Monthly Archives: July 2024

Residing Close to Green Spaces Linked to Reduced Emotional Issues in Preschool-Age Children, NIH Study Reveals

Children who grow up in environments rich with natural spaces such as forests, parks, and backyards may experience fewer emotional issues during their early years, according to a groundbreaking study funded by the NIH Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research fills a critical gap in understanding the impact of nature on young children’s mental health, providing a wealth of new insights for parents, educators, policymakers, and researchers.

The study, led by meticulous researchers from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, analysed data from over 2,100 children aged 2 to 11 across 199 counties in 41 U.S. states. They combined parental reports on children’s behaviour with satellite-derived data on vegetation density around their homes, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable analysis.

Findings indicated that higher levels of green space within three-fourths of a mile from a child’s residence were associated with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms between the ages of 2 and 5. This association remained significant even after accounting for the child’s sex, parental education, and neighbourhood socioeconomic status. However, no significant correlation was found between green space and mental health symptoms in later childhood (ages 6 to 11), when children typically spend more time at school.

Dr. Nissa Towe-Goodman, an ECHO researcher involved in the study, emphasised the importance of early childhood exposure to natural environments, affirming that such experiences can positively impact children’s emotional well-being. She highlighted the nationwide scope of the study, contrasting it with previous research that often focused on limited geographic areas or adult populations.

Using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to quantify vegetation density, the study found that areas with higher NDVI values (indicative of dense vegetation like forests) were particularly beneficial. This metric allowed researchers to objectively measure the presence of natural environments around children’s homes and assess its impact on their mental health outcomes.

Looking forward, Dr. Towe-Goodman suggested further exploration into specific nature experiences that benefit children’s mental health. She also proposed studying how creating and preserving natural areas around homes and schools could enhance emotional well-being in early childhood, underscoring the potential public health implications of integrating green spaces into urban planning and educational environments.

The study underscores the positive influence of early exposure to green spaces on reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in young children. It highlights the potential for policies and initiatives that promote access to natural environments during crucial developmental stages. This promising outlook could pave the way for a brighter future for children’s mental health.

More information: Nissa Towe-Goodman et al, Green Space and Internalizing or Externalizing Symptoms Among Children, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5742

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes

Scientists Uncover Swiftest Natural Carbon Dioxide Increase in the Past 50,000 Years

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According to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have identified the fastest rate of natural carbon dioxide rises over the past 50,000 years. This comprehensive chemical analysis of ancient Antarctic ice reveals that today’s atmospheric carbon dioxide increase rate is unprecedented, exceeding any observed natural fluctuations in the past.

The study, led by Kathleen Wendt, an assistant professor at Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, underscores the significance of understanding past climate variations to comprehend current climate dynamics. Wendt highlights that the current CO2 rise, driven primarily by human activities, occurs ten times faster than the fastest natural increases detected in the ice core records.

Carbon dioxide, a naturally occurring greenhouse gas, plays a critical role in climate dynamics by contributing to the greenhouse effect. Over geological time scales, its levels have fluctuated due to various natural factors such as ice age cycles. However, the current trajectory of CO2 levels is primarily influenced by anthropogenic emissions.

The research leverages ice cores drilled from the Antarctic, containing ancient air bubbles that trap trace gases from past atmospheres. These cores, extracted from depths up to 2 miles (3.2 kilometres), provide a timeline of climate changes spanning hundreds of thousands of years. Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the study’s detailed chemical analysis of these ice cores sheds light on abrupt climate shifts and their implications for contemporary climate change.

Previous studies indicated notable spikes in CO2 levels during the last ice age, coinciding with North Atlantic cold intervals known as Heinrich Events. These events are associated with significant climate disruptions globally. The researchers, including co-author Christo Buizert, associate professor at Oregon State University, found that these spikes occurred approximately once every 7,000 years, marking periods of rapid CO2 increases, often linked to collapses in the North American ice sheet.

Buizert describes these events as triggers for complex chain reactions affecting global climate systems, including changes in tropical monsoons and Southern Hemisphere westerly winds. These changes, in turn, lead to substantial releases of CO2 from the oceans into the atmosphere.

The study highlights a specific event where CO2 levels surged by approximately 14 parts per million over 55 years, a pace far slower than today’s observed rates. Such an increase in CO2 concentration would take only 5 to 6 years.

