Biology of Perseverative Negative Thinking: The Role of Timing and Folate Intake.

Past-oriented rumination and future-oriented worry are two aspects of perseverative negative thinking related to the neuroticism endophenotype and associated with depression and anxiety. Our present aim was to investigate the genomic background of these two aspects of perseverative negative thinking within separate groups of individuals with suboptimal versus optimal folate intake. We conducted a genome-wide association study in the UK Biobank database (n = 72,621) on the "rumination" and "worry" items of the Eysenck Personality Inventory Neuroticism scale in these separate groups. Optimal folate intake was related to lower worry, but unrelated to rumination. In contrast, genetic associations for worry did not implicate specific biological processes, while past-oriented rumination had a more specific genetic background, emphasizing its endophenotypic nature. Furthermore, biological pathways leading to rumination appeared to differ according to folate intake: purinergic signaling and circadian regulator gene ARNTL emerged in the whole sample, blastocyst development, DNA replication, and C-C chemokines in the suboptimal folate group, and prostaglandin response and K+ channel subunit gene KCNH3 in the optimal folate group. Our results point to possible benefits of folate in anxiety disorders, and to the importance of simultaneously taking into account genetic and environmental factors to determine personalized intervention in polygenic and multifactorial disorders.

Obesity Prevents S-Adenosylmethionine-Mediated Improvements in Age-Related Peripheral and Hippocampal Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Age predisposes individuals to a myriad of disorders involving inflammation; this includes stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Obesity can further exacerbate these effects in the brain. We investigated whether an inexpensive dietary supplement, s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), could improve age- and/or obesity-related inflammatory and affective measures in the hippocampus. METHODS: Mice were placed on their diets at six weeks of age and then aged to 14 months, receiving SAMe (0.1 g/kg of food) for the final six weeks of the experiment. Prior to tissue collection, mice were tested for anxiety-like behaviors in the open field test and for metabolic outcomes related to type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: SAMe treatment significantly improved outcomes in aged control mice, where fasting glucose decreased, liver glutathione levels increased, and hippocampal microglia morphology improved. SAMe increased transforming growth factor ß-1 mRNA in both control mice, potentially accounting for improved microglial outcomes. Obese mice demonstrated increased anxiety-like behavior, where SAMe improved some, but not all, open field measures. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, SAMe boosted antioxidant levels, improved diabetic measures, and hippocampal inflammatory and behavioral outcomes in aged mice. The effects of SAMe in obese mice were more subdued, but it could still provide some positive outcomes for obese individuals dealing with anxiety and having difficulty changing their behaviors to improve health outcomes.

Traditional Brazilian diet and extra virgin olive oil reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with severe obesity: Randomized clinical trial.

RATIONAL & OBJECTIVE: Although the relationship between obesity, anxiety and depression is known, the clinical benefits of nutrition therapy in individuals with obesity have been scarcely studied. This study assessed the effectiveness of a traditional Brazilian diet (DieTBra) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the symptoms of anxiety and depression in severe obese participants. METHOD: This was a parallel randomized clinical trial in adults with severe obesity (Body Mass Index - BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2), DietBra Trial. Participants were randomized into three intervention groups in a ratio of 1: 1: 1 and followed up for 12 weeks. The three intervention groups were: 1) DieTBra, 2) 52 mL/day EVOO, and 3) DieTBra +52 mL/day EVOO. The symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The outcome variables were: anxiety, depression and simultaneous anxiety and depression in the same individual. RESULTS: 149 severe obese individuals were randomized. The mean BMI was 46.3 ± 6.5 kg/m2 with a mean age of 38.9 ± 8.7 years. After randomization, individuals on medication for depression and anxiety were excluded, totaling 129 at baseline, with 44:43:42 per group. At the end of 12 weeks 113 individuals completed the study. There was a significant reduction of symptoms for the three groups: EVOO, DieTBra and DieTBra + EVOO, respectively: anxiety 38.23% (p = 0.019), 45.83% (p=<0.014), 33.33% (p < 0.013) depression 55.17% (p=<0.001), 50.00% (p=<0.007), 34.61% (p=<0.035), and anxiety/depression 57.69% (p=<0.001), 66.67% (p=<0.014), 27.78% (p=<0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Both DieTBra and olive oil interventions were effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in severe obese adults. These interventions can be integrated with clinical protocols for treatment of symptoms of anxiety and depression in severe obese individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02463435.

Western diet, obesity and bariatric surgery sequentially modulated anxiety, eating patterns and brain responses to sucrose in adult Yucatan minipigs.

