Nutrition and Aging in Dogs and Cats.

Aging is often associated with chronic inflammation and declining health. Both veterinarians and owners of aging dogs and cats are interested in nutritional solutions and strategies to prevent signs of age-related disease, increase longevity, and improve quality of life. Physiological decreases in muscle mass, decreased immunity, and a decrease in sense acuity are some of the changes often seen in otherwise healthy senior pets; however, there may also be an increase in risk for pathologies such as renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neoplastic diseases. Aging may also lead to cognitive decline and even cognitive dysfunction. Some nutritional strategies that may be helpful with the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases include supplementation with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant nutrients that can help modulate inflammation and benefit osteoarthritis, renal disease, cancer, and more. Supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides shows promise in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction as these may be metabolized to ketone bodies that are utilized as an alternative energy source for the central nervous system. Additionally, a high intake of dietary phosphorus in soluble and bioavailable forms can lead to renal disease, which is of greater concern in senior pets. There are no published guidelines for nutritional requirements specific to senior pets and as a result, products marketed for senior dogs and cats are highly variable.

Mechanistic insights and emerging therapeutic stratagems for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder has affected over 30 million individuals globally and these numbers are expected to increase in the coming decades. Current therapeutic interventions are largely ineffective as they focus on a single target. Development of an effective drug therapy requires a deep understanding of the various factors influencing the onset and progression of the disease. Aging and genetic factors exert a major influence on the development of AD. Other factors like post-viral infections, iron overload, gut dysbiosis, and vascular dysfunction also exacerbate the onset and progression of AD. Further, post-translational modifications in tau, DRP1, CREB, and p65 proteins increase the disease severity through triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss, and differential interaction of amyloid beta with different receptors leading to impaired intracellular signalling. With advancements in neuroscience tools, new inter-relations that aggravate AD are being discovered including pre-existing diseases and exposure to other pathogens. Simultaneously, new therapeutic strategies involving modulation of gene expression through targeted delivery or modulation with light, harnessing the immune response to promote clearance of amyloid deposits, introduction of stem cells and extracellular vesicles to replace the destroyed neurons, exploring new therapeutic molecules from plant, marine and biological sources delivered in the free state or through nanoparticles and use of non-pharmacological interventions like music, transcranial stimulation and yoga. Polypharmacology approaches involving combination of therapeutic agents are also under active investigation for superior therapeutic outcomes. This review elaborates on various disease-causing factors, their underlying mechanisms, the inter-play between different disease-causing players, and emerging therapeutic options including those under clinical trials, for treatment of AD. The challenges involved in AD therapy and the way forward have also been discussed.

Ameliorative effect of bofutsushosan (Fangfengtongshengsan) extract on the progression of aging-induced obesity.

This study aimed to compare fat accumulation in young and aged mice raised on a high-fat diet and to characterize the obesity-reducing effects of a Kampo medicine, bofutsushosan (BTS; fangfengtongshengsan in Chinese). Aged mice fed a high-fat diet containing 2% BTS extract for 28 days exhibited a significant reduction in weight gain and accumulation of visceral and subcutaneous fat, which were greater degree of reduction than those of the young mice. When the treatment period was extended to two months, the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels and the accumulation of fat droplets in the hepatocytes decreased. The mRNA expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in the brown adipose tissue was significantly reduced in the aged mice compared to the young mice but increased by 2% in the BTS-treated aged mice. Additionally, the effect of BTS extract on oleic acid-albumin-induced triglyceride accumulation in hepatoblastoma-derived HepG2 cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Evaluation of the single crude drug extracts revealed that Forsythia Fruit, Schizonepeta Spike, and Rhubarb were the active components in BTS extract. These results suggest that BTS extract is effective against visceral, subcutaneous, and ectopic fats in the liver, which tend to accumulate with aging. Thus, BTS extract is useful in preventing and ameliorating the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

A Psychoneuroimmunological Reading of Jane Austen's Persuasion in the Context of Bodily Aging.

