HERV-W upregulation expression in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: unraveling potential links to systemic immune/inflammation status.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are the two main mental disorders with unknown etiology that significantly impact individuals' quality of life. The potential pro-inflammatory role in their pathogenesis is postulated and Human Endogenous Retrovirus W (HERV-W) is an emerging candidate to modulate this pathogenic finding. HERVs, ancient retroviruses in the human genome, may play roles in inflammation and disease pathogenesis. Despite HERVs' involvement in autoimmune diseases, their influence on mental disorders remains underexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of HERV-W-env expression and the systemic inflammatory profile through the concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and INF-γ cytokines in BD and SZ patients. RESULTS: All participants showed HERV-W-env expression, but its expression was higher in mental disorder patients (p < 0.01) than in control. When separated, SZ individuals exhibited higher HERV-W expression than the control group (p < 0.01). Higher serum levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were found in BD (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and SZ (p = 0.01) and p = 0.01, respectively) than in the control group, while SZ showed decreased levels IFN-γ and IL-2 as compared to controls (p = 0.05) and BD patients (p = 0.05), respectively. Higher TNF-α/IL-4 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios, and lower IFN-γ/IL-10 were observed in BD and SZ patients than controls. Significant negative correlation between HERV-W-env expression and IL-10 (r=-0.47 p < 0.05), as well as positive correlations between HERV-W-env expression and TNF-α/IL-10 or IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios (r = 0.48 p < 0.05 and r = 0.46 p < 0.05, respectively) were found in BD patients. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest not only a potential link between HERV-W-env expression both in BD and SZ, but also a possible involvement of systemic inflammatory status in BD patients.

Expression of monocyte chemokine receptors in diabetes after non-surgical periodontal treatment: A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment in the expression of chemokine receptors, in individuals with Periodontitis, associated or not with Diabetes. Pilot study, which included patients (n = 45) with Periodontitis, associated (n = 25) or not (n = 20) with Diabetes, submitted to the non-surgical periodontal treatment for one month. The expression of chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 at the mRNA level was evaluated in the peripheral mononuclear cells, as well as the expression of these receptors at the protein level was verified in monocyte subtypes (classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes). There was higher expression of CCR2 and CCR5 receptors at the initial visit in the group with Diabetes, with no differences for CX3CR1 (p = 0.002; p = 0.018, and p = 0.896, respectively), without differences after treatment. There was higher expression of CCR2 and CCR5 proteins in the group with Diabetes at the initial visit for classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes, with no differences for CX3CR1 (CCR2: p = 0.004; p = 0.026; p = 0.024; CCR5: 0.045; p = 0.045; p = 0.013; CX3CR1: p = 0.424; p = 0.944; p = 0.392, respectively), without differences after the end of treatment. Concerning each group separately, there were reductions in the expression of CCR2 as well as CCR5 in classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes, and reduction of CX3CR1 in classical monocytes after treatment in the group with Diabetes (p = 0.003; p = 0.006; p = 0.039; p = 0.007; p = 0.006; p = 0.004; p = 0.019, respectively), without differences in the group without Diabetes. The expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5, in patients with Periodontitis associated with Diabetes, is favorably modified after the end of the non-surgical periodontal treatment.

The advantages of physical exercise as a preventive strategy against NAFLD in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increase in women after menopause. This narrative review discusses the causes and consequences of NAFLD in postmenopausal women and describes how physical activity can contribute to its prevention. METHODS: The authors followed the narrative review method to perform a critical and objective analysis of the current knowledge on the topic. The Medical Subject Heading keywords 'physical exercise', 'menopause', 'hormone replacement therapy', 'estradiol' and 'NAFLD' were used to establish a conceptual framework. The databases used to collect relevant references included Medline and specialized high-impact journals. RESULTS: Higher visceral adiposity, higher rate of lipolysis in adipose tissue after oestrogen drop and changes in the expression of housekeeping proteins involved in hepatic lipid management are observed in women after menopause, contributing to NAFLD. Excessive liver steatosis leads to hepatic insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating NAFLD progression. Physical activity brings beneficial effects against several postmenopausal-associated complications, including NAFLD progression. Aerobic and resistance exercises partially counteract alterations induced by metabolic syndrome in sedentary postmenopausal women, impacting NAFLD progression and severity. CONCLUSIONS: With the increased global obesity epidemic in developing countries, NAFLD is becoming a severe problem with increased prevalence in women after menopause. Evidence shows that physical activity may delay NAFLD development and severity in postmenopausal women, although the prescription of age-appropriate physical activity programmes is advisable to assure the health benefits.