Moreover, the research suggests that past periods of natural CO2 rise were accompanied by strengthening westerly winds in the Southern Ocean, facilitating rapid CO2 release from deep ocean waters. This finding raises concerns about future climate projections, as climate models predict further strengthening of these winds due to ongoing climate change. This could reduce the Southern Ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 emissions generated by human activities, thus exacerbating global warming.

These findings have profound implications, indicating that the Earth’s climate system is currently experiencing unprecedented changes that surpass natural variability observed over millennia. Understanding these past dynamics enhances our knowledge of Earth’s climate history and informs strategies to mitigate the impacts of ongoing anthropogenic climate change.

In conclusion, the study underscores the urgency of addressing human-induced climate change by highlighting the exceptional nature of the current CO2 rise compared to historical records. It emphasises the critical role of scientific research in informing policy and adaptation measures aimed at safeguarding global climate stability in the face of escalating environmental challenges.

More information: Kathleen A. Wendt et al, Southern Ocean drives multidecadal atmospheric CO2 rise during Heinrich Stadials, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319652121

Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by Oregon State University

A Delicious and Nutritious Fruit Snack Choice for Health

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When considering a healthy fruit snack for your child’s lunchbox or your afternoon treat, choosing wisely based on nutritional guidelines is essential. Recent research conducted by food scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst highlights that only three types of fruit snacks meet the latest recommendations set by federal dietary guidelines for high-nutrition snacks. These include dried fruit, fruit puree, and canned fruit packed in juice.

Dried fruit is the top choice among these options due to its superior nutritional profile. It boasts the highest nutrient density and fibre content while containing the lowest added sugar compared to other commercially available fruit snacks. Conversely, fruit-flavoured snacks like gummies exhibit the lowest nutrient density and fibre content alongside the highest added sugar content. Other less nutritious fruit snack options include canned fruit packed in syrup and dried flavoured fruit, which tend to have higher added sugars.

The study by food scientists Amanda Kinchla and Alissa Nolden analysed 1,497 fruit snacks from the Mintel Global New Products Database. They utilised the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) Index to assess overall nutrition quality, considering factors such as protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, as well as substances recommended to be limited, like added sugars and sodium.

While fresh fruit remains the healthiest option, the research underscores that a significant portion of the U.S. population struggles to meet the recommended daily fruit intake. In this context, the practicality of choosing nutrient-dense fruit snacks becomes evident, offering a feasible strategy to increase fruit consumption.

Kinchla emphasises, “It’s not fresh fruit but the snacking products that people are more customarily consuming.” This underscores the importance of understanding and promoting healthier alternatives within the snack market.

The researchers categorised the fruit snacks into nine groups: dried fruit, fruit-based bars, canned fruit, and various fruit-flavoured snacks. They aimed to pinpoint areas where improvements could enhance the healthfulness of these products, particularly by reducing added sugars and increasing fibre content.

Nolden explains, “Our goal was to connect the dots between all the nutrients, which is the unique advantage of the NRF – the ability to simultaneously consider multiple nutrients.” This comprehensive approach allowed the researchers to effectively evaluate and compare the nutritional merits of different fruit snack categories, providing enlightening insights.

The study’s findings recommend reformulating fruit snacks to improve their nutritional quality. Suggestions include reducing added sugars in formed fruit and fruit-based bars and enhancing fibre content across all categories. Canned fruit and fruit-flavoured snacks, in particular, require significant reformulation to boost nutrient density and reduce added sugars.

Moreover, the researchers advocate for improving sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of healthier fruit snack options. By aligning nutritional improvements with sensory preferences, they aim to promote smarter snacking choices that support overall health and wellness.

The research underscores the urgent need for reformulating fruit snacks to align with dietary guidelines, enhancing fibre content, reducing added sugars, and improving overall nutrient density. By focusing on these improvements, the fruit snack industry can better cater to consumer health needs while promoting enjoyable and nutritious snacking options. This call for reformulation should motivate and garner support for healthier eating habits among consumers.

