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Green tea drinking slows hippocampal decline

National Institute for Longevity Sciences (Japan), June 28 2021.

The hippocampus is an area of the brain that is associated with memory and learning. A decline in hippocampal volume that occurs during aging has been associated with Alzheimer diseaseand non-Alzheimer dementias. However, findings from a study reported in the September-October 2021 issue of the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics suggest that drinking green tea may help slow some of this decline.

The study included 862 men and 831 women who participated a prospective study that was part of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging project in Japan. Dietary records provided information concerning green tea intake. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations assessed gray matter, white matter and hippocampal volume at the beginning of the study and at the end of the two-year follow-up.

While no associations with green tea were observed with gray matter or white matter yearly rate of decline, greater green tea intake was associated with a reduction in hippocampal volume decline, particularly among women and participants who were 65 years of age and older. Each additional 100 milliliters per day of green tea consumption was associated with a 5% decrease in annual hippocampal atrophy. Additionally, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) testing among participants aged 60 years and older revealed a smaller annual reduction in scores in association with greater green tea intake.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association between green tea consumption and brain structural changes in humans,” Shu Zhang and colleagues announced. “This prospective cohort study conducted in 1693 community-dwelling middle-aged and older Japanese individuals suggested a negative dose-response association between green tea consumption and annual hippocampal atrophy, especially among older people and among women, which was accompanied by a smaller decrease in MMSE score.”

Coenzyme Q10: clinical applications beyond cardiovascular diseases

University of Pisa (Italy), June 22, 2021

According to news reporting originating from Pisa, Italy, research stated, “Coenzyme Q [ [10] ] (CoQ [ [10] ] ) is an essential cofactor in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), present in mitochondria and cell membranes in reduced and oxidized forms.”

Our news editors obtained a quote from the research from University of Pisa: “Acting as an energy transfer molecule, it occurs in particularly high levels in the liver, heart, and kidneys. CoQ [ [10] ] is also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent able to prevent the damage induced by free radicals and the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. In this context, several studies have shown the possible inverse correlation between the blood levels of CoQ [ [10] ] and some disease conditions. Interestingly, beyond cardiovascular diseases, CoQ [ [10] ] is involved also in neuronal and muscular degenerative diseases, in migraine and in cancer; therefore, the supplementation with CoQ [ [10] ] could represent a viable option to prevent these and in some cases might be used as an adjuvant to conventional treatments.”

According to the news editors, the research concluded: “This review is aimed to summarize the clinical applications regarding the use of CoQ [ [10] ] in migraine, neurodegenerative diseases (including Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases), cancer, or degenerative muscle disorders (such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome), analyzing its effect on patients’ health and quality of life.”

Can Spirituality Benefit Breast Cancer Survivor Health

New research looks at the connection between breast cancer and spirituality

University of Missouri, June 27, 2021

Throughout her 20-year career as a nurse practitioner, Jennifer Hulett noticed survivors of breast cancer would often express gratitude for being alive and mention God or a divine acknowledgement that had improved their health and well-being.

Now an assistant professor at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, Hulett is researching the benefits of spirituality on improving immune health and reducing stress, as well as the chances of cancer recurrence, among breast cancer survivors.

In a recent study, Hulett collected and froze samples of saliva from 41 breast cancer survivors at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. She identified breast cancer survivors’ reports of practicing forgiveness and receiving positive social support from their congregation or other social support network were linked with two specific biomarkers, alpha-amylase and interleukin-6.

The findings lay the foundation for further examining the role spirituality plays in the health and well-being of both cancer survivors and individuals managing chronic disease.

“Breast cancer survivors are often a highly spiritual group given the trauma they have been through, and we found they often have more positive spiritual beliefs in a loving God or higher power rather than a punitive, punishing God,” Hulett says. “This confirmed what I had previously experienced anecdotally as a nurse. Breast cancer survivors would often express gratitude and contribute their health and well-being to a higher power, and they tended to have better health outcomes as well.”

Hulett’s research builds off previous findings indicating positive spiritual beliefs are associated with healthier levels of cortisol, a biomarker commonly associated with stress, among breast cancer survivors.

“Cortisol and stress suggest chronic inflammation, and anything we can do to lower levels of stress and inflammation will have a good effect on a patient’s longevity, health outcomes and reduced risk of reoccurring disease,” Hulett says. “We often hear about diet and exercise in promoting physical health, but we rarely hear about the importance of managing stress, and all three are connected with well-being.”

One in eight women develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, and previous studies show chronic stress in breast cancer survivors is linked with increased inflammation and risk for cancer reoccurrence.

“We know cortisol is linked with stress, and elevated levels of the immune biomarker interleukin 6 suggests inflammation,” Hulett says. “By first finding out which biomarkers are meaningful to look at, we can then see how they are potentially influenced by various spiritual or mindfulness practices aimed at reducing inflammation.”

Hulett’s research sets the foundation for future research that evaluates the effectiveness of spiritual and mindfulness interventions, including daily prayer, mediation, yoga, and relaxation, on health outcomes among cancer survivors and individuals with chronic disease.