Sustaining efficient immune functions with regular physical exercise in the COVID-19 era and beyond.

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) appearance in Wuhan, China, did rise the new virus disease (COVID-19), which spread globally in a short time, leading the World Health Organization to declare a new global pandemic. To contain and mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, specific public health procedures were implemented in virtually all countries, with a significant impact on society, making it difficult to keep the regular practice of physical activity. It is widely accepted that an active lifestyle contributes to the improvement of general health and preservation of cardiovascular, respiratory, osteo-muscular and immune system capacities. The positive effects of regular physical activity on the immune system have emerged as a pivotal trigger of general health, underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity on multiple physiological systems. Accordingly, recent studies have already pointed out the negative impact of physical inactivity caused by the social isolation imposed by the public sanitary authorities due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, there are still no current narrative reviews evaluating the real impact of COVID-19 on active lifestyle or even discussing the possible beneficial effects of exercise-promoted immune upgrade against the severity or progression of COVID-19. Based on the consensus in the scientific literature, in this review, we discuss how an exercise adherence could adequately improve immune responses in times of the 'COVID-19 Era and beyond'.

BMP-7, MMP-9, and TGF-ß tissue remodeling proteins and their correlations with interleukins 6 and 10 in chronic rhinosinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) and Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) present distinct tissue remodeling processes. The proteins involved in the process of tissue remodeling have their production and activity related to the inflammatory environment they are. This study aimed to evaluate the protein expression of BMP-7, MMP-9, TGF-ß in chronic sinusitis with and without nasal polyposis and their relations with IL-6 and IL-10. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study with 86 participants was divided into three groups: patients with CRSwNP (n = 34), patients with CRSsNP (n = 26), and a control group (CG) without inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa (n = 26). The primary outcomes were the concentrations of BMP-7, MMP-9, TGF-ß, IL-6, and IL-10. Secondary outcomes were the correlations of these markers. RESULTS: The TGF-ß dosage was elevated in the CRSsNP group and reduced in the CSwNP group. The dosage of IL-6 was higher in the CSwNP group, and the IL-10 dosage lower in the groups with sinusitis, and IL-10 was positively correlated with BMP-7 in all groups. There was a negative correlation between IL-6 and IL-10 in all groups observed. The correlation between MMP-9 and interleukins was lost in the CRSsNP group. There was a positive correlation between TGF-ß and IL-6 in the CG, and negative in the CRSsNP group. CONCLUSION: An inflammation shown in rhinosinusitis with an increase in IL-6 and decrease in IL-10 when compared with the control group; only TGF-ß was altered in the tissue remodeling process when compared with BMP-7 and MMP-9 in rhinosinusitis. There is a loss of correlation between tissue remodeling proteins and interleukins studied in CRSsNP.

Creatine supplementation impairs airway inflammation in an experimental model of asthma involving P2 × 7 receptor.

