Antihyperalgesic properties of gut microbiota: Parabacteroides distasonis as a new probiotic strategy to alleviate chronic abdominal pain.

ABSTRACT: The potential role of gut microbiota in pain modulation is arousing an emerging interest since recent years. This study investigated neuromodulatory properties of gut microbiota to identify next-generation probiotics to propose alternative therapies for visceral pain management. Neuromodulation ability of 10 bacterial strains isolated from a healthy donor was assessed both on ND7/23 immortalized cell line and primary neuronal cells from rat dorsal root ganglia. This screening highlighted the neuroinhibitory property of Parabacteroides distasonis (F1-2) strain, supported both by its intracellular content and membrane fraction, which was further investigated in visceral pain mouse models. Oral administration of F1-2 resulted in a significant decrease of colonic hypersensitivity (CHS) in dextran sulfate sodium (0.5%) model associated with low-grade inflammation and a significant decrease of CHS in Citrobacter rodentium postinfectious models. No effect of F1-2 oral administration on CHS was observed in a neonatal maternal separation stress model. Antihyperalgesic effect unlikely involved modulation of inflammatory processes or restoration of intestinal barrier. Exploration of direct dialogue mechanisms between this strain and nervous system, assessed by calcium imaging experiments, revealed that F1-2 interacts directly with nociceptors by reducing activation level on capsaicin, inflammatory soup, and bradykinin stimulations. Our study provides new insights about bacteria-host interaction and places P distasonis as a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of visceral pain observed in leaky gut-associated pathologies.

In vitro, ex vivo and clinical approaches to evaluate the potential effect of Gentiana lutea extract on skin.

BACKGROUND: Dark circles affect subjects of all ages and in all skin types. They can be treated by various methods, particular by topical solutions. This investigation was directed towards exploring the effect of gentiopicroside (GP) on the skin around the eyes. For this, an extract of Gentiana lutea (GIE) containing GP (65% by dry matter) was evaluated on oxidant and angiogenesis parameters using in vitro and ex-vivo studies. A clinical experimentation was also realized. METHODS: The effect of GIE at different concentrations on antioxidant gene was evaluated in vitro by RT-qPCR after treatment of NHDF. The effect of 2.93 µg mL-1 GIE on the release of VEGF-A and VEGF-C by NHDF was also studied. The effect of 87.9 µg mL-1 GIE was also evaluated on pseudotube formation in a coculture system of normal dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-d)-NHDF stimulated or not with VEGF as pro-angiogenic factor. Prior to these assays, preliminary cytotoxicity assays were performed using a standard WST-8 reduction assay. The expressions of carboxymethyl-lysine and glyoxalase-1 were quantified on skin explants topically treated with 147 µg mL-1 GIE in basal and UVA-irradiated conditions. A clinical study was conducted in 22 subjects using topical twice daily for 14 days on eye area (split-face application: cream containing 147 µg mL-1 GIE versus placebo). 3D image acquisition and skin colour measurement were performed at D0 and D14. RESULTS: Treatment of GIE upregulated the gene expression of NFE2L2 and downregulated the expression of CXCL8. GIE targeted AGEs pathways and reduced the formation of pseudotubes. A total of 147 µg mL-1 GIE gel cream significantly reduced significantly the average roughness and relief of the upper eyelid skin as well as the redness of dark circles after 14 days of application. CONCLUSION: By acting on the pathway of AGEs, VEGF-A and VEFG-C, GIE seems to allow a rejuvenation of the skin resulting, among others, in a decrease in redness. It now would be interesting to evaluate the efficacy of GIE on skin around eyes microbiota, antibacterial gentiopicroside property being well-established.

