The Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Aging Biomarkers/Conditions: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a current study to examine the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) score and older age-related muscle conditions, including sarcopenia, low muscle mass, low muscle strength, frailty, and/or disability. DESIGN: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. SETTING: A systematic literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and ISI Web of Science without limitation until October 04, 2022. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled by applying a random-effects model, while validated methods examined assess quality and publication bias via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, Egger's regression asymmetry, and Begg's rank correlation tests respectively. A dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the RRs per 1-unit increment in DII scores. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (≥18 years). MEASURES: The risk of older age-related muscle conditions (sarcopenia, low muscle mass, low muscle strength, frailty, and/or disability). RESULTS: Data were available from 19 studies with 68079 participants. Results revealed that a higher DII score was significantly related to an increased risk of sarcopenia (RR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.79; I2=53.3%; p<0.001; n=10; sample size =43097), low muscle strength (RR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.74; I2=6.6%; p<0.001; n=4; sample size =9339), frailty (RR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.84; I2=0.0%; p<0.001; study=5; participant=3882) and disability (RR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.72; I2=58.4%; p=0.001; n=5; sample size =13760), but not low muscle mass (RR=1.24; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.56; I2=49.3%; p=0.069; n=4; sample size =11222). Additionally, results of the linear dose-response indicated that an increase of one point in the DII score was related to a 14% higher risk of sarcopenia, 6% higher risk of low muscle mass, 7% higher risk of low muscle strength, and a 7% higher risk of disability in adults. Non-linear dose-response relationships also revealed a positive linear association between the DII score and the risk of sarcopenia (Pnonlinearity = 0.097, Pdose-response<0.001), frailty (Pnonlinearity = 0.844, Pdose-response=0.010) and disability (Pnonlinearity = 0.596, Pdose-response=0.007). CONCLUSION: Adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet was significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia and other age-associated adverse effects such as low muscle strength, disability, and frailty. These results indicate a necessity to prioritize the reduction of pro-inflammatory diets to help promote overall older age-related muscle conditions.

Exposure to heavy metals and the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The relationship between heavy metal exposure and risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis has biological plausibility, yet it remains inconclusive; therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the associations between exposure to heavy metals (i.e., cadmium, lead, and mercury) and the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Databases of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through November 2019, to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury and risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis in adults. Fourteen eligible studies were included. Effect sizes expressed as pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using weighted random-effect models. Exposure to cadmium (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.56; P ≤ 0.001) and lead (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.32; P = 0.05) was associated with an increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, unlike mercury. Subgroup analyses showed cadmium exposure increased the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis in older (> 65 yrs.; OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.08 to 1.88, P = 0.01) compared with younger (18-65 yrs.; OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.52, P = 0.03) adults. Also, lead exposure increased the risk in men (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.09, P = 0.007) unlike in women. By contrast to urinary levels, blood (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.47, P = 0.003) and dietary (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.67, P < 0.001) levels of cadmium were associated with an increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Exposure to cadmium and lead may be associated with an increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, although high heterogeneity was detected.

DNA Methylation and microRNA patterns are in association with the expression of BRCA1 in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer in women and is considered the most lethal gynecological malignancy. It can be inherited as a familial disease but also has a strong spontaneous occurrence. Although the disease is associated with genome instability brought on by genetics and environmental factors there is evidence that mutations in the gene encoding for the breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) or its down-regulation are involved in its development. Down-regulation of BRCA1 expression by hypermethylation of its promoter may account for some cases of ovarian cancer but this does not explain the cause of the majority of the disease. This review explores the role of BRCA1 promoter hypermethylation and micro-RNAs (miRNA) involved in the regulation of BRCA1 and their role in ovarian cancer development as well as some of the exciting discoveries which could lead to targeting miRNA with a view to restoring BRCA1 expression in diseased tissues.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of hydro-alcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis in mice: possible involvement of the cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 enzymes

