scholarly journals ALTERED TRYPTOPHAN DEGRADATION LINKS CHRONIC INFLAMMATION TO FUNCTIONAL DECLINE & FRAILTY IN MICE AND HUMANS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S957-S958
Author(s):  
Reyhan Westbrook ◽  
Tae Chung ◽  
Jacqueline Lovett ◽  
Chris Ward ◽  
Mohammed Khadeer ◽  
...  

Abstract Chronic inflammation is associated with frailty and functional decline in older adults but the molecular mechanisms of this linkage are not well understood. We sought to examine metabolic and physiologic states associated with aging and frailty by analyzing the composition of metabolites in the blood of a population of community dwelling young, and older adults. Serum inflammatory cytokines and demographic and physiological covariates were collected in a set of community-dwelling adults age 20-97 (n=166). We then used LC/MS technology to profile 121 metabolites from five substance classes. Associations of the cytokines and metabolites with grip strength, walking speed, falls and outcomes were assessed in young, robust, pre-frail and frail participants. Age and frailty status positively correlated with IL6, TNFα, TNFαR1, IL1β (p<0.0001). Analysis of metabolites revealed significant alterations in tryptophan degradation pathway with aging and frailty. Among the top metabolites to correlate with age and frailty status were kynurenine (p<0.0001) and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (p<0.0001). The kynurenine/tryptophan ratio also tightly correlated with serum inflammatory cytokines TNFαR1 (p<0.0001) and IL-6 (p<0.0001). Higher kynurenine/tryptophan levels were associated with weaker grip strength and slower walking speed, even after adjusting for age, gender, BMI and blood pressure. Further dissection of the pathway revealed the accumulation of 3-hydroxykynurenine, a cytotoxic and neurotoxic intermediate from the kynurenine pathway, with frailty. The increased levels of cytotoxic and neurotoxic molecules in this pathway may in part explain the link between inflammation and cognitive and physical decline in frailty.

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i30-i32
Author(s):  
S E R Lim ◽  
N J Cox ◽  
H C Roberts

Abstract Introduction Physical activity (PA) is important for older people to maintain functional independence and healthy ageing. PA interventions for community-dwelling older adults are often delivered by healthcare professionals, fitness instructors or trained members of a research team. Innovative approaches are needed to ensure that these interventions are practical and sustainable. This systematic review explores the effectiveness of volunteer-led PA interventions in improving health outcomes for community-dwelling older people. Methods Following PRISMA recommendations, five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, Cochrane library) were systematically searched until May 2019, for studies using trained volunteers to deliver PA interventions for community-dwelling older people aged ≥ 65 years, reporting on participant outcomes. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to included study heterogeneity. Results Twelve papers (eight studies including three randomised controlled trials (RCTs)) were included in the review; five papers reported different outcomes from the same RCT. Intervention settings included community exercise groups (n=4), home (n=2) and care homes (n=2). All eight studies included strength and balance exercises and frequency of PA ranged from once daily to weekly sessions. The three RCTs showed improvement in grip strength, nutritional and frailty status, and reduction in fear of falling, among 39 older adults (mean age 83 years) who received a physical training and nutritional intervention; improvement in grip strength and activity of daily living scores among 56 nursing home older adults (mean age 78 years) who received resistance exercise training; and a significantly higher proportion of older adults (n = 193, 9% improvement vs 0.5% in the control group) achieved the recommended target of 150 minutes of moderate vigorous PA per week using the Falls Management Exercise intervention. Two studies compared volunteer and health professional-delivered PA interventions and reported that both interventions were equally effective in reducing fear of falls and improving quality of life. Two quasi-experimental studies reported improvement in functional outcomes including functional reach, timed up and go test, and chair stand. A large prospective cohort study (n = 1620) reported a reduction in disability among older adults who received volunteer-led exercise compared to control, with a hazard ratio of 0.73 (95% CI 0.62-0.86) for development of disability. Conclusions Trained volunteers can lead PA interventions among community-dwelling older adults with some evidence of improved health outcomes including nutritional, functional and frailty status.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Wang ◽  
Jingru Wang ◽  
Peipei Han ◽  
Yuewen Liu ◽  
Weibo Ma ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Both sarcopenia and loss of teeth are associated with aging. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential relationships between tooth loss and sarcopenia and components of sarcopenia, including declining muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, in Chinese suburban community-dwelling older adults.Methods: The subjects were 1494 people over 60 years of age (average age: 71.64 ± 5.97 years;men, n=609) from Chongming District of Shanghai and Hangu District of Tianjin. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria were used to define sarcopenia. The three basic diagnostic components of sarcopenia (muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance) were assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer, a grip strength test, and a four-meter walk test, respectively. The subjects were divided into groups depending on self-reported loss of teeth. Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, we found no correlation between tooth loss and sarcopenia or muscle mass. However, the walking speed of female participants with at least 10 teeth lost was 0.059 m/s slower than that of participants with fewer than 10 teeth lost (P<0.001), and grip strength was 1.577 kg lower among male participants with at least 10 teeth lost than among males with fewer than 10 teeth lost (P =0.023).Conclusion: Our results suggest that tooth loss is negatively correlated with muscle strength in males and average walking speed in females. These results are consistent with the importance of good oral hygiene in preventing declines of physical performance in older adults.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Wang ◽  
Jingru Wang ◽  
Peipei Han ◽  
Yuewen Liu ◽  
Weibo Ma ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Both sarcopenia and loss of teeth are associated with aging. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential relationships between tooth loss and sarcopenia and components of sarcopenia, including declining muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, in Chinese suburban community-dwelling older adults.Methods: The subjects were 1494 people over 60 years of age (average age: 71.64 ± 5.97 years;men, n=609) from Chongming District of Shanghai and Hangu District of Tianjin. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria were used to define sarcopenia. The three basic diagnostic components of sarcopenia (muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance) were assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer, a grip strength test, and a four-meter walk test, respectively. The subjects were divided into groups depending on self-reported loss of teeth. Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, we found no correlation between tooth loss and sarcopenia or muscle mass. However, the walking speed of female participants with at least 10 teeth lost was 0.059 m/s slower than that of participants with fewer than 10 teeth lost (P<0.001), and grip strength was 1.577 kg lower among male participants with at least 10 teeth lost than among males with fewer than 10 teeth lost (P =0.023).Conclusion: Our results suggest that tooth loss is negatively correlated with muscle strength in males and average walking speed in females. These results are consistent with the importance of good oral hygiene in preventing declines of physical performance in older adults.


