What's Hot

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.

Light at night, air pollution linked with stroke

March 25 2024. A large study revealed an association between exposure to artificial lighting at night or air pollution with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, which includes hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.

"We need to develop more effective policies and prevention strategies to reduce the burden of disease from environmental factors such as light as well as air pollution," co-corresponding author Jian-Bing Wang, PhD, commented.

Dr Wang and colleagues evaluated data from 28,302 men and women enrolled in the Yinzhou Cohort, which was established during 2015–2018 in China. Cerebrovascular disease was diagnosed in 1,278 subjects, including 866 stroke patients, through September 2021. Individuals with the greatest exposure to outdoor light at night had a 43% higher adjusted risk of developing cerebrovascular disease compared with those whose exposure was lowest. When air pollution was evaluated, those with the most exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5, which results from the combustion of gasoline, diesel fuel or oil) had a 41% greater adjusted risk of cerebrovascular disease and those with the highest exposure to PM10 (from dust and smoke) had a 50% greater risk compared with the lowest.

The authors remarked that exposure to light at night may suppress melatonin production and impair its circadian rhythm, which adversely affects sleep patterns. Metal halide bulbs (used in outdoor lighting such as parking lots and residential security lighting), compact fluorescent lamps and white LEDs may have stronger melatonin-suppressive effects than other light sources. "Our study suggests that higher levels of exposure to outdoor artificial light at night may be a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease," Dr Wang stated. "Therefore, we advise people, especially those living in urban areas, to consider reducing that exposure to protect themselves from its potential harmful impact."

The findings were reported in the April 2024 issue of Stroke.

—D Dye

Calcium, vitamin D associated with lower risk of fractures in spinal cord injury patients

March 25 2024. The Winter 2024 issue of Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation reported the finding ofsignificantly fewer fractures in people with traumatic spinal cord injuries who filled prescriptions for calcium or vitamin D compared with patients who did not.

Fractures affect up to 46% of spinal cord injury patients and are associated with an increase in the risk of premature mortality. Paralyzed Veterans of America recently developed a clinical practice guideline for osteoporosis management in spinal cord injury that included recommendations for calcium intake of 1,000 milligrams per day for men between the ages of 19 and 70 years and premenopausal women aged 19 to 50. Men aged 71 and older and women over the age of 50 years were recommended to consume 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams calcium.

The study included 5,897 veterans with traumatic spinal cord injury of at least two years duration between 2014 and 2020. Pharmacy records provided information concerning those who had at least six months of continuous filled prescriptions for calcium and vitamin D. Calcium prescriptions were filled by 765 patients and 2,295 patients had prescriptions for daily vitamin D for at least six months. An additional 1,593 patients filled prescriptions for high single-dose vitamin D. Fractures occurred among 1,117 men and 63 women during this period.

Spinal cord injury patients who filled calcium prescriptions had a 35% lower risk of experiencing a fracture and those who filled prescriptions for vitamin D had a 67% lower risk. "Our findings support the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines: Bone Health and Osteoporosis Management in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury in that they suggest that calcium and vitamin D are important for skeletal health in persons with a traumatic spinal cord injury," the authors concluded.

—D Dye

Vitamin D associated with longer partial remission phase among type 1 diabetics

March 25 2024. A research letter published March 5, 2024, in JAMA Network Open reported the findings of a secondary analysis of a randomized trial that compared the effects of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) to a placebo among young people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The analysis concluded that vitamin D may help slow the progression of the disease.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin. "Approximately 30% to 50% residual beta-cell function may remain at the time of type 1 diabetes type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and this may persist for months or years," Benjamin Udoka Nwosu, MD, and colleagues explained. "A prolonged partial remission phase of type 1 diabetes leads to improved glycemic control and decreased long-term complications."

The trial included 36 individuals between the ages of 10 and 21 years who had new onset type 1 diabetes of less than three months' duration and a stimulated C-peptide level of 0.6 nanograms per mL or higher. (C-peptide is measured in the blood as an indicator of insulin production by the beta cells of the pancreas.) Eighteen participants received weekly vitamin D and the remainder received a placebo for one year. At the trial's conclusion, participants who received vitamin D had significantly lower serum levels of a marker of inflammation and a lower increase rate of hemoglobin A1c (a marker of long-term glucose control).

The current analysis found that vitamin D decreased the fasting proinsulin to C-peptide ratio (a biomarker of beta cell dysfunction) and slowed the type 1 diabetes-related decrease in C-peptide compared with the placebo. "The results suggest a protective action of ergocalciferol on beta cells and possible mechanisms of action to prolong partial remission," the authors concluded, remarking that vitamin D's effect size on beta-cell protection is comparable to those of imatinib, verapamil and other drugs.