Palatable sweet/fatty foods overconsumption is a major risk factor for obesity and eating disorders, also having an impact on neuro-behavioural hedonic and cognitive components comparable to what is described for substance abuse. We hypothesized that Yucatan minipigs would show hedonic, cognitive, and affective neuro-behavioral shifts when subjected to western diet (WD) exposure without weight gain, after the onset of obesity, and finally after weight loss induced by caloric restriction with (RYGB) or without (Sham) gastric bypass. Eating behavior, cognitive and affective abilities were assessed with a spatial discrimination task (holeboard test) and two-choice feed tests. Brain responses to oral sucrose were mapped using 18F-FDG positron emission tomography. WD exposure impaired working memory and led to an "addiction-type" neuronal pattern involving hippocampal and cortical brain areas. Obesity induced anxiety-like behavior, loss of motivation, and snacking-type eating behavior. Weight loss interventions normalized the motivational and affective states but not eating behavior patterns. Brain glucose metabolism increased in gustatory (insula) and executive control (aPFC) areas after weight loss, but RYGB showed higher responses in inhibition-related areas (dorsal striatum). These results showed that diet quality, weight loss, and the type of weight loss intervention differently impacted brain responses to sucrose in the Yucatan minipig model.

Effects of a Multidisciplinary Residential Nutritional Rehabilitation Program in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors-Results from the NUTRI-HAB Randomized Controlled Trial.

Head and neck cancer survivors frequently experience nutritional challenges, and proper rehabilitation should be offered. The trial objective was to test the effect of a multidisciplinary residential nutritional rehabilitation programme addressing physical, psychological, and social aspects of eating problems after treatment. In a randomized controlled trial, 71 head and neck cancer survivors recruited through a nationwide survey were randomized to the program or a wait-list control group. Inclusion was based on self-reported interest in participation. The primary outcome was change in body weight. Secondary outcomes included physical function, quality of life, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Differences between groups at the 3-month follow-up were tested. No significant differences were seen in body weight change, but there were overall trends towards greater improvements in physical function (hand grip strength: p = 0.042; maximal mouth opening: p = 0.072) and quality of life ("Role functioning": p = 0.041; "Speech problems": p = 0.040; "Pain": p = 0.048) in the intervention group. To conclude, a multidisciplinary residential nutritional rehabilitation program had no effect on body weight in head and neck cancer survivors with self-reported interest in participation, but it may have effect on physical function and quality of life. Further research on relevant outcomes, inclusion criteria, and the program's effect in different subgroups is needed.

The Impact of Coconut Oil and Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Levels of IL-6, Anxiety and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Due to the inflammatory nature of multiple sclerosis (MS), interleukin 6 (IL-6) is high in blood levels, and it also increases the levels of anxiety related to functional disability. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) decreases IL-6, which could be enhanced by the anti-inflammatory effect of high ketone bodies after administering coconut oil (both of which are an anxiolytic). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of coconut oil and EGCG on the levels of IL-6, anxiety and functional disability in patients with MS. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted for four months with 51 MS patients who were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil, and the control group was prescribed a placebo. Both groups followed the same isocaloric Mediterranean diet. State and trait anxiety were determined before and after the study by means of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In addition, IL-6 in serum was measured using the ELISA technique and functional capacity was determined with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: State anxiety and functional capacity decreased in the intervention group and IL-6 decreased in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: EGCG and coconut oil improve state anxiety and functional capacity. In addition, a decrease in IL-6 is observed in patients with MS, possibly due to the antioxidant capacity of the Mediterranean diet and its impact on improving BMI.

Lactobacillus mucosae and Bifidobacterium longum Synergistically Alleviate Immobilization Stress-Induced Anxiety/Depression in Mice by Suppressing Gut Dysbiosis.

We isolated Lactobacillus mucosae NK41 and Bifidobacterium longum NK46 from human feces, which induced BDNF expression in corticosterone-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells, and examined their anti-depressive effects in mice. NK41, NK46, and their (1:1) mixture significantly mitigated immobilization stress (IS)-induced anxiety-like/depressive behaviors, hippocampal NF-κB activation, BDNF expression, Iba1+ cell population, and blood corticosterone, TNF-α, IL- 6, and lipopolysaccharide levels. Furthermore, they inhibited colitis marker NF-κB activation, and TNF-α expression in mice with IS-induced anxiety/depression. They additionally suppressed gut Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes populations and bacterial lipopolysaccharide production. These findings suggest that NK41 and NK46 may alleviate anxiety/depression and colitis by suppressing gut dysbiosis.

