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Proteins Found in Meat, Dairy, and Additional Foods Inhibit Intestinal Tumours

Researchers led by Hiroshi Ohno at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Japan have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: food antigens, such as those found in milk proteins, possess the unique ability to halt the growth of tumours in our small intestines. Their study, published on September 18 in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, sheds light on how these proteins activate the intestinal immune system to effectively prevent the formation of new tumours.

Food antigens often receive negative attention because they trigger allergic reactions to common foods like peanuts, shellfish, bread, eggs, and milk. Despite not always causing allergies, these antigens and those found in various plants and beans are still recognised by the immune system as foreign entities requiring surveillance. Ohno’s team has previously demonstrated that food antigens activate immune cells within the small intestines rather than the large intestines. Moreover, it is known that specific immune cells stimulated by gut bacteria play a role in suppressing tumours within the gut. In their latest research, the team at RIKEN IMS merged these two concepts to explore whether food antigens could suppress tumours in the small intestines.

The initial phase of their research utilised a specific breed of mice that carried a mutation in a gene responsible for tumour suppression. Like humans with familial adenomatous polyposis—a condition where malfunctioning genes lead to widespread tumour development in the intestines—these mice developed tumours in both the small and large intestines. In a simple experiment, the researchers fed these mice either regular food containing antigens or a special antigen-free diet. They observed that mice consuming regular food exhibited fewer tumours in the small intestines, though the number in the large intestines remained unchanged.

To delve deeper, they introduced a common antigen, albumin (typically found in meat and absent from the regular diet), to the antigen-free diet. They adjusted the protein levels to match those in the regular diet. Remarkably, the presence of this antigen in the diet led to a suppression of tumours in the small intestine comparable to that observed with the regular diet. This finding indicated that tumour suppression was directly linked to the presence of antigens rather than the nutritional content or any specific antigen.

Furthermore, the research team noted significant differences in the presence of immune cells, specifically T cells, in the small intestines of the mice, depending on their diet. Mice on the plain antigen-free diet showed a marked reduction in T cells compared to those fed either regular or modified antigen-free diets. Subsequent experiments shed light on the biological mechanisms enabling this process.

The implications of these findings are significant, particularly for clinical practice. While clinical elemental diets, which are simpler in composition and primarily consist of basic amino acids instead of whole proteins, are often prescribed for severe gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, Ohno strongly advises caution in their use. This is especially true for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, who face a higher risk of small intestinal tumours compared to more common colon tumours.

It’s important to note that elemental diets are not only used by individuals with severe gastrointestinal issues, but also by those seeking to lose weight or alleviate bloating and inflammation. This new research underscores the potential risks associated with such practices and highlights the crucial need for medical supervision when considering these diets.

More information: Takaharu Sasaki et al, Food antigens suppress small intestinal tumorigenesis, Frontiers in Immunology. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373766

Journal information: Frontiers in Immunology Provided by Riken Research institute

Handling Adversity in Later Years Associated with Reduced Mortality Risk

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The research emphasises the importance of fostering mental resilience, a dynamic and multifaceted trait influenced by factors such as gender, hormones, and genetic regulation of stress responses. According to the study, this ability varies through different life stages and becomes particularly significant in later years. Good coping skills in older adults can mitigate the adverse effects of chronic illnesses and disabilities. While physical resilience contributes to slower ageing and reduced death risk, the study explores whether mental resilience offers similar benefits.

To delve deeper, the researchers analysed data from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which began in 1992 and surveys American adults aged 50 and above biennially, gathering data on their economic, health, marital, and family statuses. Specifically, they focused on data collected during 2006–08, when mental resilience was assessed for the first time, involving 10,569 participants with complete data, predominantly women, with an average age of 66.

Mental resilience was measured using a validated scale that includes perseverance, calmness, a sense of purpose, self-reliance, and the understanding that some challenges must be faced alone. Over an average follow-up period of 12 years, during which 3,489 participants died, a clear correlation emerged: higher mental resilience scores were consistently linked to a lower risk of death, with this relationship being more pronounced among women.

Participants’ resilience scores were divided into quartiles, and survival probabilities over ten years were calculated for each group. Those in the highest quartile showed a 53% lower risk of dying in the next decade compared to those in the lowest quartile. Even after adjusting for variables such as marital status, gender, race, and BMI, the association remained significant, although reduced when accounting for health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as unhealthy lifestyles.