More information: Hao Fu et al, Nutrient Density, Added Sugar, and Fiber Content of Commercially Available Fruit Snacks in the United States from 2017 to 2022, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu16020292

Journal information: Nutrients Provided by University of Massachusetts Amherst

Blood Markers: Detecting Rare Forms of Dementia, ALS, and PSP

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In a recent study involving 991 adults, researchers at DZNE have demonstrated the potential of blood testing to identify common forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as well as the neurological disorders amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Published in “Nature Medicine,” the findings highlight the use of specific blood proteins as biomarkers for these conditions, although the method is not yet ready for routine clinical use. Nevertheless, it holds promise for enhancing disease diagnosis and accelerating the development of new therapeutic strategies.

FTD, ALS, and PSP collectively represent a spectrum of debilitating neurodegenerative diseases characterised by symptoms such as dementia, behavioural changes, paralysis, muscle deterioration, and impaired movement. In Germany alone, an estimated 60,000 individuals are affected by these diseases, which, despite their rarity, impose severe health burdens. Definitive diagnosis of the molecular pathology underlying these conditions typically requires post-mortem brain tissue analysis, presenting a significant clinical challenge.

Professor Anja Schneider, a research group leader at DZNE and Director of the Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Cognitive Disorders at UKB, underscores the critical need for diagnostic markers to elucidate disease pathology. She explains that stratifying patients based on disease pathology is essential for developing targeted therapies, which currently need improvement due to existing methods’ diagnostic limitations.

The study reveals that blood tests measuring tau and TDP-43 proteins can effectively identify PSP, the behavioural variant of FTD, and most ALS cases, except for those involving specific mutations. These biomarkers offer a novel approach to diagnosing the underlying pathology of these diseases during a patient’s lifetime, potentially transforming clinical management and therapeutic research.

Schneider emphasises the importance of longitudinal studies to track the development of these biomarkers throughout disease progression. Understanding how these markers evolve could provide crucial insights into early disease detection and intervention strategies, improving patient outcomes.

The innovative blood test technique measures tau and TDP-43 proteins encapsulated within lipid vesicles secreted by cells. Different from direct measurement of free-floating tau proteins in blood plasma, which proved inconclusive, this method involves isolating these proteins via multi-stage preparation, including centrifugation of blood samples. This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of biomarker detection, facilitating robust validation across diverse study cohorts in Germany and Spain.

Collaborative efforts involving multiple research institutions and patient cohorts were instrumental in validating these findings. The study drew upon data and blood samples from over 700 patients in Germany and more than 200 participants in Spain, reflecting a concerted international effort to overcome the challenges posed by the rarity of these diseases and ensure statistically robust conclusions.

The results underscore the significance of collaborative medical research in advancing diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic avenues for complex neurodegenerative diseases. By elucidating the role of tau and TDP-43 proteins in FTD, ALS, and PSP, the study paves the way for future clinical applications of blood-based biomarkers in disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation. While further research is necessary to refine and validate these findings, the potential impact on improving patient care and accelerating therapeutic development is profound.

More information: Madhurima Chatterjee et al, Plasma extracellular vesicle tau and TDP-43 as diagnostic biomarkers in FTD and ALS, Nature Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02937-4

Journal information: Nature Medicine Provided by DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Early Life Experiences’ Role in Racial Disparities in Cognitive Development: Insights from Yale News

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Negative early life experiences, such as attending segregated schools, significantly contribute to cognitive decline and disparities between older Black and white Americans, according to a recent study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This study breaks new ground by focusing on the duration of schooling, the quality of education, and personal experiences during schooling, including exposure to segregated environments, marking it as a landmark contribution to understanding these dynamics.

Lead author Xi Chen, associate professor of public health at Yale School of Public Health, underscores the study’s importance amidst stark disparities in dementia rates between Black and white Americans. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Black older adults are about twice as likely as white older adults to suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.

The implications of the study extend to policymakers and health professionals, suggesting that addressing early life factors, particularly educational equity, could offer a more effective and equitable approach to mitigating racial disparities in dementia later in life. This finding contrasts with current strategies that often focus on managing midlife and later risk factors like diabetes and hypertension.

The research also highlights implications for primary care clinicians who assess patients’ health metrics to gauge dementia risk. Understanding patients’ childhood backgrounds, including their educational experiences in racially segregated schools, could provide crucial insights for early intervention strategies. For example, a history of attending segregated schools might prompt clinicians to prioritise screening for cognitive impairment.