—D Dye

Branched chain amino acids boost concussion recovery

March 20 2024. Findings from a randomized, controlled pilot study reported March 12, 2024, in the Journal of Neurotrauma revealed a benefit for branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the treatment of concussion.

Leucine, isoleucine and valine are branched chain amino acids that are among the building blocks of the body's proteins. Studies in which animals with traumatic brain injury were given branched chain amino acids have shown improved neurocognitive function.

The trial included 38 concussion patients aged 11 to 34 years. Participants received 15 grams, 30 grams, 45 grams or 54 grams of branched chain amino acids or a placebo daily for 21 days. Daily neurocognitive tests were conducted, and symptoms, physical and cognitive activity, and other factors were also evaluated.

"The goal of this pilot study was to determine, among several different doses, whether our specific formulation of BCAAs could accelerate recovery – faster reduction in symptoms and return to baseline physical activity," senior author Akiva S. Cohen, PhD, explained. "Based on our work in animal models, we expected that our specific formulation of BCAA . . . would result in a more rapid resolution in symptom burden and improved physical activity levels which are key measures of recovery from a concussion."

At the end of the trial, participants who were given branched chain amino acids had a decrease in total symptom score of 4.4 points (of a possible 54) for every 500 grams they received. Return to physical activity also improved in association with the amount of branched chain amino acids received.

"We are extremely encouraged by these preliminary findings, the first trial to demonstrate that a targeted pharmacologic using a specific formulation of BCAAs may be useful as a treatment for youth and young adult concussion," first author Daniel Corwin, MD, MSCE, announced.

—D Dye

Trial findings add evidence to ginkgo benefit in stroke

March 18 2024. A trial that evaluated the effects of ginkgo among ischemic stroke patients resulted in improved cognitive function among those who received it in comparison with a control group. The findings were reported March 13, 2024, in Open Medicine.

The trial enrolled 126 men and women with acute ischemic stroke, which can affect cognitive function. Sixty-three participants received 25 milligrams per day ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine in addition to conventional care while the remainder received conventional care alone for two weeks. Serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, which are involved in inflammation; and fibrinogen, D-dimer and platelets, involved in blood coagulation, were measured before and two weeks after the treatment period. MoCA and MMSE cognitive function tests were administered prior to the trial and at three and six months after the trial's conclusion.

Inflammatory and coagulation factors were similar before treatment in both groups of participants and were lower among treated patients than the control group after 14 days. Cognitive function test scores were also similar at the beginning of the study, while declining at three months and improving at six months. Among participants who received ginkgo, the decline at three months was less and six-month improvement was greater.

Additionally, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and activities of daily living scores obtained before treatment improved to a greater extent after 14 days and three months in the ginkgo-treated group compared with the control group.

"Ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine combined with regular medication can effectively ameliorate the cognitive function of AIS patients, significantly improve MoCA and MMSE scores in AIS patients by protecting brain cells and promoting neuronal recovery," the authors wrote. "A reduction in levels of inflammatory cytokines and coagulation markers was also observed. It also has a high safety profile and deserves clinical recommendation."

—D Dye

Healthier diet means slower pace of aging, lower risk of dementia

March 15 2024. Research indicates that a healthy diet reduces the risk of developing dementia . . . but how? A new study suggests it may do so by slowing the pace of aging.

"Much attention to nutrition in dementia research focuses on the way specific nutrients affect the brain" senior author Daniel Belsky, PhD, stated. "We tested the hypothesis that healthy diet protects against dementia by slowing down the body's overall pace of biological aging."

Dr Belsky and colleagues analyzed information from 1,644 men and women who participated in the Framingham Offspring Study, which collected data concerning cardiovascular disease and other factors from children of the original Framingham Study participants. Intake of a healthy diet was determined according to adherence to the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet as reported during visits that occurred from 1991 to 2008. Blood collected from 2005-2008 was analyzed for DNA methylation as a marker of pace of aging. Dementia incidence or mortality were tracked from visits that occurred from 2005 through 2018.

Individuals who had greater adherence to the MIND diet, which combines portions of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets to target brain health, had a slower rate of aging, a lower risk of developing dementia and a decreased risk of dying during the study's 6.9-year median follow-up period. The findings were reported February 26, 2024, in Annals of Neurology.

"Our findings suggest that slower pace of aging mediates part of the relationship of healthy diet with reduced dementia risk, and therefore, monitoring pace of aging may inform dementia prevention," first author Aline Thomas, PhD, concluded. "However, a portion of the diet-dementia association remains unexplained, therefore we believe that continued investigation of brain-specific mechanisms in well-designed mediation studies is warranted."