A diet enriched with curcumin promotes resilience to chronic social defeat stress.

Chronic exposure to stress is a well-known risk factor for the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Promoting resilience to stress may prevent the development of these disorders, but resilience-enhancing compounds are not yet clinically available. One compound that has shown promise in the clinical setting is curcumin, a polyphenol compound found in the rhizome of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) with known anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. Here, we tested the efficacy of 1.5% dietary curcumin at promoting resilience to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) in 129/SvEv mice, a strain that we show is highly susceptible to this type of stress. We found that administration of curcumin during CSDS produced a 4.5-fold increase in stress resilience, as measured by the social interaction test. Although the overall effects of curcumin were striking, we identified two distinct responses to curcumin. While 64% of defeated mice on curcumin were resilient (responders), the remaining 36% of mice were susceptible to the effects of stress (non-responders). Interestingly, responders released less corticosterone following acute restraint stress and had lower levels of peripheral IL-6 than nonresponders, implicating a role for the NF-κB pathway in treatment response. Importantly, curcumin also prevented anxiety-like behavior in both responders and non-responders in the elevated-plus maze and open field test. Collectively, our findings provide the first preclinical evidence that curcumin promotes resilience to CSDS and suggest that curcumin may prevent the emergence of a range of anxiety-like symptoms when given to individuals during exposure to chronic social stress.

Anxiety after coeliac disease diagnosis predicts mucosal healing: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Coeliac disease has been linked to anxiety and depression. However, their association with mucosal healing is unknown. AIM: To examine the relationship between anxiety, depression and mucosal healing in coeliac disease. METHODS: Between 1969 and 2008, we collected data on all small intestinal biopsies with villous atrophy from Sweden's 28 pathology departments. We restricted our cohort to individuals with data on follow-up biopsy (either persistent villous atrophy [n = 3317] or mucosal healing [n = 4331]). Through Cox regression, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for anxiety or depression. RESULTS: During follow-up, 123 (2.8/1000 person-years) individuals with mucosal healing had developed anxiety, compared to 94 (2.1/1000 person-years) with persistent villous atrophy. Mucosal healing was hence associated with a higher risk of future anxiety (HR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.12-1.96). Similarly, 167 (3.8/1000 person-years) individuals with mucosal healing developed depression, compared to 148 (3.3/1000 person-years) with persistent villous atrophy, corresponding to a HR of 1.25 (95% CI = 0.99-1.59). Mucosal healing was more common in individuals with prior diagnoses of anxiety or depression before follow-up biopsy. Anxiety diagnosed between diagnostic and follow-up biopsy for coeliac disease was associated with an almost nine-fold increased chance of mucosal healing (odds ratio = 8.94; 95%CI = 2.03-39.27). CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression are more common in coeliac disease patients with mucosal healing, both before and after follow-up biopsy, an association potentially mediated through more vigilant compliance with a gluten-free diet. This finding raises concern that achieving the goal of mucosal healing may come at a cost of an increased risk of mood disorders.

Effect of diets with goat milk fat supplemented with exercise on anxiety and oxidative stress in the brains of adult rats.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a diet with goat milk fat supplemented with physical training on markers of oxidative stress in the brain and anxiety behavior in rats. Adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 per group): control sedentary (CON) and exercised (CON-EX) groups, goat milk fat sedentary (GM) and exercised (GM-EX) groups, goat milk fat enriched with CLA sedentary (GM-CLA) and exercised (GM-CLA-EX) groups. The exercised groups were submitted to treadmill running during four weeks. Anxiety parameters were evaluated with the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the brain. Compared to the CON and GM groups, the GM-CLA group (p < 0.05), in which the animals were treated with goat milk fat with an increased CLA content, showed higher rearing. All exercised animals presented an increase in grooming when compared to sedentary animals. The number of entries in the open arms and time spent in the open arms was higher in sedentary groups (p < 0.05). MDA levels in the brain were lower in the GM group when compared to those in the CON group (p < 0.05). MDA increased in exercised animals (p < 0.05). GM and GM-CLA groups showed a significant elevation in the GSH levels in the brain. Goat milk fat, however, showed a potential effect on the reduction of oxidative stress, which was associated with a reduction in anxiety behavior. However, this beneficial effect was reversed when exercise was involved.

Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on anxiety-like behavior in socially isolated rats.