Author(s):  
Nien Xiang Tou ◽  
Shiou-Liang Wee ◽  
Wei Ting Seah ◽  
Daniella Hui Min Ng ◽  
Benedict Wei Jun Pang ◽  
...  

AbstractTranslation of community-based functional training for older adults to reduce frailty is still lacking. We evaluated the effectiveness and implementation of a community-delivered group-based functional power training (FPT) program for frail older adults within their neighborhoods. A two-arm, multicenter assessor-blind stratified randomized controlled trial was conducted at four local senior activity centers in Singapore. Sixty-one community-dwelling older adults with low handgrip strength were randomized to intervention (IG) or control (CG) group. The IG underwent the FPT program (power and balance exercises using simple equipment) delivered by a community service provider. The 12-week program comprised 2 × 60 min sessions/week. CG continued usual activities at the centers. Functional performance, muscle strength, and frailty status were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Program implementation was evaluated using RE-AIM framework. The program was halted due to Coronavirus Disease 2019-related suspension of senior center activities. Results are reported from four centers, which completed the program. IG showed significantly greater improvement in the Short Physical Performance Battery test as compared to CG (p = 0.047). No effects were found for timed up and go test performance, muscle strength, and frailty status. The community program exhibited good reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation. Our study demonstrated that FPT was associated with greater improvement in physical function in pre-frail/frail participants as compared to exercise activities offered at local senior activity centers. It is a feasible intervention that can be successfully implemented for frail older adults in their neighborhoods. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04438876. Registered 19 June 2020–retrospectively registered.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Makino ◽  
S Lee ◽  
S Bae ◽  
I Chiba ◽  
K Harada ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to examine the prospective associations of physical frailty with future falls and fear of falling (FOF) among community-dwelling older adults. Methods A prospective cohort study with a 48-month follow-up was conducted in a Japanese community. Participants were 2469 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older who completed baseline and follow-up assessments at intervals of 48±2 months. Primary outcomes were recent falls (defined as at least one fall within the past year) and FOF (determined by response to “Are you afraid of falling?”) at follow-up survey. Physical frailty, operationalized by the frailty phenotype (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, weight loss, and low activity) based on the criteria of the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study (J-CHS), was also assessed as a predictor of future falls and FOF. Results Multivariate logistic regression showed that pre-frailty or frailty increase the risk of not only future falls (OR: 1.57; 95%CI = 1.20-2.05) but also FOF (OR: 1.33; 95%CI = 1.05-1.69). In addition, the relationship between baseline frailty status and future falls remained significant after adjusting for baseline FOF (OR: 1.55; 95%CI = 1.19-2.02), and the relationship between baseline frailty status and future FOF also remained significant after adjusting for baseline falls (OR: 1.32; 95%CI = 1.04-1.68). Conclusions Frailty status may predict future falls and FOF among community-dwelling older adults. Strategies to prevent frailty may be beneficial to prevent not only future falls but also future FOF in a community setting. Impact Falls and FOF have a close relationship but a different clinical meaning. Older adults with physical frailty may require monitoring as high-risk not only for falls but also for FOF.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 982-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Takeuchi ◽  