The study analysed data from the Health and Retirement Study, involving 1,634 non-Hispanic Black and 7,381 non-Hispanic white participants aged 50 and above. It included cognitive function assessments, life history surveys capturing childhood experiences, and genetic cognition-related factors. The findings revealed significant cognitive disparities between Black and white participants, with higher rates of cognitive impairment among Black individuals.

Moreover, the study highlighted that Black participants were more likely to have faced challenging early life experiences, including financial instability, traumatic events, and inadequate educational opportunities. Nearly two-thirds of Black participants attended segregated schools before college, highlighting the enduring impact of racial segregation on academic experiences and subsequent cognitive health.

Advanced statistical methods used in the study determined that early life experiences, particularly attending segregated schools until college, contributed significantly to cognitive disparities and decline among Black individuals. This underscores the systemic nature of educational inequities in shaping mental health outcomes across populations.

In an accompanying editorial in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. Reagan W. Durant, the journal’s associate editor for diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasised the study’s relevance in addressing ongoing racial disparities in education and health outcomes. Despite legal efforts to desegregate schools since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, economic disparities have perpetuated de facto segregation, influencing educational opportunities and health trajectories.

Durant’s editorial calls for renewed efforts to tackle the historical legacies of segregation that continue to impact health outcomes today. It advocates for equity in education and healthcare to promote cognitive health equity across diverse populations.

More information: Zhuoer Lin et al, Early-Life Circumstances and Racial Disparities in Cognition Among Older Adults in the US, JAMA Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.1132

Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine Provided by Yale University

Optimizing Built Environments for Enhanced Athletic Performance

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Sports science has grown significantly in recent years, focusing extensively on strategies to optimise athletic performance. However, achieving this goal remains a formidable challenge due to the multifaceted factors influencing performance, such as physical conditioning, mental focus, nutrition, and resilience. A shift from traditional muscle- and equipment-centric approaches towards interdisciplinary perspectives is crucial to address these complexities.

Urban design, an emerging perspective, offers a unique framework to reconsider how built environments can serve as catalysts for enhancing athletes’ performance. This novel approach, which includes buildings, parks, and stadiums, has been shown to influence health behaviours and support athletic endeavours. However, the precise impact of urban design on athletic performance still needs to be explored.

A recent study by researchers from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), led by Associate Professor Mohammad Javad Koohsari, sheds light on three critical factors in built environment design that could potentially enhance athletes’ performance. Collaborating with researchers from Waseda University and the University of South Carolina, the team’s findings, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine in March 2024, underscore the potential of tailored training environments, enhanced community engagement, and improved accessibility to healthcare and transportation in optimising athlete performance.

Dr Koohsari emphasises the importance of integrating personalised training spaces within urban settings, fostering community support, and ensuring convenient access to essential services. These elements bolster physical preparation and contribute to athletes’ mental well-being. For instance, incorporating open-air lounges, ergonomic furnishings, and green spaces within training arenas can offer athletes valuable opportunities for relaxation and recuperation between sessions.

The study also highlights the potential of well-designed indoor environments to influence athletes’ mental health and overall performance positively. The integration of adaptable facilities, such as adjustable swimming pools and multifunctional running tracks, tailored to specific athletic disciplines underscores the adaptability and inclusivity of urban design in supporting diverse training needs.

Drawing parallels with urban planning insights from international sports events like the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, the research underscores the impact of accessible, pedestrian-friendly designs on fan engagement and attendance. Dr. Koohsari argues that well-connected transportation systems and strategically located sports facilities can significantly enhance community involvement and support, boosting athletes’ motivation and performance.

Moreover, proximity to healthcare facilities is critical in ensuring prompt medical attention for sports-related injuries, facilitating quicker recovery times. By situating sports stadiums within urban centres, integrating athletic activities with everyday urban life enhances economic vitality and fosters a sense of inclusivity and community spirit.

Despite these insights, challenges persist in fully realising urban design’s potential in sports science. Dr. Koohsari underscores the crucial need for interdisciplinary collaboration between sports scientists, urban planners, and environmental psychologists. This collaboration is essential to bridge existing gaps and promote a shared understanding of how the built environment impacts athletic performance. Integrating urban design principles into sports science curricula could further enhance understanding and innovation in this burgeoning field.