The effects of fish oil for improving mental health have been reported. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on anxiety-like behavior using a rat model. Experimental diets enriched in EPA or DHA as glycerides were prepared. Rats were exposed to social isolation stress and fed the experimental diet for 14 days. The results of behavioral tests revealed that rats fed the EPA-enriched diet exhibited less anxiety-like behavior than rats fed the control or DHA-enriched diets. Furthermore, EPA suppressed anxiety-like behavior only in socially isolated rats. The increase in EPA contents in the brain phospholipid fraction by feeding EPA-enriched diet was more significant than that of DHA by feeding DHA-enriched diet. These results suggest that dietary EPA is more anxiolytic than DHA in rats exposed to social isolation stress and is effective in increasing EPA content in brain membranes.

Comparison of myo-inositol and metformin on mental health parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Data on comparison of myo-inositol and metformin on mental health parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. This purpose of this study was to compare of myo-inositol and metformin on mental health parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in subjects with PCOS. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to intake either myo-inositol (n = 30) or metformin (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Parameters of mental health were recorded at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and the end of the study to determine biomarkers of biomarkers of oxidative stress. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, changes in beck depression inventory total score (-1.0 ± 1.7 vs. -0.3 ± 0.7, p = 0.03), general health questionnaire scores (-1.7 ± 2.9 vs. -0.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.02), depression anxiety and stress scale scores (-3.9 ± 6.4 vs. -0.9 ± 1.9, p = 0.01) and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentrations (+106.1 ± 69.6 vs. +2.1 ± 132.4 mmol/L, p < 0.001) in the myo-inositol group were significantly different from the changes in these indicators in the metformin group. Myo-inositol supplementation for 12 weeks among patients with PCOS did not affect plasma glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data supported that myo-inositol supplementation for 12 weeks among patients with PCOS had favorable effects on parameters of mental health and plasma TAC levels.

Reduction of anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in rats after one month of drinking Aronia melanocarpa berry juice.

The treatment of mood and anxiety disorders by nutraceuticals is gaining growing awareness. Berries of Aronia melanocarpa (Black chokeberry) and their extracts, exceptionally abundant in diverse phenolic compounds, have become famous for the highest in vitro antioxidant activity among fruits and notable health benefits (e.g. anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective). This study was designed to investigate the behavioral effects of month-long unlimited consumption of Aronia master juice (AJ) and/or juice reconstruct without polyphenols (RJ), in young male rats. AJ was initially evaluated for its content of phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric assays and HPLC-DAD. Rats that were supplied with three various water concentrations of AJ and RJ, respectively: 20% + 0% (ARO group), 5% + 15% (RAJ) and 0 + 20% (PLC), were compared with those which consumed only water (CTL). Daily drinking of AJ solution was significantly elevated from the second or third week onward, which was most expressed in the ARO group. Only this group displayed behavioral variations, manifested by certain hyperactivity in open field tests and prominent reductions of anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze. The ARO rats also expressed an alleviation of depression-like behavior in forced swimming tests. These findings demonstrate the beneficial behavioral effects of the one-month-long free drinking of phenolic-rich AJ in rats (>20 ml per kg b. mass daily) that may be recognized as stimulating, anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like. The in vitro assays suggested that MAO-A/MAO-B inhibitions by the phenolic compounds of AJ might be the possible in vivo mechanisms for such behavioral actions.

A diet high in fat and sugar reverses anxiety-like behaviour induced by limited nesting in male rats: Impacts on hippocampal markers.

Stress exposure during early development is known to produce long-term mental health deficits. Stress promotes poor lifestyle choices such as poor diet. Early life adversity and diets high in fat and sugar (HFHS) are known to affect anxiety and memory. However additive effects of HFHS and stress during early development are less explored. Here, we examined whether early life stress (ELS) simulated by limited nesting (LN) induces anxiety-like behaviour and cognitive deficits that are modulated by HFHS diet. We examined key hippocampal markers involved in anxiety and cognition, testing the hypothesis that post-weaning HFHS following ELS would ameliorate anxiety-like behaviour but worsen memory and associated hippocampal changes. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to LN, postnatal days 2-9, and at weaning, male siblings were given unlimited access to chow or HFHS resulting in (Con-Chow, Con-HFHS, LN-Chow, LN-HFHS, n=11-15/group). Anxiety-like behaviour was assessed by Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) at 10 weeks and spatial and object recognition tested at 11 weeks of age. Rats were culled at 13 weeks. Hippocampal mRNA expression was measured using TaqMan(®) Array Micro Fluidic cards (Life Technologies). As expected HFHS diet increased body weight; LN and control rats had similar weights at 13 weeks, energy intake was also similar across groups. LN-Chow rats showed increased anxiety-like behaviour relative to control rats, but this was reversed by HFHS diet. Spatial and object recognition memory were unaltered by LN exposure or consumption of HFHS diet. Hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein was not affected by LN exposure in chow rats, but was increased by 45% in HFHS rats relative to controls. Hippocampal genes involved in plasticity and mood regulation, GSKα and GSKß were affected, with reductions in GSKß under both diet conditions, and reduced GSKα only in LN-HFHS versus Con-HFHS. Interestingly, HFHS diet and LN exposure independently reduced expression of Akt3 mRNA, a key gene involved post-natal brain development. In summary, while an energy rich diet ameliorated anxiety-like behaviour induced by LN exposure, it significantly altered key genes that are essential for hippocampal development.