Ultimately, compared to the lowest quartile, the risk of death was 20% lower in the second quartile, 27% lower in the third, and 38% lower in the fourth, after adjusting for other influential factors. While the observational study cannot definitively establish causality, it acknowledges the possible roles of genetics, hormones, and early-life adversity, which were not considered in the analysis. Moreover, it relied on baseline data and did not account for changes that might have occurred during the monitoring period.

The researchers suggest that various factors, including the meaning of life, positive emotions, self-rated health, and satisfaction with social support, may influence psychological resilience. Enhancing positive emotions could strengthen psychological resilience’s protective effects and lessen the negative impacts of accumulated adversity on mental health in older adults.

The study underscores the potential benefits of interventions that promote psychological resilience in reducing mortality risks among older adults. This emphasises the broader implications of resilience for individual well-being and public health strategies aimed at extending life expectancy and improving the quality of life in the ageing population.

More information: Aijie Zhang et al, Association between psychological resilience and all-cause mortality in the Health and Retirement Study, BMJ Mental Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2024-301064

Journal information: BMJ Mental Health Provided by BMJ Group

Urban Heat and Historic Prejudice: Influences on Walking Behaviour in the Elderly

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The walkability of a neighbourhood is influenced by a range of factors, including its street layout and connectivity, the area’s density, accessibility to key destinations, aesthetic appeal, and investments in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, along with the presence of natural elements such as tree coverage. However, not all neighbourhoods are created equal; those in impoverished and minority communities, especially within urban areas, often suffer from a shortage of vegetation and tree canopy. This lack of green space leads to the “urban heat island effect,” where urban temperatures significantly exceed those of surrounding rural or undeveloped areas.

This disparity is deeply rooted in historically discriminatory housing policies such as redlining. They originated in the 1930s in the United States; redlining involved categorising specific neighbourhoods, mainly those inhabited by minorities, low-income families, and migrants, as “hazardous” on maps the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation used for mortgage and insurance purposes. The consequences of these policies have contributed to the disproportionate exposure of these communities to extreme urban heat, and the enduring effects of redlining can still be seen today in the built environment of these neighbourhoods, which often have less green space and more pavement, exacerbating urban heat effects.

To address the gap in research on the interplay between urban heat islands, the legacy of redlining, and walking habits among older adults, a study by Florida Atlantic University, in collaboration with the University of Miami, was conducted. It explored how individual and neighbourhood characteristics, including historical redlining scores, correlate with land surface temperatures during the summer. The researchers also investigated whether higher temperatures were linked to decreased walking among older adults and if historical redlining scores influenced this relationship. Furthermore, they examined whether neighbourhoods with worse redlining scores experienced higher temperatures during the summer.

The study, published in the Journal of Urban Health, indicated that discriminatory policies such as redlining have left lasting marks on neighbourhoods across the United States, increasing their vulnerability to harmful environmental conditions like extreme heat. The findings revealed that higher summer temperatures correlated with reduced walking activity in neighbourhoods, although this was only significant in areas historically rated as “still desirable” or “best.” In contrast, in neighbourhoods rated as “definitely declining” or “hazardous,” no significant link was found between temperature and walking, possibly due to a lack of recreational alternatives or because lower-income residents rely more on walking for essential activities for economic reasons. Neighbourhoods with poor redlining scores also recorded higher peak summer temperatures.

Dr Diana Mitsova, the study’s senior author and a professor at FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, noted, “Neighbourhoods with historic redlining scores of ‘still desirable’ and ‘best’ tend to have more favourable built and social environments for walking, such as higher socioeconomic status, more greenspace, and better pedestrian amenities. However, we found that people in these affluent neighbourhoods walked less when temperatures were higher, likely because older adults in wealthier areas often have alternative transportation options and other ways to exercise, so they may reduce walking in extreme heat.”

The study also highlighted some regional disparities and demographic patterns: people living in the South and West experienced lower peak summer temperatures compared to those in the Northeast and Midwest; neighbourhoods with higher area deprivation and more African American/Black residents faced hotter summer temperatures; neighbourhoods rated as “best” for redlining had lower peak summer temperatures than those with other redlining scores; Hispanic and Asian individuals, as well as those with higher incomes, were less likely to live in areas with high summer temperatures. “While more research is required, our findings highlight the urgent need to address urban heat islands in historically marginalised communities,” said Mitsova. “This is especially critical as older adults in these areas, who are more vulnerable to heat-related health issues, face greater exposure to extreme temperatures and associated health risks.” This comprehensive study used data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey, which included responses from over 260,000 individuals. It linked these to summer temperature data and social and environmental characteristics, including historical redlining scores, assessing the amount of green space in each respondent’s neighbourhood. The focus was on 3,982 older adults with an average age of 73.