“We already know these interventions improve mental health, but they might also improve physical health as well, and we can try to prove it by looking at these physiological biomarkers,” Hulett says.

“These spiritual interventions are what nurses can use at the bedside to quickly implement if they see patients struggling to cope with their illness. Any evidence-based solutions we can equip nurses with will help improve patient health outcomes, and that is where these mind-body interventions can play a role going forward.”

Excessive screen time linked to obesity in US preteen

For kids, sedentary activities are often accompanied by excessive snacking

University of Toronto, June 28, 2021

A new national study finds that children in the United States with greater screen time usage at ages 9-10 are more likely to gain weight one year later.

The study, publishing in Pediatric Obesity on June 28, found that each additional hour spent on virtually all forms of screen time was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) one year later. In particular, researchers found that each extra hour spent watching or streaming television, YouTube videos, video games, video chat, and texting led to a higher risk of weight gain one year later. At the start of the study, 33.7% of children were considered overweight or obese, and this increased to 35.5% one year later, a proportion that is expected to rise in the late teens and early adulthood.

BMI is calculated based on height and weight. Researchers analyzed the BMI z-scores, which is relative weight adjusted for a child’s age and sex, of 11,066 preteens who are part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest long-term study of brain development in the United States. The children answered questions about their time spent on six different screen time modalities, including television, social media, and texting.

“Screen time is often sedentary and may replace time for physical activity. Children are exposed to more food advertisements and are prone to snacking and overeating while distracted in front of screens,” said lead author, Jason Nagata, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.

“A negative body image and subsequent overeating may be a result of exposure to social media and unattainable body ideals,” said senior author, Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “This study emphasizes the need for more research on how screen time impacts the well-being of young people now and in the future.”

“The study was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its findings are especially relevant for the pandemic,” noted Nagata. “With remote learning, the cancellation of youth sports and social isolation, children have been exposed to unprecedented levels of screen time.”

“Screen time can have important benefits such as education and socialization during the pandemic, but parents should try to mitigate risks from excessive screen time including increased sedentary time and decreased physical activity. Parents should regularly talk to their children about screen-time usage and develop a family media use plan,” said Nagata.

Effect of dietary nitrate and vitamin C on endothelial function, oxidative stress and blood lipids in subjects with high cholesterol

University of Kentucky, June 25, 2021

According to news reporting out of Lexington, Kentucky,research stated, “Vitamin C may enhance nitric oxide (NO) production through stepwise reduction of dietary nitrate (NO3) to nitrite (NO2) to NO. The combined effect of vitamin C and NO3 supplementation is relatively unexplored in untreated hypercholesterolemia.”

Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from the University of Kentucky, “We aimed to examine whether co-administration of vitamin C and nitrate for 4-weeks would improve endothelial function (primary outcome), plasma NO metabolites, oxidative stress, and blood lipids (secondary outcomes). Subjects 50-70 years of age with low density lipoprotein (LDL) > 130 mg/dL and RHI <= 2 were enrolled in this randomized double-blind crossover study. Subjects were assigned to two 4-week sup-plementation treatments starting with 70 ml of concentrated beetroot juice (CBJ) with 1000 mg of vitamin C (NC) or CBJ with matched placebo (N), then switched to alternate treatment following 2-week washout. The change in reactive hyperemia index (RHI), sum of plasma NO metabolites (NO2 + NO3 (NOx)), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and serum lipids were assessed at baseline and at 4-weeks of each treatment period. Eighteen subjects (11M:7F) completed all study visits. No significant treatment differences were observed in RHI change (N: 0.21 +/- 0.12; NC: 0.20 +/- 0.17; p = 0.99). Secondary analysis revealed that a subgroup of NC subjects who started with a baseline RHI of <1.67 (threshold value for ED) had greater improvements in RHI compared to subjects with RHI >1.67 (1.23 +/- 0.15 to 1.96 +/- 0.19; n = 8 vs. 1.75 +/- 0.11 to 1.43 +/- 0.10; n = 8; p = 0.02). Compared to N, NC experienced a significant increase in plasma NOx (N: 94.2 +/- 15.5 mu mol/L; NC: 128.7 +/- 29.1 mu mol/L; p = 0.01). Although there was no significant difference in oxLDL change between treatments (N: -1.08 +/- 9.8 U/L; NC: -6.07 +/- 9.14 U/L; p = 0.19), NC elicited significant reductions in LDL (N: 2.2 +/- 2; NC: -10.7 +/- 23; p = 0.049), triglycerides (N: 14.6 +/- 43; NC: -43.7 +/- 45; p = 0.03), and no change in serum high density lipoprotein. Within treatment group comparisons showed that only NC reduced oxLDL significantly from baseline to 4 weeks (p = 0.01). No between intervention differences were observed in RHI. RHI only improved in NC subjects with ED at intervention baseline. Four weeks of NC enriched the NO pool and promoted reduction of blood lipids and oxidative stress in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.”