CONTEXTE: Le contour des yeux est une zone sensible. Les cernes affectent les sujets de tout âge et de tout type de peau. Différentes solutions peuvent être proposées, dont les solutions topiques. Cette étude visait a explorer l'effet d'un extrait de Gentiana lutea (GIE) riche en gentiopicroside (65% de matière sèche) sur des paramètres d'oxydation et d'angiogenèse au moyen d'études in vitro et ex-vivo. Une expérimentation clinique a également été réalisée. MÉTHODES: L'effet du GIE a différentes concentrations sur des gènes antioxydants a été évalué in vitro par RT-qPCR après traitement de fibroblastes (NHDF). L'effet de 2.93 µg mL−1 GIE sur la libération de VEGF-A et VEGF-C a également été étudié. Il en est de même pour l'effet de 87.9 µg g mL−1 GIE sur la formation de pseudotubes qui a été évalué dans un système de co-culture de cellules endothéliales (HMVEC-d)- NHDF stimulées ou non avec du VEGF comme facteur pro-angiogénique. Les expressions de la carboxymethyl-lysine et de la glyoxalase-1 ont été quantifiées sur des explants cutanés traites par voie topique avec 147 µg g mL−1 GIE dans des conditions basales et irradiées par UVA. Une étude clinique a été menée sur vingt-deux sujets en utilisant un traitement topique deux fois par jour pendant 14 jours sur le contour des yeux (crème contenant 147 µg g mL−1 GIE contre placebo). L'acquisition d'images 3D et la mesure de la couleur de la peau ont été réalisées a J0 et J14. RÉSULTATS: Le traitement par GIE a augmenté l'expression génétique de NFE2L2 et diminue l'expression de CXCL8. GIE a cible les voies des AGEs et a réduit la formation de pseudotubes. 147 µg g mL−1 GIE gel crème a significativement réduit la rugosité moyenne et le relief de la peau de la paupière supérieure ainsi que la rougeur des cernes après 14 jours d'application. CONCLUSION: En agissant sur la voie des AGEs, du VEGF-A et du VEFG-C, GIE semble permettre un rajeunissement de la peau se traduisant, entre autres, par une diminution des rougeurs. Il serait maintenant intéressant d'évaluer l'efficacité du GIE sur le microbiote de la peau du contour des yeux, la propriété antibactérienne du gentiopicroside étant bien établie.

Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) Targets Adipocytes and Obesity-Associated Inflammation.

Excess weight and obesity are the fifth leading cause of death globally, and sustained efforts from health professionals and researchers are required to mitigate this pandemic-scale problem. Polyphenols and flavonoids found in Aspalathus linearis-a plant widely consumed as Rooibos tea-are increasingly being investigated for their positive effects on various health issues including inflammation. The aim of our study was to examine the effect of Rooibos extract on obesity and the associated low-grade chronic inflammatory state by testing antioxidant activity, cytokine secretions, macrophage polarization and the differentiation of human adipocytes through the development of adipospheroids. Rooibos extract significantly decreased ROS production and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2 and IL-17a) in human leukocytes. Additionally, Rooibos extract down-regulated LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization, shown by a significant decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines: TNFα, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1ß and CXCL10. In addition, Rooibos inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation and reduced adipogenesis by decreasing the expression of PPARγ, Ap2 and HSL in adipospheroids. A significant decrease in leptin expression was noted and this, more interestingly, was accompanied by a significant increase in adiponectin expression. Using a co-culture system between macrophages and adipocytes, Rooibos extract significantly decreased the expression of all studied pro-inflammatory cytokines and particularly leptin, and increased adiponectin expression. Thus, adding Rooibos tea to the daily diet is likely to prevent the development of obesity associated with chronic low-level inflammation.

Focus on Bioburden Culture Media and Medical Devices.