Creatine (Cr) is a substrate for adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and it is the most used dietary supplement among professional and recreative athletes and sportsmen. Creatine supplementation may increase allergic airway response, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms are unknown. We used murine model of OVA-induced chronic asthma and showed that Cr supplementation increased total proteins, ATP level, lymphocytes, macrophages, and IL-5 levels in BALF, as well as IL-5 in the supernatant of re-stimulated mediastinal lymph nodes. IL-5 and IL-13 expression by epithelial cells and by peribronchial leukocytes were increased by Cr. Cr augmented the expression of P2 × 7 receptor by peribronchial leukocytes and by epithelial cells, and increased the accumulation of eosinophils in peribronchial space and of collagen fibers in airway wall. In human cells, while Cr induced a release of ATP, IL-6, and IL-8 from BEAS-2B cells, whole blood cells, such as eosinophils, and CD4+ T cells, P2 × 7 receptor inhibitor (A740003) reduced such effects, as denoted by reduced levels of ATP, IL-6, and IL-8. Therefore, Cr supplementation worsened asthma pathology due to activation of airway epithelial cells and peribronchial leukocytes, involving purinergic signaling.

Premenstrual Syndrome, Inflammatory Status, and Mood States in Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the inflammatory profile and mood states in the different phases of the menstrual cycle in soccer players with and without premenstrual syndrome (PMS). METHODS: Data on the menstrual cycle and mood states were collected using the Daily Symptom Report and the Brunel Mood Scale. Cytokine and stress hormone concentrations were measured in urine by flow cytometry before and after a game in the luteal phase and in the follicular phase of one menstrual cycle. RESULTS: In all, 59.6% of the athletes had PMS. The PMS group showed higher concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 than the athletes without PMS. After the game, IL-6 decreased in the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The tumor necrosis factor-α levels were higher in the group without PMS during the post-game follicular phase than before the game. In the PMS group, tension was higher in the follicular phase before the game and depression was higher in the pre-game luteal phase than in the group without PMS. The PMS group also presented a negative correlation between depression and IL-10 levels in the pre-game follicular phase. Finally, in the pre-game luteal phase were found positive correlations between growth hormone and IL-10. CONCLUSION: PMS influences the inflammatory condition related to mood states and stress hormones in female soccer players.

Aerobic exercise inhibits acute lung injury: from mouse to human evidence Exercise reduced lung injury markers in mouse and in cells.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined as hypoxemic respiratory failure with intense pulmonary inflammation, involving hyperactivation of endothelial cells and neutrophils. Given the anti-inflammatory effects of aerobic exercise (AE), this study investigated whether AE performed daily for 5 weeks would inhibit extra-pulmonary LPS-induced ARDS. C57Bl/6 mice were distributed into Control, Exercise, LPS and Exercise+LPS groups. AE was performed on a treadmill for 5x/week for four weeks before LPS administration. 24hours after the final AE physical test, animals received 100ug of LPS intra-peritoneally. In addition, whole blood cell culture, neutrophils and human endothelial cells were preincubated with IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine induced by exercise. AE reduced total protein levels (p<0.01) and neutrophil accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (p<0.01) and lung parenchyma (p<0.01). AE reduced BAL inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and GM-CSF (p<0.001), CXCL1/KC, IL-17, TNF-alpha and IGF-1 (p<0.01). Systemically, AE reduced IL-1ß, IL-6 and IFN-gamma (p<0.001), CXCL1/KC (p<0.01) and TNF-alpha (p<0.05). AE increased IL-10 levels in serum (p<0.001) and BAL (p<0.001). Furthermore, AE increased superoxide dismutase SOD (p<0.01) and decreased superoxide anion accumulation in the lungs (p<0.01). Lastly, pre-incubation with IL-10 significantly reduced LPS-induced activation of whole blood cells, neutrophils and HUVECs, as observed by reduced production of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha. Our data suggest that AE inhibited LPS-induced lung inflammation by attenuating inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in mice and human cell culture via enhanced IL-10 production.