Abstract Lavandula officinalis Chaix, Lamiaceae, extracts can inhibit inflammation and also pain induced by formalin in mice. This study evaluated the effects of L. officinalis hydro-alcoholic extract on pain induced by formalin and also cyclooxygenase (COX) type 1 and 2 activity in mice. To evaluate probable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract, flowers were prepared by maceration and extraction in alcohol and their analgesic effects were studied in male mice, using formalin and hot plate tests. The effect of intraperitoneal hydro-alcoholic extracts of L. officinalis (100, 200, 250, 300, 400 and 800 mg/kg), subcutaneous morphine (10 mg/kg), dexamethasone (10 mg/kg; i.p.) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg; i.p.) on formalin induced pain were studied. Our results indicated that administration of the extract (100, 200, 250, 300, 400 and 800 mg/kg; i.p.) has inhibitory effects on inflammation induced by formalin injection into the animals hind paw. Moreover, this inhibitory effect was equal to the effects of morphine, dexamethasone and indomethacin. The extract in100, 200 and 300 mg/kg; significantly reduced heat-induced pain. The extract also reduced COX activity in dose dependent manner, where the inhibitory effect on COX1 activity was 33% and on COX2 activity was 45%. Here for the first time we show that L. officinialis extract can modulate pain and inflammation induced by formalin by inhibition of COX enzymes.

Morphometric and hormonal study of the effect of utrica diocia extract on mammary glands in rats / Estudio morfométrico y hormonal del efecto de extracto de utrica diocia en glándulas mamarias en ratas

Urtica diocia is a multipurpose herb in traditional medicine. Its hydroalcoholic extract (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg) administered interaperitoneally to Wistar female rats for 21 consequent days resulted in significant increase in the number of alveoli of mammary glands in doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg. Changes in serum prolactin and alveolar diameter were not significant in comparison with control group. Also, there was an increase in serum prolactin and alveolar diameter in doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg. Utrica diocia extract has positive effects on mammary glands.

Urtica diocia es una hierba de usos múltiples en la medicina tradicional. Su extracto hidroalcohólico (20, 50 y 100 mg/kg) administrado por vía intraperitoneal en ratas hembras Wistar de 21 días resultaron en un aumento significativo en el número de alvéolos de las glándulas mamarias en dosis de 20 y 50 mg/kg. Los cambios en la prolactina sérica y el diámetro alveolar no fueron significativos en comparación con el grupo control. Además, hubo un aumento en la prolactina sérica y en el diámetro alveolar en dosis de 20 y 50 mg/kg. El extracto de Urtica diocia tiene efectos positivos sobre las glándulas mamarias.

Morphometrical analysis of the effect of nicotine administration on brain's prefrontal region in male rat / Análisis morfométrico del efecto de la administración de nicotina sobre la región prefrontal del cerebro en rata macho

Nicotine is the most important alkaloid compound in tobacco. One of the major effects of nicotine is stimulation of mesocorticolimbic system. Prefrontal cortex plays a pivotal role in personality and mental state. It is considered the main cause of addiction as it is located in mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Twenty four male rats were divided into four groups based on nicotine administration dose (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg). After animals were anesthetized, their brains were fixed using transcardiac method. Tissue processing and Golgi staining were performed and the stained tissue sections were analyzed by optic microscope and Motic software. By increasing the dose, nicotine significantly decreased the number of neuronal processes. In the higher dose, nicotine caused a significant decrease and increase in the size of pericarions and dendritic spines, respectively (p<0.05). Nicotine administration can decrease the size of pericarion and number of dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex.