Medical devices are a vital part of the global health care system that can have a far-reaching impact on patient treatment. Therefore, they must be sterile to ensure patient safety. The prevalent microorganism's type on a medical device, also known as "bioburden", is a useful indicator of a potential contamination source. Indeed, bioburden is a potential risk to the patient not only because the sterilization process might not be completely effective, but also post-processing because of the possible presence of residual materials. Although bioburden may be confidently killed by destructive sterilization processes, its proliferation before sterilization should be avoided. For the bioburden determination, the culture media and incubation conditions must be carefully selected. The culture medium is of fundamental importance for most microbiological tests: to obtain pure cultures, to grow and count microbial cells, and to cultivate and select microorganisms. A culture medium is essentially composed of basic elements (water, nutrients) to which must be added different growth factors that will be specific to each bacterium and necessary for their growth. Without high-quality media, the possibility of achieving accurate, reproducible, and repeatable microbiological test results is reduced. In ISO 11737-1:2018 "Sterilization of Health Care Products-Microbiological Methods-Part 1: Determination of a Population of Microorganisms on Products", methods for the determination and microbial characterization of bioburden are proposed. However, few guidelines are given as to culture media other than examples and incubation times. Several studies show that other culture media can also be effective, such as Plate Count Agar (PCA). The purpose of this review was to focus on parameters that can have an impact on the bioburden evaluation, specifically the culture medium type for the microorganisms' detection on medical devices. Experimentations conducted in our laboratories showed that PCA appeared to be a medium of primary importance for the detection of bioburden on medical devices; this medium also respects the 3Rs rule.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ampelopsis grossedentata Leaf Extract as an Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agent in Human Immune Cells.

Inflammation is a vital protective response to threats, but it can turn harmful if chronic and uncontrolled. Key elements involve pro-inflammatory cells and signaling pathways, including the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Ampelopsis grossedentata, or vine tea, contains dihydromyricetin (DHM) and myricetin, which are known for their various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of an extract of A. grossedentata leaves (50 µg/mL) on inflammation factors such as inflammasome, pro-inflammatory pathways, and macrophage polarization, as well as its antioxidant properties, with a view to combating the development of low-grade inflammation. Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (APG) significantly decreased ROS production and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-12, IL-2, and IL-17a) in human leukocytes. In addition, APG reduced LPS/IFNγ -induced M1-like macrophage polarization, resulting in a significant decrease in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, along with a decrease in the percentage of M1 macrophages and an increase in M0 macrophages. Simultaneously, a significant decrease in NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and in the expression of inflammasome genes (NLRP3, IL-1ß and Caspase 1) was observed. The results suggest that Ampelopsis grossedentata could be a promising option for managing inflammation-related chronic diseases. Further research is needed to optimize dosage and administration methods.

Alternative in vitro models used in the main safety tests of cosmetic products and new challenges.

BACKGROUND: Guided by ethical considerations and regulatory requirements such as the 7th Amendment to the European Cosmetics Directive N° 1223/2009, the cosmetic industry has developed and evaluated alternative test strategies such as in vitro assays, in silico approaches for toxicological endpoints and efficacy of cosmetic products and cosmetics ingredients. In consequence, the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) has proposed a list of validated cell-based in vitro models for predicting the safety and toxicity of cosmetic ingredients. These models have been demonstrated as valuable and effective tools to overcome the limitations of animal in vivo studies. For example, 3D human skin equivalent models are used to evaluate skin irritation potential; and excised human skin is used as the gold standard for the evaluation of dermal absorption. OBJECTIVE: This review presents, in relation to the regulatory requirements, the main alternative in vitro models used in the safety tests of cosmetic products, focusing on skin sensitization, skin corrosion, skin irritation and skin absorption, with advantages and limitations of each model. Recent innovative 3D cell technologies such as Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) models that can bring significant improvements for toxicology and efficacy testing are also presented. CONCLUSION: The development of OoC technology is promising for assessing the toxicity of substances contained in cosmetics, particularly for repeated dose toxicity, for which no alternative in vitro methods are currently available. Nevertheless, aside from the challenges, the technology needs to be validated and accepted by regulatory organizations as an effective method. Collaboration between researchers, regulatory organizations and industry would be required to achieve this validation.