Exercise-Induced Change in Plasma IL-12p70 Is Linked to Migraine Prevention and Anxiolytic Effects in Treatment-Naïve Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a 12-week aerobic exercise program for migraine prevention, plasma cytokines concentrations (TNF-α, interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70), and anxiety in women with migraine. METHODS: Women with episodic migraine (ICHD-II), aged between 20 and 50 years, who had never taken any prophylactic medication, and were physically inactive in the past 12 months were recruited from the university's hospital and a tertiary headache clinic between March 2012 and March 2015. Migraine attacks were recorded in headache diaries, cytokines were quantified by flow cytometry, and anxiety was assessed by the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale. Blood sampling and psychometric interviews were undertaken on headache-free days. RESULTS: Twenty participants ([mean ± SD] age 33.8 ± 10.5; BMI 26 ± 5.2) were randomly assigned and received intervention ("trained": n = 10) or entered on a waitlist ("inactive": n = 10). There were no differences between groups regarding patients' characteristics and baseline data. Days with migraine (p = 0.001), IL-12p70 levels (p = 0.036), and GAD-7 score (p = 0.034) were significantly reduced in the trained group after the intervention period, but there were no significant changes in these variables in the inactive group. There was no change in the levels of the other cytokines in either group. There were positive correlations between a reduction in IL-12p70 level and a reduction in the number of days with migraine (R2 = 0.19, p = 0.045), and GAD-7 score (R2 = 0.53, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The clinical and psychological therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise in treatment-naïve women with migraine may involve the downregulation of IL-12p70.

Effects of drinking desalinated seawater on cell viability and proliferation.

Desalination of seawater is becoming an important means to address the increasing scarcity of freshwater resources in the world. Seawater has been used as drinking water in the health, food, and medical fields and various beneficial effects have been suggested, although not confirmed. Given the presence of 63 minerals and trace elements in drinking desalinated seawater (63 DSW), we evaluated their effects on the behavior of tumorigenic and nontumorigenic cells through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining. Our results showed that cell viability and proliferation in the presence of 63 DSW were significantly greater than in mineral water and in the presence of fetal bovine serum in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, 63 DSW showed no toxic effect on murine embryonic fibroblast (NIH-3T3) and murine melanoma (B16-F10) cells. In another assay, we also showed that pre-treatment of non-adherent THP-1 cells with 63 DSW reduces apoptosis incidence, suggesting a protective effect against cell death. We conclude that cell viability and proliferation were improved by the mineral components of 63 DSW and this effect can guide further studies on health effects associated with DSW consumption.

Acute strength exercise training impacts differently the HERV-W expression and inflammatory biomarkers in resistance exercise training individuals.

BACKGROUND: Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are fossil viruses that composes 8% of the human genome and plays several important roles in human physiology, including muscle repair/myogenesis. It is believed that inflammation may also regulate HERV expression, and therefore may contribute in the muscle repair, especially after training exercise. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level of HERVs expression and inflammation profile in practitioners' resistance exercises after an acute strength training session. METHODS: Healthy volunteers were separated in regular practitioners of resistance exercise training group (REG, n = 27) and non-trained individuals (Control Group, n = 20). All individuals performed a strength exercise section. Blood samples were collected before the exercise (T0) and 45 minutes after the training session (T1). HERV-K (HML1-10) and W were relatively quantified, cytokine concentration and circulating microparticles were assessed. RESULTS: REG presented higher level of HERV-W expression (~2.5 fold change) than CG at T1 (p<0.01). No difference was observed in the levels of HERV-K expression between the groups as well as the time points. Higher serum TNF-α and IL-10 levels were verified post-training session in REG and CG (p<0.01), and in REG was found a positive correlation between the levels of TNF-α at T1 and IL-10 at T0 (p = 0.01). Finally, a lower endothelial microparticle percentage was observed in REG at T1 than in T0 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: REG individuals exhibited a significant upregulation of HERV-W and modulation of inflammatory markers when compared to CG. This combined effect could potentially support the process of skeletal muscle repair in the exercised individuals.

Beyond pathogens: the intriguing genetic legacy of endogenous retroviruses in host physiology.