More information: Diana Mitsova et al, Summer Heat, Historic Redlining, and Neighborhood Walking among Older Adults: 2017 National Household Travel Survey, Journal of Urban Health. DOI: 10.1007/s11524-024-00892-6

Journal information: Journal of Urban Health Provided by Florida Atlantic University

Yoga and Gentle Exercise Prove Beneficial for Older Women in Managing Urinary Incontinence

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Older women suffering from urinary incontinence may find significant relief through regular low-impact exercises, including yoga, as indicated by recent findings published on August 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study, orchestrated by experts from Stanford Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco, forms part of an extensive initiative to unearth affordable, low-risk strategies for alleviating a prevalent issue many women encounter with age.

The research highlights the advantages of a 12-week low-impact yoga regimen, which resulted in participants experiencing a 65% reduction in incontinence episodes. A parallel control group engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises reported comparable improvements over the same period. Remarkably, the benefits of these physical activities are akin to those achieved through pharmacological treatments, underscoring their effectiveness.

Leslee Subak, MD, the study’s senior author and chair of obstetrics and gynaecology at Stanford Medicine, emphasised the accessibility and safety of the yoga practised, designed to accommodate various physical abilities. “What I love about it is that it’s safe, inexpensive, doesn’t require a doctor, and is accessible wherever you live,” she noted. The program’s adaptability was particularly beneficial as the trial coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating many participants’ shifts to online instruction and home practice.

Alison Huang, MD, professor of medicine, urology, epidemiology, and biostatistics at UCSF and the study’s lead author, and her team focused on addressing urinary incontinence, which affects a significant proportion of middle-aged and elderly women. Up to 80% of women aged 80 and above are impacted. The condition causes physical discomfort and leads to social isolation and an increased risk of falls and bone fractures.

The stigma surrounding incontinence often prevents open discussions about the condition, contributing to misconceptions about its inevitability with age. Subak, who holds the Katharine Dexter McCormick and Stanley McCormick Memorial Professor III chair, highlighted the need for effective treatments, stating, “Incontinence is stigmatised; we don’t talk about it. In fact, it’s very common but it’s not inevitable, and we have very effective ways of treating it.”

The study involved 240 participants, aged 45 to 90, randomly assigned to either the yoga or a physical conditioning control group. Both groups undertook 12-week exercise programs focusing on enhancing pelvic floor strength—the yoga group through specific hatha yoga poses and the control group through general physical exercises. Participants documented their progress and any instances of urine leakage, categorised as either urgency or stress incontinence.

Results showed that both interventions were equally effective, reducing incontinence episodes by approximately 60%. Subak expressed enthusiasm about the positive outcomes, encouraging those affected to engage in low-impact Iyengar yoga or similar exercises available locally or online, with modifications possible for different physical conditions.

The study also compared these nonsurgical treatments with traditional medications, which typically improve symptoms by 30% to 70%. Subak suggested that yoga and exercise are low-risk and offer additional benefits for general well-being, making them compelling options for those seeking natural remedies for incontinence. Her concluding message was clear and supportive: “Be active!” This proactive approach could significantly improve quality of life and reduce the need for more invasive treatments.

More information: Alison J. Huang et al, Efficacy of a Therapeutic Pelvic Yoga Program Versus a Physical Conditioning Program on Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Randomized Trial, Annals of Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.7326/M23-3051

Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine Provided by Stanford Medicine

Is It Better to Measure Exercise in Minutes or Steps? Research Finds Both Methods Equally Effective

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In the modern era of smartwatches, keeping track of step counts has become increasingly accessible; however, the prevailing guidelines for physical activity do not specifically endorse particular step counts for health benefits. Recent research conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a foundational entity within Mass General Brigham, has indicated that both step counts and time-based exercise targets are comparably linked with a reduced risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the choice between adopting a time-based or step-based goal might hinge more on individual preference than on distinct health advantages. These findings have been documented in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Physical activity is a proven deterrent against chronic diseases and infections and is a significant contributor to increased longevity. The current guidelines in the U.S., updated last in 2018, suggest that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity like jogging. Historically, much of the evidence for these recommendations was derived from studies relying on participants’ self-reported activity levels. At the time, limited data existed concerning the health impacts of specific step counts. Now, in an era where wearable technology is commonplace, step tracking has emerged as a popular feature on numerous fitness platforms. This shift prompted researchers to examine how goals based on time compare with those based on steps.