Jane Austen normally avoids discussing appearance throughout her works. Persuasion constitutes the exception to the rule, as the story focuses on the premature aging experienced by her protagonist, Anne Elliot, seemingly due to disappointed love. Much has been written about Anne's "loss of bloom," but never from the perspective of psychoneuroimmunology, the field that researches the interrelation between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems. In this paper, we adopt a perspective of psychoneuroimmunology to argue that Austen established a connection between psychological distress, specifically lovesickness, and the development of early senescence signs, and vice versa, since the recovery of love is associated with happiness and physical glow. From a gender perspective, we discuss how Austen brightly reflected these interrelationships through the story of Anne, when the latest psychoneuroimmunological research has actually shown that women age earlier than men as a consequence of psychological turmoil.

Correlación entre marcadores inflamatorios con función física y composición corporal en adultos mayores de la comunidad: estudio transversal / Correlation between inflammatory markers with physical function and bodycomposition in community older adults: a cross-sectional study

Introducción: El envejecimiento está relacionado con diversas enfermedades crónicas que causan inflamación sistémica, caracterizada por un aumento en los niveles sanguíneos de interleucina 6 (IL-6) y factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α). La función física y la composición corporal podrían estar relacionadas con estos marcadores inflamatorios en adultos mayores.Objetivo: Analizar la correlación entre marcadores inflamatorios sanguíneos, función física y composición corporal en adultos mayores de la comunidad.Metodología: Estudio transversal con 245 adultos mayores (hombres 68±6 años; mujeres: 69%) de la ciudad de Londrina, Brasil. Se analizaron los niveles sanguíneos de IL-6 y TNF-α con citometría de flujo. Para la evaluación física fue considerado el equilibrio estático con la prueba de estación unipodal (PEU), la fuerza de prensión manual (FPM) utilizando un dinamómetro digital y la capacidad aeróbica con la prueba de caminata de seis minutos (PC6M). Para la evaluación de la composición corporal, fueron considerados los siguientes perímetros: cadera, pantorrilla, cuádriceps, bíceps braquial, tríceps braquial y cintura. Se analizó la correlación de las variables inflamatorias con las de función física y composición corporal, utilizando Pearson o Spearman con el software SPSS versión 22.Resultados: Los niveles de IL-6 se correlacionaron con la PEU (r: -0.22; p: 0.002), el perímetro de tríceps (r: 0.16; p: 0.023) y el de cintura (r: 0.34; p: 0.000). Los niveles de TNF-α se correlacionaron con FPM (r: -0.15; p: 0.035), el perímetro de tríceps (r: 1.79; p: 0.012) y el de cintura (r: 0.27; p< 0.001). Conclusión: Los marcadores inflamatorios están relacionados con menor fuerza, equilibrio estático y un aumento en el perímetro de tríceps y cintura en adultos mayores de la comunidad.(AU)

Introduction: Aging is associated with various chronic dis-eases that cause systemic inflammation, characterized by an in-crease in blood levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Physical function and body compositionmay be related to these inflammatory markers in older adults.Objective: To analyze the correlation between blood in-flammatory markers, physical function and body compositionin community-dwelling older adults.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out with242 community-dwelling older adults (mean age was 68±6years for males and 70±6 years for females; the percentageof men was 36.6% and 69.4% of women) from the city ofLondrina, Brazil. Blood levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were analyzedwith flow cytometry. For the physical evaluation, static balancewas measured with the one-legged stance test (OLS), hand-grip strength (HGS) using a digital dynamometer and aerobiccapacity with the six-minute walk test (6MWT). For the evalu-ation of body composition, the following perimeters were con-sidered: hip, calf, quadriceps, biceps brachii, triceps brachiiand waist. The correlation of inflammatory variables withthose of physical function and body composition was analyzedusing Pearson or Spearman with SPSS version 22 software.Results: IL-6 levels were correlated with OLS (r: -0.22;p:0.002), triceps circumference (r: 0.16; p:0.023) and waist cir-cumference (r: 0.34; p:0.000). TNF-α levels were correlatedwith HGS (r: -0.15; p:0.035), triceps circumference (r: 1.79;p:0.012) and waist circumference (r: 0.27; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Inflammatory biomarkers are related to lowmuscle strength, static balance, and an increase in tricepsand waist circumference.(AU)

Forward Light Scattering of the Vitreous Gel After Enzymatic Aging: An In Vitro Model to Study Vitreous Opacification.