The notion that viruses played a crucial role in the evolution of life is not a new concept. However, more recent insights suggest that this perception might be even more expansive, highlighting the ongoing impact of viruses on host evolution. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are considered genomic remnants of ancient viral infections acquired throughout vertebrate evolution. Their exogenous counterparts once infected the host's germline cells, eventually leading to the permanent endogenization of their respective proviruses. The success of ERV colonization is evident so that it constitutes 8% of the human genome. Emerging genomic studies indicate that endogenous retroviruses are not merely remnants of past infections but rather play a corollary role, despite not fully understood, in host genetic regulation. This review presents some evidence supporting the crucial role of endogenous retroviruses in regulating host genetics. We explore the involvement of human ERVs (HERVs) in key physiological processes, from their precise and orchestrated activities during cellular differentiation and pluripotency to their contributions to aging and cellular senescence. Additionally, we discuss the costs associated with hosting a substantial amount of preserved viral genetic material.

Anticonvulsant activity of bone marrow cells in electroconvulsive seizures in mice.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow is an accessible source of progenitor cells, which have been investigated as treatment for neurological diseases in a number of clinical trials. Here we evaluated the potential benefit of bone marrow cells in protecting against convulsive seizures induced by maximum electroconvulsive shock (MES), a widely used model for screening of anti-epileptic drugs. Behavioral and inflammatory responses were measured after MES induction in order to verify the effects promoted by transplantation of bone marrow cells. To assess the anticonvulsant effects of bone marrow cell transplantation, we measured the frequency and duration of tonic seizure, the mortality rate, the microglial expression and the blood levels of cytokine IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α after MES induction. We hypothesized that these behavioral and inflammatory responses to a strong stimulus such as a convulsive seizure could be modified by the transplantation of bone marrow cells. RESULTS: Bone marrow transplanted cells altered the convulsive threshold and showed anticonvulsant effect by protecting from tonic seizures. Bone marrow cells modified the microglial expression in the analyzed brain areas, increased the IL-10 and attenuate IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow cells exert protective effects by blocking the course of electroconvulsive seizures. Additionally, electroconvulsive seizures induced acute inflammatory responses by altering the pattern of microglia expression, as well as in IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Our findings also indicated that the anticonvulsant effects of these cells can be tested with the MES model following the same paradigm used for drug testing in pharmacological screening. Studies on the inflammatory reaction in response to acute seizures in the presence of transplanted bone marrow cells might open a wide range of discussions on the mechanisms relevant to the pathophysiology of epilepsies.

Monocyte chemokine receptors as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases.

Chemokine receptors are fundamental in many processes related to cardiovascular diseases, such as monocyte migration to vessel walls, cell adhesion, and angiogenesis, among others. Even though many experimental studies have shown the utility of blocking these receptors or their ligands in the treatment of atherosclerosis, the findings in clinical research are still poor. Thus, in the current review we aimed to describe some promising results concerning the blockade of chemokine receptors as therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and also to discuss some challenges that need to be overcome before using these strategies in clinical practice.

Impact of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis on IL-12 and IL-8.

Introduction: The pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis is coordinated by distinct inflammatory reactions in different individuals. Inflammatory environments with a predominance of Th2 lymphocytes tend also to be rich in eosinophils. These environments are common during the formation of nasal polyps associated with aspirin intolerance, which is also marked by an increase in inflammatory mediators, especially IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Despite the significance of these inflammatory mediators, the relevance of IL-12 subunits' presence within eosinophilic nasal polyps, however, has been less studied. The current study aims to evaluate the presence of IL-12 subunits, IL-12p40 and IL-12p70, in eosinophilic nasal polyps and their correlations with IL-8 presence. Materials and Methods: We compared the concentrations of IL-8, IL12p40, and IL12p70 among samples of eosinophilic nasal polypoid tissue, eosinophilic nasal polypoid tissue associated with aspirin intolerance, and healthy nasal mucosa, using an indirect immunoassay (ELISA) kit. Results: When compared to healthy nasal mucosa, there was a lower concentration of IL-8 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyp (CRSwNP) tissue. Aspirin Intolerant polypoid tissue also presented a lower concentration of IL-12 subunits compared to healthy nasal mucosa. There was no significant correlation between IL-8 and IL-12 in the eosinophilic polypoid conditions. Conclusion: In CRSwNP, there is a reduction in IL-8 and IL-12 subunits compared to control, with a lack of correlation between IL-12 and IL-8. The lack of correlation can be justified by a type two inflammatory storm environment.