The study’s lead author, Rikuta Hamaya, MD, PhD, MS from the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, noted that while existing physical activity guidelines emphasise duration and intensity, they do not offer guidance on step counts. With a growing number of people utilising smartwatches for health monitoring, understanding how step-based measurements stack up against time-based goals in terms of health outcomes became a pivotal area of study.

Data for this research were gathered from 14,399 women participating in the Women’s Health Study, all of whom were free from cardiovascular disease and cancer at the outset. Between 2011 and 2015, these participants, who were aged 62 years and older, were instructed to wear research-grade wearable devices for seven consecutive days, removing them only for sleeping or water-based activities. Throughout the study, annual questionnaires were used to track health outcomes, particularly deaths from any cause and cardiovascular conditions, with follow-up continuing until the end of 2022.

Findings revealed that at the time they wore the devices, the women engaged in a median of 62 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity weekly and averaged 5,183 steps per day. Over a median follow-up period of nine years, about 9% of the participants died, and roughly 4% developed cardiovascular disease. Notably, higher activity levels, whether measured in steps or time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activity, were linked with significant reductions in the risks of death and cardiovascular disease. The most active women experienced risk reductions of 30-40% compared to those who were least active. Moreover, those in the top three activity quartiles lived an average of 2.22 to 2.36 months longer than those in the lowest quartile over the nine years, with this survival benefit persisting across different BMI categories.

Hamaya explained that both step and time measurements are valuable for assessing health status, but each has its advantages and limitations. For instance, while step counts are a straightforward metric, they might not entirely reflect differences in fitness levels; a 20-year-old and an 80-year-old might accrue different step counts from a 30-minute moderate-intensity walk. However, step tracking does capture incidental movements that are part of daily life, which are especially relevant for older adults.

“For some individuals, particularly the younger cohort, activities like tennis, soccer, walking, or jogging can be readily tracked with steps. For others, activities such as cycling or swimming might be easier to monitor by duration. Therefore, it’s essential for physical activity guidelines to offer varied avenues to achieve health goals. Movement differs for everyone, and almost all types of physical activity are beneficial,” Hamaya added.

The study authors acknowledge that this research is based on a single assessment of time and step-based physical activity metrics and predominantly includes white women of higher socioeconomic status. Being observational, it cannot establish causality. Looking forward, Hamaya plans to conduct a randomised controlled trial to delve deeper into the relationship between different exercise metrics and health outcomes.

More information: Rikuta Hamaya et al, Time- vs Step-Based Physical Activity Metrics for Health, JAMA Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.0892

Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine Provided by Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Engaging in Games, Puzzles, and Reading May Delay Cognitive Deterioration in the Elderly, Including Those with Mild Cognitive Impairment

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The process of ageing often leads to a reduction in cognitive abilities among older adults. Furthermore, statistics indicate that around 10 per cent of individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment progress to Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia annually.

Despite limited research, some studies suggest that activities like assembling jigsaw puzzles may serve as a protective measure against cognitive ageing. This potential to delay or prevent cognitive decline through such activities offers a ray of hope, inspiring optimism in the face of cognitive challenges.

Recent research from Texas A&M University School of Public Health provides new insights into this area. The study reveals that elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment who frequently participate in activities like word games and hobbies display enhanced capabilities in memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed compared to those less engaged in such activities.

Dr Junhyoung “Paul” Kim, an associate professor of health behaviour at Texas A&M, underscores the urgency of addressing cognitive decline. He notes, “Currently, nearly six million people in the United States have dementia, a number expected to surge to approximately 14 million by 2060, disproportionately impacting minority groups.” He adds that the study aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding cognitive decline.

In their research, published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, Dr. Kim and his team from the University of Southern Mississippi and Indiana University analysed data from 5,932 participants aged 50 and above with mild cognitive impairment. These participants were part of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 2012 to 2020, which gathered information through self-reported surveys and detailed phone interviews. The team evaluated responses to seven questions about the frequency of involvement in cognitively stimulating activities like reading, gaming, and pursuing hobbies. They then categorised the levels of participation into low, mid, and high, based on criteria established in prior studies, and performed a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of covariance.