—D Dye

People with hypertension who use vitamin D live longer

March 13 2024. Findings from a study reported March 9, 2024, in Nutrition Journal revealed a lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease or all causes during an average follow-up of 8.8 years among adults with hypertension (high blood pressure).

The investigation included 19,500 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2018. Blood samples were analyzed for levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Mortality data was obtained through 2019.

Men and women with vitamin D levels lower than 10 ng/mL had a 97% higher adjusted risk of all-cause mortality during follow-up than individuals whose levels were 30 ng/mL or more. For deaths from cardiovascular disease, the risk was 42% higher. Among those whose vitamin D levels were between and 10 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL the risk of mortality from all causes or cardiovascular disease was 71% higher.

Hypertensive NHANES participants who reported using vitamin D had an adjusted 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality during follow-up in comparison with no vitamin D use. The risk of cardiovascular disease mortality associated with adding vitamin D to one’s diet was 25% lower than no vitamin D. Among those in the group without diabetes, the use of vitamin D was associated with a 35% lower risk of all-cause mortality and hypertensives without cardiovascular disease who used the vitamin had a 25% reduction in risk.

The protective effect of added vitamin D among men and women without diabetes or cardiovascular disease was greater against cardiovascular disease mortality. People without diabetes who used vitamin D had a 37% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and those without cardiovascular disease diagnoses had a 39% lower risk.

The authors concluded that adding vitamin D to a nutritional regimen could be an effective strategy to reduce the risk of premature mortality among people with hypertension who do not have diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

—D Dye

Mushroom compound improves lifespan in mice

March 11 2024. Ergothioneine, a compound that occurs in golden oyster mushrooms, Lion’s Mane and other mushrooms, was associated with lifespan extension and other benefits in mice, in a study reported March 6, 2024, in GeroScience.

"The food-derived sulfur-containing amino acid ergothioneine was recently hypothesized as a putative longevity vitamin," Makoto Katsube at Kanazawa University and colleagues wrote. "Reduced plasma ergothioneine levels are associated with increased risks of coronary disease, cardiovascular mortality, and overall mortality."

Beginning at the age of seven weeks, 84 mice were provided with water that contained ergothioneine while a control group of 116 mice received unenhanced water. The animals' body composition, movement, memory, plasma biomarkers and other factors were evaluated at various time points up to 88 weeks of age.

Median and average life spans of mice given ergothioneine increased by 16% and 21% compared with the control animals. Among ergothioneine-treated mice, the average age at which 90% had died was 29% higher. While aging-associated weight and fat loss were evident in the control group of animals after the age of 78 weeks, this effect was significantly less among mice that received ergothioneine. Movement, memory and hippocampal impairments, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, aging and cellular senescence (in which aged cells stop dividing and linger in the body, causing damage) were reduced among ergothioneine-treated mice compared with the control animals.

In a separate investigation, C. elegans (roundworms) that received ergothioneine had longer lives and longer periods during which they were not considered frail in comparison with untreated worms.

"Ergothioneine extends the lifespan of mice and C. elegans and attenuated frailty and brain aging in mice, exerting preventive effects against aging and various age-related disorders in mice," the authors concluded. "Thus, ergothioneine may be an important vitamin-like compound leading to healthy longevity."

—D Dye

Calcium, phosphorus, potassium lower in men with ED

March 08 2024. A study reported February 21, 2024, in PLOS ONErevealed an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) among men who had a low intake of the minerals calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

In their introduction to the article, Chen-Yuan Deng and colleagues observed that cardiovascular disease is one of the main ED risk factors. They noted that increased potassium intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the impact of added calcium and phosphorus on cardiovascular outcomes is still debatable, leading to a need for research concerning how these minerals impact ED.

The study included 3,556 men enrolled between 2001 and 2004 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Nine hundred forty-five men reported having ED. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall interviews provided information concerning food intake that was analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, and potassium content.

Men whose calcium intake was among the top one-third of individuals in the study had an adjusted 34% lower risk of ED compared with men whose intake was among the lowest third. High phosphorus and potassium intake were respectively associated with 33% and 35% lower risks.

In their discussion of the findings, Deng and associates remarked that studies have shown a lower risk of atherosclerosis in association with consuming additional calcium and that calcium has been found to reduce blood pressure. Phosphorus is also an essential nutrient; however, no consensus has been reached regarding a relationship between the mineral and vascular endothelial health. They added that most of the research on the topic has involved people with chronic kidney disease or increased phosphorous blood levels or intake. In contrast, potassium has been found to support vascular endothelial function.

They concluded that "Erectile dysfunction and dietary consumption of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium are inversely associated."