The convergence of urban design principles with sports science offers a promising avenue for optimising athletes’ performance, well-being, and community engagement. By leveraging innovative approaches in built environment design, policymakers and researchers can pave the way for transformative advancements that benefit athletes, communities, and urban environments.

More information: Mohammad Javad Koohsari et al, Building on muscles: how built environment design impacts modern sports science, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001908

Journal information: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine Provided by Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Exploring the Connection Between Refined Carbohydrate Consumption and Perceived Facial Attractiveness

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In a groundbreaking study, Visine and colleagues from the University of Montpellier, France, investigated the relationship between refined carbohydrate consumption and perceived facial attractiveness. Their findings, reported in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on March 6, 2024, shed new light on the potential influence of diet on social perceptions.

The Western diet, characterised by its high intake of refined carbohydrates—such as white flour, table sugar, and ingredients found in many packaged snacks—has been associated in previous research with various adverse health effects, including obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Building upon this knowledge, researchers hypothesised that high consumption of refined carbohydrates might also influence non-medical traits, such as attractiveness. Visine and colleagues conducted a study involving 104 French adults of European descent to explore this further.

Participants were divided into groups, with some receiving a high-glycemic breakfast rich in refined carbohydrates known to increase blood sugar levels rapidly. In contrast, others were given a low-glycemic breakfast. Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire assessing their usual consumption patterns of refined carbohydrates. Subsequently, heterosexual volunteers were asked to rate the attractiveness of opposite-sex participants based on photographs taken two hours after breakfast—this selection criterion aimed to minimise cultural variability by including only individuals with four European-origin grandparents.

Data analysis revealed that consuming a high-glycemic breakfast was associated with lower attractiveness ratings for both male and female participants. Moreover, chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates during breakfast and snacks was similarly linked to diminished attractiveness ratings, whereas consuming high-energy foods at these times correlated with higher attractiveness scores.

The findings revealed sex-specific differences. Among men, increased energy intake during afternoon snacking was associated with reduced attractiveness ratings, whereas higher glycemic intake during this period corresponded to elevated attractiveness ratings. These outcomes persisted even after controlling for potential confounding factors such as age, perceived age, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, and facial hair density.

The researchers emphasized the importance of their findings in understanding social interactions, noting that facial attractiveness, a crucial component of social dynamics, appears to be influenced by both immediate and chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates in men and women. They underscored the need for further investigation with more extensive and more diverse participant samples to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking refined carbohydrate consumption to attractiveness and other social traits, sparking curiosity for future research in the audience.

Visine and colleagues’ study provides compelling evidence suggesting a connection between refined carbohydrate intake and perceived facial attractiveness. These findings not only highlight potential implications for broader social interactions but also underscore the importance of dietary choices for individual health outcomes.

More information: Amandine Visine et al, Chronic and immediate refined carbohydrate consumption and facial attractiveness, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298984

Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by PLOS

Understanding the Link Between High-Fat Diets and Alzheimer’s Disease: Researchers Uncover Mechanism

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Researchers at the University Rovira i Virgili (URV) have identified the mechanism connecting a diet rich in saturated fats with Alzheimer’s disease. Led by Mònica Bulló, a professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and a member of the Metabolic Health and Nutrition unit at URV’s TecnATox, in collaboration with the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV), CIBERobn, and the University of Barcelona, the study focuses on molecules in blood and brain tissues that serve as markers and regulators of Alzheimer’s.

Unlike previous studies, which focused on mouse models predisposed to Alzheimer’s and showed accelerated disease onset after consuming a high-saturated fat diet, this research took a unique approach. It examined 15 miRNAs, small RNA molecules crucial for genetic regulation, in these mice’s plasma and brain tissues, revealing previously unknown underlying mechanisms.

Results indicated metabolic deterioration after six months on the diet, including significant weight gain and reduced response to glucose and insulin, akin to characteristics seen in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, alterations in miRNA expression were observed in blood and brain tissues, correlating with processes such as β-amyloid plaque accumulation, tau protein overproduction, and brain inflammation—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mònica Bulló highlighted the study’s implications: “These findings not only advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and its relationship with obesity and type 2 diabetes but also provide a roadmap for future research. They offer potential targets for disease prevention and treatment, and shed light on how high-fat diets impact brain health, suggesting avenues for future research into dietary strategies for Alzheimer’s treatment. This underscores the role of balanced nutrition in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and identifies miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets.”