The findings indicated that those in the high-level participation group consistently demonstrated superior cognitive function throughout the study period and maintained levels of cognitive function comparable to other groups. Specifically, individuals in the high-level group exhibited better memory, working memory, attention, and processing speeds than those in the mid-and low-level groups. Meanwhile, participants in the mid-level group showed improved working memory and processing speeds compared to the low-level group.

The study also identified significant variances in all three cognitive functions across different years, with a declining trend, although the variances between 2014 and other years were not statistically significant.

Dr. Kim and his colleagues are optimistic that these findings will have a significant impact on healthcare recommendations. They hope that healthcare providers will be encouraged to recommend that older adults with mild cognitive impairment regularly engage in games, reading, and other stimulating activities at least three to four times a week, thereby reaping the practical benefits of the research.

Moreover, Dr. Kim hopes that barriers such as lack of caregiver support and financial limitations can be mitigated through enhanced public care services and community support networks, facilitating more significant participation in cognitively enriching activities among older adults.

More information: Jungjoo Lee et al, A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Different Levels of Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activity and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults with MCI, Journal of Cognitive Enhancement. DOI: 10.1007/s41465-024-00293-2

Journal information: Journal of Cognitive Enhancement Provided by Texas A&M University

Scientists Uncover Novel Route to Inducing Cancer Cell Death

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Chemotherapy has been known to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA, leading to cell death. However, new research from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, led by Thijn Brummelkamp, has revealed a previously unknown way cancer cells die. The key to this discovery is the gene Schlafen11 (SLFN11). For almost a century, chemotherapy has been used to treat cancer patients, but this pathway to cell death has never been observed before. Brummelkamp notes that further investigation is required to understand where and when this mechanism occurs in patients, but it could have significant implications for cancer treatment.

Typically, cells with irreparable DNA damage trigger their death through a process regulated by the protein p53, a mechanism often taught in biology. p53 is responsible for repairing damaged DNA and, if the damage is too severe, initiating cell suicide to prevent tumour formation. However, this process isn’t always foolproof. Brummelkamp points out that more than half of tumours have dysfunctional p53, meaning the protein plays no role in those cancers. Yet, cancer cells without functioning p53 still die when exposed to chemotherapy or radiation, which puzzled researchers and led to this study.

Brummelkamp and his team and colleague Reuven Agami sought to uncover why cancer cells without p53 still die after DNA damage. In their laboratory experiments, they administered chemotherapy to genetically modified cells, searching for a genetic change that could allow the cells to survive. By selectively switching off genes, they discovered a new pathway to cell death involving the SLFN11 gene. This pathway bypasses p53 entirely, with SLFN11 shutting down the cells’ protein factories, causing significant stress and leading to cell death.

The SLFN11 gene has been studied before, particularly in chemotherapy resistance. In patients whose tumours do not respond to chemotherapy, SLFN11 is often inactive. Brummelkamp’s research now explains this link: without SLFN11, cells do not die after DNA damage, allowing cancer to persist. This discovery highlights a potential new target for cancer therapies to overcome chemotherapy resistance by activating or restoring SLFN11 function in cancer cells.

While this breakthrough is promising, many questions remain. The discovery was made using lab-grown cancer cells, and researchers now need to investigate how this pathway operates in actual patients. Key questions include where and when the SLFN11 pathway occurs in patients and whether it interacts with existing treatments like immunotherapy. If this new form of cell death proves to be significant in patients, it could change the way certain cancers are treated and potentially reduce the side effects of cancer therapy.

The discovery also underscores the importance of fundamental research in advancing cancer treatment. Brummelkamp’s team used haploid cells containing only one copy of each gene to deactivate genes and identify their functions precisely. This method has led to important discoveries in cancer research, including viral entry into cells and immune system regulation. By continuing to investigate the SLFN11 pathway and different mechanisms of cell death, researchers hope to develop more effective, personalised cancer treatments in the future.

More information: Nicolaas Boon et al, DNA damage induces p53-independent apoptosis through ribosome stalling, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adh7950

Journal information: Science Provided by Netherlands Cancer Institute

Rejuvenating the Elderly Brain: Researchers Revitalise the Brain’s Waste Removal Mechanism

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Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and various other neurological conditions are often referred to as “dirty brain” diseases. These diseases are characterised by the brain’s diminishing capacity to eliminate harmful waste. This issue becomes more pronounced with age as the brain’s efficiency in removing toxic build-up decreases. However, recent studies in mice have shown promising results in reversing these age-related impairments and reinstating the brain’s waste-clearing capabilities.