CONTEXTE: Guidée par des considérations éthiques et des exigences réglementaires telles que le 7e amendement à la directive européenne sur les cosmétiques N° 1223/2009, l'industrie cosmétique a développé et évalué des stratégies de test alternatives telles que des tests in vitro, des approches in silico pour les paramètres toxicologiques et l'efficacité des produits cosmétiques et ingrédients cosmétiques. En conséquence, le Centre Européen pour la Validation des Méthodes Alternatives (ECVAM) a proposé une liste de modèles cellulaires in vitro validés pour prédire la sécurité et la toxicité des ingrédients cosmétiques. Ces modèles ont été démontrés comme des outils précieux et efficaces pour surmonter les limites des études animales in vivo. Par exemple, des modèles équivalents de peau humaine 3D sont utilisés pour évaluer le potentiel d'irritation de la peau; et la peau humaine excisée est utilisée comme « gold standard ¼ pour l'évaluation de l'absorption cutanée. OBJECTIF: Cette revue présente, en lien avec les exigences réglementaires, les principaux modèles alternatifs in vitro utilisés dans les tests de sécurité des produits cosmétiques, en se concentrant sur la sensibilisation, la corrosion, l'irritation et l'absorption cutanée, avec les avantages et les limites de chaque modèle. Des technologies cellulaires 3D innovantes récentes telles que les modèles Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) qui peuvent apporter des améliorations significatives pour la toxicologie et les tests d'efficacité sont également présentées. CONCLUSION: Le développement de la technologie OoC est prometteur pour évaluer la toxicité des substances contenues dans les cosmétiques, en particulier pour la toxicité à doses répétées, pour laquelle aucune méthode alternative in vitro n'est actuellement disponible. Néanmoins, outre les défis, la technologie doit être validée et acceptée par les organismes régulateurs comme une méthode efficace. Une collaboration entre les chercheurs, les organismes régulateurs et l'industrie serait nécessaire pour parvenir à cette validation.

Microalgae n-3 PUFAs Production and Use in Food and Feed Industries.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future.

Taurine supplementation reduces myeloperoxidase and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 levels and improves the effects of exercise in cognition and physical fitness in older women.

Immunosenescence contributes to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, and those conditions could be attenuated by non-pharmacological anti-inflammatory strategies, such as exercise and supplementation with the amino acid taurine. Since taurine body content decreases with aging, we investigated the effects of supplementation (alone and combined with exercise) on oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, white blood cells, neurotrophins, cognition and physical fitness of elderly women. Forty-eight women (83.58 ± 6.98 years) were enrolled into exercise training only (EO: n = 13), taurine supplementation (TS: n = 12), exercise training + taurine supplementation (ETTS: n = 11), and control group (CG: n = 12). All interventions lasted 14 weeks. Exercise was applied twice a week, and taurine was given once a day (1.5 g). Data collection occurred before and after interventions with the determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, and white blood cell counts (WBC). Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and physical fitness tests were also evaluated. Concentration of MPO and MMP-9 decreased after intervention in TS (p < 0.05). No effect of time or time × group was observed for WBC parameters; however, univariate analysis showed a significant decrease in lymphocytes for TS, while an increase in monocytes occurred in the CG (p < 0.05). MoCA scores decreased over time in the CG (p < 0.05). Improvements in physical fitness occurred in ETTS (better agility and aerobic capacity), mostly likely due to exercise and boosted by taurine supplementation. No changes in BDNF levels were observed (p > 0.05), while NGF concentration were undetectable in almost subjects. Exercise together with taurine supplementation appears to be a valuable strategy to enhance health-related outcomes in older persons.

Feature-Based Molecular Networks Identification of Bioactive Metabolites from Three Plants of the Polynesian Cosmetopoeia Targeting the Dermal Papilla Cells of the Hair Cycle.

The term cosmetopoeia refers to the use of plants in folks' cosmetics. The aerial parts of Bidens pilosa L., the leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum L. and the fruits of Fagraea berteroana A.Gray ex Benth are traditionally used in French Polynesia for hair and skin care. During the hair cycle, dermal papilla cells and their interaction with epithelial cells are essential to promote hair follicle elongation. The aim of our investigations was the identification of metabolites from these three plants and chemical families responsible for their hair growth activity. A bioactivity-based molecular network was produced by mapping the correlation between features obtained from LC-MS/MS data and dermal papilla cell proliferation, using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The analyses pointed out glycosylated flavonols and phenolic acids from B. pilosa and C. inophyllum, along with C-flavonoids, iridoids and secoiridoids from F. berteroana, as potential bioactive molecules involved in the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells. Our results highlight the metabolites of the plant species potentially involved in the induction of hair follicle growth and support the traditional uses of these plants in hair care.

