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News flashes are posted here frequently to keep you up-to-date with the latest advances in health and longevity. We have an unparalleled track record of breaking stories about life extension advances.

Meta-analysis suggests continuing low-dose aspirin for primary prevention

February 28 2024. A research letter published February 27, 2024, in the American Heart Association journal Circulation suggested that low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults with no history of the disease might be safely continued despite guidelines that recommend against it.

John W. McEvoy, MHS, PhD, and colleagues analyzed the results of Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE), A Study of Cardiovascular Events in Diabetes (ASCEND) and Aspirin to Reduce Risk of Initial Vascular Events (ARRIVE) trials, which included a total of 47,140 participants. The trials’ findings are, in part, the basis of current international guidelines that no longer recommend routine low-dose aspirin use for the prevention of a first heart attack or stroke, due to concerns regarding an increased risk of bleeding.

Among a subgroup of 7,222 participants who were already taking aspirin prior to the beginning of the trials, the meta-analysis revealed that those who stopped taking aspirin had a 12.5% risk of heart disease or stroke compared with a 10.4% risk experienced by those who continued to use it. No increased bleeding risk was observed among those who continued to use low-dose aspirin.

"Our findings of the benefit of aspirin in reducing heart disease or stroke without an excess risk of bleeding in some patients could be due to the fact that adults already taking aspirin without a prior bleeding problem are inherently lower risk for a future bleeding problem from the medication," Dr McEvoy explained. "Therefore, they seem to get more of the benefits of aspirin with less of the risks."

"Until further evidence becomes available, it seems reasonable that persons already safely treated with low-dose aspirin for primary prevention may continue to do so, unless new risk factors for aspirin-related bleeding develop," he concluded.

—D Dye

Omega-3 outperforms other treatments for migraine prevention

February 26 2024. The February 2024 issue of the American Society for Nutrition journal Advances in Nutrition reported the results of a meta-analysis which revealed “compelling evidence” that high doses of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can be a first-choice treatment for migraine prevention.

Migraine is a neurologic disorder that affects an estimated one billion individuals. “Because of the limited efficacy, obvious adverse events, and insufficient evidence for the current pharmacologic treatments to manage prevention, there is an unmet need for more effective and highly acceptable agents to prevent migraine,” Ping-Tao Tseng, MD, of National Sun Yat-sen University and colleagues wrote.

Dr Tseng and associates analyzed 40 randomized, controlled trials that included a total of 6,616 participants who suffered from episodic, chronic or nonspecified migraine. The trials compared the effects of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA or FDA-approved, guideline-recommended migraine drugs with a placebo. Primary evaluated outcomes included changes in migraine frequency and patient acceptability of the treatment.

Among treatments that included EPA/DHA, amitriptyline, valproate, topiramate, candesartan, lamotrigine, venlafaxine, lisinopril, propranolol and cyclandelate, high dose EPA/DHA was associated with the greatest reduction in migraine frequency or severity compared with a placebo. EPA/DHA was additionally associated with the most favorable acceptability.

Tseng and colleagues suggested that EPA and DHA provide their beneficial effects via support of a healthy inflammatory response and comfort, and modification of the blood vessel dilation that occurs during migraine.

They announced that the current network meta-analysis is the first, to their knowledge, to compare the migraine-preventive effects of EPA/DHA with those of FDA-approved/guideline-recommended medications. “This study provides compelling evidence that high dosage EPA/DHA . . . can be considered a first-choice treatment of migraine prophylaxis because this treatment displayed the highest efficacy and highest acceptability of all studied treatments,” they concluded.

—D Dye

Resveratrol, soy, vitamin E show promise against cellular senescence

February 23 2024. An article published February 19, 2024, in Ageing Research Reviews identified resveratrol, soy protein and vitamin E as having anti-senescence properties.

Cellular senescence occurs when aged cells cease to divide normally and enter a state in which, rather than being eliminated, they persist to secrete substances that harm the surrounding healthy cells. Senotherapeutic agents are defined as either senolytics that eliminate senescent cells, or senomorphics that target the development of the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in senescent cells, which damages other cells. "Cellular senescence, one of the key hallmarks of aging, is featured as a stable cessation of cell proliferation, macromolecular damage, dysregulated metabolism, and acquisition of a pro-inflammatory and proteolytic secretome, namely senescence-associated secretory phenotype," authors Lihuan Guan of the National University of Singapore and colleagues explained.