Purpose: Symptomatic vitreous opacifications, so-called floaters, are difficult to objectively assess majorly limiting the possibility of in vitro studies. Forward light scattering was found previously to be increased in eyes with symptomatic floaters. Using an objective setup to measure forward light scattering, we studied the effects of enzymatically digesting the components of the vitreous body on straylight to develop an in vitro model of vitreous opacifications. Methods: Fifty-seven porcine vitreous bodies were digested using hyaluronidase, collagenase, trypsin, and bromelain, as well as using a combination of hyaluronidase + collagenase and hyaluronidase + bromelain. A modified C-Quant setup was used to objectively assess forward light scattering. Results: Depletion of hyaluronic acid majorly increased vitreous straylight (mean increase 34.4 deg2/sr; P = 0.01), whereas primarily digesting the vitreous gel with collagenase or trypsin did not significantly affect straylight. When collagenase or bromelain is applied in hyaluronic acid depleted vitreous gels, the increase in forward light scattering is reversed partially. Conclusions: The age-related loss of hyaluronic acid primarily drives the increase in vitreous gel straylight induced by conglomerates of collagen. This process can be reversed partially by digesting collagen. This in vitro model allows the objective quantification and statistical comparison of straylight burden caused by vitreous opacities and, thus, can serve as a first testing ground for pharmacological therapies, as demonstrated with bromelain.

Musculoskeletal Pain, Physical Activity, Muscle Mass, and Mortality in Older Adults: Results from the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA).

Background and objectives: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain significantly impacts physical activity and quality of life in older adults, potentially influencing mortality. This study explored the relationship between MSK pain, physical activity, muscle mass, and mortality among older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 1000 participants in the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA), a prospective, population-based cohort study of people aged 65 years or older. Survival status was tracked over a 5-year period. Correlations between low back pain (LBP), knee pain, regular exercise, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), and other variables were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for mortality. Results: Of the total participants, 829 (82.9%) survived over a 5-year period. Survivors tended to be younger, had a higher BMI, and were more active in regular exercise. In contrast, non-survivors exhibited a higher prevalence of both LBP and knee pain, along with increased instances of multiple MSK pains. Lower ASM correlated moderately with LBP and knee pain, whereas higher ASM was associated with regular exercise. There was a moderate correlation between LBP and knee pain, both of which were associated with a lack of regular exercise. Age, sex, ASM, and regular exercise were significant predictors, even though MSK pain itself did not directly predict all-cause mortality. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the independent association between ASM, regular exercise, and mortality. Although MSK pain did not directly correlate with all-cause mortality, the non-survivor group had higher levels of both single and multiple MSK pains. Recognizing the interplay of MSK pain, physical activity, and muscle mass for older adults, the research underscores the need for holistic strategies to enhance health outcomes in older individuals with MSK pain.

Anti-Aging in Caenorhabditis elegans of Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua.

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, the dried rhizome of Polygonum multiflorum from the Liliaceae family, is a widely used medicinal herb with a long history of application. Its main active ingredients are polysaccharides, which have been demonstrated in contemporary studies to effectively delay the aging process. In the present study, homogeneous polysaccharide (PCP-1) was obtained after the purification and isolation of polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCP). The anti-aging activities of both were compared, and the possible mechanism of action for exerting anti-aging activity was explored using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Research has indicated that PCP and PCP-1 exhibit potent anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties. Of particular note is that PCP-1 acts better than PCP. The two were able to prolong the lifespan of nematodes, improve the stress resistance of nematodes, reduce the accumulation of lipofuscin in the intestine, decrease the content of ROS and MDA in the body, increase the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, promote the nuclear translocation of DAF-16, down-regulate the mRNA levels of the age-1 and daf-2 genes of the IIS pathway in nematodes, and up-regulate the expression of the daf-16, skn-1, sod-3, and hsp-16.2 genes. Based on the aforementioned findings, it is possible that the mechanism by which PCP and PCP-1 exert anti-aging effects may be through negative regulation of the IIS pathway, activation of the transcription factor DAF-16/FOXO, and enhancement of oxidative defenses and stress resistance in nematodes. Overall, the present study illustrated the great potential of polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in anti-aging and antioxidant activities. Specifically, PCP-1 demonstrated superior characteristics, which provides a reference for the future development of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides.