Hair Growth Activity of Three Plants of the Polynesian Cosmetopoeia and Their Regulatory Effect on Dermal Papilla Cells.

Hair loss is becoming increasingly prevalent as dietary and living habits change. The search for natural products to limit hair loss has led to tapping into traditional cosmetic knowledge. We studied three plants of the Polynesian cosmetopoeia, Bidens pilosa, Calophyllum inophyllum and Fagraea berteroana, to determine their ability to promote hair growth. Their chemical content was characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Their proliferative activity on dermal papilla cells (DPCs) was assessed via MTT assay and molecular targets were evaluated by RT-qPCR analysis of seven factors involved in the modulation of the hair cycle, CCND1, LEF1, DKK1, WNT5A PPARD, TGFΒ1, PPARD and RSPO2. Our results show that our extracts significantly increased proliferation of dermal papilla cells. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a diversity of molecules, flavonoids, iridoids and organic acids, some known for hair-inducing properties. Finally, specific extracts and fractions of all three plants either upregulated CCND1, LEF1 and PPARD involved in stimulating hair follicle proliferation and/or lowered the gene expression levels of hair growth inhibiting factors, DKK1 and TGFB1. Our findings suggest that extracts from B. pilosa, C. inophyllum and F. berteroana are interesting candidates to stimulate hair growth.

Characterisation of microbiota in saliva, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, non-malignant, peritumoural and tumour tissue in non-small cell lung cancer patients: a cross-sectional clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: While well-characterised on its molecular base, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its interaction with local microbiota remains scarcely explored. Moreover, current studies vary in source of lung microbiota, from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) to tissue, introducing potentially differing results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide detailed characterisation of the oral and multi-source lung microbiota of direct interest in lung cancer research. Since lung tumours in lower lobes (LL) have been associated with decreased survival, characteristics of the microbiota in upper (UL) and lower tumour lobes have also been examined. METHODS: Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology, we analysed microbiota in saliva, BAL (obtained directly on excised lobe), non-malignant, peritumoural and tumour tissue from 18 NSCLC patients eligible for surgical treatment. Detailed taxonomy, diversity and core members were provided for each microbiota, with analysis of differential abundance on all taxonomical levels (zero-inflated binomial general linear model with Benjamini-Hochberg correction), between samples and lobe locations. RESULTS: Diversity and differential abundance analysis showed clear separation of oral and lung microbiota, but more importantly, of BAL and lung tissue microbiota. Phylum Proteobacteria dominated tissue samples, while Firmicutes was more abundant in BAL and saliva (with class Clostridia and Bacilli, respectively). However, all samples showed increased abundance of phylum Firmicutes in LL, with decrease in Proteobacteria. Also, clades Actinobacteria and Flavobacteriia showed inverse abundance between BAL and extratumoural tissues depending on the lobe location. While tumour microbiota seemed the least affected by location, peritumoural tissue showed the highest susceptibility with markedly increased similarity to BAL microbiota in UL. Differences between the three lung tissues were however very limited. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that BAL harbours unique lung microbiota and emphasise the importance of the sample choice for lung microbiota analysis. Further, limited differences between the tissues indicate that different local tumour-related factors, such as tumour type, stage or associated immunity, might be the ones responsible for microbiota-shaping effect. Finally, the "shift" towards Firmicutes in LL might be a sign of increased pathogenicity, as suggested in similar malignancies, and connected to worse prognosis of the LL tumours. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03068663. Registered February 27, 2017.

Rapid weight loss influences the physical, psychological and biological responses during a simulated competition in national judo athletes.