More information: Melina Rojas-Criollo et al, Effects of a High-Fat Diet on Insulin-Related miRNAs in Plasma and Brain Tissue in APPSwe/PS1dE9 and Wild-Type C57BL/6J Mice, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu16070955

Journal information: Nutrients Provided by Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Study Reveals Dangers of Muscle-Building Supplements for Adolescents and Young Adults

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The University of Toronto’s recent study, a comprehensive exploration of the prevalence, influences, and associated risks of muscle-building supplements among adolescents and young adults in Canada, has just been published. This research, with significant implications for healthcare, public health, and policy professionals, sheds light on the widespread use of these supplements.

Based on data from 912 participants in the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, the study focused on individuals aged 16 to 30. Nearly 60% reported using protein bars; just over half used whey protein powders or shakes, the most popular supplements. Usage rates were higher among boys and men compared to girls, women, and transgender/gender expansive individuals.

Lead author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW, highlighted that boys and men in the study used an average of three muscle-building supplements in the past year, illustrating a widespread pursuit of the muscular body ideal.

Nearly half of the participants’ primary influencers were social media influencers, while fitness communities and friends also played significant roles. Over two-thirds sought information online, with gender differences in information sources; girls and women tended to consult healthcare professionals, whereas boys and men relied more on online forums like Reddit and YouTube.

Ganson emphasised the importance of healthcare and policy professionals understanding where young people obtain information on muscle-building supplements. Given weak regulations in Canada and minimal content restrictions on social media platforms, this could influence perceptions of safety and effectiveness.

Only 9.8% of participants considered their supplement use problematic, though transgender/gender expansive individuals perceived higher levels of concern compared to cisgender participants. The study also found that nearly two-thirds of users experienced symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems, yet a significant majority did not seek medical help.

While the study did not confirm causation between supplement use and symptoms, it highlighted health concerns that young people should be aware of. Ganson stressed the need for healthcare providers to be informed about muscle-building supplements and to routinely discuss their use with adolescents and young adults, mainly focusing on harm reduction and risk awareness.

The findings underscored the necessity for public health initiatives to educate about the potential dangers of muscle-building supplements, especially among transgender/gender expansive and sexual minority individuals who reported higher symptom rates. To mitigate potential harms, the authors recommended stronger regulations on selling and advertising these supplements, particularly on social media platforms.”

More information: Kyle T. Ganson et al, Describing use of muscle-building supplements among adolescents and young adults in Canada, Performance Enhancement & Health. DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2024.100284

Journal information: Performance Enhancement & Health Provided by University of Toronto

Discrimination: A Catalyst for Accelerated Ageing

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A recent study by NYU School of Global Public Health researchers sheds light on how discrimination may hasten biological ageing processes. Published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity-Health, the research reveals that interpersonal discrimination is linked to molecular-level changes that could exacerbate disparities in aging-related health outcomes.

According to Adolfo Cuevas, assistant professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at NYU’s School of Global Public Health and senior author of the study, experiencing discrimination appears to accelerate ageing, potentially contributing to increased susceptibility to diseases and premature mortality among affected individuals.

The study highlights that individuals who face discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, weight, or disability are at heightened risk of various health issues, including heart disease, hypertension, and depression. While the exact biological mechanisms underlying these health disparities remain incompletely understood, chronic activation of the body’s stress response is thought to play a significant role. Moreover, mounting evidence suggests that persistent exposure to discrimination may impact the biological processes associated with ageing.

To explore this connection further, Cuevas and his team examined three measures of DNA methylation—a marker used to gauge the biological effects of stress and ageing—in nearly 2,000 U.S. adults participating in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, funded by the National Institute on Aging. Participants provided blood samples and completed surveys detailing their experiences of discrimination across everyday interactions, major life events, and workplace settings.

The findings revealed a compelling association between discrimination and accelerated biological ageing. Individuals reporting higher levels of discrimination tended to exhibit faster biological ageing than those reporting lower levels. Specifically, everyday discrimination and major discriminatory events consistently correlate with accelerated ageing. Discrimination in the workplace also showed a link to accelerated ageing, though its impact was somewhat less pronounced.