According to the news editors, the research concluded: “These preliminary findings highlight a supplementation strategy that may reduce the progression of atherosclerotic disease and deserves further attention in studies using flow mediated dilation methods.”

This research has been peer-reviewed.

Why does acupuncture work? Study finds it elevates nitric oxide, leading to pain reduction

LA BioMed, June 29, 2021  

The use of acupuncture to treat pain dates back to the earliest recorded history in China. Despite centuries of acupuncture, it’s still not clear why this method of applying and stimulating tiny needles at certain points on the body can relieve pain. Recent studies have raised additional questions, with some finding acupuncture reduced chronic pain while others showed that acupuncture has little, if any, impact on pain.

A new study from LA BioMed researchers offers some answers for why acupuncture may help and why clinical trials have produced mixed results. The researchers found the proper use of acupuncture (with the reinforcement method or coupled with heat, which is often used in acupuncture treatments) can lead to elevated levels of nitric oxide in the skin at the “acupoints” where the needles were inserted and manipulated. They noted that nitric oxide increases blood flow and encourages the release of analgesic or sensitizing substances, which causes the skin to feel warmer and contributes to the beneficial effects of the therapies.

“Our lab has developed a painless, non-invasive biocapture device that can sample human biomolecules over specific skin regions,” said Sheng-Xing Ma, MD, PhD, an LA BioMed lead researcher and corresponding author of the study published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2017. “With this tool, we were able to obtain the first evidence that nitric oxide is released from the human skin surface at a higher level with the proper acupuncture methodology and the use of heat.”

Dr. Ma said several acupuncture clinical trials by conventional researchers have produced negative results, finding little difference in pain relief between the use of acupuncture and “sham acupuncture,” in which needles are manufactured and/or inserted unsystematically. He said these studies have puzzled the acupuncture community and led many to question whether the proper acupuncture methodologies were used.

For the latest study, the LA BioMed researchers used a low force and rate/reinforcement method of acupuncture. They gently inserted acupuncture needles into the skin of 25 men and women, aged 18-60 years, and delicately twisted the needles for two minutes or until they achieved a sensation of “de qi” (soreness, numbness, distension or pain). They then manipulated the needles using gentle amplitude and moderate speed for two minutes every five minutes for a total of 20 minutes.

They also applied electrical heat for 20 minutes and found elevated levels of nitric oxide at the acupoints. To further validate their findings, they conducted the test with high-frequency and force, which is known as a reduction method, and found nitric oxide levels over the areas of the skin region were reduced.

Dr. Ma said his team will continue to explore the differences in these two acupuncture techniques to determine the effectiveness of each in pain relief and better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.

“Based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture reinforcement is attained by slowly twisting or rotating the needle with gentle force or by heat,” Dr. Ma said. “Reduction is attained by rapidly twisting or rotating the needle with great force. Reinforcement results in local feeling of warmness, but reduction causes a local feeling of coldness.”

Study finds intense training sessions temporarily impair mitochondrial function

Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, June 24, 2021

New research finds elite athletes have temporary mitochondrial impairment after intense workouts, suggesting they may need to be mindful about overtraining. The study is published ahead of print in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Mitochondria, the “powerhouses of the cells,” are structures that produce energy in the body. Mitochondrial capacity is a term used to describe the body’s ability to generate energy. Greater mitochondrial capacity is one factor associated with increased athletic performance during endurance exercise. Previous research by scientists in Denmark and Sweden found that untrained recreational athletes had a decrease in mitochondrial capacity after sprinting exercises.

In the research team’s new study, the researchers worked with a small group of male elite athletes, many of whom held national titles or were internationally recognized for their performance in cycling and triathlon. The athletes participated in a four-week training program in their primary sport that consisted of two to four days of low-to-moderate–intensity endurance workouts, followed by three days of more intense training. The intense workouts included high-intensity interval training in the morning, followed by a seven-hour break and then a moderate-intensity cycling session in the afternoon. The total number of activity hours ranged between 12 and 20 per week for each volunteer. Though the men were used to heavy training, they were not accustomed to this specific workout schedule.

To the research team’s surprise, the highly trained participants’ mitochondrial capacity was impaired after the month-long training period. “We thought that elite athletes should be more resistant against [these] kind of alterations,” said Filip Larsen, Ph.D., of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences and corresponding author of the study.

Elite athletes may be able to prevent temporary mitochondrial impairment by listening to their bodies. Paying attention to changes such as “mood disturbances, reductions in maximal heart rate [during exercise] and muscles that feel heavy and unresponsive” may help top athletes pull back and avoid overtraining situations that could contribute to reduced mitochondrial content and function, Larsen explained. “Exercise is good for you, but too much unaccustomed training might have mitochondrial consequences.”

Other findings of the study included:

• Reduced mitochondrial capacity did not affect exercise performance, which may indicate that oxygen delivery from the heart to the muscles plays a more important role than mitochondrial function in performance.
• Expression of three proteins with strong antioxidant properties increased in the muscles after intense training.

“Short term intensified training temporarily impairs mitochondrial respiratory capacity in elite endurance athletes” is published ahead of print in the Journal of Applied Physiology.