La nicotina es el compuesto alcaloide más importante del tabaco. Uno de sus principales efectos es la estimulación del sistema mesocorticolímbico. La corteza prefrontal desempeña un papel fundamental en la personalidad y estado mental. Esta es considerada la principal causa de la adicción, ya que se encuentra en el sistema mesocorticolímbico dopaminérgico. Veinticuatro ratas macho fueron divididas en cuatro grupos basados en la dosis de administración de nicotina (0, 0,5, 1 y 1,5 g/kg). Luego fueron anestesiados y sus cerebros se fijaron mediante perfusión transcardíaca. Se realizó el procesamiento de tejidos y las secciones bajo tinción de Golgi fueron analizadas mediante microscopia óptica y el software Motic. Con el aumento de dosis, la nicotina redujo significativamente el número de procesos neuronales. En la dosis más alta, la nicotina causó una disminución y aumento significativo en el tamaño de pericarion y espinas dendríticas, respectivamente (p<0,05). La administración de nicotina puede disminuir el tamaño del pericarion y el número de espinas dendríticas en la corteza prefrontal.

The effect of walnut on the weight, blood glucose and sex hormones of diabetic male rats / Efecto del nogal sobre el peso, glucosa en la sangre y hormonas sexuales de ratas macho diabéticas

Diabetes leads to reproductive dysfunctions by producing free radicals. It seems that using walnut can be effective in the damage induced by diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of walnut consumption on sex hormones in diabetic Wistar male rats induced by STZ (streptozotocin). Diabetes animals were induced by STZ (60 mg/kg). Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6), including normal diet and healthy (Sham), Diabetic by normal diet (control) and diabetic by 6, 9 and 12% walnut in their diet (experimental groups), and were examined for 6 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose (3 times), and sex hormones (testosterone, FSH and LH) were measured. Overall, in terms of the mean index, there was a significant difference in the percentage of weight changes between the groups (p<0.001). Blood glucose (3 times) significantly increased in experimental and control groups in comparison with sham group (p<0.001). FSH concentration significantly decreased in control group (p<0.05) and testosterone hormone decreased in experimental and control groups compared to sham group (p<0.05). Oral administration of walnut seems to prevent severe weight loss in the experimental models of diabetic rats and exerts appropriate and useful changes in blood glucose level as well as positive effects on the secretion of sex hormones.

La diabetes conduce a disfunciones reproductivas mediante la producción de radicales libres. Parece que el uso del nogal puede ser eficaz para contrarestar el daño inducido por la diabetes. El objetivo fue evaluar los efectos del consumo de nueces sobre las hormonas sexuales en ratas Wistar macho diabéticas, inducidas por estreptozotocina (STZ). La diabetes en los animales fue inducida por STZ (60 mg/kg). Los animales fueron divididos aleatoriamente en 5 grupos (n= 6 ): saludable con dieta normal (Sham), diabéticos con dieta normal (control) y diabéticos con consumo de nogal en 6, 9 y 12% en su dieta (grupos experimentales), quienes se examinaron durante 6 semanas, donde se midieron el peso corporal, glucosa en la sangre (3 veces) y hormonas sexuales (testosterona , FSH y LH). En general, en términos del índice promedio, hubo una diferencia significativa en el porcentaje de cambios de peso entre los grupos (p<0,001). La glucosa en sangre aumentó significativamente en los grupos experimentales y de control en comparación con el grupo Sham (p<0,001). La concentración de FSH se redujo significativamente en el grupo control (p<0,05); la testosterona disminuyó en los grupos experimentales y control en comparación con el grupo sham (p<0,05). La administración oral de nogal parece prevenir la pérdida severa de peso en los modelos experimentales de ratas diabéticas y ejerce cambios apropiados y útiles en el nivel de glucosa en la sangre, así como efectos positivos sobre la secreción de hormonas sexuales.

Protective effect of curcumin against nicotine-induced damage on reproductive parameters in male mice / Efecto protector de la curcumina contra el daño inducido por la nicotina sobre los parámetros reproductivos en ratones machos

Nicotine consumption can decrease fertility drive in males through inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. The color of turmeric is because of a substance called curcumin for which some anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties have been identified. In this study, various doses of curcumin (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) and curcumin plus nicotine (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally to male mice for 28 consequent days and reproductive parameters were determined. The results indicated that nicotine administration (0.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased testosterone level, count and motility of sperms, and testis weight compared to control group. However, increasing the dose of curcumin significantly increased reproductive indices in most of the groups. Thus, it seems that curcumin inhibits nicotine-induced adverse effects on reproductive parameters.