Douglas Kelley, PhD, a professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rochester Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, shared insights into this groundbreaking research. “Our findings indicate that by restoring the function of cervical lymph vessels, we can significantly improve the brain’s ability to expel waste accumulating with age,” Kelley explained. The research, which Dr Kelley co-authored and was published in the journal ‘Nature Aging’, also involved Maiken Nedergaard, MD, DMSc, co-director of the University’s Center for Translational Neuromedicine.

The study builds on the discovery of the glymphatic system, first identified by Nedergaard and her team in 2012. This unique waste removal system in the brain leverages cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flush out surplus proteins that cells in the brain produce during regular activity. These findings have opened new avenues for potentially treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are linked to the accumulation of specific protein wastes in the brain. In younger and healthier brains, the glymphatic system effectively eliminates these toxic proteins; however, its efficiency wanes with age, predisposing individuals to these neurological diseases.

The recent study also provided a detailed description of the pathway through the cervical lymph vessels in the neck, which facilitates the expulsion of half of the CSF-containing protein waste from the brain. The researchers employed advanced imaging and particle tracking techniques to map this route and observed the rhythmic pulsing of lymph vessels that aid in drawing CSF out of the brain. Unlike the cardiovascular system, which relies on the heart as a central pump, the lymphatic system uses a network of small lymphangions. These are equipped with valves to prevent backflow and are connected sequentially to form lymph vessels.

The study revealed that as mice age, the contraction frequency of these lymphangitis diminishes, and their valves are prone to failure. This considerably slows the rate at which waste-laden CSF is expelled from the brain—by as much as 63 per cent in older mice compared to their younger counterparts.

To tackle this slowdown, the researchers experimented with prostaglandin F2α, a hormone-like compound routinely used in medical settings to induce labour and known for enhancing smooth muscle contractions. When applied to the cervical lymph vessels in older mice, this drug significantly increased the frequency of lymphangion contractions and the flow rate of CSF, restoring it to levels observed in younger mice.

Kelley expressed optimism about the implications of these findings, “Given the accessibility of these vessels just beneath the skin and their proven significance, this research not only deepens our understanding but also showcases a viable method to boost their function.” He speculated that this strategy, possibly in combination with other interventions, could lay the groundwork for future treatments aimed at combatting these “dirty brain” diseases.

More information: Ting Du et al, Restoration of cervical lymphatic vessel function in aging rescues cerebrospinal fluid drainage, Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00691-3

Journal information: Nature Aging Provided by University of Rochester Medical Center

Research Identifies Promising New Approach to Treating Persistent Lyme Disease Symptoms

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Researchers at Tulane University have made significant strides in developing a promising new strategy to address persistent neurological symptoms linked to Lyme disease. This groundbreaking study offers new hope for patients suffering from the long-term effects of bacterial infection, even after receiving standard antibiotic treatment. The research findings were recently published in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Immunology.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted primarily through tick bites. This infection can manifest symptoms that predominantly affect the central and peripheral nervous systems. While the majority of patients respond well to antibiotics, effectively eradicating the infection, a subset continues to experience debilitating symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, and chronic pain. These ongoing issues are often classified as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

Dr Geetha Parthasarathy, a leading researcher and assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, has identified a potentially transformative treatment involving fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors. These inhibitors, previously researched primarily in the context of cancer, have shown promising results in reducing inflammation and preventing cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. This discovery suggests that targeting the FGFR pathways could be a viable therapeutic approach to combat the persistent neuroinflammation experienced by patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

Dr Parthasarathy elaborated on the significance of their findings, stating, “Our research opens up new pathways for scientific inquiry that could lead to effective support and relief for patients enduring the lasting impacts of Lyme disease. By focusing our efforts on the underlying inflammation that contributes to these chronic symptoms, we aim to develop targeted treatments that can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.”

In their experimental setup, the Tulane research team treated nerve tissue cultures with either live or inactivated Borrelia burgdorferi, followed by the administration of FGFR inhibitors. The results were compelling, showing a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and cell death, indicating the potential efficacy of FGFR inhibitors in treating Lyme disease-related neurological symptoms.