M. Furuta ◽  
Y. Okabe ◽  
S. Suma ◽  
T. Takeshita ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Lingxiao He ◽  
Philipe de Souto Barreto ◽  
Juan Luis Sánchez Sánchez ◽  
Yves Rolland ◽  
Sophie Guyonnet ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been associated with several age-related disorders, but its associations with functional abilities in community-dwelling older adults are not well studied. Methods The study was a secondary analysis on 1096 community-dwelling older adults (aged 69 to 94 years) recruited from the Multidomain Alzheimer’s Preventive Trial. Plasma GDF15 was measured one year after participants’ enrolment. Annual data of physical performance (grip strength and short physical performance battery [SPPB]) and global cognitive functions (mini-mental state examination [MMSE] and a composite cognitive score) were measured for four years. Adjusted mixed-effects linear models were performed for cross-sectional and longitudinal association analyses. Results A higher GDF15 was cross-sectionally associated with a weaker grip strength (β = -1.1E-03, 95%CI [-2.0E-03, -1.5E-04]), a lower SPPB score (β = -3.1E-04, 95%CI [-5.4E-04, -9.0E-05]) and worse cognitive functions (β = -2.4E-04, 95%CI [-3.3E-04, -1.6E-04] for composite cognitive score; β = -4.0E-04, 95%CI [-6.4E-04, -1.6E-04] for MMSE). Participants with higher GDF15 demonstrated greater longitudinal declines in SPPB (β = -1.0E-04, 95%CI [-1.7E-04, -2.0E-05]) and composite cognitive score (β = -2.0E-05, 95%CI [-4.0E-05, -3.6E-06]). The optimal initial GDF15 cutoff values for identifying participants with minimal clinically significant decline after one year were 2189 pg/mL for SPPB (AUC: 0.580) and 2330 pg/mL for composite cognitive score (AUC: 0.587). Conclusions Plasma GDF15 is cross-sectionally and longitudinally associated with lower-limb physical performance and global cognitive function in older adults. Circulating GDF15 alone has limited capacity of discriminating older adults who will develop clinically significant functional declines.


Author(s):  
J. Blackwood ◽  
T. Houston

Background: In older adults declines in gait speed have been identified as predictors of functional decline and have been found in those with cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive training interventions that emphasize addressing executive function (EF) have resulted in a transfer effect from training cognitive processes into improved function. However research examining the effects of an EF specific computerized cognitive training (CCT) program on gait speed (GS) is limited. Objectives: To compare the effects of a six week EF specific CCT program on GS in community dwelling older adults using a pretest/posttest experimental design with subgroup comparisons based on a cutoff GS of 1.0m/s. Setting: Home based Participants: Forty independent living older adults (>65 years) without diagnosed cognitive impairment participated in either the intervention or control groups. Intervention: A six week long progressively challenging EF focused CCT program was performed at home. Measurements: Demographic variables, cognitive function (Trail-Making Test Part B) and GS were measured at baseline at week 7. Between group comparisons were completed for the whole sample initially with subgroup comparisons performed based on participants’ initial GS (Slow walkers: GS<1.0m/s; Fast Walkers: GS>1.0m/s). Results: No differences in GS were found for the whole population, but subgroup analyses restricted to slow walkers demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in GS after 6 weeks of CCT (µ =0.33 m/s, p = 0.03). Other outcomes measures were not statistically different at posttest. Conclusions: Older adults who walk at speeds <1.0m/s may benefit from a progressively challenging CCT program when self-administered in the home.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document