Irisin: An anti-inflammatory exerkine in aging and redox-mediated comorbidities.

Human beings lead largely sedentary lives. From an evolutionary perspective, such lifestyle is not beneficial to health. Exercise can promote many enabling pathways, particularly through circulating exerkines, to optimize individual health and quality of life. Such benefits might explain the protective effects of exercise against aging and noncommunicable diseases. Nevertheless, the miRNA-mediated molecular mechanisms and exerkine interorgan crosstalk that underlie the beneficial effects of exercise remain poorly understood. In this mini review, we focused on the exerkine, irisin, mainly produced by muscle contraction during adaptation to exercise and its beneficial effects on body homeostasis. Herein, the complex role of irisin in metabolism and inflammation is described, including its subsequent effects on thermogenesis through browning to control obesity and improve glycemic regulation for diabetes mellitus control, its potential to improve cognitive function (via brain derived neurotrophic factor), and its pathways of action and role in aging.

Impact of Exercise Interventions on Sustained Brain Health Outcomes in Frail Older Individuals: A Comprehensive Review of Systematic Reviews.

Several systematic review studies highlight exercise's positive impact on brain health outcomes for frail individuals. This study adopts a Comprehensive Review of reviews (CRs) approach to amalgamate data from existing reviews, focusing on exercise's influence on brain health outcomes in older frail and pre-frail adults. The methodology involves a thorough search of Portuguese, Spanish, and English-indexed databases (i.e., Ebsco Health, Scielo, ERIC, LILACS, Medline, Web of Science, SportDiscus) from 1990 to 2022, with the AMSTAR-2 tool assessing evidence robustness. The search terms "physical exercise", "elderly frail", and "systematic review" were employed. Results: Out of 12 systematically reviewed studies, four presented high-quality (with metanalyses), while eight exhibit critically low quality. Positive trends emerge in specific cognitive and neuromotor aspects, yet challenges persist in psychosocial domains, complex cognitive tasks, and ADL outcomes. This study yields reasonable and promising evidence regarding exercise's influence on quality of life and depression in frail older individuals. However, the impact on biochemical markers remains inconclusive, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of acknowledging methodological nuances for clinicians and policymakers when translating these results into impactful interventions for aging populations. This emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive and customized approach to exercise interventions aimed at fostering the sustainability of overall well-being in older individuals, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Association among inflammaging, body composition, physical activity, and physical function tests in physically active women.

Background: Inflammaging is a phenomenon that has been associated with the development and progression of sarcopenia and frailty syndrome. According to the literature, on the one side, the increase in body fat is associated with a systemic pro-inflammatory status, which consequently favors inflammaging, and on the other side, the regular practice of physical exercise can mitigate the development of this scenario. Therefore, here, we aimed to evaluate the association between inflammaging and physical factors, both body and functional, in a group of physically active older women. Methods: Seventy older women (mean age 72.66 ± 6.17 years) participated in this observational cross-sectional and were separated into the eutrophic, overweight, and obese groups. It was assessed: by bioimpedance-body fat percentage (Fat%) and total (Fat kg), skeletal muscle mass (muscle), and free fat mass both in percentage (FFM%) and total (FFMkg); by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-the time of moderate-intensity physical activity per week; by physical tests-handgrip (HG), sit-up-stand-on-the-chair in 5 repetitions (Sit-up) and vertical squat jump test (SJ); in addition to the determination of serum cytokine concentration (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-8), and also body mass index (BMI) and calf circumference (Calf). Results: Higher FFM% and lower body fat (both kg and %) were found in the eutrophic group than in the other groups. The eutrophic group also performed more weekly physical activity, jumped higher, and presented not only higher serum IL-6 concentration but also an increased ratio of IL-10/IL-6, IL-10/TNF-α, IL-10/IL-8 as compared to the values found in the overweight group. The obese group presented higher body fat (kg and %) and lower FFM% than the other groups and also higher serum IL-6 concentration than the overweight group. Interestingly, several significant negative and positive correlations between body composition, physical tests, and serum cytokine concentrations were found in the eutrophic and obese groups. Conclusion: While the eutrophic older women group showed a remarkable regulation of the systemic inflammatory status with positive associations in the physical parameters assessed, the overweight and obese groups presented impairment regulations of the inflammaging, which could be related to less weekly physical activity and higher body fat.