The implications of this research are profound, as they offer a new avenue for treatment and deepen our understanding of Lyme disease and its long-term effects on the body. Despite the promising results, further research is essential to translate these findings into practical clinical treatments. The study represents a crucial step forward in addressing the complex and often overlooked aftermath of Lyme disease, potentially paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies that could benefit thousands of patients suffering from its long-term consequences.

As the scientific community continues to explore and validate these findings, the hope is that future research will bring us closer to effective treatments that can alleviate the burdensome symptoms of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This study highlights the innovative approaches at Tulane University and underscores the importance of continued research and investment in understanding and treating complex infectious diseases like Lyme disease.

More information: Geetha Parthasarathy et al, Fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors mitigate the neuropathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi or its remnants ex vivo, Frontiers in Immunology. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327416

Journal information: Frontiers in Immunology Provided by Tulane University

How Does the Time of Day You Exercise Impact Your Health?

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Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, have discovered that engaging in physical activity during the evening offers the most significant health benefits for individuals with obesity. This finding emerged from a long-term study tracking 30,000 participants over nearly eight years.

The study utilized data from wearable devices to segment physical activities into morning, afternoon, and evening categories. It revealed that participants who performed most of their moderate to vigorous aerobic exercises—activities that increase heart rate and induce breathlessness—between 6 p.m. and midnight exhibited the lowest risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease.

Interestingly, the study highlighted that the frequency of evening physical activity in sessions lasting at least three minutes was more crucial for health outcomes than the total daily amount of physical activity. This pattern of exercise, measured in short but intense bursts, was deemed particularly beneficial.

The research, published in Diabetes Care, was conducted by the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney. Dr Angelo Sabag, a lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the university, noted the broader context of obesity in Australia. Approximately two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese, significantly increasing the risk of significant health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. While exercise alone is not a solution to obesity, timing physical activity effectively can significantly mitigate health risks.

This study is significant due to its scale, the objective measurement of physical activity through wearable technology, and its focus on complex outcomes such as premature death. Dr Matthew Ahmadi, a joint first author and a postdoctoral research fellow at the National Heart Foundation, emphasized that the study did not solely focus on structured exercises but included any vigorous continuous activity sustained for three minutes or more. This could range from power walking to more vigorous tasks like climbing stairs or even active house cleaning.

The research methodology involved data from the UK Biobank, which encompassed 29,836 obese adults over 40, including 2,995 participants with Type 2 diabetes. Participants were grouped based on the most frequent times of aerobic exercise, tracked via a wrist accelerometer, and worn continuously for a week at the start of the study. The health outcomes of these participants were then monitored for almost eight years, during which 1,425 deaths and several cardiovascular and microvascular dysfunction events were recorded.

To ensure the reliability of their findings, the researchers adjusted for various factors, including age, sex, lifestyle habits, total physical activity, and pre-existing health conditions. Despite these precautions, the study’s observational nature means it cannot definitively establish causality, particularly concerning potential reverse causation where lower activity levels could be symptomatic of undiagnosed diseases.

Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub Director at the Charles Perkins Centre, underscores the study’s importance. He points out that advancements in wearable technology are significantly enhancing our understanding of how specific activity patterns can influence health. These insights are vital for translating research findings into practical health advice and could impact future guidelines on managing obesity and Type 2 diabetes through targeted physical activity timing.

This study not only underscores the potential health benefits of timing physical activity but also showcases the evolving role of wearable technology in understanding and managing health conditions more effectively. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship and integrate these findings into broader health care and preventative strategies.

More information: Angelo Sabag et al, Timing of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity, Mortality, Cardiovascular Disease, and Microvascular Disease in Adults With Obesity, Diabetes Care. DOI: 10.2337/dc23-2448

Journal information: Diabetes Care Provided by University of Sydney

Modest Adjustments to Diet Could Reduce Carbon Footprint by a Quarter

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A collaborative study between McGill University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has revealed that swapping some animal proteins for plant-based alternatives can extend life expectancy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Published in Nature Food, this research utilized data from a Canadian national nutrition survey, analyzing dietary patterns to model the health, nutritional, and environmental impacts of replacing 25% to 50% of red and processed meats or dairy products with plant-based proteins such as nuts, seeds, legumes, tofu, and fortified soy beverages.