Beneficial Effects of Highly Palatable Food on the Behavioral and Neural Adversities induced by Early Life Stress Experience in Female Rats.

This study examined the effects of highly palatable food during adolescence on the psycho-emotional and neural disturbances caused by early life stress experience in female rats. Female Sprague-Dawley pups were separated from dam for 3 h daily during the first two weeks of birth (MS) or left undisturbed (NH). Half of MS females received free access to chocolate cookies in addition to ad libitum chow from postnatal day 28. Pups were subjected to the behavioral tests during young adulthood. The plasma corticosterone response to acute stress, ΔFosB and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain regions were analyzed. Total caloric intake and body weight gain during the whole experimental period did not differ among the experimental groups. Cookie access during adolescence and youth improved anxiety-/depression-like behaviors by MS experience. ΔFosB expression was decreased, but BDNF was increased in the nucleus accumbens of MS females, and ΔFosB expression was normalized and BDNF was further increased following cookie access. Corticosterone response to acute stress was blunted by MS experience and cookie access did not improve it. Results suggest that cookie access during adolescence improves the psycho-emotional disturbances of MS females, and ΔFosB and/or BDNF expression in the nucleus accumbens may play a role in its underlying neural mechanisms.

Patient and disease factors affecting the choice and adherence to active surveillance.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Treatment decisions for low-risk prostate cancer are arguably some of the most challenging in oncology. Active surveillance has emerged as an important option for many men with tumors estimated to have a low metastatic potential. Multiple complex patient and physician factors affect the recommendation, selection, and adherence to active surveillance. While baseline clinical criteria are used to identify candidates for this approach, it is important to identify and understand other forces that may influence the management of prostate cancer with active surveillance. RECENT FINDINGS: Patient perceptions and acceptance of active surveillance have improved over time. Treatment decisions for prostate cancer are strongly associated with physician recommendations, and a high-quality relationship between the patient and his healthcare system is critical to successful active surveillance. Patient understanding of prostate cancer and consistency of information received from separate physicians can affect a decision to pursue active surveillance. Psychological symptoms, most notably regarding anxiety and distress, can affect adherence to active surveillance over time. In general, anxiety for men on active surveillance is low, and lifestyle interventions and self-management strategies may be helpful for increasing quality of life and limiting abandonment of active surveillance in the absence of disease progression. SUMMARY: Multiple factors may affect the decision for and adherence to active surveillance for prostate cancer. It is important for both physicians and patients to be aware of these issues and work towards individualized approaches and interventions as needed to increase adoption of active surveillance in the future.

Interactive actions of Bdnf methylation and cell metabolism for building neural resilience under the influence of diet.

Quality nutrition during the period of brain formation is a predictor of brain functional capacity and plasticity during adulthood; however it is not clear how this conferred plasticity imparts long-term neural resilience. Here we report that early exposure to dietary omega-3 fatty acids orchestrates key interactions between metabolic signals and Bdnf methylation creating a reservoir of neuroplasticity that can protect the brain against the deleterious effects of switching to a Western diet (WD). We observed that the switch to a WD increased Bdnf methylation specific to exon IV, in proportion to anxiety-like behavior, in Sprague Dawley rats reared in low omega-3 fatty acid diet, and these effects were abolished by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Blocking methylation also counteracted the reducing action of WD on the transcription regulator CTCF binding to Bdnf promoter IV. In vitro studies confirmed that CTCF binding to Bdnf promoter IV is essential for the action of DHA on BDNF regulation. Diet is also intrinsically associated to cell metabolism, and here we show that the switch to WD downregulated cell metabolism (NAD/NADH ratio and SIRT1). The fact that DNA methyltransferase inhibitor did not alter these parameters suggests they occur upstream to methylation. In turn, the methylation inhibitor counteracted the action of WD on PGC-1α, a mitochondrial transcription co-activator and BDNF regulator, suggesting that PGC-1α is an effector of Bdnf methylation. Results support a model in which diet can build an "epigenetic memory" during brain formation that confers resilience to metabolic perturbations occurring in adulthood.