Characterizing the supraspinal sensorimotor control of walking using MRI-compatible system: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The regulation of gait is critical to many activities of everyday life. When walking, somatosensory information obtained from mechanoreceptors throughout body is delivered to numerous supraspinal networks and used to execute the appropriate motion to meet ever-changing environmental and task demands. Aging and age-related conditions oftentimes alter the supraspinal sensorimotor control of walking, including the responsiveness of the cortical brain regions to the sensorimotor inputs obtained from the peripheral nervous system, resulting in diminished mobility in the older adult population. It is thus important to explicitly characterize such supraspinal sensorimotor elements of walking, providing knowledge informing novel rehabilitative targets. The past efforts majorly relied upon mental imagery or virtual reality to study the supraspinal control of walking. Recent efforts have been made to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible devices simulating specific somatosensory and/or motor aspects of walking. However, there exists large variance in the design and functionality of these devices, and as such inconsistent functional MRI (fMRI) observations. METHODS: We have therefore completed a systematic review to summarize current achievements in the development of these MRI-compatible devices and synthesize available imaging results emanating from studies that have utilized these devices. RESULTS: The device design, study protocol and neuroimaging observations of 26 studies using 13 types of devices were extracted. Three of these devices can provide somatosensory stimuli, eight motor stimuli, and two both types of stimuli. Our review demonstrated that using these devices, fMRI data of brain activation can be successfully obtained when participants remain motionless and experience sensorimotor stimulation during fMRI acquisition. The activation in multiple cortical (e.g., primary sensorimotor cortex) and subcortical (e.g., cerebellum) regions has been each linked to these types of walking-related sensorimotor stimuli. CONCLUSION: The observations of these publications suggest the promise of implementing these devices to characterize the supraspinal sensorimotor control of walking. Still, the evidence level of these neuroimaging observations was still low due to small sample size and varied study protocols, which thus needs to be confirmed via studies with more rigorous design.

Effects of Exercise Training and L-Arginine Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Hippocampus Histopathology, ß-Secretase Enzyme Function, APP, Tau, Iba1and APOE-4 mRNA in Aging Rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined and independent effects of exercise training and L-Arginine loaded chitosan nanoparticles (LA CNPs) supplementation on hippocampal Tau, App, Iba1, and ApoE gene expression, oxidative stress, ß-secretase enzyme activity, and hippocampus histopathology in aging rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 7 in each): Young (8 weeks old), Old (20 months old), old + L-arginine supplementation (Old Sup), old + exercise (Old Exe) and old + L-arginine supplementation + exercise (Old Sup + Exe). LA CNPs were administered to the supplement groups through gavage at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day for 6-weeks. Exercise groups were subjected to a swimming exercise program five days/week for the same duration. Upon the completion of their interventions, the animals underwent behavioral and open-field task tests and were subsequently sacrificed for hippocampus genetic and histopathological evaluation. For histopathological analysis of brain, Cresyl violet staining was used. Congo Red staining was employed to confirm amyloid plaques in the hippocampus. Expressions of Tau, App, Iba1, and ApoE genes were determined by real-time PCR. In contrast to the Old group, Old Exe and Old Sup + Exe groups spent more time in the central space in the open field task (p < 0.05) and have more live cells in the hippocampus. Old rats (Old, Old Sup and Old Exe groups) exhibited a significant Aß peptide accumulation and increases in APP, Tau, Iba1, APOE-4 mRNA and MDA, along with decreases in SOD compared to the young group (p < 0.05). However, LA CNPs supplementation, exercise, and their combination (Old Sup, Old Exe and Old Sup + Exe) significantly reduced MDA, Aß plaque as well as APP, Tau, Iba1, and APOE-4 mRNA compared to the Old group (p < 0.05). Consequently, the administration of LA CNPs supplements and exercise might regulate the risk factors of hippocampus cell and tissue.

Transcriptomic analysis to identify genes associated with hypothalamus vulnerability in aging mice with cognitive decline.