The review included 78 animal studies and five human studies that evaluated the effects of various diets and nutrients in normal aging and induced aging models. p53, p21, p16 and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase were among 16 markers of senescence measured in various tissues to evaluate the effects of the dietary interventions.

Although other nutrients showed evidence of senotherapeutic benefits, the investigators concluded that resveratrol, soy protein isolate and vitamin E showed promising effects in animal studies. They noted that resveratrol has been the most studied dietary ingredient in normal aging or models of senescence. Like resveratrol, vitamin E is also an antioxidant that has serotherapeutic effects. Soy protein isolate additionally acted against senescence in animal models with or without induced senescence.

"The findings of resveratrol, vitamin E and soy protein isolate as promising senotherapeutics in animal models suggest potential application in clinical nutrition plans with carefully defined dosages as part of strategies aiming to mitigate aging processes," the authors concluded.

—D Dye

Reduced visceral fat associated with greater antioxidant intake

February 21 2024. The April 2024 issue of Nutrition Research published findings from a study of 10,389 adults that found a relationship between increased consumption of antioxidants and decreased visceral adipose tissue. Visceral adipose tissue surrounds the organs within the abdomen and is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

“It is visceral adipose tissue (VAT), rather than subcutaneous adipose tissue, that plays a significant role in obesity-related comorbidities,” authors Xi Gu of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and colleagues explained. They noted that an unhealthy amount of visceral adipose tissue is a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic associated fatty liver disease and some types of cancer.

The cross-sectional study included 10,389 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. Visceral adipose tissue areas were measured with whole body DXA scans performed at NHANES examination centers. Responses to 24-hour dietary recall interviews also conducted by NHANES provided information concerning antioxidant nutrient intake. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index was calculated from intake levels of vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, selenium and zinc.

Non-Hispanic Caucasians and nonsmokers, or men and women who had higher calorie intake, education level or income or a lower body mass index were among those with the highest Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index values. Higher values were associated with lower visceral adipose tissue areas. Compared with individuals whose Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index values were among the lowest one-third of subjects, those whose values were among the top third had significantly less visceral fat.

“Our cross-sectional study revealed an inverse relationship between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and visceral adipose tissue, indicating a potential improvement in visceral obesity through the combined intake of the 6 antioxidant micronutrients in Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index,” the authors concluded.

—D Dye

Green tea drinking linked with lower risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetics

February 19 2024. Overweight diabetics with a high intake of green tea had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke than those who did not consume the beverage in a study reported February 2, 2024, in Archives of Public Health.

Bingyue Liu and colleagues evaluated data from 4,756 overweight or obese diabetic participants in the Comprehensive Research on the Prevention and Control of the Diabetes program, an ongoing epidemiologic study. Participants were asked about the type and frequency of tea intake at the beginning of the study. Green tea drinkers were categorized according to daily tea leaf use and duration of consumption.

Compared with participants who did not consume green tea, those who used five grams or more of green tea leaves per day had a 29% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, a 40% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a 30% reduction in the risk of stroke. Drinking green tea for 40 years or more was associated with a 31% lower cardiovascular disease risk, a 39% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a 33% reduction in stroke risk. Among those who had diabetes for less than five years, using more than five grams green tea leaves per day was associated with a 59% lower risk of stroke and consuming the beverage for more than 40 years was associated with a 57% lower risk.

"To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first prospective cohort study to investigate the effect of green tea consumption on the risk of total cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke in overweight/obese type 2 diabetes patients," the authors announced.

"Green tea consumption is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and coronary heart disease in overweight/obese type 2 diabetes patients," they concluded.

—D Dye

Greater niacin intake linked with lower ED risk

February 16 2024. A study reported January 30, 2024, in the Asian Journal of Andrology documented an association between increased intake of the B vitamin niacin and a lower risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).

"Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, serves as the precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NAD phosphate (NADP), pivotal in energy metabolism and redox reactions," Wei-Long Lin of the Medical College of Shantou University in China and colleagues wrote in their introduction to the article.