Further analysis indicated that health behaviours such as smoking and body mass index accounted for approximately half of the observed association between discrimination and accelerated ageing. This suggests that additional stress responses triggered by discrimination—including elevated cortisol levels and disrupted sleep patterns—contribute significantly to accelerated biological ageing.

Cuevas emphasised that while health behaviours play a role in these disparities, a range of psychosocial stressors likely contribute to the accelerated ageing observed among individuals facing discrimination. He highlighted the need for comprehensive approaches to address discrimination to improve health outcomes and promote equity in healthy ageing.

The study also revealed variations in the impact of discrimination on biological ageing across different racial groups. Black participants, who reported higher levels of discrimination, tended to exhibit older biological ages and faster rates of biological ageing. In contrast, White participants, despite reporting lower levels of discrimination overall, showed heightened susceptibility to its effects when they did experience it—potentially due to less frequent exposure and fewer coping mechanisms.

“These findings underscore the critical importance of addressing discrimination in all its forms to support healthy ageing and advance health equity,” Cuevas concluded. The study advocates for broader efforts to mitigate the adverse health effects of discrimination and promote conditions conducive to healthy ageing across diverse populations.

More information: Adolfo G. Cuevas et al, Multi-discrimination exposure and biological aging: Results from the midlife in the United States study, Brain Behavior & Immunity – Health. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100774

Journal information: Brain Behavior & Immunity – Health Provided by New York University

Beyond Toxicity: Lactate Emerges as a Major Body Fuel Post Carbohydrate Consumption

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Robert Leija’s journey from high school athlete to kinesiology student at Fresno State and now a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, has been marked by a transformative shift in understanding the role of lactate in the body. Initially obsessed with improving his track and field performance and reducing muscle soreness attributed to lactic acid buildup, Leija’s perspective changed dramatically when he encountered a groundbreaking textbook that challenged conventional wisdom.

At Fresno State, Leija was introduced to an out-of-print textbook authored by George Brooks, a prominent figure in exercise physiology. This text upended Leija’s belief that lactate was merely a metabolic waste product indicating oxygen depletion during exercise. Instead, Brooks’s research posited that lactate was a normal byproduct of metabolic activity essential for fueling muscles during prolonged physical exertion.

As a member of Brooks’s research team at UC Berkeley, Leija has contributed to groundbreaking studies elucidating lactate’s integral role in metabolic processes. Published in the journal Nature Metabolism, their research conclusively demonstrates that lactate is produced naturally in response to carbohydrate ingestion and enters the bloodstream rapidly, sometimes even before glucose. This challenges the traditional view of glucose as the sole energy carrier in the body, highlighting lactate as a crucial component in managing carbohydrate metabolism.

The study involved 15 healthy, physically active adults who underwent rigorous testing involving glucose ingestion and monitoring of lactate levels. The researchers meticulously tracked the kinetics of lactate and glucose in the bloodstream by infusing lactate and glucose tracers into participants before carbohydrate intake. Their findings not only underscored the rapid conversion of dietary glucose to lactate but also revealed that lactate acts synergistically with insulin to regulate blood glucose levels, thereby challenging previous notions about lactate’s role in metabolic processes.

George Brooks’s concept of the “lactate shuttle” was pivotal in reshaping the understanding of lactate’s function beyond exercise physiology. This metabolic feedback loop posits lactate as a preferred fuel source for various tissues, including skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and the brain, even during intense activity. Furthermore, Brooks’s research has demonstrated that lactate is crucial in signalling fat tissue to conserve energy reserves, further highlighting its multifaceted role in metabolic regulation.

Moreover, the study conducted at UC Berkeley extended these findings to non-exercise conditions and debunked the misconception that elevated lactate levels indicate anaerobic metabolism or oxygen deficiency. Instead, it suggests that sustained high lactate levels in the bloodstream may signify disruptions in the lactate shuttle cycle rather than inherent harm to the body.