The normal aging process is accompanied by cognitive decline, and previous studies have indicated the crucial role of the hypothalamus in regulating both aging and cognition. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. Therefore, this present study aimed to identify potential predictors of cognitive decline associated with aging specifically within the hypothalamus. To achieve this, we employed Morris water maze (MWM) testing to assess learning and memory differences between young and aged mice. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the hypothalamus of young and aged mice to identify potential genes. Subsequently, GO and KEGG analyses were performed to investigate the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their associated biological pathways. Finally, the results obtained from sequencing analysis were further validated using qRT-PCR. Notably, MWM testing revealed a significant decrease in spatial learning and memory ability among aged mice. According to KEGG analysis, the DEGs primarily encompassed various biochemical signaling pathways related to immune system (e.g., C3; C4b; Ccl2; Ccl7; Cebpb; Clec7a; Col3a1; Cxcl10; Cxcl2; Fosb; Fosl1; Gbp5; H2-Ab1; Hspa1a; Hspa1b; Icam1; Il1b; Itga5; Itgax; Lilrb4a; Plaur; Ptprc; Serpine1; Tnfrsf10b; Tnfsf10), neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Atp2a1; Creb5; Fzd10; Hspa1a; Hspa1b; Il1b; Kcnj10; Nxf3; Slc6a3; Tubb6; Uba1y; Wnt9b), nervous system function (e.g., Chrna4; Chrna6; Creb5; Slc6a3),and aging (e.g., Creb5; Hspa1a; Hspa1b) among others. These identified genes may serve as potential predictors for cognitive function in elderly individuals and will provide a crucial foundation for further exploration into the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Astragalus membranaceus Polysaccharide Regulates Small Intestinal Microbes and Activates IL-22 Signal Pathway to Promote Intestinal Stem Cell Regeneration in Aging Mice.

Aging can cause degenerative changes in multiple tissues and organs. Gastrointestinal diseases and dysfunctions are common in the elderly population. In this study, we investigated the effects of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (APS) and Astragalus membranaceus ethanol extract (AEE) on age-related intestinal dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis in naturally aging mice. The energy expenditure and physical activity of 23-month-old C57BL6/J mice were recorded using a metabolic cage system. Pathological changes in the intestine were evaluated using Alcian blue staining. The protein levels of leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) and Stat3 in the small intestine were determined using immunohistochemistry. The intestinal cell migration distance was assessed using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunofluorescence staining. The gene transcription levels of intestinal stem cell (ISC) markers and ISC-related signaling pathways were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Microbiota analysis based on 16S rDNA was performed to evaluate the composition of the gut microbiota. APS and AEE improved a series of aging phenotypes in female but not in male aging mice. APS and AEE ameliorate intestinal dysfunction and histopathological changes in aging mice. APS had a more significant anti-aging effect than AEE, particularly on intestinal dysfunction. APS promotes ISC regeneration by activating the IL-22 signaling pathway. Cohousing (CH) experiments further confirmed that APS induced the IL-22 signaling pathway by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus, thereby promoting the regeneration of ISCs. Our results show that APS may serve as a promising agent for improving age-related intestinal dysfunction.

Challenges in ageing persons with haemophilia.

As treatments for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders improve, life expectancy increases and is approaching that of the normal population. Concomitant with this we are now seeing the problems of ageing in the bleeding disorder population. Although the clear-cut association between low clotting factor levels and risk of bleeding is well recognised, a relationship between high levels, some non-factor therapies and thrombotic risk also exists. The management of thrombosis in persons with inherited bleeding disorders is complex but manageable with modern treatments and collaboration in decision making between health care professionals and patients. Despite the improvements in treatment and reduction in bleeding, mostly musculoskeletal pain continues to be a major issue with advancing age. The management of pain amongst older people with haemophilia who may have multiple comorbidities should involve a person-centred, holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to support and optimise long-term physical functioning and overall quality of life.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sepsis: Identifying key aging-related biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis remains a crucial global health issue characterized by high mortality rates and a lack of specific treatments. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis and to identify potential therapeutic targets and compounds. METHODS: High-throughput sequencing data from the GEO database (GSE26440 as the training set and GSE13904 and GSE32707 as the validation sets), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, alongside a combination of PPI and machine learning methods (LASSO and SVM) were utilized. RESULTS: WGCNA identified the black module as positively correlated, and the green module as negatively correlated with sepsis. Further intersections of these module genes with age-related genes yielded 57 sepsis-related genes. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, PPI, LASSO, and SVM selected six hub aging-related genes: BCL6, FOS, ETS1, ETS2, MAPK14, and MYC. A diagnostic model was constructed based on these six core genes, presenting commendable performance in both the training and validation sets. Notably, ETS1 demonstrated significant differential expression between mild and severe sepsis, indicating its potential as a biomarker of severity. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis of these six core genes revealed their correlation with most immune cells and immune-related pathways. Additionally, compounds were identified in the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen, which upon further analysis, revealed 354 potential target proteins. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these targets indicated a primary enrichment in inflammation and immune-related pathways. A Venn diagram intersects these target proteins, and our aforementioned six core genes yielded three common genes, suggesting the potential efficacy of Danshen in sepsis treatment through these genes. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the pivotal roles of age-related genes in the molecular mechanisms of sepsis, offers potential biomarkers, and identifies promising therapeutic compounds, laying a robust foundation for future studies on the treatment of sepsis.