The effect of rapid energy restriction-induced weight loss on judo-related performance remains unclear, and there is a paucity of information regarding the influence of the fight successions during competition. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the cumulative effect of judo fights on physical performance, biological and psychological profiles, of national judo competitors with vs without rapid weight loss. After one month of weight maintenance (Baseline), 20 subjects were randomly divided into two groups the week before a simulated competition: (i) a Weight Loss group (WL; weight loss ≥ 3% of body mass); (ii) a Weight Stable group (WS). The simulated competition was composed of five fights (F1 to F5) separated by 30 min rest. Anthropometric assessments were performed at baseline and on the morning of the simulated competition (T0). Psychological, biological and physical assessments (maximal handgrip strength, upper limb anaerobic capacity) were performed at T0 and after each fight. The variation of body mass between baseline and T0 was significantly different between groups (+1.2% vs -3%; p < .01). The dimensions of the Profile of Mood State questionnaire, the rate of perceived exertion, ammonia, urea and free fatty acid concentrations, maximal strength and time sustained at maximal strength showed a significant group x time interaction at F4 and F5. The study shows that cumulative fights lead to uncoupled responses in physical, psychological and biological parameters in judo competitors who underwent or not rapid weight loss. Specific recovery strategies in terms of nutrition and active recovery should be considered.

Microbiota: a novel regulator of pain.

Among the various regulators of the nervous system, the gut microbiota has been recently described to have the potential to modulate neuronal cells activation. While bacteria-derived products can induce aversive responses and influence pain perception, recent work suggests that "abnormal" microbiota is associated with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we review how the gut microbiota modulates afferent sensory neurons function and pain, highlighting the role of the microbiota/gut/brain axis in the control of behaviors and neurological diseases. We outline the changes in gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, and their influence on painful gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, both direct host/microbiota interaction that implicates activation of "pain-sensing" neurons by metabolites, or indirect communication via immune activation is discussed. Finally, treatment options targeting the gut microbiota, including pre- or probiotics, will be proposed. Further studies on microbiota/nervous system interaction should lead to the identification of novel microbial ligands and host receptor-targeted drugs, which could ultimately improve chronic pain management and well-being.

Understanding Patients' Perspectives and Educational Needs by Type of Osteoporosis in Men and Women and People with Glucocorticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Study to Improve Disease Management.

The aim of the study was to investigate similarities and differences in health beliefs, experiences and educational needs by type of osteoporosis (OP), particularly in people with glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) and men. A qualitative study was conducted via focus groups involving post-menopausal women with or without osteoporotic fractures, osteoporotic men and people with GIOP. Fifty-three participants were included in eight groups. A wide range of health beliefs was found for all types of OP. Osteoporosis was considered a natural consequence of ageing except in men or conversely a serious disease associated with risk of new fractures and disability. GIOP patients had heterogeneous knowledge of OP and reported fewer prevention behaviours, and their quality of life was affected by the causal illness. Men had difficulties coping with the loss of their functional abilities and felt that OP was a "women's" disease. Beliefs about treatments ranged from confidence to fear of adverse effects or doubt about efficacy in all types of OP. Participants were interested in physical activity, fall prevention and diet, and preferred group sessions. GIOP patients and men had an interest in face-to-face education. Men were also interested in brief information including via the Internet. Patients' beliefs about OP differed by type of OP. Specific populations such as men or people with GIOP need particular care owing to experiences and needs. Offering group sessions in educational interventions is of interest to allow for sharing experiences and also face-to-face education for men and GIOP patients or the Internet for men.