The findings underscore that minor dietary modifications can have significant ecological benefits. Specifically, replacing half of the red and processed meat consumption with plant-based proteins reduced an individual’s diet-related carbon footprint by 25%. In contrast, replacing dairy products resulted in smaller emission reductions, with a maximum decrease of up to 5%. Olivia Auclair, the study’s lead author and a recent PhD graduate from McGill’s Department of Animal Science, stated that achieving beneficial outcomes for both human and planetary health does not necessarily require drastic dietary changes but can be accomplished through simple partial substitutions.

The research also highlighted gender-specific health benefits of adopting more plant-based diets, traditionally associated with lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It is estimated that men could see a doubling in life expectancy gains compared to women if they replace half of their red and processed meat intake with plant proteins. However, replacing dairy with plant proteins showed only modest improvements in life expectancy and introduced a risk of increasing calcium inadequacy by up to 14%.

Senior author Sergio Burgos, Associate Professor at McGill’s Department of Animal Science and a researcher at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, hopes the findings will help consumers make healthier and more sustainable food choices and inform future food policy in Canada. This study provides a practical roadmap for individuals seeking to improve their health and reduce their environmental impact without requiring major dietary overhauls.

Patricia Eustachio Colombo, co-author and Honorary Research Fellow at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine’s Centre on Climate Change & Planetary Health, emphasized that considerable benefits for health and the environment are achievable with relatively minor changes to the typical Canadian diet. Increasing the consumption of plant-based foods while reducing the intake of red and processed meats can lead to substantial health improvements and a notable reduction in carbon emissions.

As more people turn towards sustainable and health-conscious diets, this study serves as a valuable guide, empowering individuals to make informed choices that benefit both personal well-being and the planet. The implications of such dietary shifts are profound, offering a dual promise of enhanced health and a lighter ecological footprint.

More information: Olivia Auclair et al, Partial substitutions of animal with plant protein foods in Canadian diets have synergies and trade-offs among nutrition, health and climate outcomes, Nature Food. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00925-y

Journal information: Nature Food Provided by McGill University

Does Consuming Red Meat Cause Inflammation?

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Inflammation serves as a critical risk factor for numerous chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, prompting considerable interest in the relationship between diet and inflammatory processes. Historically, guidelines advising reduced red meat intake have partially stemmed from earlier research indicating its potential to exacerbate inflammation. However, more contemporary studies have cast doubt on these findings.

Dr Alexis Wood, an associate professor of paediatrics – nutrition at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, highlighted the inadequate exploration of the dietary impacts, including those of red meat, on inflammation and subsequent disease risks. According to Dr Wood, this research gap sometimes leads to public health guidelines lacking robust evidence. To address these concerns, Dr Wood and her team embarked on a detailed study leveraging metabolite profiles in the bloodstream, which offers a more direct gauge of the diet-health nexus.

The research involved analysing cross-sectional data from around 4,000 elderly participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), with findings recently documented in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Cross-sectional studies provide valuable insights as they observe dietary effects in free-living individuals without altering their habits, making the findings more applicable to general settings. The study not only took into account the self-reported nutritional intakes of participants but also examined various biomarkers and a broad spectrum of dietary intake metabolites found in the blood. These plasma metabolites reflect the dietary impact post-digestion and absorption.

Interestingly, the results indicated no direct correlation between the consumption of both unprocessed and processed red meats (such as beef, pork, or lamb) and inflammation markers once adjustments were made for body mass index (BMI). This suggests that it is body weight, rather than red meat intake, that might influence systemic inflammation levels. Notably, no association was found between red meat consumption and C-reactive protein (CRP), a critical inflammatory marker linked to chronic disease.

Dr Wood’s findings underscore the significance of utilising plasma markers like metabolites to trace the links between diet and disease risk rather than relying solely on self-reported dietary data. The study concluded that there isn’t enough evidence from observational research to link red meat consumption with increased inflammation.

She pointed out that observational studies are not designed to prove causation, hence the necessity for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where individuals are randomly assigned dietary variations to conclusively determine the impact of red meat on inflammation. Several RCTs have already shown that lean, unprocessed beef can fit within heart-healthy diet regimens.

Dr Wood advocates for further research before any definitive recommendations regarding reducing red meat consumption and inflammation. This ensures that such dietary advice is founded on current scientific evidence. She emphasised the cultural significance and widespread consumption of red meat, arguing that any recommendations to limit its intake should be solidly supported by scientific proof, which is currently lacking.

More information: Alexis C. Wood et al, Untargeted metabolomic analysis investigating links between unprocessed red meat intake and markers of inflammation, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.08.018

Journal information: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Provided by Baylor College of Medicine