They observed that ED is primarily the result of vascular causes, particularly atherosclerosis, and that niacin has properties that support the health of the lining of the arteries. "Hence, we hypothesize that dietary niacin might offer assistance in preventing and treating ED."

The study included 3,184 men who enrolled in the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants' questionnaire responses concerning food intake during two different 24-hour periods were analyzed to determine niacin content. An additional questionnaire, developed by the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, provided information concerning erectile function.

Eight hundred sixty-three men were determined to have ED. As niacin intake increased, a decrease was observed in the risk of the condition. After adjusting for factors that might influence the risk of ED (age, race, marital status, education level, poverty income ratio, body mass index, recreational activity, smoking, drinking status, total daily energy intake, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and testosterone levels) men whose niacin intake was among the top one-third of participants had a risk of ED that was 56% less than those among the lowest intake of the vitamin.

"This study suggests an inverse association between dietary niacin intake and the risk of ED," Lin and colleagues concluded. "However, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship remains elusive."

—D Dye

Higher intake of vitamin K1 associated with lower mortality risk during 15 years of follow-up

February 14 2024. A study reported December 16, 2023, in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases uncovered an association between greater intake of vitamin K1 and a reduced risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease or all causes among women during a 15-year follow-up period.

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is a form of vitamin K that occurs in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and leafy greens.

The study included 1,436 Australian women whose age averaged 75.2 years upon enrolling in the Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women in 1998. Dietary questionnaires completed at enrollment were analyzed for vitamin K1 intake. During the following 15 years, 601 women died, including 236 deaths caused by cardiovascular disease.

Compared with women whose intake of vitamin K1 was among the lowest 25% of those in the study at a median of 49.1 micrograms (mcg) per day, those whose intake was among the highest 25% at a median of 119.3 mcg per day had an adjusted 39% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a 34% lower risk of dying from all causes. The reduction in risk plateaued at intakes of 80 mcg per day or more.

Authors Montana Dupuy of Edith Cowan University and colleagues noted that dietary guidelines for vitamin K were developed in consideration of its necessity for blood coagulation. They explained that the vitamin K requirements of vitamin K-dependent proteins linked with artery-protective anti-calcification processes may be greater than those of vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in coagulation.

"Collectively, these findings suggest that vitamin K1 intakes higher than current Australian AI guidelines (60 mcg/day) may be more beneficial for cardiovascular health in older women," they wrote.

—D Dye

Vitamin intake linked with lower stroke risk

February 12 2024. A systematic review and meta-analysis published January 30, 2024, in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation revealed associations between the intake of isolated vitamins and a lower risk of stroke.

In their introduction to the article, Shashank Tripathi of the Department of Neurology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences and colleagues noted that stroke, which occurs when brain blood flow is diminished or obstructed, results in brain damage and disability that can lead to substantial illness and death. It is therefore critical to identify stroke-associated risk factors to help prevent its occurrence.

The team selected 17 randomized, controlled trials and 39 cohort studies for the meta-analysis. The studies examined the relationship between adding specific vitamins to the diet and the risk of stroke.

Compared with a placebo, the team found a 19% lower risk of stroke among those who used vitamin A, a 15% lower risk in association with B-complex, a 21% lower risk associated with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), a 14% lower risk in association with the B vitamin folate, a 23% reduction in risk with vitamin C and a 27% decrease associated with vitamin D. Nonsignificant associations were found for vitamins B2, B12 and E.

“The extensive findings from this network meta-analysis provide valuable insights into the potential of vitamin interventions in preventing strokes,” the authors concluded. “The protective effects of vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, and vitamin C underscore the significance of sufficient vitamin intake in preserving vascular health and diminishing stroke risk. Vitamin B supplementation, particularly evident in randomized, controlled trials, demonstrates significant potential for stroke prevention, with a plausible mechanism identified through its association with homocysteine metabolism.”

—D Dye

Adding omega-3 to the diet associated with lower risk of mortality during up to seven years of follow up

February 07 2024. The February 7, 2024, issue of Food & Function published findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis that adds evidence to an association between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and a lower risk of mortality during follow-up among people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

"The therapeutic management of patients with established atherosclerosis has significantly evolved over the past few decades, principally through the adoption of potent medical treatments," Siqi Luo and colleagues at Jiangnan University in China wrote. "Drug therapy, however, frequently comes with more or fewer side effects, such as new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and statin-associated muscle symptoms induced by statins."