—D Dye

5-HTP improves sleep, microbiome in older men and women

March 06 2024. Findings from a randomized, controlled trial reported in the March 2024 issue of Clinical Nutrition revealed improvements in sleep quality and gut microbiota diversity among older individuals who were given a form of the amino acid tryptophan known as 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP acts as a precursor to serotonin which can be converted in the body to melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep.

Studies have found less diversity of intestinal microorganisms in people with sleep disturbances, yet the effect of 5-HTP on gut microbiota composition as it relates to sleep had not previously been evaluated.

The trial included 15 men and 15 women of an average age of 66 years. Participants received 100 milligrams 5-HTP per day or no treatment for a period of 12 weeks. The researchers evaluated blood serotonin, urine melatonin, gut microbiota and beneficial fecal short-chain fatty acids made by gut bacteria at the beginning and end of the study. The participants completed Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index questionnaires and wore sleep monitors every four weeks.

Global sleep scores obtained from Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index responses categorized the participants as good or poor sleepers. Authors Clarinda Nataria Sutano and colleagues reported that 5-HTP showed an overall favorable effect on specific sleep quality components and increased serum serotonin. Poor sleepers who received 5-HTP had significantly improved global sleep scores at 12 weeks, as well as increased microbiota diversity and gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids.

The authors concluded that 5-HTP “improved sleep quality for up to eight weeks in older adults, possibly by increasing the biosynthesis of serotonin. Additionally, the effect was more obvious in poor sleepers and this improvement may be explained by increasing gut microbiota diversity and the abundance of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria in the gut.”

—D Dye

One quarter of pregnant women may not be obtaining adequate omega-3

March 04 2024. A study reported February 27, 2024, in Public Health Nutrition documented insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids by 24.6% of pregnant women.

The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) occur in fish and the algae they consume. "Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for supporting positive health outcomes," stated lead author Emily Oken, who is a Harvard Medical School professor and chair of the Department of Population Medicine at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. "Getting enough of these nutrients during pregnancy is vital for preventing preterm birth and promoting optimal child health and neurodevelopment."

The study included participants in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes consortium who gave birth from 1999-2020. Data concerning fish consumption was provided by 10,800 pregnant women and information regarding the intake of additional omega-3 fatty acids was available from 12,646 women.

Among those with available information concerning fish intake, 24.6% reported consuming fish less than once per month or not at all. Omega-3 use was reported by just 16.2% of those who provided information concerning additional nutrient intake. Adding omega-3 to the diet was more common among women who were older, had more education, had a lower body mass index and consumed more fish. The fact that women who consumed less fish also consumed less added omega-3 puts them at even greater risk of insufficiency.

"Current evidence shows that the benefits of maternal consumption of low-mercury fish, or in its place, omega-3 supplements, outweigh any potential risks," Dr Oken noted. "Our study provides updated information to inform much needed public health advice and resources to support clinical conversations to encourage consumption of low-mercury fish during pregnancy and intake of omega-3 supplements among those who do not consume fish."

—D Dye

Meta-analysis affirms benefits of Kaempferia parviflora in metabolic syndrome, ED

March 01 2024. The February 2024 issue of Nutrition Research published the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis that revealed positive effects for the herb Kaempferia parviflora against metabolic syndrome (a cluster of symptoms associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease) and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Kaempferia parviflora, known as black ginger, has been used for centuries in Thailand to support longevity and physical capacities as well as stimulate energy expenditure. These effects have resulted in the use of the herb for diabetes, obesity, and diminished libido and sexual function.

"Growing evidence has shown that there are many processes through which erectile dysfunction (defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance) and metabolic syndrome are associated," Mingkwan Na Takuathung and colleagues at Researchers at Chiang Mai University in Thailand wrote. "Both illnesses share several similar risk factors, including an increase in age, blood pressure, blood glucose, insulin resistance, cholesterol, and body mass index, as well as smoking behavior. In a recent observational study, erectile dysfunction was almost 3 times more prevalent in men with metabolic syndrome than their counterparts without metabolic syndrome."

"To our knowledge, this systematic review and meta-analysis examined the most thorough data synthesis available about the in vivo pharmacological effects of the Kaempferia parviflora extract on variables associated with metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction, as well as other pharmacodynamic outcomes, including physical performance and safety profiles," they announced.

The team analyzed 57 animal and human studies that evaluated the effects of Kaempferia parviflora root extract as they related to metabolic syndrome and erectile function. Human studies included 897 participants. The analysis revealed decreases in fasting blood glucose and improved sexual function and physical performance in association with consuming the extract.

—D Dye

What's Hot Archive