A selection of eleven plants used as traditional Polynesian cosmetics and their development potential as anti-aging ingredients, hair growth promoters and whitening products.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In French Polynesia, embellishment of the hair and skin is an important cultural and everyday practice. Yet, little research has focused on traditional preparations used for beautification in this region and their potential development as innovative cosmetic ingredients. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this present study we aim to assess and compile the ethnocosmetic potential of plants of French Polynesia to select and further study plants showing the most promise to be developed as anti-aging, anti-blemish and hair care products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature analysis of plants of the IECIC list, present in French Polynesia was conducted. The most interesting plants from a cosmetic development standpoint were selected based on four main criteria, i.e. their traditional use in Polynesian cosmetic-related preparations, their biogeographical status, their phytochemistry of cosmetic interest, and lastly their availability and absence from the UICN list. Furthermore, a preliminary screening of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities was also performed on several extracts obtained. RESULTS: Eleven plants were chosen, and a compilation of multidisciplinary data emphasized each selected plant's potentiality. Traditional allegations showed uses ranging from dermatology such as wound healing or anti-inflammatory properties, to hair growth promoting preparations or even skin ligthening ones. Preliminary screenings were useful in narrowing the number of extracts to study. Literature-based data associated to traditional uses depicted how the remaining plants and plant parts could be developed for targeted cosmetic applications. CONCLUSIONS: A prospective approach of plants used traditionally for cosmetic purposes in French Polynesia gave insight on their development potential when paired with the appropriate multidisciplinary data. The eleven plants presented show promise in being developed sustainably as natural anti-aging or hair care products and as skin brightening agents.

Effects of Different Chair-Based Exercises on Salivary Biomarkers and Functional Autonomy in Institutionalized Older Women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test the effects of chair-based exercise programs on salivary stress hormones, physical fitness, and functional autonomy of institutionalized older women. METHOD: In total, 47 participants (80 ± 8.04 years old) were recruited and allocated into three groups: chair-based aerobic exercises (CAE, n = 19), chair-based elastic-band strength exercises (CSE, n = 15), and a control group (CG, n = 13). A 14-week exercise intervention was done for the CAE and CSE groups, two times per week, in no consecutive days. Members of the CG did not participate in any type of exercise but kept their regular lifestyle. Fear of falling, autonomy, physical fitness, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase levels were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The CAE group improved upper and lower body strength, agility-dynamic balance, and autonomy, with fear of falling decreasing significantly (p < .05, moderate effect size). Both exercise groups showed a trend toward an increase in salivary alpha-amylase levels (CAE = 43%, d = .31, and CSE = 44%, d = .41). CONCLUSION: Both exercise programs were able to improve functional autonomy, even in elders older than 80 years of age. It might be interesting to investigate the effectiveness of combining both aerobic and strength exercises in a unique protocol. The modulation effect of exercise in the hormonal responses needs to be further explored.

Characterisation of gut, lung, and upper airways microbiota in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma: Study protocol for case-control observational trial.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have confirmed the important role of the gut microbiota in the regulation of immune functions and its correlation with different diseases, including cancer. While brain-gut and liver-gut axes have already been demonstrated, the existence of a lung-gut axis has been suggested more recently, with the idea that changes in the gut microbiota could affect the lung microbiota, and vice versa. Likewise, the close connection between gut microbiota and cancer of proximal sites (intestines, kidneys, liver, etc.) is already well established. However, little is known whether there is a similar relation when looking at world's number one cause of death from cancer-lung cancer. OBJECTIVE: Firstly, this study aims to characterise the gut, lung, and upper airways (UAs) microbiota in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery. Secondly, it aims to evaluate a chemotherapy effect on site-specific microbiota and its influence on immune profile. To our knowledge, this is the 1st study that will analyse multi-site microbiota in NSCLC patients along with site-specific immune response. METHODS: The study is a case-controlled observational trial. Forty NSCLC patients will be divided into 2 groups depending on their anamnesis: Pchir, patients eligible for surgery, or Pct-chir, patients eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery. Composition of the UAs (saliva), gut (faeces), and lung microbiota (from broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and 3 lung pieces: "healthy" tissue distal to tumour, peritumoural tissue and tumour itself) will be analysed in both groups. Immune properties will be evaluated on the local (evaluation of the tumour immune cell infiltrate, tumour classification and properties, immune cell phenotyping in BALF; human neutrophil protein (HNP) 1-3, ß-defensin 2, and calprotectin in faeces) and systemic level (blood cytokine and immune cell profile). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (major products of bacterial fermentation with an effect on immune system) will be dosed in faecal samples. Other factors such as nutrition and smoking status will be recorded for each patient. We hypothesise that smoking status and tumour type/grade will be major factors influencing both microbiota and immune/inflammatory profile of all sampling sites. Furthermore, due to non-selectivity, the same effect is expected from chemotherapy.