Codonopsis pilosula water extract delays D-galactose-induced aging of the brain in mice by activating autophagy and regulating metabolism.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Codonopsis pilosula (C. pilosula), also called "Dangshen" in Chinese, is derived from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. (C. pilosula), Codonopsis pilosula var. Modesta (Nannf.) L.D.Shen (C. pilosula var. modesta) or Codonopsis pilosula subsp. Tangshen (Oliv.) D.Y.Hong (C. pilosula subsp. tangshen), is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. It has been regularly used for anti-aging, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the lungs, regulating blood sugar, lowering blood pressure, strengthening the body's immune system, etc. However, the mechanism, by which, C. pilosula exerts its therapeutic effects on brain aging remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of C. pilosula water extract (CPWE) on the hippocampal tissue of D-galactose-induced aging mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, plant taxonomy has been confirmed in the "The Plant List" database (www.theplantlist.org). First, an aging mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose solution, and low-, medium-, and high-dose CPWE were administered to mice by gavage for 42 days. Then, the learning and memory abilities of the mice were examined using the Morris water maze tests and step-down test. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to visualize histopathological damage in the hippocampus. A transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the marker protein of astrocyte activation, and autophagy-related proteins, including microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1)/p62, in the hippocampal tissues of mice. Moreover, targeted metabolomic analysis was performed to assess the changes in polar metabolites and short-chain fatty acids in the hippocampus. RESULTS: First, CPWE alleviated cognitive impairment and ameliorated hippocampal tissue damage in aging mice. Furthermore, CPWE markedly alleviated mitochondrial damage, restored the number of autophagosomes, and activated autophagy in the hippocampal tissue of aging mice by increasing the expression of LC3 protein and reducing the expression of p62 protein. Meanwhile, the expression levels of the brain injury marker protein GFAP decreased. Moreover, quantitative targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that CPWE intervention reversed the abnormal levels of L-asparagine, L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, serotonin hydrochloride, succinic acid, and acetic acid in the hippocampal tissue of aging mice. CPWE also significantly regulated pathways associated with D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolisms, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS: CPWE could improve cognitive and pathological conditions induced by D-galactose in aging mice by activating autophagy and regulating metabolism, thereby slowing down brain aging.

Exploring the impact of information and communication technologies on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

BACKGROUND: Recognizing the escalating public health concerns of loneliness and social isolation in aging populations, this study seeks to comprehensively explore the potential of information and communication technology (ICT)-based interventions to address these issues among older adults. This scoping review of reviews aims to map and synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness and scope of ICT interventions targeting loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults, elucidating types of technology, impacts, facilitators, barriers, and research gaps. METHODS: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, we systematically searched eight diverse databases identifying relevant published reviews. We included English-written, peer-reviewed reviews of all types, with no limits regarding time of publication about ICTs targeting loneliness and/or social isolation for community-dwelling older adults. Eligible reviews were analysed and summarized, offering a holistic narrative of the reported types of ICTs and their impact, the identified facilitators and barriers influencing the implementation and adoption of ICT interventions, and the research gaps identified in the literature. RESULTS: The review included 39 publications published between 2012 and 2024, spanning systematic, scoping, and reviews of reviews. Various ICTs were reported, primarily social media virtual communities, followed by video-mediated friendly visits, conversational agents, social robots, exergames and online gameplay. Predominantly positive impacts on mitigating social isolation and loneliness were evident for these ICTs, although methodological diversity and contradictory findings complicated definite conclusions. Facilitators and barriers encompassed individual competencies, access and usage, and intervention design and implementation. Research gaps involved targeting specific subgroups, exploring innovative technologies, incorporating diverse study designs, improving research methodologies, and addressing usability and accessibility. Future research should focus on identifying elderly individuals who can benefit the most from ICT use, exploring novel technologies, using a wider range of study designs, and enhancing usability and accessibility considerations. CONCLUSIONS: This review sheds light on the diverse range of ICTs, their impact, and the facilitators and barriers associated with their use. Future investigations should prioritize refining outcome measures, addressing gender differences, and enhancing the usability and accessibility of interventions. The involvement of older adults in the design process and the exploration of technological training interventions hold promise in overcoming barriers.