Prevalence of associations among sarcopenia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in Brazilian older adults.

Background: Although aging is a process associated with the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and sarcopenia, the prevalence of these conditions in older adults from São Paulo, Brazil, is unclear. Methods: Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia, and MetS, both separately and together, in a community-based sample of older adults from São Paulo, Brazil. Data from the medical records of 418 older adults of both genders, aged 60 years or older (mean age 69.3 ± 6.5 years), who were not physically active, were used to conduct this retrospective cross-sectional study. Anthropometric variables were used to determine both body mass index (BMI) and Conicity index (C index). Sarcopenia and MetS were defined according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People and by the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, respectively. Results: Based on BMI, the group of older men (n = 91) showed a predominance of adequate weight (n = 49) and the group of older women (n = 327) showed a predominance of obesity (n = 181). In association with obesity, while only the group of older women presented with sarcopenia (n = 5), 52 older women and 9 older men presented with MetS, and two older women presented with sarcopenia + MetS [prevalence ratio = 0.0385, 95% CI (0.007;0.1924)]. Based on the C index, 58 older women and 11 older men presented with MetS, while the occurrence of sarcopenia or MetS + sarcopenia was found in 32 and 5 older women, respectively [prevalence ratio = 0.0910, 95% CI (0.037;0.2241)]. Discussion: Our results suggest that obesity, as measured by BMI or the C Index, was more closely associated with the occurrence of MetS than sarcopenia, regardless of gender, and also that sarcopenic obesity was only found in the group of older women. Additionally, the prevalence ratio of obesity, sarcopenia, and MetS evidenced using the C index was 2.3 times higher than the values found using the BMI classification.

Assessment of the Interferon-Lambda-3 Polymorphism in the Antibody Response to COVID-19 in Older Adults Seropositive for CMV.

BACKGROUND: Here, we investigated the impact of IFN-lambda-3 polymorphism on specific IgG responses for COVID-19 in older adults seropositive for CMV. METHODS: Blood samples of 25 older adults of both sexes were obtained at three different times: during a micro-outbreak (MO) of SARS-CoV-2 in 2020; eight months after (CURE); and 30 days after the administration of the second dose of ChadOx-1 vaccine (VAC). The specific IgG for both SARS-CoV-2 and CMV antigens, neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and also the polymorphism profile for IFN-lambda-3 (rs12979860 C > T) were assessed. RESULTS: Higher levels of specific IgG for SARS-CoV-2 antigens were found in the MO and VAC than in the CURE time-point. Volunteers with specific neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 showed better specific IgG responses for SARS-CoV-2 and lower specific IgG levels for CMV than volunteers without specific neutralizing antibodies. Significant negative correlations between the specific IgG levels for SARS-CoV-2 and CMV were found at the MO time-point, as well as in the group of individuals homozygous for allele 1 (C/C) in the MO time-point and heterozygotes (C/T) in the CURE time-point. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that both CMV seropositivity and the homozygosis for allele 1 (C/C) in IFN-lambda-3 gene can negatively impact the antibody response to COVID-19 infection and vaccination in older adults.