes and early death. It is believed that the US economy alone spends $245 billion annually. Lifestyle modification with intermittent fasting protocol and proper diet helps lower the blood glucose level and maintain the body mass index and reduced the inflammation in the body which is the main cause for all chronic diseases.
    METHODS: We searched case series, clinical trials relating to type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, cancer, thyroid, cardiovascular disease or other inflammatory diseases in response to intermittent fasting in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases.
    OBJECTIVE: In this review, we focused on intermittent fasting-based approaches that are becoming more widely accepted for improving health and reducing unwanted effects in patients with type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, obesity, thyroid, and hormonal imbalance, which are fasting intermittently and whether intermittent fasting may be considered as a non-medicinal therapeutic option for persons suffering from chronic diseases.
    CONCLUSION: Intermittent fasting successfully reversed the diabetes, thyroid, high blood pressure, elevated lipid level, and maintained the body mass index along and also studies has shown that it has been followed or instructed for the treatment and prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases with dietary interventions.
    Keywords:  Blood glucose level; cancer; cardiovascular risk; intermittent fasting; obesity; type 2 diabetes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1573399818666211213103315
  32. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 17. pii: 4528. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      Based on the results of a previous WHO-CARDIAC study, this study was designed to test the effect of the daily consumption of a diet rich in potassium with optimal salt content, rich in fish meat and soy isoflavones, corresponding to the ingredients of a traditional Japanese diet. The test meals were a Balanced Lunch (BL) with chicken as the main dish and a Fortified Lunch (FL) with fish and soy as the main dish, which appeared the same. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 64 relatively obese men (47.2 ± 5.5 years old) who consumed the lunch at their work site for 4 weeks. All participants underwent fasting blood sampling, 24-h urine collection, as well as measurements of height, weight, and blood pressure before and after the intervention. Body mass index, blood pressure, and HbA1c were significantly improved and a 3-g reduction of salt intake was proven by 24-h urine collection in both groups. Moreover, HDL cholesterol and the Atherogenic Index (AI) were significantly improved in the FL group. In conclusion, the risks of lifestyle-related diseases in working men were reduced by one meal per day intervention of optimally-salted traditional Japanese diets containing soy and fish nutrients with high vegetable ingredients.
    Keywords:  DHA; atherogenic index; lunch intervention; nutritional biomarkers of 24-h urine; optimal salt; sodium/potassium ratio; soy isoflavones
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124528
  33. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 24. pii: 4210. [Epub ahead of print]13(12):
      This study was conducted to investigate the adherence of Daily Food Guides (DFGs) among older Taiwanese, and the relationship of dietary quality and frailty. 154 functional independent older adults who were retirement home residents or community dwellers involved in congregate meal services were recruited. DFGs adherence was measured using a novel Taiwanese Healthy Index (T-HEI). Dietary quality was further assessed using Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Frailty was defined using modified Fried's criteria. Of the total participants, 12.3% were considered non-frail individuals, while 77.3% were prefrail, and 10.4% were frail. Compared to non-frail participants, prefrail and frail individuals indicated significantly lower adherence to DFGs (ptrend = 0.025). Intake of dark or orange vegetables (ptrend = 0.010), whole grains (ptrend = 0.007), as well as nuts and seeds (ptrend = 0.029) by non-frail individuals were significantly higher than the levels by prefrail and frail individuals. Linear regression model adjusted for age, gender, and functional ability showed that T-HEI was inversely associated with frailty status (β = -0.16 ± 0, p = 0.047), but additional adjustment for nutritional status attenuated the association (β = -0.14 ± 0, p = 0.103). A similar relationship was observed for DASH but not MDS (DASH: β = -0.18 ± 0.01, p = 0.024; MDS: β = -0.06 ± 0.02, p = 0.465). After adjustment for confounders, the association was not observed. However, the distribution of whole grains component in both DASH and MDS was significantly higher in non-frail than prefrail and frail individuals, indicating the importance of whole grains intake in frailty prevention. In conclusion, higher adherence to DFGs and better dietary quality were associated with a lower prevalence of frailty. Higher nutrient-dense foods intake such as whole grains, dark or orange vegetables, nuts, and seeds mark a watershed in frailty prevention.
    Keywords:  dietary adequacy; dietary quality; nutrient-dense; oldest-old; whole grains
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124210