El consumo de nicotina puede disminuir la fertilidad en los hombres mediante la inducción de estrés oxidativo y daño del ADN. El color de la cúrcuma se debe a una sustancia llamada curcumina en la cual se han identificado algunas propiedades anti-oxidantes y anti-inflamatorias. En este estudio se administraron diferentes dosis de curcumina (10, 30 y 60 mg/kg) y de curcumina más nicotina (10, 30 y 60 mg/kg) por vía intraperitoneal a ratones machos durante 28 días consecutivos y se determinaron los parámetros reproductivos. La administración de nicotina (0,5 mg/kg) disminuyó significativamente el nivel de testosterona, el número y motilidad de los espermatozoides, y peso de los testículos en comparación con el grupo control. Sin embargo, el incremento de la dosis de curcumina aumentó significativamente los índices reproductivos en la mayoría de los grupos. Este estudio sugiere que la curcumina inhibe los efectos adversos inducidos por la nicotina sobre los parámetros reproductivos.

The effects of aqueous extract of Boswellia Serrata on hippocampal region CA1 and learning deficit in kindled rats.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a disorder of the central nervous system in which hippocampus is mostly involved and causes memory impairment. Kindling is a model of inducing epilepsy which is created through pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) administration. This study examines the role of the aqueous extract of Boswellia on the learning and development of brain (formation of dendritic branches and axons) of the PTZ-induced kindled rats. The study is conducted on sixty-four male rats divided into 8 groups. Kindling seizures are induced by three injections of 25 mg/kg of PTZ every 15 min. The aqueous extracts (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 g/kg, i.p) are administrated to all animals for three consecutive days. Passive avoidance learning of animals is examined using shuttle box apparatus and step-through latency (STL) method. Rats are anesthetized and their brains are fixed by transcardial perfusion method and are analyzed by morphometric methods after applying Golgi and Cresyl violet staining methods. PTZ-induced kindling indicates a significant decrease in the number of pyramidal neurons and dendritic spines in hippocampal region cornu ammonis (CA1). The STL of the kindled rats is significantly reduced compared with control ones. Also, Boswellia extract dramatically increased the number of neuronal processes in CA1 region and improves passive-avoidance learning ability in both control and PTZ-kindled animals in 1 g/kg dose administration of Boswellia extract, especially at high doses can eliminate adverse effects of seizures on cognitive function in hippocampal area CA1 in rats.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its constituent carnosol inhibit formalin-induced pain and inflammation in mice.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (ROL) extract and its major constituent, carnosol in male NMRI mice (W:25-30 g) have been evaluated in the present study. Formalin (2%, 20 microL) was injected into the plantar portion of the hind paw and resulting pain and inflammation was studied for 60 min. The plant extract, carnosol and other drugs were administered intraperitoneally or subcutaneously 30 min before formalin injection. In a separate experiment, the effects of the extract and carnosol on plasma corticosterone levels and activity of the enzymes cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 (COX1 and COX2) were investigated. Injection of different doses of ROL and carnosol reduced pain in the phase 2 of the formalin test, which was not inhibited by naloxone and/or memantine. In addition, pretreatment of the animals with ROL and/or carnosol reduces the formalin-induced inflammation. Furthermore, the extract and carnosol did not affect plasma corticosterone levels compared with the control group. Interestingly, both the extract and carnosol inhibited COX1 and COX2 activity. It could be concluded that ROL extract and carnosol suppressed pain and inflammation induced by formalin injection, which may be due to inhibition of COX1 and COX2 enzymes activity.