The researchers reviewed 21 articles derived from 17 research projects that evaluated the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on mortality and/or cardiovascular disease among a total of 40,861 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Pooling data from the studies that examined all-cause mortality revealed a 10% lower risk during follow-up among participants who had higher omega-3 fatty acid intake. Cardiovascular events among 14 studies were also 10% lower and mortality from cardiovascular disease was 18% lower among those with high intake of omega-3. Further analysis revealed that higher intake of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA was significantly associated with cardiovascular event reduction. For every gram per day increase in omega-3 intake between 1 and 4 grams per day there was a 3.5% decrease in the risk of dying during follow-up. No associations between omega-6 intake and mortality or cardiovascular events were found.

"Compared with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients with lower omega-3 intake, those with higher omega-3 intake exhibited a significant and inverse association with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease-related mortality, and recurrence of cardiovascular disease," Luo and associates concluded.

—D Dye

Greater vitamin E intake associated with lower lung cancer risk

February 05 2024. A study reported January 29, 2024, in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention revealed associations between higher plasma levels of the forms of vitamin known as tocopherols and a lower risk of lung cancer among low income men and women.

Vitamin E is a family of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, among which alpha-tocopherol is the best known.

The study included 618 participants in the Southern Community Cohort Study, which has the goal of investigating causes of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in health conditions among low-income adults. The current study involved 209 participants with lung cancer matched with 409 cancer-free control subjects. Blood samples collected at enrollment were analyzed for plasma alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta- and total tocopherol levels.

Total tocopherol levels were a median of 11,757 ng/mL among the group diagnosed with lung cancer in comparison with 12,447 ng/mL in the healthy group. Participants in the top one-third of total tocopherol levels had an adjusted risk of lung cancer that was 49% lower than individuals among the lowest third. Median alpha-tocopherol levels in lung cancer patients were 8,641 ng/mL compared with 9,033 ng/mL among healthy participants, beta- plus gamma-tocopherol levels were 2,537 ng/mL compared with 2,806 ng/mL and delta-tocopherol levels were 335 ng/mL in comparison with 340 ng/mL.

When individuals in the current study were evaluated according to various factors, European Americans, men, current smokers, and lung cancer patients diagnosed within two years of blood sample collection had significant associations between having total tocopherol levels among the top third of participants and a lower risk of lung cancer.

"Our results indicate that plasma total-tocopherols are inversely associated with lung cancer risk, but the association may differ across specific isomeric forms of tocopherols, race, or other individuals' characteristics," the authors concluded.

—D Dye

Ginkgo improves stroke recovery

February 02 2024. Findings from a study reported at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 revealed a benefit for active components of Ginkgo biloba among individuals who had ischemic strokes, which involve reduction or blockage of blood flow to the brain.

The randomized, double-blind study included 3,163 men and women recovering from mild to moderate ischemic stroke. Within two days of their strokes, 1,588 participants received intravenous ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine (GDLM) and the remainder were given a placebo daily for two weeks. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) before treatment and at 14 and 90 days.

Most participants showed cognitive impairment immediately following their strokes, with MoCA scores that averaged 17 out of 30.Two weeks later, those who received ginkgo had MoCA scores that averaged 3.93 points higher, compared with a 3.62-point increase among those who received a placebo.Scores were increased by 5.51 points in the ginkgo group at 90 days, compared with 5.04 points in the placebo group.

"The proportion of patients who reached a clinically significant level of improvement was 20% higher in the GDLM group, indicating that GDLM injections may improve cognitive function in patients with acute ischemic stroke," stated first author Anxin Wang, PhD, of the Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University. "Since the follow-up time in this study was only 90 days, the longer-term effect of GDLM injections requires longer-term research."

"GDLM has shown a neuroprotective effect through multiple mechanisms, such as expanding brain blood vessels and improving brain cells tolerance to hypoxia (inadequate oxygen) and increasing cerebral blood flow," Dr Wang added. "GDLM also has neuroprotective antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis (cell death) properties. Additionally, laboratory studies have previously indicated that GDLM may promote secretion of chemicals associated with avoiding neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease."

—D Dye

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