Resistance training maintains physical function but does not prevent changes in body composition and biochemical markers after detraining in aging adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of resistance training (RT) and subsequent 4 weeks of detraining on physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. METHODS: The study sample was selected by convenience and consisted of 12 women with a mean age of 58 ± 7 years. Physical function [Latin-American Group of Development for Maturity (GDLAM) general index], body composition, total and fractional cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia were assessed before and after RT (10 weeks) and detraining (4 weeks). RESULTS: After 10 weeks of RT, there were improvements in fat-free mass (39.1 ± 4.2 vs. 39.9 ± 4.4 kg; p < 0.05 and d = 0.2), fat mass (39.9 ± 6.3% vs. 38.7 ± 6.4%; p < 0.05 and d = -0.2), conicity index (1.47 ± 0.07 vs. 1.43 ± 0.06; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6), and physical function (GDLAM index [27.2 ± 5.5 vs. 25.0 ± 4.7; p = 0.001 and d = -0.4]). Significant improvements were also found in total cholesterol (271.8 ± 75.7 vs. 217.2 ± 52.2 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.8), LDL-cholesterol (196.5 ± 61.6 vs. 159.3 ± 38.5 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.7), HDL-cholesterol (53.1 ± 7.3 vs. 64.3 ± 23.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05 and d = 0.7), and triglycerides (165.8 ± 32.6 vs. 139.9 ± 46.6 mg/dL; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6). After the detraining period, all benefits in physical function were successfully maintained. CONCLUSION: RT provided benefits in physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. However, 4-week detraining impaired body composition and biochemical markers in the investigated sample.

Influence of the pilates method on postural balance parameters in older women: An exploratory single-arm trial.

BACKGROUND: Human aging is a natural, biological, progressive, dynamic and complex process that involves morphological, physiological and social changes. Alterations such as decreased postural balance increase the risk of falls and exercise has shown benefits. One of the possible exercise modalities for this population is Pilates. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of Pilates on parameters of static and dynamic postural balance in older women. METHODS: Women aged 60 years or over were evaluated at three time points (pre-training, mid-training, and post-training). Postural balance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and a force platform. The Pilates exercise protocol consisted of 16 sessions, twice a week, lasting 50 min each. Normality of the data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test was used for comparison between assessments. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Fourteen older women were included. Assessment on the force platform revealed no significant differences for most of the variables evaluated. There was a significant difference in SPPB scores and TUG times pre- and post-treatment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pilates training significantly improved dynamic postural balance evaluated by the TUG and SPPB but did not significantly improve static balance evaluated by the force platform, although the values have decreased in most assessments.

The effect of different types of cognitive tasks on postural sway fluctuations in older and younger adults: A nonlinear study.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous types of cognitive tasks classified as mental tracking (MT), working memory (WM), reaction time (RT), discrimination and decision-making and verbal fluency (VF). However, limited studies have investigated the effects of cognitive task type on postural control in older adults. PURPOSE: s: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aging and several types of cognitive tasks on postural control in terms of nonlinear analysis. METHOD: Postural control was investigated under 6 conditions (single task and dual-task with RT; easy and difficult VF; easy and difficult WM; easy and difficult MT. Outcome measurements were the max Lyapunov, entropy, and correlation dimension at anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. RESULTS: The results revealed that within the older group, the AP & ML max Lyapunov at dual-task with difficult WM and MT was significantly higher than all other conditions. In addition, the older group had lower AP entropy at dual-task with easy VF, difficult WM, and easy as well as difficult MT. CONCLUSION: The results can be useful to understand the postural control mechanisms and to detect the alterations following aging and applying different types of cognitive tasks. In addition, the investigated parameters can be a basis for identifying postural control deficiencies.