This research journey has been personally transformative for Robert Leija, aligning his academic pursuits with his passion for athletic performance. From initially grappling with the complexities of lactate metabolism as a high school athlete to contributing to pioneering research at one of the world’s leading institutions, Leija’s story underscores scientific discovery’s profound impact on personal and professional growth. As he continues his doctoral studies, Leija remains committed to unravelling further mysteries surrounding lactate metabolism and its implications for human health and performance.

In essence, Robert Leija’s trajectory from athlete to researcher epitomizes the evolution of scientific understanding, challenging entrenched beliefs and paving the way for a more nuanced appreciation of lactate’s pivotal role in human physiology. His collaboration with George Brooks and their team at UC Berkeley is a testament to scientific inquiry’s transformative power in reshaping our understanding of metabolic processes and their implications for health and performance.

More information: Robert G. Leija et al, Enteric and systemic postprandial lactate shuttle phases and dietary carbohydrate carbon flow in humans, Nature Metabolism. DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-00993-1

Journal information: Nature Metabolism Provided by University of California, Berkeley

Weight Loss Surgery Reduces Heart Risks and Mortality in Obese Patients with Sleep Apnea: Cleveland Clinic Study

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Ali Aminian, M.D., director of Cleveland Clinic’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute and primary investigator of the MOSAIC study, highlighted that weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery significantly correlates with a 42% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and a 37% decrease in mortality risk among patients suffering from obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. This underscores the potential life-saving benefits of surgical intervention for this high-risk population.

Research published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine indicates that nearly 1 billion adults worldwide are affected by obstructive sleep apnea, with obesity being a primary risk factor. The Obesity Medicine Association reports that approximately 70% of adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea are also obese. This combination exacerbates metabolic disruptions and contributes to heightened risks of severe health conditions, including heart attacks and heart failure.

The MOSAIC (Metabolic surgery for OSA and Incident Cardiovascular disease) study, led by Cleveland Clinic, represents the first comprehensive analysis of long-term cardiovascular outcomes following bariatric surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. From 2004 to 2018, the observational study involved 13,657 adult patients with a body mass index ranging from 35 to 70 and diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea through sleep study tests.

Among the participants, 970 underwent bariatric surgery, while 12,687 served as a nonsurgical control group, balanced using overlap weighting methods. Follow-up continued until September 2022, revealing compelling findings about the benefits of surgical weight loss interventions.

Over ten years, the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was markedly lower among those who underwent bariatric surgery (27%) compared to the nonsurgical group (35.6%). This encompassed coronary artery events, cerebrovascular events, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and all-cause mortality. Similarly, the cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality at ten years was 9.1% in the bariatric surgery cohort versus 12.5% in the nonsurgical group, indicating a significant survival advantage associated with surgical intervention.

Steven Nissen, M.D., Chief Academic Officer of the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic and senior author of the study, emphasised the lack of approved drug therapies specifically targeting obstructive sleep apnea. Before the MOSAIC study, no intervention had demonstrated efficacy in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events or mortality rates in patients with this condition.

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery experienced substantial weight loss, averaging 33.2 kg over the 10-year study period, in contrast to the nonsurgical group, which lost an average of 6.64 kg. Remarkably, those who underwent surgery maintained a 25% weight loss even after a decade post-procedure, underscoring the long-term efficacy of bariatric interventions in managing obesity.

Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, D.O., director of Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center, noted that current guidelines for managing obstructive sleep apnea stress the importance of weight loss and lifestyle modifications. The findings from the MOSAIC study reinforce these guidelines but also highlight the necessity for more effective and durable interventions, such as bariatric surgery, to enhance cardiovascular outcomes and survival in affected patients.

Dr. Aminian further emphasised that bariatric surgery can be a life-saving treatment for select patients, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship between weight loss and cardiovascular benefits in those with obstructive sleep apnea. More significant weight loss correlated with lower risks of heart complications, illustrating the potential for substantial health improvements through surgical intervention.

Looking ahead, with the emergence of new obesity medications capable of achieving average weight loss rates of 15-20%, similar cardiovascular benefits may be achievable through medical therapies. This possibility underscores ongoing advancements in obesity management and the potential to broaden treatment options for patients with complex health conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and obesity.

More information: Ali Aminian et al, Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity: Metabolic Surgery versus Usual Care, Journal of the American College of Cardiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2024.06.008

Journal information: Journal of the American College of Cardiology Provided by Cleveland Clinic