Effect of dietary fish oil supplementation on the exploratory activity, emotional status and spatial memory of the aged mouse lemur, a non-human primate.

The data are inconsistent about the ability of dietary omega-3 fatty acids to prevent age-associated cognitive decline. Indeed, most clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids against cognitive decline, and methodological issues are still under debate. In contrast to human studies, experiments performed in adult rodents clearly indicate that omega-3 fatty acids supplement can improve behavioural and cognitive functions. The inconsistent observations between human and rodent studies highlight the importance of the use of non-human primate models. The aim of the present study was to address the impact of omega-3 fatty acids (given in the form of dietary fish oil) on exploratory activity, emotional status and spatial reference memory in the aged mouse lemur, a non-human primate. Aged animals fed fish oil exhibited decreased exploratory activity, as manifested by an increase in the latency to move and a reduced distance travelled in an open-field. The fish oil-supplemented animals exhibited no change in the anxiety level, but they were more reactive to go into the dark arms of a light/dark plus-maze. In addition, we found that fish oil supplementation did not significantly improve the spatial memory performance in the Barnes maze task. This study demonstrated for the first time that a fish oil diet initiated late in life specifically modifies the exploratory behaviour without improving the spatial memory of aged non-human primates. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be effective when started early in life but less effective when started at later ages.

Bioactivities of chicken essence.

The special flavor and health effects of chicken essence are being widely accepted by people. Scientific researches are revealing its truth as a tonic food in traditional health preservation. Chicken essence has been found to possess many bioactivities including relief of stress and fatigue, amelioration of anxiety, promotion of metabolisms and post-partum lactation, improvement on hyperglycemia and hypertension, enhancement of immune, and so on. These activities of chicken essence are suggested to be related with its active components, including proteins, dipeptides (such as carnosine and anserine), polypeptides, minerals, trace elements, and multiple amino acids, and so on. Underlying mechanisms responsible for the bioactivities of chicken essence are mainly related with anti-stress, anti-oxidant, and neural regulation effects. However, the mechanisms are complicated and may be mediated via the combined actions of many active components, more than the action of 1 or 2 components alone.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil lower anxiety, improve cognitive functions and reduce spontaneous locomotor activity in a non-human primate.

Omega-3 (ω3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are major components of brain cells membranes. ω3 PUFA-deficient rodents exhibit severe cognitive impairments (learning, memory) that have been linked to alteration of brain glucose utilization or to changes in neurotransmission processes. ω3 PUFA supplementation has been shown to lower anxiety and to improve several cognitive parameters in rodents, while very few data are available in primates. In humans, little is known about the association between anxiety and ω3 fatty acids supplementation and data are divergent about their impact on cognitive functions. Therefore, the development of nutritional studies in non-human primates is needed to disclose whether a long-term supplementation with long-chain ω3 PUFA has an impact on behavioural and cognitive parameters, differently or not from rodents. We address the hypothesis that ω3 PUFA supplementation could lower anxiety and improve cognitive performances of the Grey Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus), a nocturnal Malagasy prosimian primate. Adult male mouse lemurs were fed for 5 months on a control diet or on a diet supplemented with long-chain ω3 PUFA (n = 6 per group). Behavioural, cognitive and motor performances were measured using an open field test to evaluate anxiety, a circular platform test to evaluate reference spatial memory, a spontaneous locomotor activity monitoring and a sensory-motor test. ω3-supplemented animals exhibited lower anxiety level compared to control animals, what was accompanied by better performances in a reference spatial memory task (80% of successful trials vs 35% in controls, p<0.05), while the spontaneous locomotor activity was reduced by 31% in ω3-supplemented animals (p<0.001), a parameter that can be linked with lowered anxiety. The long-term dietary ω3 PUFA supplementation positively impacts on anxiety and cognitive performances in the adult mouse lemur. The supplementation of human food with ω3 fatty acids may represent a valuable dietary strategy to improve behavioural and cognitive functions.