Physical frailty and cognitive status over-60 age populations: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyse the magnitude of the effect-size of the cognitive status of populations over 60 years of age, when comparing nonfrail versus pre-frail and nonfrail versus frail subgroups. A systematic review of prospective studies published from 2000 to 2017 was completed in Medline, B-on, Ebsco, Ebsco Health, Scielo, ERIC, LILACS and Sport discus databases and observational, cohort and cross-sectional studies were selected. The Mini-Mental State Examination to screening cognitive status and the Fried phenotype for assess physical frailty state was used as clinical outcomes. After applying additional search criteria, 14 manuscripts (26,798 old participants) were selected from an initial universe of 1681 identified. When comparing the scores of cognitive status of the participants who were non-frail (n = 12,729, 47.4%) versus pre-frail (n = 11,559, 43.2%) and non-frail versus frail (n = 2452, 9.4%) subgroups, significant statistical differences were found for both comparisons (M ±â€¯SD = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.50-0.62, p < 0.001 and M ±â€¯SD = 3.43, 95%CI: 2.26-4.60, p < 0.001, respectively). It is clear that poor cognitive function is strongly closed associated with pre-frailty and frailty subgroups in older populations around the world.

Exercise and taurine in inflammation, cognition, and peripheral markers of blood-brain barrier integrity in older women.

Immunosenescence contribute to increase the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, leading cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. Thus, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of exercise and taurine supplementation on peripheral markers of BBB, inflammation, and cognition of elderly women. Forty-eight elderly women (age, 83.58 ± 6.9 years) participated in the study, and were allocated into combined exercise training (CET: n = 13), taurine supplementation (TAU: n = 12), exercise training associated with taurine (CET+TAU: n = 11), or control (CG: n = 12) groups. Exercise was applied twice a week (multi-modal exercise). Taurine ingestion was 1.5 g., once a day. Participants were evaluated before and after 14-weeks of intervention. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and serum concentration of S100ß and neuron specific enolase (NSE) were determined. The mini mental state examination (MMSE) was also applied. Concentrations of S100ß were maintained in all intervention groups, while a subtle increase in the CG was found. NSE levels increased only in TAU group (p < 0.05). CET reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß/IL-1ra, IL-6/IL10, and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios (p < 0.05). TAU decreased the IL-1ß/IL-1ra ratio (p < 0.05). MMSE score increased only in the CET+TAU group (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that there was a trend for changes in IL-1ß and the Charlson Comorbidity Index to be independently associated with changes in S100ß. Exercise and taurine decreased inflammation, and maintained the BBB integrity in elderly women. Exercise emerged as an important tool to improve brain health even when started at advanced ages.

Food restriction alters salivary cortisol and α-amylase responses to a simulated weightlifting competition without significant performance modification.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of a 6-day food restriction period on the physiological responses and performance of 11 high-level weightlifters. After a period of weight maintenance (T2), they were assigned into two groups depending on whether they lost (Diet group, n = 6) or maintained their body weight (Control group, n = 5) during the course of those 6 days. An evaluation of performance and the measurement of salivary cortisol concentrations and salivary α-amylase (sAA) activity were performed during a simulated weightlifting competition which took place at T2, after a 6-day period of food restriction (T3). Dietary data were collected using a 6-day diet record. We noted a 41.8% decrease in mean energy intake during the dietary restriction period, leading to a 4.34% weight loss for the Diet group. Dietary restriction did not modify absolute performance levels, whilst a significant improvement was noted for the Control group. Furthermore, we noted a response of decreased salivary cortisol and increased sAA activity to the simulated competition stress at T3 for the Diet group. These results may indicate that dietary reduction led to a dissociation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympatho-adreno-medullary system, which could impair training adaptations and absolute performance development.